A major blow over Segapo’s irregular appointment

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Picture: Former Municipal Manager of Naledi Local Municipality

By OBAKENG MAJE

9 March 2026- The beleaguered Naledi Local Municipality in Vryburg is facing yet another significant embarrassment and legal defeat. This comes after the Constitutional Court dismissed the municipality’s leave to appeal the decision of the North West High Court regarding irregular appointment of Modisenyane Segapo as the Municipal Manager.

The municipality took the matter to the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein on 14 November 2025. Yet, it suffered a major humiliation when the SCA dismissed the case. However, defiant municipality took the matter to the highest court in the land, the Constitutional Court, but the leave to appeal was also dismissed on 6 March 2026 with costs.  

The Constitutional Court said it has considered the application for leave to leave and the application for leave to file an affidavit. The ConCourt said although the replying affidavit in part constitutes an impermissible traversal of the answering affidavit, there are some matters in respect of which it would be equitable to permit the third, fourth and fifth applicants to file the affidavit.

“The court has thus decided to permit the filing of the replying affidavit. Regarding leave to appeal, the court has concluded that it would not be in the interests of justice to grant leave to appeal, because the case raises no legal questions or matters of general principle transcending the interests of these particular parties and turns primarily on the facts.

“Leave to appeal must thus be refused with costs, such costs to be paid by the third, fourth and fifth applicants in their personal capacities. Leave to file a replying affidavit is granted. Leave to appeal is refused with costs, such costs to be paid jointly and severally by the third, fourth and fifth applicants in their personal capacities,” it said.

The appeal originates from an urgent application that was initiated by Thabo Appolus, who was serving as a Director of Corporate Services in the Naledi Local Municipality and Lorato Setlhake, Lebogang Jacobs and Vuyiswa Morakile, who were serving as councillors at the municipality.

The urgent application sought the setting aside of Segapo. Among other ancillary relief, the respondents also sought a declaration that the Special Council meeting of 10 March 2023, at which a resolution to appoint Segapo was passed, was unlawful and invalid.

The appointment was Segapo’s third term as Municipal Manager. His initial appointment spanned from 2011 to 2016, followed by a re-appointment on 1 September 2021.

The second tenure was limited to one year. It was terminated by the election of the new council, which legally brought his appointment to an end.

SANCO regional secretary in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Butinyane Moholo said: “We welcome the ConCourt’s decision and this has revealed the truth of the matter. The decision shows that Segapo does not have relevant qualifications to be the Municipal Manager.

“This also proves that what was said at the North West Provincial Legislature’s Ad Hoc Committee regarding Segapo’s qualifications was a lie. So, the municipality must look for the relevant individual who is fit to be a Municipal Manager with relevant qualifications.”

Meanwhile, it is alleged that the municipality has spent over R20 million on this case.

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Maribe o tlhopiwa jaaka meiraya o montsha

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Setshwantsho: Meiyara o montsha Itumeleng Maribe ga mmogo le batshegetsi ba gagwe

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

9 Mopitlwe 2026- Khansele ya masepala o mogolwane wa Taung e tlhopile Itumeleng Maribe jaaka meiyara o montsha ka Laboraro o fetileng kwa ntlo-lehalahala kwa Depot Hall mono Taung. Maribe o ile a tlhopiwa jaaka meiyara morago ga gore meiyara wa nama-o-sa-tshwere, Thandiwe Sebe a itokolole mo tirong morago ga go laelwa jalo ke lekoko la gagwe la ANC.

Maribe are jaaka barongwa pusong go tswa kwa lekokong la ANC, ba amogela thomo nngwe le nngwe e ba e neelwang ke lekoko la gagabo. Are jaanong o amogela go tlhopiwa ga gagwe jaaka meiyara wa masepala o mogolwane wa Taung ka matsogo a le mabedi.

“Maikemisetso a rona ke go dira ka natla gore baagi ba bona thebolo ya ditirelo. O tla gopola gore lefapha le ke ntseng ke le neilwe jaaka mokhuduthamaga wa leloko la kantoro ya ga meiyara la mafaratlhatlha, re ntse re dira bontle mo go lone.

