Picture: The attempted murder and murder accused, Tshwaro Mangwegape
By OBAKENG MAJE
25 June 2025- A murder and attempted murder case against The Meat Brother’s Pub owner, Tshwaro Mangwegape (41), to resume in court. Mangwegape, who is out on a R5000 bail, is accused of shooting and killing the NWU Soccer Institute player, Undivile “Vilo” Mdi (28) and injuring his friend, Aobakwe Ernest Kokwe (33).
On 17 December 2023, Mdi and Kokwe were amongst patrons who visited the Meat Brother’s Pub that was full to capacity. It is alleged that the security guards refused entry to patrons who did not have Identification Documents (IDs) and that led to a stampede.
Mdi and Kokowe allegedly tried to gain entry forcefully, but Mangwegape allegedly pulled out a gun and shot at them. Mdi was fatally shot, while his friend was rushed to the hospital with terrible gunshot wounds.
Picture: The illegal Lesotho sangoma abandons bail/Generic
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
25 June 2025- An illegal Lesotho national Sangoma, Sebokoana Khounyana (50), abandoned his bail application at the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court. Khounyana is facing charges of premeditated murder, human trafficking of a baby, Kutlwano Shalaba (2) and being illegal in the country.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said Khounyana’s co-accused, the mother of the child, Kuneuwe Portia Shalaba (32), is facing charges of premeditated murder, human trafficking, conspiracy to commit robbery and making a false statement to the police.
“It is alleged that on 10 November 2024, the mother of the child took the child to the sangoma and requested him to kill her child because she was not happy with the gender of the baby and was tired of hiding it from her family that in fact, the child was a girl.
“The mother then allegedly fed the baby poison and after the baby died, it is alleged that the two took the child and buried her body in a shallow grave in Waterpan,” she said.
Mahanjana further said after investigations by the police, the sangoma was arrested on 29 May 2025 and he subsequently made a confession and pointed out to the police about where the body of the child was buried. She added that after the brief appearance in court, the matter was postponed to 6 August 2025 for further investigations.
“The court previously denied the mother’s release on bail,” said Mahanjana.
Picture: The Orbit College FC players during a match/Facebook
By REGINALD KANYANE
25 June 2025- Destiny beckons for Orbit College Football Club as the team plays what is arguably their most significant match of their short history. The Rustenburg-based outfit plays the PSL playoff match against Cape Town City at Olympia Park Stadium in Rustenburg at 3pm.
The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said over the years, Orbit College FC had demonstrated a remarkable ascent to the football cradle beginning with winning the North West Stream A to ABC Motsepe League as well as gaining promotion to National First Division two years ago.
“We are very proud of the team from Platinum City which has put our province on the map once again” said Premier Lazarus Mokgosi.
“We implore on football lovers in and around the entire Bojanala Platinum District to come in numbers and support the team in this important match,” said Mokgosi.
He further said the team needs to win their last playoff match to ensure they qualify to play in the elite league in the 2025/2026 PSL season. Mokgosi added that, they have played three matches, drawing two and winning one, but importantly without conceding a single goal.
“A straight win will be enough as the team would be having an unassailable eight points lead. The last time the province had a team in the PSL was in 2018 with Platinum Stars FC, which sold its status to the Cape Town club called Cape Umoya United.
“Never before had we been this close to a PSL status since then, and we all are crossing our fingers for Orbit College” said Mokgosi.
Picture: One of the huts at initiation school/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
25 June 2025- The Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee in North West said it has shut down 14 illegal initiation schools and rescued 67 initiates in Bojanala Platinum, Dr Kenneth Kaunda and Ngaka Modiri Molema Districts as the winter initiation season starts. The shutdowns were done during the extensive monitoring operations across the province to ensure that all schools operating during the period are compliant with the Customary Initiation Act of 2021, which provides for the effective regulation of customary initiation practices.
