Advocate Neo Sephoti appointed as new North West Public Service Commissioner

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Picture: Speaker of North West Provincial Legislature, Dr Desbo Mohono, advocate Neo Sphoti and North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi/Facebook  

By OBAKENG MAJE

25 March 2026- The Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature, Dr Desbo Mohono presided over a legislature meeting of the Ad-Hoc Committee on the appointment of the Public Service Commissioner, where Advocate Neo Sephoti was introduced as the new North West Public Service Commissioner. Mohono said this follows rigorous interviewing processes of the Ad-Hoc Committee chaired by the Chief Whip of the Legislature, Motlalepula Rosho, for the position which has been vacant for over four financial years.

“Prof Mandla Makhanya has been acting as the Provincial Commissioner. Sephoti is a former Head of Department at the Department of Human Settlements and the Department of Tourism in the North West and former Corporate Affairs Manager at the South African Breweries for Central Region.

“She also brings 10 years of corporate experience, as a strategic corporate affairs leader specializing in public affairs, stakeholder relations, sustainability and communications with highly regulated industries,” she said.

Mohono further said her educational background is rooted in law having obtained a B.Juris and LLB degrees from the University of Bophuthatswana and received numerous awards and recognition for her academic achievements and leadership roles during her education. She added that the process of appointment of the North West Public Service Commissioner was not concluded by the 6th Legislature and during the 7th Legislature, the Rules Committee resolved that she should establish an Ad Hoc Committee to facilitate recruitment of the North West Public Service Commissioner.

“The establishment of the Ad Hoc Committee was done in accordance with Rule 186,187 and 188 of the Standing Rules of the Legislature and Section 196 of the Constitution. After numerous interview processes, the Ad Hoc Committee recommended the name of Sephoti for the position.

“The Provincial Public Service Commissioner serves as the oversight authority for the public service within a province, operating under the mandate of the Public Service Commission South Africa in terms of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996,” said Mohono.

She said the role is primarily to promote good governance, accountability and high standards of professional ethics across provincial departments. Mohono said in practical terms, the Commissioner monitors and evaluates service delivery, ensuring that government programmes are implemented efficiently, economically and in line with Batho Pele principles.

“They also investigate complaints and grievances from the public and public servants, including cases of maladministration, unfair treatment, or unethical conduct. The legislature and the provincial government were excited that the processes have been completed after numerous appointment processes.

“We are very happy that finally the process has been completed and we have a women Commissioner who will ensure that public service is held accountable and the gender equity targets have been met,” she said.

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Three men sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a teen

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By STAFF REPORTER

25 March 2026- Three men, Wanico Zain Brown (22), Ishan Marvin Buys (22) and Cravan Shaun Liberty (24) from Eersterust were sentenced to life imprisonment each by the Pretoria Regional Court for raping a girl (17). The incident occurred on the night of 1 September 2018, in Eersterust.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said the victim attended a party, where she met the three men. Mahanjana said they took her to Brown’s residence in the same area, where they all consumed drugs.

“The men then simultaneously raped her by penetrating her mouth, anus, and vagina. The following morning at around 6am, the three men chased the victim out of the house. On her way home, she told a relative of a friend what had happened and immediately reported the matter to the police.

“All three men were arrested at their homes on 6 September 2018. The victim received comprehensive support at the Mamelodi Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC), including medical care, psychological counselling, and legal assistance,” she said.

Mahanjana further said in court, all three accused pleaded not guilty. She added that they claimed the victim had offered to have sexual intercourse with them in exchange for R100, but that they did not proceed.

“However, the state prosecutor, Annalise Stiles presented compelling evidence, including the victim’s testimony, which proved their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

“During sentencing, the accused asked the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, arguing that they were young first offenders and that the victim had not sustained permanent physical injuries such as stab wounds,” said Mahanjana.

