Daily Archives: July 21, 2024

62 undocumented immigrants arrested  

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Picture: Some of undocumented immigrants arrested/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE 

More than 60 undocumented immigrants were arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act and other crimes during weekend operations that commenced on Friday. The suspects were nabbed by the multi-disciplinary teams comprising the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services, during Operation Vala Umgodi.  

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said Operation Vala Umgodi will continue undoubtedly to clamp down on illegal mining activities in the Namakwa and Frances Baard Districts in the Northern Cape. 

“The teams’ actions and activities included visibility patrols, stop and searches and raids at specified addresses. The team in the Frances Baard District, pounced on construction sites and detained 35 undocumented immigrants of whom 24 were verified and processed for court.

“The team further arrested suspects for illegal mining and traced wanted suspects who have been evading court proceedings,” he said.

Sam said in the Namakwa District, the police received a tip-off regarding illegal mining activities in the Sizamile Informal Settlement in Port Nolloth and detained 22 undocumented immigrants. He said suspects were arrested for possession and dealing in drugs as well as contravention of the mining statutes.

“Several suspects were also fined under the Road Traffic Management Act. The teams confiscated numerous mining implements believed to be utilised in the commission of these crimes. Undocumented suspects are detained in order to be processed and verified by the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services officials before being formally charged and presented to court for deportation and all those arrested for other crimes will be presented to Court soon.

“The police, through Operation Vala Umgodi, will continue to stamp their authority in clamping down on illegal mining and other related crimes. If you see something, say something. Report illegal mining to the SAPS Crime Stop 08600 10111,” said Sam.

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Basadi in Music Awards to nurture the next generation 

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

Basadi In Music Awards organisers said they are thrilled to announce their partnership with the Creative Arts Directorate a division of the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation for skills transfer program, which is aimed at nurturing the next generation of musical, entertainment and creative talent in South Africa. 

Basadi In Music Awards CEO, Hloni Modise-Matau said the collaboration will see the launch of two workshops, which will focus on women passionate about working in the production space in industries such as sound engineering, stage management, lighting and behind the camera to name but a few. 

To Apply for the internship, click on the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScVfZcuLaSm831wwhUqotJeEMSjroDctVp0F4RbmgC0iasyow/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0

“Fifteen candidates will be selected for a paid internship, where they will be granted an opportunity to work at the 2024 Basadi in Music Awards happening on 10 August 2024, receiving a stipend of R3000 each. 

“The programme forms an integral part of Basadi in Music Awards and its pillar of being more than just an award ceremony, but a platform that creates opportunities for the queens in the music industry. Candidates will also get a letter of recommendation from Basadi in Music Awards,” she said. 

Modise-Matau further said the workshop will happen on 6 August 2024 at Lesedi Theatre at Joburg Theatre from 10am until 2pm. She added that, additionally the program will include a development showcase, where 8 artists will be called to perform and showcase their craft granting them exposure, experience and be given a stipend.

The Head of Department (HOD) of the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, China Mashinini said: “I am thrilled to see the launch of our partnership with Basadi In Music Awards and the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation under the Creative Arts Directorate. 

“This initiative is a significant step in bridging the skills gap and creating opportunities for our talented women in the production and entertainment industries. By offering technical skills workshops and hands-on experience, we are empowering young women to become leaders in their fields and contributing to the vibrant future of the arts in South Africa.” 

Mashinini said they are committed to supporting such transformative programs that uplift the communities and celebrate the creative talents of their people. 

Meanwhile, an actress, Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema said she is immensely proud and excited to be part of this transformative partnership with Basadi In Music Awards and the Creative Arts Directorate. Nduneni-Ngema said this collaboration underscores their commitment to creating meaningful job opportunities and empowering the next generation of talented women in the production and entertainment industries. 

“By providing hands-on experience and skill-building workshops, we are not only fostering future leaders but also ensuring that the arts continue to thrive in South Africa. We look forward to witnessing the incredible growth and achievements of these aspiring professionals.

“I am very excited about this partnership. This is the first time we are supported by the government and this is a project close to my heart because skills transfer is an important pillar of Basadi in Music,” she said. 

