Committee welcomes expanded scope of proclamation

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By REGINALD KANYANE

3 September 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Public Service welcomes President Cyril Ramaphosa’s signing of a proclamation expanding the scope and temporal range of the Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU) investigation into the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) tender.

The committee said in addition to probing the National Treasury, the new proclamation now also includes the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) and the State Information Technology Agency (SITA).

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration, Jan de Villiers said SITA has consistently received qualified audit outcomes, ultimately regressing to a disclaimer audit opinion for the 2023/24 financial year. De Villiers said this means that key role players within the SITA accountability ecosystem have failed to provide credible financial reports that are supported by reliable information.

“SITA has been accused of slowing down, rather than speeding up, the government’s digitisation efforts. Digitalisation is key to the improvement of public service delivery by modernising government ICT infrastructure, among other initiatives.

“The expanded proclamation now enables the SIU to examine actions dating back to 1 July 2013, as opposed to the original 1 January 2016 start date. The alleged corruption related to IFMS has negatively impacted efforts to advance digital transformation in the public service,” he said.

De Villiers further said government departments are still using manual systems to provide human resource management, financial management, and supply chain management services, despite the committee’s long-standing call for a centralised human resource management system. He added that siloed and fragmented systems, which are still primarily paper-based, undermine professionalisation and efforts to build a capable state.

“The committee considers the expanded proclamation as a vital step towards upholding accountability and transparency in the public sector, especially given the committee’s focus on the implementation of the National Framework Towards Professionalising the Public Sector and the Government of National Union’s efforts in building an ethical and capable state.

“By broadening the scope to include additional departments and by covering a longer period of time, the SIU will be better positioned to expose maladministration, irregularities and systemic weaknesses in the procurement processes linked to the IFMS,” said de Villiers.

He said the committee urged the SIU to fast-track its investigation to ensure that, where wrongdoing is confirmed, those implicated are suspended and, where necessary, arrested. De Villiers said while the committee recognises that the SIU operates most effectively within a coordinated anti-corruption ecosystem, working alongside Parliament, the Presidency, law enforcement and public institutions, it is confident that, where wrongdoing is established, the SIU will use its mandate to pursue civil recoveries, make appropriate disciplinary referrals and recommend criminal prosecution in collaboration with law enforcement agencies.

De Villiers said the committee will exercise its oversight to ensure that accountability is upheld at every stage of the process.

“We support this new approach and reaffirm our commitment to monitoring the progress of the expanded investigation to help ensure that outcomes are communicated transparently to the public.

“We see this as an important step towards restoring public confidence in government systems as well as professionalising and modernising the state,” he said.

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Dina Pitso still mayor of Ramotshere-Moiloa Local Municipality

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Picture: Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality

By OBAKENG MAJE

3 September 2025- Following a thorough assessment and verification of facts on the purported council meeting of Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality, which sat on 9 July 2025 to remove the mayor, Dina Pitso, the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) can confirm council had failed to comply with the applicable prescripts including Standing Rules and Orders for meetings of the Council and Committees of Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality.  

The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said therefore the status quo on the mayorship of Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality as existed before 9 July 2025 remains.

Mokgosi said it is therefore the position of the provincial government following the recent joint-sitting of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Standing Committee on Public Accounts and Standing Committee on Auditor General that there are compelling reasons for intervention in the said Municipality.

“It is on this basis that the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Gaoage Molapisi, will officially outline the considered options aimed at bringing about administrative stability in the municipality on 5 September 2025 at Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality.

“The provincial government will also meet with traditional leaders, labour unions, business and faith-based organizations to solicit their inputs on the ongoing efforts by the government to stabilize the Municipality,” he said.

Mokgosi further said this includes measures aimed at ensuring the safety of workers following weeks of administrative turbulence. He added that the provincial government is equally engaging law enforcement agencies for swift intervention, particularly in finding a solution on the alleged unlawful occupation of the municipal precinct by security personnel not contracted by council.

