CoGTA to present the Municipal Plan of Action to respond to HRC directives

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Picture: North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

8 December 2025- The North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has resolved to take urgent and decisive action in response to a damning report by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). The resolution follows a special MUNIMEC meeting convened by the North West MEC for CoGTA, Oageng Molapisi, with executive mayors, mayors and Municipal Managers from all affected local and district municipalities in the province.

In the meeting, SAHRC Commissioner, Dr Henk Boshoff, presented the report’s findings, detailing complaints against the 14 municipalities such as Matlosana, JB Marks, Maquassi Hills, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Lekwa Teemane, Kagisano Molopo, Ngaka Modiri Molema, Mahikeng, Ditsobotla, KgetlengRivier, Madibeng, Moretele, Moses Kotane and Rustenburg. Molapisi said the report painted a grim picture of communities without clean running water, sewer running in streets, lack of roads infrastructure and municipalities weakened by instability and poor management.

“The findings represent not only service delivery failures but human rights violations. When we fail to provide water, sanitation, electricity, remove refuse or maintain trafficable roads, we are stripping our people of their dignity. We need to do better as municipalities.

“CoGTA has also resolved to further strengthen oversight, where governance has collapsed, increase support to struggling municipalities and intervene decisively where needed. We will drive the filling of critical vacant posts, including technical services, enforce compliance with laws and hold those who break them accountable and clean up municipal finances and ensure accountability,” he said.

Molapisi further said municipalities committed to resolving service challenges with some already indicating progress. He added that CoGTA will consolidate an Action Plan to present to the SAHRC in order to meet the timelines set out by the report.

“We do not have the luxury of time. So, we must speedily respond to the issues raised to give our people hope and drive change in our communities,” said Molapisi.

Meanwhile, Boshoff urged municipalities to implement the SAHRC’s directives urgently and within the outlined timelines, warning that the Commission would not hesitate to “name and shame” non-performing municipalities.

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Drugs worth millions discovered in clandestine laboratory in Makapanstad

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By OBAKENG MAJE

8 December 2025- Millions worth of drugs were discovered at a clandestine laboratory in Makapanstad, in North West by the members of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation based in the Western Cape together with Counter-narcotics and Gangs, Western Cape. It is alleged that the members of Serious Organised Crime Investigation of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in the Western Cape, followed up information relating to a suspect that fled in a different case involving proliferation of drugs when the information led them to a small holding in Thulwe in the north west of Maubane in North West.

The Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale said upon the Hawks arrival, six suspect aged between 44 and 55, were found manufacturing mandrax. Mogale said large quantities finished product (tablets) as well as powder were found on the scene.

“All six were arrested. Drug press, crusher machine scales and packaging bags were confiscated. The six suspects will appear in court soon on charges of manufacturing of drugs,” she said.

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Child-headed family receives a newly-built house

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Picture: Child headed family received a newly-built house/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

8 December 2025- Christmas came early for a child-headed family of five in Bodibe village, near Itsoseng. This comes after the family received the keys to their newly-built and fully-furnished house from the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi.

The Koba family had been living in difficult conditions since losing both their parents. Their mother passed away earlier this year and their father died a few years ago.

The department approached one of its housing developers to assist the family by building them a home. The department partnered with Leano 87 Solutions to construct the new house as part of its mandate to create sustainable human settlements and improve people’s lives.

Kabelo Koba (25), the eldest of the family, explained that they had been destitute and struggling to make ends meet since the death of their parents. Of the five children, only two—Kabelo and Naledi (23)—receive the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant, while Motheo (17), Boitshepo (7) and Kamano(3) receive the Child Support Grant.

The family has been surviving on these grants, which Kabelo said were not enough to sustain them.

“This is a great relief for us as a family because we will now live in peace without worrying about being chased away. We would like to thank the department and everyone who played a role in improving our lives,” he said.

Meanwhile, Molapisi stated that the government is committed to ensuring that the people of the North West receive the services they deserve. He said the department needs to strengthen coordination with all three spheres of government to speed up service delivery.

“The department is mandated to build houses for citizens, despite challenges related to housing development. As the department, we must ensure that we prioritise marginalised groups—women, child-headed families and people living with disabilities—to ensure they receive the necessary support and benefit from government services,” he said.

According to the Head of Department, Kgomotso Mahlobo, the Department of Social Development first alerted Human Settlements about the family’s plight. Mahlobo said Social Development also provided the family with food parcels as part of fulfilling children’s basic rights.

