Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi
By AGISANANG SCUFF
27 July 2025- The North West Department of Education said it is deeply concerned about ongoing community protests in Tshunyane village, outside Mahikeng, that have blocked access to Seshupo Primary School and nearby schools. The department said it strongly condemns any actions that stop learners from attending school and interfere with their right to education.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said for months, her department has been working with the Tshunyane community to address urgent repairs at Seshupo Primary School, which was badly damaged in recent storms. Motsumi said a contractor has been appointed to carry out the repairs.
“The renovation update is that the appointed contractor has completed the assessment and inspections of the buildings to be renovated. Major renovations are expected to begin within two weeks.
“The contractor has already built an ablution block at the school. Additionally, the department has provided a borehole to ensure the school does not face water shortages, as the village has limited water supply,” she said.
Motsumi further said, however, disagreements within the community have made the situation difficult. She added that some groups want a new school built instead of the approved repairs, causing tensions and unrest.
“Due to increasing violence from protesters outside the school, the school was temporarily closed from the opening of the third quarter to keep learners and teachers safe. We call for calm and unity. There is a need for stability for the whole community’s well being and progress.
“It’s unacceptable for any group to use intimidation or violence to push their own agenda at the expense of children’s education. We urge everyone to come back to the negotiation table and work together for the benefit of our learners,” said Motsumi.
She said the department remains committed to improving education and school facilities in Tshunyane and asks community leaders to help restore peace so schools can reopen immediately.
Picture: Learners involved in a car accident/Facebook
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
25 May 2025- Eighty learners from RA Kobue Secondary school in Mooifontein, outside Mahikeng, were involved in a car accident. Thirty learners were taken to the Gelukspan Hospital with slight injuries.
The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said one learner was taken to the Bophelong Provincial Hospital. Morweng said it is alleged that a taxi carrying learners and teachers to the same school, but privately hired, had just overtaken the bus when stopping abruptly for another teacher.
“As a result it was hit from behind by the bus. The bus which is part of the scholar transport paid for by the department was carrying 65 learners from Goedgevonden and the taxi with 15 passengers was from Mareetsane.
“Alternative transport has been arranged to transport learners so that learning and teaching shouldn’t be adversely affected,” he said.
Morweng further said his department has also arranged transport for learners, who have been taken to the hospital, to be transported home after consultation. He added that they wish speedy recovery to all the injured.
11 March 2025- Four men who brutally killed two police officers, Constable Simon Ntsekeletsa (50), and Sergeant Mojalefa Molete (42), in Mareetsane village, outside Mahikeng, were sentenced by the North West High Court sitting in Mahikeng. The accused, Benjamin Kerneels Jacobs (45), Gaorekwe Jeremiah Mongale (28), Rapula George Keaikitse (27), and Mathews Modukanele (23), were found guilty on multiple charges, including theft of stock, robbery with aggravating circumstances, two counts of kidnapping, two counts of murder, defeating the ends of justice, malicious damage to property, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said the convictions stem from a tragic incident on 26 July 2021, where Molete and Ntsekeletsa, from Mareetsane Police Station, stopped a vehicle carrying 18 goats. Gunya said the occupants failed to provide a valid permit for transporting the livestock and were instructed to follow the officers to the police station.
“On the way, the suspects’ vehicle experienced mechanical issues, prompting them to ask the officers for assistance. As one officer attempted to secure a tow rope, the suspects attacked both officers with hammers, restrained them with a rope, and loaded them into the back of the police van.
“Later, authorities discovered a burnt police vehicle at Mosita Wildlife Farm, near Vryburg, with two bodies inside, burnt beyond recognition. The vehicle was confirmed to be the SAPS bakkie used by the deceased officers,” he said.
Gunya further said following a swift investigation, police arrested three of the accused at a residence in Logageng, where they also recovered a Z88 pistol with nine live rounds hidden under a mattress. He added that the fifth accused, who was 16 years old at the time, turned state witness and provided crucial testimony that assisted the prosecution.
“As a result, the charges against him were withdrawn. It was later revealed that accused number one was the father of the state witness. In court, all four accused pleaded not guilty, but were convicted based on the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution.