“All these intervention measures are aimed at giving assurance to the community about government plans to ensure the smooth running of the Municipality as well as uninterrupted provision of services,” said Mokgosi.

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De Aar’s economy needs turbocharged railways

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Picture: DA Northern Cape Provincial spokesperson on Finance and Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Fawzia/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

2 September 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said the oversight it conducted in the Northern Cape to the De Aar railway station, confirmed how South Africa’s rail network has all but collapsed, taking with it the hope of growth and development needed to drive job creation. The DA said the most recent Quarterly Labour Force Survey confirmed that nearly one in two people in the Northern Cape cannot find a job.

DA Northern Cape Provincial spokesperson on Finance and Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Fawzia Rhoda said regional economies are hamstrung by the lack of affordable and reliable railways, as rail freight volumes plummeted from 226 million tonnes in 2017 to only 152 million tonnes in 2024. Rhoda said reduced capacity harms business confidence, makes everything more expensive for consumers, and causes job losses.

“De Aar has not been spared from this economic onslaught and the town that used to be synonymous with the hustle of trains connecting the local economy to Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Upington, Kimberley, Namibia, and beyond has fallen victim to sluggish growth.

“In the absence of reliable railways, trucks transporting goods have taken over the town and the abnormal loads crush the roads designed for lighter vehicles,” she said.

Rhoda further said they called for a multi-pronged approach for better maintenance in the short term. She added that in the long run, they need affordable rail freight to ease congestion and reduce the need for maintenance.

“We must speed up the concession of freight rail lines to capable private operators through transparent and competitive tendering processes that identify the best partners for growth.

“We also need to modernise, upgrade and maintain rail infrastructure, with strict law enforcement to protect our essential infrastructure,” said Rhoda.

She said this must go hand-in-glove with a comprehensive review of South Africa’s tariff regime to lower input costs for manufacturers and exporters. Rhoda said the time for endless talk is over.

“South Africa’s economy is in crisis, and it is time for urgent action to fix our economy and create jobs,” she said.

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Four nabbed during Joint Operation  

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Picture: The police during Joint Operations/Suppled

By BAKANG MOKOTO

2 September 2025- A multi-disciplinary joint operation between South Africa and Botswana was conducted along the borderline of the two countries from 28 until 31 August 2025. The operation focused on addressing cross-border crimes such as stock theft, human and drug trafficking, as well as the prevention of illegal migration.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said teams from both countries participated actively in compliance inspections, Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), stop-and-search operations, borderline foot and vehicle patrols, and farm visits. Sam said VCPs on the Witdraai and Van Zylsrus roads resulted in 294 vehicles and 589 individuals being stopped and searched.

“The operation further led to the arrest of four suspects for drug related offences and contraventions of the Immigration Act, with court appearances expected soon.

“Mandrax and CAT with an estimated value of R900 were seized, while fines amounting to R7200 were issued for contraventions of the Road Traffic, Liquor and Animal Identification Acts,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Police Commissioner for Policing, Major General Keagekae Johny Besnaar, reaffirmed the SAPS’s commitment, together with Botswana law enforcement and other stakeholders, to safeguarding the borderline between the two countries. Besnaar emphasised that such collaborative actions directly benefit the public and confirmed that the police will continue intensifying efforts to combat illegal and unregulated activities along the borders.

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A man sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for rape

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

2 September 2025- The accused, Thabo Thabang Mongalane (24) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Schweizer Reneke Regional Court for rape. The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on 31 October 2020, when Mongalane and his friends planned an outing to Wentzel Dam in Schweizer Reneke.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said evidence presented in court revealed that the group were all coming from a funeral and decided to meet at the Motor Sports ground in Loelegeng Township, whilst waiting for other friends that gone home to change after the funeral. Gunya said Mongalane was left with the victim (16) in the house, and he then proposed that they both take photos with his phone.

