30 December 2024- The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane said she strongly condemns the recent rhino poaching incident that happened at Botsalano Nature Reserve over the Christmas holidays.
Lenkopane Lenkopane further condemns the barbaric deeds by perpetrators, who allegedly shot and killed two white rhinos (bull and a cow), which were previously legally dehorned by departmental conservation personnel.
She further said the carcasses of poached rhinos were discovered by field rangers, whilst conducting their routine security operational patrols in the nature reserve. Lenkopane added that, they are well aware that poaching perpetrators are taking advantage of the festive holidays to infiltrate the reserves, but they are intensifying security to prevent this criminality from happening again.
“The investigations are well underway and we are working together with all relevant law enforcement agencies. We will leave no stone unturned in pursuit of those who have carried out these evil deeds.
“Communities around the reserves are encouraged to silently observe and alert law enforcement agencies when suspicious activities are detected as some of these criminals harbour within nearby communities either before or after such crimes are committed,” she said.
Lenkopane said the police together with the North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB) and the Environmental Management Inspectorate (EMIs), are jointly investigating the matter with the single objective of bringing suspects to book. She said her department wishes to inform the public that the escape of two rhinos at Mafikeng Nature Reserve on 25 December 2024, is a separate incident and not related to the Botsalano rhino poaching incidents.
“Escaped rhinos were successfully driven back into the reserve by staff members on 26 December 2024,” said Lenkopane.
Picture: The use of fireworks during New Year’s Eve/Generic
By BAKANG MOKOTO
30 December 2024- The police in the Northern Cape said they remain on high alert ahead of the New Year celebrations. The police said as part of the safer festive season operations with more boots on the ground, the police together with all law enforcement agencies, will ensure that the public strictly adheres to the restrictions issued with regard to the consumption of alcohol, illegal spinning and the setting off fireworks during New Year celebrations to prevent any injuries or loss of lives.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the public is reminded that the police will not tolerate nor condone any form of public drinking and disorderly behaviour during New Year celebrations. Kock said the police call on liquor operators in the province to comply with the conditions of their liquor licenses and to take responsibility for the safety of their patrons.
“The police will have a strict zero tolerance for people drinking in public. Those found drinking in public will be arrested and their liquor confiscated. Illegal spinning and drag racing is a major concern for the police, as it is dangerous and life threatening if not done within the ambit of the law.
“So, definitely will not be permitted during the New Year celebrations. Drivers will be arrested and will face the full might of the law. The use of fireworks in the country is regulated by by-laws under the Explosive Act, 1956,” he said.
Kock further said the members of the community are urged to abide by the laws and to report illegal activities to the police as fireworks can only be discharged if you have applied and received the necessary permits or license to do so. He added that the public needs to have received permits or license handle or discharge fireworks:
“Please, do not allow or permit children under the age of 16 to handle or use fireworks without adult supervision. Do not sell fireworks to children under the age of 16 years. Do not use or explode any fireworks within 500 meters of any explosive magazine, petroleum or gas depot.
“Do not use or explode any fireworks in any building or any public thoroughfare. Do not use or explode any fireworks in any public place or resort. Anyone who wishes to sell fireworks must have a valid license,” said Kock.
He said fireworks must be used in designated areas. Kock urges people to never use fireworks in crowded areas, indoors and see to it that their pets and those of the neighbours have been well secured.
“Anyone with information relating to the illegal sale or use of fireworks can report it to SAPS by calling the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or either sms anonymously to 32211 or use the MySAPS App. All information will be treated confidentially,” he said.
30 December 2024- The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the recent developments have seen a number of illegal miners known as Zama Zamas, voluntarily emerging from the disused mine shafts in Stilfontein. The police said this trend indicates that these individuals have the capability to exit the underground tunnels independently.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) spokesperson, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said the illegal miners’ delayed emergence appears to be a tactic to evade arrest by law enforcement agencies. Mosikili said contrary to claims that food underground ran out months ago, evidence suggests that the miners have had access to supplies until recently.
“Assertions that aid sent down is shared equally among miners are unverified. Government has not sanctioned any official aid deliveries to individuals engaged in illegal activities. Reports indicate that any supplies reaching the miners are controlled by underground syndicates, often leading to unequal distribution and exploitation.
“The notion that miners remain trapped solely due to police actions is misleading. SAPS has implemented measures to secure the area and prevent further illegal activities, but designated exit points have been established to allow miners to surface safely and face due legal processes,” she said.
Mosikili further said the miners possess the means to exit independently as demonstrated by those who have surfaced in recent days. She added that, government’s stance is to uphold the rule of law, thus while immediate aid is not provided to facilitate illegal activities, measures are in place to ensure the safety and humane treatment of individuals who choose to come above ground.
“Government acknowledges the presence of various narratives surrounding this issue. It is important to rely on verified information from official channels. SAPS and other government bodies are committed to transparency and will continue to provide accurate updates on the situation.
“The South African Government remains steadfast in its efforts to address illegal mining activities, which pose significant risks to both the individuals involved and the broader community,” said Mosikili.
She said Operations such as Vala Umgodi are ongoing to rehabilitate abandoned mines and prevent further unlawful exploitation. Mosikili said the government is also working to tackle the underlying socio-economic issues that contribute to illegal mining, including unemployment and lack of economic opportunities.
