Tag Archives: near Rustenburg

North West municipalities’ UIFW expenditure reaches R72.1 billion 

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Picture: North West MEC for Treasury, Kenetswe Mosenogi

By REGINALD KANYANE

29 July 2026 – North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi has called on municipalities across the province to take urgent and decisive action to strengthen financial governance, improve accountability and restore public confidence in local government. Addressing the Municipal Intergovernmental Forum (MuniMEC) held at the Royal

Marang Hotel in Phokeng Township, near Rustenburg, Mosenogi said municipalities have entered a critical phase of the municipal financial year, where preparations for Annual Financial Statements (AFS) and the implementation of post-audit action plans must receive priority attention.

She emphasised that audit readiness should not be treated as a year-end compliance exercise, but rather as a continuous process supported by sound financial controls, credible record management and effective governance throughout the financial year. Mosenogi further said the audit outcomes they achieve this year will be determined by the extent to which municipalities implement corrective measures arising from previous audit findings.

“We cannot expect improved outcomes, if we continue to repeat the shortcomings of the past. The current municipal administration has a responsibility to hand over municipalities that are financially stronger and institutionally more resilient to the incoming councils following the 2026 Local Government Elections (LGEs).

“Our assessment of the 2026/27 municipal budgets shows encouraging progress, with 11 municipalities adopting funded budgets compared to ten during the budget tabling stage. However, several municipalities continue to operate with unfunded budgets or have failed to submit credible budgets for assessment, highlighting that financial recovery remains uneven across the province,” she added.

Mosenogi also addressed the withholding of equitable share allocations, stressing that the measure should not be viewed as punitive, but as a constitutional mechanism aimed at protecting public resources and restoring sound financial governance, where municipalities persistently fail to comply with financial management legislation. She noted that during the previous financial year, 13 municipalities had portions of their equitable share withheld, prompting interventions by the North West Provincial Treasury and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) to support municipalities in meeting critical financial obligations.

“I would like to express concern over the continued escalation of unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure (UIFW&E), which has reached R72.1 billion across the province. The persistent increase in irregular expenditure, coupled with weak consequence management, continues to undermine financial sustainability and public confidence in local government,” said Mosenogi.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Provincial Leader and Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Freddy Sonakile said: “North West’s municipalities are in financial ICU. The National Treasury acts after repeated failures to comply with financial legislation.

More than half of the province’s municipalities have failed residents through poor governance.

“Your vote in 2026 can put North West back on the road to recovery. The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes National Treasury’s decisive action to temporarily withhold July 2026 equitable share transfers from municipalities that have persistently failed to comply with the law.”

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Two policemen jailed for corruption

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By OBAKENG MAJE

17 July 2026 – Two former police officials were sentenced for corruption related offences. In the first matter, Warrant Officer Thabo Alfred Maku (56) and Constable Lebogang Lawrence Sebole (38) allegedly demanded R4000 from the owner of a butchery in Tlhabane Township, near Rustenburg, after identifying contraventions of the Meat Safety Act during November 2020.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said at the time of the incident, both policemen were on duty and attached to the Phokeng Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit. Myburgh said the court heard evidence that the business owner handed over the money, but no official fine was issued by the police and no receipt was provided.

“The matter was subsequently reported and investigated, leading to their arrest on 18 August 2022. Maku resigned from the police following his arrest, while Sebole was dismissed from the service. On 10 July 2026, both accused were convicted. On 16 July 2026, the court sentenced Maku to six years imprisonment for corruption and defeating the ends of justice.

“Sebole was sentenced to five years imprisonment for corruption. In a second matter reported in Phokeng during January 2022, the court heard that Sebole demanded R7 000 from a complainant in exchange for the release of a vehicle that had been impounded as an exhibit. Following the approval of an undercover operation by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in North West, an operation was conducted, resulting in his arrest,” she said.

Myburgh further said Sebole was also convicted on 10 July 2026 and sentenced to an additional six years imprisonment for corruption. She added that the court ordered that the sentence imposed in the Tlhabane matter, run concurrently with the sentence in the Phokeng case.

“Both accused were also declared unfit to possess a firearm according to Section 103 of the Firearm Control Act, 2000,” said Myburgh.

Welcoming the sentences, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, said these convictions and sentences send a strong message that no police officer is above the law. Naidoo said police officers must remain within the prescripts of the law at all times.