She said Stiles strongly opposed this, emphasising the extreme seriousness and prevalence of the crime. Mahanjana said Stiles pointed out that the men showed no remorse, that the victim, a 17-year-old virgin at the time, had sustained internal vaginal injuries and external bruises and that the three men had taken advantage of her while she was under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

“Stiles also read the Victim Impact Statement (VIS) facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Kgomotso Lodi, in which the victim described the severe emotional and psychological trauma she continues to suffer.

The court declared the three men unfit to possess firearms.

The magistrate Kallie Bosch agreed with the state. Kallie described the crime as heinous and degrading, noting the particularly humiliating way the rape was carried out.

“The victim’s ongoing emotional and psychological harm as detailed in the Victim Impact Statement. So, the court found no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence and sentenced each of the three men to life imprisonment,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mahanjana said the NPA’s Thuthuzela Care Centres continue to provide critical psychosocial support to victims, reflecting our victim-centred approach to gender-based violence cases. She said the NPA calls on all South Africans to unite against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and to create safe environments, where the constitutional rights of children, particularly their right to dignity and safety, are fully protected.

“Perpetrators must face the full might of the law,” concluded Mahanjana.

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Man shot in head during robbery

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

25 March 2026 – The police said they will continue to intensify efforts to combat violent crime following a serious house robbery incident reported in the Hartbeespoortdam policing area. The police said on 22 March 2026, at approximately 1:20am, the police responded to a complaint of a shooting incident at a residence in Melodie.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Anne Magakoe said upon arrival, the police found emergency medical personnel attending to a man, who had sustained a gunshot wound to the head. Magakoe said the victim was immediately transported to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment, where he remains hospitalised.

“The preliminary investigations indicate that two unknown suspects gained entry into the house by removing a kitchen window. One of the suspects, reportedly armed with a firearm, confronted the occupants, leading to a physical altercation during which the victim was shot.

“The suspects fled the scene with two cellular phones. No arrests have been made at this stage. The South African Police Service (SAPS) strongly condemns this violent attack and is actively pursuing all leads to bring the perpetrators to justice,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Rayno Naidoo, strongly condemns this senseless act of violence. Naidoo said the police will work tirelessly to track down those responsible and urged anyone with information to come forward.

“Violent criminals have no place in our communities, and we will ensure they are brought to book. The members of the public are urged to contact the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Brian Chuma on 072 555 8151 with any information.

“Alternatively, information can be shared via the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS App,” he said.

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Dryharts missing teen found unharmed  

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Picture: Koketso Tshipa/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 March 2026 — A girl from Dryharts village, in Taung, Koketso Tshipa (15), who was reported missing was found unharmed at Rekgaratlhile Informal Settlement in Stella, near Vryburg on 24 March 2026.

Tshipa went missing almost a month ago.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said they appreciate the community’s assistance.

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12 senior police officers arrested for alleged corruption linked to Cat Matlala’s Medicare24 contract

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By REGINALD KANYANE

25 March 2026 – The NPA’s IDAC effected an arrest of 12 senior police officers and a director of a company in relation to the irregular awarding of a tender to Medicare 24. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago said all accused are expected to make their first appearance before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on charges of corruption, fraud and the Contravention of the PFMA.

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North West Department of Education crack the whip against officials implicated in R100m payments scandal

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi

By OBAKENG MAJE

25 March 2026- The North West Department of Education said since 2003, staff debt has accumulated largely due to manual processes involved in submitting termination documents from various districts. The department said many of these areas are remote and rural, which has caused delays in submitting critical documentation.

This comes after a backlash that the North West Department of Education has paid ghost employees over R100 million.

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said as a result, some employees continued to receive salary payments after their termination, leading to overpayments.

Motsumi further said salaries are processed in advance around the 15th or 24th of each month, which further contributes to the possibility of overpayments when terminations are not processed in time.

