Picture: The copper cables seized by the police/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
22 April 2025– Two foreign nationals, a Malawian and a Zimbabwean, were arrested for possession of suspected stolen cables. The accused, Robert Gurupira (26) and Moffat Pamgani (26), were arrested during an intelligence-driven, collaborative effort by Klerkskraal police, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Operational Command Centre, Crime Intelligence Overt team and West Rand Flying Squad, intercepted a truck, loaded with 1.5 ton of suspected stolen aluminium cable on Tuesday at around 5am.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said the suspects were arrested after failing to account for the property in their possession. Manyoba said the street value of the cables is estimated at R134 000.
“Furthermore, police seized a white Tata truck valued at R150 000. The duo appeared before the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court on 16 April 2025. Gurupira and Pamgani, were remanded in custody until 22 April 2025, for a formal bail application,” she said.
Picture: The firearm and ammunition seized by the police/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
22 April 2025– Three suspects aged 53, 46 and 47, were arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition and business robbery. This comes after the Rustenburg and Phokeng Public Order Police (POP), were activated after a tip-off regarding a blue Hyundai Accent with three occupants allegedly involved in a business robbery in the Ventersdorp area.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said the information was operationalized, leading the team to the R30 road between Derby and Rustenburg. Manyoba said the team spotted and intercepted a blue Hyundai Accent and pulled it over.
“During the search of the vehicle, police recovered a pistol, with ammunition that the occupants could not account for. Additionally, cash and cellular phones were also found in their possession.
“Initial investigations revealed that the trio, driving a blue Hyundai Accent, allegedly stopped at a tuck shop earlier the same day in Goedgevonden, near Ventersdorp at around 12:30 midday,” she said.
Manyoba said two men allegedly approached the business owner and requested to buy cigarettes, whilst the female suspect remained in the vehicle. She said it was reported that the shop owner was allegedly pointed with a firearm and robbed of the cash, as well as his cellular phone, before the suspects sped off.
“The three suspects will appear before the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court on 22 April 2025. Investigation into the matter continues,” said Manyoba.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, congratulated members for effective communication when executing their duties. Asaneng said police will continue the fight against the proliferation of illegal weapons and ammunition in society, which is the key factor in perpetuating crime.
22 Moranang 2025- Masepala wa selegae wa Mamausa, o itsise baagi ba one ka kgaogo ya motlakase. Masepala o tlhalositse fa se, se tlhodilwe ke go kgaogo ga thapo ya motlakase kwa Wolmaranstad.
Sebueledi sa masepala, Tebogo Mooketsi are masepala wa bone fa e sale o itemogela kgaogo ya motlakase go tloga ka ura ya boraro mo mosong. Mooketsi are ga jaana, badiri ba setheo se se rebolang motlakase sa Eskom, ba semeletse le go baakanya thapo eo.
“Badiri ba kwa Eskom ba semeletse, mme tiego e tlholwa ke lefatshe le le kolobileng morago ga dipula. Jaanong, go ka tsaya nakonyana pele ga ba konosetsa tiro ya bone. Ka ga jalo, re ikuela go baagi go nona pelo ka mathe, mme re tshepa fa ba tla bona motlakase pele ga letsatsi la gompieno le tikela.
“Mongwe le mongwe o a ka tswang a na le go sa tlhaloganye kgotsa dipotso, a ka ntetsetsa mo dinomorong tsa 0780270876 go ka atlhatlha ntlha e go ya pele,” Mooketsi wa tlhalosa.
Picture: The fugitive ECG leader, Shepherd Bushiri and MKP Secretary-General, Floyd Shivambu
By OBAKENG MAJE
22 April 2025- The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development has noted with grave concern the recent visit by uMkhonto weSizwe Party leader, Floyd Shivambu, to Malawi, where he was seen in the company of Shepherd Bushiri, a fugitive who fled South Africa in 2020, while facing serious charges, including rape and fraud. The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi said uMkhonto weSizwe Party is a political party represented in the Parliament of South Africa.
She further alleged that the Bushiris’ unlawful departure from South Africa constituted a direct violation of their bail conditions and prompted an official extradition request to the Malawian government. Kubayi added that, in March 2025, a Malawian court ruled in favour of extraditing the couple to South Africa to face justice.
“So, we strongly condemn Shivambu’s conduct, describing his association with Bushiri as a blatant act of disrespect toward South Africa’s legal system. We caution that such behaviour by a political leader not only undermines the credibility of the judiciary, but also diminishes the gravity of the charges against Bushiri, sending a dangerous message to the public and to victims of crime.
“Shivambu’s actions erode public trust in the justice system and embolden those who believe they can escape accountability. No one, regardless of status or position, is above the law,” she said.
Kubayi said political leaders have a responsibility to uphold the rule of law, not fraternise with fugitives. She urges all public representatives to work in partnership with law enforcement authorities to safeguard the country from those who violate the law.
“As a party represented in the Parliament of South Africa, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party has a duty to uphold justice and respect the integrity of South Africa’s legal processes,” said Kubayi.
