Picture: The objects placed across the road in Kraaipan village, near Mahikeng/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
6 January 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng has warned community members, who place dangerous objects on the road to expect harsh punishments for their deeds. Morweng said any act that places the lives of motorists and commuters at risk will not be tolerated.
“This comes after pictures were shared on social media of broken bottles placed across the road at the entrance of the Kraaipan village, near Mahikeng.
“Anybody who notices such cowardly acts of stupidity must inform any law enforcement agency and they will not hesitate to make a good example with the perpetrators,” he said.
Picture: illegal miner hiding between the rocks during operation Vala Umgodi/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
6 January 2025- Six suspects aged between 28 and 55, were arrested for illegal mining and contravening Section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002. The suspects were arrested on New Year’s Day in Hartbeespoortdam.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the ongoing Vala Umgodi operations in the Bojanala Platinum and Dr Kenneth Kaunda Districts, continue to achieve success. Myburgh said the suspects are from Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi.
“During the operation, items such as jack hammers, shovels, generators, gold bearing material and explosives were seized. Since 30 December 2024, until today, 12 illegal miners were placed under arrest for illegal mining, trespassing and contravention of the Immigration Act in Stilfontein.
“On Monday, six illegal miners resurfaced in Stilfontein at Margaret shaft and on 2 January 2025, four more resurfaced at Margaret Shaft and two at Buffelsfontein Shaft no 10. All mentioned suspects will appear in the Brits and Stilfontein Magistrate’s Courts respectively,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, once more commended the police for their persistent efforts in the fight against illicit mining.
Picture: Some of the suspects arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
6 January 2025- The police in Northern Cape said illegal mining and associated criminal activities were dealt a blow when members of Operation Vala Umgodi operationalised information received regarding alleged illegal mining activities and apprehended eight suspects.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said based on intelligence information received, a disruptive operation was conducted by Operation Vala Umgodi consisting of proactive and combatting teams together with Vetus Private Security in Kleinsee on 5 January 2025.
“Way-lay operations were executed at the targeted area, where police pounced on eight suspects who were allegedly actively engaged in illegal mining activities. Seven foreign nationals and one South African national aged between 18 and 55, were subsequently arrested for illegal mining, possession of suspected unpolished diamonds, trespassing and for being illegally in the country.
“The public is encouraged to report illegal mining and other related crimes to the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App,” he said.
Picture: The police attending a murder case in Vryburg/Generic
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
6 January 2025- A kidnapping and murder case against five accused, France Mohale (40), Percy Tsietsi Maifala (34), Phineas Nyeko Baloyi (19), Emmanuel Kanyo Malatji (23) and Freddy Phetole Mohale (37), was postponed until 13 January 2025, for formal bail application. The accused were remanded in custody after being arrested for alleged kidnapping and killing Lesego Klaas Makaku (26) in Hartbeespoortdam.
This comes after Makaku was accused of stealing a cellular phone at a tavern in Sangiro Informal Settlement, outside Hartbeespoortdam.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said it is alleged that, on 31 December 2024, the deceased was visiting his girlfriend when they both went to a nearby tavern for some drinks. Tselanyane said while there, Makaku was accused of stealing a cellular phone.
“Furthermore, it is alleged that he was forcefully dragged outside the tavern to the street, where he was severely beaten by a group of people. Information received was that Makaku was also dragged to the nearby dam and thrown inside.
“Only his t-shirt was found near the dam and allegedly taken by his girlfriend, who informed the deceased mother. As a result, the mother reported the incident to the police and a missing person’s report was registered,” he said.
Tselanyane further said the police then conducted preliminary investigations to search for the missing person and police divers searched the area at the dam and the body could not be found. He added the enquiries were also conducted around the area about the last people seen with the missing person.
“Subsequently, on 2 January 2025, two people of interest were taken in for questioning. During the interrogation, one of the suspects took the team of investigators to bushes near Sangiro Informal Settlement, wherein the half-naked body of the victim was found in the early stages of decomposition.
“Following the discovery of the body, police went to the shacks of three more suspects. They were also apprehended, but one suspect is still at large. Investigation into the matter continues.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng condemned the barbaric act and urged owners of taverns and licensed liquor premises, as well as their patrons, to help the police prevent crime and criminality in these public places, which are meant to promote responsible drinking in a safe, secure environment by the government. Asaneng said it is totally unacceptable and intolerable that these places are instead turning into crime hotspots and crime generators where disregard for the rule of law is the norm.