Nduneni-Ngema said she is excited for the candidates that will work at Basadi In Music Awards, as they will receive the tools they need to look for employment. She said they live in a country where experience is the main thing industries look for and she is super proud that they will be able to provide that to these young women.

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Four suspects nabbed for house-breaking, theft and possession of stolen property in separate incidents 

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Picture: Some of stolen items recovered by police/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

Three suspects aged between 24 and 36 were arrested for house-breaking, theft and possession of stolen property. On 19 July 2024, the De Aar Public Order Police was conducting crime prevention operations in De Aar when they received a tip-off regarding suspects allegedly selling an amplifier and sound mix in a Nonzwakazi residential area. 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane swiftly responded and allegedly found the suspects in possession of the suspected stolen items. Shemane said the vehicle used in the commission of the crime was also confiscated by the police.

“In an unrelated business burglary and theft case in Prieska, the complainant reported that upon her arrival at her place of work situated in the industrial area in Prieska, she discovered that the bathroom window of the business premises was open.

“The complainant discovered that items such as tools and other valuable items were missing and subsequently reported the incident to the police. On 20 July 2024, members of Prieska Crime Prevention, followed up on information regarding possible suspects, which led to the arrest of three suspects between the ages of 18 and 26,” he said. 

Shemane further said investigation by the crime prevention members, led to the arrest of a fourth suspect (35), for possession of suspected stolen property. He added that the police recovered all the stolen property.

“The suspects are expected to appear before the De Aar and Prieska Magistrate Courts, respectively. The public is encouraged to rate the police efforts in fighting crime by participating in the “RATE OUR SERVICE” online survey to assist the police in improving services,” said Shemane. 

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SAPS senior instructor dismissed for allegedly raping a female trainee 

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron said that the dismissal of a senior instructor at the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Philippi Training Academy on allegations of rape against a female trainee, is a good start to rid SAPS of members exposing themselves to misconduct and crime. 

In response to a letter sent by Cameron, the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu has informed the Chairperson that a disciplinary process was concluded, which recommended the dismissal of the senior instructor.

“The dismissal of the disgraced instructor is a strong indication of the drive to root out criminals within the SAPS. It is also a strong message that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) will not be tolerated within the SAPS and in the country in general. 

“The need for the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to conclude the investigation to ensure effective prosecution of the matter. While the officer has been arrested and is now out on bail, the completion of the investigation is critical to ensure that effective prosecution happens,” he said.

Cameron further said the Committee has identified the fight against GBV as one of its critical areas of focus for the 7thparliament and is committed to ensuring effective oversight over the work of the SAPS as it relates to the scourge of GBV in the country.

He added that it is unacceptable that those in positions of authority can abuse financial resources and trainees and every effort must be made to hold those in power accountable.  

“The speedy conclusion of the investigation will go a long way in efforts to reclaim the credibility of the SAPS. The Committee has confidence in the Minister of Police’s efforts to root out corrupt elements within the SAPS,” said Cameron.   

Meanwhile, on allegations of criminality and mismanagement at the Philippi Training Academy, the Minister has assured the Chairperson that the allegations are being investigated and feedback will be provided in due course.

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Three suspects arrested for public violence

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Picture: The community of Vaaltyn barricading the entrance with tree branches/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE 

Three suspects aged between 38 and 55, were arrested by the police for public violence. This comes after an alleged disagreement between a mine employer and a self-elected unrecognised committee, led to a gathering at Robega village in Chaneng, near Phokeng. 

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said during the meeting, employees who wanted to report for work were allegedly threatened and compelled to abstain from going to work. Myburgh said furthermore, numerous cases were opened after employees, who went to work, were shot at and their property (mostly vehicles) were damaged.

“These incidents led to the establishment of a task team, consisting of Detectives from the Anti-Gang Unit and Phokeng Detectives. After information was gathered, warrants of arrests were obtained and operationalized on 19 July 2024. 

“Two suspects were traced by the task team, assisted by Vala Umgodi members at a mine in Phokeng and arrested. A third suspect handed himself over to the police in Rustenburg. The suspects will appear before the Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court on charges of public violence on 22 July 2024,” she said. 

Myburgh further said more arrests are imminent. She added that anyone with information that can assist the police in their investigation, can contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Kabelo Kwele on 079 173 0679. 

