Nine suspects in court for kidnapping, murder and malicious damage to property

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

4 September 2025 – Nine suspects including a woman (54), believed to be a mine operator, her son (20) and six others believed to be her security enforcers from KwaZulu-Natal are expected to appear in the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 4 September 2025, on charges of kidnapping, murder, assault, malicious damage to property and attempted murder.

The eight suspects were arrested on 2 and 3 September 2025, by a multidisciplinary Investigation Team comprised of Provincial Murder and Robbery, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team (TRT) and Sun City Detectives, which was established by the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng following the killing of five men at an open cast mine in Tlhatlaganyane on 2 September 2025.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the suspects’ charges relate to the case of kidnapping and murder that was reported to the police in Sun City on 17 July 2025, where a victim was kidnapped at gunpoint and forced to take the suspects to a person they were looking for, who was eventually shot and killed.  

Myburgh said out of nine suspects, two were positively linked with another case opened in Sun City on 14 August 2025, and they will face additional charges of malicious damage to property, kidnapping, assault and attempted murder.

“The police investigations are ongoing and there are possibilities for more arrests, including further charges against the suspects,” she said.

In reacting to the arrests, Asaneng said: “It is through the excellent and expeditious work by the multi-disciplinary team that was tasked to investigate circumstances that led to the killing of the five men at a chrome mining site in Tlhatlaganyane that has led to the arrest of these suspects and it is hoped that their arrest will help bring some semblance of stability and normalcy in the highly contested and violent and crime ridden chrome mining sector in that area, especially because they are linked to previously reported cases that were reported to the police in that area. 

“These arrests should send a stern warning to others who are still engaged in illegal mining and brazen lawlessness that they will soon face the full might of the law.”

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Diko to deliver keynote address at the Digital Content Creators Colloquium

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Picture: The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Khusela Diko,

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

4 September 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Khusela Diko, will deliver a keynote address this morning at the Digital Content Creators Colloquium (DCCC) in Bloemfontein, Free State.

The DCCC is a three-day event which started on Wednesday, 2 September 2025, and it is organised through a partnership between several stakeholders, including the Free State Premier’s Office, Vodacom and the Central University of Technology, among others.

Diko will deliver her keynote address under the topic: Digital transition and regulation in South Africa. The keynote address will be delivered at   Performing Arts Centre of the Free State (PACOFS), 12 First Avenue, Bloemfontein on 4 September 2025 at 9:10am.

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Kgetsi ya go shupa ka sethunya e boela kgotlhatshekelo

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Ka REGINALD KANYANE

4 Lwetse 2025- Kgetsi ya go shupa ka sethunya kgatlhanong le monna wa motswakwa, Raji Mohamed Ibro (43) yo e leng moagi wa naga ya kwa Ethiopia, ebile a na le lebenkele kwa motseng wa Longaneng, gaufi le Taung, e solofetswe go boela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno.

Ibro one a tshwarwa le go latofadiwa ka go shupa ka sethunya le go thuntsha. Go begwa fa Ibro a ile a tshosetsa moagi wa kwa Longaneng, Sello Stephen Kokamo (43) ka sethunya le go thuntsa mo moyeng.

Go begwa fa go ile ga tsoga kgakgauthano ya mafoko magareng ga banna ba babedi ba. Ibro o tla nama a letile kwa ntlolefitshwana go fitlhelela a boela kwa kgotlhatshekelo go dira kopo ya beile.

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Kaalpens o soloftswe go dira kopo ya beile

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Setshwantsho: Molatofadiwa, Thato Kaalpens Gaobuse/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

4 Lwetse 2025- Kgetsi tse pedi tsa go shupa ka sethunya kgatlhanong le monna wa kwa motseng wa Maphoitsile, gaufi le Taung, eleng Thato Gaobuse, mme a itsege thata ka leina la Kaalpens, e solofetswe go boela kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno.

