Department and JB Marks Local Municipality sign agreement to speed-up housing delivery

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi and North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Oageng Molapisi/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

11 November 2025- The North West Provincial Government through the Department of Human Settlements has granted the JB Marks Local Municipality accreditation to perform Level 1 subsidy functions. This means that the municipality will be responsible for managing and administering housing subsidies in the area. 

Speaking during the signing ceremony, the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said the agreement will facilitate a collaborative framework in which the provincial government and the local municipality operate as partners towards a shared commitment to service delivery and excellence.

“Housing is not merely about brick and mortar; it is the cornerstone of dignity, security and opportunity. Through this implementation protocol, we are entrusting the JB Marks Local Municipality with greater autonomy and resources to address the housing needs of our residents.

“This decentralization of power is a bold move that underscores our belief in local governance and its proximity to the people, for they better understand the needs of a community than those who pass-by its streets every day,’’ he said.  

Mokgosi further said that the signing of the agreement will go a long way in addressing the housing backlog the Department of Human Settlements is currently faced with. He added that with this development, the municipality will be able to implement housing projects faster and the department will retain its role of oversight.

Sharing Mokgosi’s sentiments, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said that the municipality will be responsible for the management and administering of housing projects and programmes as per the level one accreditation functions, this includes budget planning, identification of housing projects and programmes, beneficiary management and housing subsidy registration among many other programmes. 

Molapisi said his department has already appointed a service provider as part of its post accreditation support plan to assist the municipality with the implementation protocol.

“The department will provide the municipality with all the necessary assistance for them to be able to carry out these tasks and ensure that communities receive efficient housing services,” he said.

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A murder case against Khumalo postponed

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

11 November 2025- A man (30) is expected to appear before the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 24 November 2025, for a bail application. The accused, Nkosinathi Ziyanda Khumalo appeared for the first time in court on 3 November 2025, on a charge of murder.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Khumalo was arrested by the Provincial and National Psychology Investigation Unit members on 30 October 2025, in Escourt, KwaZulu-Natal, consequent to a thorough investigation of muti-related murder allegedly committed in July 2025 in Maologane village in the policing precinct of Sun City. Mokgwabone said it was reported at the time of the incident that the accused allegedly killed Innocent Buthelezi, then cut his fingertips and private parts.

“After becoming aware of the matter, the team conducted a thorough investigation and positively linked the accused with the crime and arrested him. Upon arresting the accused, the police found him in possession of the deceased’s firearm and eight rounds of ammunition.

“As a result, the accused appeared before the Escourt Magistrate’s Court on 31 October 2025, for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. He was then brought to the province for appearance in the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court,” he said.

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North West kicks-off 2025/26 grain planting season

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Picture: North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

11 November 2025- The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha is set to lead his department’s Provincial Grain Planting Launch, marking the start of the 2025/26 planting season in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality. Sambatha said for the 2025/26 summer grain season, the programme will support 50 farmers across 2700 hectares in all five local municipalities of the Ngaka Modiri Molema District.

“The R23 million allocation will be used to provide inputs, technical guidance, and essential resources to promote sustainable grain production and enhance food security.

“Farmers attending the event will benefit from live demonstrations on key aspects of the planting season, including soil profiling to assess fertility and guide fertilizer application, proper soil preparation for optimal seedbed conditions, planter and boom sprayer calibration to ensure uniform seed placement and safe agrochemical use, and effective weed control techniques to enhance crop yields,” he said.

Sambatha further said the launch forms part of the government’s Crop Massification Initiative, which targets fallow land in communal areas and strengthens access to productive resources for vulnerable farmers. He added that they will engage with farmers and experts at the start of a productive planting season in the North West.

“The launch is scheduled to take place at Retladirela Agricultural Cooperative in Dwaalskraal, Sannieshof on Wednesday at 9am.

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29 school children crammed in a minibus taxi

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Picture: 29 learners crammed into a 15-seater minibus

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

11 November 2025- The traffic officers from the North West Department for Community Safety and Transport Management have impounded a 15-seater minibus taxi that was transporting 29 school children, which was also on the route for which it is not licensed. North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said he condemns the incident and implored on all public transport operators to adhere to the regulations.

