25 November 2025- A man (44) was sentenced to 22 years imprisonment for rape. On 25 August 2024, a boy (14) was alone at his home in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley when the accused approached him, attempted to initiate a sexual relationship and also sexually assaulted the victim.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the accused then threatened the victim with violence should he report the matter. Ehlers said the incident was immediately reported to the police, who launched a criminal investigation.
“On 27 August 2024, the accused was subsequently arrested. Bail was successfully opposed and he remained in custody until his sentencing. The Galeshewe Regional Court sentenced him to 22 years imprisonment and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
“Additionally, his name will be recorded in the National Register for Sexual Offenders,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, praised the investigating officer, Detective Constable Setshego Matlhale from the Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit and Advocate Tevaunhnay van Wyk from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for the outstanding collaboration and dedication that secured a fitting sentence and ensured justice for the young victim. Otola said sexual offences committed against minors remain a priority for investigators in the Northern Cape, who continue to ensure that perpetrators face the full might of the law.
25 November 2025- An alleged Eersterust serial rapist, Helder Isidro (36), from Eersterust, abandoned his bail application at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court. Isidro faces a charge of rape for allegedly raping a woman (27).
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that the accused and the complainant initially connected on a Facebook Hook-Up page and later continued their communication via WhatsApp. Mahanjana said during these exchanges, they arranged to meet in Mamelodi in January 2024.
“On the day of the meeting, the accused allegedly ordered an e-hailing ride for the complainant, which collected her from her residence and dropped her off at a petrol station opposite Denlyn Mall. Upon her arrival, the complainant met the accused, who asked her to walk to his residence.
“While walking through a veld, Isidro allegedly grabbed the complainant, undressed her, and raped her while threatening her with a knife. After the assault, he allegedly took her cell-phone and money, handed her R20, and told her to take a taxi home,” she said.
Mahanjana further said the complainant reported the matter to the police on 12 August 2025, after recognising the accused from images circulating on social media. She added that following investigations, the accused was arrested on 13 November 2025, while he was already in custody on an unrelated matter.
“In court, the case was postponed to 14 January 2026 for the joining of charges,” said Mahanjana.
25 November 2025- The Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing in the Northern Cape, Major General Johny Besnaar, accompanied by the Acting District Commissioner of the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, Brigadier Kenneth Baloi, led a Men’s Indaba at the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality Chambers on 25 November 2025. Besnaar said the Indaba aimed to spark meaningful dialogue, break the silence surrounding Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and provide an inclusive platform for engagement and solutions.
He further said the session was attended by various stakeholders, including the Community Police Board, Men for Change, Departments of Justice, Correctional Services and Health, the National Prosecuting Authority, FAMSA, Kumba Iron Ore, SAPS Employee Health and Wellness and the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. Besnaar added that all partners pledged their commitment and reaffirmed that combating GBVF requires a united and collaborative effort.
“It is important to have a multi-faceted approach in tackling GBVF. The programmes of this nature require the active participation of all stakeholders to confront the social ills that continue to endanger women and children. The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape remains steadfast in its commitment to combat GBVF through sustained initiatives and by calling on the public to work alongside law enforcement in creating safer communities,” he said.
Outlining the purpose of the gathering, Deputy Chairperson of Men for Change, Captain Bennett Phoko, emphasised the pivotal role men play in addressing GBVF. Phoko highlighted that men’s active involvement is essential in creating safe, respectful communities and fostering behavioural change.
“Throughout the Indaba, attendees engaged in robust dialogue to devise meaningful ways to contribute to the fight against GBVF including rejecting silence, advocating for stronger anti-GBVF policies, and challenging harmful societal norms,” he said.
Meanwhile, Advocate Mule Molokwane from the Office of the Family Advocate, presented an overview of key legislation, including the Children’s Act of 2005, underscoring the legal framework that protects children and vulnerable groups.
Picture: The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane
By AGISANANG SCUFF
25 November 2025- The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane has confirmed the implementation of the North West Liquor Licensing Act, 2016 (Act No. 6 of 2016) for the 2025/26 financial year, following all legislative processes undertaken during the bill stage. Lenkopane said in line with the Act, her department, through the Liquor Regulations Unit, commenced the liquor licence renewal process on 14 November 2025, which will run until 26 February 2026.
