17 October 2025- The Mahikeng Local Municipality said it has noted with concern a message circulating on social media alleging that a tender involving the municipality, the Department of Public Works & Roads, as well as SANRAL has been awarded, and that a related meeting will take place at Mmabatho Stadium.
The municipality said it wishes to place it on record that these claims are false and misleading.
The executive mayor of Mahikeng Local Municipality, Tshepiso Mphehlo said there is no such tender process or meeting authorized or coordinated by the municipality in collaboration with the said entities. Mphehlo said residents are urged to treat this information as inaccurate and to refrain from sharing or acting on unverified messages circulating online.
“The municipality continues to uphold transparency and due process in all its operations, including procurement matters. Members of the public are reminded that official municipal announcements and engagements are communicated through verified municipal channels and spokespersons.
“The municipality remains committed to providing accurate information and serving the community with integrity and accountability,” he said.
17 October 2025 – Members of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence and the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans said they are concerned about what they have seen along the country’s border in Musina.
The joint committees’ today concluded their oversight visits with engagements with the Border Management Authority (BMA), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the South African Police Services and the South African Revenue Service on interdepartmental cooperation at Musina Local Municipality.
The committee said the ease at which people flow between South Africa and Zimbabwe while evading established ports of entry and opting to use unofficial entry points operated by crime syndicates was highly concerning. The committee called for a sufficiently equipped SANDF and other border entities in terms of personnel on the ground, technology and other resources.
The Co-Chairperson of the joint standing committee, Dr Malusi Gigaba, noted that Beitbridge is South Africa’s busiest land port of entry, making it one of the hardest to manage. Gigaba emphasised that managing migration to realise its economic development, national security potential and minimise its risks, requires a new paradigm underpinned by management.
“They need to ensure that there is an all-of-government and all-of-society approach. It is necessary to invest in border management infrastructure in order to mitigate against loss of billions of rand as a result of counterfeit goods, the illicit entry and exit of goods that are not declared to SARS.
“This includes other crimes such as car theft and illicit tobacco, among others. The bus that was involved in a fatal accident, where 40 mostly undocumented foreign nationals lost their lives, shows the ease with which people can pass through South Africa’s checkpoints,” he said.
Gigaba further said obviously, the enablers are on their side of the border. He added that the fact that there were large quantities of medicines which were found on the wreckage shows that they were for distribution purposes in another country, which is a further testament that this was an evasive manoeuvre against paying duties.
“Something needs to be done about syndicates that buy trucks and hire drivers to transport illicit goods across border lines. In addition, concerted efforts are needed to find solutions, as South Africa cannot control what happens with its counterparts on the Zimbabwe side.
“Members also called for collection of all the donkeys along the border as they are used to carry out illegal activities. The committee said the engagement with the BMA has exposed a weak and dysfunctional system,” said Gigaba.
He recommended that all departmental entities should improve on their cooperation to disable the enablers and traffickers. Gigaba said it is worrying to think that should the truck scanner that is in use break down due not being properly maintained, this will pose a huge risk as cargo will not be scanned.
“We commend the admirable dedication of soldiers serving along the border, at times without proper equipment. We need to ensure that the challenges they face at the level of technology, equipment and infrastructure are addressed.
“They are making enormous personal sacrifices to protect those of us inside the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Dakota Legoete said: “It has become very clear that the BMA does not have a budget, same as SAPS, Home Affairs and SANDF.
“It is estimated that South Africa losses over R83 Billion rands in illicit goods and substances and one of the national key points where there is a serious national threat is here in Beitbridge, Durban harbour and OR Tambo.”
17 October 2025- The South African Football Association (SAFA) and renowned French sportswear brand Le Coq Sportif have announced the conclusion of their five-year partnership, set to officially end on 31 December 2025. Launched just prior to the global pandemic, the collaboration has been defined by landmark achievements and powerful moments in South African football.
Together, SAFA and Le Coq Sportif celebrated Banyana Banyana’s historic victory at the 2022 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and their qualification for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. A standout initiative during this period was the launch of a special-edition black kit aimed at raising awareness of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and it was worn by Banyana Banyana® as they made history by reaching the Round of 16 at a FIFA tournament for the first time.
SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao said the partnership also championed fan engagement and creativity through the “Designed By You” competition, which saw South African designer Lwazi Cedrick Ngcungama win the opportunity to design the national team jersey. Monyepao said this first-of-its-kind initiative reflected South Africa’s values of inclusion, empowerment, and collaboration.