“Many incidents of murder, robberies, assaults, rapes, drunken driving are committed by patrons of some of these unfortunately licensed outlets and worryingly some are committed in full view and in the presence of owners of these establishments and in full view of other patrons, who not only fail to prevent, stop or report these serious crimes to the police.
“Community Policing Forums (CPFs), religious and community leaders are called to rise up and put a stop to this blatant, endemic criminality in the communities,” he said.
Setshwantsho: Baithuti ba ba bonweng ba iphanya ka thobalano mo setshwantshong sa motsikinyego/Screengrab
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
6 Ferikgong 2025- Lefapha la Thuto mo Bokone Bophirima le tlhalositse fa le setse le emetse pegelo e tletseng go tswa go mogokgo wa sekolo se segolwane sa Kebinelang kwa motseng wa Manthe, gaufi le Taung. Se setla morago ga setshwantsho sa motsikinyego se se tletse-tletseng mo mafaratlhatlheng a boitapoloso mo go bonagalang baithuti ba mophato wa marematlou ba iphanya ka thobalano go nngwe ya diphaphosi-borutelo.
Go begwa fa setshwantsho seo sa motsikinyego se gatisitswe ke bone baithuti bao ba le babedi ka nako ya dikampa tsa go ipaakanyetsa ditlhatlhobo tsa marematlou ka Ngwanatsele 2024. Go begwa fa lekgarebe le lekawana, ba ile ba lelekiwa kwa dikampeng tseo morago ga tiragalo e.
Sebueledi sa Lefapha La Thuto mo Bokone Bophirima, Mphata Molokwane are dikampa tsa baithuti ba marematlou di rulaganyetswa baithuti ba marematlou ba dingwaga dile 18 le go ya kwa godimo. Molokwane are diphaphosi tsa tlaleletso di diretswe baithuti ba mephato e mengwe.
“Go le gantsi, ke maikarabelo a batsadi ga mmogo le barutabana go tlhokomela baithuti le go ela tlhoko gore ba itshwara sentle. Fela, melao le melawana ya go tsamaisa sekolo (Code of Conduct) ga e tlhoke tlhaloso.
“E shupa fa moithuti o robang molao, a tla sekegwa nakwana kwa dikampeng go fitlhelela a tsenela lekgotlha-kgalemo. Fela mo ntlheng e, baithuti ba ene ele ba marematlou. Jaanong, ga nkitla ba boela sekolong,” Molokwane wa tlhalosa.
Are ka ga jalo, ga gona kgato epe e tla tsewang kgatlhanong le bone. Molokwane are fela mogokgo ga mmogo le lekgotlha-tsamaiso la sekolo, ba solofetswe go neelana ka pegelo e tletseng ya gore go diragetseng ka letsatsi leo, le gore ba tlile go dira jang gore tiragalo e, e se tlhole e direga.
Kgabagare, bontsi jwa bomme ba ba boneng setshwantsho seo sa motsikinyego fa baithuti ba, bane ba iphanya ka thobalano, ba akgotse mosimanyana o. Ba tlhalositse fa a le dithupa dintle, fela a sa itse go di dirisa.
Mongwe wa makgarebe ba ba boneng setshwantsho seo sa motsikinyego, mme a sa batle leina la gagwe le itsiwe wa tlhalosa.
“Nnyaa, tota ke nnete mosimanyana o, o dithupa di dintle fela nna o mmakaditse a tsaya metsotswana (seconds) e kwa tlase ga tlhano pele ga tsholola masole. Fela ene fa a ka tsholetsa dikausu, a ka diragatsa bontle.
“Nna ke bone ngwana wa mosetsanyana a mo gora ekare noga ya tlhware e jele pudi, jaanong fa mosinyana a tshwanetse a iteboge, ebile o setse a tsholola masole.”
Mme mongwe wa motse teng kwa motseng wa Manthe are, o tshogile tota go bona ngwana a lekana le mosimanyana o, a tsamaya ka kgolokwe ya nama e kana.
“Nnyaa, a itse megala e ya letheka ya nyena e maaka. Ga gona gore ngwana a lekana le o, a be a tsamaya ka kgolokwe ya nama e kana-kana. Tota fa ele gore ke nnete, mosimanyana o, ke kotokwe o goletse mo teng.
“Itjhooo, bana ba matsatsi a ga ba bosisi. Lekgarebe le le neng le tsenngwa kgolokwe ya nama, le ne le bontsha fa le sa utlwe sepe, ebile a e tsaya sadi fela.”