She further said the new renewal fees payable for the 2025/26 financial year are now in full effect. Lenkopane added that the published schedule of fees applies to all liquor license holders and payments must be made strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
“The department has noted with great concern the recent statements circulating from a group of individuals claiming to represent license holders and encouraging them not to renew their licenses due to the increase in fees as per the new Provincial Act.
“At this stage, the department emphasizes that such statements do not reflect the position of the broader liquor industry and urges the traders to adhere to their license conditions by renewing for the 2025/26 financial year,” she said.
Lenkopane further said they have already assisted a significant number of license holders in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, who have complied with the legislation, while others are awaiting the unfolding of the renewal process. She added that there will be no consideration of any reduction in the fees.
“The current fees are a product of extensive and transparent consultations conducted during the legislative process and are therefore binding in law. Since the campaign’s inception on 14 November 2025, the department has managed to collect R496 000 from liquor traders operating within the municipalities under the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality.
“This week, the campaign will be heading to the Potchefstroom College of Agriculture. All liquor traders in the area are urged to respond to the call to renew their licenses. The department further warns liquor traders of a concerning scam, in which fraudsters impersonate liquor officials and contact traders to solicit payments for license renewals through cash-send and e-wallet transactions,” said Lenkopane.
She said these actions are illegal and aimed at exploiting unsuspecting business owners. Lenkopane said liquor traders and members of the public are urged to exercise caution, remain vigilant and verify any communication related to license renewals directly with the department before making any payments.
25 November 2025- The Young Intelligent Minds of South Africa (YIMOSA) said the recent success by South Africa in holding a successful G20 World Leaders Summit and the resilience of other world leaders who showed up in South Africa to honour the invite is a great sign that the world is ready to move on without the so-called world super nations. YIMOSA said the boldness of the South African government in a manner in which it handled the situation must be commended with the highest of distinction.
YIMOSA spokesperson, Jeffrey Mabunda said from the setting up of the entire event, the delegation and the confidence shown by each delegate on South Africa hosting a first of its kind G20 of the African continent it’s an indication that Africa is ready. Mabunda said the stance the government took in handling the US boycotting of the G20 Summit in South Africa and the refusal by the SA government to admit representatives from the US embassy to the event, was a true sign that President Cyril Ramaphosa has had enough of the Trump bullying tactics against South Africa.
“When the South African delegation led by Ramaphosa went to the White House to try and sever the relationship between the two countries, we all thought Trump was going to have a change of heart on South Africa.
“Despite the kneeling down by our delegates in the US and a special plea by Ramaphosa that Trump attend the G20 in November, Trump did the opposite. We have all known that Trump had no intentions to attend the G20 in South Africa as he has previously mentioned that his Deputy President JD Vance was going to attend,” he said.
Mabunda further said a few weeks later he announced on his Truth Social that no US Government official is going to the G20 in South Africa. He added that from the arrangement of arrivals of the guests and world leaders in various airports and at the expo centre in Nasrec, from the opening and welcoming speech by Ramaphosa and from him deliberately announcing live that there is an overwhelming majority on the adoption of the G20 Summit Declaration.
“One could see that our President has gone away from the US begging Trump. This will teach many countries to be bold and take a stand in whatever they resolve to do without fear or favour of being victimized. Ramaphosa’s bold move was an indication that small economy countries are shifting away from being reliant on major economic countries.
“As much as Trump is still going to retaliate against South Africa, he has seen that the world is slowly trying to move without the US commanding everything. Trump came back to the White House with revengeful intentions, which included dealing with South Africa,” said Mabunda.
He said his lack of knowledge, insight and lack of knowledge on the South African legal system and population dynamics is a result of the blow by blow South Africa continues to receive from the US President. Mabunda said his allegations that South Africa is committing genocide on white farmers are unfounded and remains unfounded.
“It’s big up to the South African Government for having flown the South African flag higher than anyone has anticipated. This is a clear indication that Africa is ready and the world is ready to move on without other countries.
“To those leaders who send their junior staff or leaders to our Summit we and they are still to talk so that in future they leave whatever they are doing to come and participate in world changing discussions rather than hiding behind their junior staffers with the fear of Trump,” he said.
