23 October 2025- The Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit in Kakamas are requesting the public to assist in solving a rape case. The polic said the victim alleges that she was walking alone on 3 October 2025 at about 2pm when an unknown suspect dressed in a black t-shirt and pants approached her with a knife and forcefully took her to the nearby bush, where he allegedly raped her.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said the police are requesting the public to assist with information that may lead to the apprehension of the suspect depicted in the identikit attached herewith. Masegela said anyone with information that can assist in this investigation can contact Detective Sergeant Jurie Mokgalagadi on 0796977386 or 08600 10111 or anonymously sms to 32211 or use the MySAPS App to report.
“All information received will be treated confidentially,” she said.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi
By OBAKENG MAJE
23 October 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi has called a special meeting on 21 October 2025, with the district officials and curriculum directorate. Motsumi said the main objective of this meeting was to analyse the Grade 12 Term 3 preliminary examination results.
She further said in the meeting, she emphasized the importance of collective effort in obtaining the set target of 95%. Motsumi added that there has been a minimal increase of 10.1% in comparison to the 2024 cohort and a 9.1% increase compared to 2023.
“The province currently, after analysing these results, is achieving an 84% pass rate, with only 4,115 out of 41,924 matric candidates remaining to meet the targeted percentage. I was very pleased with the outcomes presented before me.
“I further appeal to communities to desist from disruptive activities of protests as this can deny learners access routes to schools, which could avert candidates from writing their examinations,” she said.
Motsumi said they are within reach of their 95% target though they cannot be complacent. She said every learner matters and calls on parents, teachers, district officials and community leaders to work with them to ensure uninterrupted access to schools and protect examination schedules from disruptive protests.
“The departmental officials highlighted that targeted interventions such as incubation camps will continue in schools and districts where candidates still require more support,” said Motsumi.
Setshwantsho: Motsamaisi wa kwa lebenkeleng la Boxer Liquor Store, Tebogo Romeo Mahusi/Facebook
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
22 Diphalane 2025- Ditheetso tsa beile mo kgetsing ya petelelo kgatlhanong le motsamaisi wa lebenkeleng la Boxer Liquor Store mono Taung, Tebogo Romeo Mahusi (32), di solofetswe go tswelela kwa kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la kamoso. Se se tla morago ga gore mosekisi ga mmogo le mmatlisisi wa kgetsi ba tlhalose fa ba le kgatlhanong le gore Mahusi a neelwe beile.
Mosekisi o tlhalositse fa Mahusi a se kitla a babalesega fa a ka neelwa beile, gonne baagi ba tshakgaditswe ke tiragalo e. O tlhalositse gape fa go kwadilwe papetlana ya boikuelo (petition) ke bangwe ba baagi, mme ba kopa gore kgotlha-tshekelo e se neele Mahusi beile.
Fela mmueledi wa ga Mahusi eleng advocate Mokhutsane, o tlhaloseditse lekgotlha gore Afrika Borwa ke naga e e ikaegileng ka molao, mme mongwe le mongwe o tlolang molao, o tshwanelwa ke gore a tshwarwe. Mokhutsane are jaanong botlhe ba ba tla tsenyang botshelo jwa ga Mahusi mo kotsi, ba tla tshwanelwa ke go lebagane le letsogo la molao.
Magistrata mo kgetsing e, o ile a busetsa dikganetsano (arguments) mo kgetsing e kwa morago go fitlha mo letsatsing la kamoso.
Mahusi one a tshwarwa mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go betelela modiri wa mosadi wa teng kwa Boxer Liquor Store.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are tiragalo e, ke ya Lamatlhatso motshegare kwa lebenkeleng la Boxer Liquor Store. Mokgwabone are dipatlisiso mo kgetsing e, di tsweletse.
Go begwa fa modiri wa dingwaga di le 20, teng kwa Boxer Liquor Store, a ne a tsweletse ka tiro ya gagwe ya go paka dilo fa motsamaisi a ne a mo biletsa kwa kantorong ya gagwe ka Lamatlhatso motshegare. Go begwa fa go tseneng ga bone kwa kantorong eo, Mahusi o ile a lotlela lebati la kantoro.
Go begwa fa e ne ya re fa modiri o a sentse a maketse gore go diragalang, ke fa Mahusi a mo phamola a mo atla ka nkane. Go begwa fa Mahusi a ile a mo fekeetsa ka maatla, mme a mo apola borokgwe.
Go begwa fa Mahusi a ile a mo rapamisa mo tafoleng le go mo betelela a mo tlhaga kwa morago.
