Picture: DA Tshwane Mayoral Candidate, Ald Cilliers Brink
By AGISANANG SCUFF
17 December 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Tshwane said it welcomes the judgment of the Gauteng High Court, affirming that private and voluntary fire services are permitted to operate. The DA said it was wrongheaded of the Tshwane Metro to prohibit these services from operating, even as municipal fire services lack critical resources to fulfil their functions.
DA Tshwane Mayoral Candidate, Ald Cilliers Brink said this is affirmed by the cost order granted against the City. Brink said earlier this year, voluntary fire-fighters were prevented from fighting a fire in Klerksoord, even as Tshwane’s own fire brigade was clearly in need of assistance.
“The DA calls on Tshwane not to waste further taxpayers’ money by appealing the judgment, and instead seeks to cooperate with private and voluntary fire services,” he said.
Picture: The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi
By BAKANG MOKOTO
17 December 2025- The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi said she commends the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa for his able leadership during the 11th session of the COSP and presiding over this important discussion of the Implementation Review Mechanism. Kubayi said South Africa has successfully concluded both cycles of the Implementation Review Mechanism.
She further said subsequent to this, various measures including legislation, national anti-corruption strategies and policies, were reviewed to strengthen measures against corruption. Kubayi added that through the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, South Africa adopted a “whole of society” approach to fighting corruption which highlights the importance of government and civil society organisations, youth groups, business organisations and academia, uniting against corruption.
“Recognition is also made to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in the fight against this scourge as this group remains vulnerable to corrupt activities.
“Their responsibility as care-givers necessitates their need to access various services from mainly the public sector,” she said.
Kubayi said South Africa would like to express itself on the issue of the second phase of the mechanism. She said after the discussions that have been held regarding this subject, South Africa is of the view that the second phase of the Implementation Review should go beyond availability of measures to prevent and combat corruption.
“The State Party should demonstrate how such measures are being implemented in practice. We believe that examining how recommendations of the previous phase have been implemented to improve the State’s anti-corruption measures is crucial to the implementation review process.
“The State Party can also include additional information on the developments that took place since the previous phase of the Implementation Review and the consideration of technical assistance review should include the impact of technical assistance already provided to support the implementation of the articles under review,” said Kubayi.
She said identifying further needs for technical assistance will assist in the coordination and planning of technical assistance by various role players and they believe would increase the effectiveness of regional platforms. Kubayi said they believe that during the review, the States Parties should be encouraged to illustrate practical implementation of the Convention through statistics and/or case studies to reflect how the Convention has impacted the fight against corruption.
“In the analysis of practical implementation, articles could be grouped by topic, to avoid repeating the same information. This will also assist in the structuring of the report and maybe make it shorter than it has previously been.
“When it comes to the sequencing of cycles, we believe that we should start with the review of Chapters III and IV because, besides accommodating the States Parties that ratified the Convention recently, States Parties had the opportunity to implement the recommendations of the first cycle of IRM,” she said.
Kubayi said many States Parties have recently concluded their review of Chapter II and V and some are still in the process of doing so. She thanked Ramaphosa for this opportunity to speak on this important agenda item.
“My delegation would like to assure you of our support and cooperation to ensure that the 11th Session of the COSP comes to a successful conclusion,” said Kubayi.
17 December 2025- The Forum for South Africa (FOSA) said it extends its deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and fans of Warrick Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras. FOSA said South Africa has lost a talented media personality whose voice, energy and creativity touched many lives across the country.
FOSA national leader, Tebogo Mashilompane said his tragic and untimely passing is yet another painful reminder of the ongoing crisis of violent crime that continues to rob families and communities of their loved ones. Mashilompane said FOSA condemns this senseless act of violence and calls on law-enforcement agencies to act decisively and ensure justice is served without delay.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Stock family during this difficult time. May they find strength and comfort as the nation mourns with them,” he said.
17 December 2025 – Four suspects aged between 25 and 36, were arrested by the police in Klerksdorp for alleged murder and defeating the ends of justice. It is alleged that the victim, Osinakachukwu Macus Onu (37), was shot and killed at approximately 3am on the N12 road in Klerksdorp on 17 December 2025.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said it is alleged that the deceased, who is a Nigerian national and was reportedly legal in the country, was chased by four traffic police officers, while conducting operations. Myburgh said in the pursuit, the deceased was allegedly shot and his vehicle was later found in the middle of the road on the opposite side of the N12 road.
