1 October 2025- The police in Mmabatho request the community’s assistance in locating a missing woman, Sebokaeng Gladys Jakoba (55), who is residing at Morwatshetlha village, in Mahikeng. Jakoba was last seen by her brother on 9 September 2025, at around 8:30am when she left home to deposit stokvel money at a bank in Mahikeng.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said she never returned back home. Myburgh said a search was conducted around the village and at her place of work.
“An extensive investigation yielded no positive results. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing an orange dress with black dots, a blue and green doek on her head and she was carrying a hand bag.
“She is dark in complexion with black eyes, a tall and slim build body, with short black hair. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts can contact the Investigating Officer, Sgt Golekane Senokwanyane on 079 897 1873,” she said.
Myburgh further said alternatively they can also contact their local police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. She added that anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from their smartphone.
1 Diphalane 2025- Sepodisi sa kwa Mmabatho se ikuela go baagi go se thusa go batlana le monna wa dingwaga di le 75, eleng Tatolo Johannes Phiri. Go begwa fa Phiri a dula kwa motseng wa Magogoe Tlhabologo, gaufi le Mahikeng.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adéle Myburgh are Phiri o bonwe la bofelo fa Seetebosigo a ne a tlhola matsatsi a le 4. Myburgh are go begwa fa Phiri a tswile kwa lelapeng la gagwe go ya go tsaya madi, fela ga boela gae.
“Go ile ga bolodiwa letsholo-patlo, fela maiteko a o a ile a itaya sefololetsa. Ka nako ya go nyelela ga ga Phiri, one a rwele hutshe e ntsho ka mmala, a apere borokgwe jo bontsho, jeresi e tala, baki e khunou, mme a rwele dirifi tse dintsho.
“Go begwa fa Phiri a le montsho ka mmala, mme ga a na meno. Phiri o na le matlho a ma khunou, o bokete jwa mmele jwa 56kg, mme o bolele jwa 1.5m, ka tlhogo e legwete,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.
Myburgh are mongwe le mongwe yo a ka tswang a na le tshedimosetso mabapi le go timela ga ga Phiri, a ka letsetsa mmatlisisi wa kgetsi, eleng Sarasanta Golekane Senokwanyane mo dinomorong tsa mogala tsa 079 897 1873. Myburgh are kgotsa ba ka letsetsa seteishene sa sepodisi se se gaufi mo dinomorong tsa 08600 10111.
1 Diphalane 2025- Sepodisi sa kwa Ganyesa se ikuela go baagi go ba thusa go batlana le mosadi wa dingwaga di le 33, eleng Maria Lucky Basadi Dichaba. Go begwa fa Dichaba yo o dulang kwa motseng wa Dipudi teng kwa Ganyesa, a ile a nyelela fa kgwedi ya Lwetse e ne e tlhola matsatsi a le 8.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adéle Myburgh are Dichaba o ile a tsamaya fa kgwedi ya Lwetse e ne e tlhola matsatsi a le 8, ka ura ya 12:30, mme a tlhalosa fa a leba kwa Ganyesa. Myburgh are fela Dichaba ga boela gae ka letsatsi leo.
“Go ile ga bolodiwa letsholo-patlo kwa motseng o, fela ga gwa nna le nko e tswang lemina. Ka nako e a neng a nyelela ka yone, one a apere borokgwe jo bo pududu, ka sekipa se se pinki, le di tekkie tse ditshweu.
“Go begwa fa Dichaba e le motho o montsho ka mmala, mme a na le matlho a lefifi. O bokete jwa mmele jwa 70kg, mme o seemo sa go fitlha go 1.4m. Dichaba o na le moriri wa se-Afrika o montsho, o be o nna mokhutswane,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.
