Manopole celebrates World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

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Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Social Development, Youth, Women and Persons with Disabilities, Mase Manopole

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

21 June 2026 – The Northern Cape MEC for Social Development, Youth, Women and Persons with Disabilities, Mase Manopole led the successful commemoration of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) at the Maruping village, near Kuruman. Manopole said World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is observed annually to raise awareness of the abu se and neglect experienced by older persons and to encourage collective action to safeguard their dignity, safety and wellbeing.

She further said this year’s commemoration reaffirmed the department’s commitment to ensuring that older persons live free from violence, exploitation and discrimination. Manopole added that the event brought together 300 older persons from Maruping village and surrounding communities to raise awareness about elder abuse, promote the rights of older persons, and strengthen community efforts to prevent abuse, neglect and exploitation.

“The government is committed to protect the rights of older persons as enshrined in the Older Persons Act and the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. So, we would like to emphasise that older persons are the custodians of the province’s history, culture and values and deserve to age with dignity, safety and peace of mind.

“We call on families, communities and institutions to work together to end elder abuse, stressing that abuse against older persons is a violation of human rights and that every citizen has a responsibility to protect senior citizens,” said Manopole.

She said Maruping village was selected to host this year’s commemoration in recognition of the socio-economic challenges faced by many rural communities, where poverty, unemployment, substance abuse and domestic violence often increase the vulnerability of older persons. Manopole said the programme also highlighted the growing concern of financial exploitation, particularly where older persons’ social grants become the primary source of household income.

“Throughout the programme, older persons and community members received information on recognising and reporting the various forms of elder abuse, including financial, emotional, physical and psychological abuse, as well as the support services available to victims.

“Representatives from SAPS, SASSA and the Northern Cape Older Persons Forum addressed participants on their respective roles in protecting older persons, improving access to justice, strengthening social protection and promoting the wellbeing of senior citizens,” she said.

Addressing those in attendance, Mma Agnes Hantise of the Northern Cape Older Persons Forum encouraged older persons to maintain active lifestyles, participate in recreational programmes and embrace active ageing.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) urged older persons to report all forms of abuse, whether experienced or witnessed, while the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) highlighted the measures available to protect older persons from the misuse of their social grants by family members or other individuals.

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Calls for special task team on gang violence in the Cape Flats

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Picture: SAPS member in Cape Flats/Generic

By STAFF REPORTER

21 June 2026 – A shooting in Lotus River, where four men lost their lives and another was seriously injured, as well as a shooting in Manenberg that claimed the life of a young man and left several others injured, including a SAPS member, are stark reminders of the devastating impact that criminal gangs continue to have on communities across the Cape Flats, said the Democratic Alliance (DA). The DA in the Western Cape extends its condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives and wishes those injured a full and speedy recovery.

DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Police Oversight and Community Safety and MPP, Benedicta van Minnen said these tragic incidents reiterate the serious questions about the effectiveness of the continued deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) as a response to gang violence. Minnen said while the presence of the SANDF may provide temporary and limited increases in visibility, it has not delivered the substantial reduction in the gang-related crime and violence that residents so desperately need.

“Residents deserve more than temporary deployments and reactive responses. They deserve lasting safety, effective law enforcement, and a criminal justice system that removes dangerous offenders from our streets. The loss of life to violent crime in communities such as Lotus River and Manenberg must never become normalised.

“The Western Cape has repeatedly called for more capable crime intelligence operations to investigate and dismantle criminal networks, along with an adequately resourced visible police service that is empowered to go out and disrupt crime rather than merely reacting to violent incidents after they occur,” she said.

Minnen further said the DA committed to a catch, convict and clean-up approach to crime that will see criminals put behind bars and the restoration of a police service that the public can trust. She added the DA in the Western Cape therefore calls on the Minister of Police and the National Commissioner of SAPS to convene an urgent anti-gang intervention task team for the Cape Flats, bringing together SAPS detectives, Crime Intelligence, the National Prosecuting Authority, local law enforcement agencies and provincial authorities to develop a targeted operational plan aimed at increasing arrests, securing convictions, and dismantling gang networks operating in identified hotspots.

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A boyfriend arrested for allegedly stabbing his girlfriend to death in Rustenburg

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Picture: The deceased, Rethabile Hariet Mosime/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

20 June 2026 – The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West on Friday expressed concern about escalating incidents of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). This follows the latest incident in which a woman was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend in Tlhabane, near Rustenburg.

According to authorities, the deceased, Rethabile Hariet Mosime (23) was stabbed multiple times with three knives by her boyfriend who was reportedly enraged by her decision to break up with him. The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday afternoon at their rental premises located along Mabalane Street in GG Section.

