Picture: One of the firearms confiscated during raid/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
23 September 2025- A murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, robbery and malicious damage to property case against twelve accused has been postponed to 6 October 2025, by the Zeerust Magistrate’s Court. Twelve accused aged between 21 and 48, were remanded in custody.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the accused were arrested in connection with the murder of Mzomuhle Themba Zulu (35), attempted murder, kidnapping, robbery and malicious damage to property. Myburgh said this comes after a team of detectives was established to investigate shooting incidents at Marula Kop village in the Masebudula area, close to Nietverdiend on Tuesday morning, 16 September 2024.
“The initial investigations indicated that an alleged conflict between two security companies led to the attack, wherein Zulu was fatally wounded. Furthermore, a driver of a taxi was kidnapped, but shortly rescued by the police after the incident.
“Five people were wounded, firearms were robbed and numerous vehicles were rammed by a Nyala (armoured vehicle). The information about the suspects were gathered and operationalised, leading to their arrest on the same day,” she said.
Myburgh further said the police also confiscated an assortment of rifles, pistols and ammunition alleged to be used during the commission of the crime.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Dintletse Molefe, applauded the detective team for working diligently until all suspects were arrested, shortly after the incidents were reported. Molefe added that the police will continue to work hard to ensure that the criminals face the full might of the law and successful prosecution is achieved in court.
Picture: The Olympia Stadium in Rustenburg/Supplied
By AGISANANG SCUFF
23 September 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it welcomes the transformation and development of the Olympia Park Stadium in Rustenburg. The DA said their ongoing oversight and consistent advocacy for community-focused development are yielding positive results, ensuring that upgrades to the stadium bring real benefits to local residents.
DA spokesperson on Sport, Arts and Culture in North West, Joe McGluwa said the improvements at Olympia Park Stadium promise a range of key benefits. McGluwa said local soccer teams will now have access to the stadium, boosting soccer development and nurturing young talent.
“The project also creates economic opportunities by supporting local businesses, providing jobs, and increasing overall economic activity in the area. Furthermore, the upgraded facilities will enhance the experience for players, supporters, and visitors, while positioning the stadium as a premier sporting destination in the North West.
“The DA’s oversight visits have highlighted encouraging developments, such as contributions from local mining companies towards the stadium’s improvement. Already, Olympia Park has successfully hosted night games, demonstrating the stadium’s enhanced capacity,” he said.
McGluwa further said next Wednesday, the stadium will proudly host a Premier Soccer League (PSL) match, a milestone that reflects the stadium’s growing importance in the province’s sporting landscape. He added that the DA is encouraged by this progress and will continue to monitor developments to ensure that Olympia Park Stadium remains a hub of opportunity and community growth.
“We look forward to seeing the continued benefits for soccer enthusiasts, small businesses, hawkers, and the broader Rustenburg community,” said.
Picture: North West University (NWU), Professor Hans de Ridder/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
23 September 2025- South Africans are still basking in the glow of the Springboks’ emphatic 43–10 dismantling of the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship. It was a win that restored pride, silenced doubters and reaffirmed South Africa’s place at the summit of world rugby.
Now the Springboks will host Argentina in Durban as Rassie Erasmus’ men look to defend their Rugby Championship crown in the coming two weeks. Yet in between the moments of brilliance, the crowd’s patience is often tested by those now-familiar stoppages for Head Injury Assessments (HIAs).
Supporters groan when a star player is led off, frustrated by the interruption. What many fail to realise is that those pauses are not trivial, they are safeguards against tragedies that may unfold long after the final whistle.
Few have spent more time studying this balance of triumph and tragedy than Professor Hans de Ridder of North West University (NWU). A leading researcher in sports science, de Ridder argued that concussions are not inconveniences but “traumatic brain injuries caused by biomechanical forces, often rotational accelerations, transmitted to the brain.”
“In rugby, football, hockey and boxing, these forces are frequent and often celebrated as part of the game’s intensity. No helmet or technique can fully eliminate concussion risk, especially in high-impact sports. The culture of “toughing it out” is one of the sport’s greatest dangers.
“Athletes often push through pain for the sake of victory, team loyalty or career advancement. This creates a psychological conflict. A short-term glory versus long-term cognitive health. The ethical response is straightforward. From a duty-of-care perspective, coaches, trainers and organisations must prioritise health over performance,” said de Ridder.
He further said athletes must be fully informed about the risks. De Ridder added that glory should not come at the cost of irreversible neurological damage.
“Research is painting an increasingly grim picture of repeated head trauma. Neurophysiology shows that repeated concussions – even sub-concussive impacts – can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy, memory loss, depression and motor dysfunction.