“The department emphasizes that these cases do not involve ghost employees. All affected individuals were legitimately employed by the department. Over the past three years, the department has made significant progress in addressing this issue by tracing affected employees and requiring them to sign Acknowledgement of Debt (AOD) forms to facilitate repayment.

“To date, approximately R24 million has been identified for recovery across 2128 cases. The department has implemented measures to address the root causes of the problem,” she said.

Motsumi added that the department has introduced internal controls, including an electronic system known as Salary Attendance Leave and Termination (SALT). She said this system has significantly reduced salary overpayments linked to delayed terminations.

“It updates Human Resources in real time and sends email notifications when an employee exits, enabling immediate processing on PERSAL. The department has also trained officials on the system to ensure its effective use. Since its implementation, there has been a noticeable reduction in staff debt.

“Furthermore, investigations into root causes and the implementation of consequence management measures are ongoing. To date, 24 disciplinary letters and 64 warning letters have been issued,” said Motsumi.

She said her department remains committed to strengthening internal controls and improving administrative processes.

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Four suspects nabbed during Operation Phakisa

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Picture: Police conduct a search at costal port entry/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

24 March 2026 – The police in the Northern Cape in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, Customs (Delivered Duty Unpaid), the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, as well as the Northern Cape Provincial Traffic, conducted the renowned coastal Operation Phakisa from 19 until 23 March 2026.

The police said the primary objective of these operations was to address various forms of crime in Kleinzee, Port Nolloth, Alexander Bay and Groenrivier, particularly those associated with ports of entry and coastal activities.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the police deployed specialised units such as Border Policing, Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (Springbok), Springbok K9 Unit, Highway Patrol, Springbok Crime Intelligence and Inland Water Policing. Litabe said the police conducted search operations at various residential and business premises.

“A total of 142 vehicles, 242 individuals and 61 vessels were searched. The operations also included the establishment of Vehicle Control Points, as well as compliance inspections at harbours, mining areas, camping sites, launching pads and restaurants.

“The operation resulted in the arrest of four suspects in Port Nolloth, including one suspect for driving under the influence of alcohol, two suspects for dealing in drugs during cordon and search operations, one suspect for possession of drugs,” he said.

Litabe further said a total of 24 fines, amounting to R11 600 were issued for contraventions of the National Road Traffic Act. He added that six individuals were fined for contraventions of the Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act No. 18 of 1998).

“During the operation, members confiscated mandrax tablets to the estimated value of R2 195.20, cash, snoek fish, eight packets of cut snoek pieces and three packets of yellowtail snoek that had been cut into portions.

“All arrested suspects are expected to appear in court soon,” said Litabe.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the police and all partner departments for the successful execution of the operation.

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Balatofadiwa ba le supa ba polao ba neetswe beile ya R500 mongwe le mongwe

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Setshwantsho: Bangwe ba balatofadiwa ba polao

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

24 Mopitlwe 2026 – Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le balatofadiwa ba le supa eleng Flora Mogwera (66), Tshwaro Katong (53), Mosimanegape Gabonewe (55), Victor Maphasane (63), Tekoetsile Katong (63), Losilatau Charles Sakiele (58) ga mmogo le Mompati Mocumi (62), e buseditswe morago go fitlha 11 Motsheganong 2026, ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la maabane. Balatofadiwa ba, ba ile ba tshwarwa kwa motseng wa Manthe, gaufi le Taung, mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go bolaya monna wa kwa motseng wa Mothanthanyaneng, Robert Rapelang Molale morago ga go molatotsa ka go bogodu jwa leruo.

Go begwa fa Molale a ile a teketwa le go tsenngwa mo metsing kwa molapong ka kgwedi ya Sedimonthole 2025. Go begwa fa Molale a ile a tlhokafala morago ga moo.