The Deputy Chairperson of the PICC, Andries Stemmer said they are also inundated with calls from parents and South African Police Service -SAPS reporting cases of missing young boys, who are believed to have been abducted by principals of bogus schools, who in turn demand a huge ransom from parents. Stemmer said during a recent oversight visit to Tigane, near Klerksdorp, the committee uncovered serious non-compliance at two initiation schools, which were operating without the required documentation.
“The schools were closed, and two cases were opened against the bogus principals, reinforcing the committee’s zero-tolerance stance on unregulated initiation practices. In light of this, the committee has intensified its inspections across all regions of the province to ensure full compliance before the start of the initiation season this weekend.
“No school will be allowed to operate without proper documentation, and those found in violation will face legal consequences. It is important to have a collaborative approach with all role players to ensuring safe and dignified initiation processes,” he said.
Stemmer further urge all stakeholders, including traditional leaders, religious leaders, civil society and the media to support the creation of a safe environment and stop the bogus principals who want to commercialise the practise. He added that they can prevent malpractice and eliminate harmful misconceptions about this cultural practice.
“There is need for robust communication efforts to reinforce government’s commitment to the safety of initiates. We support the national message: ‘A ba bowe ba phela’ which means all the initiates must return home alive. So, we are doing everything in our power to ensure that all initiates are under the good care of the experienced principals.
“Hundred and three initiation schools were approved to operate in three districts across the province excluding Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district. For non-school going initiates, the initiation season started on 09 May 2025 and for school going initiates, it will start this Friday 27 June 2025. All initiation schools will close on the18 July 2025 to allow for school going children to go back to classes,” said Stemmer.
He said the PICC sends a stern warning to any school or operator intending to bypass regulatory requirements. Stemmer said non-compliance will not be tolerated, and swift legal action will be taken.The monitoring operation will continue until the schools are closed.
Picture: Some of firearms seized by the police/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
24 June 2025- Three suspects who allegedly killed an attorney, Katlego Moribe (38), were arrested during a successful collaborative effort between the Northern Cape and North West police in Ganyesa village, near Vryburg on 23 and 24 June 2025. Moribe was killed in a hail of bullets at Block A in Seoding village, near Kuruman on 1 June 2025.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said following an intensive investigation, members of the Northern Cape Crime Intelligence, in conjunction with Crime Intelligence in the North West Province, the Mahikeng Tactical Response Team and the Vryburg Public Order Police, launched a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation in Ganyesa, near Vryburg. Ehlers said the operation took place between the evening of 23 June 2025, and the early hours of 24 June 2025.
“The team also recovered illegal firearms and ammunition in their possession. The suspects are expected to appear in court soon and the investigation remains ongoing,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, praised the outstanding cooperation between the two provinces and cited the critical role of inter-provincial collaboration in ensuring that justice is served and that individuals responsible for serious and violent crimes are held accountable.
Picture: The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Dr Nobuhle Nkabane
By AGISANANG SCUFF
24 June 2025 – The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries, Makhi Feni, has called on the Department of Higher Education to be proactive in plugging the gap left by the US cuts in grant funding that occurred earlier in 2025. Feni said a deliberate drive is needed, even if it means going on tour abroad to mobilise resources for research purposes.
“The grant funding impact was massive and at a time when South Africa found itself operating in a fiscally constrained environment. We must not allow a situation where community-based research programmes suffer and get aborted due to this decision.
“The Minister of Higher Education, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, has informed the committee that work to address this issue is being done,” He said.
Feni said in addition, the government had opted for a collaborative approach, as cuts affected programmes administered by the departments of Health and of Science and Technology. According to him, Nkabane said a technical team has been set up to coordinate and collate the affected programmes.
“The committee welcomes the news that the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation is contributing to resource mobilisation. We would appreciate it if all these efforts yield results.
“Our institutions are research intensive and that is one area we excel in and could not lose momentum. The committee is looking forward to receiving the report on the sector-wide impact of the funding cuts,” said Feni.