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City of Matlosana officials nabbed for fraud and corruption

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Picture: The City of Matlosana

By AGISANANG SCUFF

8 December 2025- Members of the Provincial Organised Crime speedily responded to a complaint from City of Matlosana Local Municipality in Klerksdorp on 2 December 2025. The members were briefed about individuals who complained to the municipality about employment contracts they allegedly signed on 17 November 2025, on condition that they pay R10 000.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said further that, despite paying the required amount, they were not employed. Mpkgwabone said a preliminary investigation into the matter uncovered that two municipal officials and two other persons were involved.

“The municipal officials were identified and arrested. In addition, two suspects were arrested on Anderson Street and found in possession of four completed employment application forms bearing municipal logo. The suspect’s vehicle, a blue Toyota Corolla was confiscated.

“The accused, Paul Itumeleng (60), Tuelo Molekane (40), Simon Sethabela (50) and Thabo Kgafane (32), appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 4 December 2025, on charges of fraud, corruption and impersonating municipal officers,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said they were all remanded in custody for further investigation, and will be back in court on 10 December 2025. He added that the fifth suspect who is reported to be working at the municipality and aged 44, appeared in court after being arrested on 4 December 2025, in Klerksdorp.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, lauded the Provincial Organised Crime members and senior municipal officials for exposing and arresting the suspects who were apparently going to continue to exploit unsuspecting jobseekers.   

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Police urge citizens to be cautious during festive season

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By REGINALD KANYANE

8 December 2025- The police in the North West urge the citizens to be cautious while at home, in shopping malls, tourist attractions or travelling and utilising major freeways, provincial routes, and tourist corridors. The police said it is also significant that responsibility is exercised during this time, which is known for specific crime dynamics, include alcohol abuse by some citizens and motorists. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said as part of ensuring road safety, motorists are urged to be vigilant and avoid driving while under the influence of alcohol and to strictly obey the road traffic regulations. Mokgwabone said regarding liquor, the North West Liquor Licensing Act, 2016, among others, sets out rules for the responsible sale and consumption of liquor.

“In enforcing compliance, the law enforcement officers will not hesitate to deal decisively with anybody who sells liquor in contradiction of the licence. Schools will soon be closing, and it is vital that they are safe from any form of vandalism or break-ins.

“This can be achieved through the active participation of the community, working together with the School Governing Bodies (SGBs), Community Police Forums (CPFs) and the police to ensure safety within and around schools to ensure that learners find them still in the condition they left them upon returning in 2026, to allow timeous commencement of learning,” he said.

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Leader of IPHC not ready to proceed with bail

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Picture: The leader of IPHC, Bhekumuzi Mike Sandlana

By REGINALD KANYANE

8 December 2025- The case against the leader of the International Pentecost Holiness Church, Bhekumuzi Mike Sandlana (64), was postponed to 6 March 2026, for further investigations because Sandlana was not ready to proceed with his bail application. His three co-accused, a Judge of the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, Pretoria Judge, Portia Phahlane (57), her son Kagiso Phahlane (32) and Vusi Soli Ndala (49), were previously released on bail with stringent conditions. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said all four accused are collectively facing 19 counts of corruption. Mahanjana said it is alleged that between 2021 and 2022, Ndala and Sandlana made payments of about R2.4 million on different occasions to different banking accounts, to and for the benefit of Judge Phahlane, for her to preside over Sandlana’s ongoing civil case at the high court and ultimately rule in his favour.

“Intensive prosecution-led investigations by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team led to the arrest of the four accused persons on 25 and 26 November 2025. Sandala is remanded in custody,” she said.

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Tembisa Hospital and Hawks official granted bail

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

8 December 2025- The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court has granted bail of R5 000 each to two accused persons, Zacharia Chisele (53), an official at Tembisa Hospital, and Sergeant Papi Tsie (41), a Hawks officer. Both are facing a charge of corruption.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that on 23 November 2025, the two met with the Hawks investigating officer involved in an ongoing investigation of corruption at the Tembisa Hospital. Mahanjana said during the meeting, it is alleged that the two gave the Hawks official a gratification of R100 000 for Chisele to avoid prosecution in an ongoing investigation.

“During the bail proceedings, the State did not oppose their release on bail. Prosecutor Ngoako Mokumo submitted an affidavit from Investigating Officer Captain Johannes Labuschagne, confirming that both accused have verified addresses, no previous convictions or pending cases, and are not considered flight risks.

“The case has been postponed to 27 February 2026 for further investigation,” she said.

