Picture: Endangered plants seized by the police/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
23 December 2024- Eight suspects were arrested for possession of suspected drugs during Operation Vala Umgodi. The suspects were arrested after the police conducted a cordon and search operation in response to the intelligence.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said on 22 December 2024, the multi-disciplinary team deployed under Operation Vala Umgodi, conducted vehicle patrols in New Park, Kimberley. Shemane said during the operation, the police received information regarding alleged suspected drug smuggling activities taking place at a specific residence.
“Additional information led to the search of a premises in Roodepan. Upon arrival, three suspects aged between 29 and 35, were found in possession of suspected drugs and were subsequently arrested.
“The police continued with stop and search actions and arrested three undocumented persons aged 29, 36, and 37, in Samaria Informal Settlement. A suspect aged 33 was also arrested for riotous behaviour,” he said.
Shemane said several fines were issued for contravening traffic laws, as well as the the confiscation of drugs and a substantial amount of money believed to be the proceeds of crime. He said in Kleinzee, members of Operation Vala Umgodi were conducting vehicle patrols when they came across abandoned endangered plants and opened an inquiry.
“The police remain alert and operationally prepared to intercept any unlawful activities and encourage communities to report illegal mining and related activities to crime stop number on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app,” said Shemane.
Picture: A firearm allegedly confiscated by the police/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
23 December 2024- A 35-year-old man was arrested by the police in Noupoort for allegedly possessing a suspected stolen firearm. The police reportedly apprehended the suspect and confiscated a firearm from a house in Noupoort.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said on 23 December 2024, at around 10:30am, the police in Noupoort followed up on information and searched a house in Tyoksville, Noupoort.
“The police found a 9mm Vector and ammunition during the execution of the sting operation. The suspect was arrested and charged for possession of a suspected stolen firearm.
“The serial numbers of firearm was filed off and will be sent for forensic testing. The SAPS management applaud the Noupoort SAPS for their vigilance that led to this outstanding confiscation and arrest during the festive season operations,” he said.
Kock said the police will continue to stamp down the authority of the state.
23 December 2024- As 2024 winds down, the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi takes the opportunity to reflect on the strides they have made in expediting the provision of services in the communities and share some of the objectives they have set for themselves for the future.
Mokgosi said in many aspects, 2024 was a landmark year for government as they celebrated 30 Years of Democracy and ushered in the 7th administration.
“It was a year of unprecedented achievements in the North West province as we made some significant milestones in responding to service delivery challenges confronting our communities.
“We rolled up our sleeves and ensured that we make an impact by successfully implementing Phase 4 of the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme – Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded,” he said.
Mokgosi further said he wishes to extend his appreciation to all public and private stakeholders, who continue to ensure that North West communities benefit from all initiatives and intervention measures aimed at enhancing provision of services through this programme.
He added that, the North West Provincial Government (NWPG), has recorded great improvements in 2023/24 departmental audit findings, and they intend to continue on this trajectory.
“Our efforts to create jobs are beginning to bear fruits and this is given credence by the 69 000 jobs we created in the third quarter of 2024. A number of initiatives are already in motion to nip the high unemployment rate in the bud, particularly among the youth, women and persons with disabilities.
“We look ahead to the New Year with renewed hope and vigour by building an inclusive economy through attracting investments for the betterment of the lives of our people,” said Mokgosi.
He said he wish to thank Members of the Executive Council (MECs), the House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, Leaders of Faith-based organisations, all civil society structures, private sector and public servants, for the role they continue to play in addressing the socio-economic needs of the people.
Mokgosi said they should all be proud of their collective efforts and may they continue to bring hope to the people by ensuring that they leave no one behind.
“The festive season affords us an opportunity to reunite with our families and friends, and I urge you to celebrate with extra care. I wish you and your families a restful, joyful and safe festive season.
“Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year,” said Mokgosi.
23 December 2024 – The police in the North West request the community to be vigilant during this time of the year (festive holiday season), which is known for specific crime dynamics ranging from alcohol abuse to more serious and violent crimes. In addition, schools have now been closed and families are preparing to celebrate Christmas and New Year.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Sam Tselanyane said the public is therefore urged to be vigilant and adhere to safety hints. Tselanyane said they would like to advise the public to keep their homes safe in their absence.