Meanwhile, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela said: “We wish to categorically distance ourselves from the recent visit of our Secretary-General, Floyd Shivambu to the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) church led by self-proclaimed prophet, Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi.
“We wish to make it unequivocally clear that the visit was not sanctioned, endorsed or initiated by the leadership or any official structure of the MKP. Shivambu undertook this visit in his personal capacity and without the mandate of the party.”
Ndhlela said the uMkhonto weSizwe Party upholds the rule of law and maintains a zero tolerance stance on criminality in all its forms. He said when in an unprecedented case, former president Jacob Zuma, was sent to prison without a trial under Roman Dutch Law, he did not flee from justice, but was incarcerated and served his time, even though it was a miscarriage of justice and a violation of his human rights.
“We remain firmly opposed to any association with individuals who are fugitives from justice. Our values are rooted in integrity, justice and accountability and we reject any actions that comprise the reputation and ethical standing of our movement.
“Furthermore, the MKP strongly condemns all forms of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the exploitation of vulnerable communities, especially innocent Christian believers, by individuals who manipulate faith for personal enrichment or to evade justice,” said Ndhlela.
He said their party stands with the victims of such exploitation and will never align itself with those who use religion as a shield to defraud, abuse or mislead the public. Ndhlela said they reiterate their commitment to ethical leadership and the principles of justice and they call on all members and representatives of the MKP to act in a manner that reflects the highest standards of responsibility and accountability
Picture: The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
21 April 2025- The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, will on Tuesday, engage stakeholders in Taung, North West, as part of Freedom Month Outreach Programme. Morolong’s visit to Taung forms part of a series of provincial engagements that he is undertaking aimed at strengthening government’s relationship with stakeholders, enhancing service delivery and promoting active citizen participation in democratic governance.
Morolong spokesperson, Gapi Moleme said he will take this opportunity to engage stakeholders on the importance of the Expropriation Act, BELA Act, NHI Act and Public Procurement Act. Moleme said Morolong will pay a courtesy visit to the Chief of Batlhaping Baga-Phuduhucwana Tribal Authority, Kgosi Tshepo Mankuroane, ahead of his Freedom Month activities at Taung Depot Hall.
21 April 2025- The ANC has joined millions of people across the world in mourning the passing of the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis who died at the age of 88. The former liberation party said it extends its heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community, the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church and all those who were inspired by his life of service, humility and unwavering moral leadership.
ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said Francis will be remembered not only as the head of the Catholic Church, but as a revolutionary spiritual force, who spoke to the conscience of humanity. Bhengu-Motsiri said throughout his papacy, he embodied the values of compassion, justice and solidarity with the poor—values that resonate deeply with their own liberation tradition and the founding ethos of the ANC.
“From the Vatican to the furthest margins of society, Francis walked with the excluded, spoke for the voiceless and challenged the powerful to put humanity above greed.
“His prophetic voice called for the dismantling of systems that entrench poverty, inequality, war, and environmental destruction. In doing so, he reaffirmed the dignity of all people, particularly those in the Global South,” she said.
Bhengu-Motsiri further said they recall with profound appreciation his consistent message of hope to the peoples of Africa. She added that Francis never tired of calling for peace, for good governance and for economic justice on our continent.
“He encouraged dialogue over division, reconciliation over revenge, and solidarity over selfishness. His deep concern for Africa was not one of charity but of genuine brotherhood rooted in Ubuntu—the recognition that our humanity is bound together.
“In the face of a fractured world, Francis stood as a bridge-builder. He reached across religious, political and cultural divides, reminding us all of the sacred duty to seek peace and build a better world,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.
She said his courage to challenge outdated dogmas, to open doors for the marginalized and to speak hard truths with love and humility, will echo for generations. Bhengu-Motsiri said as the ANC, they salute the memory of a global leader, whose life was a testament to servant leadership and moral clarity.
“We are comforted by the knowledge that his teachings and example will endure in the hearts of millions who continue the struggle for a just and humane world.
Requiescat in pace et in amore Dei. May His Holiness rest in peace and in the love of God,” she said.
Picture: Six people died in a car accident/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
21 April 2025- Six people have died in a horrific head-on collision in a car accident on the R49 road between Zeerust and Kopfontein Port of Entry in the North West on 20 April 2025. It is alleged that the accident took place at approximately 21:45 on Sunday evening.
The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said four of the deceased are from one vehicle. Morweng said two of the three from another vehicle survived and were taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
“However, one of the survivors succumbed to their injuries this morning, bringing the total number of the deceased to six. The province has experienced road accident fatalities to just below 50.
“This is the second major crash in the province since the joint law enforcement operations commenced for Easter holidays on 20 March 2025. A case of culpable homicide is being investigated by the Nietverdiend Police Station in Zeerust,” he said.
Morweng sent his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass, has concluded one-on-one engagements with selected municipalities
By REGINALD KANYANE
17 April 2025- Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass, has concluded one-on-one engagements with selected municipalities to address specific issues of service delivery and the appointment of Section 54 Managers in these municipalities.