“Another iconic moment came with the unveiling of the silver “Ivory” kit, worn by Bafana Bafana® during their bronze-medal campaign at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
“The kit symbolized innovation and a bold departure from traditional national colours. Additionally, the pink kit worn by Banyana Banyana® in their high-profile match against England supported the Pink Drive campaign, raising awareness for breast cancer and showcasing football’s potential to drive social change,” she said.
Monyepao further said their relationship started with many challenges, but inspired a lot of on-field success for all their national teams, specifically their senior teams, Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.
“We want to thank Le Coq Sportif for the partnership and we wish them well in their future endeavours,” said Monyepao.
Ernst van den Berg, Director of Le Coq Sportif South Africa said: “We are proud of the role we played in supporting South African football during this period and the memories we created together.
“From ground-breaking kit designs to shared historic achievements, it has been a privilege to stand alongside SAFA and the players who inspire the nation.”
Van den Berg said as the partnership draws to a close, both SAFA and Le Coq Sportif reflect on a legacy of innovation, unity, and impact, on and off the pitch.
Meanwhile, SAFA has announced Adidas as its new sponsor.
16 October 2025- The Temba Magistrates’ Court has denied bail to Romeo Moshe Shibambu (37) from Suurman, who is facing three counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and one count of malicious property damage. It is alleged that on 28 September 2025, the accused’s sister visited him at his residence.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said while conversing, she noticed a garden spade nearby. Mahanjana said when she enquired about it, the accused told her that he “felt like fighting” and that if he did, he “would win the fight.”
“He then allegedly chased his sister away and assaulted her with the spade. Two days later, on 30 September 2025, it is alleged that the accused was walking to a nearby shop carrying a spade to demand his R350 from the shop owner.
“On his way, he allegedly saw children playing at a neighbour’s house. He began assaulting Kelebogile Neo Gift Baloyi (3) with the spade until the child succumbed to his injuries. When the child’s mother, Rose Baloyi (33), saw what was happening and attempted to seek help from neighbours, she fainted and fell to the ground,” she said.
Mahanjana further said Shibambu allegedly continued to assault her with the spade, resulting in her death. She added that when Sibusiso Langatshe Baloyi (42), the father of the child and husband to Rose, tried to intervene, the accused allegedly turned on him and assaulted him with the spade until he died.
“A taxi driver witnessed the attack and tried to intervene, however, the accused allegedly assaulted him with the spade, got into the taxi, and drove off while dragging the taxi driver from outside the taxi until he could not drive any further.
“As soon as he got out of the taxi, the community apprehended the accused, and the police were called to the scene. The injured taxi driver was taken to the hospital for medical treatment, and the accused was arrested,” said Mahanjana.
She said in court, Shibambu opted to represent himself and applied for bail, claiming he needed to prepare for trial. Mahanjana said prosecutor Sharon Nkandimeng opposed the application and led the evidence of the investigating officer, Constable Phalane from the Serious and Violent Crime Unit. Constable Phalane testified that the accused was a flight risk and a danger to both the community and himself, as he had allegedly expressed that he wanted to commit suicide because his job was done.
“The Magistrate found that it was not in the interests of justice to release the accused on bail. The matter was postponed to 27 November 2025, for further investigation,” she said.
Setshwantsho: Motsamaisi wa kwa lebenkeleng la Boxer Liquor Store, Tebogo Romeo Mahusi/Facebook
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
16 Diphalane 2025- Kgetsing ya petelelo kgatlhanong le motsamaisi wa lebenkele la Boxer Liquor Store, Tebogo Romeo Mahusi (32), e buseditswe morago go fitlha Diphalane a tlhola matsatsi a le 20 ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno. Mahusi one a tshwarwa le go tlhagelela ka boripana kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung 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 Lamatlhatsho 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 borogwe.
Go begwa fa Mahusi a ile a mo rapamisa mo tafoleng le go mo betelela a mo tlhaga kwa morago.
Kgabagare, kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung, ene ya busetsa kgetsi e morago go netefatsa bodulo jwa ga Mahusi le ditheetso tsa beile. Mo letsatsing la gompieno, mosekisi o tlhagisitse fa Mahusi a ile a romelela mosadi o go begwang fa ele motswa-setlhabelo molaetsa wa SMS, mme a mo kopa gore a seka a ya go mo tshwarisa. Ditheetso tsa beile di tla tswelediwa ka letsatsi la Mosupulogo.
