23 December 2025- Two men were sentenced to a combined 40 years imprisonment by the Mothibistad Regional Court for murder. This comes after the accused, Madaka Boikanyo Bless (35) and Nonei Brown Michael (38), killed Itumeleng Mabihi (30).
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said thr incident occurred at at a shebeen in Eifell village, Heuningvlei on 28 March 2013, at approximately 11pm. Shemane said the police from Heuningvlei responded to a complaint of murder.
“Upon arrival at the scene, they discovered the body of a man with a fatal stab wound. The deceased was later identified as Itumeleng Mabihi. According to witness testimony, an altercation erupted between Michael and a friend of the deceased.
“When Mabihi attempted to intervene and stop the fight, Michael broke a bottle and stabbed him several times, causing him to collapse to the ground,” he said.
Shemane further said Bless subsequently joined in the attack and also assaulted and stabbed the deceased, while he was lying on the ground. He added that, the police were alerted and both suspects were arrested and charged with murder following an investigation.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended Detective Sergeant Tshepiso Bernard Dioka of the Heuningvlei Detective Service for his thorough and meticulous investigation, which led to the successful conviction. Otola also applauded the detective for removing two violent perpetrators from society and for ensuring justice and closure for the family of the deceased.
21 December 2025- The acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia and North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, will visit Kgosi Andrew Nkoana Mogale and Bapo ba Mogale Traditional Council following a spike of illegal mining activities in Bapong village, near Brits on 22 December 2025. The national Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, as well as the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo will also be in attendance.
The acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi said, visit forms part of government’s ongoing efforts to find a lasting solution to illegal mining activities in Bapong and surrounding areas by engaging various stakeholders and in this regard, the Bapo Ba Mogale Traditional Council. Mogotsi said to date, 21 illegal miners have been arrested since police started a crackdown on illicit mining operations in the area.
“Heavy machinery has since been seized and removed from the site as police continue to follow all possible leads in identifying the masterminds behind these operations. The visit will be held at Bapo Ba Mogale Royal Palace (R104-Old Pretoria Road) on 22 December 2025, at 10am.
21 December 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng extends deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of DJ Warras, known to his audience as Warrick Stock. The party said DJ Warras was outspoken, fearless, and unapologetic in his views.
DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Community Safety and Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Crezane Bosch said he was a leader in his own right, someone who used his voice, platform and lived experience to speak honestly about the realities facing the communities. Bosch said whether people agreed with him or not, he stood firmly for what he believed in and was never afraid to confront difficult issues.
“Dj Warras’ senseless and brutal killing is a devastating loss, not only to those closest to him but to our society. It highlights the rising wave of brutal targeted violence in our country, leaving citizens in constant fear as lives are taken with impunity.
“His murder further lays bare how unsafe our country has become, and how shockingly easy it is to take a human life in broad daylight without fear of accountability. It challenges law enforcement agencies to act decisively to bring an end to this relentless cycle of violence that has already claimed so many lives,” she said.
Bosch said they strongly condemn his killing and calls for swift investigation and accountability. She said they will be closely monitoring this case to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that justice is served.
“No family should have to bury a loved one because crime has been allowed to spiral out of control. May his family find strength during this painful time. Rest in peace, DJ Warras,” said Bosch.
21 December 2025 – The accused, Sipho Ngwako Masila (39), briefly appeared before the Temba Magistrate’s Court on 17 December 2025, on three charges of murder and two of rape. Masila was remanded in custody until 9 January 2026.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the accused was arrested on Monday night, 15 December 2025, at his house in Moeka Vuma village, after the police responded to a domestic violence complaint. Myburgh said Masila, who allegedly pointed his girlfriend with a firearm, was also accused of raping the latter’s two daughters aged 12 and 16, between 31 March and 14 December 2025.
“During the arrest, the police found an illegal firearm and numerous suspected stolen goods in the house. Initial investigations linked the accused to the murders and it was determined that the goods belonged to the three murder victims.
“The first murder incident was reported in Moeka Vuma Police Station in the early hours of Sunday morning, 6 July 2025. The body of Lefu Lucas Tloomen (37) was found with a gunshot wound inside a yard in Angola Section, Randjiepan village. The victim’s hands and feet were tied up,” she said.
Myburgh further said the second murder incident was reported at around 10am on 28 July 2025. She added that the body of Timothy Hlongwane (52) was discovered by a passer-by in the bushes in Moeka Vuma, also with a gunshot wound.
