29 school children crammed in a minibus taxi

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Picture: 29 learners crammed into a 15-seater minibus

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

11 November 2025- The traffic officers from the North West Department for Community Safety and Transport Management have impounded a 15-seater minibus taxi that was transporting 29 school children, which was also on the route for which it is not licensed. North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said he condemns the incident and implored on all public transport operators to adhere to the regulations.

Morweng said overloading had been identified as one of the contributors of road fatalities. 

“On another incident, a young man whose age has not as yet been determined as he did not have any identification on him, fled the scene when stopped by traffic officers on R49 near Dihatshwane village, outside Mahikeng. He had been transporting cattle for which he did not produce documents when requested to do so.

“The bewildered officers impounded the light utility vehicle and took the cattle which are suspected to be stolen, to the police station for processing. The suspect is still at large but the law is on his trail and will soon be apprehended,” he said.

Morweng warned that law and order would not be compromised in the North West and would be blind to social standing.

“We activated the Safer Festive four weeks ago, an operation that will continue until the end of January next year. No one will be spared. Our officers will be friendly as they always are to all law-abiding citizens. But will be brutally frank with any contravening the law.

“This is just a friendly warning. The year-end joint law enforcement operations amongst others are targeted at combatting stock theft, traffic laws infringements, organized crime and will run for 123 days,” he said.

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A suspect under police guard for shooting Chubby Chick brothers

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Picture: Chubby Chick premises/Facebook

By REGINALD KANYANE

11 November 2025- A suspect (73) is under police guard in hospital, following the alleged murder of Johnathen Robbert Fourie (52) and the attempted murder of his brother (55). The incident occurred at around 10:45am on Monday at Chubby Chick premises in the Industrial area, Potchefstroom.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said it is alleged that the suspect was in a meeting with the business management when he suddenly took out a firearm and fired several shots towards the brothers. Myburgh said the security personnel reacted and restrained him after being shot.

“Johnathen was declared dead on the scene by Emergency and Medical Services (EMS), whilst his brother was admitted to hospital.  The suspect will appear in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on charges of murder and attempted murder soon after being released from the hospital,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, indicated that the police will leave no stone unturned to ensure that justice is served.

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North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi effects changes in provincial administration  

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By OBAKENG MAJE

11 November 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has effected changes in the provincial administration with the redeployment of Superintendent General of the North West Department of Health, Obakeng Eden Mongale to the Office of the Premier to coordinate the provincial segment of the National Dialogue. The Head of Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mothupi Mokhatla, will now take over the reins at the North West Department of Health, whilst Kenalemang Bodigelo-Nyezi will hold the fort in an acting capacity.

Mokgosi maintains these changes are aimed to bolster administrative stability, efficiency and provision of services in the province.

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Zimbabwean politician and his uncle nabbed for possession of explosives

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Picture: Zimbabwean politician, Job Sikhala and his uncle, Alexander Ferrowst Thema/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

11 November 2025- A Zimbabwean politician, Job Sikhala (53) and his uncle, Alexander Ferrowst Thema (78), briefly appeared at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court. They are facing charges of possession of explosives. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that on 6 November 2025, the two accused were stopped by police while driving along Kgosi Mampuru Street. Mahanjana said when the police searched for their vehicle, they found 26 units of blasting cartridges and 15 units of connector cap fusers. 

“In court, the matter was postponed to 13 November 2025, for a formal bail application. The two are remanded in custody,” she said. 

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A man disappeared with R800 000 during ‘unholy’ prayer

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Picture: A person of interest/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

11 November 2025- The Mahikeng-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit seeks public assistance in locating a man who is linked to a fraud case. In May 2022, a woman from Mahikeng was allegedly defrauded over R800 000 by her boyfriend, who is believed to be a Ugandan national.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said the reports indicate that the woman was told by her boyfriend to resign from her work and take all her pension money to a prayer room, where it would be blessed by her ancestors. Mathebula said she allegedly followed the instructions and was promised that she would get R15 million in return.

