28 July 2025- A foreign national (33) was arrested by the members of the Visible Policing Unit in Mothibistad on Sunday during Operation Shanela II. The suspect was apprehended after a complainant, who had recently reported a house-breaking and theft incident, spotted the man wearing clothes allegedly stolen from his home at a petrol station in Mothibistad.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the complainant immediately alerted the police, who swiftly responded and arrested the suspect. Kock said subsequent investigations led police to the Magojaneng and Kagung villages, where several stolen items were recovered.
“The complainant was able to positively identify most of the recovered goods as those stolen from his residence in Kuruman. Among the recovered items were a television, refrigerator, washing machine, laptops, cell phones, clothing and other valuables, with an estimated total value of approximately R45 000.
“The suspect has been charged with housebreaking and theft, as well as possession of suspected stolen property. He is expected to appear in the Mothibistad Magistrate’s Court soon,” he said.
Kock further said investigations are ongoing and police are working to determine whether the suspect can be linked to additional cases of housebreaking and theft. He added that more arrests may follow.
“Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Detective Warrant Officer Tshwaro Molete on 082 416 1095, call SAPS Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS App.
“All information will be treated with strict confidentiality. The investigation continues,” said Kock.
Picture: The North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi
By REGINALD KANYANE
28 July 2025- The North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi said she is pleased that they have launched the North West Business Enterprise Database, a strategic initiative designed to profile and support local enterprises in driving inclusive economic growth.
Mosenogi launched the event at Ga-Rona Building in Mahikeng and highlighted the database’s role. She further said it will address historical inequalities and unlock opportunities for Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), youth and women-owned businesses, and rural entrepreneurs.
“Our province has immense economic potential, yet opportunities have not always been accessible to all. This database is a bold step towards levelling the playing field and catalysing inclusive economic transformation.
“The North West Business Enterprise Database will enable the provincial government to build a comprehensive directory of active and dormant enterprises, enhance visibility of local suppliers, and connect businesses to public procurement and private investment opportunities,” said Mosenogi.
She added that while the Central Supplier Database (CSD) remains mandatory for all suppliers doing business with the government, the provincial database complements it by offering province-specific profiling and supporting targeted economic interventions.
“Enterprises can register through three convenient platforms, which are the departmental website, the official NWPT WhatsApp channel, and a QR code distributed during the launch.
“We call on all government departments, municipalities, state agencies and corporate partners to assist businesses in registering, ensuring widespread participation and maximum impact,” said Mosenogi.
She said this initiative reflects their commitment to ensuring that every rand spent by the government delivers tangible benefits to the communities—creating jobs, sustaining livelihoods, and building a more resilient provincial economy.
28 July 2025- The police in Jan Kempdorp said they are investigating a case of murder and attempted murder following a tragic incident at a local shebeen in Ganspan. The police said the preliminary reports indicate that on 27 July 2025, at approximately 3:30am, a group of 14 adult men and women were socialising and drinking around a fire.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said it is alleged that during a temporary power outage, an unknown individual allegedly threw an unidentified object into the fire, resulting in a violent explosion. Kock said all 14 individuals sustained burn injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
“A victim (35) later succumbed to his injuries. The police are appealing to members of the public for assistance in locating the unknown person of interest who may be able to assist in the investigation.
“Anyone with information regarding the incident or the suspect’s whereabouts is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Olebogeng Wesi on 060 976 9070, the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS App,” he said.
Kock further said all information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality. He added that the investigation is ongoing.
28 July 2025- The police in Northern Cape said they have noted with concern several incidents involving motorists falling victim to crime in and around traffic intersections. The police said in response, the police urge the public to implement safety precautions to help ensure the safety of all road users.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said motorists should ensure that their vehicles are in a roadworthy condition before embarking on any journey. Sam said they should keep their fuel tank sufficiently filled at all times.
“Always lock your vehicle doors and keep windows closed. Never leave your vehicle unlocked, even for a short moment. Avoid stopping in isolated or remote areas. Park in well-lit, secure areas and if a stranger approaches while you’re in your vehicle, open your window only slightly (not more than 5cm) for communication.
“If you feel unsafe or suspicious of someone’s behaviour, avoid interaction and drive away. Minimise travel at night. If necessary, travel with someone. If possible, vary your travel route to and from work,” he said.
Sam further said if approached by a suspicious individual while in your car, drive off or sound your horn to attract attention. He added that, if you notice people loitering near your driveway, do not stop.
“Drive past and report it to your nearest police station if they linger. Be aware that hijackers may stage minor accidents to lure you out of your vehicle. If you are bumped from behind and feel unsafe, drive to the nearest police station instead of exiting your vehicle.
