Klerksdorp Connect

24/08/2025

At HTS Klerksdorp, a group of matric learners disrupted their “40 Days” celebration by storming the school’s changerooms and causing chaos. When a teacher tried to intervene, they threw water and paper at him and mocked him while others laughed in the background.

The North West Education Department condemned the incident. The school’s governing body suspended the learners involved for five school days as an interim measure, pending formal disciplinary hearings. MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, called the behaviour “barbaric and unacceptable” and said learners who assault teachers don’t belong in schools.

She ordered that both the teacher and learners receive counselling and instructed the school to take strong disciplinary steps to set an example. The Department also reiterated that it does not approve of 40 Days celebrations, as such events often undermine order and safety at schools.

The Matric pre-lim exams start on Monday.

24/08/2025

Pick 'n Pay Songloed to the rescue for Sunday lunch during the power outage today.

So welcome! Hot meals and desserts ever Sunday at Pick 'n Pay Songloed.

23/08/2025

BOKKE!!! You had us worried! Still a lot of work to do, but thank you for the 30-22 win!
All Blacks are next on 6 Sept.

22/08/2025

We have everything to play for at the Colosseum in Cape Town this afternoon, with New Zealand, Argentina, France, Japan, Italy, Ireland and Wales still waiting for us before December. GO BOKKE!!!!

22/08/2025

FRIDAY 15:35 22/08/2025

22/08/2025

Pick 'n Pay Songloed SPECIALS ENDING ON SUNDAY

22/08/2025

⚠️ COMMUNITY SAFETY ALERT ⚠️
On Friday, 22 August around 12h15, a resident was attacked while walking across the bridge from Boxer. Their cellphone was stolen and they were stabbed in the leg.

For many in our community, walking is the only way to get around - which makes warnings like this all the more important. If you must use that route, please:

Try not to walk alone.
Stay alert and avoid distractions.
Report any suspicious activity immediately.

Let’s look out for one another, Matlosana. Your safety matters.

22/08/2025

FORMER ACTING DIRECTOR JOINS SEVEN OTHERS IN THE NORTH WEST DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH R86 MILLION FRAUD CASE

Professor David Modisaotsile Tshobotlwane (54) appeared in the Mmabatho Magistrates' Court on Friday, 22 August 2025, facing charges of fraud. He was arrested on Thursday, 21 August 2025, by members of the Klerksdorp-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation in Cape Town.

Professor Tshobotlwane is the eighth accused implicated in the ongoing North West Department of Health R86 million fraud case. In 2007, the North West Department of Health initiated a project to build hospitals in Vryburg and Ledig. It is alleged that two service providers were appointed to supply medical equipment for the two hospitals.

Investigation revealed that the accused, as the former acting director, signed an invoice submitted by Raliform Investment Holdings for variation and exchange rates of medical equipment. Further probe uncovered that the service provider was paid for services that were never rendered.

Tshobotlwane appeared in court facing one count of fraud. He was granted R2000 bail and will join seven other accused when they appear in the Mmabatho Magistrates' Court on Monday, 25 August 2025.

Meanwhile, two former Heads of Department of Health in North West, Lydia Keneilwe Sebego (65) and Dr Thabo Andrew Lekalakala (61), allegedly appointed and signed service level agreements with two service providers; MR Property and Raliform Investment Holdings to supply medical equipment for the two hospitals. Investigation revealed that Sebego and Dr Lekalakala flouted procurement prescripts when entering into service level agreements with the service providers. They have allegedly received gratification when the department entered into a contract with the service providers. Vuyo Sipho Mbulawa (56), former Chief Director at the North West Department of Health, reportedly acknowledged receipt of the ordered equipment when there was no delivery.

Kabelo Elliot Andrew Motene (50), former Director at the North West Department of Health and Ntebaleng Florence Matlapeng (60), former Deputy Director at the North West Department of Health, allegedly authorised payments to service providers for services that were never rendered; these included logistical costs and exchange rates costs.

Sebego faces two counts of contravention of Public Finance Management Act and one count of corruption. Dr Lekalakala faces three counts of contravention of Public Finance Management Act and one count of corruption. Mbulawa is facing six counts of fraud, while Motene faces three counts of fraud and Matlapeng faces one count of fraud. Joseph Mojoji Leshaba (63), the director of Raliform Investment Holdings, faces five counts of fraud and one count of corruption. Roulgh Lotwane Mabe (67), the director of MR Property, is facing seven counts of fraud.

The North West acting Hawks Head, Brigadier Georgia Moos and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari have applauded the investigation and prosecution team for their relentless efforts in fighting malfeasance within State institutions.

Enquiries: Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula
071 481 2798

Sivenathi Gunya
NPA: Communication Officer
North West Division
078 172 9367

22/08/2025

1 Cabbage and a punnet of carrots for only R12.99 - only at Ponta De Sol Fruit & Veg in Flecker road, Orkney. (While stocks last)

22/08/2025

KLERKSDORP RHINO CONTROVERSY

John Hume – the man who bred the world’s largest herd of rhinos right here near Klerksdorp – has been arrested at the age of 83 on charges of smuggling horns worth an estimated R250 million.

Hume built up a herd of around 2,000 white rhinos, making up nearly an eighth of the world’s population, on his ranch outside Klerksdorp.

He and five others – including ex-employees, a lawyer, and even a head of a rhino nonprofit – now face charges of fraud, theft, racketeering, and money laundering.

Authorities allege the group illegally channelled 964 rhino horns into markets in Southeast Asia under the guise of local permits.

Hume sold the ranch and herd in 2023 to African Parks, a conservation nonprofit backed by billionaires.

This case is not just about rhino horns – it’s about Klerksdorp’s name being tied to one of the world’s biggest wildlife crime investigations.

What do you think – is Hume a failed conservationist who crossed the line, or a man trapped by a broken system that never legalised trade?

21/08/2025

Pre-payday Friday… when your wallet’s on diet but your weekend plans are at full strength. Have a lekka lekka day!