Monthly Archives: November 2024

Amajimbos gear up for 2024 COSAFA Championships

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Picture: Amajimbos gear up for 2024 COSAFA Championships

By BAKANG MOKOTO

17 November 2024 – The South African U17 Men’s National Team (Amajimbos) will begin preparations for the 2024 COSAFA Championships on 25 November 2024 at the SAFA Technical Centre in the south of Johannesburg. This year’s edition of the regional tournament will be played in Maputo, Mozambique, and will also be used to determine the two nations from the region that will qualify for the U17 Africa Cup of Nations 2025, which will be staged by Cote d’Ivoire next year.

Amajimbos, who have been hard at work since July 2023, will be looking to secure a ticket to the continental tournament and also confirm a spot in the next FIFA U17 World Cup, which they haven’t qualified for since 2015 in Chile.

Under the Talent Development Scheme (TDS), Head Coach Vela Khumalo, believes that they have a great chance at qualifying for the U17 Africa Cup of Nations as they have had adequate preparation for the upcoming COSAFA Championships.

Speaking to http://www.safa.net, Khumalo said that he has never had such great preparation and believes he has built a squad to be reckoned with.

“The moment we have been preparing for over the past year is finally here, and we are beyond excited. Through the Technical Director of SAFA, our mission has been clear from day one.

“We need to go to the COSAFA Championships to ensure that we qualify for the 2025 AFCON, then the U17 FIFA World Cup like in previous years. We have had a lot of preparation to ensure that we go and achieve this mission,” he said.

Khumalo further said through the FIFA TDS programme, they have played Morocco, Ivory Coast, Colombia, Lesotho Tanzania and Algeria, and they believe that their players have seen what is expected from them when high performance is demanded.

He added that, they are looking forward to the COSAFA Championships and they hope that they can put South Africa back on the map at junior level.

“I have called up a squad of 26 players, which will be trimmed to 20 around 28 November 2024, before the team departs for the regional showpiece on 1 December 2024,” saidKhumalo.

South Africa have been drawn in Group C of the COSAFA Championships which takes place between 4- 13 December 2024. They will be up against Botswana, Comoros and Mauritius for a spot in the semi-finals.

26 player squad:

Goalkeepers

RADEBE Lwandiso     SuperSport United FC

HOLDEN Luke    Mamelodi Sundowns FC

MOSIA Lehlohonolo   University of Pretoria FC

Defenders

PAMA Sive   Cape Town City FC

MOKOKOSI Bokamoso      Kaizer Chiefs FC

BOOYSEN Hayden     Ubuntu Football Academy

MCHUNU Ziyanda     Kaizer Chiefs FC

MZIMELA Khayalethu       British Football Academy

MAJOLA Aphelele      Mamelodi Sundowns FC

LESHILO Bokang Mamelodi Sundowns FC

MALATJI Royce   Kaizer Chiefs FC

RUGUNANAN Tashiel      Kaizer Chiefs FC

MADONDO Ayanda  KZN Academy

MAGASHA Nkanyiso Mamelodi Sundowns FC

MIDFIELDERS

MARALETSI Kamohelo     Mamelodi Sundowns FC

MLANGENI Teboho   Kaizer Chiefs FC

STEVENS Selwyn Mamelodi Sundowns FC

DHLAMINI Lebogang        Kaizer Chiefs FC

MENDES Steven  Hammarby IF (Sweden)

ATTACKERS

WITBOOI Emile   Cape Town City FC

LONZI Sivuziwe Ubuntu Football Academy

BOHLOKO Neo   Kaizer Chiefs FC

MHLONGO Obama    AmaZulu FC

SEKGOTO Omphemetse    Mamelodi Sundowns FC

ADAMS Adriano Cape Town Spurs FC

MLONDO Simphiwe  Mamelodi Sundowns FC

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More than 2089 persons stopped and searched during Operation Shanela  

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Picture: Some of dagga confiscated by police during operation/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

17 November 2024- More than 2089 persons and 4063 vehicles were stopped and searched for the multi-disciplinary high density operation, Operation Shanela, that commenced on 11 until 17 November 2024. The Northern Cape police in collaboration with other government departments, boldly approached priority crimes, such as firearms, murder, rape and robberies.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said disruptive actions included roadblocks, vehicle check points, high visibility patrols, and stop and search actions, which resulted in the search of 4063 persons and 2089 vehicles.

“Compliance inspections were conducted at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards and recyclers. In an effort to promote food safety, inspections were intensified at informal businesses and spaza shops.

“Inspections led to the closure of 18 unlicensed liquor outlets and the confiscation of a significant amount of alcohol. Drugs, dangerous weapons and money believed to be the proceeds of crime were seized,” she said.