“Ask your neighbours to take out the post. Post left in the mailbox says that nobody is home. Make sure you have good lighting. Do not leave the outside lights on during the day.
“Do not let too many people know when you are going on holiday, only those whom you trust. Make sure your doors lock properly and that you have burglar bars. If your house is broken into, notify the police immediately,” he said.
Tselanyane further said if they are going on a road trip, they should buckle up. He added that they should not drink and drive.
“Keep a safe following distance and they should not use up their energy on activities, which will increase their fatigue. Get enough sleep the night before, at least six hours. Plan your trip, the route you will travel and where you will stop and rest overnight.
“Make sure your car is road worthy and ensure that you have a spare wheel and that it is in good condition with the necessary tools to change a tyre. Make sure your luggage is in the boot and that is closed properly,” he said.
Tselanyane said those who are driving should stop every two hours and take 15 minute breaks. He said if they feel tired or restless, they should pull over at a safe stop and rest for a little while.
“If you are travelling at night, be on the lookout for suspicious-looking people or vehicles. Know where you are going, do not use unfamiliar routes to get home. Lock your doors and close windows.
“If you are bumped from behind, head to the nearest police station or place of safety. Never leave keys in your ignition to open gates. Do not wait for your passengers, drive around the block or get out of the car and lock the doors,” said Tselanyane.
He said they should never pick up hitchhikers. Tselanyane said drivers should not get out to assist someone, who seems to be in trouble but they should inform the police.
“To ensure your safety while shopping, avoid carrying large amounts of money. Do not leave valuable belongings in the trolley. Do not have your wallet or purse visible. Do not let money be too visible, especially large amounts,” he said.
Tselanyane urged the parents to hold their children’s hands and be alert of them at all times. He said they should always accompany them to the bathroom.
“If you are part of a stokvel society or group, do not withdraw all the money to share it, rather pay it into the different bank accounts of the participants through an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).
“If you are a farmer, remember stock theft is one of the crimes that tend to escalate during this period. Farmers and livestock owners are urged to be vigilant and to apply safety hints,” said Tselanyane.
He said farmers should keep all fences and gates in proper condition to protect the livestock. Tselanyane said the employment of a specially trained employee can be considered for daily fence patrolling to see to it that holes in and under fences are repaired at once.
“However, inspect these repairs yourself. Loading ramps in paddocks or on farms away from direct supervision should be kept locked or obstructed at all times. If you consider buying an additional farm, remember, absentee landlords gather no crops. Rather try and buy close to your residential farm.
“Prevent stolen animals from being hidden on your property. Stock-posts serve as ideal overnight stopovers to hide livestock. Unknown livestock found at such posts should immediately be reported to the SAPS,” he said.
Tselanyane said livestock at stock posts should be counted by the livestock-owner him/herself, at least once a week. He said many court cases are lost because of disputes regarding the proper identification of animals.
“If an animal is marked with a registered brand or tattoo, disputes will be avoided. Employees should properly mark their livestock, according to the Animal Identification Act, 2002 (Act No. 6 of 2002), preferably by branding them.
“Be particularly watchful during the full moon, weekends and at the end or beginning of a month, or during periods that you know from your own experience, when stock thefts (slaughtering for the pot) occur,” said Tselanyane.
Picture: A vehicle allegedly being used by suspect/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
23 December 2024- The police in the North West are warning the members of the community to be cautious when using their bank cards, especially during this festive season. This comes after incidents, wherein two suspects aged 52 and 56 respectively, were arrested in two different incidents in Potchefstroom.
In the first incident, it is alleged that on 11 December 2024, a man (55), attempted to withdraw money from an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) at one of the malls in Potchefstroom. After inserting his card and pin, he could not get the money he was withdrawing.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said, moreover, the man cancelled the transaction and the card was returned, but he noticed it was not his. Tselanyane said a few moments thereafter, he got a notification that there was a cash withdrawal at a nearby filling station from his bank account.
“It was then that he blocked the bank card, went to the filling station and viewed the closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage of who withdrew the cash. Thereafter he reported the matter to the police.