Kaalpens o ile a tshwarwa mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go shupa ka sethunya. Go begwa fa monna o, e le kgale a batliwa ke sepodisi.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, o ganne go neelana ka ditlha tse di feletseng gore ditatofatso kgatlhanong le Kaalpens ke tsefe le gore di diragetse kae. Van Rooyen are tshedimosetso eo, e tla ama dipatlisiso tsa sepodisi.

Kgabagare, Kaalpens one a busediwa kwa ntlolefitshwana, mme o solofetse go dira kopo ya beile.

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197 emerging farmers empowered

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Picture: 197 emerging farmers empowered/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

3 September 2025- The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, through the Potchefstroom College of Agriculture in partnership with the North West Farmers’ Association of South Africa (NWAFASA), AgriSETA, and BLC Academy, proudly hosted a first-of-its-kind historic certification ceremony on 3 September 2025, at Potchefstroom College of Agriculture.

A total of 197 emerging farmers were certified following intensive training programmes in Cattle, Goats, Grain, Poultry, and Horticulture.

The Head of Department, Thupi Mokhatla said the initiative is a significant step towards equipping farmers with the skills, knowledge and confidence required to establish, grow sustainable and productive agricultural enterprises. Mokhatla said the certification took into account the triple challenges faced; it is for this reason that the department has collaborated with industries, both public and private, as well as farmer organisations and representatives, to further expose learners to other areas of opportunities, such as the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Program (CASP) funding models available.

“We would like to emphasise the department’s commitment to working in a close partnership with all stakeholders for the betterment of the performance of the sector.

“This programme demonstrates our collective commitment to building a stronger, more resilient agricultural sector that ensures food security and drives rural economic development,” he said.

Mokhatla further said the department congratulates all 197 learners for their discipline, dedication, and passion for agriculture. He added that their achievement marks a significant milestone in strengthening the province’s agricultural landscape.

“Agriculture in the North West is entering a bold new chapter.

Meanwhile, the NWAFASA Chairperson, Andrew Aphane extended his heartfelt appreciation to AgriSETA for their generous sponsorship, BLC as the training partner, and the department for its unwavering support in advancing the empowerment of emerging farmers.

“This partnership has been instrumental in equipping our farmers with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to grow sustainable and productive agricultural enterprises,” said Aphane.

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Picture: Head of Department, Thupi Mokhatla addressing the certification ceremony of the 197 emerging farmers in the North West Province/Supplied 

Illegal immigrant nabbed for dealing in drugs

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Picture: Drugs seized by police/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

3 September 2025- An illegal immigrant (31) was arrested for dealing in drugs during the intelligence-driven operation in Upington on 2 September 2025. The police said the suspect was arrested by off-duty members.

The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said this follows a tip-off about a consignment of drugs to be delivered in Upington. Masegela said the preliminary investigations conducted led to the identified vehicle being located at a local guesthouse.

“The alleged vehicle was searched and the police found methamphetamine with an estimated value of R620 400 stashed in a hidden compartment at the back. The vehicle was also confiscated as it was used in the commission of a crime,” she said.

Meanwhile, the ZFM District Commissioner, Major General Monica Sebili, commended the members for going the extra mile which is a clear display of their commitment and dedication to their calling as officers of the law. Sebili said in addition, she also appreciated the community’s partnership by providing pivotal information which led to the successful arrest and seizures.

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Motsumi meets with Provincial NTA Winners Ahead of National NTA

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Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

3 September 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi met with the provincial winners of the National Teaching Awards (NTA), 2024 National NTA winners and teacher mentors at Bon Hotel in Rustenburg. Motsumi said the capacity building workshop was organised to prepare the teachers from the province for the upcoming National NTA which is scheduled for October 2025.

She further emphasised her satisfaction in the attainments of the provincial winners and emphasised the importance of recognising and celebrating excellence in teaching. Motsumi added that teachers remain the heart beat in building the future of the province and their children.

“It is important that we give support and encourage teachers as they will be competing on the national level. Bringing all trophies home from nationals will boost and encourage other teachers to do well in their respective roles.

“We encouraged the provincial winners to go further with their commitment to innovation and educational excellence in the classrooms,” she said.