“Se segolo mo go sengwe le sengwe ke go buisana le baagi le go tlhaloganya dingongorego tsa bone. Bontsi jwa dilelo tsa baagi ke gore ga gona puisano magareng ga masepala le bone. Bontsi jwa nako re tla be re ya kwa imbizo, mme baagi ba rona ba be ba tlhagisa dingongorego tsa bone mabapi le thebolo e bokoa ya ditirelo,” Maribe wa tlhalosa.

Maribe are dikgwetlho tse dingwe ditlhoka mafapha a farologaneng. Maribe are ke ka moo ba tlileng go netefatsa fa go nna le tirisano-mmogo magareng ga masepala le mafapha a farologaneng.

“Re tsweletse go tla ka toga-maano le go buisana le mafapha a farologaneng go nna teng fa baagi ba tlhagisa matshwenyego a bone,” Maribe wa tlhalosa.

Molekgotlha wa lekoko la Patriotic Alliance (PA) kwa masepaleng, Mmoni Letele are: “O tla gopola gore lekoko la ANC ke lone le le nang le bontsi jwa balekgotlha kwa khanseleng. Jaanong ga ke bone gore sengwe le sengwe se ke tla se buang se tla dira phapang. Fela, re amogela go tlhopiwa ga ga Maribe, gonne o makgetlhonyana a nna meiyara wa nama-o-sa-tshwere fa meiyara wa maloba, Tumisang Gaoraelwe a seo.”

Fela molekgotlha wa lekoko la Democratic Alliance (DA) kwa masepaleng o, Sam Nape, are Maribe o tletse metshameko, mme ga tseye tlhopo ya gagwe tsia. Nape gape o latofatsa lekoko la ANC ka go tshameka dipolotiki tsa dikampa ka matshelo a baagi ba Taung.

“Ke metlae fela, ga mmogo le ditshwetso tsa lekoko la ANC. Go bua nnete, thebolo ya ditirelo ga se e e jesang diwela, fela go fetolwa di meiraya, gonne go batliwa go dira bogwene-gonwe,” Nape wa tlhalosa.

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A man nabbed for illegal mining

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Picture: A man nabbed for alleged illegal mining/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

9 March 2026- A man (55) was arrested for alleged illegal mining and for violation of immigration laws at an abandoned mine outside Windsorton. The suspect was arrested by the multi-disciplinary teams executing Operation Vala Umgodi in the Frances Baard District on 6 March 2026.  

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the police conducted disruptive actions in the targeted mining hotspot area, leading to the discovery of illegal mining activities. Shemane said upon police approaching the area, the suspect was observed to be actively engaging in illegal mining activities.

“He attempted to flee, but was successfully apprehended by the police. Numerous equipment and tools believed to be used in the commission of illegal mining activities were confiscated from the arrested suspect.

“The suspect will appear in court soon. The Kuruman Public Order Police (POP), De Aar Public Order Police (POP), Springbok Public Order Police (POP), Provincial Detectives, and Welkom Tactical Response Team (TRT), executing duties under the auspices of Operation Vala Umgodi, will continue with efforts in the fight against illicit mining activities in the Frances Baard District,” he said.

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‘Residents continue to grapple with illegal mining’ 

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Picture: Illegal mining in Bapong village 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

8 March 2026- The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in North West alleged that the residents of Bapong, near Brits continue to grapple with ongoing illegal mining activities, despite promises made by the acting Minister of Police, Prof Firoz Cachalia and the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi to assist them. EFF said the people of Bapong have been living under siege by illegal miners, commonly known as zama-zamas, who operate with impunity in their community. 

The EFF Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Promise Sonti said these criminal syndicates have not only invaded land and mining areas unlawfully, but they have also brought with them violence, intimidation, environmental destruction and constant fear. Sonti said the community has repeatedly raised concerns about shootings, turf wars, damage to infrastructure, and the erosion of law and order in the area.

“What makes this matter even more concerning is that this crisis has already received high-level attention. The Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, together with the MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, visited Bapong village and engaged with the community. 

“During that visit, commitments were made and plans were said to be in place to decisively deal with illegal mining in the area. However, it now appears that those plans were left with the MEC when he left the village, because the situation on the ground remains unchanged,” she said. 

Sonti further said the zama-zamas continue to operate freely. She added that the residents of Bapong continue to live in fear. 