Vass said the series of meetings that started last week, with among others, the Frances Baard District Municipality, the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality, the Gamagara Local Municipality, the Nama-Khoi Local Municipality, the Tsantsabane Local Municipality and the Emthanjeni Local Municipality, sought to receive reports on specific issues hampering service delivery and the processes to finalise key and strategic senior management positions in these municipalities.
He further said Vass received reports on issues related to water challenges in some of the municipalities, revenue collection strategies, as well as the delays in the appointment of key positions in some of the municipalities. Vass added that at the end of these meetings, he was happy with the feedback received about the progress the municipalities are making to address service delivery challenges and the processes of filling critical vacancies, especially at a senior management level.
“I am happy that all the municipalities are having tangible plans in place to address a wide range of issues that I discussed with the mayors, speakers and accounting officers of these municipalities. The meetings were cordial and the agreed deliverables will be monitored closely by my office to ensure that there is compliance with all service delivery imperatives and legislative prescripts.
“We will continue to work with these municipalities in the spirit of cooperative governance as required by the District Development Model (DDM). Engagements with other identified municipalities will continue to ensure better service delivery to communities and stable administration in municipalities,” he said.
17 April 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi wishes all Christian-faith based organizations a safe and peaceful Easter Weekend filled with spiritual rejuvenation. Mokgosi has called on residents to observe this weekend with extra care and caution following inclement weather conditions, which have damaged private property and public infrastructure.
He further appeals to road users to be vigilant as thousands will be travelling to various holiday destinations and denominations for divine intervention. Mokgosi added that faith-based organizations remain an important puzzle of the province’s social fabric, particularly as the government continues to forge ahead with finding solutions to a number of challenges afflicting the province.
“The country’s democratic foundation was among others spearheaded by faith-based organizations, as South Africa will mark thirty-one years of freedom on 27 April. The participation of faith-based organizations in community driven development issues is needed more than ever.
“Through liberation theology leaders of faith-based organizations were instrumental in raising the alarm on atrocities which were meted on our people by Apartheid. While we have made progress in addressing this legacy, the next 30 years requires all of us to work together and in particular faith-based organizations to work hand in glove with the government to find permanent solutions to a number of challenges afflicting our communities,” he said.
Mokgosi said, furthermore, the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, has been hard at work activating the Easter Weekend Plans, which among others, encapsulate a thorough monitoring of arterial routes such as N4, N12, N14 as well as N18. He said priority will also be given to provincial roads, as well as rural areas, where there has been a growing trend of accidents in the last few years.
17 April 2025 – The Select Committee on Public Infrastructure and the Minister in the Presidency convened a significant dual-session meeting focused on two critical issues, finalising the C-list of the Marine Oil Pollution (Preparedness, Response and Cooperation) Bill [B10B–2022] and scrutinising audit outcomes presented by the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) for the departments of Transport and Public Works and Infrastructure.
The committee said it considered the final list of amendments to the Marine Oil Pollution Bill, which gives legislative effect to South Africa’s obligations under the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation (OPRC) Convention.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Rikus Badenhorst said all nine provincial legislatures had submitted negotiating mandates – most with constructive proposals. Badenhorst said these proposals, especially those from the Western Cape, Gauteng and Eastern Cape, were adopted by the Department of Transport and significantly improved the Bill’s clarity, consistency and enforceability.
“I want to commend the provincial legislatures for their thorough engagement. This bill is a triumph of cooperative governance and shows how meaningful input from stakeholders and provinces can strengthen our legislative framework to protect our coastlines and maritime economy.
“During the second part of the session, the committee hosted a robust workshop with AGSA, which focused on the audit findings of the two departments. The AGSA flagged numerous issues from the 6th Parliament pertaining to both these crucial departments, late or missing Medium-Term Strategic Framework indicators in annual performance plans (APPs), lack of accountability for delayed projects and budget overruns, and a troubling absence of maintenance indicators aligned with asset profiles,” he said.
Badenhorst further said these findings are deeply concerning. He added that, they are not seeing evidence-based planning, but rather compliance-driven paperwork.
“If departments are reporting achievements without reliable evidence – or omitting key deliverables altogether – then we are not just failing oversight, we are failing the people of South Africa.
“A critical discussion point raised was the growing culture of non-payment to entities like the Independent Development Trust (IDT) and the Property Management Trading Entity (PMTE), which threatens the sustainability of public infrastructure delivery,” said Badenhorst.
He said organ of state debt now exceeds R4 billion to the PMTE and R600 million to the IDT. Badenhorst proposed that the AGSA consider incorporating payment compliance to public entities into future audit scopes.
“As Parliament, we cannot allow this cycle of neglect and financial strangulation of critical infrastructure agencies to continue. The committee resolved to consider the final mandates on the bill in the next parliamentary term and committed to enhanced oversight during the review of departmental strategic plans and APPs during the 7th Parliament,” he said.
The Guardian 