29 September 2025- A man (33) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Hopetown Magistrate’s Court for murder of his ex-girlfriend. This comes after a victim (21) was involved in an argument with the accused, Mohammed Rohman.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said during the altercation, a scuffle broke out and Rohman strangled the victim with a piece of cloth until she became unresponsive. Pilane said after realizing that she had died, the accused locked the victim inside the house together with her child (7) and fled the scene.
“He later attempted to escape to Gauteng Province by hitching a ride with a Correctional Services official. The officer became suspicious after overhearing the accused speaking on the phone about the incident and immediately drove him to the nearest police station in Christiana.
“The accused was subsequently transported back to Hopetown, where he was charged with murder as well as contravention of immigration laws,” she said.
Pilane further said Detective Warrant Officer Phillip Kleynhans, the investigating officer, was commended for his thorough investigation and for successfully opposing bail throughout the proceedings. She added that following multiple court appearances, the accused was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, along with an additional three months for being in the country illegally.
“He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” said Pilane.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, has welcomed the sentence. Otola praised the excellent work carried out by Detective Warrant Officer Kleynhans, highlighting the importance of holding perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence accountable.
30 September 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it has noted the commitment made by Minister Gayton McKenzie and Deputy Minister for Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, to the North West MEC for Arts, Sports, Culture and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi of R13 million over the MTEF period for the refurbishment of the long-neglected Mmabatho Stadium in Mahikeng.
DA spokesperson on Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation in the North West, Wolfgang Wallhorn said this intervention comes after sustained DA pressure, including their statement in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) on 26 August 2025, demanding urgent action, accountability, and investment following Orbit Soccer Club’s promotion to the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Wallhorn said Orbit has been forced to play outside the province with Gauteng reaping the economic and social benefits that should rightly belong to North West.
“During their oversight visit, the Minister and Deputy Minister confirmed that engineers will return within two weeks to conduct a formal assessment and commission a technical report.
“Repairs will go beyond ablution facilities, seating, and VIP areas to also include the athletics field. The private sector will be brought on board to assist in the refurbishment. Communities were urged to protect government facilities and stop destroying infrastructure,” he said.
Wallhorn further said the DA stresses that while this funding is national, they will ensure that it does not become another unfunded promise or photo opportunity. He added that to this end, the DA will task their representatives in the National Assembly’s Sports Committee to obtain all relevant information directly from the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture.
“These actions will allow us to ensure that the commitment is captured in black and white, with proper plans, budgets, and timelines in place.
“The DA has raised concerns about Mmabatho Stadium since November 2022, pointing out broken ablutions, collapsed seating, inoperative floodlights, leaking roofs, and dysfunctional air-conditioning,” said Wallhorn.
He said for too long, promises have been made without delivery. Wallhorn said Mmabatho Stadium must become more than a political talking point.
“It must be transformed into a symbol of renewal, pride, and opportunity for our province. The DA will continue to monitor this project closely to ensure that the long-overdue refurbishment delivers real benefits for athletes, supporters, and communities,” he said.
Picture: ANC Local Election Team coordinator in Taung Sub-region, Moreotsile Israel Olifant/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
30 September 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), will be back in court today in Vryburg.
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. They will appear in Taung Magistrate’s Court on 18 August 2025, on charges of fraud,” he said.
Setshwantsho- Monna o latofadiwa ka go bolaya mosadimogolo ka garawe
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
30 Lwetse 2025- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le monna wa dingwaga di le 33 wa kwa motseng wa Magogong, gaufi le Taung, e buseditswe morago go fitlha 13 Di[halane 2025. Molatofadiwa, Kagiso Starzen Thipe, o letse a rototse matlho fa pele ga magistrata kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la maabane mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go bolaya mosadimogolo, Masechaba James (71).
Go begwa fa Thipe a ile a kgemetha le go bolaya James ka garawe ka Labobedi morago ga tlhatlharuane magareng ga bobedi jo.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are go begwa fa Thipe a ne a tlhagola fa moswi a ne a mo kopa gore a se epe mosima mo thoko ga legae la gagwe. Van Rooyen are go begwa fa go ile ga tsoga kgakgauthano ya mafoko magareng ga bobedi jo, mme Thipe a teketa moswi ka garawe go fitlha a tlhokafala.
