Picture: The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
8 October 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said they welcome the arrest of five police officers for stock theft and possession of endangered animals. Morweng said three detectives stationed in Vryburg have appeared in court for allegedly stealing four sheep belonging to a local farmer.
He further said upon realising that four of his sheep are missing, the farmer checked the security cameras, which then indicated the registration number of the vehicle in which apparently the stolen sheep were loaded. Morweng added that preliminary investigations revealed that the vehicle belongs to Vryburg Detectives.
“Further investigation led the police to a house in Dithakwaneng village, outside Vryburg where a skinned carcass of a sheep was found. The three officers were then arrested alongside a local man at whose house the carcass was found. After appearing in court the three officers were granted R1000 bail and the civilian was also released on R500.
“They will appear in court again next month. On another unrelated matter, two officers stationed at Sun City Police Station were arrested in an undercover operation in Pretoria for possession of endangered species,” he said.
Morweng said the two officers, allegedly accompanied by two civilians, were selling pangolins for R160 000. He said it was as they were concluding a deal with an alleged buyer when undercover officers pounced on them.
“Though arrest of police officers is regrettable, this is nonetheless a further indication that no one is above the law. In order to clean the system and restore the confidence of communities in law enforcement as a whole, we have to arrest those that contravene the law among our ranks. We welcome their arrest and applaud the police applying the law indiscriminately,” said Morweng.
Picture: The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng
By REGINALD KANYANE
3 October 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said he welcomes the arrest of five police officers for alleged stock theft and possession of endangered animals. Morweng said detectives stationed in Vryburg, have appeared in court for allegedly stealing four sheep belonging to a local farmer.
He further said upon realising that four of his sheep are missing, the farmer checked the security cameras which then indicated the registration number of the vehicle in which apparently the stolen sheep were loaded. He added that investigations revealed that the vehicle belongs to Vryburg Detectives.
“Further investigation led the police to a house in Dithakwaneng village, outside Vryburg where a skinned carcass of a sheep was found.
“The three officers were then arrested alongside a local man at whose house the carcass was found. After appearing in court the three officers were granted
R1000 bail and the civilian was also released on R500,” said Morweng.
He said they will appear in court again on 11 November 2025. Morweng said in another unrelated matter, two officers stationed at Sun City Police Station, were arrested in an undercover operation in Pretoria for possession of endangered specifies.
“The two officers allegedly accompanied by two civilians were selling pangolins for R160 000. It was as they were concluding a deal with an alleged buyer when undercover officers pounced on them.
“Through arrest of police officers is regrettable this is nonetheless a further indication that no one is above the law. In order to clean the system and restore confidence of communities in law enforcement as a whole, we have to arrest those that contravene the law among our ranks,” he said.
Morweng said they welcome their arrest and applaud the police applying the law indiscriminately.
1 October 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said the previous operator’s contract was terminated due to repeated violations of the Service Level Agreement (SLA). Morweng said despite being contracted to operate 133 buses, the operator consistently provided only 55 buses, a mere 40% of the required capacity.
He further said this left many passengers stranded, as scheduled routes and trips could not be adequately serviced. Morweng added that his department engaged extensively with the operator before the termination by holding several intervention meetings and issuing numerous letters in an attempt to resolve the challenges.
“Unfortunately, the situation did not improve. On 21 November 2024, a termination notice was issued, giving the operator three months to improve services. Instead of recovery, service delivery continued to decline until operations collapsed entirely.
“Consequently, in accordance with the SLA, the contract was formally terminated on 5 March 2025. As a caring government, we could not allow communities, who rely solely on this service to continue suffering. In engagements with employees, bus drivers reported being instructed to overload buses and to drive vehicles with serious mechanical defects, including faulty brakes, thereby endangering passengers’ lives,” he said.
Morweng said commuters echoed similar frustrations, citing unreliable service, unsafe conditions, and financial losses when monthly tickets could not be honoured. He said the Commuter Forum also submitted a memorandum highlighting these grievances.
“Following the termination, the department initiated a process to appoint a new operator in line with Supply Chain Management (SCM) guidelines. This process was delayed by court challenges from the previous operator, but after a protracted legal battle, the North West High Court dismissed their appeal on 26 September 2025, confirming the department’s right to proceed.
“Today, I am pleased to officially introduce the new operator for commuter services in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District: Ikhwezi Tasmica Joint Venture. This operator has the capacity to provide safe, reliable, and efficient commuter transport ensuring passengers are neither stranded nor overloaded. As I have previously committed, the new operator has been engaged and agreement reached that priority will be given to former employees of Atamelang,” said Morweng.
He said their absorption will occur in three phases. Morweng said current employees are still in service, former employees who resigned under financial pressure and those dismissed under questionable circumstances.
