25 December 2024- The girl who was knocked and killed by a vehicle, while allegedly trying to cross the road near Shell Ultra in Kimberly on 21 December 2024, at around 5am, was identified. This comes after the police requested the public to assist in identifying the deceased.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said on Tuesday,
The deceased who was light in complexion, black hair, about 1.6 meters tall, medium build and dressed in a pair of blue jeans, blue top and white Crocs, was positively identified as Innez Murial Prince (17).
“She is a resident from Roodepan, Kimberley. She was knocked over by a VW Transporter and died on the scene. The grey VW was traveling with six occupants and all escaped the accident unscathed,” he said.
Picture: The Deputy Minister of Police, Polly Boshielo
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
24 December 2024- The Deputy Minister of Police, Polly Boshielo, who is also a Member of Parliament (MP), will on Saturday, be joined by both the national and provincial management of the South African Police Service (SAPS) to support and assess the implementation of the 2024/2025 annual Safer Festive Season Operation Shanela in the Bojanala District.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the objective of the ministerial visit is to support the South African Police Service (SAPS) in improving the performance in dealing with the root causes of crime.
“This includes fighting against crime and corruption in relation to the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster outcome. This is to ensure that all people in South Africa are and feel safe.
“The community will be given a platform to discuss
and engage with Boshielo and SAPS on solutions and interventions to address their crime-related concerns,” she said.
Myburgh further said the event will take place at 10111 Centre, Phokeng on Saturday at 8:30am.
Picture: Team North West during National School Sports Championships/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
24 December 2024- Team North West was amongst young sports men and women who showcased their talent and ability during the National School Sports Championships that was held at Pretoria from 13 until 17 November 2024. Despite the slow start that Team North West displayed on day one of the games, their competitive spirits came out guns blazing in the coming days of the games.
The Chief Director of Sports and Recreation at the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, George Marindi said it is evident on the number of games the teams triumphant over. Marindi said the Team North West may have received the overall position 4, but their dedication, passion and resilience on the field was nothing short of amazing.
“These young boys and girls are role models, who inspire other kids to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle within communities and schools they come from.
“The department is proud of the efforts, skills and comradery displayed during the championships. We urge our communities to celebrate their achievements with them as well,” he said.
North West was amongst eight provinces that participated in the National championships.
Meanwhile, the acting Deputy Director General for National Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, Tebogo Thebehae also expressed his gratitude for the attendance.
“We have a total of 1400 learners from across the country to participate in these games. We have seen great talent displayed, fairness, equality and consistency in scoring.
“Future Olympians are amongst us here in these games who will fly the South African Flag high. I would like to encourage them to work very hard and ensure that they work harder than before with dedication and discipline,” said Thebehae.
He further said the sporting codes such as volleyball, abled and wheelchair basketball, abled and wheelchair tennis, table tennis, rugby, goal ball, soft ball, were in full display. Thebehae added that softball ladies from North West, who made it to the SA squad are Carla Maree and Miela Sittert.
“The softball boys also got a call to play for the national squad namely, Franco Steyn, Thabo Mangati, and Themba Molebatsi. Reotshepile Ditlhake and Olerato Malatsi were selected to join basketball SA U/15 team.
“One boy and one girl from North West, were also selected to join Wheelchair Basketball National team. Provinces standings announced during the 2024 National School Sport Championships closing ceremony were as follows:
8th Position- Northern Cape
7th Position- Eastern Cape
6th Position- Mpumalanga
6th Position- Free State
5th Position- Limpopo
4th Position- North West: 3 bronze, 2 Silvers and 1 Gold. 3rd Position- Western Cape: 5 Bronze,3 Silvers and 2 Gold.
Picture: The community members submit memorandum of demand at Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
24 December 2024- The community of Christiana said poor service delivery in their area is one of the contributing factors to ongoing socio-economic challenges they are subjected to. The community members embarked on a peaceful march and handed over their memorandum of demand to the Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality on Monday.
According to one of the community leaders, Matshidiso Yanda, they have been confronted with continuous lack of basic needs and this forced the community to bear the brunt. Yanda said most of their community members live beyond the poverty line and lack of service delivery worsen the situation.
“As the concerned community members, we demand urgent improvement of basic services. We, the undersigned members of the community, submit this memorandum to express our deep concerns and dissatisfaction with the inadequate provision of essential services, particularly water and electricity within our community.
“These shortcomings have caused significant hardships, disrupted livelihoods, and undermined our basic human rights as enshrined in the constitution of South Africa,” she said.
Yanda further said the key issues are irregular water supply, frequent water cuts without prior notice. She added that there are allegations that, municipality provides poor water quality with reports of contamination.
“Inadequate maintenance of water infrastructure also leads to leaks and wastage of water. Another challenge is an unreliable electricity supply, regular power outages in Geluksoord and all its sections beyond the national load-shedding schedule,” said Yanda.
She said there is a failure to repair or upgrade aging electrical infrastructure and demand water services. Yanda said they demand immediate implementation of a reliable water supply schedule to ensure residents have access to water daily.
“Conduct routine quality testing of water to ensure compliance with health standards. Repair and upgrade water infrastructure to ensure compliance with sufficient supply.
“The municipality should expedite the full restoration and function of electricity in all sections of Geluksoord without any interruption. Ensure repairs and maintenance of electrical infrastructure outages,” she said.
Yanda said they demand a candid and honest report as to what is the impediment in the efficient supply of electricity in the above-mentioned sections. She urged the municipality to host regular community meetings to update residents on progress and plans regarding service delivery.
