A man sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for sexual offences

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By REGINALD KANYANE

6 November 2025- A man (43) was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment by the Garankuwa Regional Court for three separate sexual offences. The accused, Thomas Mlambo Baloyi received 15 years for rape committed in 2008, 10 years for rape committed in 2014 and 15 years for rape committed in 2017.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said sentences on count one and three to run concurrently, the effective sentence is 25 years. Gunya said Baloyi’s name will be added to the National Register for Sex Offenders, and he was declared unfit to possess a firearm.

“The court heard that between May 2008 and January 2017, in Kromkuil village, near Winterveldt, Baloyi in all three instances, used the same modus operandi by accompanying unsuspecting female victims during the night. Evidence presented in court revealed that, along the way, he would force himself on the victims and sexually assault them. 

“The victims were two adult women and a minor aged 15 years in 2014. He was linked to all the offences through DNA evidence and was arrested on 3 March 2023. He abandoned his right to bail and remained in custody,” he said.

Gunya further said during proceedings, Mlambo pleaded guilty to all charges in terms of a plea and sentence agreement with the state. He added that the state prosecutor, Jafta Maleka, told the court about the trend when committing these offences.

“He further told the court that Baloyi targeted the vulnerable members of the community,” said Gunya.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended the prosecution team and all role players for securing the conviction. Makhari said the DPP emphasised the need for community cooperation with authorities in reporting any acts of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

“The NPA remains committed to ensuring accountability and fighting GBV in South Africa,” she said.

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A double murder case against a man postponed  

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

6 November 2025 – The double murder accused, Ofentse Sebogo (31) was remanded in custody by the Lehurutshe Magistrate’s Court until 12 November 2025, for a formal bail application. Sebogo was arrested on 4 November 2025, for allegedly stabbing three men with a sharp object on 1 November 2025, at Unit 2, Welbedacht, Lehurutshe.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the victims, Thulani Dube (30) and Felix Tivane (40), died on the scene and in the hospital respectively, while the third victim escaped with injuries. Mokgwabone said following the incident, the accused was successfully traced and brought to book.

“The motive of the incident is still unclear and investigations into the matter are underway,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, expressed thanks to the police for their swift response that led to the arrest and subsequent appearance of the accused in court. Nadioo urged members of the community to resolve their differences amicably rather than resorting to violence that often leads to incidents such as this one. 

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Fish killing incident in Hartbeespoort Dam a ‘matter of concern’

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Picture: Fish kiling incindent/Facebook

By BAKANG MOKOTO

6 November 2025- The Magalies Water said there was a fish killing incident that occurred at the canal of Venice Village Estate in the Hartbeespoort Dam area on 18 October 2025. The water utility said the affected fish were buried on an unoccupied piece of land and the incident had already attracted media attention on or about 21 October 2025.

Magalies Water spokesperson, David Magae said following this incident, their team responded promptly by collecting water samples on 22 October 2025. Magae said the following day, Magalies Water, together with the Department of Water and Sanitation (Enforcement and Compliance) and the Madibeng Local Municipality, conducted a site inspection.

“No visible signs or evidence was found to indicate the cause of the fish kill and water quality results did not reveal any abnormalities in the sampled water.

“As the incident was reported three days after it occurred and water quality conditions can change rapidly, we urge the community to report fish kills immediately to Magalies Water and the Department of Water and Sanitation, as well as any accompanying visual evidence of the affected fish and the exact location,” he said.

Magae further said to date they have recorded only one fish kill case at Venice Village Estate. He added that while this incident is cause for concern and can cause public panic.

“Magalies Water advises communities to ensure that they monitor all developments pertaining to the water safety of the Hartbeespoort Dam through official communication issued by the Department of Water and Sanitation and/or Magalies Water. Since this incident, we continue with regular sampling of the raw water in the precinct of the dam and to date no further abnormalities have become apparent,” said Magae.

He said it is common cause that the current situation of the growth of the hyacinth and salvinia have an adverse effect on the amount of oxygen on the waterbody, which can also result in the death of other aquatic species, such as the fish found in the dam. Magae said, furthermore, Magalies Water has previously commented publicly on the high levels of loaded pollutants that enter the dam which also contributes to the sprawling growth of the hyacinth water plant, which brings about other challenges in the preferred conditions of the raw water in the catchment and dam.

“Work continues despite these challenges, and the Department of Water and Sanitation together with stakeholders are regularly updated on all interventions, challenges as well as mitigation measures which are designed to stall the speed at which the invasive plant is spreading over the dam.

