Monthly Archives: December 2024

More than 460 suspects nabbed for various crimes

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Picture: Police conducting stop and search during Operation Shanela/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

23 December 2024- More 460 suspects including wanted suspects were apprehended during Operation Shanela. The suspects were arrested for various offences during a tracing operation by the detectives.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the suspects were arrested for various crimes ranging from murder, shoplifting, assault on police members and assault with the intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH).

Kock said this includes attempted murder, assault common, undocumented immigrants, possession of suspected stolen property, theft, copper cable, dealing in drugs, possession of drugs and malicious damage to property. He further said others were arrested for burglary residential, burglary business, driving under the influence of drugs, illegal dealing in liquor theft and warrant of arrest.

“Operation Shanela, the multi-disciplinary, intelligence driven high density crime prevention and combating operation has an enormous impact in stabilising and fighting crime in all five districts of the province.

“The high density operations commenced on 16 until 22 December 2024, across the province and executed 26056 actions such as regular stop and searches, vehicle check points, roadblocks, cordon and searches, high visibility patrols including foot patrols.

“The police also traced wanted suspects with a focus on the apprehension of murder and rape suspects, compliance inspections at liquor outlets’ businesses and second hands goods dealers,” said Kock.

He added that the following operational actions and successes were recorded across the five districts. Kock said multiple vehicle check points and roadblocks were conducted during which 6881 vehicles and 13147 persons were stopped and searched.

“Numerous disruptive actions included police stop and search actions, blue light high visibility patrols and several compliance inspections were conducted at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, shebeens, taverns, liquor outlets and businesses,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, thanked the police for their efforts in the reduction of all categories of crime and commended District Commissioners, Senior Management, external law enforcement agencies and stakeholders including the community policing forum structures in leading and participating in the Shanela Operations during the festive season.

“We praise you for robustly combating crime by discouraging criminal activities and by reassuring our communities that their safety is of paramount importance during the Festive Season and beyond.

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‘More boots on the ground during festive season’

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Picture: Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

23 December 2024- The police in Northern Cape said there will be more boots on the ground during the festive season. This comes after newly recruited constables were drafted to reinforce the capacity of ground forces.

According to the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, law enforcement will be supported by Community Police Structures (CPS), reservists and other relevant external role players.

Otola said priority crimes, including all contact crimes, residential and business robberies, damage or tampering of essential infrastructure, crimes against women and children, as well as drug and alcohol related crimes and road safety will be vigorously policed.

“We re-assure the communities of the Northern Cape that the police are ready to protect and serve this festive season with a zero tolerance approach toward criminal elements within the province.

“Detectives will be out in full force to trace and apprehend wanted suspects who have been evading the law. We reiterate that alcohol and substance abuse will not be tolerated as this leads to the commission of serious and violent crimes,” she said.

Otola further encouraged motorists and pedestrians to practice road safety precautions to ensure that all road users are safe and minimise the occurrence of fatalities and serious road accidents.

She added that disruptive actions, such as roadblocks and vehicle check points will also focus on the prevention of drinking and driving.

“Specialized units such as the Search and Rescue Unit will be available to police areas with bodies of water, such as dams and rivers, throughout the province.

“Residents and visitors to the Northern Cape, who enjoy the hot climate, are encouraged to practice water safety and to be cautious at all times. Do not go swimming alone or when under the influence of alcohol,” said Otola.

She urged parents to be aware of the whereabouts of their children at all times. Otola said home owners are also encouraged to safeguard their property when they are away on holiday.

“Shoppers are also urged to be alert and vigilant in busy shopping centres. Do not carry large amounts of cash, pay with a debit or credit card whenever possible.

“Do not get overburdened with shopping bags, always keep one hand free. We commend the community for their invaluable contributions by providing essential information that leads to the arrest of perpetrators,” she said.

Otola urged the community to be the eyes and ears of the police and to report criminality to the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or via MY SAPS app. She said all information will be treated confidentially.

