Klerksdorp: A Week of Action, Tragedy, and Community Spirit
- Karen Scheepers
- 16 hours ago
- 4 min read
Klerksdorp once again found itself in the public eye this week, as a series of events, from fast police action and tragic incidents to sporting success and heartfelt remembrance, shaped the city’s headlines. The week reflected both the resilience and challenges faced by residents across the Matlosana region.
Swift Police Action Leads to Arrest After Car Theft
Police acted promptly following a vehicle theft that occurred earlier in the week involving a white Mazda 3. The car was stolen on Monday, 13 October, during a test drive from a local dealership. The suspect allegedly asked the salesperson to go into a nearby shop to buy refreshments before driving off with the vehicle.
Thanks to quick intelligence work, members of the Crime Intelligence Unit tracked the stolen car’s location, and tactical police units intercepted it on the N12 near Wolmaransstad. A 23-year-old man was arrested and was expected to appear in court in Wolmaransstad. The arrest has been praised as an example of effective coordination between local and regional law enforcement.
Tragedy in Orkney: Two Men Overpowered by Methane Gas
A tragic accident in Orkney shocked the community when two men lost their lives while attempting to clear a blocked manhole on Shakespeare Street. Authorities confirmed that the men were overpowered by methane gas and died at the scene.
According to police reports, the victims were privately employed by a local businessman and were not working under a municipal contract. Investigations are underway to determine whether safety regulations were followed. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of working in confined spaces without proper equipment or supervision.
Community Remembers Four Young Lives Lost
The city united in grief as residents and families commemorated the first anniversary of the accident that claimed the lives of four young people: Ruan Esterhuizen, Jackie Willis, Max Knott-Craig, and Jané Janse van Rensburg.
A convoy of vehicles and motorcycles retraced the route of the fatal crash before gathering at the intersection where the tragedy occurred. Flowers and candles were placed at the memorial site as hundreds of residents stood together in remembrance. Private investigators have since been appointed to reopen the case, with families expressing hope for renewed progress toward justice.
Jewellery Store Robbery Sparks Public Outrage
In another dramatic event, six armed men stormed a jewellery store inside the Pick n Pay Hypermarket, smashing display cases and taking jewellery and watches before fleeing. The brazen daylight robbery caused widespread panic among shoppers, some of whom sought refuge in nearby stores.
Police recovered the getaway vehicle but have not yet made any arrests. The incident has prompted renewed calls for improved mall security and better protection for retailers.
Service Delivery Crisis Continues to Deepen
Klerksdorp and several nearby towns, including Wolmaransstad and Hartbeesfontein, remain under pressure due to severe service delivery failures. Ongoing sanitation, water, and electricity challenges have disrupted daily life and crippled local businesses.
The Democratic Alliance has called for urgent intervention, citing raw sewage overflows in Orkney and prolonged electricity outages in Wolmaransstad. In Klerksdorp, residents have been asked to submit their own water and electricity meter readings after the city’s contract with a service provider expired. The municipality has assured the public that billing will continue without disruption.
CFO Corruption Case Gains Momentum
The Hawks’ investigation into the City of Matlosana’s Chief Financial Officer, Mercy Phetla, continues to unfold following the seizure of three luxury vehicles valued at R2.7 million. The vehicles, a Mercedes Benz CLA200, a Range Rover Evoque, and a Maserati Levante S, are linked to an alleged R6 million fraud case.
Phetla has denied owning the vehicles and dismissed the claims as false. The case will proceed in the Specialised Commercial Crime Court in Klerksdorp later this month, with investigators viewing the preservation order as a key step toward accountability.
Murder Case Returns to Court
The long-standing case involving Quinn van der Bergh, accused of the 2022 murder of his ex-girlfriend, Barbara Groenewald, has officially returned to the Klerksdorp court roll. Van der Bergh, previously released after delays in prosecution, has been re-summoned and granted bail. The case has been postponed to November as further evidence is gathered.
Klerksdorp Comes Alive at the 15th Sewes Festival
Amid a week of heavy news, the city also celebrated community spirit and talent during the 15th annual Sewes Festival, hosted at Klerksdorp High School. The event featured 48 rugby teams, 64 netball teams, and 16 hockey teams, alongside a music festival that drew enthusiastic crowds.
Performers included popular artists such as Jo Black, Robbie Wessels, Juan Boucher, Loufi, and Barto, who entertained festivalgoers with high-energy performances. Organisers described the event as one of the most successful to date, and preparations are already underway for next year’s edition, expected to take place during the first weekend of the October school holidays.
A City Balancing Resilience and Recovery
This week’s events in Klerksdorp painted a picture of a city in transition, one still grappling with challenges of safety, governance, and justice, yet showing remarkable resilience through unity and community action. From swift police operations to the touching scenes of remembrance and celebration, Klerksdorp continues to stand as a reflection of both the trials and the strength of its people.
🚓🏙️🕯️🎶
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