Picture: Children receive Christmas gifts/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
15 December 2024- The Upington Community Police Forum in conjunction with Upington Social Crime, Karos-Hoek Solar Plant and Upington TVET College, brought a smile to the innocent faces of the children in Karos during the Kids Christmas Drive on 12 December 2024.
The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sgt Omphile Masegela said this collaborated initiative was aimed at reaching out to underprivileged children to create a Christmas feeling for these holidays.
“The team provided the kids with a meal, toys, and snacks while having fun and playing outdoor games with them.
“Personal safety hints were shared with the kids, particularly focusing on child abuse, drowning, and trafficking in persons,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Station Commander of Upington SAPS, Brigadier Peet Coetzee, and his team wished the children and their families a wonderful and safe festive season. Coetzee also acknowledged and appreciated Karos-Hoek and Upington TVET College for their continuous commitment towards partnering with the SAPS in ensuring that we give back to the community.
15 December 2024- Six suspects were arrested for business robbery in collaborative efforts by members of the community, private security company and police. The accused, Orphan Pokane (25), Bohlokwa Molapo (23), Pitso Makhoane (34), Peter Fuzani (42), Makabelo Maboe (38) and Johannes Hlabanelo (50), were arrested on Tuesday morning, 10 December 2024, in Luka village near Phokeng in Rustenburg.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the arrests stemmed from an incident wherein four men armed with firearms stormed the shop and forced the shopkeeper to lie down flat on the ground.
Mokgwabone said they then allegedly robbed him of cash, cigarettes and cell phones.
“The accused then locked the victim inside the shop and fled in a silver grey Ford Figo vehicle. Unbeknown to the accused, the shopkeeper went out through an unlocked back door and alerted a colleague and together with a law abiding citizen, pursued the suspects.
“The chase ended up at a cul-de-sac, where the suspects abandoned their vehicle and fled on foot. A swift response by the Royal Bafokeng Reaction Force members and the police led to the arrests,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said the accused were remanded in custody upon appearance in the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court until 15 January 2025. He added that, investigation into the matter continues and the possibility of linking the accused with other cases cannot be ruled out.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended all parties involved for their cooperation that culminated in the success.
15 December 2024- The Postmasburg police are investigating a missing person case. This comes after the disappearance of San Marie Rossouw (14), in Postmasburg on 12 December 2024.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police are investigating the circumstances that led to Rossouw’s disappearance and request anyone who have information that might assist the police in the investigation, to contact the Postmasburg Police Station and Detective Constable, Sylvester Sehako on 082 302 0391 or 08600 10111 and or use the police MySAPS App.
“All information received will be treated confidentially. The public is reminded that there is no waiting period to report a person missing. Police investigations are continuing,” he said.
Picture: Some of firearms seized during raid/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
15 December 2024- A man (45) was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday morning, 10 December 2024, at Nooitgedacht Farm, near Delareyville. The suspect was arrested after the Lichtenburg K9 and Mahikeng Flying Squad members operationalised a tip-off received from Pudimoe Crime Intelligence regarding a man suspected to be in possession of unlawful firearms.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the police allegedly received information and executed a search and seizure warrant. Mokgwabone said during the search, five rifles, two other firearms and 83 ammunition were found.
“The accused was as a result, arrested for unlawful possession of firearms and unlawful possession of ammunition, after failing to give a proper account for the possession. Josephus Johannes Muller briefly appeared in the Delareyville Magistrate’s Court on 12 December 2024.
“Muller was released on R1000 bail until 30 January 2025. The police in the province also confiscated 50 firearms and 1524 ammunition, since the commencement of the safer festive season Operation Shanela on 1 October 2024, to date,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said the firearms include seven rifles, 42 handguns, and one self-made firearm. She added that 52 individuals were nabbed for unlawful possession of firearms and 49 were held for unlawful possession of ammunition.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena applauded all members involved in the arrest of Muller for their patience and commitment that led to the discovery of the firearms.