“The visible policing and promised interventions have either collapsed or were never fully implemented. The state cannot continue to conduct oversight visits for cameras and headlines while failing to deliver real, sustained action that protects communities.

“The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi also assured the community that solutions to their challenges would soon be found. Yet today, the people of Bapong are still waiting. There is no permanent deployment strategy, no visible dismantling of illegal mining networks, and no long-term safety plan that restores confidence in law enforcement,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mokgosi said: “We fully agree with the Honourable member that illegal mining in Bapong in particular, has been going on for some time. We would also agree that mining in this country is not the competence of the provincial government.

“However, because the residents belong to the North West, myself and the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, we have been to that area on more than one occasion. The acting Minister of Police and national Commissioner have also visited the area.”

Mokgosi said there is a Special Task Team established to deal with illegal mining and some big machinery and equipment have been confiscated during the raid. He said the police are also making sporadic unannounced patrols.

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ATM bombing foiled, seven suspects nabbed 

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Picture: Suspects nabbed for alleged ATM bombing attempts/Supplied  

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

8 March 2026- On Tuesday morning, the members of the Special Task Force (STF), Hawks’ Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS) and other role players, arrested seven suspects aged between 30 and 58 in Klerksdorp, who were planning to bomb an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) in Klerksdorp CBD. Their arrest follows a tip-off received by the Hawks’ Tactical Operations Management Section about a planned ATM bombing in Klerksdorp. 

The Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale said the members acted swiftly and arrested the suspects before committing the crime. Mogale said one rifle, one pistol and explosives were recovered. 

“The suspects will be charged with possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, conspiracy to commit crime and possession of suspected stolen motor vehicles. They will appear in the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court soon,” she said. 

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EFF brings intervention amid water crisis 

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Picture: EFF members hand over two JoJo tanks to residents/Supplied  

By AGISANANG SCUFF 

8 March 2026- The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the North West said it will continue to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to improving the lives of the people through practical interventions that restore dignity to communities. EFF said following persistent engagement and advocacy, it successfully intervened in the ongoing water crisis affecting residents of ward 12 in Taung.

EFF Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Amogelang Matuane said as part of this intervention, the leadership engaged relevant stakeholders and ensured that the community received two JoJo water tanks with a combined capacity of 20 000 litres, which will assist residents who have endured prolonged water shortages. Matuane said this intervention forms part of the EFF’s continued commitment to ensuring that communities have access to basic services such as clean and reliable water. 

“Access to water is a fundamental human right. So, it cannot be acceptable that communities in rural areas continue to suffer, while municipalities fail to provide sustainable solutions. The EFF leadership, together with community members, oversaw the installation of the water tanks and ensured that the necessary connections were put in place so that residents can begin benefiting immediately.

“While this intervention provides temporary relief, the EFF remains firm in its call for a permanent and sustainable water supply solution for the people of Taung and surrounding villages. The ongoing water crisis reflects deeper failures in planning, maintenance, and infrastructure investment, which must be urgently addressed,” she said.

Matuane further said they will continue to stand side-by-side with the community of Taung, holding those responsible accountable while advocating for long-term solutions that guarantee water security and dignity for all.

Meanwhile, the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said Operation Bulela Metsi remains a critical initiative to fast-track and bolster our efforts of ensuring equitable access to this precious resource. Mokgosi said to date, they have spent close to R300m for water and sanitation projects in Maquassi Hills and the villages of Segakwaneng, Manamakgotheng, Pahalane, Makoshong in Moretele Local Municipality, as well as Kokomeng,

Khudutlou, Molelema and Longaneng in Taung. 

“An additional R1 billion has been set aside for ongoing bulk water

supply projects in Madibeng, Ratlou, Mahikeng and Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipalities,” he said.

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A man jailed for raping another man 

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

8 March 2026- A man (47) was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court for rape. The accused, Neil Klein from Cape Town, was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for the rape of a man (32) and five years’ imprisonment for the attempted rape of a man (43). 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said Klein was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. Mahanjana said Klein and both victims were residing at a shelter in Akasia at the time of the incidents. 

“On 9 July 2023, a victim (43) went to the shelter’s bathroom, where he encountered Klein. Klein threatened the victim, locked the door, and undressed himself. However, the incident was interrupted when someone knocked on the door. 

