Picture: The drugs seized by the police during raid/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
4 November 2025- A multi-disciplinary SAPS team in Noupoort successfully intercepted and removed drugs before they could reach the streets of the town. The police acted on intelligence regarding a man travelling from George to Noupoort, who was suspected to be in possession of drugs.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said in the early hours of Monday, 3 November 2025, at approximately 2:30am, the police spotted a man (31) matching the description disembarking from a bus. Shemane said a thorough search was conducted, which led to the discovery of mandrax tablets and tik concealed in the suspect’s luggage.
“He was arrested for possession of drugs with an estimated street value of R20 000. The suspect will appear in court soon,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Pixley Ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, commended the collaborative efforts of the team in preventing the distribution of drugs. Mtukushe reaffirmed that the police in Pixley Ka Seme remain steadfast in their commitment to eradicating drug-related crimes within communities during and beyond the festive season.
Picture: the attendees at the handing over ceremony/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
5 November 2025- The Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul said they met with the CEO of Kumba Iron Ore, Mpumi Zikalala for the ceremonial handover of the land parcel for the Kathu Industrial Park Development. Saul said the land parcel is 91ha estimated at R62 Million.
He further said the ceremonial handover comes after the signing of the land donation agreement, which marked the formal initiation of the transfer process, a critical step in unlocking the next phase of the Kathu Industrial Park’s Development. Saul added that it represents a landmark moment in the province’s industrialisation and economic diversification journey.
“This milestone signifies the culmination of extensive engagements between Kumba Iron Ore, NCEDA, and the Northern Cape Provincial Government, aimed at establishing a dedicated industrial hub to service the region’s mining and beneficiation ecosystem. As part of this process, Kumba Iron Ore has made strategically located land available towards the development of the Industrial Park.
“The initiative aligns directly with the Northern Cape Industrial Corridor Development Framework, which positions the Kathu node as a strategic centre for value addition, mineral beneficiation, and supply chain integration in support of mining operations across the broader corridor,” he said.
Saul said Kumba Iron Ore Company remains a strategic anchor partner, whose leadership in facilitating the land donation demonstrates a shared vision for inclusive and sustainable growth. He said their contribution will serve as an enabler for further investment from both public and private sector partners, ensuring that the park evolves into a multi-industry ecosystem built on innovation, beneficiation, and shared prosperity.
“The project also positions the Northern Cape Provincial Government through the Northern Cape Economic Development, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (NCEDA) to leverage additional partnerships with other key role players.
“The Northern Cape Provincial Government remains committed to working with the Private Sector to ensure that we create jobs for the people of the province,” said Saul.
4 November 2025- The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, has directed officials to launch an urgent investigation into reports that participants in the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in the Bojanala District Municipality were allegedly forced to perform domestic chores for a Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) and pressured to pay political party membership fees for her party.
Macpherson said the allegations first published in the Sunday Times, are deeply disturbing and contrary to the very purpose of the EPWP, which was intended to be a programme intended to create dignified, skills-based work opportunities for unemployed South Africans.
“If these claims are true, they represent a serious abuse of power and a betrayal of public trust. The EPWP was created to empower communities, not to serve anyone’s personal or political interests, which is why I have requested departmental officials to work with their provincial counterparts in the North West, as well as the Bojanala District Municipality, to verify the allegations and determine whether national EPWP funds were misused and if the recruitment policy was abused.
“Any individual found to have benefited improperly would face swift and appropriate action, including possible criminal referral. There will be zero tolerance for any misuse of this programme. Public money must never be used to advance private gain, and I look forward to soon communicating with the public on the outcome of the investigation,” he said.
Macpherson further said it is because of allegations such as those levelled in Bojanala District Municipality that he launched a nationwide EPWP listening tour over the past year to listen to the concerns of the community as he works to reform the programme. He added that he is committed to removing corruption and abuse from EPWP to ensure that it meaningfully empowers participants through skills transfers to ensure that they find permanent employment.
“We are determined to make the EPWP programme transparent, accountable, and focused squarely on improving people’s lives because we are committed to ensuring that every rand allocated to the EPWP benefits those it was meant for, creating work, building skills, and restoring dignity,” said Macpherson.
4 November 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng said the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has thrown its weight behind Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi following its tabling of a motion of no confidence against Lesufi, shockingly labelling him as a “beacon of decisive leadership.” The DA said this demonstrates that the trade union has taken sides, seemingly prioritising the protection of politicians over thousands of unemployed Gauteng residents whose circumstances have worsened because of Lesufi’s poor job creation programmes and failure to deal with corruption.
Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Solly Msimanga said they call on COSATU to reconsider its stance, as history will hold it accountable for choosing political loyalty over the needs of the people. Msimanga said in its statement, COSATU notes that the Public Protector (PP) did not find Lesufi guilty of financial mismanagement or corruption.
