Ipelegeng murder case back in court


By BAKANG MOKOTO

30 June 2025- A case of assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), malicious damage to property and murder against three accused, Reginald Sepoko Moeme (30), Tumelo Ernest Riberry Bart (26) and Otlotleng Berry Kagisho Segole (28), will resume today at Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court, for formal bail application.

Moeme, Bart and Segole, were arrested following the outbreak of violent confrontations apparently between two local rival groups known as TRT allegedly operating from the Ahmed Kathrada Section and the Hawks Patrollers from Extension 8, in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke.

The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said in response to this violence which posed a serious threat to peace and stability in Ipelegeng Township, he immediately directed the acting Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Commissioner, Brigadier Tshelo Tlotleng, to activate the Joint Operational Command Centre (JOC). Asaneng said the JOC was constituted by among others, local ward councillors, Community Police Forum (CPF), local businesses, taxi associations, different government departments such as the Department of Education, Health and Traffic to ensure that the situation is dealt with speedily and without further escalation of unrest and tension.

“In order to speedily respond to this public unrest, Tlotleng has further issued a stern warning to those involved and  instructed that those responsible for incitement of  public violence that have seen throngs of mostly youth from these rival groupings running amok in Ipelegeng, be identified, tracked and arrested.

“Unfortunately this senseless anarchy and violence has resulted in the brutal death of Onalenna Mafane (19). Mafane was allegedly found lying dead with stab wounds in the chest on Tuesday evening, 20 May 2025, along the Amalia/Schweizer-Reneke road,” he said.

Asaneng further said the reports of local residents, neighbours, friends and fellow residents, including adults brandishing and attacking one another with an assortment of dangerous weapons points to a serious disintegration of the social fabric and moral decay within Ipelegeng.

He added that, the public violence in Ipelegeng is not a spontaneous occurrence, but the result of a long primed ticking time-bomb which happened under the watch of parents and community leaders.

“Surely the signs have been there for local community leaders and parents, who should have acted swiftly and decisively. This violent confrontation involving mostly young persons could have been averted.

“We have deployed a large contingent of police units that include Public Order Police (POP), Provincial Anti-Gang, Tactical Response Team (TRT), Mounted Unit and K9 to normalise the situation and to prevent damage to public and private property, loss of lives, injuries and the escalation of violence that may result in the disruption of day-to-day activities, which include schooling, public transport, businesses, health and emergency services,” said Asaneng.

Meanwhile, Moeme is facing four cases including two of assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), malicious damage to property and a murder. Bart and Segole are both linked to a house robbery case.

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‘Situation in Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality is deeply concerning’


By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

30 June 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Oageng  Molapisi said he has noted the statement issued by the Standing Committee on Provincial Public Accounts (SCOPA) regarding the state of governance in the Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality. Molapisi said he agrees with the committee that the continued failure by the municipal council to elect a mayor is a “clear violation of governance norms, with serious implications for oversight, service delivery, and accountability.”

He said he also supports the permanent appointment of the mayor for municipal governance stability. Molapisi further said during the invocation of Section 139(1)(a), he had directed the municipality to finalize the election of the mayor.

“Although notable progress and commitment on the side of the administration since the invocation of Section 139(1)(a), the situation in Kagisano-Molopo is deeply concerning and cannot be ignored. The residents of the municipality deserve effective, accountable leadership and a council that upholds the rule of law and serves the public interest.

“In addition to the report to be submitted by the Speaker of Council as directed by SCOPA, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs will send a senior delegation to Kagisano-Molopo in the coming week to engage with the municipal council, provide legal guidance, and ensure that the municipality urgently complies with the legislative requirements for the election of a mayor or acting mayor,” he added.

Molapisi thanks SCOPA for its vigilant oversight and reiterates his department’s commitment to clean governance, ethical leadership, and the urgent restoration of the rule of law across all municipalities in the province.

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Banyana Banyana wants to re-write history


Picture: Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Kaylin Swart

By REGINALD KANYANE

30 June 2025 – Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Kaylin Swart says it’s time the Sasol-sponsored African Champions wrote a new book by repeating history and defending their CAF African Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) trophy. The South Africans claimed the title in 2022, and this is the first time they return to Morocco since winning gold.

“It’s such great memories in Morocco, we were in Rabat in 2022 and now we’re in Casablanca but yeah, the feeling is the same we’re very excited to be here because it’s familiar territory for us and hopefully all that excitement can come back from 2022 and, hopefully, we can do it again.

“Now we have got to obviously write a new book and there’s a lot more to be to be done but if we can repeat history that would be great. It’s not going to be easy but yes 2024 (2025) might just be a really good chapter for us,” she said.