Picture: The law enforcement agencies during road block/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
6 January 2025- As festive season celebrations wind down, holidaymakers are expected to return home, thus an increase in traffic flow is expected. The police in Northern Cape urge road users to adhere to the safety precautions to ensure their safety and prevent the occurrence of traffic related accidents.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said drivers are encouraged to wear seatbelts and ensure all passengers do so too. Sam said they should follow the necessary speed limits and adjust for conditions.
“Avoid any distractions (phones, very loud music, eating, etc.) while driving. Maintain a safe following distance and use the necessary direction signals or indicators for turns and lane changes. Avoid aggressive driving and be cautious in school zones, including construction areas.
“Drive defensively and keep the vehicle well-maintained and roadworthy. Avoid driving when tired or impaired. Avoid drinking and driving or driving under the influence of drugs or medication,” he said.
Sam further said the pedestrians are urged to use designated crosswalks and follow signals. He added that they should make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
“Wear bright or reflective clothing when dark and at night. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas and use sidewalks. If none, walk facing oncoming traffic and be aware of surroundings. Cyclists are encouraged to wear the prescribed helmets.
“Use designated bicycle lanes or paths and follow traffic rules and signals. Be visible with the necessary lights and reflectors. Wear bright clothing and the motorcyclists are encouraged to wear necessary prescribed protective gear (helmet, gloves, etc),” said Sam.
He said motorcyclists should follow traffic rules and signals. Sam said they should be visible with the necessary lights and reflectors.
“Ride sober and focused. Take motorcycle safety courses. Road users should avoid using phones while driving or walking. Be cautious in adverse weather conditions. Use child safety seats and booster seats.
“Stay alert for pedestrians, cyclists, and animals. Follow traffic signs, markings and take regular breaks on long drives. Keep vehicle headlights clean and functional,” he said.
Sam said if you see something, say something. He said people should report all road accidents, reckless driving and criminality to their nearest police station or call the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or the MySAPS app.
“All information received will be treated confidentially,” he said.
6 January 2025- The police in North West said their efforts to reduce crime and remove criminal elements from the communities through the high-density, multi-disciplinary Operation Shanela, Safer Festive Season 2024/2025, continue to be impactful.
They said this was heightened when 950 suspects were apprehended for different crimes across the province from 30 December 2024 until 5 January 2025.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Sam Tselanyane said the arrested suspects included among others, 17 for murder, 22 for illegal dealing in liquor, 34 for driving under the influence of liquor and 22 for burglary at residential and business premises.
Tselanyane further said 27 suspects were arrested for malicious damage to property, 69 for possession of drugs, 4 for dealing in drugs, 7 for rape, 125 for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH) and 73 for assault common.
He added that, 46 undocumented foreign nationals were also arrested for contravention of Immigration Act, 2002 (Act 13 of 2002) and were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials.
“During these operations, police managed to confiscate 3 handguns and 24 rounds of ammunition, 89 tablets of mandrax and heroin, 94 packets of tobacco products and 5 vehicles.
“Furthermore, to curb the crimes in relation to new year celebrations, particularly non-compliance with the Explosives Act through use of fireworks and contravening the Liquor Act, 1599 fireworks and over 2000 litres of liquor were seized,” said Tselanyane.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, extended his words of appreciation to the police and other role players for the successes achieved. Asaneng reiterated that law enforcement agencies will continue to ensure that residents of the province are and feel safe at all times by squeezing the space for criminals to operate.
Picture: NTI employees protesting outside the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management offices in Mahikeng
By OBAKENG MAJE
6 January 2025- The North West Investment (NTI) workers urge the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management to ensure that they receive their salaries before the school opening. These workers had a bleak Christmas holiday after they did not receive their salaries.
According to NTI workers’ representative, Patrick Mofamadi, it has been months since they received their salaries. Mofamadi said this matter is excruciating because they are caught between the rock and a hard place.
“This has been happening for a few years. We are caught in between department and Business Rescue Practitioner (BRP). Now, the department alleged that it cannot pay the money into the BRP account. However, they requested him to do undertaking and he did exactly that.
“Now, we want to know what is left because we are suffering as workers. They should not be merciless and pay us with immediate effect. Why should we as workers be affected by court proceedings?” he asked.
Mofamadi further said the appeal can take three years and that means they will be paid after three years.
