The Pulse of Potch: Local news, community milestones, safety updates, and regional sports highlights.
News
Chubby Chick Murder Suspect Appears in Court Robert Joubert (75), accused of the November 2025 fatal shooting of Chubby Chick directors Jonathan and Deon Fourie, appeared in the Potchefstroom Regional Court on September 2. Joubert showed visible health improvements following medical treatment for cancer, though he remains under medical care. The case has been postponed to October 6.
Illegal Student Housing Strains Infrastructure and Safety Concerns are rising over the spread of unpermitted student accommodation in Potchefstroom, particularly in Kanonierspark and Potch Sentraal. Ward 7 Councillor André Klopper and property practitioner Irma Conning highlighted that unzoned properties bypass municipal safety regulations, compromise service infrastructure, and affect property values. The JB Marks Municipality confirmed it is working with North West University to enforce land-use compliance and audit unaccredited housing.
Municipal Infrastructure Projects Reviewed in Ikageng COGHSTA MEC Gaoage Oageng Molapisi and Executive Mayor Cllr Gaba Thithiba ka Qhele conducted an oversight visit to key Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) projects in Ikageng on September 2. The inspection covered water and sewer network expansions in Extension 6, sludge lagoon desludging, and upgrades to the Potchefstroom Wastewater Treatment Plant to improve local service delivery.
Sewer Line Upgrades Cause Traffic Disruptions Motorists in Potchefstroom are advised to expect delays due to ongoing bulk sewer line upgrades on Piet Bosman Street (September 7–11). Further planned road closures for the project include sections of Hoffman Street (September 28 – October 7) and Peter Mokaba Street (October 12–21), with traffic detours and flag personnel in place.
Police Investigate Fatal Pedestrian Accident Authorities attended to a fatal incident at the corner of Du Plooy Street and Govan Mbeki Avenue on the evening of September 9, where a pedestrian was killed. Traffic was diverted while emergency services cleared the scene.
Suspect Arrested Following House Robbery and Assault Potchefstroom detectives arrested a suspect on September 9 at a local estate in connection with a house robbery and assault that occurred on August 30. The arrest followed community assistance and the release of an identikit. The suspect is set to appear in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court.
Bail Granted in BLK Lounge Stabbing Case Mpho Mafoko (33) was granted R10,000 bail with strict conditions, including house arrest, in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court following the fatal stabbing of Thusi Levi Molefi (30) on September 6. The case has been postponed to September 30 for further police investigation.
Destructive Winds Cause Damage Across Regional Schools Severe weather between September 4 and 5 damaged infrastructure at over 20 schools across the North West province, including Promosa Primary, Promosa Secondary, Pudulogo Primary, and Boitshoko Secondary. The Department of Education is conducting structural assessments to facilitate repairs.
Economic Initiatives Support Local Micro-Enterprises The JB Marks Local Municipality’s LERD department, alongside the Department of Small Business Development, distributed trade equipment to 50 local micro-entrepreneurs on September 4 under the IMEDP initiative. Additionally, an information session was held in Ga-Matlabe to guide small businesses on compliance, funding mechanisms, and operational support.
Community
Vat Verniet Tafel Completes Baby Project The Vat Verniet Tafel Baby Project officially concluded after delivering essential care packages, including clothing, toiletries, and nursery items, to 17 new mothers. Organizer Angelique Lottering expressed gratitude for community contributions. The initiative will now shift focus toward a school stationery drive for local children.
Laerskool Baillie Park Celebrates Cultural Center Anniversary Laerskool Baillie Park marked the one-year anniversary of its Kuns en Musieksentrum (KUM) with a special learner concert on August 27. The facility, developed from a converted store room under the direction of Elsie de Ridder, provides specialized space for music, drama, dance, and visual arts.
8-Year-Old Crowned Mr Jnr Best Model SA 2026 Logan Workel (8), a learner at Laerskool M.L. Fick, was crowned Mr Jnr Best Model SA 2026 and named a finalist for Mr & Miss ACE Models International. Alongside his modeling, Workel runs a youth community initiative titled "Little Hands, Big Heart."
Emergency Services Host Career Day at B.M. Choabi Primary Grade R learners at B.M. Choabi Primary School in Promosa interacted with local emergency teams—including Mooirivier Beskerming, ER24, the fire department, and traffic officers—during an educational Career Day event highlighting community safety roles.