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Police looking for missing Khensani Mhlauli

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Picture: The missing Khensani Mhlauli/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

6 November 2025- The police in Kagisho are requesting the public to assist in locating Khensani Mhlauli (25), who was last seen at his residence in Thabo Modupe drive in Phuthanang. The reports indicate that the victim left his residence on 26 October 2025, without telling anyone where he was going.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said he was wearing a pair of red shorts and a black T-shirt the last time he was seen. Pilane said anyone with information that can lead to locating and reuniting Khensani with his loved ones can contact Detective Constable Tsholofelo Madonsela on 071 682 8190 or 053 871 1173 or alternatively utilise the Mysaps App or 08600 10111 crime stop number.

“The public is reminded that there is no waiting period to report a person missing,” he said.

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Kgetsi ya petelelo kgatlhanong le Masito e boela kgotlhatshekelo

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Setshwantsho: Molatofadiwa wa petelelo, Oratile Masito

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

6 Ngwanatsele 2025- Kgetsi ya petelelo kgatlhanong le monna wa kwa motseng wa Lokaleng, gaufi le Taung, e solofetswe go boela kgotlhatshekelo mo letsatsing la gompieno. Go begwa fa molatofadiwa, Oratile Masito (22) a beteletse lekgarebe lengwe teng kwa Lokaleng.

Go ya ka kgotlhatshekelo, Masito o beteletse lekgarebe le makgetlho a le mararo mo bosigong jwa tiragalo. Go begwa fa Masito a ile a kgorogelwa ke baagi kwa legaeng la gagwe fa kgwedi ya Lwetse e ne e tlhola letsatsi, mme ba mo latofatsa ka petelelo.

Fela Masito ene are o bopelwa kgomo ya mmopa. Lekgotlha le timile Masito beile, mme le tlhalositse fa mabaka a a nelaneng ka one ese a ikgethileng. Gape, Masito o latofadiwa ka go tshosetsa dipaki mo kgetsing e. 

Lekgotlha le tlhalositse fa le rometse dipoelo tsa DNA kwa Forensic Laboratory fa kgwedi ya Lwetse e ne e tlhola matsatsi a le 29. Jaanong lekgotlha le tlhalositse fa le setse le emetse dipoelo tseo.

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Former local artist, Masego Sebigi who is facing child neglect case back in court 

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Picture: Former local artist, Masego Sebigi/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

6 November 2025 – Former local hip hop artist, Masego “Meezy” Sebigi (28), who is facing a child neglect case, will be back at Taung Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. Sebigi was arrested for allegedly leaving her daughter (10) alone in her rented room in Extension 7, near Taung on several occasions.

It is alleged that in August 2025, Sebigi’s daughter approached the state prosecutor at around 8:30pm, who is also residing in the same vicinity and requested her to call the landlord, so that she can give her mother’s contact number. The said prosecutor assisted the child.

It is alleged that in two weeks, the same scenario repeated itself again. It is alleged that Sebigi, who left her child alone at the time, highlighted that she was in Kuruman.

The prosecutor called social workers for intervention and a child neglect case was opened. It is alleged that the social workers found the rented room filthy.      

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Sivenathi Gunya said: “It is true that a woman is facing a child neglect case and will be back at Taung Magistrate’s Court on 6 November 2025.” 

According to http://www.scielo.org.za child maltreatment rates in South Africa are extremely high. The Non-Government Organisation (NGO) said this fact is attributable to excessive levels of poverty and wide-spread violence.

“The United Nations (UN) and its signatories acknowledge that children are a vulnerable group and provide some guidelines on how children and their rights should be protected by signatories to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

“Parents are urged to take all appropriate social and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation including sexual abuse.”

The website said the Article 19(2) of the Convention makes it clear that measures used to protect children need to be protective and preventive and should encompass the identification, reporting, referral, investigation and treatment of child abuse. It said Article 16 of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child [11] echoes the obligations set out in the UN Convention.

“The Charter obligates the African Union (AU) and its signatories to establish special monitoring units and to provide the necessary support for the abused child and his/her caretakers.

“The South African Constitution [12] explicitly addresses the rights of children and affords them specific protection. Section 28(1)(d) holds that every child has the right to be protected from maltreatment, neglect, abuse and/or degradation,” said Scielo.

The organisation said Children’s Act No. 35 of 2005[3] and its amendment 41 of 2007 (promulgated in 2010)[13] addresses children’s rights in its entirety. It said Section 110 specifically deals with the protection of children and resonates with the UN Convention and the AU Charter on the protection of children’s rights.

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North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi’s VIP Protection Unit vehicle impounded

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Picture: North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi

By OBAKENG MAJE

6 November 2025- In a rather embarrassing moment, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi’s VIP Protection Unit vehicle was allegedly impounded by the buoyed traffic officers from Mahikeng Local Municipality on Wednesday. According to bystanders, the traffic officers were conducting a roadblock when they stopped Molapisi’s VIP Protection Unit vehicle that allegedly had no disc.