“Four months later, on 5 November 2023, a victim (32) also went to the bathroom, where he encountered Klein. Klein threatened him, instructed him to undress and proceeded to rape him by penetrating his anus,” she said. 

Mahanjana further said after the assault, Klein left the victim in the bathroom. She added that immediately after the incident, a victim reported the matter to a woman who worked as a cook at the shelter. 

“Upon hearing about the incident, the victim (43) also disclosed what had happened to him. The matter was reported to the police on the same day, and Klein was arrested at the shelter the following day. 

“In court, Klein pleaded not guilty, claiming that a victim (43) had falsely accused him because he owed him money. However, the state prosecutor, Advocate Given Twala, presented compelling evidence, including testimony from both victims, which proved Klein’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt,” said Mahanjana.

She said during sentencing proceedings, Klein, through his legal representative, asked the court to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentence, citing his difficult upbringing, limited education due to epilepsy and his circumstances of living on the streets of Pretoria Central before being accommodated at the shelter. Mahanjana said, however, Twala argued that Klein had committed very serious offences and showed no remorse, as he continued to plead not guilty despite overwhelming evidence. 

“He further submitted that Klein’s previous convictions for attempted rape and indecent assault had not deterred him from committing similar offences. 

“Twala also highlighted that Klein had targeted vulnerable men who were trying to rebuild their lives while staying at the shelter, forcing them to relive traumatic experiences by testifying about sexual assault committed by another man,” she said.

Mahanjana said the state, therefore, argued that no substantial and compelling circumstances existed to justify deviating from the prescribed minimum sentence. 

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DEDECT to expand consumer awareness campaign

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Picture: The North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane with Head of Department, Relebohile Mofokane/Supplied  

By REGINALD KANYANE 

8 March 2026- The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane said consumers across the province continue to face challenges, particularly with second-hand motor vehicles that are sold with hidden mechanical defects, undisclosed histories or faults that only become apparent shortly after purchase. Lenkopane said these practices leave many consumers with unexpected repair costs, ongoing financial burdens and unnecessary hardship. 

She further said as a government, it is their responsibility to ensure that businesses operate fairly and that consumers are protected from unfair and unjust trade practices. Lenkopane added that the North West Provincial Consumer Affairs Court continues to play a critical role, which continues to provide relief to consumers through dispute resolution, mediation and the enforcement of consumer protection legislation.

“There was a recent case where the court ruled in favour of a consumer, who had purchased a defective motor vehicle. Following an investigation and mediation process by the Consumer Affairs Office, the court ordered that the sale agreement be cancelled and that the consumer be refunded the purchase price.

“This case demonstrates that the Consumer Affairs Court remains a vital platform for justice, ensuring that suppliers are held accountable and that consumers receive redress when their rights are violated,” she said.  

Lenkopane said her department will intensify compliance inspections in the motor industry through collaborative efforts with stakeholders, including SAPS, MIOSA and other national regulators, to ensure that dealerships comply with consumer protection legislation and that unsafe or defective vehicles are not sold to communities. She said in addition to enforcement efforts, DEDECT will continue to expand consumer education and awareness campaigns across the province, particularly targeting vulnerable and rural communities, to ensure that consumers are informed about their rights and the mechanisms available to report unfair practices.

“Consumers are also urged to exercise responsible consumer behaviour by reading and understanding contractual agreements before signing and by reporting defective goods within the six-month statutory period provided for in the Consumer Protection Act.

“A progress made in advancing consumer rights, promoting consumer confidence and fostering a culture of responsible consumer behaviour. This year’s celebration is held

under the theme: “Consumers’ Right to Receive Goods that are Free from Defects,” said Lenkopane.

She said the province is placing particular focus on challenges faced by consumers in motor vehicle transactions, especially in the purchase of second-hand vehicles. Lenkopane said it is important to educate consumers about their rights and responsibilities when purchasing goods or entering into contractual agreements.

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‘Liquidation of Ekapa Mining a disaster’ 

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Picture: Ekapa Mining office/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE 

8 March 2026- The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) said it continues to demand that the immediate and overriding priority for the shareholders and the leadership of Ekapa Mining, a diamond mine operating in Kimberley, Northern Cape to do everything humanly possible to retrieve the bodies of the workers who were trapped underground following the recent mudslide. NUMSA said it is deeply dismayed by the liquidation announcement by Ekapa Mining. 