Ehlers further said police together with community policing structures, reached out to communities to create awareness regarding tuck shop operating times, sale of expired goods, rural safety and school safety,

She added that communities are encouraged to share valuable information that could lead to the arrest of perpetrators and to continue aiding the police by exposing criminals.

“Information can be reported via MySAPS app or 08600 10111,” said Ehlers.

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Rescue operation at Stilfontein mine shaft halted

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Picture: The disused mine shaft in Stilfontein

By OBAKENG MAJE

17 November 2024- The rescue operation at Old Buffelsfontein Gold Mine in Stilfontein, has been halted. According to the police, the rescue operation that is expected to assist to bring to surface over 1000 illegal miners, who are underground, will resume on Monday.

There is an impasse between the police and illegal miners, who are believed to be heavily armed underground. Three months ago, the police cut the supply of food and water to these illegal miners who are underground in quest of forcing them to come to the surface.  

On Friday, Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu engaged in a consultative meeting with community representatives to come up with a plan to rescue these illegal miners. The community members accused the police of showing no respect to human lives after cutting the supply of food and water to these illegal miners and allegedly blocked some entrances.

This allegedly forced the Society for the Protection of our Constitution to go to the North Gauteng High Court on 16 November 2024, and seek interdiction against the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Minister of Police, Minister of Health and Minister of Mineral Resources.

The court order reads: “The application is postponed to 19 November 2024, at 10am. The cost has been reserved and pending finalisation of the application. The mine shaft in Stilfontein, that forms the subject matter of this application, shall be unblocked and may not be blocked by any person or institution whether government or private.

“Any miners trapped in the mine shall be permitted to exit. No non-emergency person may enter the mine shaft.”    

Now, the national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe told Newzroom Afrika that, the strategy that they are implementing, they have implemented it because they are concerned that there is human life in the disused abandoned mine shaft.

Mathe said they have received a report from the mine owner and the Department of Mineral Resource and Energy (DMRE), indicating that this particular abandoned disused mine shaft is not safe.

“Firstly, there are hazardous gases that are flowing and the terrain is not quite well. So, you cannot expect our Men and Women in Blue to go down there. As you can see for yourself, it is quite steep.

“So, so who do you expect to go down there and rescue these people? That is why the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu directed the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, to establish a team that will convene a meeting and come up with a plan that will ensure that illegal miners are brought up.

“I can confirm that a particular team has convened a meeting and the decision was taken that a mine rescue expert will come and conduct an assessment. That assessment report will have an outlook of the operational plan that will be presented to the ministers,” she said.

Manthe further said then, the ministers will provide a way forward. She added that, however, they stand firm with their operations.

Meanwhile, the Operation Vala Umgodi task team in the North West continues to call upon those illegal miners, who are still underground in the Stilfontein area, to return to the surface. The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said in line with safeguarding lives, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and South African National Defence Force (SANDF), have allowed for water and food to be delivered to those underground so that they can safely resurface.

“The police and other safety officials will remain in place in the North West until all illegal miners resurface and are arrested. The SAPS call on these illegal miners to resurface so that they can get relevant help or aid, including any medical attention that may be required. “We appeal to the community in the area to allow the police space to do their job. The SAPS will not allow criminality to thrive,” he said.

Mokgwabone said to date, more than 1,000 individuals have resurfaced from illegal mining activities, and efforts are ongoing to ensure that those who remain underground resurface. He said today, only three illegal miners have resurfaced.

“The SAPS will continue to stamp the authority of the state without fear or favour,” said Mokgwabone.

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Estina linked accused appear in court for SARS Tax fraud

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By REGINALD KANYANE

17 November 2024- The trial against Kamal Vasram and Saliesh Indurjeeth relating to the R37,7 million SARS customs tax fraud emanating from the importing of a pasteurisation plant for the Estina Dairy Farm, appeared before the Pretoria Regional Court on 14 November 2024.

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said a collaborative investigation by IDAC and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) into the Estina Dairy Project, revealed that the duo allegedly submitted fraudulent and inflated customs clearance value at the time of importation approximately R37,7 million for the pasteurisation plant imported from India, declared to be new while it was allegedly second-hand.

“The importation of the pasteurisation plant was allegedly invoiced to Estina by Gateway Limited in the UAE, a company linked to the Guptas. The matter was postponed to 18 March 2025 for further trial, and the accused remain out on R10 000 bail each,” he said.