“In aggravation of the sentence, state prosecutor advocate Siphiwo Jika, submitted Victim Impact statements from the police and the family members of the deceased, emphasising the devastating impact of the crime,” said Gunya.
He said Jika urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence, as they all showed a lack of remorse throughout the trial. Gunya said the presiding Judge agreed with the state.
“She said the community still needs to have confidence in the police. Benjamin Jacobs, Gaorekwe Mongale and Rapula Keaikitse were each sentenced to 5 years imprisonment for stock theft, 15 years for robbery aggravating circumstances, 10 years for count of kidnapping, two counts of life imprisonment for murder, 6 years for defeating the ends of justice, 10 years for malicious property damage, 15 years for unlawful possession of firearms and 10 years for possession of ammunition.
“Sentences to run concurrently with life imprisonment for murder. Mathews Modukanele was sentenced to 5 years for stock theft, 15 years for robbery aggravating circumstances, 10 years for each count of kidnapping and 4 years for malicious property damage,” said Gunya.
He said the court ordered that all sentences run concurrently with the 15 years imprisonment for robbery aggravating circumstances. Gunya said the accused were all declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, Acting Provincial Commissioner of North West, Major General Patrick Asaneng and the acting Provincial Head of the
Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi, welcomed the sentence and thanked all the role players for their collaborative efforts to ensure that justice is served. They pointed out that the killing of police officers undermines the authority of the state and that the sentence will convey a strong message that those who kill police officers or any other person who serves to protect society and our citizens deserve a harsh punishment as seen in this case.
28 February 2025- The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West on Friday, applauded the recent conviction of four men found guilty for the brutal murder of two South African Police Service (SAPS) officers, Constable Simon Ntsekeletsa (50) and Sergeant Mojalefa Molete (42) in Mareetsane village, outside Mahikeng.
The civil society led body advocating for ethical, moral leadership and accountability called for stiffer sentences for the culprits found guilty of multiple charges, including stock theft, robbery with aggravating circumstances, two counts of kidnapping, two counts of murder, defeating the ends of justice, malicious damage to property and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
The Convenor of the MRM Provincial Interim Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said, they trust that the court will send an unambiguous message that the killing of the police, who are the last defence. Kgwele said the police are the protectors of the communities against senseless violent crime and threatening them is not only a heinous crime, but a despicable and abhorrent crime that undermines the authority of the state.
“The accused persons are expected to be sentenced in the North West High Court sitting in Mahikeng on 7 March 2025. If such barbaric acts are not dealt with harshly and decisively to serve as a strong deterrent, it could see communities slide towards anarchy and lawlessness.
“The Ntsekeletsa and Molete families will only find closure knowing that their loved ones did not die in vain when justice concomitant with the severity of the heartless crimes is served,” he said.
Kgwele further said nothing short of a harsher and befitting sentence will send a resounding message of zero tolerance to police killings, as well as restore public confidence in the criminal justice system. He added that, Benjamin Kemeels Jacobs (45) Gaorekwe Jeremiah Mongale (28), Rapula George Keaikitse (27) and Matthews Modukanele(23), murdered the two officers in cold blood without any regard for the sanctity of their lives.
“Such callous and heinous acts undermine community values, and the spirit of Ubuntu that should characterise safer and economically viable communities envisaged by the rural safety strategy.
“The conviction stem from a tragic incident on 25 July 2021, when the officers stopped a vehicle carrying 18 goats. The court established that the occupants failed to provide a valid permit for transporting the livestock and were instructed to follow the officers to the police station,” said Kgwele.
He said on the way, the suspects’ vehicle experienced mechanical issues, prompting them to ask the officers for assistance. Kgwele said as one of the officers attempted to secure a tow rope, the suspects attacked both officers with harmers, restrained them with a rope, and tossed the injured pair into the back of the police van.
“They were later found burnt beyond recognition when the vehicle discovered at Mosita Wildlife Farm, near Vryburg. The police investigations led to the arrest of three of the accused at a residence in Logageng village, where a Z88 police service pistol with nine live rounds was also recovered hidden under a mattress.
“The fifth accused said to be the son to accused number one who was 16 years old at the time, turned state witness and provided crucial testimony that assisted the prosecution,” he said.