“We assure the community that the abuse of authority, corruption or conduct that undermines public trust will be dealt with decisively. We would like to further commended Warrant Officer William Armstrong of the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit, and Advocate Zola Mpayipheli of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and all role players whose professionalism and commitment ensured the successful prosecution of the cases,” he said.

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Police looking for a missing woman

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Picture: Missing woman, Dimakatso (Makgato) Mokabatlhobolo/Supplied

By STAFF REPORTER

8 June 2026 – The police in Marikana request the community’s assistance in locating Dimakatso (Makgato) Mokabatlhobolo (36) of Marikana. The police said Mokabatlhobolo was last seen by her husband at their residence in Redcliff, Lekgalong in Marikana, near Rustenburg, on 3 October 2024.

The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said a search commenced and extensive investigations were conducted in Marikana and surrounding areas, without positive results. Morake said at the time of her disappearance, Mokabatlhobolo was possibly wearing a blue night dress.

“She is light in complexion, with a slender build body and black bob haircut. The police request anyone who may have information regarding Mokabatlhobolo’s whereabouts to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Cebo Mnyakama on 072 707 9790.

“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 smartphone,” she said.

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Police looking for missing girl, Olebogeng Felicia Tagote

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Picture: The missing girl, Olebogeng Felicia Tagote/Supplied  

By BAKANG MOKOTO

1 June 2026 – The police in Boitekong request the community’s assistance in locating a missing girl (18). It is alleged that Olebogeng Felicia Tagote of Boitekong, near Rustenburg, was last seen by her friend on Sunday afternoon, 24 May 2026, when they left school.

The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said a search commenced and extensive investigations were conducted around Boitekong and surrounding areas without any positive results. Morake said at the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a school uniform (green trouser, white shirt and maroon pullover jersey). Morake said she is light in complexion, with a slender build body and black ponytail.

“The police request anyone who may have information regarding Tagote’ s whereabouts to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Patrick Sebelane on 060 142 0796, alternatively call your local police station or Crime Stop on ‪08600 10111.

“Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,” she said.

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A suspect linked to mob justice killings nabbed  

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By REGINALD KANYANE

6 April 2026 – After recent mob justice incidents in the area of Freedom Park, near Rustenburg, the police indulged in extensive searches around Phokeng for the suspects. A tip-off was received from Rustenburg Crime Intelligence about a suspect involved in the recent mob justice murder, where two victims were killed after being accused of business burglaries.

The North West police spokesperson, Constable Thuto Bobelo said after critical analysis of the information, an intelligence-driven operation commenced with the District Trio Task Team, the District Tactical Response Team (TRT) and Phokeng Detectives. Bobelo said upon arrival at the informal settlements in Freedom Park, a man (68) was located and immediately arrested for murder.

“The suspect will appear before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 7 April 2026,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, has strongly condemned incidents of mob justice and warned community members against taking the law into their own hands.

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Director of Creative Ideas Nonstop Trading and Projects (Pty) LTD, Kabelo Masango sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for fraud and money laundering  

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

3 February 2026- The accused, Kabelo John Masango (32) and his company, Creative Ideas Nonstop Trading and Projects (Pty) LTD, has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Rustenburg for fraud and money laundering. Masango and his company were sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for 10 counts of fraud, 10 years imprisonment for money laundering and 10 months imprisonment for Contravening Section 7, read with Sections 8 and 36 of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act 37 of 2002.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the court ordered that all sentences run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 15 years imprisonment for both accused. Gunya said between June 2017 and April 2018, Masango approached victims, mainly from Dikebu village, near Rustenburg, including close relatives and persuaded them to invest money with his company by promising high returns.

“He frequently visited potential investors at their homes to convince them to invest their hard-earned savings. To gain the trust of investors, Masango paid interest to the first investor from his personal bank account. Some investors received payments for the first two months, while others did not benefit at all.

“Thereafter, Masango failed to honour the agreements, ignored calls from investors and disappeared with their funds. The victims reported the matter to the police, leading to his arrest on 28 November 2021. Evidence before the court revealed that Masango siphoned off more than R1.7 million from unsuspecting victims during the period 2017 to 2018,” he said.

Gunya further said during the trial, Masango and his company pleaded not guilty. He added that, in aggravation of sentence, advocate Nkhetheni Mudau submitted that the accused deliberately defrauded elderly persons, some of whom were known to him and others who were related to him.

“The court heard that Masango made false promises of monthly interest payments, which were either short-lived or never honoured,” said Gunya.

Meanwhile, welcoming the sentence, Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, commended Mudau and all stakeholders involved in bringing the matter to finality. Makhari said this sentence should send a strong message to those who abuse positions of trust for personal gain.