“Instead, the findings centre on the Department of Community Safety acting inconsistently with Sections 41(1)(h) and (g) of the Constitution. The problem with this statement is that it is driven by a desire to nitpick. The DA’s motion focuses not only on the PP’s revelations on Amapanyaza but also on a broad range of other issues, including the Premier’s failure to release all the forensic investigative reports, address corruption in the Tembisa hospital corruption saga and hold those implicated accountable.
“COSATU further suggests that the PP has already prescribed remedial action and expects the Premier to use his constitutional powers under Section 125 to ensure that “option 3” of the TC report is implemented within 180 days. While this is a reasonable expectation, the trade union should remember that the Premier is known for ignoring investigative reports and failing to implement their recommendations,” he said.
Msimanga further said it took years to release the 2018 BDO and Bowmans reports on mismanagement in the Gauteng Department of Social Development, and the recommendations have still not been implemented. He added that what leads COSATU to believe that the PP’s recommendations on Amapanyaza will be any different?
“Furthermore, COSATU’s statement is misleading in claiming that Lesufi pursues policies that address the province’s most pressing challenges, from combating unemployment to rooting out corruption and spearheading innovative infrastructure projects.
“The reality is that we are sitting with a failed project, Amapanyaza, which has brought more pain than relief to unemployed citizens. This failure significantly undermines COSATU’s claim. Surely, a progressive leader should be able to assess, or at least anticipate, whether a project will yield a lasting positive impact before implementing it. Moreover, a leader genuinely committed to addressing unemployment would not have prioritised a gimmick like Amapanyaza without proper consultation. Nor would they have ignored warnings from the then Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, that the programme was illegal, or the DA’s questions regarding its source of funding,” said Msimanga.
He said the DA challenges COSATU to cite even a few innovative infrastructure projects successfully spearheaded by Lesufi, as they currently have over 40 abandoned projects that have cost Gauteng billions of rand and have not been completed within budget or on time. Msimanga said these are not just projects.
“They are homes for over 1 million Gauteng residents, some of whom have been waiting for housing since 1996. It is also worth asking why the so-called champion of progressive policies is refusing to implement the Hostel Redevelopment Plan, which would enable the upgrading of all 65 Gauteng hostels.
“COSATU should stop being selective in its judgment, as this approach only serves to confuse other political parties, trade unions, faith-based organisations, and the Gauteng citizenry. Lesufi has insisted on Amapanyaza, a project doomed from its inception, and must be held accountable for his actions,” he said.
Msimanga said Lesufi has not addressed corruption in the province, despite whistle-blowers presenting credible information that required action from him. People have died both because of his ill-conceived Amapanyaza project and his failure to address corruption exposed under his watch. He said a self-respecting trade union that understands its mandate would put politics aside and support this motion for the benefit of their people, who are in desperate need of jobs and improved service delivery hampered by corruption and impunity.
“There is nothing frivolous about a motion aimed at freeing Gauteng from a leader who has overseen a period of severe corruption and failed to work collaboratively with businesses to create jobs.
“The DA in Gauteng stands in solidarity with residents and everyone who believes that the disruption of people’s lives by Lesufi’s choices was unjustified and motivated solely by a desire for political gain. History will undoubtedly hold accountable those who chose to turn a blind eye to protect him,” said Msimanga.
Picture: A body of a missing man found in the veld/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
4 November 2025- A body of a missing Letshabang Lazarus Sekete (68), who resided in Garsfontein village, Bakerville, near Lichtenburg, was found by a passer-by on Saturday morning, 1 November 2025, at around 10am lying in a veld. The police said they are investigating a judicial enquiry into his death.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said at this stage no foul play is suspected. Myburgh said they appreciate the communities’ assistance.
“Sekete was last seen by his son at a neighbour’s wedding on 4 October 2025 at about 8pm. According to information received, he had dementia and was wearing brown jeans, a brown long-sleeve shirt, a yellow cap and brown formal shoes.
“A search was conducted, extensive investigations were done and all leads were followed up with no success. Keep following our social media pages to stay informed,” she said.
Picture: The VIP Protection Unit vehicle/Screengrab
By REGINALD KANYANE
4 November 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said a VIP Protection Unit vehicle with registration KTR 824 NW circulating on various social media pages, does not belong to any Member of the Executive Council (MEC) as purported in the video. Mokgosi said they can confirm that the said vehicle belongs to the North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and has been allocated to the Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders to strengthen its work.
He further said he has since issued an instruction to the department to investigate circumstances around the use of this vehicle on matters not related to government work. Mokgosi added that the investigation will also include what appears to be fitment of blue lights on the vehicle and whether due processes were followed within the relevant prescripts of the law.
Meanwhile, the said vehicle was seen parked at one of the filling stations in Mahikeng with an unknown woman seen coming out of driver’ seat suggesting that she might have been driving the vehicle.