Picture: Suspected stolen goats seized by the police/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
22 October 2025- Three accused, Melton Francois Mapsanganhe (35), Boa Camaroes Koza (39) and Aobake Johnson Gwayisa (23), were remanded in custody until 27 October 2025. The trio briefly appeared in the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court on 20 October 2025, for possession of suspected stolen goats.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the accused’s court appearance emanated from their apprehension on Thursday morning, 16 October 2025, after 26 goats, including two that were already dead, were found inside their Toyota Quantum. Myburgh said according to information, traffic officials were conducting their daily patrols on the N14 road between Ventersdorp and Coligny when they stopped the Quantum along the road and discovered the goats.
“The traffic officers also found other stolen property, including clothing in their vehicle. The trio failed to account for the livestock and were immediately arrested. Investigations conducted by the Stilfontein Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (STES), positively identified the owner of the goats in Mmabatho.
“It was also determined that two of the accused (Koza and Gwayisa) are from Mozambique and illegally in the country. As a result, they will be facing additional charges of contravention of Section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act, 2002,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Ryno Naidoo, congratulated the traffic officers for their vigilance that led to the interception of the trio, and indicated that the police and other JOINTS role players will continue to work hard together in the combating of crime including stock theft.
Picture: A medical doctor, Kingsley Idugboe/Twitter
By OBAKENG MAJE
22 October 2025- A medical doctor, Kingsley Idugboe who allegedly assaulted a cleaner at Taung District Hospital is facing a disciplinary hearing. This comes after the North West Department of Health finalised its investigation into the matter.
On 8 July 2025, Idugboe allegedly assaulted a cleaner, Kegomoditswe Monogwe (58).
According to Monogwe, there was a certain doctor who was staying at the doctors’ residential area within the hospital vicinity and gave her some belongings when he moved out. However, it is alleged that Idugboe took those items instead.
“So, there was a confrontation between Igduboe and I that led to an assault. We were fighting for the key of the house and he bit my finger. I reported the matter to the hospital management and also opened an assault case at Taung Police Station.
“I spoke to the doctor who said I should take the belongings from the house and alluded that he never gave Igduboe any right to take them,” she said.
However, Monogwe raised some concerns after Igduboe returned to work. She alleged that she feels like her case was not taken seriously as the hospital management has not communicated with her the outcome of the investigation, including the police as there was no arrest.
The North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said: “We can confirm that the department has conducted an internal investigation following allegations of assault involving a medical officer, Idugboe to a cleaner at Taung District Hospital.
“The investigation has since been finalised and adverse findings were made against the implicated doctor. The recommendation was that disciplinary action should be taken against the implicated medical officer. The department has approved the investigation report.”
Lekgethwane further said the findings and recommendations of the investigation were formally communicated to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Taung District Hospital for implementation. He added that, for the record, the complainant was interviewed during the course of the investigation and was fully-informed about the process.
“She has also been advised that she will be notified once the disciplinary hearing has been scheduled. She will be a witness in the disciplinary enquiry against the implicated medical officer. The disciplinary enquiry will be held during the second week in November 2025, pending confirmation by and availability of the parties,” said Lekgethwane.
Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said they are aware of the incident. Mokgwabone said the complainant alleges that she was bitten on her fingers by the suspect.
“The investigation was conducted into the matter and the docket was placed before the court for a decision. However, it came back with a query, which we are working on,” he said.
22 October 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Polokwane Municipality said it strongly opposes the municipality’s intention to procure a luxury vehicle for the Chief Whip — at a cost of up to R700 000. The DA said it does so both as a matter of principle and considering the pressing need for cost containment, at a time when fiscal prudence is a national priority.
DA Polokwane councillor: Admin and Governance, Androe Botha said this expenditure is in direct conflict with the Municipal Cost Containment Regulations, gazetted by National Treasury, as well as with the municipality’s own Cost Containment Policy. Botha said these regulations are designed to ensure that municipal resources are used effectively, efficiently and economically and to eliminate wastage of public funds on non-service delivery items.
“Every municipality is required to adopt and implement its own cost containment policy in line with these regulations. The municipality’s report to its Administration and Governance Portfolio Committee, which seeks to motivate the vehicle purchase, makes superficial reference to Treasury’s regulations but fails to comply with its own Cost Containment Policy.
“This policy expressly requires that the Accounting Officer must provide Council with, among other things, information on the extent of service delivery backlogs before such expenditure is approved,” she said.