“Establish a dedicated hotline for reporting and resolving service issues promptly. Publish detailed reports on the municipal budget allocated for water and electricity.
“We request that the municipality provide a detailed response to this memorandum including a concrete action plan within a space of three days. Failure to address our concerns will leave us with no choice, but to escalate this matter through lawful and peaceful means,” she said.
Yanda said access to clean water and electricity is not a privilege, but a basic right. She urged the municipality to act with urgency and responsibility to restore these essential services and uphold the dignity of their community.
Meanwhile, a Manager of Community Services at Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality, Serame Lesie said: “We have accepted and acknowledged the memorandum of the community. Indeed, we will respond accordingly in three day- time.”
Picture: A crime scene, where a man is accused of killing his mother in Shaleng village, near Taung
By REGINALD KANYANE
24 December 2024- The police in Northern Cape said the policing of contact crimes remains a priority for them, especially during the festive season period. The police said against this backdrop, communities are urged to adhere to and implement the following safety hints to prevent falling victim to contact crimes during the holidays and beyond.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock urged community members to stay alert – awareness is their best defence. Kock said taking self-defence lessons is a valuable option.
“Always leave venues with friends wherever possible. Never go to the bathroom alone, always use a buddy system at public venues. Never accept drinks or lifts from strangers. Always stay in well-lit areas and never walk alone in secluded areas.
“Travel as if you know where you are going. Take the most direct route and try to stay within areas where other people are around. Trust your instincts – if you think something is wrong then act on it,” he said.
Kock further said people should avoid flashing valuable items as it attracts criminals for robbery and sexual assault. He added that people should have their keys available when they reach their home or car.
“Keep money for transport and plan in advance – the expense is worth it. Carry a personal alarm and use it when necessary. If you are a victim- get help immediately. Make as much noise as you can to alert people when you are in trouble. If you have been attacked, do not shower or change your clothes as it may destroy evidence.
“Always give the police all the details you have about the area and suspect if you are a victim of contact crimes. If you have had your keys taken, robbed or lost, ensure you change the locks. Drink responsibly and refrain from excessive alcohol consumption– you need to give a clear account of what happened,” said Kock.
He said people should never leave their drink unattended as it could be tampered with, leaving you a victim of date rape. Kock said people should stay alert and safe.
“Do not physically intervene in fights – you could get hurt yourself, rather call the police. If it is safe to do so, take a photograph or video on your mobile phone. Remember, the police are likely to need your phone as evidence.
“Record details of times, number plates, descriptions and so on. If you do not have a pen with you, leave a voicemail message on your mobile phone or write a draft text message. Immediately get out of any abusive relationship and contact family or police,” he said.
Kock said people should always have an emergency contact on speed dial. He said they should call their nearest police station or 10111 when they find themselves in a dangerous situation.
“Call Stop Gender Violence Helpline 0800 150 150 or report GBVF crime to the MySAPS app,” said Kock.
24 December 2024- On 13 September 2024, the Republic of South Africa President, Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act. Ramaphosa said this Act is vital to the transformation of the education system in the country.
He further said the Act is an important part of ongoing efforts to build an education system that is more effective and more equitable in line with the precepts of the constitution. Ramaphosa added that the BELA Act continues the work that has been done over the last 30 years to ensure that all children have equal access to quality education – from their early years and throughout their schooling.
“As a democratic country committed to building a new society, we have stated unequivocally that all children must get an education that prepares them to succeed in life, no matter what the circumstances of their birth might be, no matter where they live, no matter what language they speak.
“In implementing this Act, we are all ultimately guided by the constitution. The Bill of Rights guarantees the right of every person to equality. It guarantees the right of every person to receive a basic education,” he said.
Ramaphosa said importantly, the constitution says that every person has the right to receive education in the official language or languages of their choice, where reasonably practicable. He said this is a right that applies equally to an English-speaker as it does a Zulu-speaker.
“It applies equally to someone who speaks Afrikaans as it does to someone who speaks Xitsonga, Sesotho, Sepedi, isiXhosa, Setswana, Tshivenda, isiNdebele or siSwati. And now, it also applies equally to someone who uses the South African Sign Language.
“The Basic Education Laws Amendment Act enacts measures that strengthen the ability of our schools to give effect to these Constitutional rights. In the application of this law, we must ensure that no language is diminished,” said Ramaphosa.
He said rather, they must work to ensure that all official languages are valued and promoted. Ramaphosa said at the time that he assented to the BELA Bill, he noted that a number of parties to the Government of National Unity (GNU), and other key role players in the country had expressed their wish to further engage each other on sections of the bill that deal with issues of admission and language.
“I said that whilst I had assented to the Bill, in the spirit of cooperation and meaningful engagement, I would delay the implementation date of the BELA Act in totality by three months. This would give the parties time to deliberate on these issues and make proposals on how the divergent views may be accommodated.
“I also said should the parties not agree on an approach at the end of the three-month period, I would then direct the Minister and the Department to proceed with the implementation of the Act. Over the last three months, discussions have been held with a view of reaching consensus on these outstanding clauses of the BELA Act,” he said.
Ramaphosa said various formations outside of government have also made representations, both for and against the relevant sections. He said last week, he received a report from the GNU ‘clearing house’ mechanism.
“This is the structure which brings together the parties to the GNU and other parties represented in Parliament to deal with contentious issues and thereafter report to the leaders of the political parties represented in the GNU.
“In their final report, the parties agreed that the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act should not be sent back to Parliament to make changes to the sections that were in contention,” said Ramaphosa.
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.
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