“Following the prayer session, the man disappeared without a trace. Anyone with information that can assist the police in locating the man in the picture is urged to contact the investigation officer, Warrant Officer John Seolwane on 082 450 1400.

“Alternatively, you can anonymously report via MySAPS App or contact Crime Stop number on 08600 10111,” he said.

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1426 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela II

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Picture: Some of dagga seized by the police/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

11 November 2025- The integrated and intelligence-driven Safer Festive Season Shanela II operations conducted between 3 and 9 November 2025, resulted in the arrest of suspects and the seizure of a variety of illegal contrabands, 33 rounds of ammunition, three vehicles, a variety of drugs, and liquor. In the same period, a total of 1426 suspects were arrested for different crimes.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said 412 out of the 1426 arrests were circulated wanted suspects, after they were positively linked to the committed crimes through forensic DNA leads. Mokgwabone said the suspects, among others, include those arrested for murder, robberies, attempted murders, rape, burglaries, assaults, illegal dealing in drugs, possession of drugs, selling of liquor without licences, driving under the influence of liquor, malicious damage to property and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

“During these operations, 38 illegal migrants were apprehended for contravention of section 49 of the Immigration Act, 2002. In Ngaka Modiri Molema District, a crime intelligence-driven operation by the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Provincial Proactive Drug Operation and Mahikeng K9 Unit led to the arrest of six suspects in the policing precincts of Mmabatho and Mahikeng on 6 and 7 November 2025.

“Two of the suspects were nabbed for aggravated robbery, while four others were arrested for possession of illegal substances. During the arrests, the police confiscated drugs such as crystal meth, kat and mandrax, all with an estimated street value of R11 400,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said in Brits, a tuck shop was raided in Phase 1, Oukasie Township and the police confiscated distinct brands of alcohol and dagga. He added that a case with charges of dealing in drugs, dealing in liquor, and contravening the Gambling Act, 2001 was registered, and the suspect was arrested.

“The police, in collaboration with the Environmental Health officials, proceeded to another place where contaminated and expired foodstuffs were confiscated. The team also seized different brands of alcohol, deep freezers and gambling machines and the owner was arrested and charged with dealing in liquor, and contravening the Gambling Act, 2001,” said Mokgwabone.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, applauded all role players for their relentless efforts to reduce crime levels across the province and stamped the authority of the state.

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Drastic radiographer shortage hits Joburg cancer patients

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Picture: Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

11 November 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said cancer treatment at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital (CMJH) is crippled by a drastic shortage of radiographers that endangers the lives of hundreds of cancer patients. The DA said according to a written reply by Gauteng Health MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, there are only 23 radiographers in the Oncology Department, whereas 57 radiographers are ideally required.

DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health and Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Dr Jack Bloom said the Oncology Department has 38 vacancies in total, including 20 radiographer posts, 3 vacancies for radiation oncologists, as well as shortages of medical officers, medical interns, registrars, and fellows. Bloom said at senior level, the Head of Clinical Unit post is vacant, as well as the Head of Department Medical Physicist post.

“The department said the staff shortages lead to an increase in treatment waiting times and professionals treating more patients than is recommended on global guidelines potentially may result in a reduction of quality of care.

“A major reason for the radiographer shortage is that they are paid about R100 000 less a year than radiographers in other provinces due to a 12-year dispute concerning payment of the Occupational Specific Dispensation (OSD),” he said.

Bloom further said instead of going all out to resolve this dispute, the department said it is unknown when this dispute will be resolved. He added that this is disgraceful as the radiographer shortage will persist until they get the full OSD allowance.

“Further incompetence is revealed by the failure to speedily procure two compact Linear accelerators to replace machines decommissioned in 2018. A Radiation planning CT scan is also broken and needs replacing.

“The CMJH CEO, Gladys Bogoshi should be held to account for staffing and equipment shortages that worsen the cancer treatment crisis for 3000 cancer patients on the waiting list for radiation therapy. The Gauteng High Court has rebuked the department’s failure to treat cancer patients as unlawful and unconstitutional, and it is likely that more cancer patients have died because of delayed treatment than the 144 mental patients that died in the Life Esidimeni tragedy,” said Bloom.

