Sechaba Times

GBV SURVIVOR MMATHAPELO MAPHOSA TURNS PAIN INTO POWER.

SOUTH AFRICAN GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE SURVIVOR MMATHAPELO MAPHOSA STOOD AT THE CENTRE OF A POWERFUL GBV AWARENESS CAMPAIGN AT THE LESEDI MODDERKUIL EDU-CARE AGM ON TUESDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER 2026.

Maphosa, an SOTL Team Leader, shared her personal journey after surviving a brutal attack by her former partner on 19 May 2025. Her former partner was sentenced to life imprisonment on 20 April 2026 for attempting to kill her. Speaking about her experience, Maphosa told the gathering: “I stand before you today not as a victim, but as a survivor.” She described the fear and silence that followed the attack, saying: “For a long time my voice was stolen. It felt like I was in a cage full of fear, full of pain.”

Maphosa, who addressed the gathering on behalf of SOTL President and Founder Pastor Seipei Rose Moate, called on communities to stop protecting abusers while silencing survivors. She urged parents, educators, faith-based organisations and community structures to recognise warning signs, listen without judgement and act when people are at risk. Her message also focused on child safety, declaring: “A child should never have to be afraid of going to school because of another child.” Maphosa credited her family, SOTL and other support structures for helping her through her journey, saying: “I would like to thank Sovereignty of the Lord for standing by my side until the end.”

Maphosa’s testimony formed part of SOTL’s wider community engagements on Tuesday, which included GBVF, child protection, bullying, community safety, responsible liquor trading, media advocacy and Heritage Month. While Maphosa shared her survivor story, Pastor Moate raised community safety and responsible liquor trading concerns at the BLTA General Meeting in Moses Kotane, while Rre Monyeki of Kgatleng FM used Setswana poetry to mark Heritage Month and strengthen GBVF awareness.

SOTL’s Heritage Month programme continues on Saturday, 26 September, when a 12-member delegation participates in iSikhumbuzo SamaHlubi at Khayakhulu, following an invitation from Kgosi Vulindlela Zibi. For Maphosa, however, Tuesday was about more than an awareness campaign, it was another step in turning a painful past into a powerful voice for survivors.

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ANTI-DRUG ACTIVIST MOLOTO HIT WITH 9 ADDITIONAL CHARGES.

Popular Limpopo anti-drug activist and rehabilitation centre owner Tsebe Philemon Moloto, popularly known as “Mr Moloto”, is facing additional charges following his appearance in the Polokwane Magistrates’ Court today.

Moloto, co-founder of the Limpopo Anti-Drug, Gangsterism and Crime (LADGAC) rehabilitation centre, was initially facing two counts of malicious damage to property stemming from separate incidents in Polokwane.

The State has now added nine further charges, including five counts of attempted murder, two additional counts of malicious damage to property, as well as charges relating to alleged trespassing and a Toyota Hilux double cab.

The latest development significantly expands the case against Moloto, who remains out on R50 000 bail.

The matter was postponed to 30 October 2026 to allow the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to provide direction on which court should hear the case.

HAVE YOU SEEN LUCAS KRUGER? POLICE NEED COMMUNITY’S HELP.

Police in Wolmaransstad are appealing to the community for assistance in locating 60-year-old Lucas Johannes Kruger, who has been missing since Thursday, 30 April 2026.

Kruger was last seen by his partner that morning when he left for Klerksdorp but never returned. Despite extensive searches and investigations in Wolmaransstad and surrounding areas, he has not yet been located.

At the time of his disappearance, Kruger was wearing black trousers, a check shirt and a black jacket. He is described as light in complexion, tall and slim, with long grey hair and a grey moustache.

Anyone with information that could assist police in locating Kruger is urged to contact Investigating Officer Sergeant Phuthulogang Maine on 078 3955 022. Information can also be reported to the nearest police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can be submitted through the MySAPS App.

RUSTENBURG COP WINS BRONZE AT SAPS NATIONAL GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP.

Rustenburg SAPS Detective Sergeant Blessing Phiri has proudly put the North West Province on the map after securing a bronze medal at the South African Police Service (SAPS) Golf Championship in Modimolle, Limpopo.

Phiri, attached to the Rustenburg SAPS Commercial Crimes Investigation Unit in Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2, represented the province at the championship held at Koro Creek Golf Estate from 8 to 10 September 2026.

Competing in the Matchplay format, Phiri delivered a strong performance to finish in third place and take home the bronze medal.

Brigadier Mamotsamai Ntoagae congratulated Phiri on his achievement, praising his dedication, perseverance and representation of the North West Province. She wished him continued success both on the golf course and in his policing career.

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AFRIFORUM LAYS CRIMINAL CHARGES AGAINST FIKILE MBALULA AND JULIUS MALEMA.

AfriForum has laid criminal charges against ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula and EFF leader Julius Malema.

The civil rights organisation alleges that the two politicians made statements that warrant investigation by law enforcement.

The charges come amid ongoing political tensions and public debate over the conduct and statements of senior political leaders.

AfriForum says ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula and EFF leader Julius Malema are facing crimen injuria charges for allegedly falsely accusing a school principal of r**e following allegations involving a child at a school in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, in October 2024. AfriForum says the NPA later declined to prosecute anyone after finding no evidence of r**e or sexual assault, while the principal and school caretaker were allegedly subjected to a social media campaign.

The matter will now be subject to the relevant legal processes. The allegations have not been proven in court, and the accused parties are entitled to respond to the charges.