25 November 2025 – The police in the North West have during the weekly integrated and multidisciplinary Shanela 2/Safer Festive Season Operations, asserted the authority of the state through the apprehension of 1250 suspects for different crimes ranging from burglaries at residential and non-residential premises, aggravated robberies, murders, rapes, dealing in and possession of drugs to driving under the influence of liquor. The police said the operations, led by commissioned officers, were conducted between 17 and 23 November 2025.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said out of the 1250 arrested suspects, 423 were arrested by Detectives as those on the circulated wanted suspects’ lists. In addressing identified crime generators through compliance inspections to enforce the provisions of the Liquor and Second-Hand Goods Acts, 35 unlicensed liquor outlets (shebeens) were closed and large quantities of liquor confiscated.
Mokgwabone said furthermore, the operations led to the confiscation of seven vehicles, five firearms, 95 rounds of ammunition, two wheelbarrows and housebreaking implements, among others.
“In Rustenburg and Phokeng in the Bojanala Sub-District 2, the Provincial Proactive Drugs Operation, Anti-Gang Unit, Rustenburg Crime Intelligence and Tactical Response Team (TRT), as well as Bafokeng Protective Services, arrested 10 suspects for possession of suspected illegal substances during operations conducted between 18 and 21 November 2025.
“The suspects included two South Africans, three Tanzanians and five Nigerians. The team confiscated cash amounting to R25 500,00 believed to be the proceeds of a crime as well as drugs such as crystal meth, khat, mandrax, heroin and nyaope with estimated street value of R670 000,” he said.
Mokgwabone added that in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, three multidisciplinary Inter-Provincial roadblocks between North West and Northern Cape were conducted on the N18, N12 and N14 roads on 18 November 2025. He said following the operations, 1221 vehicles were stopped and 15 road traffic fines were issued to motorists.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, welcomed the successes and indicated that the police, in collaboration with other JOINTS role players will continue with the high-density operations to stabilise hotspots and ensure public safety.
Picture: MKP Member of Parliament, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla
By REGINALD KANYANE
25 November 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling for urgent action from Parliament and law-enforcement after new and very disturbing information came to light about how 17 young South African men were lured into travelling to Russia and then forced into the Ukraine war. The DA said these men were promised bodyguard or security training.
DA spokesperson on Defence & Military Veterans, Chris Hattingh who is also a Member of Parliament (MP) said but when they arrived, they were made to sign documents written in Russian, had their passports, phones and bank cards taken away. Hattingh said they were then moved to the Donetsk region, close to active fighting.
“Some were forced to carry weapons and ammunition, dig trenches and operate equipment under Russian control. They have been asking their families and government for help because they want to come home.
“This is a chilling case of the powerful preying on the vulnerable. The promise of a job was a death trap, and an MP stands accused of holding the door open. The DA will be filing a criminal case with the SAPS to investigate the roles of Zuma-Sambudla and others mentioned in media reports for misleading these young men and sending them into an active war zone,” he said.
He further said the matter has already been handed over to the Hawks. Hattingh added that they fully support the Hawks investigation and if the evidence shows that laws were broken – including trafficking, fraud or illegal foreign military activity – then the law must take its course and prosecution must follow.
“Provided that Zuma-Sambudla is a sitting Member of Parliament, I am also writing to the Acting Registrar of Parliament’s Ethics Committee to request an immediate ethics investigation. Allegations of this nature, involving an MP, cannot be ignored.
“If a public representative abused her position to recruit or mislead young South Africans into a foreign conflict, it would be a serious breach of her Oath of office and Parliament’s ethical rules. Parliament must treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves,” he said.
Hattingh said him and his DA counterpart on the Portfolio Committee for International Relations, Ryan Smith (MP), will both write to their respective Portfolio Committee Chairpersons to urge that their committees are urgently briefed on this concerning matter by the State Security Agency, Defence Intelligence, DIRCO, the Hawks and the Department of Defence. He said they need clarity on how this recruitment network operated inside South Africa, whether warning signs were missed and what the government is doing to bring the men home safely.
“South Africa cannot allow our young people to be tricked into fighting in foreign wars. We cannot allow political connections to be used to mislead vulnerable citizens. And we cannot allow Parliament to look the other way when one of its members faces allegations of this seriousness.