He said they are fighting in court for the Gauteng Legislature to debate their motion to censure the MEC over the cancer treatment crisis. Bloom said this has been blocked by the ANC as they fear they will lose the vote.

“We will continue to push for quality cancer treatment by speedily filling staff vacancies, ensuring proper equipment, and the use of private facilities to cut the backlogs for cancer patients in public hospitals,” said Bloom.

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A man nabbed for stealing motorbike in Brits

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Picture: A motor bike stolen in Brits SAPS/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE

11 November 2025- A man (33) was arrested for being in possession of a suspected stolen motor bike at approximately 8am by the police in Kathu with assistance of Rhino Security Company. The security guards from Rhino Security Company responded after seeing a suspicious motor bike around Kathu town. 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mosimaneotsile Letsapa said the members of Shift D responded quickly and the suspect was arrested after failing to give the police a proof of ownership of the bike. Letsapa said it is alleged that the motor bike was reported stolen at Brits SAPS in North West.

“However, the investigation continues,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting John Taolo Gaetsewe District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, commended Kathu members for their swift response and also applauded Rhino Security Company for their collaboration with the police in fighting crime.

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A murder and attempted murder case against The Meat Brother’s Pub owner, Tshwaro Mangwegape postponed

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Picture: The Meat Brother’s Pub owner, Tshwaro Mangwegape

By OBAKENG MAJE

11 November 2025- A murder and attempted murder case against The Meat Brother’s Pub owner, Tshwaro Mangwegape (41), was postponed to 19 and 23 January 2026 by the Taung Regional Court. The trial was supposed to commence on Monday, however, it is alleged that the defence lawyer is off sick.

Mangwegape who is out on a R5000 bail, is accused of shooting and killing the NWU Soccer Institute player, Undivile “Vilo” Mdi (28) and injuring his friend, Aobakwe Ernest Kokwe (33).

On 17 December 2023, Mdi and Kokwe were amongst patrons who visited The Meat Brother’s Pub that was full to capacity. It is alleged that Mdi and Kokwe went outside and the security guards refused them entry on their return because the area was packed to capacity. Mdi and Kokowe allegedly tried to gain entry forcefully, but Mangwegape allegedly pulled out a gun and shot at them.

Mdi was fatally shot, while his friend was rushed to the hospital with terrible gunshot wounds. The injuries led to Kokwe’s leg being amputated.

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Nigerian man accused of dealing in drugs denied bail

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Picture: A man arrested for dealing in drugs/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

11 November 2025- The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI/Hawks) welcome the decision of the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court to deny bail to Michael Okoya (51), a Nigerian national charged with dealing in drugs. Okoya was arrested in September 2025 by members of the North West Provincial Anti-Drug Team and the Tactical Response Team (TRT).

The NPA regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said his arrest followed a search and seizure operation conducted by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Crime Intelligence, and TRT at his flat in Klerksdorp on 2 September 2025. Gunya said during the operation, law enforcement officials confiscated a large quantity of drugs, including crystal meth, kat, and mandrax tablets, with an estimated street value exceeding R1.5 million.

“Okoya was not present during the raid, prompting a manhunt. He was later apprehended after authorities followed up on credible intelligence. During the bail proceedings, the State, represented by Advocate Riekie Krause, opposed bail, submitting that Okoya posed a flight risk.

“The state presented three affidavits: one from a senior SAPS official who received information about a planned escape, another from the investigating officer, and one from the officer who confiscated a cellphone from the accused,” he said.

Gunya further said the court was informed that the accused had expressed intentions to abscond if released on bail. He added that after considering the evidence, the court denied bail, and the matter was postponed to 9 December 2025, for further investigation.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, and the Acting Head of the Hawks in the North West, Brigadier Georgia Moos, commended the joint efforts of the NPA’s Organised Crime Component and the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team for their tireless work in bringing the accused to justice.

“The NPA, working closely with the DPCI and other law enforcement agencies, remains steadfast in its commitment to dismantle drug networks and ensure that those who destroy our communities with drugs are held accountable,” said Makhari.

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