Four suspects nabbed during Operation Vala Umgodi 


By BAKANG MOKOTO

The Operation Vala Umgodi continues to hit hard on illegal miners. This comes after the crime-intelligence team allegedly spotted suspicious men aged between 18 and 30, carrying a bag at James Shaft, near Stilfontein on 5 June 2024.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the operational team was mobilised and managed to arrest the suspects. Mokgwabone said the police allegedly discovered two 12 volt batteries and one pulling winch near a ventilation shaft. 

“The goods were apparently due to be lowered underground. The suspects are expected to appear in the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on 10 June 2024, facing charges of conspiracy to commit crime and theft.

“The preliminary investigation revealed that three of the suspects are Mozambican foreign nationals and two of them are undocumented. The fourth suspect is a South African,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said in another incident on Tuesday evening, 4 June 2024, the Vala Umgodi team conducted a waylay operation at Tony Shaft near Khuma Township, near Stilfontein. He added that upon arrival at the shaft, the police allegedly spotted zama-zamas, who ran in different directions and disappeared in the bushes. 

“The police subsequently discovered one Uzi machine gun with a magazine, 10 ammunition, various foodstuffs and a pulling winch. It was established that the firearm was stolen during a house robbery in Klerksdorp in March 2023. 

“In the third incident, the police spotted suspects who were allegedly lowering foodstuffs at James Shaft in Stilfontein in the early hours of Friday morning, 31 May 2024. Upon arrival of the police, the suspects allegedly ran away and left behind a lot of maize meal, a Nissan bakkie and a rope used to get the foodstuffs underground,” said Mokgwabone. 

He said the goods, including the bakkie, were confiscated. Mokgwabone said the investigations including confirmation of the vehicle ownership are underway.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the police for their tireless efforts in the fight against illicit economic activities.

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A man found guilty of dealing in drugs 


By OBAKENG MAJE 

A man was found guilty by the Springbok Magistrate’s Court for dealing in drugs. Micheal September was found guilty on three counts of dealing in drugs on 5 June 2024. 

According to the Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi, the accused was arrested on 29 March 2021, by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team during an undercover operation. 

“Three transactions were conducted with him, where he sold Methamphetamine (TIK) and Methaqualone (Mandrax tablets) to a combined value of R25 000. A thorough investigation by the team led to the conviction of September. 

“The case was postponed to 3 July 2024, for probation report and correctional service report,” she said.

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A man nabbed for being in possession of suspected stolen rifles


By REGINALD KANYANE

A wanted suspect (38) in connection with house-breaking and theft incident has been arrested. This comes after a swift response by the police from Nababeep and Springbok.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the incident occurred in Jacobs Garden in Concordia in the Namakwa District.

Ehlers said the Detectives in Nababeep, accompanied by members of Springbok Public Order Police and Springbok K9 Unit, followed up information and traced the wanted suspect.

“The suspect was apprehended at his residence in Concordia on 6 June 2024, at approximately 08:00. The suspect was found in possession of suspected stolen goods, including an amplifier, two cordless microphones, and two speakers.

“Further investigation led the police to where the suspect had hidden the suspected stolen firearms. The police recovered and seized a 6mm hunting rifle with ammunition, a revolver with ammunition and an air rifle,” she said.

Ehlers further said the suspect will appear in Springbok Magistrate’s Court soon.

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Motshameko wa mantshano magareng ga Nkamodira FC le Mogopela Wonderous FC o tla boelediwa kwa Ganyesa


Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Motshameko wa mantshano magareng ga setlhopa sa kgwele ya dinao sa Mogopela Wonderous FC ya mono Taung, kgatlhanong le setlhopa sa Nkamodira FC sa kwa Vryburg, o tlile go tshamekelwa kwa Ganyesa Astro Turf kwa Ganyesa mo letsatsing la gompieno.

Motshameko o wa mantshano, ke wa poeletso morago ga gore o emisiwe kwa lebaleng la metshameko la Ipelegeng, gaufi le Schweizer Reneke, mo dibekeng tse pedi tse di fetileng. Seno se tlile morago ga gore go tsoge tlhatlharuane magareng ga ditlhopa tse, mme molatedi wa Mogopela Wonderous FC one a tlhabiwa ka thipa ke mongwe o go belaelwang ele molatedi wa setlhopa sa Nkamodira FC.

Bakatisi ba setlhopa sa Mogopela Wonderous FC, ba ne ba ipelaetsa le go latofatsa moletsaphala gore o ikaba ka letlhakuri morago ga go neela setlhopa sa Nkamodira FC penalty. Fela, motshameki wa Nkamodira FC, one a fosa penalty eo.