“The DA will continue pushing for full accountability, proper oversight and urgent action to protect our citizens and uphold the rule of law,” said Hattingh.
25 Ngwanatsele 2025- Setopo sa monna se se neng se setse se senyegile se bonwe kwa mmileng kwa motsesetoropong wa Huhudi, gaufi le Vryburg mo letsatsing la maabane. Go begwa fa setopo seo, se le magareng ga dingwaga di le 20 le 30.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are go fitlha ga jaana, ga se go itsiwe gore setopo seo ke sa ga mang. Mokgwabone are ga gona ope yo o tshwerweng mabapi le kgang e, fela dipatlisiso di a tswelela.
Picture: Former SABC broadcasters, Easy Matjila and Snyman Rankane/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
24 November 2025- The North West Media Awards in partnership with the North West University (NWU), will honour two iconic veterans of South African broadcasting — Dr Masego Ezekiel Matjila and Snyman Rankane at the 2025 ceremony. The awards continue a proud tradition of recognising outstanding media contributors.
NWMA spokesperson, Berlina Lekgethwane said last year, the Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to veteran radio broadcaster, Minah Pilane-Huma and veteran journalist, Dulile Sowaga by Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong and the executive mayor of Rustenburg, Shiela Mabale-Huma. Lekgethwane said this year’s ceremony will build on that legacy of celebrating excellence and preserving media heritage.
“Matjila, a distinguished SABC newsreader, has dedicated over 30 years to multilingual broadcasting and the promotion of indigenous languages. Beginning his career at Radio Setswana (later Motsweding FM), he also managed archives across several language radio services.
“His remarkable skills led him to Setswana sports commentary and later prime-time news presenting in Setswana, Sesotho and Sepedi. He also served as a bulletin editor and executive producer until his retirement in 2021,” she said.
Lekgethwane further said Matjila has received numerous accolades, including Best News Writer (2008) and AFCON Commentator of the Year (1996). She added that he was recently awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the North West University for his contributions to indigenous language development in broadcasting.
“Rankane, a beloved veteran broadcaster, is best known for his influential career at Motsweding FM where he hosted popular shows such as Gaabo Motho and Leretlhabetse. His commanding voice and deep connection with listeners made him a household name within the Setswana-speaking community.
“Rankane continues to serve the industry as a presenter at Madibeng FM and plays a significant role in mentoring young radio broadcasters, nurturing the next generation of talent. His community involvement includes initiatives that provided winter uniforms to vulnerable families,” said Lekgethwane.
She said the event will take place at Rustenburg Civic Centre on 5 December 2025 from 5pm until 8:30pm.
Setshwantsho: Sebueledi sa Lefapha la Katlatlelo-Loago mono Bokone Bophirima, Petrus Siko
Ka Petrus Siko
24 Ngwanetsele 2025- Thaka e tshesane e ineetse mo nnotaging le mo diritibatsing. Seno ke kgwetlho e kgolo e e ntseng e kukela go ya pele jaaka sebi. Kgwetlho ya mothale o, e nna mo pepeneneng ka nako ya fa bana ba sekolo ba sena go fetsa go kwala ditlhatlhobo tsa bofelo jwa ngwaga, e leng se ba se bitsang go tlhatswa pene. Fa letsatsi leo le fitlha, bana ba dikolo ba bo hupa ka dimpa tse pedi. Fa ba ntse ba itshiela, bangwe ba sunetsa diritibatsi, seno e le karolo ya go keteka go wetsa ditlhatlhobo tsa marematlou.
O fitlhele ba tladikile diaparo tsa bona ka dipene tsa mebala e e farologaneng. Bangwe ba kgagola diaparo tsa bona tsa sekolo. Kgori e bona lee, lerapo ga e le bone.
Ke mang a ka lebalang motlhotlhapelo a kwa lefelong la thekiso ya nnotagi ya Enyobeni ka ngwaga wa 2022 kwa porofenseng ya Kapa – Botlhaba? Basha ba le someamabedi nngwe ba latlhegetswe ke matshelo fa ba ne thologela kwa Enyobeni go keteka bokhutlo jwa ditlhatlhobo tsa bona.
