14 October 2025- A man (32) was sentenced to five years imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court for brutally assaulting his ex-girlfriend. The victim was at her residence in Lerato Park when an argument broke out between her and the accused, Itumeleng Setlholo.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Merapelo Pilane said during the altercation, Setlholo struck the victim with an empty glass bottle and proceeded to stab her in the face before fleeing the scene. Pilane said the victim was transported to a local medical facility, where she received treatment for her injuries.
“Following a thorough investigation, the suspect was positively identified, arrested and charged with assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH).
“The Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Orapeleng Mamapula of the Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, successfully opposed bail, which was subsequently denied,” he said.
Pilane further said after several court appearances, Setlholo was found guilty and sentenced to five years imprisonment and declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Meanwhile, The Frances Baard District Police Commissioner, Major General Charlotte Makgari, commended Detective Constable Mamapula for his outstanding investigative work and for ensuring the swift finalization of the case.
14 October 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) said it extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who tragically lost their lives in the horrific bus accident on the N1 road, near Louis Trichardt in Limpopo on 12 October 2025. The bus was traveling from Gqeberha to Harare.
The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu said they mourn the profound loss of 42 lives in this devastating incident, which includes citizens from neighbouring Zimbabwe and Malawi. Bhengu said their thoughts and prayers are with the injured survivors, their families and the communities affected across the borders.
“We commend the swift response of emergency, healthcare, and law enforcement officers who continue to work under challenging conditions to save lives and provide support.
“We also acknowledge the compassionate leadership of Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba and the Limpopo Provincial Government in addressing this tragedy.
“This heart-breaking event serves as a reminder of the shared humanity that unites our region and the urgent need to improve road safety, enhance cross-border travel coordination, and protect all who journey along our highways. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace, and may their families find strength and comfort during this difficult time,” she said.
Bhengu further said the ANC stands in solidarity with the people of Limpopo, Zimbabwe and Malawi. She added that, together, they grieve and together they heal.
Picture: Former local artist, Masego Sebigi/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
14 October 2025- Former local artist, Masego “Meezy” Sebigi (28) has briefly appeared in Taung Magistrate’s Court on Friday facing a child neglect case. This comes after Sebigi allegedly left her daughter (10) in her rented room in Extension 7, near Taung alone on numerous occasions.
It is alleged 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 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.
Picture: Former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Transnet, Brian Molefe
By AGISANANG SCUFF
14 October 2025- The Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crime Court postponed the case against Brian Molefe and his co-accused to 18 November 2025 for the provision of an indictment and a date for the matter to be transferred to the high court. Molefe who is the former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Transnet is charged together with Anoj Singh a former Group Chief Financial Officer (GCFO), Siyabonga Gama, a former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Thamsanqa Jiyane, who was the Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) in the Transport Freight Rail (TFR) division within Transnet.
Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said they are facing 17 charges that include the Contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), fraud, corruption and the Contravention of the Companies Act. Mamothame said their court appearance emanates from the period in which Transnet engaged in the process of acquiring locomotives to expand and modernise the country’s rail infrastructure, to which they allegedly flouted the tender process by irregularly awarding three contracts to provide Transnet with 95, 100 and 1064 locomotives, resulting in a loss of millions of rands to Transnet.
“Their R50 000 bail was extended and they are expected to be back in court when the matter resumes in November 2025,” he said.
14 October 2025- The Congress of the People (COPE) said it strongly supports the revelations by the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on how SAPS Crime Intelligence was abused for political ends. COPE said these disclosures vindicate its long-standing concerns about the African National Congress (ANC)’s misuse of state resources to undermine political opponents.
COPE’s acting National Chairperson, Pakes Dikgetsi said they categorically deny any involvement in recruiting police officers into their party ranks. Dikgetsi said COPE was never engaged in any systematic or authorised effort to politicise the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“If any isolated incident occurred where individuals associated with COPE interacted with police personnel, it was unauthorised, contrary to our ethos, and does not reflect the party’s official stance or actions.
“COPE has always championed accountability, transparency, and institutional integrity—values that stand in stark opposition to the politicisation of state organs. Founded in 2008 amid the erosion of principles of democracy and constitutionalism post-Polokwane, COPE emerged to defend the Constitution and uphold the rule of law,” he said.
Dikgetsi further said their record is clear. He added that they vehemently opposed the disbandment of the Scorpions, fought against Jacob Zuma’s state capture, and consistently advocated for independent law enforcement.
“To the contrary, COPE itself became a victim of sinister infiltration and sabotage by rogue elements within SAPS Crime Intelligence. It was Jacob Zuma and Nathi Mthethwa who initiated the capture and abuse of SAPS Intelligence to fight COPE, viewing it as a significant threat to their power. Under then-Minister Nathi Mthethwa, these elements were deployed to sow discord, spy on our members, and dismantle our party.