Motsumi said the workshop served as a great chance for the 2025 provincial winners to discuss strategies they use in the classroom, share their work experiences and receive guidance ahead of the national competition from the previous winners of 2024 who represented the province at national level. She said provincial winners from North West continued to show exemplary commitment and dedication to their work, and the department looked forward to their success at the national level as the province scored 58% of the awards in 2024 and wished them all the best.

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Municipality urges workers to return to work as ‘unprotected’ strike persist  

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Picture: Executive mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Khumalo Molefe

By REGINALD KANYANE

3 September 2025- The Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality said it has noted with concern the unprotected strike action currently being undertaken by some of its employees who blocked entrances with water trucks that are supposed to be providing services to communities.

The municipality said this industrial action, which commenced on Monday, is not sanctioned in terms of the Labour Relations Act and has therefore been declared unprotected.

The Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality spokesperson, Lehlohonolo March said as the municipality, they respect the constitutional right of employees to raise grievances. March said, however, such actions must be conducted within the parameters of the law, and through established labour relations platforms.

“The municipality sincerely regrets the inconvenience and disruption that the strike has caused to critical municipal services and the impact it has had on communities across the district.

“Following the executive mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Khumalo Molefe’s intervention yesterday, management has been engaging with SAMWU affiliates to find an amicable and lawful resolution to the issues raised,” she said.

March further said the municipality takes this opportunity to clarify that the unprotected strike is not in any way associated with any salaries nor service providers’ payments. She added that the municipality urges all employees to return to work immediately so that essential services to the communities can be restored without further interruption as negotiations continue with the SAMWU leadership in the municipality.

“Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality remains committed to open dialogue, fair labour practices, and ensuring uninterrupted service delivery to communities,” said March.

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Thuntsha Lerole programme hits JB Marks  

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Picture: The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By OBAKENG MAJE

3 September 2025- Various villages such as  Ga-Mogopa, Goedgevonden and Boikhutsong villages as well as Tshing and Ikageng Townships, which fall under JB Marks Local Municipality in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, are a hub of activities this week as the provincial government has already started to address service delivery challenges across the local municipality, leading up to the roll out of Thuntsha Lerole programme scheduled for this Friday, 05 September at Ga-Mogopa.

This week’s Accelerated Service Delivery Programme will be led by the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, who will be joined by Members of the Executive Council (MECs), the District Executive Mayor and the local municipality Troika.

Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said in a deliberate effort to promote and provide financial support to developing businesses, two local entrepreneurs will on Friday, receive dummy cheques from the Empowerment Fund. Tatai said three RDP houses will be handed over in Tshing Extension 9, this as part of a broader allocation of 147 houses in the region.

“In a bid to fast-track the issuing of title deeds to the rightful beneficiaries, a total of 300 title deeds will be distributed across the local municipality, with 10 being targeted for handing over during a community feedback session at Ga-Mogopa Community Hall.

“To boost local infrastructure and improve visibility and safety, a new solar high mast light will be installed at Ga-Mogopa village, while the six existing lights will be repaired,” he said.

Tatai further said among other services to be provided to the residents of JB Marks Local Municipality on Friday are a JoJo tank and related accessories as well as a vegetable garden kit, which will be handed over to the Mogopa Satellite Clinic. He added that aligned to the Social Relief of Distress programme, sanitary towels and school shoes will be distributed to learners at identified local schools, while food parcels will be handed over to ten identified needy households.

“Roads blading and potholes patching activities will also be carried out across the local municipality.

“As part of the day’s programme, government departments, state-owned entities and the private sector will provide on-the-spot services at Ga-Mogopa Community Hall, where Mokgosi will lead a community feedback session,” said Tatai.

He said the Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded programme will be rolled out in three other districts. Tatai said In Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, the programme will be rolled out at Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality at Utlwanang Community Hall, while in Ngaka Modiri Molema District it will be at Matshepe Community Hall in Mahikeng Local Municipality.

“Through these integrated efforts, Phase 5 of the ASDP reaffirms the province’s commitment to efficient, responsive, and impactful service delivery,” he said.

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