Owners of pitbull that allegedly mauled a girl to appear in court

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Picture: A girl mauled by dogs, Remoratile Maphike

By OBAKENG MAJE

17 June 2025- Two owners of the pitbull dogs that allegedly mauled a girl (13) in Vryburg to appear in Vryburg Magistrate;s Court today. It is alleged that the victim, Remoratile Maphike, was attacked by the dogs of the suspects, Anneme Bam-Smith (42) and Raynold Izak van Niekerk (46), after entering the yard, to get to the residence, where they rented a room with her family.

The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said, following the attack, Remoratile was taken to hospital for medical attention.

“The suspects were summoned and are attending court. The case was investigated, and then taken to prosecution for a decision, hence the suspects were summonsed.

“Their next court date is on 17 June 2025,” said van Rooyen.

Meanwhile, one of the residents, Mpho Mokgosi said the upcoming court case set for 17 June 2025, highlights the urgent need for accountability in cases of dog attacks, particularly those involving vulnerable individuals such as children. Mokgosi said this case has drawn attention to the responsibilities of dog owners under South African law.

“Both accused, believed to be the owners of the dogs involved in the incident, have been charged under Section 1 to 6 of the Animal Matters Amendment Act 42 of 1993.

“This legislation serves to protect the public from reckless and irresponsible pet ownership, emphasizing that owners must take necessary precautions to prevent their animals from causing harm,” he said.

Mokgosi further said the allegations against the accused reflect a serious disregard for these legal obligations. He added that, despite the charges, both individuals have been released on warning, raising concerns about the message this sends regarding the seriousness of dog attacks and the responsibilities of pet owners.

“The law clearly states that owners are liable for any injuries caused by their dogs, and it is imperative that we hold them accountable to ensure the safety of our communities.

“The young victim, whose identity is being protected, continues to suffer from the physical and emotional consequences of this attack. Her injuries have not only caused immense pain and suffering but have also resulted in significant financial burdens for her family,” said Mokgosi.

He said medical bills, ongoing treatment, and psychological support are just a few of the costs that her parents are now facing as they seek to help their daughter recover. Mokgosi said South African law provides a framework for addressing such incidents.

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Police looking for missing woman

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Picture: The missing woman, Kedisaletse Audrey Ditire

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

17 June 2025 – The police in Amalia request community assistance in locating a missing woman, Kedisaletse Audrey Ditire (52), who is residing at Extension 5, Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke. The police said according to information, Ditire was last seen by her boyfriend, whom she visited on Thursday midday, 29 May 2025, near the R506 road between Amalia and Christiana, near Kgwejana Farm, while on her way to a local store.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said a search was conducted around local farms in the surrounding areas and all leads were followed-up, but that did not yield positive results. Myburgh said at the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a black tracksuit with matching top and pants and white sneakers.

“She is light in complexion with black eyes and hair, a small built body and weighs about 60 kg. Anyone who may have information regarding her whereabouts can contact the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Freddy Ngwenya of Amalia Detectives on Cell  082 373 7194 or the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop on number 08600 10111.

“Anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone. Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 080 091 1011,” she said.

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Alleged serial rapist nabbed

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

17 June 2025- The accused, Thapelo Tshukutswane (33) is expected to make a second appearance before the Molopo Magistrate’s Court in Mmabatho on 17 June 2025. This follows his first court appearance on 9 June 2025, before the same court for being in possession of suspected stolen property.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the accused is also facing six counts of rape and six counts of robbery after being arrested at Mahikeng Taxi Rank on 6 June 2025, by a team consisting of the Provincial Investigative Psychology Unit, Mahikeng and Mmabatho Police, including a Reservist. Myburgh said the arrest was effected following intensive investigations and positive linkages of the suspect with the cases through DNA and fingerprints.

“The crimes were allegedly committed between December 2013 and May 2025. During the course of investigations, the team discovered suspected stolen property that included cellular phones, police uniform, vehicle rims and a television set, at the suspect’s residence in Lorwaneng village,” she said. 

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said: “It is hoped that the arrest of this sex pest and predator will not only bring an end to his long reign of terror, but send a strong message to other perverts like him that no matter how long it may take, the long arm of the law will finally catch up with them.

“His arrest will surely bring to a close a decade long spree of serious and violent crimes against the women and young girls in the Mahikeng area. His arrest which came about as a result of the adoption of Forensic DNA investigation by the police is welcomed and appreciated.”

Asaneng further said it is scant consolation to the six female victims, whose dignity and lives he has irreversibly and irreparably destroyed. He added that, there is the possibility of linking this barbarian to more than the six cases he is being charged for as some of his victims may have been intimidated or been too afraid to report their ordeals to the police.

