Tag Archives: The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management

SAPS commemorates fallen hero, Constable Gift Mota

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Picture: The late Constable Gift Mota/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

14 September 2026 – The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Virginia Tlhapi together with the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, led the 2026 Commemoration Ceremony in honour of Constable Gift Mota (25), a South African Police Service (SAPS) fallen hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in February 2026, while pursuing a suspect.

The event held at Police Commemoration Memorial Site, Westpol Square in Potchefstroom, was attended by men and women in blue across all ranks, including his colleagues, alongside Constable Gift Mota’s family. In her address, Tlhapi acknowledged the profound sacrifices made by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), who have lost their lives both on and off duty.

“The police officers are constantly exposed to victimisation and the dangers of living among the very criminals they pursue daily. As such, it is our collective responsibility to protect our police officers. Government must strengthen legislation to ensure the protection and safety of law enforcement officers.

“So, we convey our message of condolences to the family, noting that Mota died a hero in the service of the people of the North West. The depth of his family pain cannot be measured, nor can the void left by his passing, ever truly be filled,” she said.

Tlhapi further said such a loss leaves a wound that time may only soften, but never fully heal. She added that no amount of tribute or pension can compensate for the loss of their son and he can never be forgotten.

Tlhapi said Mota who was attached to the Visible Policing Crime Prevention Unit in Phokeng Police Station, died this year in February, while with his colleagues were chasing a suspect allegedly linked to cases of robbery and burglary at Masosobane and Raffredy Sections. She said it is reported that the suspect ran into the nearby dam and during the pursuit, Mota entered the water, where he subsequently disappeared from sight, whilst swimming behind the suspect and his body was later recovered by the SAPS diving unit.

“We continue to call on communities across the province to work with the police in the fight against crime. Our cooperation and partnership across government, citizens and the private sector must be intensified because the government alone cannot combat criminal syndicates taking place in every corner of our townships and villages.

“Communities must cooperate in providing information and identifying criminals that cause chaos and disruptions in our respective residential areas,” pleaded Tlhapi.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Adams, implored the police to continue serving the communities of the North West with pride and dignity in honour of the late Mota, who originates from Ermelo in Mpumalanga and he was transferred to Phokeng in November 2025.

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Morweng to pay homage to families of slain victims

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Picture: Slain social activist, Mokoena Letsie/Facebook

By STAFF REPORTER

1 June 2026 – The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng will today pay a homage to the bereaved families of people who were shot dead in Potchefstroom and Orkney. This comes after four people including a girl (15) were shot dead on Saturday evening at a local tavern in Kanana Township, near Orkney.

The North West Community Safety and Transport Management spokesperson, Charles Matlou said random shooting took place in the street near the tavern and some of the victims were passers-by. Matlou said the preliminary investigations revealed that three unidentified suspects, armed with high calibre rifles and wearing face coverings, were responsible for the attack.

“Three of the deceased have been identified as Lesotho nationals aged between 30 and 36, and two of the injured, aged 30 and 45, have also been identified as Lesotho nationals.

“Morweng will before then visit the family of community activist Mokoena Letsie in Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom. According to the reports, Mokoena was shot multiple times in what is suspected to be a hit. He was linked to the South African Council of Churches and also the founder of a movement called Potch4Palestine,” he said.

Matlou further said the visit will begin at Letsie family at around 12pm, and thereafter, Morweng will visit bereaved families in Kanana at around 3pm.

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Morweng applauds police on drug lab bust  

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Picture: Some of suspects arrested/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

15 May 2026 – The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng has commended the police for swift response in shutting down the multi-million rands drug manufacturing operation in Swartruggens. Morweng said the community inadvertently reported the drug manufacturing operation to the police as a result of a pungent smell coming from a farm operating as a game farm.

He further said this led the police to seize crystal meth estimated at street value of around R250 million and some gold bearing material. Morweng added that eleven suspects, ten men and one woman were subsequently arrested.

“They are categorized as three South Africans, two Mozambicans, one Zimbabweans and 5 Spanish speaking suspects whose nationality is still to be determined though police suspect them to be Mexicans.

“We laud men and women in blue especially in light of the recent successes on clamping criminality in the province. We seek to outroot drug manufacturing plants and this success suggests we are going somewhere in making it difficult for criminals,” he said.

Morweng said with these arrests, they have definitely disturbed and interrupted their value chain. He said the success comes as a result of community intelligence and the swift response of the police after being alerted about this illicit operation.