“The police were notified of the incident and swiftly responded. Upon arrival, it was discovered that the traffic officials involved had already left the scene. Information received and preliminary investigations by detectives led the team to a place in Klerksdorp, where the suspects’ official firearms were seized for forensic ballistic analysis.
“The suspects are expected to appear before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 18 December 2025, on charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the Klerksdorp Detectives police for their swift and effective response. In addition, Naidoo thanked those who assisted the police with information that led to the arrest to ensure that justice is served.
“We urge members of the community to continue to work with the police in resolving crime,” he said.
17 December 2025 – The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in its final sitting of 2025 passed the Immigration Amendment Bill today. The NCOP said the crucial piece of legislation aligns the country’s immigration detention procedures with Constitutional Court rulings.
The parliament spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo said Bill amends the Immigration Act of 2002 to address two specific Constitutional Court judgments. Mothapo said one amendment requires that any illegal foreign national detained for deportation purposes must be brought before a court in person within 48 hours of arrest.
“The court must then determine whether further detention is in the interests of justice before authorising deportation. This amendment provides critical judicial oversight and provides clear guidance to immigration officers and the courts when exercising detention powers.
“With this Bill, a balance is struck between the government’s need to manage immigration effectively and the need to protect the rights of persons. This fosters a more just and transparent administrative system,” he said.
Mothapo further said the passage of this Bill has significant implications for the administration of justice and the operations of the Department of Home Affairs. He added that among these are upholding constitutional rights as the Bill ensures that the fundamental right to freedom and security of the person is protected and mandates prompt judicial review of any immigration-related detention.
“The Bill also provides a clear, legally sound framework for immigration officials to reduce legal ambiguity and the potential for litigation. In this regard, the amendments are in the interest of justice.
“The Bill also improves oversight by requiring a court to authorise extensions to detention, thereby strengthening the rule of law and oversight within the immigration system,” said Mothapo.
He said the NCOP’s Select Committee on Security and Justice processed the Bill, which included an extensive public participation process from 3 to 24 October 2025. Mothapo said by passing the Immigration Amendment Bill, parliament has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that laws comply with the highest standards of constitutional democracy.
Picture: Community members allegedly assaulted two armed suspects/Screengrab
By AGISANANG SCUFF
16 December 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, together with the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, said they have noted with concern a viral video currently circulating on various social media platforms putting to show a traffic officer being attacked. Morweng said the alleged incident took place on Monday afternoon, 15 December 2025.
He further said the preliminary investigations indicate that the incident happened on the R503 road between Klerksdorp and Hartbeesfontein. Morweng added that this follows an alleged armed robbery that occurred shortly before the video was recorded.
“It is reported that two suspects aged 44 and 26, who are accused of having committed an armed robbery, were apprehended by members of the public. The traffic officer, who was on patrol duties, was stopped by community members and the suspects, who were being pursued, ran for cover in a traffic officer’s vehicle.
“Their pursuers then attacked them inside the traffic vehicle. The traffic officer called the police who responded quickly and the community members fled from the scene. The two suspects, who were severely beaten, were taken to the hospital under police guard. A firearm with ammunition, believed to have been used in the commission of the alleged armed robbery, was also handed over to the traffic officer,” he said.
Morweng said the suspects remain under police detention, while receiving medical treatment. He said the firearm and ammunition have been seized as part of the investigation.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo said the duo will appear before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on charges of armed robbery and for illegal possession of a firearm with ammunition as soon as they are discharged from the hospital. Naidoo said a suspect (26) will also be charged for the contravention of Section 49 of the Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002.
“The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the events depicted in the video. Further action will be taken in line with the outcome of the investigations. The public is urged to allow police to conduct their investigations without interference and to refrain from the circulation of unverified information that may cause unnecessary alarm or misinformation.
“We strongly condemn acts of violence and vigilantism, and caution members of the public against taking the law into their own hands. While community cooperation in reporting crime is encouraged and appreciated, the apprehension and punishment of suspects remain the responsibility of law enforcement, including justice agencies,” he said.