“Mmelaelwa o ile a tshwarwa, mme o tlhageletse ka boripana kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno. Ene o lebagane le kgetsi ya polao,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, Thipe o tla nama a letile kwa ntlolefitshwana go fitlhelela a boela kgotlhatshekelo.
29 September 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said last week, he addressed a Trade and Investment Dialogue between South African and US businesses on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Ramaphosa said this was one of a number of engagements they had with US companies, while in the city.
He further said some of these companies already have business operations in South Africa, while others are interested in investing. Ramaphosa added that all of the companies commended the reforms being undertaken by the government and the prospects for growth in the economy.
“As part of strengthening ties with the United States, we also used the opportunity to meet with members of the US Congress and Senate. Some of our ministers and officials also held meetings with representatives of the US administration.
“The Trade and Investment Dialogue was convened by the US Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest business advocacy organisation with representation in more than 120 countries, including South Africa. A number of government officials and representatives from business and industry from both countries were present,” he said.
Ramaphosa said the optimistic, future-focused tone of this important engagement underscored how, beyond the headlines and debates around trade policy and political frictions, US and South African businesses are forging ahead.
Addressing the dialogue, the President of the US-Africa Business Center of the US Chamber of Commerce Kendra Gaither said that there was “no economic relationship more foundational than the ties that the US and South Africa have”. She said it was a vital relationship that merits dedicated attention.
Ramaphosa said as further testimony to the strength of this relationship, later this year, the US Chamber of Commerce will be sending a high-powered delegation, led by its CEO, to the B20 Summit, the official dialogue forum of the G20 for the global business community. He said commercial ties between South Africa and the US have proven to be both durable and resilient.
“There are more than 600 US companies in South Africa. Our country is the second-largest African destination for US exports. Both South African and US businesses can see the clear opportunities and commercial gains of investing in the other’s respective markets.
“South Africa is positioning itself as an investment destination for critical minerals, with the digital transition and the global move towards net zero driving global demand. We also had the opportunity to engage with US industry around investment opportunities in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, technology and other key sectors,” said Ramaphosa.
He said they announced the establishment of the South Africa-United States Trade and Investment Forum, which will be inaugurated at next year’s South Africa Investment Conference as a vital bridge between the two countries. Ramaphosa said these engagements with business take place alongside discussions with the US administration around a reciprocal trade agreement.
“Our Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has been meeting with the US Trade Representative to finalise an agreement that benefits both our countries. We are also encouraged that the US Chamber of Commerce supports the reauthorisation of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), describing it as “the cornerstone of US-Africa commerce”.
“Predictable, preferential access to the US market isn’t just vital to South Africa’s own exports, but also to US companies that depend on reliable imports. We are also prioritising the African Continental Free Trade Area as a vital tool for strengthening US-South Africa trade and investment,” he said.
Ramaphosa said as a country, they will continue to advocate for the principle of reciprocity in investment and trade relations with the US. He said as the presence of US companies on South African soil continues to grow, they want to expand the number of South African companies operating in the US market, thereby creating more jobs for Americans.
“As the official talks around trade tariffs continue, we take to heart the words of the US Chamber of Commerce representative at the recent dialogue, that expanding commercial partnerships “happens one deal, one investment at time”.
“Our engagements in the US show that South African and US businesses remain deeply connected and are committed to mutually beneficial partnerships well into the future,” said Ramaphosa.
29 September 2025 – South African Under-20 men’s national team coach, Raymond Mdaka, has named the squad that will represent the country at the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile this month. The biennial international youth football tournament will be held in Chile from 27 September to 19 October 2025.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi was not considered as part of an agreement between Mdaka and his Bafana Bafana counterpart Hugo Broos. The defender will be part of the Bafana Bafana squad that will play two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda next month. Belgium-based Shandre Campbell is another notable absentee after he was denied permission to join the Chile-bound South African U20 squad by his club Club Brugge.