He said Nkabane led a strong departmental delegation to present the department’s annual performance and strategic plans.
24 June 2025- The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) on Tuesday called for zero tolerance road traffic law enforcement and improved visibility in order to reduce the carnage on public roads. The call is in the aftermath of the recent road accident that claimed 12 lives on the R24 near Vryheid in KwaZulu Natal. SAUCIC representing affiliated Federations of Charismatic, Evangelical Outreach Mission Ministries and Pentecostal Churches conveyed condolences to families of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) members that lost their lives in the accident that involved a bus and a truck while returning from a Youth Day Rally held in Durban last Monday.
SAUCIC President Cardinal Archbishop Dr Modiri Patrick Shole said the precious lives of these young people were cut short by this horrific accident attributed to possible reckless driving and speeding responsible for untold misery that has left families devastated, as well as robbed the country of their contribution.
Shole said SAUCIC’s prayers of comfort are with families that are in mourning and that it also wishes those injured a speedy recovery. He appealed for the Easter Road Safety Strategy that resulted in zero fatalities during the annual Zion Christian Church (ZCC) pilgrimage in Limpopo to be replicated to other areas during public holidays and long weekends.
“Religious and political tourism increase traffic on our public roads and require zero tolerance road traffic law operations to clamp down on lawlessness as well as prevent road crashes and fatalities on our roads. One life lost on public roads is a life too many.
“There must therefore be an offense against reckless driving, speeding and drunken driving. Motorists travelling long distances can assist in reducing the carnage on our roads by exercising caution and resting after every two hours to avoid fatigue which is a killer,” concluded Shole.
24 June 2025- A man (48) was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment for rape. This comes after the accused, Jankie Mankwe raped a girl (15), in Phatsima village, near Rustenburg on 17 June 2022.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said the court also declared Mankwe unfit to possess a firearm and ordered his inclusion on the National Register for Sex Offenders, reinforcing the NPA’s unwavering commitment to combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and ensuring justice for vulnerable minors.
Gunya said on 17 June 2022, the victim was doing laundry outside her home in Phatsima village, near Rustenburg when Mankwe approached her, pretending to request her father’s cell phone number.
“He sent the children accompanying the victim to a nearby shop to buy milk, isolating her. As the victim entered her house, Mankwe followed and raped her. One of the children, returning from the shop, witnessed the assault through the door and immediately informed the victim’s mother, who was nearby.
“The mother reported the incident to the South African Police Service, leading to Mankwe’s arrest. He was later released on bail pending trial. Mankwe pleaded not guilty, denying the allegations,” he said.
State prosecutor, Sangweni Zimema presented compelling evidence, including the victim’s testimony, the child witness’s account, and supporting medical evidence confirming the assault. Zimema said a Victim Impact Statement detailed the profound psychological trauma endured by the victim, highlighting her ongoing fear and distress.
“The court found the prosecution’s evidence overwhelming, rejecting Mankwe’s defence as implausible. I would like to emphasize the premeditated nature of this crime, noting that Mankwe exploited the victim’s trust, as she referred to him as “uncle.”
“There is an alarming prevalence of GBV in South Africa, and Mankwe posed a significant danger to the community. So, a severe sentence was necessary to protect society,” he said.
Magistrate Paul Moeng concurred, stating, “The accused’s calculated betrayal of a trusted relationship demands a strong response to deter such heinous acts.
“Finding substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed life imprisonment under Section 51(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997, the court imposed 18 years’ imprisonment, alongside firearm restrictions and sex offender registry inclusion.”
Meanwhile, The NPA commends the courage of the victim and the child witness, whose swift actions ensured accountability. North West Director of Public Prosecutions Dr Rachel Makhari praised Zimema, the investigating officers, and the South African Police Service for their diligent collaboration, stating, “This conviction sends a clear message: the NPA will relentlessly pursue GBV perpetrators, ensuring justice restores safety and dignity for victims.” The NPA’s partnership with Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) provided critical psychosocial support to the victim, reflecting its victim-centric approach.”