“The operator committed that training for drivers, ticket sellers, and other staff will commence as a matter of urgency. Employer/Employee committees have been formed to ensure smooth transition. Services will be introduced in phases, beginning with high volume critical routes in and around Mahikeng, Lichtenburg, and Zeerust.
“I appeal to commuters for patience, as all routes will eventually be restored once depots and facilities are fully secured. At present, the Mahikeng depot remains under Atamelang’s ownership, while the Lichtenburg depot has been destroyed, leaving Lehurutshe as the only secured facility,” he said.
Morweng said he wishes to express his gratitude to the taxi industry for stepping in and assisting communities during this transition. He further calls for continued cooperation between the bus and taxi industries, as they complement one another.
“We rely on SANTACO leadership to nurture this partnership going forward. Ladies and Gentlemen, the resumption of the commuter service in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District marks a new beginning for reliable public transport in our Province. We are committed to restoring dignity, safety and efficiency for all commuters,” said Morweng.
24 August 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said they welcome the North West High Court ruling that set aside the Atamelang Bus Service interdict. Morweng said the bus company that was providing a commuter service in Ngaka Modiri Molema District, had gone to court to forbid the department from acquiring a new service provider.
He further said following the failure of the company to provide the service in the district, which essentially contravened the Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the department, their contract was terminated in December 2024. Morweng added that his department consequently embarked upon a process of acquiring a new service provider through a normal procurement procedure.
“The department was about to conclude the process and Atamelang went to court to interdict us. This impacted negatively on commuters many of whom are in rural areas who had to endure the last two quarters without commuter transport.
“Morweng had directed that the department should expedite provision of the subsidised commuter service to the communities that have no other alternative than this essential mode of transport provided by the government,” he said.
Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
22 August 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng condemns violent behaviour by people targeting private vehicles claiming to be taxi industry representatives. Morweng has called on police and other law enforcement entities to deal decisively with a group of people who claim to represent taxis owners and operators by stopping private vehicles and forcing other passengers to use taxis.
“One incident was experienced by some private vehicle owners between Brits and Letlhabile this past Sunday. According to the information received, a group of people were stopping cars and where they found passengers, they forcefully removed them and placed them in taxis.
“We have cautioned those behind such illegal actions. I have heard about one incident in Brits that started Sunday, though our Provincial Regulatory Entity managed to deal with it, I am cautioning others to refrain from that.
“It’s illegal and we won’t tolerate that. Those who experienced that treatment must also open criminal cases at the nearest police stations as that actions are pure criminality,” he said.
Morweng further said they are a constitutional country not a banana republic, where everybody must just wake up and infringe on somebody’s constitutional rights. He added that the Provincial Regulatory Entity is also monitoring other roads for similar incidents and traffic officers are on high alert to assist private vehicle owners and users.
Picture: Learners awarded after taking part in the safety school competition/ Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
18 August 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said his department will once again embark on the annual Road Safety Debate and Participatory Education Technique (PET) schools’ competition. Morweng said over the years, the province has produced an excellent team of debaters, who went on to showcase their skills at the national competitions and flying the Provincial flag high.
He further said in 2022, Vryburg High School from Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District and Onkabetse Thuto Technical School in Setlagole village, in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, produced best speakers in the urban and rural categories respectively.
Morweng added that in 2023, the province secured a triple win by producing a best speaker from Kismet Secondary School (Vryburg), who went on to obtain the second position of the urban category.
“Setilo Secondary School (Mareetsane) in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District came third in the rural category. Tiger Kloof Secondary School in Vryburg came third position in the urban category at last year’s national competitions held in Bloemfontein.
“For the Participatory Education Technique (PET) competition, learners are required to identify road safety challenges in their own communities,” he said.
Morweng said once this is done, they then conduct extensive research in order to develop and implement sustainable solutions to address those challenges. He said learners are thereafter evaluated on creative models and presentations that serve as examples of the solutions.
“For those competing in the debates, motions related to road safety are provided beforehand so as to conduct thorough research as part of the preparation.
“Through a deliberation of ideas, learners create a dialogue around responsible road use backed up by scientific evidence,” said Morweng.
Meanwhile, the Road Safety Management, Director Motshabi Tshukudu said this programme is pivotal in the promotion of road safety behaviour amongst the young people. Tshikudu said these programmes aim to foster a positive mindset and encourage behavioural change among the young people.
“This enables them to be proactive road safety ambassadors who champion safer road usage practices in their communities.
“They not only equip learners with innovative ways of promoting road safety but also help them develop leadership and presentation skills,” she said.
Tshukudu said they are now underway for the district leg of competition. She said the winners will go on to the provincial lap, where the best of the best will be selected to represent the North West later this year as part of the October Transport Month activities.