Picture: Four accused who killed two police officers/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
21 February 2025- Four men who brutally killed two police officers, Constable Simon Ntsekeletsa (50) and Sergeant Mojalefa Molete (42), in Mareetsane village, outside Mahikeng, were found guilty by the North West High Court sitting in Mahikeng.
The accused, Benjamin Kerneels Jacobs (45), Gaorekwe Jeremiah Mongale (28), Rapula George Keaikitse (27), and Mathews Modukanele (23), were found guilty on multiple charges, including theft of stock, robbery with aggravating circumstances, two counts of kidnapping, two counts of murder, defeating the ends of justice, malicious damage to property, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said the convictions stem from a tragic incident on 26 July 2021, when two SAPS officers from Mareetsane Police Station stopped a vehicle carrying 18 goats. The occupants failed to provide a valid permit for transporting the livestock and were instructed to follow the officers to the police station.
Gunya said on the way, the suspects’ vehicle experienced mechanical issues, prompting them to ask the officers for assistance.
“As one officer attempted to secure a tow rope, the suspects attacked both officers with hammers, restrained them with a rope, and loaded them into the back of the police van.
“Later, authorities discovered a burnt police vehicle at Mosita Wildlife Farm, near Vryburg, with two bodies inside, burnt beyond recognition. The vehicle was confirmed to be the SAPS bakkie used by the deceased officers,” he said.
Gunya further said following a swift investigation, police arrested three of the accused at a residence in Logageng village, where they also recovered a Z88 pistol with nine live rounds hidden under a mattress. He added that, the fifth accused, who was 16 years old at the time, turned state witness and provided crucial testimony that assisted the prosecution.
“As a result, the charges against him were withdrawn. It was later revealed that accused number one was the father of the state witness. All four accused pleaded not guilty, but were convicted based on the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution.
“The case has been adjourned to 7 March 2025, for sentencing, and the accused remains in custody,” said Gunya.
18 September 2024 – The police in Mahikeng are appealing to the public to assist them to locate the family of a deceased woman, Gabana Kgosi (41). It is alleged that the lifeless body of Gabana Kgosi was discovered next to the dumping site in Danville Township, outside Mahikeng, on 9 September 2024.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said, according to initial investigations conducted, it became evident that the deceased was raped before she got murdered. Myburgh said Kgosi’s face was covered with a cream/white trouser with floral print on it, while a peach t-shirt, a grey and black blouse and a military jacket, were found next to her.
“She is short and slender, built with long hair. The police request anyone who may have information that can assist to locate her family to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Boitumelo Motsamai on 079 881 9905 or the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop on number 08600 10111.
“Anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via the My SAPS App from your smartphone,” she said.
Four accused who were arrested for treble murder in Kabe village in Makgobistad, outside Mahikeng, remanded in custody. Mmapula Seletedi (29), Lesego Seletedi (39), Lorato Molefe (37) and Goitseone Seletedi (28), briefly appeared in the Molopo Magistrate’s Court in Mmabatho on 19 and 20 June 2024, for three counts of murder.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said a woman in her thirties and an 18-month-old child, were reported missing on 29 April 2019. Mokgwabone said consequently, human bones were found in a pit toilet on 27 May 2019.
“The DNA results that came back positive in November 2023, indicated that the bones were those of the missing woman. Further investigation revealed that, the body of a man that was retrieved from a pit toilet on 21 April 2019, was of a possible witness in the missing persons’ enquiries,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said thorough investigation paid off when the accused were linked with the incidents. He added that a warrant of arrest was obtained leading to the arrests of the suspects.
“They were arrested by a team of District, Makgobistad and Mmabatho Detectives, as well as Mahikeng Tactical Response Team (TRT). The accused were arrested at Extension 39, Unit 7 and Phefeni Section in Mocoseng village, outside Mahikeng on 15 June 2024,” said Mokgwabone.
The case was postponed to 26 June 2024, for formal bail application.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the police for their concerted efforts in ensuring that alleged perpetrators are brought to book.
Picture: The acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi handing over a house to a beneficiary/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
Two elderly persons received RDP houses in Masutlhe 2 village, outside Mahikeng, during the recent North West Provincial Government’s Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, Thuntsha Lerole.