One of the bystanders said: “In a dramatic situation, we saw Molapisi being taken away by traffic officers after driving in a VIP Protection Unit vehicle without a disc. Indeed, it was rather embarrassing seeing the whole MEC being taken away by traffic officers, while his vehicle was impounded.

“We expect these so-called leaders to be leading by example. However, it seems that is not the case here in the North West. A few days ago, we saw another VIP Protection Unit vehicle being driven by a slay queen at a filling station in Mahikeng. So, they are doing all these with impunity. Big up to the traffic officers from Mahikeng Local Municipality for doing their work with diligence. No one is above the law after all.”

Meanwhile, Molapisi spokesperson, Lerato Gambu who tried to downplay the situation said, they are aware of the matter. Gambu said the operations by traffic officers noticed that the vehicle ferrying Molapisi had issues with the disc.

“It is in this context that the car was handed over and MEC used another vehicle to attend to other commitments. The MEC’s vehicle is awaiting the issuing of the new disc since the issue is being addressed. It should be stated the delay is expected due the outstanding fine.

“The transport section of the department has long addressed the issue, albeit following up on the cause of the delay in the issuing of the new disc. We are confident that this unfortunate incident will never happen again,” he said.

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North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng welcomes the arrest of a murder suspect

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Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng

By OBAKENG MAJE

6 November 2025- The hard-working North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng has applauded the Mmabatho Police for the swift re-arrest of a murder suspect (44). Morweng said the arrested suspect is alleged to have assaulted and killed his girlfriend (35) in Montshioa Township, Mahikeng in March 2025.  

He further said the suspect was arrested and allegedly released on technicalities. Morweng added on Tuesday night, the Montshioa community protested and raised their dissatisfaction with him.

“I patiently explained processes and procedures. The police after completing their processes then swiftly rearrested the suspect. Sometimes it is just a matter of communicating with people for them to understand the processes from arresting a suspect until the trial begins.

“We have to continuously ensure that the people are being made aware that when someone whom they believe is guilty, there are processes and procedures to ensure there is a successful prosecution,” he said.

Morweng said the incident for which the suspect was arrested occurred in the early hours of Saturday, on 22 March 2025. He said following the incident and the arrest of a suspect, a group of angry community members had demanded that the suspect be handed over to them for mob justice.

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Maruping Lekwene resigns as Northern Cape MEC for Health and Member of Provincial Legislature

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Picture: Northern Cape MEC for Health and Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Maruping Lekwene

By OBAKENG MAJE

5 November 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) in the Northern Cape announced the resignation of Maruping Lekwene as the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Health and as a Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL). The party said Lekwene’s resignation follows the decision of the ANC to redeploy him to a new and strategic role as the ANC Head of Elections in the Northern Cape.

The ANC provincial spokesperson, Sandiseni Sithole said this deployment forms part of the ANC’s broader strategy to strengthen the organisation ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections. Sithole said ANC wishes to express its deep appreciation to Lekwene for his unwavering commitment, discipline and contribution to the government and the people of the Northern Cape.

“Throughout his tenure in the Provincial Executive and in the Legislature, he has served with dedication and integrity. As he takes up this new responsibility, the ANC has full confidence that Lekwene will continue to play a vital role in advancing the organisation’s programmes and ensuring a strong, united, and well-prepared movement for the upcoming elections.

“The ANC also extends its appreciation to the Premier and the entire Provincial Executive Council for their continued teamwork and focus on improving service delivery,” he said.

Sithole further said the organisation values the collective leadership shown in promoting stability and progress across the province. He added that ANC remains committed to its mission of building unity, deepening democracy and accelerating service delivery.

“Redeployments within the movement are part of a continuous effort to strengthen governance and organisational effectiveness,” said Sithole.

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Police are looking for the missing Malawian man, Chikombi Kalimpinde

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Picture: A missing Malawian man, Chikombi Kalimpinde/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

5 November 2025- The police in Koster request the community’s assistance in locating a missing Malawian man, Chikombi Kalimpinde (26), who is residing at Witrand Farm, near Koster. Kalimpinde was last seen by his wife on 28 September 2025, at around 7am when he left for work, but never returned home.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said a search was conducted around Oukasie village, extensive investigations were done and all leads were followed up with no success. Myburgh said it is not known what he was wearing at the time of his disappearance.

“He is dark in complexion, has an average built, is 1.8m tall, with black medium length hair, a short black moustache with a short beard.

“Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts can contact the Investigating Officer, Seargeant Innocent Matuwane on Cell 082 338 9410, your local police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” she said.

Myburgh further said anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smart phone. She added that extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 080 091 1011.

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