24 July 2025- A man (41) was found guilty by the Gauteng High Court sitting in Johannesburg, for murder of his former girlfriend, Thembekile Letlape. The accused, Sibusiso Zitha who is affectionately known as The Pastry Chef pleaded guilty to the charge and was accordingly found guilty as charged.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Phindi Mjonondwane said the matter has been postponed to 28 August 2025, for the compilation of a pre-sentence report, following a request by the defence. Mjonondwane said Letlape and Zitha had been in a domestic relationship and lived together in Fourways.
“On 30 May 2024, during an argument while Letlape was preparing food in their home, Zitha violently attacked her. In the presence of his 10-year-old daughter, who was watching a movie at the time, the accused took multiple knives and stabbed the victim several times in her face and chest. She succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
“The NPA welcomes the guilty plea and conviction. We are confident that, after hearing all sentencing submissions, the court will impose a punishment befitting the brutality and tragic nature of this crime,” she said.
24 July 2025- The Deputy President, Paul Mashatile said the inaugural Global SME Ministerial Meeting could not have come at a better time. Mashatile said as they do draw to a close, he could say the discussions and exchanges held in recent days have been filled with pride and optimism, as they highlight their shared commitment to enhancing access to finance, promoting digital transformation and promoting green transitions in the SME sector.
He said the discussions have further demonstrated the potential for collaboration and shared goals to unlock significant opportunities for SMEs globally. Mashatile said in this sense, they are grateful to see the UN expanding its efforts and collaborating with the South African government to foster multilateral cooperation.
“This relationship is critical in this challenging period of abrupt shifts towards unilateralism, which jeopardise the sustainability of our respective countries and the world. I am also impressed by the Call to Action for this Global SME Ministerial Meeting.
“It reaffirms support for critical multilateral initiatives, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, the Declaration on Future Generations, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and the Group of Twenty,” he said.
Mashatile further said South Africa is hosting the G20 Presidency under the theme of Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability, aiming to champion developmental issues in the Global South, particularly Africa. He added that as they approach the G20 Summit, this forum has been essential in bringing together a number of ministers and deputy ministers from the continent and the Global South to exchange perspectives.
“We have heard your voices and will ensure that we champion the issues you have raised in the broader G20 processes and the G20 Leaders Summit in November. I am pleased that our G20 Startup Engagement Group’s Mid-Term Meeting happened on the side-lines of this Ministerial Meeting, which allowed for cross-pollination of ideas and propositions.
“I know Minister Ndabeni is championing the establishment of a dedicated G20 Working Group on small business and start-ups, an idea which started under Brazil’s Presidency. This Ministerial meeting has given this initiative the momentum it needs,” said Mashatile.
He said he was also pleased to see that a meeting of Trade Promotion Organisations from around the world happened also alongside this Global SME Ministerial Meeting to discuss the impact on trends of trade protectionism and the disruption of global supply chains. Mashatile said practical measures were discussed to share trade intelligence, build greater resilience in our MSMEs, and transition to new markets and possibilities.
“As Governments, we need to step up. This means we must enhance our capabilities to strengthen trade and economic diplomacy, allowing ourselves to engage more effectively in both bilateral and multilateral trade agreements.
“As South Africa, we are strengthening regional trade through the Southern African Customs Union, the Southern African Development Community, and the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement,” he said.
24 July 2025- A man (29) was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment by the Prieska Regional Court for attempted murder. On 9 November 2024, Warren Visser approached the mother of his child, while she was seated with friends and verbally abused her. Visser proceeded to physically assault her by slapping and stabbing her.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said as the result of the attack, the victim sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized for nearly a month. Sam said she is now partially paralysed and reliant on a wheelchair.
“Visser pleaded guilty to attempted murder and was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Pixley Ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, applauded the collaborative efforts of the investigation and prosecution teams. Mtukushe commended Detective Constable Boipelo Polelo from the Prieska Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, and the state prosecutor, advocate Cornelia Deetlef for their thorough investigation and effective presentation of the case, which led to a successful conviction.