“The third and last murder was reported on Friday morning, 22 August 2025, also in the bushes at Randjiepan village. The body of Jose Timoteo Mucuacua (38) was found inside a red BMW, with multiple gunshot wounds to the head. The victim’s hands were also tied up,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, congratulated the police at Moeka Vuma for their quick reaction and attentiveness during the arrest of the suspect. Naidoo said police will continue to work hard to ensure that those who commit serious and violent crimes are brought to book to face the full might of the law.
Picture: The Chairperson of the Select Committee, Makhi Feni
By OBAKENG MAJE
21 December 2025- The Select Committee on Education, Sciences and Creative Industries has called on the Department of Basic Education to ensure that the continued integration of Grade R into the schooling system does not disrupt learning. The committee said the Department of Basic Education now requires all Grade R teachers to hold a diploma or degree qualification under the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act that was signed last year into law.
The Chairperson of the Select Committee, Makhi Feni said the reported qualifications requirement from people who had been with the ECD for over 30 years has a potential to disrupt not only learning, but labour peace. Feni said that would be an antithesis of the intentions of migrating the ECD functions into the department.
“It would be ideal to first ensure success in implementing the migration and the needs of our children within a school set up. Qualifications are a good thing to have, but we cannot in a space of a year be making such statements that threaten to collapse an entire sector. Government leaders must be responsible in how they implement policies.
“In line with the BELA Act, ECD educators are reportedly required to have at least a diploma from 2026, something which some educators especially the experienced ones had not been adequately prepared for. The committee in its recent oversight visit to the Amathole West District and Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape found many infrastructure challenges related to the ECD function, including schools like Bodiam Primary School where our children are accommodated in zinc structure,” he said.
Feni further said the schools hardly have kitchens to prepare good nutritious foods for these kids, and most lack friendly sanitation and facilities for kids. He added that this demand for qualifications will disrupt education and there has to be a rethink and a halt.
“We proposed timeframes that will allow educators to acquire the qualifications. The committee will attend to this matter when it returns from the December recess,” said Feni.
Picture: A baby dies after clinic closes early/Generic
By AGISANANG SCUFF
21 December 2025- A 13 month-old baby has allegedly tragically died after suffering a short, but severe bout of diarrhoea, after the Gwadana Clinic, which should have been available to provide care, had closed its doors early in the afternoon. It is alleged that the child’s grandmother reportedly sought help at around 3pm, only to be informed by a nurse that the clinic had already closed at 1:30pm.
The DA Shadow MEC for Health and Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Jane Cowley said this is in direct contradiction to provincial policy, which requires clinics to remain open to the public from 7:30am until at least 4pm. Cowley said for a family in distress, the absence of accessible care at a critical moment had devastating consequences.
“The DA has written to the Head of Department of the Eastern Cape Department of Health, Dr Rolene Wagner, requesting a full report explaining why the Gwadana Clinic closed so far outside its mandated operating hours.
“We have further requested to be kept informed of any disciplinary action taken against the Clinic Manager who allowed the clinic to close early. Wagner herself confirmed standard clinic operating hours during a recent Health Portfolio Committee meeting, making this incident particularly concerning,” she said.
Cowley further said when official policy is clear, yet services are unavailable, it raises serious questions about oversight, accountability and patient safety in rural healthcare facilities. She added that community members have further alleged that staff at the Gwadana Clinic frequently arrive well after opening time, delaying the start of services.
“These allegations, if confirmed, point to a deeply troubling culture of disregard for patients who rely entirely on public healthcare facilities for care. This raises the disturbing question of how many other families in Gwadana may have suffered similar losses due to the unavailability of healthcare services when they were needed most.
“Rural residents already face significantly longer emergency medical response times than their urban counterparts, which makes the consistent operation of clinics even more critical,” said Cowley.
She said the DA will continue to fight for the right of every citizen to access healthcare services when and where they are needed. Cowley said they will continue to demand a professional public health system that treats patients with dignity, urgency, and respect.
“The people of the Eastern Cape deserve leadership that delivers accountability, ensures access to care, and protects the most vulnerable among us,” she said.
Picture: One person died on N2 car accident/Generic
By BAKANG MOKOTO
21 December 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Transport has raised concerns over the frequency and high number of fatalities during the start of the festive season. The committee said it was very clear that the spike has a lot to do with recklessness and ill-discipline on the roads.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport, Donald Selamolela the serious accidents are head-on and speeding. Selamolela said they involved a number of deaths in KZN, Eastern and Northern Cape.