“Anonymous tip offs can be reported on Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or via the mySAPS app from your smartphone,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the team for their dedication and hard work that led to this success. Kwena said the police will continue to ensure the safety of workers, who contribute to the economy of the country.

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A man nabbed for being in possession of two unlicensed firearms  

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Picture: One of the firearms confiscated by police/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

A man (41) briefly appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court for being in possession of two unlicensed firearms. Isaac Matlhaki was arrested after the police received a tip-off. 

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said the police operationalised ther information and that led them to a house in Extension 14 in Jouberton Township, near Klerksdorp on 17 July 2024. 

“The police found the accused in the premises and searched the house. Two firearms were allegedly discovered of which the serial numbers were filed off, leading to his immediate arrest.

“He was remanded in custody until 29 July 2024,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, said the police will not be successful without the community being the eyes and ears of the police.

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Eight suspects arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen livestock 

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Picture: Some of the suspected stolen goats/Supplied  

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

The fight against crime in rural areas gained success after police arrested eight suspects in two separate incidents. In the first incident reported in the early hours of Friday, 19 July 2024, the police said they received a tip-off regarding a suspicious vehicle on the N14 road (between Ventersdorp and Carletonville). 

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said the police in Klerkskraal assisted by Potchefstroom Flying Squad, managed to stop two taxi vehicles and arrested six suspects aged between 23 and 45, after they could not account for 30 sheep and 18 goats found inside the two taxis. 

Myburgh further said they will appear before the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court on 22 July 2023, for being in possession of suspected stolen property. She added that, in another separate incident reported later on the same night, Boons police members on patrol on the R509 road (between Derby and Magaliesburg), noticed a suspicious Toyota Quantum taxi. 

“The vehicle was stopped and two passengers jumped out of the vehicle and ran off, but police arrested two others. When searching inside the taxi, police found 37 goats and the suspects could not account for them.

“The duo aged 30 and 38, will appear before the Koster Magistrate’s Court on 22 July 2024, for possession of suspected stolen goats. In both these cases, the animals were not marked,” said Myburgh. 

She said the police would once more urge farmers to mark their animals according to the Animal Identification Act, 2002 (Act No 6 of 2002), because many court cases are lost because of disputes regarding the proper identification of animals. Myburgh said if an animal is marked with a registered brand or tattoo, disputes will be avoided.

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Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies congratulates newly-elected SANEF NEC 

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Picture: SANEF logo

By REGINALD KANYANE 

The National Press Club (NPC) has announced the election of its new Executive Committee (EXCO) for 2024/25. Kennedy Mudzuli editor/bureau Chief: Pretoria News, has been elected chairperson of the National Press Club. News24 journalist Belinda Pheto is the new deputy chairperson and Lali van Zuydam, research and communications associate at the Institute for Methods Innovation is the new treasurer. 

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) is Antoinette Slabbert, who is the senior financial journalist for Rapport Newspaper.

“I thank the outgoing committee for completing the rebuilding of the National Press Club after the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. With the support of our valued sponsors the North West University and Absa, a solid foundation has been laid for future growth,’’ Mudzuli said.

The office bearers are joined by the following elected executive committee members, Mashudu Sadike, senior multimedia journalist (The Star, Saturday Star), Pieter Cloete, video journalist (Maroela Media), Aserie Ndlovu, producer and presenter @ Capital Live SA 99.0FM.

“Ananias Ndlovu, Naledi News editor, Mosidi Mokgele, PR and Marketing Consultant, Essence Consulting, Dineo Horner, (CPRP) Unisa: administrator (research, marketing and communication), Albi Modise, Snr executive: marketing and communications Gautrain Management Agency, William Baloyi, chief director: media engagement, GCIS,” he said.

Mudzuli further said the team will be supported by newly-appointed secretariat Ncobile Mahlangu. He added that they are excited by the skills and energy of this committee and believe they can deliver even more value to their members in the coming year. 

“It is our mission to provide a platform where journalists and communication professionals can interact and build the networks that are core to our industry. The National Press Club is the biggest organisation of its kind in South Africa, representing working journalists and communication professionals. It recently celebrated its 46th year of existence,” said Mudzuli. 