15 December 2025- The Namakwa District SAPS Management said it remains committed in the investigation of crimes against women and children. This comes after the Calvinia Regional Court on 8 December 2025, convicted an accused (17) for rape and sentenced him to six years imprisonment.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said on 31 July 2023, the accused raped a boy (7) in Loeriesfontein between 8pm and 10pm, when the area was experiencing load-shedding. Shemane said he was subsequently arrested and prosecuted.
“The Namakwa District Management praised Detective Constable Jacques Nielsen of the Calvinia Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, for his thorough investigative work that led to the conviction and ensuring justice and closure for the victim and family.
15 December 2025 – Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos said he is deeply hurt by what’s happened in recent days. Broos said the worst part is that his family – his wife, children and grandchildren – have also suffered.
He further said he played with people of colour, coached them and worked in Algeria, Cameroon and has now (spent) four years in South Africa. He added that people can ask any of them what kind of man he is.
Broos, who addressed the media at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria during a pre-match press conference that was held on Monday, highlighted.
“Some will say I’m a bad or a good coach, some will call me stubborn, but no one will call me a racist. When Mbekezeli Mbokazi was introduced into the team six months ago by his coach at Orlando Pirates, we immediately saw his talent. He was rewarded with selection to Bafana Bafana and became a regular player. His life changed and suddenly he had many friends. Some meant well, others tried to take advantage of him.
“When you attract all the attention so quickly as a young 20-year-old footballer, you need guidance from people who can prevent you from making the wrong decisions. The red card against Zimbabwe (in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in October 2025) was one of the poor decisions that made me suspect that this guidance wasn’t sufficient. Worse, he was protected from potential sanctions,” he said.
Broos said when Mbokazi arrived a day late at the Bafana Bafana camp in preparation for the most important tournament on the continent, the Africa Cup of Nations, he was incredibly angry with him, but even more angry at the people who sent him a strange story trying to justify his enormous unprofessional error. He said he let his fatherly side get the better of him in his response because he saw that things could go wrong.
“It would be a waste if Mbokazi didn’t pursue the career he was destined for due to a lack of proper guidance, a guidance he needs as an inexperienced, young, humble and talented player. I agree that my choice of words was not correct and I want to apologize for that. But, I never wanted to make a racist or sexist comment. I am neither a racist nor a sexist,” said Broos.
16 December 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) in the North West said it has noted with serious concern the misleading and malicious social media posts circulating regarding the ANC provincial secretary, Louis Diremelo in relation to a recent case of alleged extortion involving ANC Bojanala regional secretary, Raymond Moraile and a ward councillor Madibeng Local Municipality, Peter Legong who is also a Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC). The ANC said it wishes to categorically state that Diremelo is not associated with nor has he had any involvement in the alleged activities in the case as it is currently the subject of investigation by law enforcement agencies.
The ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping said any attempt to link Diremelo to these allegations is false, unfounded and deliberately misleading. Maruping said these reckless social media posts appear to be part of a coordinated campaign aimed at tarnishing the image and integrity of the leadership of the ANC in the province, sowing confusion among members of society and undermining public confidence in the organisation.
“The ANC in the North West reiterates its firm stance against corruption, extortion, and all forms of criminality. The movement remains committed to the principles of accountability, ethical leadership and the rule of law. Where members or deployees of the ANC are alleged to have committed wrongdoing, the organisation expects that due process must take its course without fear or favour.
“We further call on members of the public, the media and users of social media platforms to exercise responsibility, refrain from spreading unverified information and allow law enforcement agencies to conduct their investigations without interference,” he said.
Maruping further said the ANC urges those behind the dissemination of false information and even using ghost accounts to desist from these actions and warns that the organisation reserves the right to take appropriate action against individuals or entities that continue to defame its leaders and structures. He added that the former liberation movement remains focused on serving the people of the North West and advancing the program of renewal, unity, and ethical governance.
Picture: Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality mayor, Sebang Motlhabi
By OBAKENG MAJE
16 December 2025- Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality mayor, Sebang Motlhabi is accused of assaulting a traffic officer and Emergency Medical Rescue Service (EMRS) personnel on Friday. This comes after his brother, Itumeleng Motlhabi, was involved in an accident on N12 road, approximately 10km outside Bloemhof towards Wolmaranstad.