Morweng said overloading had been identified as one of the contributors of road fatalities. 

“On another incident, a young man whose age has not as yet been determined as he did not have any identification on him, fled the scene when stopped by traffic officers on R49 near Dihatshwane village, outside Mahikeng. He had been transporting cattle for which he did not produce documents when requested to do so.

“The bewildered officers impounded the light utility vehicle and took the cattle which are suspected to be stolen, to the police station for processing. The suspect is still at large but the law is on his trail and will soon be apprehended,” he said.

Morweng warned that law and order would not be compromised in the North West and would be blind to social standing.

“We activated the Safer Festive four weeks ago, an operation that will continue until the end of January next year. No one will be spared. Our officers will be friendly as they always are to all law-abiding citizens. But will be brutally frank with any contravening the law.

“This is just a friendly warning. The year-end joint law enforcement operations amongst others are targeted at combatting stock theft, traffic laws infringements, organized crime and will run for 123 days,” he said.

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A suspect under police guard for shooting Chubby Chick brothers

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Picture: Chubby Chick premises/Facebook

By REGINALD KANYANE

11 November 2025- A suspect (73) is under police guard in hospital, following the alleged murder of Johnathen Robbert Fourie (52) and the attempted murder of his brother (55). The incident occurred at around 10:45am on Monday at Chubby Chick premises in the Industrial area, Potchefstroom.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said it is alleged that the suspect was in a meeting with the business management when he suddenly took out a firearm and fired several shots towards the brothers. Myburgh said the security personnel reacted and restrained him after being shot.

“Johnathen was declared dead on the scene by Emergency and Medical Services (EMS), whilst his brother was admitted to hospital.  The suspect will appear in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on charges of murder and attempted murder soon after being released from the hospital,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, indicated that the police will leave no stone unturned to ensure that justice is served.

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North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi effects changes in provincial administration  

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By OBAKENG MAJE

11 November 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has effected changes in the provincial administration with the redeployment of Superintendent General of the North West Department of Health, Obakeng Eden Mongale to the Office of the Premier to coordinate the provincial segment of the National Dialogue. The Head of Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mothupi Mokhatla, will now take over the reins at the North West Department of Health, whilst Kenalemang Bodigelo-Nyezi will hold the fort in an acting capacity.

Mokgosi maintains these changes are aimed to bolster administrative stability, efficiency and provision of services in the province.

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Zimbabwean politician and his uncle nabbed for possession of explosives

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Picture: Zimbabwean politician, Job Sikhala and his uncle, Alexander Ferrowst Thema/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

11 November 2025- A Zimbabwean politician, Job Sikhala (53) and his uncle, Alexander Ferrowst Thema (78), briefly appeared at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court. They are facing charges of possession of explosives. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that on 6 November 2025, the two accused were stopped by police while driving along Kgosi Mampuru Street. Mahanjana said when the police searched for their vehicle, they found 26 units of blasting cartridges and 15 units of connector cap fusers. 

“In court, the matter was postponed to 13 November 2025, for a formal bail application. The two are remanded in custody,” she said. 

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A man disappeared with R800 000 during ‘unholy’ prayer

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Picture: A person of interest/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

11 November 2025- The Mahikeng-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit seeks public assistance in locating a man who is linked to a fraud case. In May 2022, a woman from Mahikeng was allegedly defrauded over R800 000 by her boyfriend, who is believed to be a Ugandan national.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said the reports indicate that the woman was told by her boyfriend to resign from her work and take all her pension money to a prayer room, where it would be blessed by her ancestors. Mathebula said she allegedly followed the instructions and was promised that she would get R15 million in return.

“Following the prayer session, the man disappeared without a trace. Anyone with information that can assist the police in locating the man in the picture is urged to contact the investigation officer, Warrant Officer John Seolwane on 082 450 1400.

“Alternatively, you can anonymously report via MySAPS App or contact Crime Stop number on 08600 10111,” he said.