Se, ke tiragalo e basha ba ka se kitlang ba e lebala ka gope mme e tla ya tlase le hisitori. Go itumela phetelela ga thaka e tshesane e le mo sediding sa nnotagi le diritibatsi go le gantsi go dirwa ke kgatelelo ya bosha le go leka go itepatepanya le basha ba bangwe ba ba nang le maitemogelo a go nwa bojalwa le go sunetsa diritibatsi gongwe go itlhaba ka lomao le le nang le diritibatsi.
Bangwe ba susumediwa ke maranyane a boitapoloso. Bangwe fa ba setse ba tshibikela ka ntlha ya tiriso e e botlhaswa ya diritibatsi, ba arogang madi a bona ka se ba se bitsang ‘bluetooth’. Seno se diragala jang? Yo o senang diritibatsi ka nako eo mme a tlhoka sedidi, o tsaya lomao mme a gope madi a yo o setseng a tagilwe mme a itlhabe ka lomao leo mo letsogong. Ka ponyo ya leitlho fa madi a yo mongwe a tsena mo mmeleng wa gagwe, o tsenwa ke sedidi sa yo o tagilweng ke diritibatsi. Se ke kotsi ya go refosana malwetse ka lomao.
Godimo ga dilo tsotlhe tse, batsadi gongwe botlhokomedi ba bana, ba tshwanetse go tshameka karolo e kgolo go efosa thaka e tshesane nnotagi le tiriso e e botlhaswa ya diritibatsi. Batsadi ga ba a tshwanela go repisa molao le fa e le go itebala fa go tla mo tlhokomelong ya bana. Ke mang a reboletseng bana go nwa bojalwa fa ba fetsa go kwala ditlhatlhobo? Ke mang a rileng ngwana a ka nwa bojalwa fa a sena go newa senotlolo a le dingwaga di le someamabedi-nngwe? A ke batsadi?
Batsadi ba na le seabe se segolo mo go ageng semelo le mekgwa e mentle ya botshelo mo thakeng e tshesane. Ke maikarabelo a batsadi go thusa thaka e tshesane go tsaya ditshwetso tse di maleba.
Go thibela tiriso e e botlhaswa ya diritibatsi go santse go le gale, batsadi ba tshwanetse go bua ka diritibatsi le kotsi ya tsona fa ngwana a santse a le mo dingwageng tse di kwa tlase. Tiego e tsala tatlhego. Go le gantsi batsadi ba thanya lo le tsebeng, sebi se setse se kuketse. Ntle le go bipa mpa ka matsele, diritibatsi di mo pontsheng kwa dikolong, mo maranyaneng a boitapoloso le mo loagong. Seno se pateletsa batsadi go nna batho ba ntlha go bula ka ditiribatsi. Ga se sephiri.
Ka jalo, batsadi ba tshwanetse go lo oba lo santse lo le metsi. Seno se tla efosa bana diritibatsi. Batsadi ga ba a tshwanela go tshosetsa bana ka diribatsi mme ba tshwanetse go bua nnete fela ka kotsi ya diritibatsi. Ba tlotlele bana ka moo diritibatsi di senyang boko ka teng, go ba susumetsa go tsaya ditshwetso tse di fosagetseng le ditlamorago tsa pholo tse di sa jeseng diwelang.
Go bontsha lerato mo baneng, ke nngwe ya ditsela tse batsadi ba ka efosang bana diritibatsi. Bana ba maikutlo a bona a edileng ba bua le batsadi ka sengwe le sengwe. Dimpho ga di reka lerato la bana. Bodutu bo kgarameletsa bana kwa ditiribatsing. Batsadi ga ba tshwanela go ruta bana go nwa bojalwa le fa e le go ba kwa mafelong a nnotagi. Go mo maruding a batsadi go thibela tiriso e e botlhaswa ya diritibatsi.
(Tsiboso: Petrus Siko ke sebueledi sa Lefapha la Katlatlelo-Loago mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima. Maikutlo le ditshwaelo tse di ntshitswe fa, ke maikutlo a mokwadi, mme lekwalo-dikgang la The Guardian, ga le ikamanye ka gope le maikutlo ao. Siko one a kwala maikutlo a gagwe, mme eseng a lefapha)
The Guardian 