“After taking pictures, he further suggested to the victim that they go and wait for their friends in Phakedi Street next to Motoro Sports ground, and she complied.

“On arrival in the said street, Mongalane entered a certain yard, and the victim followed and stood outside the house. Mongalane invited her inside the house, but she refused to enter,” he said.

Gunya further said he forcefully dragged her, pushed her against the wall, and tried to kiss her by force. He added that Mongalane pushed the victim inside the house, closed the door with the couch that was behind the door.

“The court heard that Mongalane overpowered the victim and raped her. After the rape, he told the victim that she would never leave the place while crying. The victim opened the door, and they left the house.

“On the street, they took different directions. The victim was still crying, and she met her boyfriend, to whom she reported the matter. A police docket was opened, and Mongalane was arrested and later released on bail,” said Gunya.

In court, Mongalane pleaded not guilty to the charge. However, state prosecutor Sephapho told the court that Mongalane planned the incident and that the rape of children is on the rise and perpetrators of this offence must be punished to serve a term of imprisonment. He urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence.

The court found that there were compelling and substantial circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence. This includes the accused’s age, whether he is a first offender and his personal circumstances.

He was sentenced to undergo 15 years imprisonment. The court ordered that Mongalane’s name be included in the National Register for Sexual Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

Meanwhile, welcoming the sentence, Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, commended the collaborative efforts of the prosecution team, South African Police Service and all stakeholders involved. Makhari emphasised that the outcome serves as a significant deterrent to perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

“The NPA reiterates its unwavering commitment to prosecuting crimes of GBV, particularly against women and children,” she said.

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1241 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela 2

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Picture: Two suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

2 September 2025 – The police in the North West have during the weekly High Density Operation Shanela 2 operations, arrested 1241 suspects for a variety of crimes ranging from burglaries at residential and non-residential premises, aggravated robberies, murders, rapes, dealing in and possession of drugs, driving under the influence of liquor, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. The police said this includes illicit mining among others.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said operations were conducted between 25 and 31 August 2025, in all five districts. Mokgwabone said out of the 1241 arrested suspects, it is worth noting that 460 were arrested by the Detectives as those on the circulated wanted suspects’ lists and 20 illegal immigrants were arrested for being in the country in contravention of the Immigration Act.

“As part of the operations, the police addressed identified crime generators through Joint law enforcement compliance inspections to enforce the provisions of the Liquor and Second-Hand Goods Acts.

“As a result, 13 unlicensed liquor outlets (shebeens) were closed, and large quantities of liquor were confiscated,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said in addition, the operations led to the confiscation of 25 cell phones, copper cables, seven firearms, 303 rounds of ammunition, precious metals and tobacco products. He added that in the Bojanala Platinum District, a disruptive illegal mining operation by Vala Umgodi team, Rustenburg based Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) and Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, at Bapong Illegal Mining Site, near R556, Mooinooi on 28 August 2025, led to the confiscation an abandoned excavator, two generators, four jack hammers, drill bits and electric cords, which are used for illegal mining.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, said that as the country and the province prepare for the start of the normally hectic festive season, the intensified South African Police Service led high density integrated Operation Shanela is relentlessly tracking, apprehending, and locking no less than 1000 wanted suspects every week.  Asaneng aid among the arrested suspects are the province’s circulated wanted, dangerous repeat offenders whose reign of terror has been nipped in the bud.

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Police need your assistance in unravelling murder case

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By OBAKENG MAJE

2 September 2025 – The police in Potchefstroom request community assistance in identifying eyewitnesses of a murder case reported in the early hours of the morning of Friday, 28 June 2019. This comes after the police were called to the scene on Nelson Mandela Drive, close to the bridge that leads to Klerksdorp, where the lifeless body of Julian Richard (24), was found with a stab wound on the left side of his neck.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said Richard was declared dead on the scene by Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS). Myburgh said it is alleged that Richard and his friend visited a nearby club and were standing outside when approached by unknown suspects, who allegedly robbed the friend of a cellular phone.