NUMSA General Secretary, Irvin Jim said this decision comes before the retrieval of the bodies of the five workers who remain trapped underground. Jim said such an action is profoundly insensitive to the grieving families of the deceased and demonstrates a callous disregard for the broader workforce of approximately 1200 employees whose livelihoods now hang in the balance.

“The union regards this announcement as an inhumane and reckless attack on workers. The decision to pursue liquidation was taken without meaningful engagement with NUMSA or with the government. 

“This is particularly disturbing given the existing hardships faced by workers at Ekapa Mining. Over 300 workers have already been subjected to layoffs, and for the past five months workers of Ekapa Mining have not received their salaries,” he said. 

Jim further said workers did not receive their February 2026 salaries, which were due on 25 February 2026. He added that the families of the trapped workers, who are now presumed deceased, have not received any financial support from the company during this devastating period.

“NUMSA notes with serious concern that Ekapa Mining has applied for an interim liquidation order on an ex parte basis. It is the union’s considered position that Business Rescue proceedings would be a far more appropriate and responsible mechanism to safeguard the interests of all stakeholders, particularly workers. 

“NUMSA has formally engaged the company’s legal representatives, proposing that Ekapa opt for Business Rescue instead of liquidation. Unfortunately, this proposal was rejected,” said Jim. 

He said despite this rejection, NUMSA is continuing to engage with relevant stakeholders and is exploring all legal avenues available to protect its members at Ekapa, inclusive of the families of the five workers who are now presumed deceased, to ensure that fairness prevails and that workers are not left destitute. Jim said they reserve their rights and the rights of their members in terms of the law and they may have no option, but to initiate Business Rescue proceedings itself in the best interests of job security of all workers at Ekapa.

On Wednesday, the Northern Cape High Court sitting in Kimberley, gave the mine an order to a provisional liquidation pending a final decision on 17 April 2026. 

The Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul said: “The provision liquidation decision is a serious setback. It is a tragedy on top of a tragedy. We are now sitting with five workers trapped in the mud in a shaft at the mine. 

“We are also having 1100 workers who have been thrown in the streets, unemployed. They do not know where their next meal will come from, which means this is a tragedy on top of another tragedy.” 

Saul said his government will give each miner a R3000 voucher and R10 000 each to the families of trapped miners. 

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Former ANC MP, Vincent Smith jailed!

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Picture: Former ANC MP, Vincent Smith

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

8 March 2026- The former ANC Member of Parliament (MP), Vincent Smith was sentenced to seven years imprisonment by the Johannesburg High Court after reaching a plea and sentence agreement with the state. Judge Mohamed Ismail presided over the matter and accepted the plea and sentence agreement in terms of Sec 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act, as presented by the state and confirmed by Smith on record. 

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said Ismail remarked on the considerations he had to make, especially that the accused was a lawmaker entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that the laws of the country are upheld. Mamothame said he described corruption as a scourge that has reached alarming levels, and needs to be addressed decisively. 

“Smith pleaded guilty to charges that include the Contravening Section 7 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004 (PRECCA), fraud, money laundering and the Contravention of the Tax Act. 

“He was subsequently sentenced to 12 years on each of the counts, with each suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit similar offences during the suspension period. Smith will effectively spend seven years in prison for his actions,” he said. 

Mamothame further said the conviction relates to the corruption and fraud charges in his personal capacity, as well as in his capacity as a sole director and shareholder of Euroblitz 48, to which he failed to disclosed to the Registrar of parliamentary members’ interest, the gratification that he received from BOSASA, pursuant to the corrupt activities with which he, Euroblitz 48 and Agrizzi were charged for. He added that Smith further failed to disclose the taxable income of Euroblitz between March 2009 and July 2018, totalling to approximately R28 million. 

“Charges against Euroblitz were however withdrawn. The NPA’s IDAC remains committed to ensuring that state capture matters are dealt with and that the courts hold those accountable for their alleged criminality,” said Mamothame. 

Meanwhile, the National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Andy Mothibi said: “In as much as the trial took longer than anticipated to be finalized, the wheels of justice finally got in motion and the rule of law upheld. 

“I commend the prosecution team involved in the matter.”

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