Bafana Bafana coach Broos stepped in and tried to negotiate with the Belgians, but the club still refused to accept the call-up letter.
“The South African Under 20 Men’s National Team has once again resumed its programs in preparation for the U20 FIFA World Cup. Having started with a recent camp during the September FIFA calendar, which was from the 1st of September to the 9th, where we were supposed to finalize the team of about 21 players that will be representing the country.
“Yes, it was a very good camp, honestly. A lot of headaches where we had all these players, about 30 players, and then trying to come up with 21. Very, very difficult. But the fact that we’ve been with the players for so long, that’s one thing that helped us to be able to come up with the final list,” said Mdaka.
He further said the final list, if you look at it, consists of about 80% of the players who have been through the programs since they started in their preparation, through COSAFA and the U20 AFCON. Mdaka added that they are happy because these players have even graduated here.
“They are first team players, most of them. And not only have graduated to the first team, but at the same time, most of them are getting minutes in their first teams, which helps because, you know, with the national team, you only have them sometimes, maybe for a week or so.
“The team assembled in Johannesburg on 19 September 2025, and departed for Chile on 24 September 2025. We are drawn in Group E and we will face France on 29 September, New Caledonia on October 2 and the United States of America on October 5,” he said.
29 September 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) has learned with deep pain and sadness of the passing of uMama Nonezile Lungisa, the beloved mother of their National Executive Committee (NEC) member, Andile Lungisa. The party said on behalf of the National Officials, the NEC, and the entire membership of the ANC, it extends its heartfelt condolences to Andile, the Lungisa family, relatives and friends.
The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu said the passing of a mother is an immeasurable loss and they share in their grief during this difficult time. Bhengu said they hold the Lungisa family in their thoughts and prayers and they call upon society to wrap them in love, comfort, and support.
“Details regarding the funeral arrangements will be communicated once the family has finalised the preparations,” she said.
Picture: The Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza
By REGINALD KANYANE
29 September 2025 – The Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, today called for stronger youth participation in parliaments and global decision-making platforms. Didiza addressed the P20 Young Parliamentarians Forum held under the theme: “Young Parliamentarians as Drivers of Global Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.”
She further said the meeting is taking place ahead of the 11th Parliamentary Speakers Summit (P20) scheduled for 1 to 3 October 2025. Didiza added that young people remain a vital force for shaping inclusive, sustainable and peaceful societies.
“We need to underline the importance of harnessing the energy, innovation and perspectives of young leaders. Young people are a powerhouse in exploring solutions to the problems of the modern world. Their perspectives, energy and inventive ideas are critical in helping us find original solutions needed for today’s challenges.
“Although progress has been made, young people continue to be under-represented in many legislatures worldwide. According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), only 2.8% of the world’s parliamentarians are under the age of 30, and 73% of Upper Houses have no members under the age of 30,” she said.
Didiza informed delegates that South Africa encourages youth participation in Parliament through political party processes and youth activism, which has ensured that the voices of young people are included in both Houses. She also highlighted several pressing issues confronting young people worldwide.
“These include persistently high levels of unemployment and poverty; the effects of conflict, instability and migration, which disproportionately affect youth; the severe consequences of climate change, also burdening younger generations; and limited access to education, skills development and digital opportunities.
“We urge parliaments to use their oversight powers to advance policies that promote youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, decent work, and access to technology, while also ensuring the responsible regulation of artificial intelligence,” said Didiza.
She said as they promote societies founded on democracy and respect for human rights, they must be conscious that young people are often the most affected by the decisions they make today. Didiza said it is no longer acceptable to take decisions without their voices.
She also emphasised the need for solidarity and international cooperation to build inclusive economies and address global challenges such as inequality, climate change and geopolitical tensions. Didiza said the actions and decisions they take today must ensure that young people, particularly in the Global South, gain meaningful access to economic opportunities and play a central role in shaping a just and sustainable future.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa will officially open the 11th Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20) on 1 October 2025. The outcomes of this Summit will inform parliamentary deliberations on issues such as unemployment, education, healthcare, and sustainable development in South Africa, the African continent and the rest of the world,”she said.