“Richard tried to intervene, but was stabbed with a knife. The police request anyone who may have information that can assist in the investigation to contact the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Lungile Plaaitjie of the Potchefstroom Detectives on 082 779 7200 or the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop Number on 08600 10111.

“Anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,” she said.

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Atamelang Bus Service appeal North West High Court decision  

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Picture: Atamelang Bus Service

By AGISANANG SCUFF

2 September 2025- The Department of Community Safety and Transport Management said it regrets to inform communities in Ngaka Modiri Molema District that the start of the subsidized commuter transport service will be delayed. The North West High Court recently set aside an interdict by Atamelang Bus Service, which had previously prevented the department from appointing a new service provider.

The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said this ruling had paved the way for the resumption of services in the district. Morweng said Atamelang Bus Service, which had stopped providing services since December 2024, went to court in an attempt to block the department from appointing a replacement operator.

“This failure to render services constituted a breach of its service level agreement with the department. Following the favourable court ruling, the department initiated processes to resume services, including the procurement of a new operator and engaging employees of the former service provider to ensure their absorption by the incoming company.

“However, Atamelang Bus Service has since lodged an appeal against last week’s ruling. This legal process unfortunately delays the resumption of the commuter service,” he said.

Morweng further said his department assures that communities will be kept informed of developments and will be notified as soon as a firm resumption date is confirmed.

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Two men sentenced to lengthy sentences for rape

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

2 September 2025- A lengthy sentence was recently handed down to two men in the Keimoes Regional Court for kidnapping and rape of a woman (24). The incident happened on 24 January 2020, when the victim was sleeping at her boyfriend’s place, and the two accused, Tozamile Verster (24) and Reggie April (18), arrived at their place.

The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said they attacked the boyfriend with stones, and he subsequently escaped and fled to seek help. Masegela said the two accused remained behind with the victim and kept her captive.

“They forcefully dragged her along the river’s side stream, assaulted, and repeatedly raped her until the following morning and made demands to be paid for her release.

“Soon after noticing the police searching for the victim in the area, they released her. The duo was later arrested and charged for kidnapping and rape,” she said.

Masegela further said on 29 August 2025, Tozamiele Verster was sentenced to 22 years imprisonment for rape and 5 years for kidnapping, and his accomplice, Reggie April was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for rape and 5 years for kidnapping, which will run concurrently. She added that they were also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of the Firearm Act 60/ 2000 Section 103

Meanwhile, the ZFM District Management  acknowledged the meticulous investigation by Sergeant Derick Dippenaar for securing the hefty sentences and ensuring that GBVF perpetrators are brought to justice.

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ANC to visit families of six community members who died in car accident

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI  

2 September 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) Caucus’ Exco in the City of Ekurhuleni, led by Chief Whip Sizakele Masuku, together with ANC Regional Secretary, Jongizizwe Dlabathi and Zone 10 Executive Committee deployees, will on 3 September 2025, visit the families of six community members who sadly lost their lives in a motor vehicle accident.

The ANC Caucus Chief Whip in Ekurhuleni, Ald. Sizakele Masuku said the tragic incident occurred on 31 August 2025, when a Mazda sedan veered into the Zonkizizwe River along the R550. Masuku said despite the swift response of the City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS), six lives were lost, including four members of the same family, a tenant, and a friend from a nearby community.

“The ANC Caucus is deeply pained by this tragic loss that has robbed our community of six precious lives. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the entire Katlehong community.

“Their pain is our pain, and together we will draw strength as we mourn and honour the departed,” he said.

Masuku further said the ANC in Ekurhuleni also acknowledges and appreciates the ward councillor for maintaining close and direct contact with the affected families and community, which ensured this tragedy was promptly brought to the attention of leadership for support and response.

He added that the visit will take place at

Location: 2375 Mponeng Street, Likole Ext 1 on 3 September 2025, at 10am.

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