Myburgh are mongwe le mongwe o a ka tswang a na le tshedimosetso mabapi le kgang e, a ka letsetsa mmatlisisi wa kgetsi e leng, Sergeant Elliot Assegai mo dinomorong tsa mogala tsa 082 416 0968. Myburgh are kgotsa ba ka letsetsa seteishene se se gaufi sa sepodisi mo nomorong ya mogala ya 08600 10111.
“Tshedimosetso nngwe le nngwe e tla tsewa jaaka ya sephiri,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.
Picture: ANC Local Election Team coordinator in Taung Sub-region, Moreotsile Israel Olifant/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
1 October 2025- A fraud case against the ANC Local Election Team coordinator in Taung Sub-region, Moreotsile Israel Olifant (50) and Expanded Public Works Program (EPWP) coordinator in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Malane Abraham Letsapa (45), has been postponed to 20 November 2025, by the Vryburg Commercial Crimes Court.
Olifant and Letsapa were arrested by The Hawks’ Corruption Team in Taung and Vryburg on 16 August 2025.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said the reports indicate that, in December 2020, Dr Ruth Mompati District Municipality approved the implementation of the Presidential Stimulus Project (PSP) under the Department of Public Works and Roads’ EPWP. Mathebula said the project was allegedly intended to be rolled out in Matsheng and Tlapeng villages in the Greater Taung Municipality, which involved cutting of trees and grass along the main road leading to and from the two villages.
“It is alleged that the Oliphant facilitated the process of head hunting beneficiaries, while Letsapa processed claims for payment of beneficiaries for a period of three months. Investigation revealed that no services were rendered, resulting in the department suffering a loss of over R87 000.
“The accused made an urgent bail application on 17 August 2025, in the North West High Court sitting in Mahikeng and they were granted R2000 bail each,” he said.
Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said: “The matter was postponed until 20 November 2025, for defense consultation.”
Picture: Former Cabinet Minister, the late Nathi Mthethwa
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
1 October 2025- The National Assembly (NA) speaker, Thoko Didiza and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, have expressed profound sadness at the passing of former Cabinet Minister and long-serving Member of Parliament (MP), Nkosinathi Mthethwa. The NA said Mthethwa, who was serving as South Africa’s Ambassador to France, passed away yesterday in Paris, France.
Didiza further said Mthethwa’s passing is a great loss not only to his family, friends and comrades, but also to the country he dedicated his life to serving. She added that as a committed youth leader during the struggle for liberation, Mthethwa carried his passion for justice and empowerment into the democratic era, where he played a pivotal role as part of the second term of Parliament.
“Over nearly three decades, he served the nation with distinction as Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Minerals and Energy, Chief Whip of the ANC, Minister of Police, and Minister of Arts and Culture, later Sport, Arts and Culture.
“Throughout his career, he embodied the values of accountability, humility and service. His tireless efforts to uplift young people, promote cultural identity, and strengthen democratic institutions will remain his enduring legacy,” said Didiza.
Mtshweni-Tsipane shared the same sentiments. She said parliament extends its deepest condolences to Mthethwa’s wife, children, extended family, colleagues, comrades and the African National Congress (ANC).
“May his soul rest in peace,” said Mtshweni-Tsipane.
Picture: COPE acting General Secretary, Erick Mohlapamaswi/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
1 October 2025- The Congress of the People (COPE) said it strongly condemns the decision by the Polokwane Local Municipality’s Council to consider salary increases for councillors only. COPE said this follows the recent reclassification of the municipality to a Grade 6 status, a level on par with metropolitan municipalities.
COPE acting General Secretary, Erick Mohlapamaswi said during yesterday’s council meeting, a proposal was tabled to adjust councillors’ salaries in line with the Grade 6 classification. Mohlapamaswi said, however, no similar provision was made for the municipality’s administrators and workers, whose tireless efforts were instrumental in achieving this milestone.
“We express concern and disappointment over the exclusion of administrators and workers from the proposed salary adjustments. It is deeply unjust that only councillors are set to benefit from the Grade 6 upgrade, while the very people who worked day and night to secure this achievement are being left behind.
