Picture: A person drowning raising hands for help/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE 20 January 2025- As the Northern Cape province experiences extremely hot weather conditions, the public is urged to implement or practice the precautionary measures to ensure their safety when swimming or fishing in rivers, dams or canals. The police urge public not swim in areas where the current is strong.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said people should never swim while they are intoxicated. Sam said they should look out for warning signs or flags indicating the area is dangerous for swimming.
“Avoid swimming immediately after a big meal, as there is a danger of having cramps. Do not dive into shallow water. Never leave a young child unattended near water and never make a child responsible for another child. Know your limits – don’t swim further than or hold your breath longer than you are able to. Wear a life jacket if you can’t swim or while on a boat.
“Don’t swim during storms or strong wind. Make sure you never swim of fish alone. Dont jump into water canals and or rivers to save a friend or loved one. Report children swimming in canals and or rivers to your nearest police station or use the police Crime Stop number 08600 10111,” he said.
Picture: A body of illegal miner brought to the surface
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
20 January 2025- One of illegal miners who was admitted at Klerksdorp/Tshepong Tertiary Hospital died. The patient, who was identified as Koali Rankomo, was admitted after being diagnosed with gastroenteritis and dehydration.
According to the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Lucas Mothibedi, Koali passed away at around 4:23am this morning. Mothibedi said the deceased patient was part of a cohort of 33 illegal miners admitted at the hospital under police guard, following their arrest last week at the disused mine in Stilfotein during the National Rescue Operation.
“The department wishes to put it on record that so far, only 32 suspected illegal miners are under its care, with police keeping a hawkish eye on them,” he said.
Picture: The alleged illegal mining kingpin, James Neo Tshoaledi/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
20 January 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said the escape of alleged illegal mining kingpin, James Neo Tshoaledi, underscores why South Africa urgently needs an Anti-Extortion Plan combined with a robust, intelligence-driven approach to crime.
The DA said it is believed that the suspect was assisted in escaping last week, despite the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Operation Vala Umgodi.
The DA Spokesperson on Police, Ian Cameron, who is also a Member of Parliament (MP) said, this brazen escape illustrates the pervasive influence of criminal syndicates and highlights how they operate with impunity, often aided by corruption and compromised officials. Cameron said they have called for a Commission of Inquiry into the full events surrounding the Buffelsfontein mine saga.
“Yet, the links between illegal mining, extortion, and organised crime are undeniable. These syndicates not only exploit vulnerable communities, but in many cases, they take entire communities hostage, as seen in areas like Stilfontein.
“Residents, informal traders, and local businesses are forced to pay protection fees under threat of violence, creating a parallel economy built on fear and lawlessness. Illegal mining syndicates use their power to extort not only those directly involved in mining operations but also the surrounding communities, crippling their livelihoods and safety,” he said.
Camerona further said this extortion network is the lifeblood of their criminal enterprises, funding everything from weapons to bribery schemes and shielding their operations through systemic corruption. He added that extortion is at the heart of South Africa’s illegal mining economy.
“The DA’s Anti-Extortion Plan, launched in 2024, provides a comprehensive framework to combat these syndicates and dismantle the broader extortion economy.
“Proper crime intelligence is the cornerstone of this strategy, as it will expose the real power players—senior officials, compromised police officers, and the kingpins driving these operations—and enable effective intervention,”said Cameron.
He said the DA once again calls on the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu to immediately implement concrete steps such as establish a centralised intelligence gathering and analysis hub. Cameron said syndicates thrive in secrecy and fragmented intelligence systems allow them to operate unchecked.
“A unified intelligence hub will enable SAPS to track extortion networks, anticipate threats, and dismantle criminal operations from the top down. Enhance community reporting mechanisms.
“Communities like Stilfontein are on the front lines of extortion. They live in fear of retaliation for speaking out. Strengthening anonymous reporting channels and providing whistle-blower protection will empower these communities to assist law enforcement,” he said.
Cameron said to target the kingpins, not just the foot soldiers. He said low-level ‘zama-zamas’ are often scapegoated in SAPS operations, while the real organisers and financiers escape justice.
“Proper intelligence must expose and hold accountable the criminal masterminds, including any senior officials enabling these operations. Strengthen our criminal justice system.
“Extortion networks cannot be dismantled without greater collaboration between SAPS, the National Prosecuting Authority, Crime Intelligence, and other bodies,” said Cameron.
He said to restore public confidence, corruption within these institutions must be rooted out, and cases must be prosecuted decisively to ensure justice is served. Cameron said communities like Stilfontein cannot continue to live as hostages of criminal syndicates.
“Illegal mining is not just an economic or safety issue—it is part of a broader extortion crisis that affects every facet of South African life. The DA’s Anti-Extortion Plan, bolstered by proper crime intelligence, will not only dismantle these networks but also restore hope to communities living under siege.
“Failure to act decisively will embolden these syndicates further, allowing their extortionist grip on our nation to tighten. South Africans deserve better,” he said.
Cameron said it is time for the government to act to protect the communities, economy and the very fabric of democracy.
Picture: The missing person, Tanki Thetso/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
20 January 2025– The police in Sun City request community assistance in locating a missing person, Tanki Thetso (23), who is Lesotho national. Thetso, who is residing at Lekwadi Section Ledig village, was last seen by his girlfriend on 22 August 2024.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said a search was conducted around the village and surrounding areas of Sun City with no success. Manyoba said all leads were followed-up without successful results.
“At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing blue overall. Thetso is dark in complexion with brown eyes, a medium built body, about 1,5m in length.
“Anyone who may have information regarding the missing person’s whereabouts is requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Constable Sydney Moitsheki on 0823739842 or the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” she said.