MRM Provincial Convenor, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said: “There is no justification for this level of persistent senseless violence targeted at women who happen to be the most vulnerable in society. The extent to which toxic masculinity accounts for the high prevalence of GBVF incidents calls for urgent intervention as this has reached unacceptable proportion.

“Our major concern is that victims are getting younger, further perpetuating generational trauma that has the potential to deepen the crisis if not nipped in the bud.”

Kgwele further conveyed his heartfelt condolences condolences to the Mosime family mourning the death of their daughter and welcomed the swift arrest of the alleged perpetrator. He added that men must realise that they do not own women that they are involved with.

“They should accept their inalienable right to end relationships that are toxic, threaten their safety and very existence. Those struggling with accepting this eventuality must seek urgent professional help, instead of taking matters into their own hands.

“We call on the criminal justice system to deliver justice for GBVF victims and not grant bail to perpetrators. A stiffer sentences will restore public confidence in law enforcement, prosecution and the judiciary as well as serve as a deterrent,” said Kgwele.

Meanwhile, the assistant teacher and mother of two, Masego Mosweu, allegedly brutally murdered last Friday by her husband of 18 years charged with her murder is to be buried Saturday morning at Dithakong village cemetery outside Mahikeng.

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Police are looking for missing woman, Disebo Mokoena

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Picture: The missing woman, Disebo Mokoena/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

20 June 2026 – The police in Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom request the community’s assistance in locating Disebo Mokoena (52). Disebo is epileptic and was last seen by her elder sister on 19 June 2024.

The North West police spokesperson, Constable Thuto Bobelo said a search commenced and extensive investigations were conducted around Ikageng, including surrounding areas without any positive results. Bobelo said at the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a red, white and blue traditional dress (Shweshwe), a beanie and black shoes with black socks.

“She is dark in complexion, 1.70m tall, with black short, afro hair. The police request anyone who may have information regarding Disebo’s whereabouts to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Grizuan Abrahams on 084 8114428 or 018 299 1443.

“Alternatively, they can call their local police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smart phone,” he said.

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Molatofadiwa wa petelelo le polao o tshwerwe gape

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Setshwantsho: Molatofadiwa wa petelelo le polao, Ogorogile John Mothoathebe 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

19 Seetebosigo 2026 – Molatofadiwa mo kgetsing ya petelelo le polao, Ogorogile John Motsoathebe o tshwerwe gape. Se, se tla morago ga gore kgetsi kgatlhanong le ene e tshololwe ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Ganyesa e tsholole kgetsi e ka ntlha ya mabaka a setegeniki.

Fela seo se ile sa tlhola ketsaetsego go baagi, mme ba ile ba ikuela go Mokhuduthamaga wa Tshireletsego ya Baagi le Tsamaiso ya Dipalangwa, Wessels Morweng go tsereganya. Go begwa fa Motsoathebe a beteletse le go bolaya Bokao Gaseimelwe (10), kwa motseng wa Tseoge, gaufi le Ganyesa ka di 28 Phukwi 2025.

Go begwa fa Gaseimelwe a ne a tsamaya le mmagwe fa sejanaga se ba neng ba se palame se ne sa ema kwa ntlung e rekisang nnotagi ya Hlokoloza. Go begwa fa mmagwe ngwana a ile a lemoga fa mosetsanyana o a seo, mme ba tshimolola go batlana le ene.

Setopo sa ga Gaseimelwe se seneng se sa apara ka bontlhabongwe, se ile sa bonwa kwa ntlwana boithusetso mo letsatsing le le latelang.

Morweng o bega fa a ile a kopana le ba bosekisi jwa setshaba (National Prosecuting Authority) ga mmogo le sepodisi mabapi le go tshololwa ga kgetsi e. Morweng are kgetsi e, e ile ya busediwa kwa kgotlhatshekelo, mme molatofadiwa one a tshwarwa.

“Molatofadiwa o tlhageletse ka boripana kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Ganyesa ka Labone. Lefapha le tlhaloganya botlhoko jwa lelapa la ga Gaseimelwe ga mmogo le setshaba ka kakaretso. Re amogela go tshwarwa gape ga molatofadiwa, mme re tshepa fa molao o tla tsaya karolo.

“Re se ntse re tsweletse ka gore a molao o diragadiwe ntle le go ikaba ka letlhakuri. Jaaka re amogela matshwenyego a ntshitsweng ke baagi, re ikuela gore ba letle molao o diragadiwe ntle le matshosetsi. Ka ga jalo, re ikuela go baagi go isa matshwafo kwa tlase,” Morweng wa tlhalosa.