Swart was speaking after the squad’s training session in Casablanca where they are concluding preparations for the tournament before heading to their base camp in Oujda for the start of competition.

The South Africans played a practice match against Benin on 28 June 2025, as part of getting ready for the continental women’s championship.

Swart further said it is so crazy to think that they are just a couple days away from kick-off, but they are excited. She added that they just need to focus, so that when they play their first match, they know exactly what they need to do.

“Obviously, we want the positive result which is a win. So yes, that’s what we’re looking forward to now and that’s what we’re working towards,” said Swart.

Meanwhile Banyana Banyana forward Jermaine Seoposenwe has reported for national team duty and joined her compatriots in Casablanca. She started training on 29 June 2025, with the rest of her teammates.

Due to club commitments, Kgaelebane Mohlakoana is the only player still to arrive in Morocco, but is expected in the next few days. South Africa has been drawn in Group C alongside Ghana, Mali and Tanzania.            

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Batho ba le babedi ba tlhokafetse mo kotsing ya sejanaga


Ka OBAKENG MAJE

30 Seetebosigo 2025- Banna ba le babedi ba tlhokafetse mo kotsing e setlhogo ya sejanaga fa pele ga lefelo la borobasogo la RNR mo tseleng ya R372 magareng ga Taung le Mokgareng ka Lamatlhatso bosigo. Mongwe wa batho ba ba boneng ka matlho are kotsi e, e bakilwe ke sejanaga sa kwa Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).

Go begwa fa mokgweetsi o, a ne a tswa metshamekong ya kgwele ya dinao kwa Reivilo, mme one a kgweetsa ka lobelo le le kwa godimo. Go begwa fa mokgweetsi o, a ne a itlhaganeletse go ya go ya go baya sejanaga sa IEC.

“Motho o a mo thudileng wa ntlha, one a go tsaya dijo gaufinyana, mme a fitlha a di baya fa godimo ga sejanaga sa NP200. Morago ga moo, o ile a leka go tshela tsela, fela o ile a thudiwa ke sejanaga se. Sejanaga se, se ile sa mo thula mme a fofela kwa godimo.

“O ile a wela mo godimo ga sejanaga sa H1. Ka maswabi, o ile a bulega, mme diteng tsa gagwe jaaka mala, sebete, pelo le makgwao, di ile tsa tswela kwa ntle. Diteng tseo, di ile tsa tshologela mo godimo ga sejanaga sa H1, mme morago ga moo ke fa sejanaga se, se mo tsaya gape se ya go mo latlhela mo godimo ga sejanaga sa Volkswagen Polo.”

Paki e e boneng ka matlho e tlhalositse fa moswi e le moagi wa kwa motseng wa Buxton mono Taung. Paki e gape are sejanaga se, se ile sa bolaya motho o mongwe gape o a neng a tlile moletlong, mme ene ke moagi wa kwa Kuruman.

“Sejanaga se, se ile sa mo kgaola leoto le go mo apola diaparo. Sejanaga se, se ile sa mo kgaola le bonna jwa gagwe ka mokgwa o kotsi e, e neng ele botlhoko ka teng.”

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone ga a ise a tsibogele ntlha e.

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Sixteen illegal foreigners nabbed


By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

29 June 2025 – Sixteen men aged between 21 and 44 were arrested for Contravention of Immigration Laws. The suspects were nabbed during a coordinated operation by SAPS Vala Umgodi teams deployed in the Frances Baard District, in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Unit.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said following intelligence information received on 26 June 2025 regarding the alleged employment of undocumented foreign nationals at several construction sites in Kimberley, both proactive and combat teams were activated. Pilane said the tip-off was swiftly operationalised, leading to a tactical operation during which the suspects were apprehended and processed by immigration officials.

“In addition to the arrests, fines totalling R30 000 were issued to employers found to be unlawfully employing undocumented individuals.

“The suspects are expected to appear in court soon. Operation Vala Umgodi teams will continue to combat criminality in the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts,” he said.

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‘DA is willing to undermine national interests in pursuit of its narrow partisan agenda’


By REGINALD KANYANE

29 June 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) said it has noted the public statement made by the Democratic Alliance (DA) regarding what it alleges to be violations by the Republic of South Africa (RSA), President Cyril Ramaphosa and certain members of the Executive, particularly in relation to the functioning of the Government of National Unity (GNU). The ANC said while they continue to engage constructively within the GNU framework, they are compelled to correct and rebut several misleading assertions made by the DA.