“I am therefore calling upon potential victims to come forward so that this scumbag can fully account for his crimes. I have since instructed that the detectives must re-analyse all undetected rape, house breaking and robbery cases, especially from the areas that the suspect was prowling in the past 14 years.

“This thug must never be set free to continue with his heinous crimes,” said Asaneng.

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Manhunt after elderly couple shot dead

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By REGINALD KANYANE

17 June 2025 – The police in Rustenburg said they have launched a manhunt following the brutal killing of an elderly couple in the parking lot of a Shopping Centre on Saturday afternoon, 14 June 2025. The police said the preliminary reports suggest that the couple was fatally shot after a confrontation ensued with the occupants of a white Kia Rio without number plates.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the paramedics declared both victims dead on the scene. Myburgh said the motive of the incident is yet to be determined.

“The police urge anyone who may have  information that can assist in the investigations to contact Lieutenant Colonel Mainganyo Nathaniël Phatsoane on 082 373 9571 or Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Murunwa on 082 772 599,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said: “This senseless, gratuitous violence which has led to the brutal slaying of the elderly couple in broad daylight cannot and should not go unpunished. 

“I am calling upon the perpetrator(s) to listen to their conscience and hand themselves over to the police before they are tracked. According to the police the perpetrator(s) are considered armed and dangerous.”

Asaneng said once again those who have information about the identity and whereabouts of the suspect(s) must immediately come forward with information that would assist in finding and arresting the suspect(s) and this request is directed to the friends and relatives of the suspects. He said as the saying goes, “The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who idly sit, watch and do nothing.”

“I have instructed the detectives and the tracking team not to rest until the perpetrators of this heinous crime are found,” said Asaneng.

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Police to address marine-related crimes

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Picture: The police during illegal mining operationSupplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

17 June 2025 – The police in Northern Cape said they will remain resolute in addressing marine-related criminal activities with the ongoing execution of Operation Phakisa across the coastal regions of the Namakwa District. The police said between 12 and 16 June 2025, coordinated and focused operations were executed in Port Nolloth, Kleinzee, Hondeklip Bay, Groenrivier, Rooiklippies, Brazil, and Alexander Bay.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said these operations were jointly conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in collaboration with officials from the Department of Water and Sanitation, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, and SANParks.

Magerman said the multi-agency approach ensured a unified and effective response to criminal threats affecting marine ecosystems.

“Key outcomes of the operation included the arrest of two undocumented individuals, one arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol and the recovery of a stolen vehicle.

“Enforcement of the Road Traffic Act (Act 93 of 1996) resulting in 27 traffic fines issued amounting to R14 600, detection of multiple violations of the Marine Living Resources Act (Act 18 of 1998),” he said.

Magerman further said operational activities encompassed high-visibility patrols, both on foot and in vehicles, stop-and-search interventions, and coastal patrols. He added that a total of 431 individuals and 227 vehicles were thoroughly searched during the operation.

“Compliance inspections were also carried out at various sites, including harbours, boat launching points, camping grounds, fish vendors and two mining locations, to ensure adherence to all relevant laws and regulations,” said Magerman.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended all participating departments and agencies for their dedication and collaborative efforts in protecting the province’s marine and coastal resources. Otola further called on members of the public to support law enforcement initiatives by reporting any suspicious or illegal marine-related activities.

“Information can be reported anonymously via the MySAPS App or the SAPS Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111,” he said.

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Young people want job opportunities, not slogans

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By REGINALD KANYANE

16 June 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, John Steenhuisen, said a Youth Day is a day of remembrance, bringing sharp focus onto the important role of “you” in driving change. Steenhuisen said they remember the courage of the 1976 generation, who stood up against injustice and demanded the right to equal education.

He further said they refused to be told that their future would be dictated by an unjust government. Steenhuisen added that and yet, almost half a century later, one injustice has been replaced with another.

“Not in the classroom, but in the unemployment queue. Not enforced by racist laws, but by the cold indifference of 30 years of singular ANC rule that has robbed millions of young South Africans of opportunity.

“This is the real crisis of our time — a betrayal of the promise of freedom. Youth unemployment in South Africa today is the highest in the world. Over 8.7 million young people are not in employment, education, or training,” he said.

Steenhuisen said that’s not just a statistic — it’s a national tragedy. He said it is a violation of dignity, a theft of potential and a failure of justice.

“Sadly in our country, one does not have to go far to meet a young South African who has been affected by the lack of employment opportunities. These are skilled young people. Matric completed.

“In many instances, higher education has been completed. Trained for the 4th Industrial Revolution. They apply for dozens of jobs every month — but hear nothing back. They do not have “connections,” said Steenhuisen.