Morweng are se, se tla thusa gore kgetsi e se gobelelwe. Are bosekisi bo na le tshono ya go tlhagisa dintlha tse di kwenneng kwa kgotlhatshekelo kgatlhanong le molatofadiwa. Morweng are lefapha le tlile go tswelela go tlhoma kgetsi e leitlho le le ntshotsho le go netefatsa fa bosiamisi bo diragadiwa.

Kgetsi ya petelelo le polao e buseditswe morago go fitlha 24 Seetebosigo 2026.

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Motsumi hand over a new school

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Picture: Residents of Setlhwatlhwe get new school/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

19 June 2026- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi has official handed over a fully furnished, state-of-the-art Kgosi Shope Secondary School to the community of Setlhwatlhwe village on 17 June 2026. Motsumi said the handover ceremony coincided with the commemoration of the Soweto Uprising, honouring the sacrifices made by the youth of 16 June 1976 in the struggle for equal and quality education.

She further said as the nation reflects on this important chapter in South Africa’s history, learners at Kgosi Shope Secondary School benefitted a modern educational facility designed to provide a conducive environment for learning and teaching. Motsumi added that new school is expected to improve academic performance, enhance access to quality education and restore the dignity of learners in rural communities by providing infrastructure that meets modern educational standards.

“The department is hard at work eradicating unsafe and inappropriate schools. As part of the department’s ongoing program to eradicate unsafe and inappropriate school infrastructure.

“We delivered a school with 12 new classrooms, administration block, science laboratory, library, ablution facilities, water, electricity and perimeter fencing], replacing dilapidated structures that previously compromised the safety and dignity of learners and educators,” she said.

Motsumi further said through this project, they are restoring the dignity of both learners and educators of Setlhwatlhwe village. She added that no child should learn under fear of collapsing walls or leaking roofs.

“Kgosi Shope Secondary School now stands as proof that the Department keeps its promises. Infrastructure is the foundation for quality teaching and learning and we will not rest until every learner in the North West has access to safe, modern schools.

“We further urge learners to take ownership of the new facilities and use them to improve academic performance,” said Mocumi.

She said these classrooms open the doors of learning. Motsumi said they must walk through it.

“Success is a journey, not a destination. Study hard, respect the infrastructure and see this as your first step toward bursaries, TVET colleges, universities and green economy careers.

“The future needs skilled young people who will be able to manage the province. As the department, we remain committed to accelerating infrastructure delivery and strengthening career guidance so that learners in rural areas like Setlhwatlhwe have equal access to opportunity, skills development and the green economy,” she said.

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Commencement of emergency rehabilitation on P53/1 road

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Picture: North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua visiting the damaged bridge/Supplied

By STAFF REPORTER

19 June 2026- The North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua has welcomed the commencement of emergency rehabilitation works on Road P53/1 between Pilanesberg International Airport and Mogwase following a site inspection conducted on 17 June 2026. Mokua visited the construction site to assess progress after the department appointed a contractor to undertake emergency repairs necessitated by the collapse of a culvert, which resulted in the closure of the route.

He further said the visit confirmed that construction activities are now underway, marking a significant milestone in the department’s efforts to restore one of the region’s key transport and tourism routes. Mokua added that work is currently underway, including the excavation and preparation of the affected section, the separation of the roadway into construction zones to facilitate safe access for the repair works and the preparation of the surface for the installation of the load-bearing slab.

“These activities form part of the initial phase of the emergency intervention and will pave the way for the reconstruction of the damaged layer works and the restoration of the road.

“We acknowledge the inconvenience and economic impact caused by the road closure, particularly on communities, businesses and the tourism industry in the area,” she said.

Mokua said they understand the frustrations experienced by road users and local communities who have had to travel longer distances and incur additional transport costs since the closure of this road. She said, however, the safety of motorists remains their primary consideration.

“We cannot compromise public safety by reopening a road whose structural integrity has been compromised.

“We further welcome the cooperation from stakeholders and communities, noting that collective efforts would be critical to ensuring the successful completion of the project,” said Mokua.

She said this project is important not only for the communities it serves, but also for the local economy and tourism sector. Mokua said she is encouraged by the commitment demonstrated by all stakeholders and the progress already visible on site.

“We remain confident that the project team will deliver on its mandate and restore this important route as quickly and safely as possible.

“The department remains confident that, subject to site conditions, the repairs can be completed within the anticipated four to six weeks, after which the road will be reopened once engineers have certified it safe for public use,” she said.