Botha further said beyond their principled opposition to allocating a dedicated luxury vehicle to the Chief Whip, they cannot in good conscience support this proposal when essential municipal infrastructure and basic services are collapsing across Polokwane. She added that service delivery must take precedence over luxury perks for political office-bearers.
“Should the ANC-led council proceed with this ill-conceived and unnecessary purchase, the DA will not hesitate to report the matter to Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Limpopo), as well as to the provincial and national Treasury.
“What this decision ultimately exposes is the absence of moral leadership and conscience with which the ANC continues to govern,” said Botha.
22 October 2025- The Select Committee on Security and Justice has expressed deep concern over delays affecting the refurbishment of Park Road Police Station in Bloemfontein. The committee began its weeklong oversight visit to the Free State yesterday with inspections of the Park Road Police Station, the Mangaung One-Stop Child Justice Centre and the South African National Defence Force Tempe Infantry Base.
The acting Chairperson of the Select Committee on Security and Justice, Inkosi Mwelo Nonkonyana said the visit forms part of the committee’s constitutional mandate to assess the effectiveness and performance of security and justice institutions across the country. Nonkonyana said at the Park Road Station, the committee discovered that a long-overdue refurbishment project initiated in 2016 with a budget of R51 million remains incomplete nearly a decade later.
“The work, originally scheduled to take 24 months, is currently only 76% complete, with progress having ground to a halt in July 2024. The committee was informed that three contractors have withdrawn from the project over the years due to poor performance and late payments from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and the Development Bank of Southern Africa.
“The most recent contractor reportedly left the site after waiting four months for payment. The committee is shocked by the ongoing delays and the lack of accountability. The incomplete refurbishment has severely compromised service delivery and poses significant safety risks for both officers and the community,” he said.
Nonkonyana further said among the challenges identified were a non-functional community service centre, now operating from inadequate temporary premises, non-operational landline telephones, making it difficult for the public to contact the station and a lack of access control, creating a serious security risk, particularly at night. He added that the committee has resolved to summon the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure to appear before it in Parliament to account for the delays and lack of oversight in project execution.
“During its visit to the Mangaung One-Stop centre, the committee was briefed on constraints caused by the ongoing renovations at the Winkie Direko Secure Care facility, which began in February 2025. These renovations have forced police to transport child detainees to distant facilities in Thabo Mofutsanyane and Matete Matches, placing further strain on limited resources.
“The committee learnt that further issues reported include insufficient space in courtrooms for proper preliminary inquiries when multiple child offenders are involved and limited public toilet facilities,” said Nonkonyana.
He said the committee was encouraged that despite these challenges, the centre has received national and international recognition for its dedication to child justice and community service. Nonkonyana said the oversight also included a visit to the Tempe Infantry Base to assess military infrastructure, as part of the committee’s broader focus on national security.
“Our visit is driven by growing concern over rising violent crime, particularly against women and children. We are here to engage directly with stakeholders, assess the effectiveness of current strategies and identify areas where urgent intervention is needed.
“The committee reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening law enforcement capacity, enhancing community safety and ensuring accessible and effective justice services for all South Africans,” said Nonkonyana.
He said as part of today’s programme, the committee will host a public engagement session with all the relevant stakeholders where the focus will be on stock theft, rural safety and SAPS service delivery. Nonkonyana said this session will take place at the Ficksburg Town Hall in Clarens at 3:30pm, and will provide a platform for affected communities to raise concerns and contribute to finding solutions.
Picture: Traditional leaders engaging with North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari/Supplied
By AGISANANG SCUFF
22 October 2025- The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari has reaffirmed the department’s commitment to working closely with Traditional Leaders (Dikgosi) to address pressing healthcare challenges and strengthen service delivery across the province. Lehari met with dikgosi at Kings Gate in Rustenburg as part of his ongoing stakeholder engagement programme aimed at building strong partnerships to improve healthcare access and quality.
During the engagement, he apologised for the delay in convening the meeting and emphasised the importance of establishing a consistent communication channel between the department and dikgosi. He further assured the leaders that his department is ready to work hand-in-hand with them on health issues affecting their communities and committed to consulting them regularly on developments and challenges within health facilities located in their traditional areas.
“The department will prioritise mobile clinics in rural villages and hold quarterly engagements with dikgosi to monitor progress and ensure accountability,” added Lehari.
He assured dikgosi that they will have direct access to operational managers, chief directors, and hospital CEOs for swift resolution of service-related issues. Lehari also announced that Mmabonyana Lerumo, Director for Special Programmes, will serve as a direct liaison between the department and traditional leaders to ensure quick responses to operational matters.