29 September 2025 – The South African Football Association (SAFA) said it acknowledges a ruling by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, which sanctioned the association for erroneously fielding midfielder Teboho Mokoena during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Lesotho played on 21 March 2025. SAFA said in terms of the decision, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee declared the match to have been forfeited by Bafana Bafana by the score of 3-0.
SAFA president, Danny Jordaan said the association has also further been ordered to pay a fine of CHF 10,000, while Mokoena has been issued with a warning. Jordaan said as SAFA, they are deeply disappointed with this unprecedented outcome noting that it was delivered by a single-member panel without reasons and without affording the association an opportunity to present legal arguments.
“The association confirms that we have requested written reasons for the judgment and intend to lodge a formal appeal with the FIFA Appeals Committee within the prescribed 10-day period under FIFA’s disciplinary rules.
“Despite the outcome, the association emphasises its continued commitment to supporting Bafana Bafana in their qualification campaign. The players and the technical team have worked extremely hard to reach this stage, and we remain focused on ensuring they secure maximum points in the matches ahead,” he said.
Jordaan further said they apologise to the nation for this administrative oversight and will reflect on the steps to take at the conclusion of their qualifying campaign. He added that, finally, they call on all South Africans to rally behind the team during this final and crucial stage of the qualifiers.
Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana will next face Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 10 October 2025, followed by a clash against Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium on 14 October 2025. Both matches will kick off at 6pm.
29 September 2025- The Heidelberg Magistrate’s Court has granted a pastor (57) from Ratanda aR2000 bail, with strict conditions that he must report at Nigel police station every Sunday between 8am and 4pm, refrain from contacting the complainant and not to return to Ratanda. He is facing three counts of rape of a 17-year-old girl who is a member of his congregation.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that on 14 September 2025, in the afternoon, the complainant received a call from the accused requesting her to come for a cleansing ceremony at the church situated at his place of residence in Ratanda. Mahanjana said when she arrived, the accused instructed her to go to the main house and enter the bedroom.
“Thereafter, the accused followed her to the bedroom, requested her to undress, but when the complainant refused, the accused forcefully removed her clothes, pushed her onto the bed, and began to apply oil on her body. The accused then proceeded to rape the complainant by penetrating her vagina with his penis twice and inserting a vibrator inside her.
“After the accused was done, the complainant managed to escape, ran home, and informed her mother about what had happened. On the same day, a case was opened against the accused, and he was arrested at his place of residence,” she said.
Mahanjana further said, in court during bail proceedings, the accused through his legal representative, asked to be released on bail because he has no previous convictions and he has a fixed address. She added that the accused said if he is not released on bail, he will suffer financially as he is a breadwinner, and that he suffers from a chronic illness.
“However, the state prosecutor, Kutelani Nndanganeni, opposed his release on bail, arguing that the accused is charged with a serious offense and that he could evade trial, as such an offense carries a hefty sentence.
“Furthermore, he said that the accused was in a position of trust which he took advantage of, that he is well known to the complainant as they stay in the same area, and that the accused can receive medical treatment in prison,” said Mahanjana.
During bail judgement, the Magistrate, Gerhard Strydom said that the accused has no previous convictions of rape, does not seem to be a flight risk and that he suffers from a chronic illness. Strydom said that such matters take long before trial commences and therefore it is in the interest of justice to release him on bail.
Mahanjana said the NPA commends the mother’s vigilance, whose swift action led to the accused’s arrest. She said the NPA urges families and communities to remain vigilant, report suspected abuse promptly and support survivors through Thuthuzela Care Centers (TCC’s), which offer medical, psychological, and legal assistance.
“This case highlights the critical role of parents in recognising signs of abuse and acting decisively. The NPA calls on South Africans to unite against GBV, fostering safe environments where children’s constitutional rights to dignity and safety are upheld, and perpetrators face the full might of the law.
“The case was postponed to 4 November 2025, for further investigations,” she said.
The Guardian 