“Do not reach for valuables if confronted—leave them behind if forced out of your car. Your life is more valuable than your possessions. Do not resist if the perpetrator is armed,” said Sam.
He said motorists should surrender their vehicle without resistance and move away safely. Sam also encourages people to join a lift club where possible as it can reduce vulnerability to crime.
“Never offer lifts to strangers. Use a gear lock—it’s an affordable and effective anti-theft device. Install a mirror on your garage wall to monitor if someone is following you.
“Ensure your gates are closed before opening your garage doors. Victims are encouraged to report any suspicious or criminal activity to their nearest police station or call the SAPS Crime Stop number at 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS App,” he said.
Sam said all reports will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
28 July 2025- The Department of Water and Sanitation in North West will adopt Ntsweletsoku Primary School in Ntsweletsoku village, near Lehurutshe as part of its Water and Sanitation Education Program (WSEP) to address challenges of water wastage, proper management of toilet facilities, health and hygiene good practices in schools.
The Department, said through its WSEP, has initiated an Adopt-a-School intervention project that targets all schools to address their water and sanitation challenges.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa said Ntsweletsoku Primary School, based in Lehurutse was identified following its long-standing participation in Baswa Le Meetse competitions that are part of the WSEP. Mavasa said some of the activities of the Adopt-a-School initiative will include a clean-up of the school by the participating stakeholders, including parents and community members.
“The Department of Water and Sanitation will be in collaboration with Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality and different stakeholders at the event. The event will be held at Ntsweletsoku Primary School on Wednesday at 9am,” she said.
Setshwantsho: Monna o tshwerwe mabapi le kgetsi ya maiteko a petelelo
Ka KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
28 July 2025- Monna o latofadiwang ka maiteko a petelelo o tshwerwe ke lephata la sepodisi le le batlisisang babelaelwa ba ba tshabelang molao kwa porofenseng ya Kapa Bokone. Go begwa fa monna o wa dingwaga di le 25, a tshwerwe kwa toropong ya Bloemfontein kwa porofenseng ya Free State mo letsatsing la gompieno.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono porofenseng ya Kapa Bokone, Sarasanta Timothy Sam are, mmelaelwa o kgale a ntse a tshabela sepodisi fa e sale ka ngwaga wa 2022. Sam are kgetsi ya maiteko a petelelo ene ya bulwa kwa Barkly West.
“Maloko a lephata la Provincial Tracking Team ba ile ba amogela tshedimosetso mabapi le gore monna o, o kae, mme ba e sala morago. Monna o, o na le dingwaga di le tharo a ntse a tshabela mapodisi, mme o ile a tshwarwa kwa Grassland, Bloemfontein.
“O solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Barkly West mo nakong e e sa fediseng pelo. Sepodisi mono Kapa Bokone se itlamile go neelana ka tshireletsego go baagi, mme se tla dira ka bojotlhe go tshwara bao ba tshabelang molao,” Sam wa tlhalosa.
Sam are baagi ka kakaretso ba rotloediwa go dirisana le sepodisi le go neelana ka tshedimosetso e botlhokwa go ka reba bosenyi. Sam are baagi ba rotloediwa go letsetsa nomoro ya sepodisi ya 08600 10111, kgotsa go ka dirisa MyAPP go ka neelana ka tshedimosetso e botlhokwa mabapi le bosenyi bongwe le bongwe,” Sam wa tlhalosa.
Picture: Former ANCYL Secretary-General, Sindiso Magaqa
By REGINALD KANYANE
28 July 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) Political Killings Task Team has made another breakthrough in the former ANCYL Secretary-General, Sindiso Magaqa murder case with the arrest of the former Municipal Manager of the Umzimkhulu Local Municipality. A suspect (55), was re-arrested today in Malvern, Durban.
The police national spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said he was previously arrested in 2018, alongside the late mayor of the Umzimkhulu Local Municipality, a businessman, two former police officers and a hitman. Mathe said the hitman, Sbusiso Ncengwa, was convicted to 25 years imprisonment on 7 July 2025.
“The former Municipal Manager is expected to appear before the Umzimkhulu Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday,” she said.
28 July 2025- The Gauteng High Court sitting in Pretoria struck the application by Kishene Chetty and others off the roll with costs. This follows their application to consolidate their several cases of fraud, forgery, money laundering and other charges of dishonesty into one, as they argue that the charges in all the cases are similar.
However, the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said Counsel for the NPA’s objected when the legal representatives of Chetty and others attempted to hand in four new lever arch files, which were not provided to the court and the state in preparation for the hearing. Mamothame said the State argued that in law, an applicant can file a supplementary only if they obtain leave to do so from a court, following a substantive application.