Poloko Sere, who was also involved in an accident, alleged that she was disappointed in how Sebang conducted himself. Sere alleged that the mayor’s brother was speeding, and fortunately, she was driving slowly due to rain.
“They were from a party as their vehicle was having alcohol. While we were there, the mayor of Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality, Sebang Motlhabi, who is known for assaulting people, started to assault the EMRS personnel and a traffic officer. I was with my children and my little one was traumatized. The situation was made worse by the behaviour of the person who was supposed to be a good leader.
“Instead, he assaulted the traffic officer on duty. He was also rude while the EMRS personnel were looking for P1. They proposed that the children also be attended to because they were traumatised. However, he started to insult people,” she said.
Sere further said only if the mayor had let the EMRS personnel to do their work, maybe his brother could have survived. She added that even if she felt sorry and understood that he is a human being, he was not supposed to insult people who are there to assist.
“He belittled me, but is ok. Even if my grandson is injured, I praise God to Almighty for saving me. I wish his brother was alive to see the trauma, severe anxiety and pain he caused to my kids. My elder son is autistic and suffering from Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Please, spread the word that, when people are from year end parties and drunk, they should not drive.
“I’m so exhausted emotionally and spiritually. This is the same politician we voted for and failed to render service to us. But, he belittles and assaults us. I heard the same mayor has many assault cases, but he is never being arrested. But from me as a single parent, I give everything to God,” said Sere.
However, Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality mayor, Sebang Motlhabi refuted the allegations and described them as absurd. Motlhabi said he lost a brother due to unscrupulous services he received from EMRS personnel who attended the accident scene.
“Those personnel took time to attend to a critical patient. I received a call around 3:58pm that informed me that my brother is involved in a car accident. So, it took me about 6 minutes to drive to the scene because it is just 10km from Bloemhof to Wolmaranstad. When we arrived there, we found the EMRS personnel sitting inside their ambulance, but two patients were lying critically on the ground without any assistance. On arrival, I said to them, this is an emergency, why do not they quickly stabilise these patients and ferry them to hospital?
“However, they just kept quiet, but female EMRS personnel said they could not do anything as they were securing the scene. She took out cones from the ambulance. I asked them why they secured the scene, while there were police already on the scene with blue lights on,” said Motlhabi.
Motlhabi said he told EMRS personnel that it is their obligation to save lives, which they did not do. He said unfortunately, they had to wait for about 20 minutes before the EMRS personnel attended to the patients.
“However, when they attended to the patients, they administered supplemental oxygen to my brother and did not monitor it. This resulted in the oxygen choking him and the foam came out. Even my wife told them that there is foam coming out of my brother’s mouth, but they just ignored her.
“We asked them why they put the oxygen on a critical patient without monitoring it. My brother passed away around 9:10pm and for the past 45 minutes, he was lying there without proper assistance from the EMRS personnel,” said Motlhabi.
He said it is erroneous for people to expect them to accept this kind of treatment, simply because they are holding positions of responsibilities. Motlhabi said he opened a culpable homicide case against EMRS personnel who were involved and he would now pursue a civil case against them after the funeral of his brother.
“I am going to pursue a civil case against these personnel, not the North West Department of Health. We cannot at all times sue the government, whereas there are individuals who are reluctant to do their duties. I did not assault anyone. At the time, I was holding a torch and immediately after my brother passed away, I threw it to the ground and told these EMRS personnel that I have been telling them to attend to my brother, but they did not listen.
“Now, he is no more. This is politically motivated because I read the media statement released by the South African Emergency Personnel’s Union (SAEPU), where they highlighted that I must step-aside. So, they have already concluded their case that I am guilty? However, the credible court of law will take a decision on the matter,” he said.
SAEPU president, Mpho Mpogeng said: “The mayor did not only attack the traffic officer and the paramedic, but he also belittled and verbally abused the woman, showing no compassion or humanity. He obstructed the paramedics from providing medical assistance to her children, whereas one of them has a disability. The mayor displayed a lack of empathy and disregard for human life.”
The Guardian 