“Administrators and municipal workers played a key role in meeting the standards required for this new status. Why are they being sidelined in these discussions?” he asked.
Mohlapamaswi further criticised the move as discriminatory and exploitative, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent where councillors benefit from the hard work of others without recognition of the broader workforce’s contribution. He added that this is nothing short of an insult to the men and women who ensure this municipality runs effectively.
Mohlapamaswi said they cannot allow a situation, where councillors receive fat cheques while administrators, who arguably work even harder, are overlooked. He said they are calling on the executive mayor and the entire council to urgently reconsider this decision and ensure that salary adjustments apply to all staff, including administrators and municipal workers, not just councillors.
“COPE also insists that the quality-of-service delivery to communities must also reflect Grade 6 status. “A Grade 6 classification is not just about salary scales for politicians.
“It also implies higher standards of governance, improved service delivery and better conditions for all stakeholders, including workers and residents. We cannot claim to be a Grade 6 municipality while offering Grade 4 service delivery,” said Mohlapamaswi.
He said COPE reiterates its call for the fair and inclusive implementation of the Determination of Upper Limits of Salaries, Allowances and Benefits of Different Members of Municipal Councils for 2024/2025, as gazetted in Government Gazette No. 51419, and its 2025 amendment (Gazette No. 53168). Mohlapamaswi said the party urges all relevant stakeholders to ensure the benefits of this municipal upgrade are shared fairly among councillors, employees and most importantly, the communities they serve.
Picture: 13 lives lost in a horrible accident/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
1October 2025- The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) on Tuesday called for zero tolerance road traffic law enforcement and improved visibility in order to reduce the carnage on public roads. This follows a horrific crash involving two trucks and a minibus taxi that claimed 13 lives on the R81 road at Ga-Sekgopo near Mooketsi in Limpopo.
SAUCIC President, Cardinal Arch Bishop Dr Modiri Shole said it is understood that all the deceased, including a child aged between seven and ten years-old as well as the driver of the minibus taxi were travelling from a church service at Solomondale to Magoro village, outside Giyani.
Shole said that religious tourism increases traffic on the public roads and must be supported by zero tolerance road traffic law operations to clamp down on lawlessness, as well as prevent road crashes and fatalities on public roads.
“We are deeply saddened by the devastating loss of lives that have left the country and faith communities numb with shock and urge churches to keep families that are mourning the untimely deaths of their loved ones in their prayers.
“We appeal for the Easter Road Safety Strategy that resulted in zero fatalities during the annual Zion Christian Church (ZCC) pilgrimage to be replicated to other areas during public holidays and long weekends. We declare that one life lost on public roads is a life too many,” he said.
Shole who is representing Federations of Charismatic, Evangelical Outreach Mission Ministries and Pentecostal Churches affiliated to SAUCIC, further said there must be an offensive against reckless driving, speeding and drunken driving particularly towards the festive season, including a clampdown of unroadworthy public transport vehicles such as trucks and taxis. He added that motorists travelling long distances should rest after every two hours to avoid fatigue which he described as a killer.
“Truck drivers and taxi drivers must be cautious and vigilant. Observing safe following distances will ensure that motorists are able to avoid accidents in the event there is a need to apply brakes,” said Shole.
30 September 2025- The Government of the Republic of South Africa said it announces with deep sorrow and profound regret the untimely passing of Nkosinathi Emmanuel Mthethwa, South Africa’s Ambassador to the French Republic. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola said Mthethwa was a distinguished servant of the nation, whose career was marked by dedicated service in critical ministerial portfolios, including Minister of Police and Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture.
Lamola said Mthethwa also served on the Board of Directors for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee. He further said his lifelong commitment to public duty was further exemplified by his longstanding contribution to the African National Congress through its highest decision-making structures.