16 Diphalane 2025 – Kgetsi ya go teketa le go shupa ka sethunya kgatlhanong le molatofadiwa, Korononea Jeremia Modise (34) wa kwa motseng wa Dikhuting, gaufi le Taung, e buseditswe morago ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung go fitlha kgwedi ya Ngwanatsele e tlhola matsatsi a le 11. Modise one a tshwarwa mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go teketa ga mmogo le go shupa ka sethunya.
Go ya ka dipego, monna wa kwa Picong, Batsile Eric Sebico (43) one a tlhaselwa le go teketwa ke Modise ka kgwedi ya Seetebosigo mono ngwaga. Go begwa fa Sebico a ile a kgorogelwa ke banna ba ba neng ba tsamaya ka sejanaga sa Toyota GD6 ga mmogo le Volkswagen Polo e khibidu ka mmala kwa legaeng la gagwe.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are go begwa fa banna bangwe ba ile ba tsena kwa legae la mongongoregi le go mo teketa. Mokgwabone are go begwa fa banna ba, ba ile ba thuntsa dokolo di le pedi mo setswalong sa mongongoregi pele ga ba ka tsamaya.
“Sepodisi se butse dikgetsi di le tharo kgatlhanong le molatofadiwa, eleng kgetsi ya go teketa, tshenyo ya dithoto ga mmogo le go shupa ka sethunya.
“Jaaka sepodisi, ga re na bopaki jwa gore banna ba, ba tshabiwa ke sepodisi, ebile ba amega mo dikgetsing tse dingwe. Jaanong, re ikuela go mongwe le mongwe o a nang le bopaki mabapi le seo go tsenya ngongora gore sepodisi se batlisise ntlha eo,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.
Lekgotlha le tlhalositse fa dipatlisiso di tsweletse fa le sentse le letile dipholo tsa sethunya.
Kgabagare, go begwa fa Modise gape a buletswe kgetsi ya go teketa Christopher More (70). More one a tlhaselwa gabedi ka dinako tse difarologaneng kwa motseng wa gagwe wa Picong le go fitsetswa ntlo ga mmogo le sejanaga.
Gape, go begwa fa a ne a tlhaselwa le go shupiwa ka sethunya kwa legaeng la gagwe kwa Monoto-mosetlha kwa motseng wa Tlapeng.
16 October 2025- A man (33) was sentenced to ten years imprisonment by the Mothibistad Regional Court for murder. During the early hours of Monday, 21 August 2025, an altercation broke out between two men at a tavern in Batlharos, near Kuruman.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said the confrontation escalated into a physical fight, during which the accused, Modisaotsile Kenneth Seleka, stabbed the victim in the upper body with a sharp object. Pilane said the victim, Thapelo Maswe (33), was rushed to hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
“A case of murder was registered at Batlharos Police Station. The suspect was arrested later that same afternoon and charged accordingly. Detective Sergeant Tshepang Chwenyane was assigned to investigate the case. Through meticulous investigation, he successfully opposed bail, ensuring the accused remained in custody until sentencing.
“Seleka was subsequently convicted and declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting John Taolo Gaetsewe District, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi commended Detective Sergeant Chwenyane for his excellent investigative work which led to the conviction and lengthy sentence of the perpetrator.
16 October 2025- The Roodepan Social Crime Prevention Unit, in collaboration with the Community Police Forum (CPF), hosted an elderly safety awareness programme at the Christian Assemblies Pescodia Church in Roodepan on 16 October 2025. The initiative forms part of the Frances Baard District Commissioner, Major General Charlotte Makgari’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of elderly persons across the province.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the programme was supported by the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, the Department of Social Development, the Department of Health, Community in Blue Safety Participants, ACVV and MRM NGOs, as well as the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in Northern Cape. Sam said safety participants, Devarn Rowan and Timothee Neel, outlined the purpose of the event, emphasizing the mistreatment and neglect often faced by older adults.
“They underscored the importance of combating these social ills through education and public awareness campaigns. Stakeholders also addressed various issues affecting the elderly, including physical home safety, health and wellness, and the importance of reporting any form of mistreatment to the authorities.
“Delivering the keynote address, Reverend Mguzulwa from the Moral Regeneration Movement in the Office of the Premier, reassured the elderly that God remains with them at every stage of life. He noted that the term “abuse” is increasingly heard today, often overshadowing the principle of “care” for the elderly,” he said.
Sam further said Mguzulwa urged both the police and the broader community to take collective responsibility in ensuring the safety and dignity of older persons, reaffirming that they continue to be cherished and loved by God. He said Mguzulwa concluded by appealing to all community members to help build a society that protects its elders by fostering education, respect, and compassion towards the elderly.