Meanwhile, Traditional Leaders welcomed Lehari’s open-door approach and raised several issues requiring urgent attention. Kgosi Montshioa encouraged the department to fast-track the finalisation of the North West School of Medicine, which he said is crucial for building capacity and producing home-grown healthcare professionals.
“We call for improved functionality of hospital boards and clinic committees. In the past, poor communication and irregular meetings had undermined their effectiveness,” said Montshioa.
The Chief of Batlhaping BaGa-Maidi Tribal Authority, Kgosi Nyoko Motlhabane, raised concerns about the lack of timeous communication between the department and traditional leaders regarding health-related activities in their villages. Motlhabane stressed that dikgosi should be notified well in advance to allow them to mobilise their communities effectively, instead of being informed at the same time as residents.
Picture: Grade 12 learners at Batlhaping High School/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
22 October 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said they had a smooth start of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) final examinations in the province. Motsumi said more than 2760 registered National Senior Certificate (NSC) candidates for Computer Applications Technology (CAT) P1 (Practical) wrote well in 89 schools across the province.
She further said the paper was well monitored and all schools were covered. Motsumi added that there are no major challenges that were reported during the writing of the paper in all centres.
“We would like to convey our satisfaction with the smooth start of the examination process at these 89 schools. It is promising to mention that our learners are receiving the necessary support to excel in their examinations.
“We extend our best wishes for their continued success as they progress and we remain committed to ensuring that every learner is given a fair and equitable opportunity to attain their academic aspirations in these examinations,” she said.
Motsumi said on Wednesday, candidates sat for a three-hour Information Technology Paper 1 from 9am. She encouraged learners to thoroughly prepare in order to succeed in their exams.
“Prepare early by creating a study plan. Also, understand the format of the examination papers. Use active study techniques like practice tests and previous exam papers. Create summary notes and during the exams, manage your time, read all questions carefully and stay calm by taking deep breaths.
“Remember to prioritise your well-being by getting enough sleep. Eat nutritious food and drink water regularly. Take regular breaks when studying and organise your study space. Organise study groups, draw a study time-table and incorporate physical activity into your routine to help focus and manage stress,” said Motsumi.
Meanwhile, the Convenor of the MRM Provincial Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele urged communities to allow learners the opportunity to write their final exams in a peaceful and conducive environment.
“We are appealing for suspension of disruptive protests or alternatively their planning must consider that disruption of schooling and the public transport system will adversely affect learners who are on the verge of achieving a qualification that will open opportunities for them.
“The sacrifices and extra effort that matriculants have had to put as part of preparing for the exams throughout the year, must be safeguarded so that they achieve their objective to pursue their dreams,” he said.
Setshwantsho: Mmatlisisi wa sepodisi, Constable Nicolas Motlhankane/Facebook
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
22 Diphalane 2025- Kgetsi ya go utswa bojalwa kgatlhanong le motlhankela wa sepodisi kwa Seteisheng sa Taung, Constable Nicolas Motlhankane (28), e solofetswe go boela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Hartswater mo letsatsing la gompieno. Motlhankane o ile a tshwarwa ke lephata la sepodisi se se batlisisang dikgetsi tsa bonwenwe kwa porofenseng ya Kapa Bokone, le go molatofatsa ka bogodu.
Go begwa fa ka di 31 Phatwe 2023, Motlhankane, yo oneng a tsenetse thupelelong (training) kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Kgomotso, a ile a tsaya sejanaga sa sepodisi, mme a leba kwa Pampierstad. Go begwa fa Motlhankane a ile a tsena kwa lebenkeleng le le rekisang nnotagi la batswa-kwa ba kwa nageng ya China, mme a ba kaela fa a tlile go puruputsha.
Go begwa fa Motlhankane, a ile a utswa bojalwa teng kwa lebenkeleng leo la nnotagi.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi kwa porofenseng ya Kapa Bokone, Sergeant Molefi Shemane are Motlhankane one a tlhageletse ka boripana kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Pampierstad mabapi le ditatofatso tsa bogodu. Shemane are kgetsi kgatlhanong le Motlhankane, e ile ya busediwa kwa morago go fitlha di 22 Diphalane 2025.
“Molatofadiwa o ile a neelwa beile ya R500, fa kgetsi e ile ya sitlhamolosediwa kwa kgotlhatsekelo ya sedika ya Hartswater,” Shemane wa tlhalosa.
The Guardian 