15 December 2024- The police said they have noted the increase in cash deposits and bulk purchases by stokvels and society clubs, especially during festive season. The police urge the public to adhere to safety hints in order to prevent economic crimes targeting these clubs.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the public should refrain from making cash deposits of club members’ contributions on high risk days, such as month end. Ehlers said they should arrange the club’s pay-out to be electronically transferred into each member’s personal account or choice of account.
“Arrange for members to deposit cash directly into the club’s account, instead of collecting cash contributions. Do not carry large amounts of cash on your person and remember, your safety is our priority.
“So, be vigilant and be safe. Criminal activities can be reported via the MySAPS App or 08600 10111,” she said.
Picture: A person of interest, Tulani Huddleson Tshabalala/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
15 December 2024- The Delportshoop police request the assistance of the public in tracing a person of interest, following the death of Peter Joseph Mathebula (57), at Robert Mangaliso Sobukhwe Hospital in Kimberley on 4 November 2024.
The preliminary investigations indicate that, the deceased was admitted to hospital with a stab wound that was allegedly inflicted by the suspect on 2 November 2024, and who fled the scene. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police are interested in locating Tulani Huddleson Tshabalala, who can assist with the investigation.
“The person of interest was last employed in Prieska. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Investigating Officer Detective Sergeant Boitumelo Marosela at Delportshoop Police Station or contact him at 082 448 4850 or 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App.
“All information will be treated confidentially,” he said.
Setshwantsho: Molatofadiwa wa polao, Kabelo Mogongwa
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
15 Sedimonthole 2024- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le molatofadiwa wa kwa motseng wa Khibicwane, gaufi le Taung, Kabelo Mogongwa (47), e buseditswe morwgo go fitlha di 5 Ferikgong 2025, ke kgotlhatshekelo ya sedika ya Taung. Mogongwa yo a begang fa a tlile go ipuelela mo kgetsing e, o ile a tshwarwa morago ga dipego tsa gore o thuntsitse lekgarebe la gagwe, Tsholofelo Nde Emphukile (38).
Go begwa fa lekawana le le lekgarebe la gagwe, ba ne ba dula botlhe kwa phaphosing e e hirilweng kwa motseng wa Khibicwane, gaufi le Taung. Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Mokaptein Aaftje Botma, yo a rotseng tiro ga jaana, moagisani wa monna o, o ile a tlhalosetsa sepodisi fa baratani ba, ba gorogile ka ura ya bongwe mo mosong, mme go ile ga tsoga kgakgauthano magareng ga bone.
“O kaile fa a utlwile modumo wa sethunya. Sepodisi se ile sa biletswa kwa lefelong la tiragalo, mme se ile sa fitlhela moswi a le mogare ga bophadiphadi jwa madi.
“Sepodisi se ile sa patelesega go shaga burglars, gore ba kgone go tsena mo ntlung. Molatofadiwa o ile a tshwarwa, mme one a ganelwa ka beile,” Botma wa tlhalosa.
15 December 2024- The Galeshewe police appeal to the public to assist in locating the family (next of kin) of an unknown deceased man. The unknown pedestrian was fatally injured during a recent motor vehicle accident in Barkly Road in Kimberley.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Sergio Kock said the police are requesting the assistance of the public in locating his family/relatives. Kock said the deceased is about 45 years old, 1.7 meters tall, dark in complexion, with short black hair and of medium build.
“He apparently goes by the name of “Eric Moncho”. He has been residing in Colville in Kimberley, but is said to be from the Hartswater or Pampierstad area, hence its believed that he has no relatives in Kimberley.
“Anyone with information can call Detective Sergeant Chrisna Von Wielligh on 082 469 0547. The investigation continues,” he said.
Picture: The residents of Gaasca Community Service Centre for the Elderly in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley, celebrated an early Christmas with the South African Police Service/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
15 December 2024- The residents of Gaasca Community Service Centre for the Elderly in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley, celebrated an early Christmas with the South African Police Service (SAPS) on 11 December 2024.
