Picture: The accused, Ziyahd Hoorzook in court/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
10 January 2025- A terror financing case against the accused, Ziyahd Hoorzook (35), has been postponed by the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court until 15 January 2025, for further bail application. Hoorzook is facing multiple charges under the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act 33 of 2004 (POCDATARA), including six alternative counts for contravening Section 4(1)(f)(ii) of the Act.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said additional charges include contravening the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act 15 of 1998 and the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 for failing to secure firearms in the prescribed manner.
“During court proceedings, it emerged that on 30 November 2017, Hoorzook allegedly transferred R11,500 in cryptocurrency to a Bitcoin account. Investigations revealed that this transaction was linked to foreign military assistance provided to an organisation alleged to be involved in terrorist activities.
“On 3 October 2024, the police searched his residence, where they discovered two licensed firearms that were not secured in a safe as required by law. Hoorzook was subsequently arrested on 3 January 2025 and has remained in custody since,” said Gunya.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended the collaboration between the NPA and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI), that culminated in the accused’s court appearance.
10 January 2025- A man (27) who is a parolee was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment by the Nigel Magistrate’s Court for rape. Sphiwe Isaac Makula from Duduza, raped a woman (19).
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said the court ordered that Makula be declared unfit to possess a firearm and that his name be added to the national register for sexual offenders.
“In the early hours of 11 March 2022, the victim was walking back home from a friend’s place in Duduza, Makula approached her, grabbed, and took her to the nearby bushes where he proceeded to rape her.
“After he fled the scene, the victim received a lift on the street and was taken to the police station, where she reported the matter to the police. After investigations by the police, Makula was arrested on 24 November 2022, at his residence and has been in custody since,” she said.
Mahanjana said during the trial, Makula pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him. She further said, however, the state was able to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
“During the sentencing proceeding through his legal representative, Makula asked the court to consider the two years he spent in prison awaiting the finalization of the trial when imposing a sentence. However, state prosecutor Phumulani Nkalanga argued that Makula was not a first-time offender as he committed the offence while on parole for a similar offence that he was convicted of in 2011.
“Furthermore, he asked the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence, arguing that the seriousness of the crime, coupled with no compelling and substantial circumstances, warranted no lesser punishment,” said Mahanjana.
She said the NPA welcomed the sentence handed down and remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of victims, as well as holding offenders accountable for their actions.
Meanwhile, when handing down the sentence, Magistrate Juan Voogt, agreed with the state and said that Makula could not be rehabilitated because he was previously convicted of a similar offence. Voogt said Makula is a danger to society, especially women therefore it is in the interest of justice to remove him from society.
“I found no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentence,” he said.
Picture: The legendary musician, Victor “Doc Shebeleza” Bogopane
By OBAKENG MAJE
10 January 2025- The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie said the passing of the legendary Kwaito artist, Victor “Doc Shebeleza” Bogopane on Thursday at the age of 51, represents a significant loss for South Africa and the entire music industry.
McKenzie said born in 1973 in Soweto, Doc Shebeleza grew up in a family that valued cultural expression. From an early age, he was exposed to diverse musical influences, from kwaito to traditional South African music, which would later shape his artistic journey.
“In 1995, he released his debut album, Shebeleza, which featured the iconic hit Ghets Ghetsa. This success was followed by the album S’kumfete, which included another hit track of the same name.
“Over the years, he cemented his legacy with three more albums, Tiger (1997), Ebumnandini (2000), and Jiva Yoyo (2001). In recognition of his contributions to the genre, he was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2018 Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards,” he said.
McKenzie further said Doc Shebeleza’s influence extended beyond his own work, as illustrated by rapper Cassper Nyovest’s tribute song Doc Shebeleza, which celebrated his lifestyle and impact. He added that, Doc Shebeleza later collaborated with Cassper on the song Monate So, showcasing mutual respect and admiration between generations of artists.