“As a public representative, we are delighted and from the department point of view, we will continue to strengthen and improve the working relationship between the police and communities of the North West.

“We implore communities to continue reporting any suspicious activities to the police. We continue to encourage everyone to be the ears and eyes of the police in all our streets so that we can create a safe and secure environment for all citizens,” said Morweng.

The suspects are expected to appear before Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court today.

Convenor of the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) Provincial Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said the recent drug bust has exposed another massive operation that relied on obscurity, while it supplied drugs that are destroying the future and lives of mostly youth to a wider network.

“While are encouraged that there still exists capacity within the SAPS to mount such a thorough investigation by dedicated police officers, we can only celebrate the successful arrests when all the mastermind/s behind the drug cartel that must have been supported by sophisticated logistics to move the drugs around are completely dismantled.

“The intelligence-driven operation that resulted in the successful dismantling of the drug lab and the arrest of the suspects was executed by the National Head Office Crime Intelligence, National Head Office Organised Crime Investigations and a National team from the DPCI,” he said.

Meanwhile, the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) spokesperson in Bojanala Region, Kgositsile Mahlaba said: “We would like to applaud the police for the excellent work done in tracking down and busting a huge multi-national criminal drug network in Swartruggens. As the ANCYL, we have consistently raised the alarm nationally on the drug pandemic destroying our communities.

“We have called on the ANC-led government to invest more

resources into policing and ensure swift, decisive action against those who think our country is a playground for criminals.”

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Morweng condemns fatal accident near Swartruggens

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Picture: A Polo Vivo driver died in a car accident/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

10 April 2026 – The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng has expressed disappointment and concern over an incident of blatant disregard for road safety regulations. This comes after a fatal accident between Swartruggens and Rustenburg on the N4, in the early hours of Thursday.

Morweng said according to initial reports, a Botswana male national driving a truck allegedly made a u-turn on a hill road with clear barrier lines. He further said as a result, a Polo Vivo driving in the opposite direction collided with the truck.

“As a consequence, the driver of the Polo Vivo was certified dead on the scene. We extend condolences to the bereaved family and cautions motorists against lawlessness and reckless driving. It is unfortunate that this incident is the second in the province this week to claim a life.

“We have always said that one life lost on our roads is one too many. I therefore extend my most humble condolences to the families that have lost their loved one due to this occurrence. Regrettably, this comes a week after the activation of our Easter Road Safety Campaign,” he added.

Morweng said their message has always been clear. He said let the drivers share the roads responsibly.

“This also means adhering to all rules of the road, avoiding distractions and prioritising safety over convenience. A case of culpable homicide has been opened at the Swartruggens Police Station,” said Morweng.

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Morweng meets with family of rape victim

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Picture: The North West MEC for Community of Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE

3 March 2026- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng met with senior police officers in Klerksdorp following the outcry from the rape victim. This comes after a woman (18) from Jakaranda Township, near Alabama in Klerksdorp, went on social media to raise her frustration on what she deemed as slow pace on investigation of her rape case.

Morweng said according to the police, the incident occurred on 26 January 2026, and the case was opened at Klerksdorp Police Station. He further said immediately after the meeting with the senior officers, he visited the family.

“During my visit, I assured the family that the police will work 24 hours to make sure that the suspect is arrested. I also requested the police to keep watch on the family so that the victim is not harmed or intimidated as the perpetrator is still on the streets,” added Morweng.

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Outstanding of scholar transport payments being processed

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Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng

By REGINALD KANYANE

27 February 2026- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said he would like to inform all scholar transport operators that the outstanding payments are being processed and payments are imminent. Morweng said his department also wishes to implore operators to ensure that their details are updated to avoid further delay in processing payments.

He further said his department has in the past experienced system delays and system failures due to factors such as outdated operator information, incomplete or not fully compliant with invoices and defunct tax details. Morweng added that this has inadvertently led to delays in processing payments, which not only adversely affect operators but also causes avoidable system congestion.

“To avoid delays, operators are hereby kindly requested to further ensure that their banking details are correct and tax directives are complied with. The department wishes to sincerely express gratitude to operators for continued cooperation in ensuring smooth and efficient provision of scholar transport in the province,” he said.

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Morweng to crack the whip after 71 learners involved in a bus accident

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Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng during a meeting/Supplied

By STAFF REPORTER

19 February 2026- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng visited the More Secondary School in Coligny. This comes after 71 learners were involved in a bus accident on Monday.