“The judge also questioned if it was correct for a criminal matter to be presided on by a civil court. This outcome will provide progress in the cases that Chetty and his co-accused are facing, as they have been postponed pending this ruling.
“Chetty and his co-accused, who include officials from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and private entities, are facing several corruption cases relating to tender fraud within the SAPS,” he said.
28 July 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Dr Zweli Mkhize, has welcomed an investigation into allegations that councillors and other politically connected individuals have been receiving inflated stipends under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in Matjhabeng Local Municipality in the Free State.
This follows the committee’s joint oversight visit to the Free State last week, where 23 municipalities appeared before the joint oversight delegation. The delegation also included some members from Parliament’s Standing Committees on Public Accounts and the Auditor-General, as well as the Free State Provincial Legislature.
Following the committee’s interrogation of the state of Matjhabeng’s finances, the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, announced his decision to suspend EPWP funding to Matjhabeng Local Municipality.
Mkhize said the committee has been aware of the allegations and supports a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder investigation, which combines the efforts of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, the Free State MECs for Finance and COGTA and the Office of the Premier of the Free State. He said during the oversight engagement with Matjhabeng Local Municipality, the committee learned that while the irregular payments involve a limited number of individuals, the complete suspension of EPWP funding will affect hundreds of poor EPWP workers receiving R2 600 per month, many of whom are not implicated in any wrongdoing.
“We have proposed that stipends be suspended only for the implicated individuals until the investigation is completed. We advised against cutting off funding to all EPWP workers, warning that most participants are vulnerable and depend on the small stipend to make ends meet.
“While any abuse of public funds must be met with swift and decisive action, it is critical that investigations are targeted and that innocent beneficiaries are not penalised,” he said.
Mkhize further said they cannot allow the poor to suffer for the misdeeds of a few. He added that those found guilty must face disciplinary and criminal consequences, but the programme itself must continue to serve its intended purpose – to provide short-term work opportunities to the unemployed.
“Although some of the allegations may be driven by politics or confusion about internal staffing, it’s important for the process to be transparent and based on clear evidence and not hearsay. We call for public participation and oversight at the municipal level to be strengthened, stating that communities must be engaged in the design and monitoring of public employment programmes.
“Mayors and municipal managers must regularly consult communities and account for their spending. Citizens must be given avenues to report concerns and submit evidence,” said Mkhize.
He said the committee will request a consolidated report from the minister, the MECs and the Provincial Treasury within three months. Mkhize said the report must include updates on disciplinary action taken, financial recovery efforts and measures to prevent recurrence.
“The findings will be tabled in Parliament for further scrutiny. We reiterate that the Matjhabeng case shows the need for constitutional oversight at all levels. If municipalities fail to perform, provinces must intervene.
“If provinces neglect their oversight duty, the national government must act. That is how the Constitution envisages cooperative governance,” he said.
Mkhize said Matjhabeng provides a chance to set a national example.
“We must act firmly against corruption but fairly. Our fight is not against the EPWP, but against its abuse, and we have to protect the integrity of the system while safeguarding the rights of those it was designed to serve,” he said.
Picture: The National Assembly Speaker, Thoko Didiza
By BAKANG MOKOTO
28 July 2025- The Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, will from 28 to 31 July 2025, attend the 15th Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament and the 6th Conference of Speakers in Geneva, Switzerland. The summit is intended to bring together women in the highest parliamentary decision-making positions to shape the parliamentary agenda based on emerging political, economic, environmental, and social changes that require united and gender-responsive global governance solutions.
It offers a platform for women leaders to network and exchange views and experiences.
Didiza said the summit is taking place during a year of many milestones for the women and girls of the world. She further said the year 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, as well as the ten-year milestone of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The women, peace and security agenda is marking 25 years of existence and is needed even more today than when it was established. The summit will focus on the role of women Speakers in leading for inclusive and lasting peace.
“Meanwhile, the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in close collaboration with the United Nations, will take place from 29 to 31 July 2025 at the Palais des Nations (United Nations Office at Geneva),” added Didiza.
She said the conference aims to provide a unique forum for high-level engagement and dialogue among parliamentary leaders from around the world. Didiza said previous conferences, held every five years, have served as catalysts for shaping and strengthening the parliamentary dimension of global governance, thereby helping to bridge the democracy gap in international affairs.
“This occasion will mark the culmination of two years of work by a Preparatory Committee of approximately 20 Speakers of Parliament from all regions of the world, and it promises to be the largest-ever gathering of its kind.
“In keeping with the IPU’s inclusive approach, it will also feature prominent leaders from other international organizations, academia, civil society organizations, and the media,” she said.
The Guardian 