“Julius Malema has confirmed that when COPE posed a threat to the ANC’s tyranny, they established a war room at Luthuli House and enlisted rogue elements in SAPS Crime Intelligence to target political opponents using state resources,” said Dikgetsi.
He said this pattern of state capture undermines democracy and misuses intelligence services against rivals. Dikgetsi said COPE calls for a full, independent investigation into these abuses to ensure justice and prevent recurrence.
“We remain committed to depoliticised, professional SAPS serving all South Africans,” he said.
Picture: Mmabana Foundation top bodybuilding achievers to compete internationally/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
14 October 2025- The Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sport Foundation (MACFS) is flying the country’s flag up high once again with five bodybuilders scheduled to represent South Africa in Spain next month. The foundation is known as one of the top sporting foundations in the country for exposing its talented participants in artistic sport on international platforms.
MACFS Sports Manager, Patrick Mokoka said a few months ago, about 23 Mmabana bodybuilders participated in an International Federation of Body Builders (IFBB) body building fitness challenge in Pretoria for provincial team selection and all qualified to represent the province nationally. Mokoa said nationals were held in KwaZulu-Natal.
“They all got podium positions in their respective contests, with five of them selected to represent the country at the 2025 IFBB World Fitness Championships in Barcelona, Spain, in November.
“Three of the participants are from Lehurutshe Mmabana, while two are from Mmabana Mahikeng, They are: Vuyo Goliath and Oarabile Rababui, both from Mahikeng, and Lehurutshe’s Michael Masangana , Peter Lekoma and Sihle Radebe,” he said.
Mokoka further said they are ecstatic that they will be representing the country once again. He added that after the collapse of the program in 2018, following the North West uprising, they were in dire straits.
“I am so happy that after all that, Mmabana is doing it again. We revived the body building programme only earlier this year. We started doing well from the word go and it was this year that people started to show interest. We made it, and here we are, selected to participate in Spain.
“Such fitness programmers are also for many fitness benefits, including mental fitness, mental sharpness, and mental health. Hopefully, this will attract more young people to take part,” said Mokoka.
14 October 2025- A man (61) was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for murder by the Potchefstroom Regional Court. This comes after the accused Molefi Benjamin Ramohlokoane killed his intimate partner, Maria Masego Fumba (36) in Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom on 11 February 2025.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said evidence presented in court revealed that Ramohlokoane and Fumba were in a relationship. Gunya said on the day of the incident, Fumba was cooking for her neighbour (77) when the accused entered the house in a fit of rage and jealousy and stabbed her multiple times with two knives.
“Fumba succumbed to her injuries, which included a fatal penetrating wound to the chest. Police were called to the scene and a case of murder was opened. Ramohlokoane was arrested the same day and remained in custody until the conclusion of the trial.
“During the trial, the accused pleaded guilty to the charge of murder, read with the provisions of the Domestic Violence Act. In aggravation of sentence, state prosecutor advocate Hester Pretorius, argued that murder is among the most serious offences before the courts, particularly those committed within domestic relationships,” he said.
Gunya said Pretorius further emphasised the courts’ duty to impose deterrent sentences that protect the vulnerable and demonstrate society’s resolve to eradicate Gender-Based and Domestic Violence. He added that in handing down the sentence, the court found substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from life imprisonment and imposed a 25 year term of direct imprisonment.
Meanwhile, welcoming the sentence, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended both the prosecution and the investigative teams for their diligence and dedication. Makhari reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
Picture: Learners awarded bursaries during WSEP/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
14 October 2025- Eight North West High School learners are among the 54, who were awarded tertiary bursaries at the Water and Sanitation Educational Programme (WSEP) National Adjudication Award Ceremony hosted by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) on 6 October 2025, in Benoni, Gauteng.
The WSEP is the DWS’s educational programme, which is aimed at educating schools and communities about water use efficiency, management of toilet facilities, protection of water resources, health and hygiene for a healthy life and water safety.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa said it engages learners and educators in various educational projects such as Aqua Enduro, Public Speaking for high schools and Baswa-le-Meetse for primary schools. Mavasa said Aqua Enduro competition addresses shortage in the scientific and engineering disciplines within the water sector, targeting secondary school learners in Grade 10-11 studying mathematics and physical science.
“The competition aims to raise awareness about the importance of water quality. The competition is categorized into technical, posters and Aqualibrium assessments. Through hands-on projects and practical activities, learners and educators work together to investigate real-life water and sanitation challenges in their schools and communities, brainstorm innovative solutions and put their ideas into action.
“Public Speaking competition targets Grade 10-11 learners who are studying maths and science. The project is conducted in a debate format and it aims to change the mindset, attitude, and behaviour of South Africans in water and sanitation use efficiency,” she said.