“We cannot allow a situation where the government is held hostage. All court directives have been complied with thus far, including the allowed food supply on a daily basis.
“SAPS has previously indicated that it is working closely with all stakeholders involved in trying to get those illegal miners extracted from underground,” she said.
Mosikili said the Stilfontein rescue operation that is being undertaken is not as easy as it seems. She said it is quite complex with the depth of the shaft playing a major role in how this operation is carried out.
“Unlike the Sabie operation, in which the shaft is 150 meters deep, the Stilfontein shaft is 2 kilometers deep to where these illegal miners allegedly are, making it a very difficult and high-risk operation to undertake.
“The rescue team has recommended that the necessary resources and expertise must be acquired. The practicality and risks involved are also being taken into account,” said Mosikili.
She said the liability involved is also a major factor. Mosikili said the police are not experts and can therefore not lead this rescue operation.
“At this stage, the mine must acquire services to conduct the rescue operation, in which costs are involved. We are in possession of a quotation that indicates that there must also be a 100% upfront payment. It should be agreed upon that the government must approach this process with due diligence and the utmost care, taking into consideration the applicable supply chain management processes involved.
“These processes must be above board in line with relevant prescripts. We urge all individuals involved in these activities to surface voluntarily and engage with law enforcement to ensure their safety and well-being,” she said.
Mosikili said the government is committed to upholding human rights and the rule of law in all its operations.
30 December 2024- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape said it will be laying a charge of crimen injuria against SABC Brand Manager, Nobuntu Mkhize. This comes after Mkhize, who was the FlySafair passenger, allegedly hurled racially offensive slurs against the coloured community.
DA Western Cape Leader Tertuis Simmers said: “We will be heading down to Bishop Lavis SAPS today to formally open the case against Mkhize.”
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) said in a statement that, it has noted with concern, audio-visual material circulating on various social media platforms featuring a staff member travelling on a South African airline. The SABC said it regrets this incident and always encourages staff members to uphold the SABC values of respect and integrity in all their interactions.
“In the video clip, this staff member mentions the SABC and states that this incident will be broadcast on SABC News. We would like to reiterate that SABC News is guided by the Editorial Code and maintains its editorial independence, and the decisions pertaining to all news items are made in the Newsroom and not influenced by non-editorial staff members.
“The SABC will use the relevant channels in line with its internal procedures to engage the staff member.”
Meanwhile, the The African National Congress (ANC) national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said they have noted with disgust and disdain the behaviour of a woman aboard a domestic flight, who acted in an unruly and unbecoming manner, while invoking the name of the ANC as if to justify her actions. Bhengu-Motsiri said the ANC categorically distances itself from such behaviour, which is contrary to the values and principles of the movement.
“Regardless of whether this individual is a member of the ANC, we unequivocally state that no person has the right to behave in such an unacceptable manner, and certainly not while misusing the good name of the ANC.
“We have initiated an investigation into her membership status. However, even if it is confirmed that she is a member, her conduct is inexcusable and deeply embarrassing,” she said.
Bhengu-Motsiri said the ANC will not allow its name to be dragged through the mud by individuals, who fail to uphold the dignity and decorum expected of all South Africans, let alone members of their organisation. She said the ANC remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of discipline and respect, and they call on all South Africans to act responsibly and in a manner that promotes unity and respect for one another.
Picture: The police in Northern Cape arrested more than 429 suspects during Operation Shanela/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
30 December 2024- More than 429 suspects were arrested during the weekly safer festive season operations such as Operation Shanela. This includes wanted suspects for crimes such as illegal possession of uncut diamonds, illicit mining, murder, rape and illegal dealing in liquor.
Others were arrested for dealing in drugs, undocumented persons, assaults, malicious damage to property, contravention of protection orders, house breaking and theft, theft out of motor vehicles and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Sergio Kock said Operation Shanela continues to enhance and strengthen efforts to curb crime as they approach the New Year celebrations. Kock said actions were executed across all five districts in the province to address priority crimes in hotspot areas.
“In total, 31 124 police actions and activities with the emphasis on high density disruptive operations were executed from 23 until 29 December 2024. These police activities included vehicle control points (VCPs), stop and searches, roadblocks, tracing of wanted suspects, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections and visits to farms and mines.
“Numerous VCPs and static roadblocks were conducted across the province on all national and secondary roads, during which 6368 vehicles were stopped and 16 988 persons were searched. Compliance inspections were executed at second-hand dealers and liquor premises. Mines, farms, formal and informal businesses were also visited,” he said.
Kock further said during the operations, the police confiscated firearms, cell phones, dangerous weapons, large volumes of alcoholic beverages, mandrax, tik, dagga and money believed to be proceeds of crime.
The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola assured the public that operations will continue unabatedly during New Year celebrations and beyond. Otola reiterated that a zero tolerance approach will be adopted.
“The abuse and misuse of alcohol will not be tolerated. Crimes committed against women and children will be vigorously policed. Authorities will be on high alert at parks, taverns, social gatherings and pleasure resorts.
“We urge communities to adhere to by-laws pertaining to the discharging of fireworks and illegal spinning as all perpetrators will face the full might of the law. Road safety will be prioritised and motorists are warned that they can expect to be detained if found transgressing the rules of the road,” said Otola.
She added that the authority of the state will be stamped down as they head into 2025.
The Guardian 