“The event concluded with a prayer session, uplifting music by the SAPS Band, and refreshments for the attendees,” said Sam.
16 October 2025- A man (34) from Theresa Park, who was found guilty of multiple counts of rape, sexual assault and exposing children to pornography, was sentenced to three life terms by the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court. The accused was sentenced to three life terms for three counts of rape, 25 years direct imprisonment for five counts of sexual assault, 12 years for three counts of exposing children to pornography, 8 years for two counts of exposing children to his genitals and 8 years for attempted rape.
The National prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said the court ordered that the sentences run concurrently with the three life terms and that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders. Mahanjana said he was also declared unfit to work with children and unfit to possess a firearm.
“The offences were committed between 2013 and 2018 against his two nieces and nephew. At the time of the incident the first victim was 6 years old until she was 11 years old. For the second victim the incident started when she was 6-years-old until she was 9 years old and at the time of the incident the nephew was 6 years old.
“The abuse occurred when the children visited their grandparents in Theresa Park, where the accused also lived. When the grandparents were away, he would make the minors watch pornography on his phone and computer, expose his genitals to them, and rape the two nieces. On 8 April 2018, the older victim disclosed the abuse to her stepfather after being questioned about her behaviour,” she said.
Mahanjana further said the two younger victims then also revealed what had happened. She added that the matter was reported to the police and the uncle was arrested on 12 October 2018.
“In court, the uncle pleaded not guilty, claiming he was being falsely accused by the victim’s mother because he had rejected her alleged romantic advances. However, Prosecutor Hanlie du Preez presented compelling evidence, including the testimonies of the three victims, proving his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
“During sentencing, the defence pleaded for leniency, arguing that the uncle was a first-time offender, young, and provided financial support to his parents. However, Du Preez opposed this, stressing that the crimes were serious and prevalent, that the uncle showed no remorse, abused a position of trust, and continued to deny his offences even after conviction. She argued that his actions caused severe trauma and lasting psychological harm to the victims and urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence,” said Mahanjana.
In handing down judgment, Magistrate Piet Nel agreed with the state, noting that the uncle showed no remorse and betrayed his role as an uncle. Nel emphasised that the uncle took advantage of young, vulnerable children and that the court had a duty to protect society by imposing a sentence that reflects the gravity of the offences.
“I found no substantial or compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentences,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting Director of Public Prosecutions in Gauteng, Advocate Marika Jansen van Vuuren, commended Du Preez for her professionalism and dedication, stating: “Each of these successful prosecutions is the culmination of months and even years of painstaking investigative and prosecutorial work and exemplifies hundreds of similar cases prosecuted successfully every day.”
16 October 2025- The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) on Tuesday conveyed condolences to the families of the 43 people who lost their lives in the N1 bus crash near Makhado in Limpopo and also wished more than 29 hospitalised passengers with serious injuries a speedy recovery.
SAUCIC President Cardinal Arch Bishop Dr Modiri Patrick Shole called for intensified road traffic law enforcement to reduce the carnage on public roads, declaring that the crash that occurred on Sunday evening when the bus veered off the road and tumbled down a steep embankment in the mountainous area has marred October Transport Month.
“We are deeply saddened by the devastating loss of lives that have left the country and neighbouring countries reeling with shock and urge faith communities to keep families that are mourning the untimely deaths of their loved ones in their prayers.
“We commend the emergency rescue crew that worked throughout the night to retrieve bodies of 18 women, 18 men, seven children and survivors. Overloading, unroadworthy vehicles and reckless driving compromise passenger transport safety and should be clamped down,” said Shole.
He expressed concern about how the bus that left from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape destined for neighbouring Zimbabwe and Malawi overloaded with 91 passengers instead of 60 travelled through Free State, Gauteng and Limpopo until it reached the tragic site. Shole further said law enforcement agencies should extend their probe to possible corrupt practices by unethical road traffic law enforcement officials and tighten civilian and stakeholder oversight will contribute towards safer passenger transportation.
“The economic cost of the carnage and the burden that it imposes on the public health system is enormous. One life lost on public roads is a life too many. We urge motorists travelling long distances to rest after every two hours to avoid fatigue which he described as a killer.
“Public transport drivers and other road users must be cautious and vigilant. Observing safe following distance and the rules of the road will ensure that motorists are able to avoid accidents and fatalities on our roads,” he added.
The Guardian 