“Sport scientists are working not only to identify early biomarkers of brain trauma but also to “develop rehabilitation protocols and return-to-play guidelines based on objective data,” he said.
De Ridder said South Africa has aligned itself with World Rugby protocols through SARU and BokSmart. But he points to innovations abroad, particularly in New Zealand.
“New Zealand Rugby has developed a Brain Health and Concussion Risk Management. Framework that is both science-driven and adaptive. Instrumented mouthguards measure head impact forces in real time, while the ‘blue card’ system empowers referees to remove players at the first suspicion of concussion.
“South Africa is experimenting with similar technologies, such as NeuroFlex® virtual reality and SCAT6 protocols. New Zealand includes players, parents and medical staff in its education strategy. South Africa could benefit from broader community-level education tailored to local languages and cultural contexts,” said de Ridder.
He also highlights collaboration opportunities.
“The NWU is investigating a possible agreement with Lincoln University in Christchurch, led by Prof Mike Hamlin. Shared research, joint training programmes and pooled data could help us better understand concussion recovery and long-term outcomes.
“The issue is not confined to elite sport. A concussion isn’t just a bump or a bruise. It’s a brain injury. Even if you feel fine, the effects can linger silently, affecting memory, mood, sleep and future performance,” he said.
23 September 2025- The Northern Cape Provincial Government (NCPG) in collaboration with the Athletics Griqualand West Federation will launch the inaugural Diamond and Dorings Kimberley Big Hole Marathon. The NCPG said the Inaugural Diamond and Dorings Kimberley Big Hole Marathon celebrates Kimberley’s rich diamond-mining and liberation heritage and community spirit, with race distances that cater to all, from elite runners to casual runners.
The Northern Cape Provincial Government spokesperson, Naledi Gaosekwe said the marathon will feature 5km, 10km, 21km, and 42km routes, bringing the city to life in a celebration of endurance, history and togetherness. Gaosekwe said the media launch will be led by the Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul and will include key announcements about the marathon, its purpose, and its anticipated impact on tourism and community development in the region.
“The prize money available for the race day winners of the various race categories will also be announced at the launch. The media launch will take place at Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre on 29 September 2025, at 8am.
23 September 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) said it condemns the Democratic Alliance defense and continued support of the apartheid State of Israel. The party said while the United Nations just recently confirmed that what is happening against the people of Palestine as genocide, the DA has come out guns blazing to justify and support the annihilation of the Palestinian people by Israel.
The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu said whilst the latest UN inquiry, headed by South African Judge Navi Pillay and through their own investigations, confirmed that Israel is intentionally destroying the reproductive capacity of the Palestinians in Gaza as a group by, among others, imposing measures intended to prevent births as well as to inflict conditions of life deliberately designed to bring about the physical destruction of Palestinians as a people, these acts have been defined as genocide by the Rome Statute and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
Bhengu said at the same time, a number of states, amongst others, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Mexico has recently recognized the State of Palestine lending support to the two-state solution.
“However, in South Africa we continue to see this recognition of the State of Palestine and support for the two-state solution being undermined by the DA, through its Federal Council chairperson, Helen Zille.
“Today, the ANC stands vindicated not only in its government’s pursuit of the genocide case against Israel in the International Court of Justice but also against the DA who stand for promoting crimes against humanity and genocide. How they treat the historically disadvantaged and vulnerable people of the Western Cape is testimony to their hatred of some human lives and they take their cue from the apartheid State of Israel who continues to oppress and pursue genocide against the people of Palestine,” she said.
23 September 2025- The swift response by members of the Namakwa Task Team on 21September 2025, led to the apprehension and arrest of three suspects who allegedly committed a business robbery at a local shop in Okiep. The preliminary reports indicate that on 21 September 2025 at approximately 5:50pm, the shop owner allegedly behind the counter when a customer entered the shop and purchased two packets of chips.
The Namakwa District police spokesperson,
Captain Ivan Magerman said shortly afterwards, two unknown men also entered the shop. Magerman said one of the suspects allegedly placed a packet of chips on the counter, while the other stood in front of the complainant, pointing a firearm at him and demanded money.
“According to reports the second suspect went behind the counter and grabbed an open box containing an undisclosed amount of cash and packets of Sahawi cigarettes. After the robbery both suspects fled the scene on foot.
“A coordinated response by Nababeep Vispol and Detectives led to the arrest of three male suspects, aged 32, 33 and 35 respectively. One firearm and the stolen packets of cigarettes were recovered,” he said.