“In his diplomatic role, to which he was appointed in December 2023, Mthethwa was tasked with strengthening the vital partnership and bilateral ties between South Africa and France.
“I have no doubt that his passing is not only a national loss but is also felt within the international diplomatic community,” said Lamola. He further said the circumstances of Mthethwa’s untimely death are under investigation by the French authorities.
“The Government of South Africa extends its deepest and most sincere condolences to the family of Mthethwa, and to his friends and colleagues during this period of immense grief.
“He is survived by his wife and children. We honour his legacy of unwavering patriotism and service to our nation,” he added.
30 September 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ditsobotla is calling on administrator, Kopung Ralikontsane, to urgently address the alleged unlawful executive salaries paid to Ditsobotla Local Municipality mayor, Molefe Morutse and municipal speaker, Manana Bogatsu, since the illegitimate parallel council meeting held on 5 March 2025, in Mahikeng.
DA PR councilor in Ditsobotla Local Municipality, Ronald Matlholoa said that meeting, which unlawfully elected a Morutse and Bogatsu, was vindicated as illegitimate following the first legitimate council meeting held on 23 September 2025. Matlholoa said the DA has consistently maintained that the March meeting was unlawful and that all benefits received by those purporting to hold executive authority since then must be repaid to the municipality.
“We will also be engaging the administrator for clarity on the legitimacy of the Municipal Manager, Oloatswe Bojosinyane, as this matter was not addressed by council.
“While Ditsobotla remains under Section 139(7) national government administration, it is the administrator, who retains all executive authority. The DA will continue to press for accountability and the reversal of all unlawful financial gains obtained at the expense of residents,” he said.
Matlholoa further said Morutse was elected as mayor and Bogatsu as the speaker. He added that the DA Caucus contested the speaker position by nominating Ronald Matlholoa.
“In the election, Bogatsu received 36 votes while Matlholoa secured 6 votes. The ANC and all other opposition parties voted in support of Bogatsu. Ralikontsane must now focus on stabilising service delivery, particularly the supply of water and electricity, while driving investigations into fraud, corruption, and maladministration.
“Strengthening internal controls will be key to ensuring accountability and consequence management. The DA Caucus in Ditsobotla remains resolute in our commitment to fight for residents,” said Matlholoa.
He said they will continue to work with the administrator to restore stability, improve governance, and ensure that residents finally receive the quality services they deserve.
30 September 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, today expressed grave concern over findings of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), which show the misappropriation of over R2 billion intended for healthcare services at Tembisa Hospital.
The SIU released its interim report on Monday.
Dhlomo said the report on the SIU’s investigation into allegations of maladministration at Tembisa Hospital revealed at least three coordinated syndicates involving officials and service providers who were responsible for the looting of over R2 billion. He said the findings show that at least 15 current and former officials were involved in activities ranging from corruption, money laundering and collusion to bid rigging with improperly appointed service providers.
“According to the SIU, the number of identified officials is expected to rise as the investigation continues. The committee views these findings as serious and very concerning.
“The findings reveal acts of criminality, which are a profound breach of public confidence and an unacceptable diversion of much-needed health resources from the most vulnerable members of society,” said Dhlomo..
He further said they welcome the SIU’s ongoing efforts to identify implicated officials and recover stolen funds. Dhlomo added that some of these officials supported the syndicates with impunity and there must be consequences.
“Such criminality cannot go unpunished. We also welcome the referral of matters to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and other law enforcement agencies.
“The committee will monitor the progress of this closely to ensure that accountability is upheld at all levels. It is only through decisive corrective action that public confidence in the healthcare system can be restored,” he said.
Dhlomo said the committee will engage with the Department of Health and the SIU to receive further briefings on the findings and progress of this investigation. He said the law should take its course for those implicated.
“The committee will continue to exercise its oversight role to ensure that such abuses are not repeated and that the integrity of the health system is safeguarded in the interest of all South Africans,” said Dhlomo.
The Guardian 