Go dumela fa dinkue tse di utswitsweng ele tsa molatofadiwa, Flora Mogwera (66). Balatofadiwa ba bangwe jaaka Tshwaro Katong (53), Mosimanegape Gabonewe (55), Victor Maphasane (63), Tekoetsile Katong (63), Losilatau Charles Sakiele (58) ga mmogo le Mompati Mocumi (62), ba lebagane le ditatofatso tsa polao.

Kgabagare, balatofadiwa botlhe ba neetswe beile ya R500 mongwe le mongwe.

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Go well James “Mr Putin” Gadinabokao!  

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Picture: SANCO leader, James Gadinabokao 

By OBAKENG MAJE

24 March 2026 – The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West said it has been saddened by the death of its leader, James Gadinabokao (50), who reportedly passed away on Friday after sustaining fatal head injuries.

It is alleged that Gadinabokao, who was affectionately known as President Vladimir Putin, slipped and fell in a bathroom at a guesthouse in Vryburg on Tuesday morning.

The newly-appointed SANCO Interim Provincial Coordinating Committee Convenor, Paul Sebegoe said the civic organization on Monday described Gadinabokao’s demise as a monumental loss, particularly at a crucial time when the unity process within the movement was unfolding.

“We wish to convey our deepest condolences to the Gadinabokao’s family, SANCO structures across the province, his political home, the African National Congress, revolutionary alliance, as well as the broader mass democratic movement, including business formations and communities that he had served with every ounce of his energy.

“He has left an indelible mark within the civic movement and will forever be remembered as a fearless community activist, an assertive business leader and a grassroot organizer, whose passion to serve, forthright engagements as well as commitment to unity will be sorely missed,” he said.

Sebegoe further emphasised that SANCO’s befitting tribute to Gadinabokao will be for the civic organization to reclaim its rightful position as the champion of community struggles as it strives for people driven and community centered development. He added that they must in honouring his selfless legacy and patriotic duty uphold the values of Ubuntu and remind his detractors to respect his family and valued contribution.

“All of us have a revolutionary duty to ensure that renewal and good governance at local government level delivers without compromising accelerated service delivery that our communities are yearning for,” underscored Sebegoe.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said: “The victim passed away on Friday at the Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital and the inquiry docket will be converted to an inquest docket.

“A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death.”

Meanwhile, Gadinabokao will be buried in Potchefstroom on Saturday .

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Team North West scoops third place at SAPSAC  

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Picture: One of the players at South African Primary Schools Athletics Championships/Facebook

By REGINALD KANYANE

23 March 2026- The North West Department of Education secured an impressive third place at the 2026 South African Primary Schools Athletics Championships held at Green Point Stadium in Cape Town from 20 – 21 March 2026. The province maintained its position obtained from the previous year, reaffirming its status as one of the country’s top-performing provinces in school athletics.

Team North West delivered an outstanding performance, collecting a total of 37 medals with 13 gold, 12 silver, and 12 bronze medals. A team of 165 learners represented the province at the national event, showcasing exceptional talent and determination across multiple disciplines.

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said among the standout athletes was Rayen Beets (12) from Samtrek Primary School, who broke the Javelin record with a remarkable throw of 51.79 meters and also secured a first place in the Discus event. Motsumi said a learner from the South African International School in Mafikeng, Larona Gorman (11), stole the spotlight by winning both the 80 meters and 100 meters races.

“Other notable achievements included Lubbe Janco, who claimed first place in the 75 meters hurdles; Pieter Ernst who won the 1500 meters walk race; Kaylene De Wet who secured victory in the girls’ 1200 meters race and Modisane Oneile who took top honours in the boys’ 1200 meters event.

“The province also celebrated a record-breaking performance by the girls’ Relay team, who set a new national record with a time of 51.73 seconds,” she said.

Motsumi congratulated Team North West for their exceptional performance.

“On behalf of the entire Department, I would like to congratulate Team North West for their outstanding performance in the national competitions.

“This achievement demonstrates that our province is a force to be reckoned with, consistently ranking among the top three provinces,” said Motsumi.

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