“On 20 December 2024, at around 1:30pm, the complainant went again to another ATM to withdraw money. Whilst there, he noticed a man resembling the one he saw on the CCTV footage at the filling station and he shouted for help,” he said.
Tselanyane further said the man allegedly tried to flee, but was cornered at a taxi rank. He added that the police were called and the suspect was arrested and numerous bank cards were found hidden in his wallet.
“In a second unrelated incident around 1pm on the same day, Potchefstroom Crime Prevention members were on patrol around town when they received a call to look-out for a suspicious looking Mini Cooper vehicle.
“The vehicle was spotted driving on Dr James Moroka Avenue and members pulled it over. Upon conducting a search on the vehicle and driver, police found numerous bank cards hidden in the driver’s underwear and he could not give a satisfactory account of those cards,” said Tselanyane.
He said as a result, he was also arrested and his vehicle confiscated. Tselanyane said furthermore, preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is also on trial in Gauteng for the same offence.
“Both suspects appeared before the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 23 December 2024, on charges of possession of suspected stolen property.
“Further investigation is underway to determine if the suspects could be linked to other incidents of theft/cloning of bank cards within the province,” he said.
23 December 2024- A case of Contravention of Section 234(d) of the Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011 against the Director of TFBS Funeral, Bongani Sydwell Mafuleni (58), was postponed by the Orkney Magistrate’s Court to 13 February 2025. This is to allow Mafuleni to provide proof that he filed his returns with South African Revenue Services (SARS).
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)regional spokesperson in the North West, Sivenathi Gunya said Mafuleni is facing four counts of Contravening Section 234(d) of the Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011, for failing to submit tax returns. Gunya said between 2023 and February 2024, he allegedly failed to submit Company Income Tax and Value-Added Tax (VAT) returns, despite telephonic reminders from SARS and subsequent written notices.
“This court appearance follows the work of the Honey Badger Project, a collaborative initiative between the NPA, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI/Hawks), and SARS.
“The project seeks to enhance compliance by holding individuals and entities accountable for tax non-compliance through legal action,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, the acting North West Hawks Head, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi and SARS Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter, have commended the teamwork that led to this matter being placed on the court roll. They have assured the public that non-compliance will have serious consequences and defaulters will face the full might of the law.
Picture: The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau
By REGINALD KANYANE
23 December 2024 – The Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition said it has noted the Minister Parks Tau’s status update on the process to award the 4th National Lottery licence.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Mzwandile Masina, welcomed Tau’s decision to further interrogate the bids without compromising the credibility of the licensing process as directed by the Lotteries Act 57 of 1997. Masina said the committee fully supports the Minister’s statement that further work will be done to ensure the credibility of this process, which has come under public scrutiny in the recent past.
“We implore Tau to consider various options, if awarding the new lottery licence becomes impractical before the expiry of the 3rd Lottery licence on 31 May 2025.
“Such options could include exploring Section 13B in the Lotteries Act that deals with issuing a temporary licence and/or considering the option of a ‘State led’ the Lottery in terms of Section 13A of the Act amongst others,” he said.
Masina further said he shared Tau’s views that the running of the National Lottery is complex and that many vulnerable people and important organisations depend on it. He added that this makes due diligence more necessary.
“The Minister announced the postponement of his decision regarding the awarding of the licence on Saturday. The committee acknowledges his commitment to fulfil his responsibility in respect of the law when it came to ensuring a fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective adjudication process.
“Tau announced that an applicant needed to demonstrate the necessary commitment to a social responsibility programme and the advancement of the historically disadvantaged,” said Masina.
He said the committee wishes to caution that whenever the final decision is made, sufficient time for hand-over must be provided to allow setup, testing and other technical work. Masina said, furthermore, any work by the ministry should minimise or limit the period, where there may not be an active operator as this would disrupt and impact negatively on good causes.
“The committee welcomes the Minister’s recognition that he has a duty to ensure that no political party or political office-bearer has any direct financial interest in the applicant or a shareholder of the applicant, which is an important aspect when considering the awarding of the National Lottery licence.
“Finally, the committee commends the Minister for acting cautiously and applying his mind on the matter. We have full confidence that the observations and input given during the Portfolio Committee’s meetings will also be taken into account without meddling in the process, especially as it relates to ‘conflict of interests’ as sharply raised on numerous occasions,” he said.