“The NPA remains unwavering in its commitment to combat commercial crimes, uphold the principles of justice, and protect the interests of vulnerable communities,” she said.

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Learners’ conduct at Hoer Tegniese Skool in Klerksdorp described as despicable

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Picture: Learners pouring water on a teacher/Screenshot

By BAKANG MOKOTO

27 August 2025- The North West President for the Representative Council of Learners (RCL), Bonginkosi Motaung, who is a Grade 12 learner at Holy Family Secondary School in Mogwase village, near Rustenburg, has strongly condemned the appalling behaviour of learners against their teacher at Hoer Tegniese Skool in Klerksdorp.

Motaung said on 19 August 2025, a group of learners who were dressed in overalls and balaclavas, entered the school toilets and disrupted learning and teaching at the school.

He further said a teacher responded by going to the restroom area to reprimand the learners to return to class. Motaung added that learners ended up pouring water on the teacher and throwing papers at him.

“We strongly condemn the incident. So, on behalf of all learners from the North West, we condemn the appalling behaviour by our fellow learners. We wish to distance ourselves from such learners. This behaviour is extremely unacceptable, and we discourage it from all our schools.

“I wish to convey our sincerest apologies to the affected teacher. As learners of the North West province, we stand with this teacher, and we want him not to be ashamed of himself. We are confident that the Department will take the necessary steps against these learners,” he said.

Motaung emphasized that their position is in line with the one of the North West MEC of Education, Viola Motsumi in calling for the psychosocial support for the affected teacher and the learners.

Meanwhile, The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) Provincial Interim Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele described the learners’ conduct as despicable, bordering on criminality and barbarism. Kgwele said the level of disrespect, abuse and violence that educators are subjected to on a daily basis has reached unacceptable, alarming proportions causing unimaginable trauma.

“This warrants adoption of zero tolerance and stringent counter measures because not only does such conduct undermine discipline, but a conducive atmosphere for effective learning and teaching particularly at most high schools.

“We commend the swift actions of school authorities assisted by learners to identify the culprits who were involved as well as instituting disciplinary action,” he said.

Kgwele urged education authorities and school communities not to allow schools to be breeding grounds of gangsters and criminality, pointing out that schools are microcosms of communities experiencing moral decay, collapse of family structures and senseless violence. He said this calls for united action as well as intensified effort to reclaim sound family and community values because the adopt-a-cop programme that is supposed to be part of the School Safety & the Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign (QTLC) is in most cases either dysfunctional or overwhelmed by gangsterism, bullying, drug and substance abuse among learners as well as violent crimes that are encroaching into the school environment.

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Fourth suspect in business robbery and kidnapping case nabbed

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By OBAKENG MAJE

3 August 2025- In a significant progress in this case, the fourth person linked to business robbery and kidnapping in Moruleng village, near Rustenburg, was nabbed in Randburg, Gauteng Province on 30 July 2025. The accused briefly appeared in the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 1 August 2025 and remanded in custody until 6 August 2025.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said three suspects accused of business robbery and kidnapping in Moruleng village, near Rustenburg, appeared before the Mogwase Magistrates’ Court on 15 July 2025. Tselanyane said the trio’s court appearance stems from their arrest in Soweto Township, near Johannesburg on 12 July 2025.

“It is alleged that on 10 July 2025, at around 8am, a victim (36), was with his employees at his business premises in Moruleng village, when two vehicles arrived, a white Kia sedan and a white VW Jetta.

“The Kia vehicle was used to block the entrance of the business premises, while the VW Jetta occupants entered the premises, all armed with firearms. Both vehicles had four male occupants each,” he said.

Tselanyane further said they then proceeded to rob the victim of a cell phone, took cash from the till and forced him into their vehicle before driving away. He added that, following this incident, a multi-disciplinary team consisting of the Provincial Organised Crime Unit, ⁠Mogwase and Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 (Rustenburg) Detectives, ⁠Provincial and National Crime Intelligence, ⁠Anti-Gang Investigation Unit, Tactical Response Team (TRT), Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) as well as the Hostage Negotiator was established. Furthermore, on 12 July 2025, the team managed to identify the two vehicles used in the commission of crime and an intelligence led operation was conducted to intercept a white Jetta with the assistance of Gauteng Police and security officers at Protea Glen Mall, Soweto wherein one suspect was apprehended.