Volkskool Learner Reaches Top 20 of National Business Competition Heinrich Fouché from Hoër Volkskool Potchefstroom advanced to the Top 20 of the nationwide "Maak my 'n Miljoenêr" competition. Fouché represents "MiTutor," an online educational tutoring concept developed alongside co-founder Renier Barnard.
Hundreds of Bibles Donated to HTS Potchefstroom The Bible study group at HTS Potchefstroom received a donation of nearly 800 Bibles, organized through local contacts and private donors, expanding access to religious materials for students at the school.
In Memoriam: Local Figures Recognized The community mourns the passing of several prominent individuals:
Francois Pieters (63): Well-known provincial traffic officer and community figure who passed away on September 5.
Jan van der Westhuizen (63): Long-time security industry veteran who passed away in a road accident on September 9.
Ruan Oberholzer: Grade 9 learner at Hoërskool Ferdinand Postma, whose passing was announced by the school on September 4.
Rudi Enslin (53), Hannes Enslin (18), and Jessica Enslin (13): A memorial service was announced for September 11 following a vehicle accident on August 26.
Mr & Miss Aganang FM 2026 Pageant Concludes The Mr & Miss Aganang FM 2026 event took place on September 5 at the Snowflake Venue, featuring 41 finalists across nine categories. Winners across multiple divisions were crowned as community ambassadors to lead upcoming local social and environmental projects.
Paws Haven Appeals for Wildlife Protection and Facility Upgrades Paws Haven NPC urged residents to avoid disturbing healthy local wildlife in public spaces unless animals are clearly injured or trapped. The shelter also announced available animal adoptions, highlighted an urgent appeal for R32,000 to construct a secure puppy enclosure, and reported raising R20,000 during its "Adopt Your Boss 2026" fundraising initiative.
New Wellness Salon Opens in West Acres Béaura Beauty officially opened its multi-zone facility above the Zigmart space in West Acres, offering personal care, nail services, laser procedures, and wellness therapies.
Free Entry Announced for Park Mahala Week The North West Parks and Tourism Board announced that South African citizens can access participating provincial nature reserves—including Boskop Nature Reserve and Pilanesberg National Park—free of charge from September 20 to 27 with a valid ID document.
Sports
Potch Boys High Reopens CD Hope Swimming Pool Potchefstroom High School for Boys officially reopened its CD Hope Swimming Pool following a seven-year closure. The refurbishment of the 25x23-meter facility was funded through contributions from the school's alumni association, the Old Moois, allowing the school to resume aquatic sports and safety training.
Dance Success for Potch Gimmies at Allegretto Eisteddfod Dancers Nicolene Minnaar, Wilmari Minnaar, and Somé Cromhout from Potchefstroom Gimnasium secured top placements at the provincial Allegretto Eisteddfod competition, earning qualification spots for the upcoming national rounds.
N12 Accident Involves Multiple Vehicles A collision involving a truck and a bakkie occurred on the N12 approximately 30km outside Potchefstroom on September 6. Emergency services treated five individuals for moderate to critical injuries before transporting them to nearby hospitals.
President Pretorius Primary Athletes Selected for Provincial Cross Country Young runners from President Pretorius Primary represented North West Province at the South African Cross Country Championships on September 5 in Pretoria, highlighted by U/9 athlete Mpho Mosiako placing third overall at the provincial level.
Tribute to Former Leopards Rugby Coach Franklin Jackson The Leopards Rugby Union paid tribute to former head coach Franklin Jackson (52), who passed away recently. Jackson served as head coach of the Leopards Women’s team for 13 years, guiding them to two Women's First Division titles, alongside coaching roles with the Leopards U21, Platteland, and Potch Tigers teams.
Potch Girls High Excel in Afrikaans FAL Olympiad Seven learners from The High School for Girls Potchefstroom placed in the provincial top 20 of the Afrikaans First Additional Language Olympiad, led by Siné Schutte in first place and Rievkah Boardman in second. Schutte also secured fourth place nationally in the Beeld Poetry Competition.
Polocrosse Tournament Hosted at Wilgeboom Potch Polocrosse Club hosted the annual NTT BYD Polocrosse Tournament from September 12 to 13 at Plot 85, Wilgeboom, bringing together 16 teams featuring entry-level, junior, and national-level players.
Thank you for tuning in to this edition of the JB Marks News Roundup. Stay safe and informed until the next update!
#Potchefstroom #JBMarks #LocalNews #TheGoToGuy
📰📌🔔