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Two apartheid police found guilty of the murder of Caiphus Nyoka

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Picture: Sergeant, Abraham Hercules Engelbrecht and former Sergeant, Pieter Stander/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

8 December 2025- The Pretoria High Court sitting in Johannesburg High Court has found a former Sergeant, Abraham Hercules Engelbrecht (61), and former Sergeant, Pieter Stander (60), guilty of the premeditated murder of Caiphus Nyoka, a student activist and a member of the Congress of South African Students (COSAS). A former commanding officer, Major Leon Louis Van Den Berg (75) was acquitted on the charges. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said in the evening of 23 August 1987, the two who were members of the Reaction Unit within the South African Police Service (SAP) met to discuss a plan to kill Nyoka. Mahanjana said a plan to raid his home was devised. 

“In the early hours of 24 August 1987 at about 2:30am, Stander and Engelbrecht and other members of the Reaction Unit who are also charged separately, arrived at Nyoka’s homestead and stormed his room. They found him sleeping with three of his friends. After identifying him, they removed the friends from the room and thereafter proceeded to shoot him 9 times. He died on the scene as a result of multiple gunshot wounds. 

“During the trial, the state called 5 witnesses, Caiphus Nyoka’s two sisters, Alegria and Mothasi Nyoka, Gugulakhe Exodus Nyokane (one of the three friends Nyoka was with on the night of the incident), an expert witness who was the TRC researcher Dr Rousseau and the Investigating officer of the case, Liutenant Colonel Beukman,” she said.  

Mahanjana further said after the five witnesses testified, the state closed its case. She added that thereafter accused 1, who is now acquitted, and accused 2, brought a Section 174 application claiming that the state had no case. 

“After the court dismissed their application, all the accused closed their case. When handing down the judgment the court found that the state was able to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt in respect of Engelbrecht and Stander.

“The NPA welcomes the judgment where the two were found guilty.  However, the state will study the judgment in respect of the acquittal of Louis Van Den Berg. This court outcome is encouraging as this is a right step towards providing justice for the Nyoka family,” said Mahanjana.

She said the matter was postponed to 11 December 2025, for the bail application, pending sentence of Engelbrecht and Stander.  Mahanjana said the two are remanded in custody. 

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Former SSA senior officials arrested for theft and fraud of approximately R12m

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By AGISANANG SCUFF   

8 December 2025- The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) of the NPA, working closely with the State Security Agency (SSA), arrested two former members of the SSA on charges relating to the misappropriation of state funds on 30 November 2025. The suspects subsequently made their first court appearance at the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria on 1 December 2025, and their matter was postponed to 26 January 2026 for disclosure and a high court date to be secured.

The IDAC spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said two were granted R20 000 bail each with stringent conditions attached. Mamothame said the conditions includes them surrendering their travel documents to the state, not interfering with the state witnesses, reporting to their respective police stations every Friday between 8am and 4pm, and they were prohibited from disposing of their immovable properties.

“Patrick Mshothola, who acted as Project Manager on various projects within the Chief Directorate Special Operations (CDSO) of the then State Security Agency (SSA), together with his co-accused, Thulani Dlomo who held the position of Deputy Director: Counterintelligence within the SSA, are being charged on allegations of theft, fraud, forgery and uttering,” he said.

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A call to probe NSFAS fund theft at Orbit TVET College

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Picture: Students on rampage at Orbit College in Rustenburg/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE  

8 December 2025- The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in the Bojanala Region calls on the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to open an urgent and transparent investigation into alleged theft of NSFAS funds at Orbit TVET College. The ANCYL Regional Task Team said it condemns any conduct of corruption and maladministration by institutions of higher learning and urges authorities to identify all parties who benefited from the unlawful withdrawals at Orbit TVET College.

ANCYL Bojanala regional coordinator, Pako Mokoua said the RTT strongly condemns student leaders who allow themselves to be manipulated by some institution management members into unlawfully withdrawal of funds meant for financially disadvantaged students instead of genuinely representing student interests. Mokuoa said while this criminal behaviour deserves serious punishment, the Youth League expresses particular concern for a young woman who was reportedly caught in a criminal network that has been perpetuated and orchestrated for a long time by the college administrations involving unauthorised withdrawals.

“ANCYL Bojanala demands a thorough investigation to identify all individuals who have benefited from these unlawful activities. As the league, we are convinced that the young woman is not acting alone, as it is improbable that one person could access public funds undetected without assistance from others in the college’s administrative management.

“Accountability must be enforced at all levels of management. ANC Youth League Bojanala calls on NSFAS to decentralize its services by establishing campus-based offices at every institution of higher learning. Such a step would help prevent the recurrence of these criminal practices, which have long plagued TVET colleges,” he said.

Mokuoa further said the ANC Youth League finds it regrettable that a young woman has become a scapegoat amid these ongoing irregularities. He added that they call on law enforcement authorities to arrest big fishes in this criminal network that has haunted TVET Colleges for a long time.

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