This week in Carletonville and the wider Merafong area brought sobering crime developments, persistent infrastructure and service pressures, and notable civic and community efforts. The following neutral roundup summarises key incidents and initiatives across safety, governance, health, environment, youth, and sport.

Public Safety & Crime

Two brothers killed amid taxi violence (Khutsong Ext 5)

Two men (26 and 29) were found shot dead at a residence associated with taxi drivers in Khutsong Extension 5 on Sunday night, November 16. One victim was discovered in a minibus taxi in the yard; another inside the dwelling. The specialised taxi violence unit is investigating.

Police safety advisory for motorists

Local authorities issued an alert noting increased hijackings and thefts across the West Rand. Risk areas highlighted include the Carletonville CBD, Main Road toward Westonaria, parts of Randfontein (Greenhills, Toekomsrus), and zones in Krugersdorp and Kagiso. Drivers are urged to lock doors, limit distractions, keep driveways well-lit, maintain following distance, and ensure vehicles have reliable tracking.

Merafong graveyards left unsecured

Following extensive vandalism reported at Khutsong South cemetery (over 200 headstones damaged), a spot check found additional facilities without effective gates or intact fencing, allowing open access and, in some cases, livestock intrusion. Responses on broader security upgrades were pending at print time.

Kokosi’s long-standing illegal dump grows

A large rubbish heap near the old Kokosi cemetery continues to expand, reportedly due to inconsistent removals from nearby informal areas. The pile now encroaches on the street and approaches the height of the cemetery wall. A municipal response on clearance timelines was not received at print time.

Neglected roadworks and potential sinkhole risks (Carletonville)

Open, water-filled excavations were noted along Dolomite Drive and on Boundary Street following earlier pipe repairs. Geotechnical concerns have been raised given the area’s dolomitic geology. Feedback from the municipality was pending.

Wedela residents reopen makeshift crossing

After prolonged delays repairing a culvert and washed-away bridge on the road to the Wedela cemetery (with prior fatality in July 2025), residents re-established an improvised crossing to shorten detours. Formal repair timelines and communication remain points of concern.

Khutsong preschool demolished after sinkhole damage

A nursery school near the Batswaneng taxi rank, compromised by a sinkhole linked to a prior water leak, was demolished with local permission. Community members expressed unease about safety practices during demolition and questioned rehabilitation plans for the sinkhole site.

Health & Social Services

Hospital mitigation amid water crisis

Carletonville District Hospital implemented contingency measures to manage ongoing municipal water interruptions: bottled-water provisioning and dispensers across wards, blue mobile containers for hygienic distribution, regularly serviced portable toilets, reservoir resealing, and exploration of a borehole backup. The facility reports continued operations under these measures.

Community prayer and GBV awareness drive

The hospital convened a multi-stakeholder healing walk and prayer service on October 30, focusing on gender-based violence, youth risks, and community safety. Health, social, faith-based, and civic partners signalled intent for continued collaboration with law enforcement.

Wedela farm outreach on child and survivor safety

Police and partners visited a farm community near Klipdrift on November 8, engaging around 70 residents on sexual assault, kidnapping awareness, and child protection, and distributing donated clothing.

Community, Youth & Education

Financial literacy e-book for township learners

A Khutsong author released a free digital guide aimed at learners aged 7–17, offering practical lessons on budgeting, saving, teamwork, and goal-setting, designed for use by parents and teachers.

Youth Christmas play seeks support

Local organisers launched “Fit for a Brighter Future,” a Christmas production promoting fitness, self-esteem, and inclusion, and are seeking sponsorships (financial or in-kind) from residents and businesses.

Grassroots compassion in Fochville

A recycler crafted a gravestone from reclaimed materials to help a widow honour a late family member, highlighting informal social support networks and potential for similar community assistance.

Sport & Recreation

Phoenix Netball Club progress

Fochville’s Phoenix Netball Club fielded mixed and women’s teams at a local fun day event. The mixed sides placed first and second; the women’s side won four of seven back-to-back matches, reflecting growing depth ahead of the next league season.

Weekly Reflection

A difficult security landscape and persistent service shortfalls continue to test local resilience. Yet practical mitigation at health facilities, targeted outreach by safety partners, civic initiative on mobility bottlenecks, and youth-focused creativity indicate a community intent on stabilising daily life and investing in the next generation.

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