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Trio nabbed for robbery and possession of unlicensed firearm  

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Picture: Some of stolen items seized by the police/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

17 November 2024– Three men were arrested for house robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. It is alleged that in the early hours of Thursday morning, 7 November 2024, at Wildebeesfontein Farm in Assen, near Brits, an elderly woman (64), was sleeping in her house when accosted by Loyd Ngobeni (31), Mark Ratau (40) and Alex Tivan (22), who is a Mozambican citizen.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel AdeleMyburgh said the trio allegedly forced entry into the farm house and overpowered her. Myburgh said the victim was assaulted with a firearm over her head and tied up with shoe laces and masking tape.

“The suspects ransacked the house and left with items that included clothing, jewellery, tools, cellular phones, a laptop and camera, among others. A collaboration between the Brits Trio Task Team and Crime Intelligence, led to the identification of the vehicle, a white Volkswagen Polo, used during the commission of the crime.

“The owner was identified and it was established that the vehicle was borrowed to Ngobeni, who was traced to Extension 18, in Mamelodi East. He was found and arrested on 11 November 2024,” she said.

Myburgh further said the police seized the stolen laptop, jewellery and the Volkswagen Polo. She added that the second suspect, Tivan, was traced to Group 10 at Sanddrift in Assen.

“He was arrested and the police seized cellular phones found in his possession. The third suspect, Ratau, was traced and arrested next to the R511 road at Assen.

“Upon searching him, police found a 9mm pistol with obliterated serial number and a magazine with 36 ammunition. They briefly appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 11 November 2024,” said Myburgh.

She said the trio was remanded in custody until 20 November 2024.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the police officers for their cooperation and dedication that led to the arrests.

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A policeman nabbed for corruption and defeating ends of justice

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Picture: A policeman arrested for taking part in criminal activity/Generic 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

17 November 2024- A policeman (35), who is attached to Phokeng Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (STES), was arrested was arrested by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU), for corruption and defeating the ends of justice on 14 November 2024.

It is alleged that farmers in the Koster area arrested five suspects for poaching on 25 August 2024, and handed them over to the police for detention.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said Constable Desmond Sipho Chauke Chauke, who was on standby, interviewed the accused and indicated to them that they must pay R1000 each. According to Myburgh, one of the five accused accompanied Chauke to a Supermarket in town, where R3000 was withdrawn and given to the policeman.

“Furthermore, Chauke released one of the suspects who was illegal in the country without informing the Department of Home Affairs. The other four accused paid a further fine of R300 each and were released.

“Chauke appeared before the Koster Magistrate’s Court on 15 November 2024, and was released on R1000 bail. His case was postponed until 2 December 2024,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, expressed his gratitude to all the members involved in exposing and arresting employees who fail to act with integrity. Kwena emphasized that the South African Police Service (SAPS) will not hesitate to take drastic actions against employees who are involved in criminal activities.

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SAPS admin clerk in North West nabbed for submitting ‘fraudulent’ sick note

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

17 November 2024- An administration clerk (30), of the South African Police Service (SAPS) based at the Provincial Facility Management, briefly appeared before the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 13 November 2024, for fraud. Naledi Millicent Mere allegedly reported being sick between 9 to 13 September 2024, and submitted a leave form, accompanied by two sick notes.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said initial investigations by the Anti-Corruption Unit revealed that, although the accused visited the doctor during that time, she was never booked off sick.

“It was further established that the doctor’s signature on the sick note was fraudulent. Mere was released on R2000 bail and the case was postponed to 27 February 2025,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrest and subsequent appearance of the employee before court this week.

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North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane interdict community members who shut down dept offices in protest  

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Picture: The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development Environment Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane

By OBAKENG MAJE

17 November 2024- The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development Environment Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane said they condemn criminal acts and lawlessness that took place at the department’s Head Office in Mahikeng on 13 and 15 November 2024.

This comes after community members allegedly stormed into the departmental offices and removed employees in a ‘demand’ of tenders. This allegedly forced the department to seek court order against these individuals.

According to the court order dated 15 November 2024, that Taung DailyNews has seen, Lenkopane has placed an interdict against Lawrence Lenyora, Mxolisi Maqoboza, Mogomotsi Moshoeshoe, George Seoposengwe and Ofentse Khumalo or any employee of the applicant, who associate themselves with the unlawful conduct of the first to sixth respondents.

This includes any other individual or workers’ union who associate themselves with the unlawful conduct of the seventh respondents.

The North West High Court in Mmabatho, Judge Justice Djadje, who listened and ruled on the matter, ordered that the ordinary rules pertaining to form, service and notice be dispensed with and that this matter be heard as one of the urgency in terms of Rule 6 (12) of Uniform Rules of Court. Djaje said a rule nisi be issued calling upon the respondents to furbish reasons, if any on 8 May 2025 at 10am or soon thereafter as the matter can be heard, as why the relief should not be made.