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Chiefs appoint Fernando da Cruz as head coach

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Picture: Fernando da Cruz/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

17 June 2026 – Kaizer Chiefs are pleased to announce the appointment of Fernando da Cruz as head coach. Cruz has signed a two-year contract with a one-year option, effective 1 July 2026.

Chiefs FC website said born in France, Da Cruz comes highly qualified with a UEFA Pro Licence, the highest coaching certification in football. The website said he worked briefly with Chiefs during pre-season two years ago before joining the Moroccan Football Federation, where he served as Technical Director until the end of June.

“He will officially take charge of Amakhosi at the beginning of July. The 54-year-old brings a wealth of experience to the Soweto giants. His remarkable coaching journey includes three separate stints at French powerhouse Lille, where he worked under renowned Argentine manager, Marcelo Bielsa, and helped nurture future international stars such as Idrissa Gueye, Lucas Digne, Victor Osimhen, and Eden Hazard.

“Da Cruz’s success, however, extends beyond Europe. In the 2022/23 season, he impressively guided AS FAR to the Moroccan Botola League title, cementing his reputation as a proven winner. His strong background in youth development and academy structures aligns neatly with Chiefs’ long-term vision,” said Chiefs.

The Kaizer Chiefs FC said joining him on the bench will be assistant coach, Mahmoud Abbas (35) Egyptian with vast experience who will add further depth to the technical team. The team said the sports science portfolio will come under the direction of Julien Le Heran, who was also born in France.

“The squad returns to training on 18 June, with the assistant-coach overseeing baseline preparations before Da Cruz’s arrival in just under a fortnight’s time. On his arrival, the coach will use the few days before a pre-season camp to evaluate the team and its progress.

“The team will leave for the training camp shortly afterwards, where the coaches will get more time to familiarise themselves with the players and ensure that they are ready for the challenging season ahead,” said Kaizer Chiefs FC.

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Police and CPF host a successful tournament

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Picture: Medals and trophy awarded to winners/Supplied

By STAFF REPORTER  

17 June 2026 – The Kimberley Community Police Forum (CPF) together with the Kimberley SAPS jointly hosted a vibrant Youth Day commemoration at Du Toitspan Primary School on 16 June 2026. The event was graced with the presence of Bishop Tshepo Mofokeng of the Spiritual Crime Prevention structure, who delivered the devotion.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Dikeledi Gopane said attendees were welcomed by the Kimberley Visible Policing Commander, Colonel Keamogetse Makobo, while the Frances Baard District CPF Chairperson, Vincent Jaftha, outlined the purpose of the event. Gopane said the celebration took the form of a soccer tournament with eight teams competing in the spirit of unity, sportsmanship and healthy recreation.

“The event received overwhelming support from members of the Frances Baard District Community Police Board, Kimberley SAPS and the local community. The initiative sought to inspire young people to embrace sport as a positive alternative to crime and to encourage them to remain committed to their education.

“The gathering served as a powerful demonstration of the value of effective collaboration between the police and the community. The message: “A child in sport is a child out of court,” came alive on the field, reflecting the true value of partnerships in safeguarding and empowering the youth,” she said.

Gopane further said the prizes were awarded to the winning team, Mighty Cosmos from Platfontein. She added that community members were also treated to music, food and refreshments, which added to the festive atmosphere.

Meanwhile, the Station Commander of Kimberley SAPS, Brigadier Nicholas Mtongana, extended his heartfelt appreciation to all participants, community members, stakeholders, sponsors, organisers and members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), who contributed to the success of the Youth Day Sports Tournament.

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Police looking for missing patient, Tshepo Elias Molise

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Picture: The missing patient, Tshepo Elias Molise/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

17 June 2026 – The police in Hartswater are appealing to the public to assist in locating Tshepo Elias Molise (47) of H/N 3576 Donkerhoek, in Magogong village, Taung. The police said Molise was admitted to Connie Vorster Memorial Hospital in Hartswater on 28 May 2026.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said during visiting hours, family members went to visit him, however he was not in the ward. Shemane said at the time of his disappearance, he was wearing black Adidas tracksuit pants, a blue jacket, blue and red wool hat and white slippers.

“Anyone who can aid the police in locating Molise can contact the investigating officer Detective Warrant Officer Tiisetso Chabeli of Hartswater Detectives on 067 594 5340 or report to the nearest police stations or alternatively contact Crimes Stop number on 08600 10111 or alternatively use the MySAPS App.

“Community members are reminded that there is no waiting period to report a person as missing,” he said.

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