24 July 2025- The National Consumer Commission (NCC) said it hereby informs consumers about the recall of the Jaguar E-PACE as notified by the supplier. The NCC said Jaguar Land Rover Limited informed them that, they are recalling the 2021 to 2024 Jaguar E-PACE models due to an issue with the passenger airbag.
The NCC spokesperson, Phetho Ntaba said according to the supplier, the airbag may tear during deployment due to improper folding during the assembly process. Ntaba said a torn airbag may reduce occupant protection and increase the risk of injury in a crash.
“Additionally, a torn airbag could allow hot gases to escape, potentially causing burns to occupants. Affected consumers are urged to immediately contact the nearest authorised dealership of these motor vehicles to have the module and associated components replaced at no charge,” she said.
24 July 2025- The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) has announced its newly-elected governing committee, following its recent Annual General Meeting on 3 July 2025. SAPVIA said its committee blends continuity and innovation, with outgoing Treasurer, Advocate Mtho Xulu, being elected as the new Chairperson, supported by the returning Deputy Chairperson, De Villiers Botha and new Treasurer, Nicola Cencelli.
SAPVIA CEO Dr Rethabile Melamu, said the communications team remains under the guidance of Spokesperson, Frank Spencer, with Antje Klauss-Vorreiter and Jonathan Frick, serving as Deputy Spokespersons.
“The association also acknowledges the continued contributions of returning governing committee members whose experience ensures institutional stability. View all governing committee members here: Governing Team – SAPVIA.
“The Board welcomes Mike Mangnall, MD of PNE, strengthening its 10-member team of Solar PV experts representing developers, manufacturers, financiers, and policymakers.
“They assume responsibility at a pivotal moment for South Africa’s energy sector, as solar power is poised to play an increasingly central role in the national energy mix,” said Melamu.
She further said under this new leadership, SAPVIA is positioned to not only maintain, but accelerate its critical work in advancing South Africa’s solar revolution. Melamu added that, they are confident that their collective expertise, energy and will drive transformative progress in our sector.
Xulu said: “Having served as Treasurer, I understand both the economic and strategic priorities of our industry. As Chairperson, I am committed to ensuring SAPVIA leads the charge in policy advocacy, skills development, and industry transformation to unlock solar energy’s full potential.”
Meanwhile, Norman Moyo, concluded his term as Chairperson having established SAPVIA as the preeminent voice of South Africa’s solar industry. During his tenure, the association achieved exponential membership growth, played a pivotal role in shaping national Solar PV policy and implemented transformative skills development programs.
24 July 2025- The Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) said it has reached the final stages of its 2023 Municipal Outer Boundary process. The MDB said 13 cases, which were previously deferred to allow for in-depth research and broad consultations, have now been thoroughly reviewed.
The MDB spokesperson, Barileng Dichabe said a final decision on these 13 cases is expected when the Board reconvene at the end of July 2025. Dichabe said, if the Board resolves to proceed with the re-determination of boundaries, the municipal boundary process will be concluded no later than September 2025.
“Subsequently, the ward configuration process required to align with any updated municipal boundaries is expected to be finalised by December 2025,” he said.
Picture: Illicit cigarettes seized by the police/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
July 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Springbok in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies conducted a multi-disciplinary, intelligence-driven operation on 24 July 2025, at a retail store at the Petrus Kotze Centre in Port Nolloth, resulting in the seizure of illicit tobacco products.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said during a compliance inspection, members found a significant quantity of illicit tobacco products with an estimated value of R240 333. Magerman said a Pakistani national (28), was issued with a warning and summoned for further investigation by Customs officials from Vioolsdrift.
“The suspect is facing charges of possession of illicit tobacco,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews commended the joint efforts by the Springbok SAPS Task Team, Customs, Springbok and Crime Intelligence. Andrews also cited that the selling, storing and peddling of any illicit products in the district will not be tolerated.
“Compliance inspections will be intensified in the quest to dismantle these activities and the sale of such items,” he said.