The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu said foremost among these is the DA’s dismissive stance on the recently announced National Dialogue. Bhengu said it is rather surprising that the DA has chosen not to support the National Dialogue, not because they oppose its principles, but because a DA Deputy Minister was dismissed, not only for defying the president, but for also violating established rules.

“This response speaks volumes about the DA’s character. They are willing to undermine national interests in pursuit of their narrow partisan agenda. The ANC firmly believes that this dialogue is not merely an event, but it is a critical process in pursuit of social compacting, unity and national renewal.

“Ours is a nation built on dialogue, negotiation and consensus-seeking. From the founding of the ANC in 1912, to the 1955 Congress of the People in Kliptown that adopted the Freedom Charter, to the historic CODESA negotiations that ended apartheid, and culminating in our world-revered democratic Constitution of 1996. South Africa has time and again chosen the path of dialogue over division,” she said.

Bhengu further said the ANC reiterates that the National Dialogue is rooted in this proud tradition. She added that it seeks to bring all sectors of society together to address the pressing socio-economic challenges confronting the country including poverty, inequality and economic exclusion, through inclusive engagement and joint commitment to solutions.

“We have also taken note of the DA’s threat not to support key budget votes, including those for the Ministries of Human Settlements and Higher Education. Such actions are not only disruptive but undermine the very spirit and functioning of the GNU, to which the DA has committed itself.

“These ministries are critical for improving the lives of South Africans, particularly the poor and working class. At this juncture, it is imperative for the DA to clarify its stance: is it a genuine and principled partner in the GNU, or is it positioning itself as a quasi-opposition within the Executive?” asked Bhengu.

She said South Africans deserve clarity and leadership guided by national interest, not short-term political expediency. Bhengu said the ANC remains committed to the success of the Government of National Unity and will continue to work with all willing partners in advancing the values of the constitution, deepening transformation, and building a better life for all.

Meanwhile, the DA leader, John Steenhuisen said: “A year ago, the formation of the multiparty coalition known as the Government of National Unity (GNU) filled our country with hope. It followed the decision by the people of South Africa to remove the outright majority that the African National Congress had held since the dawn of our democracy in 1994.

“In last year’s election, the people sent a clear message that they no longer wanted the ANC to do as they pleased, regardless of the consequences for our country. The people said, loudly and clearly, that they were tired of corruption, of unemployment, and of an economy that had not grown meaningfully for more than a decade.”

Steenhuisen said instead of the same old one-party domination, the people wanted multi-party collaboration. He said in short, South Africans voted for things to change.

“It is based on this mandate, of change, that the Democratic Alliance joined the GNU. However, instead of upholding the wishes of the people by working in a respectful and collaborative manner with all partners inside the GNU, the ANC has repeatedly undermined these principles.

“Time after time, it has slapped away the hand of substantive cooperation and co-creation, in favour of arrogant and narrow political self-interest. Right from the start, Ramaphosa violated the Statement of Intent signed by all members of the GNU, by appointing a bloated executive without consulting the DA, in order to give the ANC more influence than the voters wanted it to have,” said Steenhuisen.

He said Ramaphosa signed destructive pieces of legislation into law without even having the decency to inform his partners. Steenhuisen said he presided over a disastrous budget process, where he failed to take seriously the views of parties who were opposed to the ANC’s proposed 2% VAT increase.

“Ramaphosa refused to enable meaningful power-sharing to drive collaborative and urgent reform of the economy to create jobs. This past week, without any forewarning or meaningful consultation, he concocted an excuse to remove a DA Deputy Minister out of the blue, because of his own failure to respond to a request for travel permission.

“The hypocrisy of this conduct is even more galling because in 2020, the same Ramaphosa issued a mere reprimand and salary docking to former Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula when she flew an ANC delegation to Zimbabwe in a military plane,” he said.

Steenhuisen said to make matters worse, Ramaphosa has now also defied the 48-hour ultimatum issued to him by his largest coalition partner to act against corruption in his own ranks. He said this was a clear opportunity to demonstrate that action will be taken consistently and fairly.

“By doing so, he has actively chosen to protect Thembi Simelane for her alleged role in VBS looting, he has chosen to protect Nobuhle Nkabane after she actively misled Parliament, and he continues to shield a whole cast of looters implicated in state capture.

“Just this morning, instead of taking action against state capture, the ANC cleared Malusi Gigaba, David Mahlobo, Zizi Kodwa and Cedric Frolick of all charges against them. Despite this pattern of double standards and abuse of power, DA members of the executive have remained focused on delivering for the people of South Africa,” said Steenhuisen.