He said these young people do not have experience or a chance to gain it. Steenhuisen said they are losing hope.

“That is the story of millions of young people in this country. They do not want favours and slogans. They want a country where working hard means getting ahead.

“A country that opens doors, not closes them. A country that sees them. In the past they had a singular government that clung to policies that served the connected few, not the forgotten many. They got empty promises at youth summits while the economy crumbled,” he said.

Steenhuisen said they got a jobs crisis caused not by bad luck — but by bad governance.

Meanwhile, the ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu said 16 June is a powerful day etched in the collective consciousness of the nation. Bhengu said on this day in 1976, the

apartheid regime unleashed deadly force on unarmed students who were peacefully protesting against the imposition of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction and the broader injustices of Bantu Education.

“June 16, 1976 remains indelible in the history of our liberation struggle, a day when a vicious regime declared war on schoolchildren who dared to dream of freedom.

“We salute the militant and fearless Class of 1976, whose courage, defiance, and sacrifice altered the course of our history. Their bravery is a lasting reminder of the power of youth to drive profound political and social transformation,” she said.

Bhengu said ANC recognises that the history of their liberation struggle is incomplete without acknowledging the central role played by young people. She said they were not passive observers but leaders, organisers and frontline combatants.

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Outbreak of foot and mouth disease in North West

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Picture: an outbreak of foot and mouth disease/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

16 June 2025- The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said there is an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in Ventersdorp. In the first incident, the department was alerted by a Private Veterinarian who had visited the farm and saw suspicious signs.

The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development spokesperson, Emelda Setlhako said state veterinarians collected samples, which were sent to the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute (OVI) to test for the disease. Setlhako said another incident was first detected at an abattoir in Madibeng.

“The clinical signs of the affected animals were missed at ante-mortem inspection, but were detected on the slaughter line during the meat inspection process.

“Tissue samples were sent to the laboratory and the results came back confirming both SAT 2 and SAT 3 types of the virus. The unslaughtered animals were escorted back to the farm of origin, a feedlot in Ventersdorp, through a Red Cross permit,” she said.

Setlhako further said both farms linked to the outbreak have been put under quarantine, prohibiting the movement of animals and animal products. She added that the department has identified all the farms that are linked to the Gauteng outbreak and are being sampled for testing to confirm if they are positive or not.

“All such farms have also been put under precautionary quarantine until the test results are back. Any suspected case of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in susceptible animals must be reported to the local State Veterinarian immediately.

“FMD affects cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and other cloven-hoofed animals (domestic and wild). The major clinical features of the disease include fever, lameness, and the appearance of vesicles and sores in the mouth, feet, and teats,” she said.

Setlhako said for more information and enquiries, individuals could contact the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Langa Madyibi on 066 190 9190.

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Committee’s Youth Day celebration to focus on disability inclusion and empowerment

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Picture: The wheelchair bound individual/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

16 June 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development will commemorate Youth Month 2025 under the theme: “Skills for the Changing World – Empowering Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation.”

The Chairperson of the Committee, Karabo Magagane said the event will take place at Resomaretswe Special School in Dinokana on Tuesday at 7am. Magagane said the event will focus on empowering children and youth with disabilities through skills development and inclusive participation.

“This year’s commemoration will also honour the legacy of struggle icon Onkgopotse Tiro with a wreath-laying ceremony and celebrate the contributions of disability rights advocate, Luckyboy Galekgutle.

“We will be doing wreath-laying at the grave of Onkgopotse Tiro, launch the School Food Garden and Workshop, Aerobathon for learners and youth, including Hackathon aimed at innovation for inclusivity,” she said.

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FIREBALLS AND JAGUARS DOMINATE WHILE CRINUMS BOUNCE BACK

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16 June 2025- On Day 3 of the Telkom Netball League (TNL) Power Week 2, the atmosphere in Sun City was electric. The Jaguars took an early lead and managed to maintain their momentum throughout the match. Although the Southern Stings improved in the second half, they struggled to find their rhythm and could not overcome the Jaguars’ substantial lead.

Strong defensive play from Zane Bodenstein and Jamie van Wyk was crucial for the Jaguars, along with an impressive offensive partnership between Ine-Mari Venter and Kamo Maseko. Under Coach Rozanne Matthyse’s guidance, the Jaguars executed their game plan, finishing with a score of 61-49. Naledi Makoa earned her first TNL Player of the Match award.

“I’m proud of my girls for executing the game plan. Our preparation paid off, and we’ll stay focused as we prepare for our next game,” said Matthyse.

Dr. Freda Kemp, coach of the Stings, acknowledged their progress but highlighted the need for improvement. “We’re not satisfied with our 40% shooting in the first quarter. We’ll work on that and build on our new shooter combination.”