Mavasa further said Baswa-le-Meetse which targets Grade 4-7 primary school learners who initiates water and sanitation projects using creativity to artistically sensitise their school communities through different art forms such as music, drama, poetry, praise poetry and posters. She added that the project should focus on any of the DWS themes of; water use efficiency, access to water, water quality, sustainable practices, greening, and health and hygiene.
“The North West Province was represented by eleven schools including 37 learners and educators who participated in the week-long WSEP national competitions. Six learners participated in the Public Speaking competition, and another 6 in Aqua Enduro while 25 learners in Baswa le Meetse competition.
“Schools representing the province in Public Speaking and Aqua Enduro included Thuto-Tsebo Secondary School in Orkney, Matlosana, Ramotshere Technical High school in Dinokana, ZM Seatlholo High School in Lotlhakane and Living Faith Independent Combined School and Golfview High School, both in Mahikeng, Tigerkloof High School in Vryburg and Pinagare High School in Taung,” said Mavasa.
She said primary schools that participated in Baswa-le-Metse are Boikhutsong Primary in Ventersdorp, Kamogelo Primary in Migdol near Schweizer-Reneke, Maiketso Primary School in Morokweng, as well as Modimokwane Primary in Mathibestad. Mavasa said two learners in Public Speaking competitions, Warona Kuntwane from Tigerkloof High School and Loane Monnanorwa from Pinagare High School, were among those awarded with tertiary bursaries and certificates.
“The Aqua Enduro North West team consisting of six learners, came third in the National Adjudications and they received tertiary bursaries, a trophy and certificates. The learners are Lwandle Nhlengethwa from Golfview High School in Mahikeng.
“This includes Warona Mahoko from Living Faith Independent Combined School in Mmabatho, Neo Sebekedi from Tigerkloof High School in Vryburg, Oarabile Tlhaole, also from Tigerkloof High School and Tlhalefo Sempe from Pinagare High School in Taung,” she said.
Mavasa said other participants are Lethabo Maoba from Ramotshere Technical High School in Dinokana and Kananelo Vilakazi from Thuto-Tsebo Secondary School in Orkney. She said moreover, a special award was given to Lethabo Maoba from Ramotshere Technical High School, who also received a laptop for being the overall top achiever in the 2025 Aqua Enduro competition.
“He was followed by Lwandle Nhlengethwa, from Golfview high school, also in the North West province, for being the second top overall achiever in the 2025 Aqua Enduro competitions.
“Bursary recipients of the Public Speaking and Aqua Enduro competitions will study water-related studies at universities of their choice and join the water sector. For Baswa le Meetse competitions two of the four primary schools walk away with cash prizes worth R30 000 on behalf of their schools,” said Mavasa.
She said Kamogelo Primary School in Migdol performed exceptionally scooped first position in the poetry category. Mavasa said the school received a cash prize of R20 000, while Maiketso Primary School in Morokweng also represented the province in the poster category and came third with a cash prize of R10 000.
13 October 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature Standing Committee on Provincial Public Accounts will hold Public Finance Management Act public hearings with the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Department of Social Development and Department of Health over the 2024/25 audit outcomes and to seek clarity from responses on questions emanating from the Auditor General’s reports.
The Chairperson of SCOPA, Smuts Matshe said PFMA public hearings are scheduled to take place at Legislature Auditorium on Tuesday. Matshe said between 11h00 – 13h30, they will engage the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation.
“From 2pm to 4pm, we will engage the North West Department of Social Development, while the North West Department of Health will be engaged between 4pm and 6pm.
“The North West MEC for the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi, Department of Social Development, Basetsana Dantjie and Department of Health, Sello Lehari and senior management of the departments are expected to attend the public hearings,” he said.
13 October 2025- Four men briefly appeared before the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court facing multiple charges, including kidnapping, fraud, robbery with aggravating circumstances, impersonating a police official, unlawful possession of an automatic firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.
It is alleged that on 10 October 2025, at approximately 10am, the accused who were wearing Hawks T-shirts, stopped a vehicle in which the victim (42), was travelling. They allegedly pointed a rifle, forced him out of his vehicle, handcuffed him, covered his head with a T-shirt, and drove off with him in a white Golf GTI.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng,
Lumka Mahanjana said while driving along the R80 highway, members of the Tshwane Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU) noticed the suspicious-looking Golf GTI with four occupants and the victim. Mahanjana said upon inspection, the officers discovered that the registration number on the Golf belonged to a different vehicle.
“A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, several rounds of live ammunition, dashboard blue lights, cable ties, a vehicle siren, and T-shirts with police emblems.
“The police immediately arrested all four suspects and rescued the victim. The matter was postponed to 20 October 2025, for bail information,” said Mahanjana.
The Guardian 