24 June 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said the latest provincial assessment shared with the National COGTA Portfolio Committee this afternoon, confirms that repairing the roads, bridges, schools, clinics and water infrastructure destroyed in this month’s floods will require at least R5.18 billion.
The DA said human cost has been devastating, with the official death toll now rising to 95.
The DA leader of the Official Opposition in the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature, Dr Vicky Knoetze said at least 4724 families have lost their homes and must now be accommodated in temporary residential units. Knoetze said a further 2145 houses have sustained partial damage from the flooding, predominantly to the roofing.
“A relief operation of this magnitude demands absolute unity of purpose, yet humanitarian workers on the ground are being forced to contend with criminal intimidation. Gift of the Givers teams distributing clean drinking water in Mthatha were threatened by an alleged “water mafia” linked to local service-provider interests, prompting police protection and national condemnation.
“Such acts of extortion are a direct assault on vulnerable communities and on every South African who has opened hand and heart to help. The DA is calling on the Premier, the SAPS and the South African National Defence Force to guarantee the safety of all accredited relief organisations, to arrest those who threaten or obstruct aid workers,” she said.
Knoetze further said the authorities must also establish a permanent, fully resourced joint operations command that includes municipal officials, Eskom, Amatola Water, COGTA and civil-society partners. She added that thousands of people remain in shelters, relying on donated food, water tanker deliveries and emergency health services.
“An additional R456 million is required for temporary residential units, with the province only able to provide R120 million. Across the province, dozens of roads and bridges have been washed away, including major links in the Chris Hani, Amathole and Alfred Nzo districts.
“Road infrastructure repair costs are estimated at an additional R935 million, of which R102 million has been reprioritised from the Provincial Department of Transport’s budget, leaving a deficit of R832 million for which intervention is required,” said Knoetze.
She said a total of 431 schools have also been affected, with exams disrupted. Knoetze said hospitals and clinics have experienced service interruptions, with 69 health facilities affected to varying degrees.
“Water infrastructure has been compromised, and electricity remains partially restored in many areas. Despite these challenges, the central Disaster Management hub remains desperately under-resourced, key leadership posts remain vacant and there is neither a Chief Director nor Directors for fire services or risk reduction, with no budget allocated for these positions in the current financial year.
“The public must see clear, visible coordination and a zero-tolerance approach to anyone who seeks to profit from disaster. Together, we must ensure that every family displaced by these floods receives shelter, clean water, healthcare, psychosocial support and a path to rebuild,” she said.
Knoetze said the people of the Eastern Cape have shown extraordinary resilience. She said they deserve an equally determined response from all spheres of government and society at large.
“Our focus now must be on restoring dignity, protecting aid workers and accelerating the massive reconstruction programme that lies ahead,” said Knoetze.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape Provincial Government spokesperson, Khuselwa Rantjie said: “It is coordinating the provision of burial support for the victims of the disaster. This includes the storage of the body, burial services, and transportation of the human remains to the area identified by the family for burial.
“The provision of this support has been made possible through support from AVBOB, and the government is also in engagement with other funeral parlours to mobilise support in line with the needs of each family.”
Rantjie said the government has provided support for 26 deceased persons that were buried from Thursday up to this weekend. She said in addition to the burial services, the government has provided support to the bereaved families.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
24 June 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she will introduce the newly-appointed Superintendent General to the school principals and School Governing Bodies (SGBs) on 26 June 2025. Motsumi said the meeting will take place at the Mmabatho Convention Centre, Mahikeng at 9am.
“During the event, the Superintendent General will present the department’s vision and strategic plan for the next five years, outlining key priorities and initiatives aimed at improving education outcomes across the province,” she said.
The Guardian 