“The upcoming debate and PET competitions are scheduled to take place Bojanala Platinum Municipality Council Chambers, Rustenburg.
“They will also take place on 20 August 2025, at Reabona Secondary School in Wolmaransstad, on 21 August 2025 at Tau Rapulana High School in Bodibe and Public Works Industrial Site in Vryburg on 22 August 2025,” said Morweng.
Meanwhile, the Road Safety Debates and PET is a national initiative that is coordinated by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and is implemented across all nine provinces on an annual basis. This effort is targeted forGrades 10 and 11 learners.
Picture: The traffic officers during road block/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
30 July 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng lauded the members of The Eagles Unit for recovery of stolen vehicles in Zeerust. Morweng said the traffic officers were on their regular patrol when they stopped a vehicle with Botswana registration number.
He further said the driver was allegedly driving recklessly entering Zeerust CBD on the R49 road from Mahikeng direction. Morweng added that, after stopping the vehicle, the traffic officers did the inspection as per procedure and discovered that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) displayed on vehicle licence discs and on the vehicle are not the same.
“The vehicle was taken to Zeerust Police Station for further investigation and it was discovered that it had been reported stolen earlier on 17 July 2025, in Brooklyn, near Pretoria.
Later on the same day, another vehicle also reported to have been stolen in Brooklyn, was stopped by the provincial traffic officers on N4 road, near Groot Marico hamlet.
“The traffic officers had stopped the vehicle for a routine check and discovered that it had also been circulated as stolen. Both drivers who are Botswana nationals have been arrested,” said Morweng.
He said on another unrelated matter, a tracking company sent out a notice of a stolen vehicle on Tuesday around early afternoon. Morweng said the vehicle was tracked to Zeerust and onto R49 driving towards Mahikeng.
“The law enforcement officers pursued it. They found out that it is a civil matter between the husband and the wife. The wife, who was panic-stricken and distraught when stopped, said she did not understand why the husband had reported the car stolen after what appeared to have been a family tiff.
“The matter was resolved amicably and she was allowed to go after a verification procedure that proved that indeed the vehicle belongs to the family and was not stolen as reported.
However, we appeal to the members of the community that they should desist from falsely reporting incidents of wrongdoing,” he said.
Morweng said people could be charged for perjury, defeating the ends of justice and wasting state resources for misleadingly reporting crime that did not take place. He said it is also risky because as was nearly the case with this one, the law enforcement would have shot the speeding car, if it did not stop.
Picture: Learners transported to various camps/Generic
By BAKANG MOKOTO
26 July 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng appeals to the communities not to use scholar transport as a bargaining tool during service delivery protests. This comes after disruptions at several schools in Ganyesa, where scholar transport buses were ‘hijacked and forced to transport’ protesting community members leaving learners stranded.
Morweng alleged that protesting community members forced both teachers and learners of Kgononyane Secondary School in Southey village, near Ganyesa to vacate school premises. He further said almost 2000 learners from five schools were affected and majority of these learners are beneficiaries of the scholar transport provided by the department.
“We beg communities to use alternative avenues to raise concerns rather than to deny learners opportunity to attend classes. The situation is reported to have calmed down and no disruptions were reported on Friday morning.
“The Head of Department, Dr Hans Kekana has appealed to bus operators, parents and schools’ management to inform the department at once should there be any challenges faced by learners who rely on scholar transport,” added Morweng.
Picture: Twelve people died in separate car accidents/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
14 July 2025 The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said 12 people lost their lives in road accidents across the province between 11 and 13 July 2025. Morweng said one life was lost on N14 near Tshing in Ventersdorp.
He further said on Saturday, there was a hit and run on N12 road outside Potchefstroom towards Stilfontein, which claimed one life. Morweng added that still on Friday evening at around 6pm on N4 near Groot Marico, a head-on collision involving four vehicles claimed five lives.
“It is reported that two delivery vehicles belonging to the same company were towing each and driving towards Swartruggens from Groot Marico. They were allegedly overtaking over the barrier line and collided with two oncoming vehicles.
“Four women and one man in the other two vehicles succumbed to injuries. The occupants of the two vehicles that were towing each other, three Zimbabwean nationals and one Malawian, were taken to the hospital with injuries,” said Morweng.
He said on Sunday evening at around 7pm, two vehicles collided head-on on N18 approximately 40km south of Mahikeng towards Setlagole. Morweng said a light sedan with three occupants driving towards Setlagole was overtaking and collided with an oncoming light delivery vehicle with one occupant.
“All four, three men and one woman, died at the scene of the crash. Just a little further up near Madiba-a-Makgabana village, a vehicle driving towards Mahikeng hit a stray cow. The vehicle coming behind it ran over the cow and three occupants sustained serious injuries. A child traveling with them unfortunately died at the scene of the accident.