The South African Workers’ Union (SAWU), General Secretary, Lebusa Mamaregane said they are a little bit happy regarding the stance of the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management that it will resolve this matter within 10 days. Mamaragane said, however, they will only celebrate the day the money is in the accounts of the workers because this has been said numerous times.
“This is a victory not only for SAWU, but for all NTI employees who have been subjected to poverty. These workers have been here since 18 December 2024, and until today they are still here. Indeed, this is a hard pill to swallow.
“This is a situation where we know workers had hardships. It is a reality of the matter that workers have been here for many days. We do not have enough that we can offer them, but we assisted where we could,” he said.
Mamaregane said, personally, he did not enjoy his salary because he had to make sure that workers on the ground had to be fed. He said it was a strenuous process for them.
“We urge politicians and government officials not to be heartless to people they hate so much. This does not affect only workers, but also those who are vulnerable and depending on them for survival,” saids Mamaregane.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said: “The challenges facing NTI are not and have not been ignored by our department. The entity’s challenges, though going back for several years, had been compounded and exacerbated by the BRP.
“Given the financial difficulties and collapse of governance the NTI experienced, the shareholder resolved to put the entity under voluntary business rescue process in July 2022,” he said.
Morweng said the BRP was supposed to turn the entity around to make it more sustainable and generate income to pay creditors, primarily of whom are employees. He said to do this, the BRP was supposed to have developed a plan within 25 days as stipulated by the Companies Act.
“However, the BRP has since dismissed and suspended most senior managers of the entity with the Group Chief Financial Officer, CFO, being the latest. This act of impunity was not only for senior managers but since his arrival, many other employees have also been sacked.
“As a result of this, there is a vacuum at management level and the BRP’s incompetence has been exposed. Over the last 30 months, the department and the Gauteng Provincial Government have paid over R600 million to the entity without any financial accountability by the BRP,” said Morweng.
He said this amount is not inclusive of the multi-journey ticket sales and other operational revenue collected. Morweng said the department has written numerous letters to the BRP asking for accountability and all the letters went un-replied.
“Following the failure of the BRP to submit progress reports and accounts to the department, the matter of removing him was pursued through the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.
“After successfully removing him, the BRP then indicated that he will apply for a leave to appeal the High Court ruling. The department then lodged a Section 18 of the Superior Court Act application seeking an implementation of the initial order for the removal of the BRP,” he said.
He said the purpose of this Section 18 move is to ensure that the court ruling is enforced in spite of the BRP application for a leave to appeal. Morweng said it is for this reason that the posture of the department is not to transfer any money to the BRP, as previously money sent for the purpose of paying employees was prioritised for purposes unknown to the department.
“It has recently been widely reported that the North West Provincial Treasury has allocated R75 million to the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management for NTI. Let me clarify that this is incorrect. As outlined in the official Treasury allocation letter, the actual amount is R65 million.
“It should also be noted that the department has made an advance payment of over R18 600 000 to the entity in June 2024. This advance was provided to cover NTI employees’ salaries,” said Morweng.
He said this was facilitated through LabourNet as it was the only option that could be used with certainty that the salaries will be paid. Morweng said taking these factors into account, the correct available amount therefore is just above R46 379 000.
“This is because the R18m referred to earlier is refundable to the department. The department is still to receive a formal report from the NTI on the specific usage of this R18m.
“This report should include a detailed expenditure breakdown, necessary for confirmation and compliance verification. Of late, the BRP has appointed a service provider who is deducting 2% admin fee from employees, which is unlawful,” he said.
Morweng said from the payroll that was processed by the BRP service provider, a total of R223 000 was deducted from employees, who were paid in March 2024. He said the service provider which is preferred by the BRP is charging this exorbitant service fee and takes two weeks to process salaries of the employees whilst the LabourNet that was used before, to process salaries within a day.
“Some of the NTI employees have alleged that the BRP is selective in paying salaries and has been divisive in his approach. There are employees that have allegedly been paid whilst others are being made to suffer.
“The NTI is a 3-D company which must generate its own income and pay its creditors including salaries of the employees. As the company operates routes in Gauteng Province, it receives a subsidy of about R60 million every month,” said Morweng.
He said the NTI’s income from this subsidy alone should enable it to run profitably, but the BRP priorities are clearly not for the benefit of the entity. Morweng said his department is a shareholder representative of the entity and does not budget for NTI.
“Since the BRP was appointed by the NTI to turn it around, it has not produced even a single report to the department nor account to the shareholder, has refused to appear before the Portfolio Committee, and yet wants money from the government.