“The first to eight respondents are interdicted to block and/ or spoliate and / or restrict access to the applicant ‘s offices located at NWDC Building, CNR University and Provident Streets, Mmabatho to the applicant or any of the applicant’s employees, or any other person who intends to enter the aforesaid building for any lawful purpose.

“Not to forcefully, or by acts of intimidation, remove employees of the applicant from Provident House, and not to in any other fashion interfere with the execution of their duties. To immediately place the applicant in repossession of Provident House,” she said.

Djaje further said the respondents should also not to, in any fashion, intimidate, insult or assault any employees of the applicant, or any other person who visits Provident House for any lawful purpose. She added that they should also not interfere with the operations of the applicant in Provident House.

“To immediately cease the unprotected and unlawful strike and/or go-slow in which the first to eight respondents currently participate. Not to conduct any acts which are in contravention with the law, including, but not limited to, causing disruptions, or damage to the applicant’s offices.

“Not to be in radius of 200m from the applicant’s offices with intention to contravene the terms of this order. Should there not be strict compliance to this order, the ninth and tenth respondents are ordered to maintain law and order,” said Djaje.

Lenkopane said in a statement, the mandate of DEDECET as a department, is to create a suitable environment for the economy of the province to develop and grow. She said investment attraction and facilitation is at the core of DEDECT’s mandate.

“We urge all members of the public including recognized labour unions in the department to engage before resorting to unprotected strikes that are outside the framework of the Labour Laws, the Labour Relations Act and the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa,” said Lenkopane.

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A man sentenced to 23 years for murder, malicious damage to property and arson

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By REGINALD KANYANE

17 November 2024– A man (45) was sentenced to 23 years imprisonment by the Mogwase Regional Court for murder, malicious damage to property and arson. In the early hours of the morning on Thursday, 17 August 2023, Elias Phure Mosime went to a house in Bapong 2 village, near Mabeskraal, where he searched for his ex-girlfriend.

The house also has a tuck shop attached to it. The convict set the shop and nearby structure on fire, whilst his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend fled from the structure.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said neighbours called the owner of the shop and informed her that her shop was on fire. Myburgh said the neighbour also called another employee, Zanele Mvelase (50), who is living nearby to assess the situation.

“On arrival at the tuck shop, Mvelase saw Mosime and pelted him with stones. Mosime approached Mvelase and stabbed him multiple times to death. He was declared dead on the scene by Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS).

“In a short-while, the owner of the tuckshop arrived at the scene in her Toyota Fortuner. Mosime confronted her, whilst she was sitting inside the vehicle. She managed to jump out of the vehicle and fled,’ she said.  Myburgh further said Mosime then broke all the windows of the vehicle and also set it alight. She added that the police were called to the scene and arrested him. Mosime.

“Mosime was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for murder, 3 years for malicious damage to property and 5 years for arson. The sentences on count 2 and 3, will run concurrently with count 1.

“Mosime was also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearm Control Act, Act 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000),” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena and the Director for Public Prosecution, Dr Rachel Makhari, applauded the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Gaabocwe Thomas Molapong of Mabeskraal Detectives and the state prosecutor, for their collaboration and diligence to ensure that the convict was put behind bars.

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Nine suspects nabbed for various crimes during Operation Vala Umgodi

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Picture: Some of the suspects arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

16 November 2024- Nine suspects aged between 20 and 42, were arrested for contravention of Immigration Laws and illegal mining separately during Operation Vala Umgodi in Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts respectively.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said during the execution of stop and search actions and disruptive actions in illicit mining hot spots, the proactive and combat teams arrested seven men aged 20 and 42, for contravention of Immigration Laws.

Pilane said a man (35) was caught and arrested for allegedly mining illegally near the R31 road in Kimberley on 12 November 2024.

“On 15 November 2024, the police were conducting compliance inspections at mining site in the Kimberley area during a joint operation in conjunction with the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality security officers.

“During inspections, it was discovered that there was an illegal water connection from the municipal main line. Intelligence driven information regarding illegal selling of drugs at a flat in New Park was also operationalised successfully,” she said.

Pilane further said a significant amount of dagga with an estimated value of R7000, as well as money believed to be the proceeds of crime, were confiscated and the suspect was subsequently arrested. She added that Operation Vala Umgodi will continue to prevent and combat illicit mining and related criminal activities in the province.

“Members of the public are encouraged to report any criminal activities through the MySAPS app or the crime stop number 08600 10111. The police will continue to clamp down and squeeze the operating space for illegal mining and other criminal activities taking place in the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts,” said Pilane.

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