According to Morweng, 31 of the 71 learners who were involved in a school bus accident are attending here. He furthersaid the accident happened at around 6:45am on Monday morning on a gravel road between Sleepsteen and Gerdau Farms.

“All learners were travelling from Gamaloka village. The injured were treated at the General De La Rey Hospital in Lichtenburg and Coligny clinic.

“It’s concerning that though the bus is reported to have been roadworthy, it suffered a mechanical failure which allegedly led to it overturning,” he added.

Morweng said even more concerning is that it is reported by local officials that their investigation into the accident also reveal that the driver is a foreign national whose status in the country is still being verified. He said substitute bus that transported learners this morning arrived almost two hours late.

“We have to follow the Service Level Agreement and apply corrective measures,” said.

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NTI employees marched to the NWPL over unpaid salaries   

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Picture: NTI employees marched to the North West Provincial Legislature over unpaid salaries/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

17 February 2026- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng met with NTI employees this morning and committed to ensure that they will be paid this week. The North West Provincial Legislature precinct was this morning blockaded with buses by the Northwest Transport Investment (NTI) employees due to unpaid salaries by the entity.

Morweng met the employees accompanied by acting Head of Department (HOD), Molefi Morule, acting NTI CEO, Dr Ntlhopeng Dikobe and Chief Director for Transport Operation, Patrick Mohono. He said the meeting was also attended virtually by General Secretary of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), Solly Phetoe, General Secretary of the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) and NTI recognised worker union, Jack Mazibuko.

“We have committed that a one-month salary will be processed by the department on or before Friday 20 February 2026. Further engagements to find a permanent solution to the NTI salary debacle will be embarked upon by all stakeholders,” he said.

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Morweng to address media regarding SAHRC findings on scholar transport challenges

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Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng

By REGINALD KANYANE

9 February 2026- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng will brief the media regarding the findings and directives of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) over its investigation into scholar transport challenges. This comes after the SAHRC has released an investigative inquiry into scholar transport challenges in the North West.

Morweng said the SAHRC Report released in January 2026, follows an inquiry impelled by widespread and persistent concerns relating to the safety, reliability, accessibility and adequacy of scholar transport in the province. He said the Report has directed on what should be done to ensure safety of learners is not compromised.

“So, we will be addressing the media on the remedial action the department will be embarking upon as per the findings and directives of the SAHRC Report.

“The media briefing will be held at MEC’s Boardroom, Tirelo Building in Mmabatho at 10am,” said Morweng.

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Two armed suspects who allegedly committed robbery assaulted by community members   

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Picture: Community members allegedly assaulted two armed suspects/Screengrab 

By AGISANANG SCUFF

16 December 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, together with the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, said they have noted with concern a viral video currently circulating on various social media platforms putting to show a traffic officer being attacked. Morweng said the alleged incident took place on Monday afternoon, 15 December 2025.

He further said the preliminary investigations indicate that the incident happened on the R503 road between Klerksdorp and Hartbeesfontein. Morweng added that this follows an alleged armed robbery that occurred shortly before the video was recorded.

“It is reported that two suspects aged 44 and 26, who are accused of having committed an armed robbery, were apprehended by members of the public. The traffic officer, who was on patrol duties, was stopped by community members and the suspects, who were being pursued, ran for cover in a traffic officer’s vehicle.

“Their pursuers then attacked them inside the traffic vehicle. The traffic officer called the police who responded quickly and the community members fled from the scene. The two suspects, who were severely beaten, were taken to the hospital under police guard. A firearm with ammunition, believed to have been used in the commission of the alleged armed robbery, was also handed over to the traffic officer,” he said.

Morweng said the suspects remain under police detention, while receiving medical treatment. He said the firearm and ammunition have been seized as part of the investigation.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo said the duo will appear before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on charges of armed robbery and for illegal possession of a firearm with ammunition as soon as they are discharged from the hospital. Naidoo said a suspect (26) will also be charged for the contravention of Section 49 of the Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002.

“The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the events depicted in the video. Further action will be taken in line with the outcome of the investigations. The public is urged to allow police to conduct their investigations without interference and to refrain from the circulation of unverified information that may cause unnecessary alarm or misinformation.

“We strongly condemn acts of violence and vigilantism, and caution members of the public against taking the law into their own hands. While community cooperation in reporting crime is encouraged and appreciated, the apprehension and punishment of suspects remain the responsibility of law enforcement, including justice agencies,” he said.

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