“Following his retirement from the music industry, Doc Shebeleza dedicated himself to philanthropy. He founded the non-profit organisation AMAHA (African Musicians Against HIV/AIDS), which focused on social initiatives for the underprivileged.
“Through AMAHA, he contributed to building hundreds of homes for those in need, distributed wheelchairs, and worked tirelessly alongside other legendary artists to uplift communities,” said McKenzie.
He said Doc Shebeleza’s passion for helping others remained central to his life’s work until his untimely passing.
“In recent years, Doc Shebeleza faced health challenges, having been hospitalised twice last year until his tragic passing on 9 January. On behalf of the Ministry, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and countless fans whose lives he touched.
“South Africa has lost not only a music legend but a compassionate soul whose contributions to our cultural heritage and community upliftment will not be forgotten,” he said.
McKenzie said Doc Shebeleza’s music, laughter and legacy will continue to resonate in their hearts.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture, Joe McGluwa said: “We send our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and the music fraternity on the passing of Doc Shebeleza.
“Ingwazi brought a fresh perspective and entertainment value to the kwaito genre in the early 2000s. The heavens better be organising something big for our artists, or why would they leave us like this.”
McGluwa said this sad loss was made worse by the fact that Afro-pop sensation, Winnie Khumalo is yet to be buried.
“Doc Shebeleza’s passing is painful as he was destined for so much more than he realised in his young life. He was instrumental in kwaito circles and founded and mentored groups like Amasgumfete.
“He was a typical musician and entertainer who easily connected with his audiences by melody and dance moves. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he said.
Picture: The residents of embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipalityembark on protest over lack of electricity
By OBAKENG MAJE
10 January 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in North West said it has today written to the National Minister of Cooperative Governance, Velenkosini Hlabisa, the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, and President Cyril Ramaphosa, requesting them to urgently place the Ditsobotla Local Municipality under Section 139(7) national administration to restore service delivery and good governance.
The DA said despite about 30 Section 139 North West provincial government interventions since 2000, which ultimately led to the dissolvent of the municipal council Ditsobotla in 2022 and the current efforts by the North West Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) to stabilise the financial situation of the municipality, these efforts have been ineffective largely due to ANC political instability and factionalism within the council and a reluctance to root out corruption.
The DA spokesperson on Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs in North West, Chris Steyl said, repeated engagements by the provincial and national portfolio committees of COGTA and SCOPA, have not yielded any positive impact. Steyl said the Ditsobotla Local Municipality would appear before these committees in parliament and the Provincial Legislature, agree to implement committee recommendations and resolutions, only to discard these commitments the minute these committees adjourn.
“The municipality has collapsed and is completely bankrupt with its liabilities exceeding its assets. Service providers cannot be paid and refuse to respond to job orders.
“Water and electricity infrastructure has completely collapsed, leaving large sections of the municipality without any water and/or electricity supply for weeks on end, never mind the inability of the administration to respond to other service delivery needs,” he said.
Steyl further said residents are desperate and angry. He added that, seeing regular violent protest action take place, leaves other communities to endure the terrible situation created by the inability of the municipality to deliver services.
“They also have to endure the consequences of further damage to infrastructure, which compounds the general misery residents are forced to contend with.
“The DA has requested the President and the Ministers of COGTA and Finance to take control of the situation and conduct an independent financial assessment of the municipality,” said Steyl.
He said they should craft a funded and implementable recovery plan to stabilise the municipality and administer its affairs towards servicing residents, while an independent skills audit of all senior and middle management officials as well as a forensic financial audit is conducted.
Steyl said all municipal officials in senior and middle management who are identified to either lack the necessary skills, qualifications and experience to perform their functions must be removed from office.
“Municipal officials and political office bearers who are identified in any corrupt financial activities must be prosecuted and the necessary asset forfeiture processes initiated.
“These interventions are the only real hope for positive change in Ditsobotla. Dissolving the council yet again will not solve any of the structural issues that continue to persist, any such consideration must be rejected in its entirety,” he said.