“We send a message of condolences to the bereaved families and wish speedy recovery to the injured. A case of culpable homicide is being investigated in all accidents,” he said.
12 July 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said they have established the Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE) in accordance with the National Land Transport Act No. 5 of 2009. Morweng said the primary function of the PRE is to monitor and oversee public transport in the province.
He further said the entity will receive and adjudicate on applications relating to operating licenses for public transport. Morweng added that PRE members are expected to deal with operator renewals, transfers as well as amendments.
“We are incredibly fortunate that the members we are introducing today, come with diverse backgrounds, different skills and expertise which will be invaluable as the department works towards our strategic goals of bringing a paradigm shift in the competency of the Provincial Regulatory Entity.
“The term of office of the previous PRE Board Members expired on 30 June 2025. I, therefore, wish to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing members for having served the province since 2019. After their term came to an end, we published a Notice in the Government Gazette No. 52859 for the appointment of new members on 25 June 2025 for public comments,” he said.
Morweng said they undertook this in accordance with the legislation, which requires the call for nominations through Government Gazette prior to the appointment. He said this therefore means that the members they are introducing are faced with a mammoth task of turning around the Provincial Regulatory Entity.
“Given challenges experienced before, the incoming PRE is expected to reconfigure PRE in its entirety and create a fit for purpose machinery responsive to the needs of the provincial growth trajectory.
“This includes pursuing the vision of the department in Transforming Public Transport by focusing on the oversaturated taxi services market, challenges of the Operating Licenses architecture. This must be done by ensuring IT system reliability, route realignment, operator license service conditions, ensure there is no abuse of temporary permits, dal decisively with illegal operations that include minibus operations, 7+1, 4+1, door-to-door and mushrooming operations on non-designated taxi ranks,” said Morweng.
He said they will also deal decisively with backlog and clearing all outstanding applications undertaken last year. Morweng said they will ensure there is a quicker turnaround in order to guarantee efficiency in the Operator License Administration System.
“The rural nature of our province impedes or places a higher premium on citizens residing in far flung areas to access Operator License Services. This therefore calls for incoming PRE members to give impetus to the initiatives to create satellite offices to expedite service delivery.
“The fight against corruption and maladministration cannot be overemphasised. There had been a myriad of complaints from the industry and public alike on allegations of corruption by some in the value chain of operator licenses,” he said.
Morweng said these allegations cannot be taken lightly as they cast the image of the department and its leaders in a negative public perception. He said he then hereby calls upon PRE members to subscribe to an oath of office to uphold the constitution of the Republic of South Africa without any fear, favour or ill-will.
“I expect all PRE members to sign the pledge to adhere to corruption-free administration by acting with integrity, impartially, courteously, honestly, respectfully, transparently, professionally and in an accountable manner.
“Utilize all the available resources responsibly, efficiently and cost-effectively to maximize their use in rendering a high-quality service which is accessible to every person and continuously strive towards improving service delivery. Uphold and protect the fundamental rights of every person within the administration, the applicants, the operators and the commuters,” said Morweng.
He said they should abide by the PRE Procedural Manual and Business Flow Process in terms of the National Land Transport Act, 5 of 2009. Morweng said PRE members will also ensure they act in accordance with the North West Land Transport Regulations, 2021, made in terms of Section 10 of the National Land Transport Act No. 5 of 2009) published on the 12th February 2021 in the National Government Gazette no. 44247.
“Having gone through rigorous process that included gazetting of the nominated names as mentioned earlier, Mr L Modibane, Mr P Lekone, Ms M Matuba, Mr K Moiloa, Mr T Metswamere, Mr S Lekhu and Mr F Vilakazi, who will be the chairperson. All these PRE members inclusive of myself as the Executive Authority, as well as the Accounting Officer, will hereafter sign the pledge to ensure that we align ourselves with the pledges presented above.
“My expectation is that the current saturated routes are being dealt with speedily as they are a source of taxi conflict, breed illegal operations and generally destabilise the public transport sector. This includes ensuring that there is no contravention of the law in terms of people who are hiking for lifts,” said Morweng.
He said in terms of Section 50 of the National Land Transport Act, Act 5 of 2009, any person who operates public transport for a reward, meaning exchange of money for a transport, is expected to have a valid operating license before operating such a service. Morweng said one of the challenges they have experienced is in the e-hailing services.
“Most of these services are requesting for a service using an international online app which has not as yet been regulated in the province. There is a process underway to regulate the service to be in line with the National Land Transport Amendment Act 23 of 2023.
“This Act was passed by the President on the 11th of June 2024 and its regulations were gazetted on 29 November 2024. Public was given an opportunity to comment on it and closed 30 days after the gazetting of the regulations, and now the National Department is currently finalizing the regulations,” he said.
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