Picture: close-up of man holding knife smeared with blood and still dripping
By AGISANANG SCUFF
24 July 2025- A former boyfriend (35) was sentenced to five years imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court for assaulting his ex-girlfriend. On 28 October 2024, the accused, Lerato Ratikane, approached the victim and requested her to accompany him to his shack in Lethabo Park, Roodepan.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the victim refused as she had a protection order against him. Sam said in response, Ratikane became aggressive, produced a knife and stabbed her multiple times.
“She lost consciousness and later regained it while being treated in hospital. Ratikane was found guilty of assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and sentenced accordingly.
“He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
The Frances Baard District Police Commissioner, Major General Charlotte Makgari, commended the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Daniel Satisfied of the Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, for his diligence and commitment in securing the conviction.
24 July 2025- The North West University (NWU) principal and vice chancellor, Professor Bismark Tyobeka, has lauded the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi’s announcement that plans are in place to add to the country’s ten academic hospitals. This comes after Motsoaledi made the announcement during his budget vote presentation to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Tuesday.
Tyobeka further said Motsoaledi highlighted that, there are currently no academic hospitals in the North West, Mpumalanga or the Northern Cape, and although proposed projects in these regions are in the preliminary stages of development. He added that the NWU is in the advanced stage of constructing the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine.
“Aligning this project with the proposed academic hospital in the North West would greatly benefit the citizens of the province. The first intake of NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine students is scheduled for 2028.
“South Africa faces many healthcare challenges and it is heartening to see that the public healthcare system on which almost 90% of South Africans rely, is a high government priority,” said Tyobeka.
He said, but more than a priority, healthcare is a promise to the citizens that they must keep. Tyobeka said, therefore, he is elated by the Minister’s pronouncement regarding plans in the pipeline to establish additional academic hospitals, one of which is earmarked for the North West.
“This development strongly supports our NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine, which is presently under construction. Whilst not wishing to pre-empt any formal decisions, we are hopeful that the government will strategically locate this hospital in Mahikeng or within the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, in close proximity to our NWU Mahikeng Campus.
“Such a move would significantly enhance the university’s capacity to broaden the footprint of our NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine beyond the Kenneth Kaunda District, thereby improving equitable access to high-calibre healthcare professionals and clinical expertise across the province,” he said.
Tyobeka said the integration of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine with a future academic hospital in the North West holds immense promise not only for advancing medical education, but also for transforming healthcare access and outcomes in the province.
Meanwhile, Motsoaledi said they wish to add three new central hospitals in provinces, where they never existed before such as Mpumalanga Academic Hospital, North West Academic Hospital and Northern Cape Academic Hospital. He said these three are still in very early planning stages.
“Their entry into the health network will ramp up our academic hospitals from ten to fourteen. The extreme overcrowding in our public health facilities is caused by rapid population growth and rapid urbanisation.
“Please, remember that the public health system is utilised by 86% of South Africa’s population, including individuals from neighbouring countries. We have clear evidence of this in the Eastern Cape with repeated problems at Dora Nginza Hospital in Qqeberha,” said Motsoaledi.
He said their analysis of Dora Nginza hospital – also analysed by the Public Protector – concluded that the perennial problem can only be solved by building additional district hospitals.
24 July 2025- Two men aged (33) 25 were sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Prieska Regional Court, for robbery with a weapon other than a firearm. The conviction follows the collaborative efforts of the prosecution, led by advocate Cornelia Deetlef and the investigation team under Detective Constable Dawie Visser.
The incident occurred in Prieska on 26 April 2024.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the accused persons, Jan Van Rooi and 25-year-old Raymond Steenkamp unlawfully entered the victim’s tuck-shop, while he was asleep. Sam said they woke him up, threatened him with a knife and robbed him of his cell phone and an undisclosed amount of cash.
“The court found both accused guilty of robbery with aggravating circumstances and declared them unfit to possess firearms. The South African Police Service remains committed to ensuring that those who threaten the safety and security of our communities are brought to justice.
“The public is urged to report criminal activities without delay,” he said.
The Guardian 