Steyl said the time has come for decisive action to end the decades-long rot in Ditsobotla and restore the municipality to its former glory as an economic agri-economic hub in the North West.
Picture: A suspect nabbed for allegedly being in possession of a firearm/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
10 January 2024- A man (36) was arrested at Extension 9, Khuma Township, outside Stilfontein on 8 January 2025, in a joint operation by Northern Cape Crime Intelligence, Organised Crime, North West Organised Crime and Potchefstroom Public Order Police (POP).
The arrest emanated from investigation, which led the Northern Cape team to the North West Province. The suspect was nabbed after allegedly being found in possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said it transpired during the tracing of other suspects that three of them died during a motor vehicle accident in the early hours of Monday morning, 6 January 2025, while driving on the N12 road on their way back to Khuma after allegedly committing a business robbery in Ikageng Township, Potchefstroom.
“The reports suggest that three men died instantly, while one was seriously injured and is still admitted to hospital. The fifth suspect allegedly ran away from the accident scene, where some of the goods linked to the Ikageng business robbery, were found inside the suspects’ vehicle.
“Ensuing investigation into the matter, established that one of the deceased suspects was previously arrested for assault and malicious damage to property committed between 2015 and 2021, in Vuwani, Limpopo Province,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said in the Northern Cape, the suspects were wanted for three business robberies, two armed robberies and an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) bombing. He added that the crimes were allegedly committed in Hartswater, Warrenton and Pampierstad between October and December 2024.
“The arrested suspect is expected to appear in the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court today for unlawful possession of a firearm,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng and the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the police from both provinces for their collaboration, which led to the arrest and exposing of the suspects, who terrorised business communities.
The Provincial Commissioners pointed out that the investigation, which linked the suspects to offences in different provinces, clearly indicates that crime has no boundaries and need collaborative efforts.
Picture: the late Nompumelelo Evelyn Lubidla/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
10 January 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a special provincial official funeral category 2 for the late Nompumelelo Evelyn Lubidla. A special provincial official funeral category 2 is reserved for distinguished persons specifically designated by the president of RSA on request by the Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul.
Saul said Ramaphosa has also instructed that the National Flag fly at half-mast in the province on the day of the funeral as a mark of respect to the late Lubidla. He further said they have established a provincial funeral task team that includes members of the Lubidla family to ensure that the government affords Lubidla a dignified funeral.
“I have also delegated the Northern Cape MEC for Health, Maruping Lekwene to officiate over the funeral. Lubidla served in parliament as a senator on the senate from 1994-1996 and on the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) from 1997-2004.
“She formed part of various committees during her term in parliament. These included the ‘Theme committee 4’, in parliament which was the parliamentary working committee charged with the important task of drafting Chapter 2 of our constitution,” added Saul.
He said on behalf of the Northern Cape Provincial Government, he sends his most heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, the friends and loved ones of the late Lubidla. Saul said may her soul rest in peace.
“The proceedings will commence at 11 Pickering Road, Rhodesdene, Kimberley on Saturday, at 6am. The funeral service will then start at the St Cyprian’s Cathedral at 7am.
“Members of the public may also view the funeral live on the Northern Cape Government Facebook page,” he said.
10 January 2025- The SPAR Proteas start off the year with a stern challenge as they travel to the Caribbean for the three-test Margaret Beckford Sunshine Series against Jamaica. Netball South Africa has named the squad that will do battle in Kingston.
The series will take place at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston on January 18, 22 and 25, 2025.
The Netball SA president Cecilia Molokwane said fresh from guiding the Mighty Proteas to the African Netball Cup glory in December, captain Khanyisa Chawane will once again lead the team. Molokwane said Chawane was named player of the tournament and will be eager to continue from where she left off in Namibia.
“The dynamic Elmerè van der Berg, named Best Shooter in Namibia, also makes the 15-member squad. Jamaica, currently ranked third in the world behind Australia and New Zealand, will provide a formidable opponent.