In another match, the Eastern Cape Aloes faced a close finish against the North West Flames but ultimately fell short, with a final score of 49-54. Inconsistencies plagued the Aloes, particularly in the shooting circle, where Coach Sameisha Esau experimented with different combinations. Meanwhile, the North West Flames executed their clear plan and strategy effectively. A significant momentum shift occurred in the third quarter, allowing the Flames to dominate the remainder of the game.

The Aloes had a tough day in the office, losing both of their matches.  Additionally, the Diamonds and the Lillies also suffered defeats today.

The Golden Fireballs continued their unbeaten streak, overpowering the Limpopo Baobabs and maintaining a lead in every quarter. While the Baobabs tried to stay competitive in the first quarter, the Fireballs pulled ahead decisively in the third quarter due to their strong defence and effective offensive strategies. The Gauteng side made significant gains through interceptions and utilised their super shots effectively, concluding the match with a score of 63-38.

Fireballs’ coach, Dr. Elsje Jordaan, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting their consistency and determination. In contrast, Baobabs’ coach, Emily Mathosa, noted that her team started strong but struggled with turnovers and advancing the ball.  Cornelia Mupenda from the Fireballs received the Player of the Match award for her exceptional performance. The Fireballs’ next challenge will be against their Gauteng rivals, the Jaguars, at 1:00 PM.

In an early morning matchup, the defending champions, the Free State Crinums, secured their first two points of the second Power Week. After analysing their errors from previous games, the team improved and thrashed the Aloes with a score of 62-38. Refiloe Nketsa was recognised for her hard work and received the player of the match accolade.

You can catch the action live on SuperSport Variety 4 channel 209 or check out the Netball South Africa website for fixtures and updates.

Tickets are available on the Netball South Africa (NSA) website at just R100.


Full Day Results:

Crinums 62-38 Aloes
Diamonds 41-66 Sonoblomo
KD Queens 53-35 Lillies
Baobabs 38-63 Fireballs
Tornados 58-35 Comets
Aloes 49-54 Flames
Stings 49-61 Jaguars


Monday 16 June 2025 Fixtures:

07:00 SA U21 vs Baobabs
09:00 Lillies vs Comets
11:00 Tornados vs KD Stars
13:00 Fireballs vs Jaguars
15:00 Tshukudu vs Sunbirds
17:00 SA U21 vs Stings
19:00 Crinums vs Flames

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Committee concludes North West public hearings on Marriage Bill

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Picture: A happily married couple/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

16 June 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs said it concluded the North West leg of the public hearings on the Marriage Bill. Committee said this was the 5th province to host the public hearings on the Bill after Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga, as part of the committee’s nationwide public consultation exercise to gather citizens’ input on the draft legislation.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Mosa Chabane said they held public hearings in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, where the Bill continued to receive general support from members of the public. Chabane said political parties, representatives from the religious sector, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) and the LGBTQI+ community were among stakeholders who made submissions to the committee at Banquet Hall in Vryburg.

“Most of the citizens welcomed the Bill’s objectives to consolidate all the existing marriage laws into one legislation and recognise Muslim marriages which were previously excluded.

“The public had reservations about the proposed 18 years age of consent for marriage and suggested to the committee it must be increased to 21 years,” she said.

Chabane further said this view was motivated by the feeling among citizens that 18 years was too young and must be upped to 21 years. She added that they argued that most people at that age were still finishing high school and must focus on school and not marriage.

“There were also calls for the law to impose harsh prison sentences for anyone who marries an underage and parents who married off their children who were below the legal age of consent.

“The public believe that poverty was one of the main drivers for this. Religious leaders continued to voice their objections to the clauses on same sex marriage, using biblical scriptures to back their argument, while others told the committee that same sex marriages were a threat to procreation,” said Chabane.

She said other members of the community warned religious leaders against imposing their belief system on others and infringing on individuals’ right of choice. Chabane said other submissions included proposals for the Bill to have provisions that will protect individuals, who were cohabiting, also called “vat en sit” colloquially.

“Some of the submissions such as husband getting consent of the first wife before marrying another wife and the issue of marrying in community or out of community of property are already included in the draft Bill.

“We thank the public, religious community, political parties, NGOs and everyone who has contributed to this discussion. We welcome all your valuable inputs,” she said.

Chabane said the committee will continue with the public consultations until all nine provinces are covered before making its decision on the Marriage Bill. She said the Bill aims to consolidate the different marriage laws, which include the Marriage Act, Recognition of Customary Marriages Act and the Civil Union Act, into one inclusive legislation for all types of marriages.

“It will also implement a judgment of the Constitutional Court to recognise Muslims marriages which have been previously excluded from the current legislation,” said Chabane.

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