Ene ya re morago ga metsotsonyana, setlhopa sa Nkamodira FC sene sa nosa. Fela, ene ya re go setse metsotso e se kae pele ga motshameko o ya bokhutlhong, bakatisi ga mmogo le balatedi ba setlhopa sa Mogopela Wonderous FC, bane ba itelekela mo lebaleng, mme seo sene sa lebisa kwa go emisweng ga motshameko.

Jaanong, SAFA mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, ene ya laela gore motshameko o, o boelediwe mme o tla tshamikiwa ntle le balatedi. Setlhopa se se fenyang magareng ga Nkamodira FC le Mogopela FC, se tlile go leba kwa metshamekong ya mantshano ya porofense go rakana le ditlhopa tse dingwe go tswa di dikeng tse difarologaneng mo porofenseng.

Setlhopa se se tla fenya, se tlile go fetela kwa leking ya ABC Motsepe.

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Orlando Pirates FC release four players


By BAKANG MOKOTO

As the football season draws to a close, many Premier Soccer League (PSL) teams not only mark the end of the campaign, but also bid farewell to some of their esteemed players. Orlando Pirates Football Club has released Richard Ofori, Siyabonga Mpontshane, Thabang Monare and Kermit Erasmus as their respective contracts come to an end on 30 June 2024.

Orlando Pirates FC official statement reads it is with a deep sense of gratitude that they reflect on the contributions of these players during their time with them. It says Richard Ofori joined the Mighty Buccaneers in 2020 and quickly became a cornerstone of their defence, playing 58 matches and securing 29 clean sheets.

“Yet, his influence extended beyond the pitch. Ofori was a unifying force within the squad, and his four years here, have left us with countless positive memories.

“Siyabonga Mpontshane (38) will be leaving after nine seasons with the us. His tenure has been marked by exceptional discipline and dedication, making him one of our most respected and appreciated members of the team,” the club said.

It said that from the day Thabang Monare (34), stepped foot in the club, he gave it his all. Desh as Monare is affectionately known in football arena, has been the embodiment of hard work and resilience, featuring in 93 matches for the Buccaneers. 

The statement said Monare leaves the club with 2 Nedbank Cup, 2 MTN8 Cup and a silver medal for the CAF Confederation Cup. Orlando Pirates FC said on the other hand, Kermit Erasmus rejoined them in 2022 after nine years away and made an immediate impact by helping us clinch the MTN8 title.

“With over 117 matches under his belt in Pirates colours, Eramus has solidified his legendary status at the club. We extend our heartfelt thanks to these players for their unwavering service and commitment to the club. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours,” the statement said.

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Brave Bafana shrug off travel challenges to share the spoils with Nigeria in tense away qualifier


By REGINALD KANYANE

Bafana Bafana shrugged off travel challenges to draw 1-1 with Nigeria during a pulsating 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday night.

It was a tense showdown between the two long-time foes, but Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos’ charges rose to the challenge and took the fight to their West African hosts from the opening whistle. After one of their longest trips to Nigeria, spanning more than 30 hours, Bafana Bafana will feel they could have won the match.

The South African senior men’s national team were the first to get their name up on the stadium scoreboard after irrepressible midfielder, Themba Zwane opened the scoring in the 29th minute after a delicious pass from Yaya Sithole. Maestro Zwane was like an orchestra conductor interpreting composer Broos’ team sheet, and he executed the task at hand with his signature silky brush of the ball.

It was such a moment of inspiration from the visitors that the home fans were stunned into silence by the buildup, and by Zwane’s delectable final execution.

But the hosts equalised through Faruq Dele-Bashiru soon after the restart in the second half to put the Nigerians back in the game. The Bafana Bafana players put their bodies on the line to keep Nigeria at bay, and also try to find the goal that would have given the visitors a victory away from home.

Bafana Bafana goalie, Ronwen Williams pulled off stunning saves to ensure that the South African senior men’s national team will return home tomorrow with a point from Nigeria. It was a team effort, and all the players gave their all in Uyo.

Bafana Bafana face Zimbabwe in their next World Cup qualifier in a match that is to be played at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on 11 June 2024. Kickoff is at 6pm and tickets to this encounter are now available at the match venue, Free State stadium.

The gates will open at 3pm and the tickets are priced at R50 for adults. Kids, scholars and students will pay R20 (school uniform and student cards required for over 12-year-olds). Tickets are also available at TicketPro outlets, Spar, SuperSpar, Putco, Postnet etc.

Hospitality tickets are available from the stadium, and they are priced at R1500 and R2000 packages, including food and drinks.

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