“The SPAR Proteas have a historical record of 18 matches against the Sunshine Girls, with only three victories. Their most significant win came at the 2019 Netball World Cup in Liverpool, where they narrowly edged Jamaica 55-52 to secure a place in the semi-finals,” she said.
EXCITING DEVELOPMENT
Molokwane further said in an exciting development, the SPAR Baby Proteas (South Africa’s under-21 team) will also travel to Jamaica to play a friendly series against their Jamaican counterparts during the Margaret Beckford Sunshine Series.
She added that this valuable experience will contribute to their preparation for the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup, scheduled for September in Gibraltar.
“We believe the teams will gain valuable international experience in Jamaica, as this trip serves as crucial preparation for the Under-21 World Cup in Gibraltar.
“This experience will benefit the Proteas and lay the foundation ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games and prepare the babies for the world cup,” said Molokwane.
Meanwhile, SPAR Baby Proteas coach, Precious Mthembu expressed gratitude for the chance to compete against top-tier teams.
“The main objective of their series is for their SPAR Baby Proteas to start getting experience, and hopefully, all the players will return with many lessons learned.
“We’re just grateful for the opportunity. We want to ensure that we do whatever it takes to prepare mentally, physically and emotionally since it is quite a young team.”
It will be Mthembu’s first international assignment as head coach and she is confident she will guide the team to success.
Shooter: Nichole Breedt, Rolene Streutker, Elmerè van der Berg, Ine-Mari Venter, Owethu Ngubane
Technical team: Jennifer van Dyk (head coach), Zanele Mdodana (assistant coach), Vinolia Austin (team manager), Fikile Phasha (physiotherapist), Werner Botha (sports scientist), Talja Venter (analyst), Nthati Chabana (massage therapist)
SPAR BABY PROTEAS SQUAD
Mbali Diphoko, Michelle van der Merwe, Giada Prinsloo, Lisa Ingwersen, Thato Legodi, Jade Atkins, Karla Victor, Kyla Dames, Noncubeko Mjaliswa, Phophi Nematangari, Kiara van Eeden, Zahrah Noah, Ametisse Bandu, Luca Keun, Zionne Grobler.
Picture: Various stakeholders engaged in a meeting in Ditsobotla Local Municipality/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
10 January 2025- North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) commits to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to resolve challenges at Ditsobotla Local Municipality. On 9 January 2025, the department held a meeting with Ditsobotla Local Municipality and the Ditsobotla Service Association (DSA), to discuss challenges confronting the municipality.
This comes after Lichtenburg areas experienced electricity outages, with other areas complaining of water shortages for a prolonged period leading to anger and protest action by residents.
According to CoGTA Head of Department (HOD), Dr Ben Bole, partnerships between the provincial government, municipality and various stakeholders are key to address challenges of service delivery across municipalities in general and Ditsobotla in particular.
“The Municipal Manager has reiterated the call by the Ditsobotla Local Municipality mayor, Thabo Nkashe, for residents to remain calm while they resolve the electricity matter.
“The municipality has since managed to restore power to certain parts of Lichtenburg, whilst some areas are still outstanding and receiving attention. Furthermore, he indicated that the service provider is still on-site attending to the problem of power outages,” said Bole.
He further said as part of improving good governance and recovery of efficient financial systems, the department will continue its partnership with the Provincial Treasury in line with provision of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa to intervene and enable Ditsobotla Local Municipality to function better.
Bole added that the meeting also considered avenues of collaboration between all stakeholder such as provision of the needed technical expertise to unlock service delivery challenges.
“The department believes collaborations with stakeholders in Ditsobotla may develop a concrete, sustainable, and efficient solution to the long-standing infrastructure problems faced in the municipality, particularly electricity and water systems.
“We are committed to work together with all relevant stakeholders towards a lasting solution that will transform the service delivery landscape and improve the quality of life for residents of Ditsobotla,” he said.
The Guardian 