This event followed the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Colour Walk earlier in the morning. The event commenced at Galeshewe Police Station with a motorcade led by the Kimberley CC Riders motorcyclists.
The Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola and her entourage, Traffic Department, SAPS members and the Community Police Forums, were part of the event. The school principal of Kimberley Boys High School, Xolile Taba pledged their continued support to SAPS, especially as the country concluded the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.
“We need to stand together against GBVF. We also encourage men to become actively involved in advocating for gender equality, preventing Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
“We need to change our belief on gender norms, taking an active stand against domestic and sexual violence, and sustaining these changes in their personal lives – all of which contribute to reducing the rapid spread of HIV,” he said.
Meanwhile, Otola reiterated in her keynote address that they acknowledge that elderly citizens are often targeted by criminals and they want to assure them that SAPS is doing everything in their power to prevent and combat these heinous crimes.
“We value the wisdom, experience and contributions the elderly citizens bring to the community. As we celebrate the joy of Christmas, we want to take this opportunity to appreciate and honour our elderly as we vow to work tirelessly to keep them safe and secure this Festive Season and beyond.
“We handed out Christmas gifts to all the elderly and enjoyed an early Christmas lunch with all the attendees at the event. The day was concluded with Christmas carols, and a vote of thanks by Colonel Sebe Qunta of Proactive Policing,” she said.
Picture: The SPAR Proteas and SA Men’s Netball Team at the 2024 Africa Netball Cup on 14 December at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund, Namibia/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
15 December 2024- South Africa achieved a historic double victory at the 2024 Africa Netball Cup, with both the SPAR Proteas and the men’s team crowned champions on Saturday at the MTC Dome. The SPAR Proteas showcased their dominance in the women’s final, defeating Uganda 65-50 in what was a tense game.
The South African ladies displayed exceptional court coverage, intercepting key passes and forcing turnovers throughout the match against a Ugandan team that fought gallantly.
The SPAR Proteas’ accurate shooting and fluid movement through the court, particularly in the midcourt where they consistently gained advantage, proved too much for Uganda to handle.
They established an early lead, winning the first quarter 16-12. SA extended their advantage in the second quarter to go into the halftime break ahead by 30-24 goals.
The SPAR Proteas continued to pull away in the third [50-33], ultimately securing a convincing 65-50 victory.
SPAR Proteas coach Jenny Van Dyk expressed immense pride in her team’s performance following their triumphant victory at the Africa Netball Cup. Van Dyk highlighted the team’s dominant third quarter as a key factor in their success.
“I’m a very happy coach. The players made us proud today,” she admitted. What the players accomplished today was one of our goals to be African champions.
“A massive third quarter for us, 20 for us and 9 for them, was crucial in securing the victory. It was a really quite hot week, very physical and hard,” she said.
Assistant Coach Zanele Mdodana expressed immense relief and pride in the team’s performance.
“We knew there was a lot of pressure on us after the disappointing World Cup result against Uganda. We had to overcome that hurdle. We wanted to get rid of that monkey on our back and prove ourselves.
“It was a really tough week. No match was easy and we had to adapt to each opponent’s unique style of play. “I’m extremely proud of the way the troops handled the weeks,” she said.
Meanwhile the SA men’s team also delivered a commanding performance, defeating Eswatini 60-39 to defend their Africa Netball Cup title. The South African men displayed a powerful and aggressive style of play, dominating the centre court and feeding their shooters with pinpoint accuracy.
Eswatini struggled to contain the South African attack, with their defence unable to withstand the relentless pressure.
SA men dominated throughout the match, winning each quarter convincingly: 17-12, 32-23, 46-29 and 60-39.
SA men’s coach, Jabulani Vilane, credits teamwork and strategic planning for their victorious Africa Netball Cup campaign.
“We are the Champions of Africa Netball Cup. Our boys played very well and were on top of their game. We gave them time to relax and think, as well as recap about the mistakes that their opponents are making and we managed to stick to all our game plans.
“I’m very happy with what the boys did and with the management that I’m working with,” he said.