He said the strides they have made in portfolios like Agriculture, Home Affairs, Public Works and Infrastructure, Communications and Digital Technologies, as well as Environment – and through hardworking Deputy Ministers like Andrew Whitfield – has set a new standard of excellence for governance at national level. Steenhuisen said in some cases, the DA literally achieved more in twelve months than the ANC did in thirty years.

“But perhaps this is the real source of the ANC’s double-standard towards the DA. They know the DA is succeeding. They know that the performance of DA Ministers puts their party to shame.

“And they know that the opportunities for looting and corruption are shrinking wherever DA reforms are implemented. The flagrant double-standard that protects the likes of Simelane and Nkabane, but acts against Whitfield, proves that in the ANC’s universe the only things you dare not be, are competent, honest, and hard-working,” said Steenhuisen.

He said this is not about an isolated incident. Steenhuisen said it is about a pattern of disrespect, arrogance and double-standards.

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Freedom Charter inspires the deliberations of the Veterans’ League


By BAKANG MOKOTO

27 June 2025- The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ANC Veteran’s League said it met on 26 and 27 June 2025, marking the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Freedom Charter. According to the ANCVL, the meeting remembered the unique place the Freedom Charter has played in the evolution of democracy and the progressive values in the constitution.

The ANCVL president, Snuki Zikalala said almost two years after the league’s national conference, their membership has grown by nearly 50%, with their current verified membership standing at 3440 members with a further 2300 pending. Zikalala said they have members providing guidance and working with structures of the ANC at all levels and throughout the country.

“The ANCVL’s NEC welcomed Khunjuzwa Kekana to the position of Deputy Secretary General, which was vacant. Kekana is a former Executive Mayor of the Sarah Baartman District Municipality in the Eastern Cape. She served in this role for over 20 years with an impeccable track record.

“She is well-positioned to join the office bearers in fulfilling their responsibilities, especially in addressing local government issues and the problems of our people. The NEC also agreed to the co-option of Sisa Njikelana as an additional member of the NEC,” he said.

Zikalala further said his long history of involvement in the trade union movement will be an important asset as the Veterans’ League seeks to play a role in forging greater trade union unity. He added that Njikelana will play a role in their planned engagement with the labour movement with a view to uniting all progressive forces.

“The meeting deliberated on key issues arising out of its priorities of organising the Veterans’ League, supporting ANC renewal and improving service delivery. The meeting deliberated on the challenges facing municipalities, particularly in terms of service delivery.

“There was a recognition that while the problems facing municipalities are multifaceted, more can be done, especially in respect of being responsive to the needs of communities on basic issues such as access to water, electricity, clean environments and community safety,” said Zikalala.

He said Veterans’ League members will engage with and where possible, participate in interventions to support local governments, particularly those that are struggling. Zikalala said Veterans’ League NEC members are also active in driving the process in the ANC’s Local Government Intervention Task Team, to make progress in localities of greatest need.

“Areas of work for the Veterans’ League include addressing the lack of responsiveness from officials and initiating proactive action in response to allegations of poor performance, lack of accountability and unethical practices.

“Also important is to support councillors and for veterans throughout the country to be active in ward committees and in community-based and civil society organisations seeking to address community needs,” he said.

Zikalala said the ANC Veterans League has been active in developing a strategy to prepare for local government elections, which has been incorporated into the ANC election strategy. He said the phased campaign involves reconnecting with the people, demonstrating their capacity to attend to community concerns and then transitioning to the actual election campaign.

“Attention will be placed on the process of candidate selection, ensuring that candidates are comrades who have demonstrated their leadership qualities, including responsiveness to community aspirations in their localities, and in the ANC.

“Skilled and competent leaders must populate the councils after these elections to continue the local government turnaround. Efforts should be made to ensure that younger leaders, who can initiate robust and imaginative campaigns, take over the baton to play a leading role,” said Zikalala.

He said the meeting deliberated on the extent to which corruption is blight on the society and a constraint to the renewal of the ANC. Zikalala said the NEC welcomed the actions taken by the Gauteng Provincial Government, led by Panyaza Lesufi, to initiate lifestyle audits and take decisive action against those who fell afoul of ethical criteria.

“The meeting also noted various actions taken by law enforcement agencies to deal with corruption and other crimes, including Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The meeting agreed to further develop a well-informed understanding of corrupt tendencies and practices within society, so that the ANC can play a leading role in combating this scourge.

“The ANCVL will continue to ensure that ANC members implicated in corruption are subject to the policies and processes established by the ANC for such instances. In addition to formal institutions within the state, the VL has initiated a process that will provide an internal platform for those who want to report corruption to do so and to be protected,” he said.