“We hereby wish all visitors and inhabitants of the Northern Cape a safe and secure festive season and beyond,” said Otola.

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A man sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for killing his partner

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

18 December 2024- A man (35) was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the Calvinia Regional Court for killing his partner. Gerald Watts (35) was arrested after the police attended a murder scene at a farm in Oorlogkloof on 8 March 2024.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said: “The police found the deceased, Candy Kotze (30), lying in a pool of blood and the accused was subsequently arrested and charged with murder.

“Watts was also declared unfit to possess firearms.”

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, said they welcome the sentence handed down to the accused. Otola, praised the Investigation Officer Detective Sergeant Samuel Mapedi for ensuring that GBVF crimes are dealt with harshly during and beyond the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.

“The conviction is as a result of strengthened partnerships between investigators and prosecutors. We pledge the commitment of law enforcement in ensuring the safety and protection of all vulnerable groups during the festive season and beyond,” she said.

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Govt extends deadline for registration of spaza shops  

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Picture: Spaza shops being inspected/Generic 

By OBAKENG MAJE

18 December 2024- As many spaza shop owners grappled with registration, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa announced the extension of the deadline for registration of spaza shops and other food handling outlets.

Hlabisa provided an update regarding the government’s work in implementing the action plan to address the challenges arising from food-borne illnesses.

“In the address to the nation on 15 November 2024, following the deaths of children due to food-borne illnesses, amongst measures adopted by the government, President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined a key compliance intervention on the regulation of spaza shops.

“Ramaphosa directed that all spaza shops and other food handling facilities must be registered within the municipalities in which they operate within 21 days from the date of his address and that any shop that is not registered within 21 days and does not meet all health standards and requirements is closed,” he said.

Hlabisa further said the 21-day period directed by Ramaphosa for registering all spaza shops and other food handling outlets ended yesterday. He added that the government still needs to do more work to ensure that the sector is properly regulated and adheres to health regulations.

“The government understands the concerns raised by some stakeholders regarding the registration deadline for spaza shops. However, it must be noted that the initial deadline was set to address the urgent need to ensure compliance with health and safety standards following the tragic incidents of food-borne illnesses. 

“Registration ensures that all spaza shops meet minimum standards, regardless of their past operations. In considering whether or not to extend the registration deadline, the government considers its commitment to supporting small businesses, prioritising health and safety, ensuring inclusivity and fairness, and maintaining its integrity,” said Hlabisa.

He said the municipal processes of adopting and adapting the by-laws as gazetted him on 7 November 2024, are highly regulated and need a lot of consultation to complete. Hlabisa said nevertheless, a lot of work was done over the 21 days of registration period.

“In consultation with the President, therefore, the government has resolved to extend the registration deadline for all spaza shops and other food-handling outlets to 28 February 2025.

“Prior to the revised deadline of 28 February 2025, the government in all its spheres will continue to implement the action plan to address the crisis of foodborne illnesses and the illicit trade of goods across the country. Those who have registered their businesses and have duly received their acknowledgement of registration still need to undertake a further process to obtain their trading licenses,” he said.

Hlabisa said for this process, Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) and other regulatory authorities will still inspect owners of registered food-related trading businesses to ensure that their businesses are eligible to trade.

He said notwithstanding the holiday scaling down of operations, municipalities must still reserve capacity to assist those who will be registering.

“We also urge business owners to continue with their registration process within their respective municipalities and not wait until the next registration deadline,” said Hlabisa.

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Six illegal miners resurfaced at disused Stilfontein mine

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Picture: Six illegal miners resurfaced at disused Stilfontein mine

By REGINALD KANYANE

18 December 2024 – A total of six illegal miners were placed under arrest today, for illegal mining, trespassing and contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002. This comes after four illegal miners resurfaced at Margaret Shaft and the other two were pulled out at Buffels Shaft No. 11.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said they comprise three Lesotho, two Zimbabwe and one Mozambique undocumented foreign nationals. Mokgwabone said in addition to the stipulated charges, one of the suspects will be charged for possession of gold bearing material.