One of the beneficiaries, Shuping Mafete (78), who is visually impaired said he has been staying in a one-roomed house with five dependants. According to Mafete, they had no any form of privacy, as a one-roomed house served as a bedroom, kitchen and living space.
“Today is indeed a great day for me and my family. I would like to thank the government and everyone who made it possible as our living conditions have been improved.
“It really means the world to me and my family. We are now proud owners of a new house,” he said.
`
Another beneficiary, Mapula Lecomo (64) shared the same sentiments. Lecomo further said she stays with one dependent and she is grateful to finally receive the keys to her house.
“As one of the beneficiaries who have been on the waiting list for a long time, we are grateful that the North West Provincial Government has finally recognised us. The shack was leaking and got flooded every time when it’s rainy.
“Now, I will be able to sleep in peace and comfortably unlike before. The shack that I have been staying in with my daughter, was hazardous to our health. It often causes a risk to our health, especially during winter, where we would get affected due to strong cold winds and rainy season,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi acknowledged that his department is faced with a lot of housing backlog, but promised that they will do everything in their bit to ensure that beneficiaries receive their houses as the department is mandated to do so.
“Receiving a house is more than just a roof over your head. It’s about restoring dignity to those who have had difficult lives and suffered in the past.
“The department also handed over 135 title deeds to deserving beneficiaries as part of the ongoing Title Deeds Friday campaign. This is another government initiative that seeks to recognise residents as rightful owners of land and property,” he said.
Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi announces new changes at Maano Secondary School/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she is proud to announce the official conversion of Maano Secondary School in Masutlhe II village, outside Mahikeng, to an Agricultural Focus School on 17 May 2024. Motsumi made this announcement during the second-last instalment of the Thuntsa Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery program led by the acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi.
She further said Maano Secondary School, previously a public ordinary school, was selected as one of seven Agricultural Focus Schools in Ngaka Modiri Molema in 2023, with the aim to equip learners with the skills and knowledge they need to participate in the agricultural economy and develop a love for farming.
Motsumi added that North West is an agrarian province and the establishment of agricultural schools is crucial to enforce these skills and love for agriculture amongst our learners.
“This will ensure a brighter future not only for our learners, but for the entire province’s agricultural sector. The school received a R2.5 million from the Maths, Science, and Technology Conditional Grant, to establish its agricultural production lines.
“Currently, the school boasts of a crop production, poultry production (including broilers, layers, free-range chickens, and egg housing), goat production, and plant production in the form of orchard,” said Motsumi.
She said the conversion of Maano Secondary School coincides with the distribution of National School Nutrition Program (NSNP) utensils to the school. Motsumi said other schools in the Ngaka Modiri Molema district that benefited from the NSNP, include Kebonang Secondary School, Kgosi Kebalepile Secondary School, St. Mary’s Special School and Motheo Thuto Secondary School.
“We also visited Boitsanape Technical School, which is currently refurbishing its school furniture. The school is additionally providing training to its General Assistants to help them further develop their skills.
“The department remains steadfast in providing its learners with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. By fostering a love for agriculture and equipping students with the necessary skills,” she said.
Picture: The sod-turning of the rebuilding of Kagisano-Barolong Secondary School/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said they have undertaken a ceremonial sod-turning on Thursday at Kagisano-Barolong Secondary School in Logageng village, outside Mahikeng, which marks the commencement of another crucial infrastructural project.
Motsumi said the rebuilding of Kagiso-Barolong Secondary School, aimed at providing inclusive education to the community of Logageng. She further said Kagisano-Barolong Secondary stands as a ‘beacon of hope’ for the community of Logageng, which has long been in need of conducive educational facilities as the current demolished structure had dilapidated.
“This Freedom Month is fitting that, we take proactive steps towards realizing the ideals of freedom and equality in education. The sod-turning ceremony of Kagiso-Barolong Secondary School symbolizes our collective dedication to building a future, where every child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
“We also believe the project will uplift our communities, through job opportunities both for skilled and unskilled labour. The school will boost of 16 classrooms, a multipurpose classroom, science lab, computer lab, library, admin block, nutrition centre, ablutions and a change room,” she added.
Motsumi said this will include a tuckshop, a guard house, soccer fields, two combi courts, security fencing, 24 parking bays, electricity, water and sewer treatment plant among other facilities.
The Guardian 