“The suspect led the team to a place, where the victim was allegedly kept at Mogono Section, Luka village, near Phokeng. Upon arrival at the premises, the victim was not found, but the place was thoroughly searched and forensic evidence obtained.

“Thereafter, the team received information that the victim was released and is safely back at his business premises. Upon interviewing the victim, he mentioned that the suspects demanded ransom for his release,” said Tselanyane.

He said later the same evening, the team proceeded back to Gauteng Province to trace outstanding suspects. Tselanyane said the team proceeded to a certain house in Molapo, Soweto, and managed to arrest another suspect and in the process also confiscated a white Kia vehicle.

“The second suspect led the team to his parental home as well as to a family member’s house, where firearms were hidden. Upon arrival at the premises, the family member was found in possession of two unlicensed firearms, a Lorcin 9mm and another pistol.

“The family member was immediately arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and appeared in Soweto. The vehicles and firearms were confiscated,” he said.

Tselanyane said three accused, Joseph Thabang Makgala (52), Lemmy Elias Nku (47) and Sello Gift Khasu (34), briefly appeared in Mogwase Magistrate’s Court and were remanded in custody until 6 August 2025, for a formal bail application. He said investigation into the matter continues.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said: “These arrests is a strong warning and message to criminals that no matter where they are, they will be  tracked down relentlessly and they will not be afforded the time and space to enjoy and benefit from their criminal ventures.”

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Three men nabbed for business robbery and kidnapping

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

21 July 2025- Three individuals accused of business robbery and kidnapping in Moruleng village, near Rustenburg, briefly appeared before the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 15 July 2025. The trio was arrested in Soweto Township, in Johannesburg on 12 July 2025.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane alleged that on 10 July 2025, at around 8am, a victim (36) was with his employees at his business premises in Moruleng village when two vehicles arrived, a white Kia sedan and a white VW Jetta. Tselanyane said the Kia vehicle was allegedly used to block the entrance of the business premises, while the VW Jetta occupants entered the premises and were all armed with firearms.

“Both vehicles had four male occupants each. They then proceeded to rob the victim of a cell phone, took cash from the till and forced him into their vehicle and drove away.

“Following this incident, a multi-disciplinary team consisting of the Provincial Organised Crime Unit, ⁠Mogwase and Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 (Rustenburg) Detectives, ⁠Provincial and National Crime Intelligence, ⁠Anti-Gang Investigation Unit, Tactical Response Team (TRT), Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), as well as the Hostage Negotiator were established,” he said.

Tselanyane further said on 12 July 2025, the team managed to identify the two vehicles used in the commission of crime and an intelligence-led operation was conducted to intercept a white Jetta with the assistance of Gauteng Police and security officers at Protea Glen Mall, Soweto wherein one suspect was apprehended. He added that later the same evening, the team proceeded back to Gauteng Province to trace outstanding suspects.

“The team proceeded to a certain house in Molapo in Soweto and managed to arrest another suspect. They confiscated a white Kia vehicle in the process. The second suspect led the team to his parental home as well as to a family member’s house, where firearms were hidden.

“Upon arrival at the premises, the family member was found in possession of two unlicensed firearms, a Lorcin 9mm and another pistol. The family member was immediately arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and appeared in Soweto,” said Tselanyane.

He said the vehicles and firearms were confiscated. Tselanyane said three accused, Joseph Thabang Makgala (52), Lemmy Elias Nku (47) and Sello Gift Khasu (34), briefly appeared at Mogwase Magistrate’s Court and were remanded in custody until 22 July 2025, for a formal bail application.

“Investigation into the matter continues,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said: “These arrests are a strong warning and message to criminals that no matter where they are, they will be  tracked down relentlessly and they will not be afforded the time and space to enjoy and benefit from their criminal ventures.”

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Police are looking for a missing man

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Picture: A missing man, Letlotlo Marothodi/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

13 February 2025- The police in Boitekong Township, near Rustenburg, request community assistance in locating a missing man, Letlotlo Marothodi (29), who is residing at Damonsville in Boitekong. According to information received, he was last seen by his aunt on 16 January 2025.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said, a search was conducted around Damonsville and surrounding areas and all leads were followed up, but to no avail. She said at the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a rainbow T-shirt (UZZI), Ellesse tracksuit pants and blue flip-flop shoes. 

“He is dark in complexion, with tall and slender build and afro hair. Anyone who may have information regarding his whereabouts can contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Peter Mosete on 079 890 2340 or the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number: 08600 10111.

“Anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,” said Manyoba.

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