Zikalala said the meeting expressed deep concern about the SACP’s decision to contest elections as a political party in its own right. He said the meeting recognised the strong historical bonds between the ANC, SACP and COSATU and how debilitating it would be to try and disentangle this relationship.

“Without the SACP that works closely with the other alliance partners, the character of the liberation movement would change to the detriment of both the ANC and the SACP, especially in areas where the SACP has made important contributions such as matters of social transformation and political education.

“The Veterans’ League NEC is of the firm conviction that any misunderstanding on both strategic and tactical matters can and should be addressed differently, and in the interests of the unity of progressive forces in the forthcoming local government and subsequent elections,” said Zikalala.

He said several unintended consequences of this decision were raised, including how to address members of the ANC who currently hold dual membership with the SACP as well as leaders of the SACP who have been deployed in the ANC as legislators and in executive roles. Zikalala said a further challenge is the likelihood of this move increasing divisions within organised labour and COSATU in particular.

“The meeting agreed to engage directly with the SACP in addition to proposing that the ANC NEC fast-track discussions with the SACP to determine a way forward with due regard to the history of the relationship in the tripartite alliance and the need to strengthen the progressive movement in this profoundly uncertain domestic and global environment.

“The Veterans’ League was instrumental in conceptualising and drafting the Foundation Course, and veterans have been at the forefront of participating in the rollout of this political education course. 600 members of the Veterans’ League have now completed the Foundation Course,” he said.

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Molale stabbed his girlfriend, Rethabile Medichane 22 times   


By KEDIBONE MOALETSI

28 June 2025- The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said it welcomes the life imprisonment sentence handed down by the Taung Regional Court to Simon Kesetsi Molale (22) of Lokgabeng village, near Taung. Molale was convicted of premeditated murder of his partner, Tshepiso Rethabile Medichane (21).

The NPA regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the conviction relates to an incident that occurred on 12 August 2024, when Molale and his girlfriend attended a function at his aunt’s place. Gunya said on the evening of that day, they both left function and went home together. 

“On their way home, Medichane informed Molale that she no longer wanted to be in a relationship with him. The accused got furious, went to a nearby house and borrowed a knife. He attacked the deceased, stabbing her and inflicting 22 wounds. After the brutal attack, he fled the scene. He was subsequently arrested and was denied bail.

“Molale pleaded guilty to the charge. In aggravation of the sentence, the state prosecutor, Rebaona Mokgopa, submitted Victim Impact Statements (VIS) from the mother of the deceased, which was facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Molebogeng Oliphant, emphasizing the devastating impact of the crime,” he said.

According to Gunya, Mokgopa argued that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a pandemic in the country and urged the court to pass a sentence which is deterrent in nature to show that the courts will not tolerate such violent crimes. He said the Magistrate Bhuti Zulu concurred that no substantial or compelling circumstances existed to justify a lesser sentence, leading to the imposition of life imprisonment.

Meanwhile, welcoming the verdict, Dr Rachel Makhari, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and prosecution teams. Makhari said these sentences underscore the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) commitment to fighting GBV and ensuring that justice is served. 

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Company fined R35 000 for failure to submit Tax Returns


By REGINALD KANYANE

28 June 2025- The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said it welcomes the imposition of a hefty fine on Mariolene Trading CC, represented by Pieter Jacobus Schotlz (42), as a sole active member and the company’s director. Mariolene Trading faced 35 counts of Contravening Section 234 (d) of the Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011 – Failure to submit returns.

The NPA regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said it is alleged that Scholtz is the Director of Mariolene Trading CC, and his company is registered with the South African Revenue Services (SARS) for Value Added Tax (VAT) and Company Income Tax. Gunya said investigations revealed that between March 2019 and May 2024, Scholtz did not submit returns for his company.

“On 25 January 2022, SARS telephonically reminded him to submit outstanding returns on behalf of his company, which is accused number 1. Subsequently, that written communication was sent to Scholtz by SARS, but he failed to submit returns.

“In court, Scholtz opted to pay an admission of guilt fine of R35 000 for failing to submit tax returns. The NPA welcomes this outcome, as it underscores the importance of tax compliance in ensuring effective revenue collection and upholding public confidence in SARS’s enforcement capabilities,” he said.

Welcoming the outcome, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended Advocate Dineo Mathule for her diligence in bringing the matter to a successful conclusion. She also acknowledged the collaborative effort of all role players involved in the case. The NPA, through its Specialised Tax Unit, remains committed to ensuring accountability and reinforcing a culture of tax compliance under the Honey Badger Project. Criminal prosecution remains a key instrument in addressing wilful non-compliance with tax laws.

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