“Rightfully, the BRP, as the accounting officer of NTI, must respond to non-payment of the salaries of the employees. It is regrettable that the BRP has been using the desolate state of employees that he had not paid to come to Mahikeng to demonstrate,” he said.
According to Moweng, the buses that he is sending here should be operating and generating money for the entity. He said the BRP has authorised buses to ferry employees to Mahikeng, who had been here since the middle of December 2024.
“This means production at the entity was affected as both the employees and the buses were here. My appeal to all NTI employees is that they should be part of the solution to the entity and not the problem and go back to work as we are busy trying to come up with a permanent solution.
“As the caring government, we can’t leave the entity to die. Our interest as shareholders is to see the employees being paid. Our team is looking into the possibilities of making sure that this is done and within ten days we would have made sure that there is a solution to that challenge of salaries,” said Morweng.
6 January 2025- Five suspects were arrested for alleged kidnapping and murder of Lesego Klaas Makaku (26) in Hartbeespoortdam. This comes after Makaku was accused of stealing a cellular phone at a tavern in Sangiro Informal Settlement, outside Hartbeespoortdam.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said it is alleged that, on 31 December 2024, the deceased was visiting his girlfriend when they both went to a nearby tavern for some drinks. Tselanyane said while there, Makaku was accused of stealing a cellular phone.
“Furthermore, it is alleged that he was forcefully dragged outside the tavern to the street, where he was severely beaten by a group of people. Information received was that Makaku was also dragged to the nearby dam and thrown inside.
“Only his t-shirt was found near the dam and allegedly taken by his girlfriend, who informed the deceased mother. As a result, the mother reported the incident to the police and a missing person’s report was registered,” he said.
Tselanyane further said the police then conducted preliminary investigations to search for the missing person and police divers searched the area at the dam and the body could not be found. He added the enquiries were also conducted around the area about the last people seen with the missing person.
“Subsequently, on 2 January 2025, two people of interest were taken in for questioning. During the interrogation, one of the suspects took the team of investigators to bushes near Sangiro Informal Settlement, wherein the half-naked body of the victim was found in the early stages of decomposition.
“Following the discovery of the body, police went to the shacks of three more suspects. They were also apprehended, but one suspect is still at large. All suspects aged between 19 and 40, are expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 6 January 2025, on charges of kidnapping and murder. Investigation into the matter continues.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng condemned the barbaric act and urged owners of taverns and licensed liquor premises, as well as their patrons, to help the police prevent crime and criminality in these public places, which are meant to promote responsible drinking in a safe, secure environment by the government. Asaneng said it is totally unacceptable and intolerable that these places are instead turning into crime hotspots and crime generators where disregard for the rule of law is the norm.
“Many incidents of murder, robberies, assaults, rapes, drunken driving are committed by patrons of some of these unfortunately licensed outlets and worryingly some are committed in full view and in the presence of owners of these establishments and in full view of other patrons, who not only fail to prevent, stop or report these serious crimes to the police.
“Community Policing Forums (CPFs), religious and community leaders are called to rise up and put a stop to this blatant, endemic criminality in the communities,” he said.
Picture: Some of items confiscated during operations/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
6 January 2025- The police in Northern Cape said safer festive season operations will continue unabated. The police said as the festive season celebrations wind down, they will continue to squeeze the space for criminals to operate.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said during week long disruptive actions across all five districts in the province, a total of 230 suspects were arrested for crimes including murder, attempted murder, rape, assault GBH, dealing in drugs, possession of drugs and illegal dealing in liquor.
Ehlers said a zero tolerance approach by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in collaboration with other government departments and law enforcement agencies to address priority crimes resulted in these arrests and confiscation of drugs, alcohol, dangerous weapons and money believed to be the proceeds of crime.
“In Kakamas, two suspects were arrested after dagga with an estimated value of R31 500, was found in their possession. Disruptive actions included roadblocks, vehicle check points, high visibility patrols, and stop and search actions, which resulted in the search of 8 993 persons and 4442 vehicles.
“A total of 13 arrests were executed for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Compliance inspections were conducted at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, and recyclers. This led to the closure of 20 unlicensed liquor outlets,” she said.
Ehlers further said traffic flow is expected to increase as holidaymakers return home. She added that hence, the police urge all motorists to adhere to road traffic rules and to practice road safety at all times.
“Communities are encouraged to share valuable information and to continue aiding the police by reporting incidents via the MySAPS app or 08600 10111,” said Ehlers.
The Guardian 