Picture: The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng during march/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
4 November 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said he is concerned about the police killings, which appear to be random. However, Morweng said a life lost is one too many.
He led a march against police killings on Monday following the murder of off-duty police officer, Constable Boikanyo Molale (29) in Ganyesa, outside Vryburg. Molale’s body was found on Saturday morning at 5:30am. Morweng said four accused, Beziwe Kiet (27), Phemelo Kiet (22), Thabiso Kgosiencho(22) and Keookantse Kgosiencho (23), briefly appeared in Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court on 3 November 2025.
“This is the second incident of police murder in the same area in seven months following that of a murder of Constable Eric Tekolo (41) in April 2025. Three accused were arrested and their court case is ongoing. What is disturbing is that the accused in both murders are young people.
“They are very young and that makes one wonder what could lead young people to commit such heinous crimes. What is wrong with our society to take the life of someone protecting the society? We must send a message to stop police killings,” he said.
Meanwhile, the murder case against four accused was postponed to 1 December 2025, pending investigation. The accused decided to abandon bail.
4 November 2025- The accused, Xolani Musawenkosi Xulu (33) from Brentwood Park in Benoni abandoned his bail application at the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court. Xulu is facing five counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that in the early hours of 5 October 2025, at approximately 3am, the accused was at Qedukuma Tavern in Zithobeni, where he allegedly shot and killed five people and attempted to kill three others. Mahanjana said following an intensive police investigation, the accused was arrested on 21 October 2025.
“The matter has been postponed to 13 January 2026, for further investigation and DPP instructions,” she said.
4 Ngwanatsele 2025- Kgetsi ya go thopa ka dikgoka, kgothoso e tseneletseng, petelelo ga mmogo le polao kgatlhanong le banna ba le babedi ba kwa kgaolong ya ga Manyai kwa motseng wa Tlakgameng, gaufi le Ganyesa, e boela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Ganyesa mo letsatsing la gompieno. Mongwe wa balatofadiwa, Tshepiso Montswane (33), o tsentse kopo ya beile.
Montswane ga mmogo le Gaonapotso Rantsho (33), ba latofadiwa ka go thopa ka dikgoka, kgothoso e tseneletseng, petelelo ga mmogo le go bolaya Motlalepula Kau (43), wa kwa motsesetoropong wa Montshioa kwa Mahikeng. Go begwa fa Montswane ga mmogo le Rantsho, ba ne ba itira dingaka tsa setso, mme ba tsietsa Kau ka leleme gore a lebe kwa motseng wa Tlakgameng gore ba mo thuse.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are lelapa la ga Kau le ne la itsise sepodisi fa a timetse. Mokgwabone are kgetsi ya motho o timetseng ene ya bulwa kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Mahikeng ka di 23 Moranang 2025, mme sepodisi sa bolotsa dipatlisiso.
“Go begwa fa setopo sa ga Kau se ile sa bonwa kwa lebitleng le le seng boteng kwa nageng magareng ga motse wa Tlakgameng le Kudunkgwane fa Moranang a ne a tlhola matsatsi a le 24.
“Setopo seo, se ile sa shupiwa ke mongwe wa leloko la lelapa fa ele sa ga Kau. Sepodisi se ile sa bolotsa dipatlisiso mabapi le go bolawa ga ga Kau, mme seo sa ba lebisa kwa go tshwarweng ga ga Rantsho le Motswane. Banna ba, ba ile ba tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Ganyesa, mme ba bolelela lekgotlha fa ba na le kgetsi e nngwe gape ya petelelo kgatlhanong le bone,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.
Banna ba, ba ne ba ganelwa ka beile, fela Montswane ene are o tswelela ka kopo ya beile fa Rantsho ene a boleletse lekgotlha fa a sa tlhoke beile. Dipoelo tsa forensiki di solofetswe go goroga fa kgwedi ya Ngwanatsele e tlhola matsatsi a le 5.
4 November 2025- A man (26) from Kenhardt was convicted and sentenced for sexual intimidation by the Kenhardt Magistrate’s Court on 27 October 2025. The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on 20 November 2024 at approximately 04:40 in Dassierand, Kenhardt, when the accused, Richard Roberts, sexually intimidated a woman (22).
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the victim was at home when the accused arrived and knocked at her door. Shemane said upon opening, the accused pushed her inside the house and demanded to have sexual intercourse with her.
“He attempted to grab her by the arm, but the victim acted swiftly, ran out of the house and Roberts fled the scene. The victim immediately reported the incident at the local police station. A case of sexual intimidation was opened and investigated.
“On 27 October 2025, the Kenhardt Magistrate’s Court convicted and sentenced Roberts to four years imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, and his name will be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders,” he said.
Meanwhile, the ZF Mgcawu District Police Management commended Detective Constable Claudine Esau of the Kakamas Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for her diligent investigative work, which ensured that perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) are brought to justice.
The Guardian 