Magerman further said the suspects are expected to appear in court soon on charges of business robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Picture: Dagga worth over R100 000 seized/Supplied
By AGISANANG SCUFF
23 September 2025- A suspect (27) was arrested by the police in Springbok following a successful drug-related operation conducted on Dr Isak Van Niekerk Street, Bergsig on 22 September 2025. The arrest came after the police received a tip-off regarding a vehicle allegedly transporting illegal substances.
The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the vehicle was located and searched, resulting in the discovery of a plastic bag containing dagga, with an estimated street value of R121 800. Magerman said the suspect was subsequently arrested.
“He will appear in court soon on charges related to dealing in drugs. The SAPS remains committed to combating drug trafficking and ensuring the safety of our communities.
“Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to their nearest police station, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or utilize the MySaps app,” he said.
23 September 2025- As the country marks the Integrated Public Service Month, the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) will reaffirm its commitment to building a professional, ethical and citizen-centred public service by launching the Implementation of 2025-26 Integrated Public Service Month Framework.
The launch, which will be led by the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, accompanied by the Public Service Commissioner and the acting Director General for Department of Public Service and Administration, will be held at Mahikeng Hotel School on Tuesday, under the theme: “Professionalising the Public Service to Build Trust and Restore Confidence in Government”.
Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said the primary objective of the launch is to, among others, revitalise and enhance institutionalisation of Batho Pele Norms and Standards and increase awareness on the Public Sector Charter. Tatai said the provincial government has identified several programmes which will be implemented until the end of the current financial year as part of the 2025-26 Integrated Public Service Month programme.
“The launch, which will be arranged as a conference, will be attended by senior government officials, including provincial Heads of Departments, Chief Directors for Corporate Services, Batho Pele Coordinators and Thuntsha Lerole Coordinators,” he said.
23 September 2025- The Afrika Mayibuye Movement in the North West said it welcomes, albeit cautiously, the national government’s decisive intervention in the Ditsobotla Local Municipality. The movement said this action, which includes the expected appointment of a new mayor and speaker, is a crucial step toward restoring stability and service delivery for the people of Ditsobotla.
The Afrika Mayibuye Movement provincial spokesperson, spokesperson Lefa Mlungisi Chakela said the crisis in Ditsobotla has been a source of great concern for them and the community. Chakela said the ongoing political instability, financial mismanagement and complete breakdown of basic services have had a severe impact on the lives and dignity of their people.
“The municipality’s failure to address its over R1.6 billion in unpaid creditors and its default on payments to essential service providers like Eskom is unacceptable. We stand with the residents who have been living without reliable water, electricity and waste management.
“The failure of the previous provincial intervention under Section 139(5) of the Constitution underscores the need for a stronger, more direct approach from the national government,” he said.
Chakela further said the invocation of Section 139(7) is a necessary measure to assume control and implement a comprehensive financial recovery plan. He added that their support for the new leadership is conditional on their commitment to tangible change.
“We expect the incoming mayor and speaker to act with integrity, transparency, and a steadfast resolve to curb corruption, reverse irregular appointments, and prioritize the needs of the community. The new leadership must focus on implementing the financial recovery plan in collaboration with the national treasury and the multi-disciplinary team deployed by Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa.
“The people of Ditsobotla cannot be held hostage by political infighting. The time for empty promises is over. The Afrika Mayibuye Movement, as we prepare ourselves to contest municipalities in the upcoming 2026 Local Government Elections (LGE), will be watching closely,” said Chakela.
Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
23 September 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has committed to repair the dilapidated internal road in Khuma Township, near Stilfontein, which prohibits school children to attend schools and residents to do their daily errands during the rainy season. Mokgosi, who was accompanied by the Executive Mayors of Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, Nikiwe Num and City of Matlosana Local Municipality, Fikile Mahlope, handed over the Phase 1 of a newly-constructed 2km paved road and storm water project in Khuma Ext. 32 and 39.
He further said the handover was part of the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme – Thuntsha Lerole Phase 5 in the City of Matlosana Local Municipality. Mokgosi added that residents of Khuma, expressed their gratitude as the government officially handed over the paved road and storm water project saying it has given their area the necessary facelift.
“Even though residents are delighted about the completed road, the problematic section which was not part of Phase 1, must be constructed soonest. We appreciate the completion of the paved road.
“However, we have not included in the project the road which gets water locked during the rainy season. Through the City of Matlosana there will be re-allocation of resources and proper planning so that we resolve this matter permanently” he said.
Mokgosi said residents further expressed their delight that a problematic area will now receive attention. He said the project forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to resolve service delivery backlogs in various communities across the province through the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme-Thuntsha Lerole.
The Guardian 