“We remain concerned by these occurrences as there is nothing the government could do when drivers just decide to go rogue. A number of serious accidents are reported in Limpopo, KZN, Eastern Cape and in the Northern Cape. Just a few weeks ago, the Minister of Transport, Ms Barbara Creecy, together with the Road Transport Management Corporation, launched the 2025 Festive Road Safety Plan in Kroonstad.
“We call on authorities to show neither leniency nor sympathy on transgressing drivers who disregard all other fellow drivers on the road. These high numbers in just the second week of the festive season are just unacceptable and an antithesis of our Festive Road Safety Plan,” he said.
Selamolela further said the committee condemns the irresponsible driver behaviour and a stern action should be taken. He added that it is time the jail drivers confiscate their licences.
“If no serious commitment is demonstrated to curb the accidents, poor South Africans will continue to die for no reason. These accidents and rogue driver behaviour have become normalised in our society and that must stop before further bloodshed.
“The committee sends its deepest and heartfelt condolences to all victims of road accidents, and to families of all those who have succumbed to death,” said Selamolela.
21 December 2025- The fight against the illegal proliferation of firearms gained success this week when intelligence was received about suspects allegedly involved in serious crimes committed in Phokeng and Letlhabile. In the first incident, Phokeng Crime Combating Unit and K9 members operationalised information and proceeded to an identified address on 11 December 2025.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said upon arrival, the police found one firearm (pistol) and 15 rounds of ammunition. Myburgh said the suspect was immediately arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition after failing to provide a satisfactory explanation.
“As a result, Ramaeshane “Bokang” Mphunyetsane (33) appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 15 December 2025, on charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. He was remanded in custody until his next court appearance.
“In another unrelated incident in Letlhabile outside Brits, intelligence received led the local Crime Intelligence and the Brits Trio Task Team to a house in Maboloka village, where a suspect (43), was allegedly found in possession of an unlicensed firearm (revolver),” she said.
Myburgh further said the suspect was immediately placed under arrest for illegal possession of a firearm after failing to provide a satisfactory explanation. She added that Oupa Frans Mangnye (43) appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 17 December 2025 and was remanded in custody until 24 December 2025.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the members for successfully arresting the suspects and removing illegal firearms from the communities. Naidoo emphasised that illegal firearms remain a serious threat to public safety, as they are often used to commit serious violent crimes.
“Furthermore, he stated that the removal of illegal firearms from communities is a critical priority for the police, who will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations to track down and confiscate these weapons and ensure that those found in possession of them are brought to book,” he said.
21 December 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) welcomed the appointment of Penelope “Penny” Msimango as Head of Department (HoD) within the province’s Department of Health (DoH) – a role she has held in an acting capacity since last year. The DA has long held the view that prolonged acting appointments at senior management level carry inherent risks.
DA KZN spokesperson on Health and Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Dr Imran Keeka said this includes instability, a lack of strategic continuity and the unintended undermining of the authority of the office. Keeka said the confirmation of Msimango’s permanent appointment is therefore both necessary and welcome.
“Msimango has served the DoH for many years and brings with her substantial institutional knowledge. This has been evident through her recent engagements and presentations before the Health Portfolio Committee, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) and other oversight platforms.
“During this period, she has demonstrated leadership and has been instrumental in addressing a number of long-standing matters within the DoH. Notably, she becomes only the second female HoD in the provincial administration, after the Treasury,” he said.
Keeka further said the challenges facing KZN’s DoH remain significant. He added that the department’s financial position is fragile, workforce morale appears to be concerning low, critical posts remain vacant and aging infrastructure and equipment – particularly within Emergency Medical Services (EMS) – continue to place strain on service delivery.
“It is clear that the task ahead will be demanding and the HoD will have her hands full. The DA looks forward to working closely with the HoD at all levels to ensure that the health needs of KZN’s people are prioritised and met. As a constructive partner within KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) our commitment to building a capable, ethical and caring state remains unwavering.
21 December 2025- Coach Hugo Broos will lead the South African senior men’s national soccer team for the 50th time when Bafana Bafana face Angola at the Grand Stade de Marrakech in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on 22 December 2025. Kick-off is at 7pm (South African time).
It has been a long road at the helm for the Belgian mentor and his tenure with Bafana Bafana started on a winning note, setting the tone for his stay in the more than four years he has been steering the ship. On 5 May 2021, the South African Football Association (SAFA) appointed Broos to take charge of the country’s senior men’s national team.