“All of them are still being processed. The Vala Umgodi operations continue in the province,” he said.

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Suspects nabbed for being in possession of drugs and dangerous weapons

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Picture: Police during Operation Vala Umgodi/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

18 December 2024- Two suspects aged 33 and 34, were arrested for possession of dangerous weapons and suspected stolen property. This comes after the police from Frances Baard District received intelligence-driven information about two wanted suspects who were hiding at Samaria Informal Settlement, situated near the mining areas.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the joint multi-disciplinary teams of Operation Vala Umgodi in the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts will continue dismantle illicit mining activities and other related crimes.

Shemane further said the police also conducted patrols around the mining hotspot areas and arrested two undocumented persons aged 26 and 42.

“Additional intelligence-driven information regarding drugs being sold at an identified premises in Santa Zone, Galeshewe, was operationalised. The identified premises was searched, and four suspects were found in possession of drugs.

“The four suspects aged between 27 and 34, included a woman, were arrested for possession of suspected drugs,” he said.

Shemane added that the police confiscated drugs and money believed to be the proceeds of crime.

“In Kleinzee, members were conducting disruptive operations at Buffel Bank and Nuttabooi when three suspects aged 29, 43 and 46, were arrested for illegal mining and for being illegally in the country after they failed to produce documentation that allowed them to be in the country.

“The police confiscated wooden frame sieves, generators, jack hammer with drills, electric cords, and an okapi knife found in the possession of the suspects,” said Shemane.

He said Operation Vala Umgodi multi-disciplinary teams remain committed in eradicating and intensifying efforts in eliminating illicit mining activities and other related crimes in Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts. Shemane said information related to criminal activities can be reported via the MySAPS App or 08600 10111.

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Three nabbed for business robbery

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Picture: Three suspects nabbed for business robbery/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

18 December 2024- Three suspects aged 24, 30 and 36, were arrested by the police in Barkly West for alleged business robbery Pniel on Tuesday. It is alleged that the suspects entered the shop, robbed the owner a speed point machine and fled the scene in a maroon Toyota vehicle.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the Barkly West Crime Prevention Unit assisted by the Kimberley Flying Squad, were activated and cornered the vehicle at Lorato Park in Roodepan.

“All three suspects were subsequently arrested with the stolen item. It is believed that the suspects are targeting tuckshops to steal speed points and utilise them in criminality.

“The suspects will appear in the Barkly West Magistrate’s Court soon,” said Sam.

Meanwhile, the Frances Baard District Commissioner, Major General Gabathata Makgari, praised the team for the swift response and ensuring perpetrators of business related crimes are brought to book.

Makgari said the public is encouraged to rate the police efforts in fighting crime by participating in the “RATE OUR SERVICE” online survey to assist the police in improving services and to report criminal activities via the MySAPS App or 08600 10111.

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Madi a feta R1m a ‘nyeletse’ kwa sekolong sa Motswedi Thuto  

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Setshwantsho: Sekolo se se potlana sa Motswedi Thuto  

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

18 Sedimonthole 2024- Lekgotlha-tsamaiso la sekolo se se potlana sa Motswedi Thuto, gaufi le motse wa Magogong, mono Taung, le ikuela go Lefapha La Thuto kwa Kapa Bokone, go ka batlisisa botsukunape kwa sekolong.

Se se tla morago ga ditatofatso tsa gore madi a sekolo a lekanyediwang go feta milione a nyelele, mme go sa itsiwe gore a ile kae.

Modulasetilo wa lekgotlha-tsamaiso la sekolo, Kealeboga Sebe, o latofatsa mogokgo, Victor Nkukane, ga mmogo le tlelaka ya sekolo, Connie Monnahela ka go nna bofitlha. Sebe are ba lobaka ba ikuela go botsamaisi jwa sekolo go ka ba neela dikarabo, fela maiteko a bone a iteile sefololetsa.