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Khusela Diko congratulated Nwabisa Makunga on her election as Chairperson of the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF). Diko said she believes that Makunga is the perfect fit to lead SANEF following her role as Deputy Chairperson and her vast experience in the newsroom leadership.

“We look forward to working with SANEF on strengthening the relationship between the state and media. SANEF plays a critical role in ensuring media transformation in form and content, fighting against misinformation and disinformation, as well as fostering collective understanding of the media ethics and issues affecting the media sector broadly.

“SANEF describes itself as the watchdog for freedom of expression and press freedom, whereby it advances for quality in journalism and campaigns for ethics and diversity in South Africa’s media,” she said.

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NWU expert calls for better professionalisation of the SAPS

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Picture: lecturer in Police Practice at the North West University (NWU), Cobus Steenkamp/Supplied  

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) has seen the majority of its ministries experiencing a change in leadership, with the Ministry of Police now being led by Minister Senzo Mchunu, with deputy ministers, Cassel Mathale and Polly Boshielo. 

It is a new dawn and, according to Cobus Steenkamp, a lecturer in Police Practice at the North West University (NWU), the ideal opportunity for the ministry to invest in the professionalisation of the South African Police Services (SAPS) and also in private sector security organisations. 

Steenkamp further said it is an area he feels that has been grossly neglected. He added that the number of personnel in the employ of the SAPS, who hold tertiary-education bursaries is disproportionately small compared to the total number of employees. 

“More SAPS members should be encouraged and helped to pursue further tertiary qualifications. Considering that the SAPS has a personnel strength of 179 502 and that in the 2022 academic year, there were only 404 continuous tertiary-education bursary holders. 

“Only 276 new bursary applicants received bursaries between 2022 and 2023. It means that just 0,004% of SAPS personnel are tertiary-education bursary holders. We need closer cooperation between the SAPS training institutions and universities that provide police-related qualifications,” said Steenkamp. 

He said currently, only one meeting takes place annually between the SAPS head office and attending universities, which is too few. Steenkamp said furthermore, policing within the broader field of public administration is an evolving area of academic interest and close relationships are therefore necessary for relevant police-related curriculum development.

“Funding needs to be made available for conferences with the intention to develop police-related academic discourses, as well as to facilitate networking with practitioners. 

“Policy development regarding promotions within the SAPS that specifically acknowledges tertiary-education qualifications as an element of career development, career enhancement and promotion must also be put centre stage,” he said.

Steenkamp said then there is the question of how to integrate the technological advances of the fourth and fifth Industrial Revolutions into SAPS units, where applicable. He said he advocates the provision of funds for relevant research projects relating to the application of technologies, that SAPS units should be provided easy access to relevant academic and operational research, and that the SAPS needs to be provided with a budget for pilot studies to be undertaken at unit and station or department level.

“Another issue to be addressed is that of marketing and promotion. There is an undeniable need to include tertiary education and the benefits of personal development into the orientation programmes of new trainees at the various police academies, as well as at the provincial training institutions within the SAPS structure.

“Lastly, there is a concern of career development. The ministry needs to provide opportunities for SAPS personnel to attend career fairs at universities to equip themselves with information on the programmes in policing that are available, and allow university personnel specialising in career guidance – for example, from the NWU – to visit SAPS training institutions to assist police officers in their decision-making on further studies” said Steenkamp. 

He said the ministry must also include programme information on police studies provided by universities in internal career development programmes, as well as at SAPS career centres.

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A woman nabbed for allegedly stabbing her ex-boyfriend to death 

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI  

A suspect (30) was arrested for the alleged murder of her ex-boyfriend (40) in Dihatshwane village, outside Mahikeng on Friday morning. It is alleged that on 18 July 2024, the deceased called and invited the suspect over to his residence. 

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said on her arrival, a conflict allegedly ensued. Myburgh further said the suspect allegedly strangled the victim and stabbed him on his chest. 

“She then fled the scene. However, after informing a family member the next morning, the police were informed. After the discovery of the deceased, the suspect was arrested and is expected to make her first appearance on a charge of murder before the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on 22 July 2024,” she added.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the Mahikeng police for their quick response that led to this arrest.

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