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1426 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela II

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Picture: Some of dagga seized by the police/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

11 November 2025- The integrated and intelligence-driven Safer Festive Season Shanela II operations conducted between 3 and 9 November 2025, resulted in the arrest of suspects and the seizure of a variety of illegal contrabands, 33 rounds of ammunition, three vehicles, a variety of drugs, and liquor. In the same period, a total of 1426 suspects were arrested for different crimes.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said 412 out of the 1426 arrests were circulated wanted suspects, after they were positively linked to the committed crimes through forensic DNA leads. Mokgwabone said the suspects, among others, include those arrested for murder, robberies, attempted murders, rape, burglaries, assaults, illegal dealing in drugs, possession of drugs, selling of liquor without licences, driving under the influence of liquor, malicious damage to property and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

“During these operations, 38 illegal migrants were apprehended for contravention of section 49 of the Immigration Act, 2002. In Ngaka Modiri Molema District, a crime intelligence-driven operation by the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Provincial Proactive Drug Operation and Mahikeng K9 Unit led to the arrest of six suspects in the policing precincts of Mmabatho and Mahikeng on 6 and 7 November 2025.

“Two of the suspects were nabbed for aggravated robbery, while four others were arrested for possession of illegal substances. During the arrests, the police confiscated drugs such as crystal meth, kat and mandrax, all with an estimated street value of R11 400,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said in Brits, a tuck shop was raided in Phase 1, Oukasie Township and the police confiscated distinct brands of alcohol and dagga. He added that a case with charges of dealing in drugs, dealing in liquor, and contravening the Gambling Act, 2001 was registered, and the suspect was arrested.

“The police, in collaboration with the Environmental Health officials, proceeded to another place where contaminated and expired foodstuffs were confiscated. The team also seized different brands of alcohol, deep freezers and gambling machines and the owner was arrested and charged with dealing in liquor, and contravening the Gambling Act, 2001,” said Mokgwabone.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, applauded all role players for their relentless efforts to reduce crime levels across the province and stamped the authority of the state.

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Drastic radiographer shortage hits Joburg cancer patients

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Picture: Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

11 November 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said cancer treatment at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital (CMJH) is crippled by a drastic shortage of radiographers that endangers the lives of hundreds of cancer patients. The DA said according to a written reply by Gauteng Health MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, there are only 23 radiographers in the Oncology Department, whereas 57 radiographers are ideally required.

DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health and Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Dr Jack Bloom said the Oncology Department has 38 vacancies in total, including 20 radiographer posts, 3 vacancies for radiation oncologists, as well as shortages of medical officers, medical interns, registrars, and fellows. Bloom said at senior level, the Head of Clinical Unit post is vacant, as well as the Head of Department Medical Physicist post.

“The department said the staff shortages lead to an increase in treatment waiting times and professionals treating more patients than is recommended on global guidelines potentially may result in a reduction of quality of care.

“A major reason for the radiographer shortage is that they are paid about R100 000 less a year than radiographers in other provinces due to a 12-year dispute concerning payment of the Occupational Specific Dispensation (OSD),” he said.

Bloom further said instead of going all out to resolve this dispute, the department said it is unknown when this dispute will be resolved. He added that this is disgraceful as the radiographer shortage will persist until they get the full OSD allowance.

“Further incompetence is revealed by the failure to speedily procure two compact Linear accelerators to replace machines decommissioned in 2018. A Radiation planning CT scan is also broken and needs replacing.

“The CMJH CEO, Gladys Bogoshi should be held to account for staffing and equipment shortages that worsen the cancer treatment crisis for 3000 cancer patients on the waiting list for radiation therapy. The Gauteng High Court has rebuked the department’s failure to treat cancer patients as unlawful and unconstitutional, and it is likely that more cancer patients have died because of delayed treatment than the 144 mental patients that died in the Life Esidimeni tragedy,” said Bloom.

He said they are fighting in court for the Gauteng Legislature to debate their motion to censure the MEC over the cancer treatment crisis. Bloom said this has been blocked by the ANC as they fear they will lose the vote.

“We will continue to push for quality cancer treatment by speedily filling staff vacancies, ensuring proper equipment, and the use of private facilities to cut the backlogs for cancer patients in public hospitals,” said Bloom.

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