In the following month (10 June 2021), he was in the dugout for the first time at Orlando Stadium, where Bafana Bafana ran out 3-2 winners against Uganda in an international friendly match. Over four years later, the 73-year-old mentor is on the brink of a half century of matches with the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations champions.
SAFA president, Danny Jordaan said Broos has been in charge of 49 Bafana Bafana matches, bringing him to one away from reaching a half century, and in that time, Bafana Bafana have made great strides. Jrodaan congratulated Hugo for reaching this milestone.
“Notably, Bafana Bafana were ranked 75th when Broos arrived and they are now in 61st spot, with the top 50 well within sight for some time. The team took the Bronze medal at the last edition of AFCON, which was hosted by Côte d’Ivoire in 2024.
“Broos and his men took it up a notch when they qualified for the FIFA 2026 World Cup in October 2025, a tournament that will be held in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico from 11 June – 19 July 2026,” he said.
Jordaan further said on a personal note, on 5 May 2025, Broos equalled the late Clive Barker’s record of being Bafana Bafana’s longest-serving coach as he reached exactly four years at the helm. He added that Barker, who guided the South African senior men’s national soccer team to their 1996 AFCON triumph, was in charge from 1 Jan 1994 to 1 Jan 1998, while Broos now holds the record of having been in charge for well over four years.
“Most importantly, Bafana Bafana are now a force to be reckoned with and Broos’ record of 24 wins, 19 draws and just six defeats ranks amongst the best of the coaches that have guided the team. Broos has enjoyed some big victories along the way, including beating Sierra Leone 4-0 in a friendly and Namibia by the same scoreline at the previous Africa Cup of Nations, as well as the 5-0 hammering of Congo Brazzaville in a qualifier for this year’s AFCON.
“He has indicated that he would step down after the World Cup next year, but for now he remains focused on the job at hand. If his time with Bafana Bafana is anything to go by, then there’s a very good reason for the nation to believe that Bafana Bafana will put on a great show at the AFCON in Morocco and then proceed to the World Cup full of confidence,” said Jordaan.
Below are coach Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana results from 2021 to date:
SA 3-2 Uganda (Friendly)
Zimbabwe 0-0 SA (FIFA World Cup Qualifier)
SA 1-0 Ghana (FIFA World Cup Qualifier)
Ethiopia 1-3 SA (FIFA World Cup Qualifier)
SA 1-0 Ethiopia (FIFA World Cup Qualifier)
SA 1-0 Zimbabwe (FIFA World Cup Qualifier)
Ghana 1-0 SA (FIFA World Cup Qualifier)
Guinea 0-0 SA (Friendly)
France 5-0 SA (Friendly)
Morocco 2-1 SA (Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier)
SA 4-0 Sierra Leone (Friendly)
SA 1-0 Botswana (Friendly)
SA 2-1 Mozambique (Friendly)
SA 1-1 Angola (Friendly)
SA 2-2 Liberia (Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier)
Liberia 1-2 SA (Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier)
SA 2-1 Morocco (Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier)
SA 0-0 Namibia (Friendly)
SA 1-0 DR Congo (Friendly)
SA 0-0 Eswatini (Friendly)
SA 1-1 Ivory Coast (Friendly)
SA 2-1 Benin (FIFA World Cup Qualifier)
Rwanda 2-0 SA (FIFA World Cup Qualifier)
Mali 2-0 SA (Africa Cup of Nations)
SA 4-0 Namibia (Africa Cup of Nations)
Tunisia 0-0 SA (Africa Cup of Nations)
SA 2-0 Morocco (Africa Cup of Nations)
Cape Verde 0-0 SA (Africa Cup of Nations Quarterfinals, Bafana won on penalties)
Nigeria 1-1 SA (Africa Cup of Nations Semi-finals, Bafana lost on penalties)
SA 0-0 DR Congo (Africa Cup of Nations third place playoff, Bafana won on penalties)
Andorra 1-1 SA (Friendly)
Algeria 3-3 SA (Friendly)
Nigeria 1-1 SA (FIFA World Cup Qualifier)
SA 3-1 Zimbabwe (FIFA World Cup Qualifier)
SA 2-2 Uganda (Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier)
South Sudan 2-3 SA (Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier)
SA 5-0 Congo Brazzaville (Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier)
Congo Brazzaville 1-1 SA (Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier)
Uganda 0-2 SA (Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier)
SA 3-0 South Sudan (Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier)
SA 2-0 Lesotho (FIFA World Cup Qualifier, Bafana forfeit the match 3-0)
The Guardian 