Picture: Traffic officers during roadblock/Generic
By BAKANG MOKTO
23 December 2024- Zimbabwean driver (32), who is facing two charges, briefly appeared in Brits Magistrate’s Court on Monday. This follows an attempt to bribe a North West Provincial Traffic Officer upon his arrest for an alleged drunken driving.
It is alleged that the accused tried to bribe a Traffic Officer with a R100 when arrested for drunk driving. He is allegedly one of the 941 drivers arrested for drunk driving throughout the country.
The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said about 30 drivers were arrested in the Brits CBD and surrounding areas of Mothotlung, Letlhabile and Mmakau over the weekend. Morweng said drunk driving has been identified as one of the major contributors of fatal crashes.
“As of the beginning of the festive season, the province has recorded 36 fatalities from 31 crashes. This is 7% of the 512 fatalities in the Republic for the weekend leading to Christmas.
“We appreciate the work of the North West Provincial Traffic Officers since the beginning of the festive period. The traffic officers must continue to do their work diligently and all forms of traffic violations will be severely punished on all provincial routes,” he said.
Morweng further said these crashes are causing them a lot of pain and they continue to lose beloved ones due to avoidable accidents. He added that this also costs the state millions of rands.
“We will not allow any drunken driver on our roads as this has recently been identified as one of the major contributing factors to crashes. Any contravention of any traffic statute will be met with harsh punishment.
“Anyone found behind the wheel while intoxicated will be locked up. When we activated the Provincial Road Safety Campaign with the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi a week ago, we also launched a Mobile Alcohol Evidence Centre,” said Morweng.
He said the State-of-the-Art facility was donated by the South African Breweries (SAB) and will expedite detection and processing analysis of drunk driving incidents on the provincial roads.
Picture: Temporary accommodation for homeless people/Generic
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
23 December 2024 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements, Nocks Seabi is of the considered view that the Constitutional Court Judgement that compels the City of Cape Town to provide Bromwell Street residents with temporary emergency accommodation in the inner city and as close to their current homes as possible is a reaffirmation of spatial equality and upholds the dignity of largely marginalised communities.
Seabi’s comments follow the Constitutional Court judgement delivered on Friday following an eight-year legal battle to stop the eviction until the City of Cape Town has developed a new housing programme, incorporating transitional housing.
“The judgement is important for two aspects, the fact that it entrenches the right to transitional housing on one hand and the importance of spatial justice on the other.
“The committee has always emphasised the importance of housing opportunities that are closer to economic centres to transform the spatial apartheid that marginalised mainly the poor to areas far away from city centres compelling them to spend inordinate amounts of their earnings on transport,” he said.
Seabi further said this judgement sets an important legal framework to safeguard the rights and dignity of the people.
23 December 2024- More than 1348 suspects were arrested for various crimes during the high density Operation Shanela across North West. The multi-disciplinary operations, which was conducted from 16 until 22 December 2024, focused on regular stop and searches, roadblocks, vehicle check points (VCPs), high-visibility patrols including foot patrols.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said this includes the tracing of wanted suspects, the confiscation of illegal firearms, as well as visits to liquor outlets and taverns.
Tselanyane said for the period mentioned, a total of 10 suspects were arrested for murder, 12 for robbery aggravating (armed robbery), 8 for rape, 234 for assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), 38 for burglary at business and residential premises, 79 for driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs and 113 for contravention of the Immigration Act.
“Furthermore, 35 suspects were arrested for illegal dealing in liquor and 79 for possession of drugs. Nine firearms, consisting of 5 handguns and 4 shotguns, were removed from the wrong hands and two suspects were arrested for illegal possession of firearms.
“The confiscations include among others, 652 packets of tobacco products, 81 rounds of ammunition, 712 ecstasy tablets and two suspected stolen vehicles,” he said.
Tselanyane further said high density Operation Shanela, that is inclusive of the safer festive season operations, continues to stamp the authority of the state when a significant number of suspects were brought to book.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, reiterated that the heightened police presence, especially during this time of the year, will foster a sense of trust among community members, contributing to the ongoing crime prevention strategies of Operation Shanela.
The Guardian 