“Re itemogetse matsapa a le mantsi kwa sekolong jaaka go latlhegelwa ke madi. Ka di 24 Phukwi 2024, re ne ra tsenela kopano ya sekolo jaaka lekgotlha-tsamaiso, ga mmogo le botsamaisi.

“Mme kwa kopanong eo, re ile ra itsisiwe fa madi a sekolo ene ele R1 370 000.00. Fela re ile ra makadiwa ke gore fa dikolo di bulwa, re ile ra itsisiwe fa go setse R135 000.00,” Sebe wa tlhalosa.

Sebe are ba ile ba leka go botsa botsamaisi jwa sekolo gore madi ao a ile kae, fela ga ba ka ba bona dikarabo. Sebe are se ba se tlhaloganyang ke gore, madi a sekolo ga a tswe fa dikolo di tswadilwe.  

“Se se botlhoko ke gore kgwedi le kgwedi go tswa madi a kanang ka R2000 mo polokelong ya sekolo, mme ga re itse gore a ya kae. Ke tlhaloganya gore jaaka lekgotlha-taolo la sekolo, modulasetilo ga mmogo le motshwara-matlotlo, ke bone ba ba tshwanetseng go ka dira ka letlole la sekolo.

“Fela go fitlha ga jaana, botsamaisi jwa sekolo ga bo botla gore re itsise sepe ka letlole leo. Bonyenyane jo re bo fitlhelelang ke go goga setlankana sa dichelete (statement) fela,” Sebe wa tlhalosa.

Are ga ba letlelelwa go ka nna karolo ya setlhopa se se tsayang ditshwetso mo tirisong ya madi kwa sekolo. Gape Sebe are, gona le madi a ntshiwang mme go begwe fa ele a go feba baithuti.

“Mo bekeng ba kgona go ntsha madi a kanang ka R48 000. Seo se bakile kgotlhang magareng ga lekgotlha-taolo le botsamaisi jwa sekolo. Gape, bothata jo re bo itemogetseng ke gore, botsamaisi jwa sekolo bo setse bo dirisa maina a maloko a maloba a lekgotlha-taolo la sekolo a aneng a tlhopiwa ka 2015, le ba sa tlhole ele maloko.

“Batho bao kgale ba ne ba tswa mo ditilong tseo. Fela re tlile go lwantsha botsukunape jo bo diragalang kwa sekolong. Re kgona go tsena kopano le botsamaisi, mme re dumalane, fela o tla be o bona ba setse ba fetogile mme ba itirele fele jaaka ba batla,” Sebe wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa Lefapha La Thuto kwa Kapa Bokone, Geoffrey van de Merwe are, lefapha le boloditse dipatlisiso mo kgannyeng e.

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Stock-theft remains stubbornly high in Taung and Pudimoe

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Picture: Some if cattle allegedly stolen/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

18 December 2024- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said he is disturbed by the pattern of some of 85 police stations in North West, consistently appearing in the the Top 30 reporting crimes in the country. However, Morweng said, he is pleased to note a significant 4.3% drop of sexual offences, but it was equally depressing to note an incredible 20.3% increase of murder cases.

He further said from July to September 2024 reporting period, the picture has improved slightly due to intensive and incessant work by the police. Morweng added that even with that, it is worrying that there are still areas where crime remains unacceptably high as indicated in the percentage reduction of the 17 community reported crimes, which only decreased by a mere 3.3%. 

“Contact crimes which generally are a challenge were reduced by 1.7% and this is due to the nominal increases of some crimes, such as murder which increased by 4.2%, attempted murder by 8.2% and common robbery by 5.7%.

“The reason why there appears to be an exponential increase in multiple murder, is due to the fact that each case has a separate docket and is treated as one. For the reporting period of July to September 2024, there had been 13 incidents of multiple murders recorded,” said Morweng.

He said in one incident, 8 people were killed and in another, 5 people were murdered and 3 in the other incident. Morweng said the other 10 incidents had two people murdered in each.

“In total, 31 people were killed in these 13 multiple murder incidents. It is worth noting that sexual offences were reduced by 3.5% and this is despite the challenges that are associated with the prevention of this crime.

“Sexual offence incidents often occur in private residences or where the victims and perpetrators are in some kind of a relationship or are known to each other,” he said.

Morweng said for the period under review, reported rape cases were reduced by 2.9%. He said out of the 539 reported cases 270, which is 50% of the cases, occurred at residences, either of the victim or the perpetrator.

“In an attempt to address these types of crime, multidisciplinary social crime prevention programmes have been initiated, which include encouraging victims of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F) to speak up.

“Crimes against women and children remains the priority of the police as part of the government GBVF implementation plan. For this reporting period, fewer incidents of murder of children were recorded while incidents of murder of women remain comparatively high,” said Morweng.

He said this is a further testament of the moral deprivation that permeates the family values and social fabric. Morweg said this unfortunately is against the objectives of the National Development Plan (NDP), which emphasizes that all people including women and children are equal and free like everybody else to live their lives unimpeded.

“Police alone will not be able to address this phenomenon but we need to restore our family values which focuses on respecting people irrespective of religious, gender or any other differences between us as human beings.

“Impressively stock theft has decreased by 6.1% though there are some areas where this crime is still stubbornly high. Taung and Pudimoe, both in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, remain the province’s problematic areas with both stations ranked number 7 and 23 respectively in the country,” he said. 

Morweng said they have recorded a remarkable 16.4% of crimes detected and prevented as a result of police action. He said the target for police detection of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition was however not met.

“This remains a challenge especially because many of the reported serious and violent crimes such as robbery aggravated and murder are committed with firearms.

“It is important for police intelligence and the community including community policing forums to work together to reduce the prevalence of illegal firearms,” said Morweng.

He said there are a variety of factors that contribute to the high levels of crime. Morweng said these factors which require a multi-disciplinary approach, include proliferation of illegal firearms and dangerous weapons.

“The other socio-economic factor is the expansion of informal settlements with spatial development by municipalities.

“The other problem which exacerbates informal settlement is the influx of undocumented persons. For instance, the North West does not share borders with Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Lesotho,” he said.

Morweng said, but curiously, some arrested suspects of the murder, damage to infrastructure, illegal mining and stock theft are by undocumented nationals from these countries.

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Kgetsi ya go kgweetsa botlhatshwa e butswe morago ga go thulana ga dijanaga

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Setshwantsho: Dijanaga di thulane kwa toropong ya Taung

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

18 Sedimonthole 2024- Sepodisi sa Taung se kaile fa se butse kgetsi ya go kgweetsa botlhatshwa. Se se tla morago ga gore dijanaga di le pedi tse di neng di lebile ntlheng tse di farologaneng, di thulane kwa toropong ya Taung ka la Tshipi.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Sarasanta Typhosa van Rooyen are, dijanaga tse, di ne tsa chika ka gagwe, mme tsa thulana. Van Rooyen are, bakgweetsi ba ile ba leka ka natla go efoga kotsi, fela maloba ene ele maabane.

“Kotsi e, e ile ya tlogela lekgarebe la dingwaga di le 26 yo eneng ele mopalami mo sejanageng sa Hyundai ka dikgobalo tse di masisi, fa bakgweetsi ka bobedi ba dijanaga (27), ba tlogetswe ka dikgobalo tse di botlhofu.

“Ga gona ope o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana, mme mogobadi o ile a potlakisetswa kwa bookelong go bona thuso ya potlako,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.  

Kgabagare, dipego tse di sa totobalang, di kaile fa banna ba, ba ne ba iphetotse bo ramabelo ba dijanaga, Michael Schumacher ebile ba le mo kgaisanong.

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