Manyoba further said anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone.
Picture: The alleged kingpin, James Neo Tshoaeli/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
20 January 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said he is disenchanted, but also angry following the reports of an alleged escape of one of the kingpins in the illegal mining activities in Stilfontein.
Morweng said, according to the police reports, James Neo Tshoaeli, a Lesotho national known as Tiger who resurfaced from shaft 11 in Stilfontein last week, was never booked into any of the police stations, where illegal miners are being booked.
He further said this is an embarrassment that cannot be tolerated when you look into resources that are put together to eradicate illegal mining activities, which so far have been successful. Morweng added that, so the news of escape comes as a shock.
“This person was fingered by illegal miners who have resurfaced from the shaft and a video in police possession showing him as one of the brutal people underground who controlled all operations, killed, tortured and assaulted many and even kept food away from other illegal miners.
“I call on members of the public to notify nearby police stations when they come across Tiger as he is considered dangerous and fugitive of justice The fact of the matter is that, there are many good police officers out there and if there are those who are involved in aiding Tiger, an example should be made out of them to show that they have chosen a wrong career in the police,” he said.
Morweng said those police officers must be dealt with harshly. He said they cannot tolerate those kinds of officers in their ranks.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management, Freddy Sonakile said they are deeply concerned by reports that the alleged ‘Kingpin’ in the Stilfontein illegal mining saga has escaped police custody after resurfacing from Shaft 11 last week. Sonakile said this incident is particularly troubling as the police have been making strides through Operation Vala Umgodi to combat illegal mining.
“We urge the police to dedicate all resources towards capturing the alleged kingpin and to thoroughly investigate how this escape occurred. More concerning is the report that the kingpin was never booked into various police stations along with other illegal miners, suggesting a possible inside job.
“The committee previously engaged with SAPS in an in-committee meeting, during an oversight visit to Stilfontein last year, October 2024, where concerns were raised by the committee about the involvement of kingpins in illegal mining operations and alleged collusion with police officials,” he said.
Sonakile said at that time, the committee was assured that the situation was under control, even though the recent incident raises serious doubts. He said once the dust settles, they will revisit Stilfontein to conduct further oversight and request a joint meeting with all relevant stakeholders, including the Departments of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), Home Affairs and the police.
“We urge the police to act swiftly in re-arresting the alleged kingpin. We believe the kingpin holds vital information in uncovering the real masterminds behind these illegal mining operations. Heads must roll, and police officials complicit in criminal activities must be held accountable.
“This incident highlights critical deficiencies in intelligence operations and raises concerns about the integrity of policing efforts in addressing the illegal mining crisis,” said Sonakile.
20 Ferikgong 2025- Monna wa dingwaga di le 32, o solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Christiana mo letsatsing la gompieno. Se setla morago ga go latofadiwa ka go betelela mosetsanyana wa dingwaga di le 17.
Go begwa fa tiragalo e, e diragetse kwa motsesetoropong wa Utlwanang, gaufi le Christiana mo letsatsing la Labotlhano.
Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, moroba o, one a romilwe kwa lebenkeleng fa a ne a kopana le monna wa dingwaga di le 32. Van Rooyen are go begwa fa mokola a ile a tshosetsa moroba o ka thipa, mme a mo betelela.
“Kgetsi ya petelelo e ile ya bulwa kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Christiana, mme mokola o ile a tshwarwa. O solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo, mme ene o lebagane le kgetsi ya petelelo,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
20 Ferikgong 2025- Baagi ba motsesetoropo wa Utlwanang, gaufi le Christiana, ba re ba setse ba gamaregile morago ga tiragalo ya maabane. Se se tla morago ga dipego tsa gore mosadi mongwe o ipolaile ka go itatlhela kwa nokeng ya Vaal.
Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, go begwa fa mosadi yo, a ile a latlhela ngwana wa gagwe wa dingwga di le 2, mo nokeng ka maiteko a go mo bolaya. Fela, Van Rooyen are, lesea leo le ne la pholosiwa ke banna ba ba neng ba tshwara ditlhapi ka mokoro wa bone ka nako eo.
“Go begwa fa mosadi yo, a ne a leka go tlhatlhela ngwana wa bobedi. Fela ngwana o, o ile a le botsa phokoje. Mosadi o, one a itatlhela mo nokeng, mme ka maswabi o ile a latlhegelwa ke botshelo.
“Banna bao, ba ile ba letsetsa sepodisi. Kgetsi ya morago ga loso e butswe, mme dipatlisiso ditsweletse,” Van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
20 January 2025- More than 1567 suspects were arrested for various crimes ranging from murder, rape, aggravated armed robberies, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and many more others. Moreover, detectives conducted raids to nail wanted suspects for business robbery, murder, rape, assault GBH and house robbery.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said in total, 405 suspects were arrested. Manyoba said as part of the operations, 197 premises, 2879 persons and 1244 vehicles were searched.
“Furthermore, 253 high visibility patrols were conducted including 292 stops and searches. More than 102 second-hand goods dealers and 18 licensed liquor premises were visited for compliance and inspections.
“The police were focused and able to execute 5901 actions in different crime focus areas. Police visibility was heightened through spontaneous roadblocks, stop and searches and other actions, whereby the authority of the state was once more stamped,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, reiterated that police and other law enforcement agencies across the province will continue to squeeze the space for criminals when responding to serious and violent crimes through Operation Shanela, which is focused on enhanced crime prevention and combating.
Asaneng said they welcome the results achieved and urged police to be consistent and dedicated to ensure the safety and security of every citizen in this province.
Picture: Former Speaker of Parliament, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula
By REGINALD KANYANE
20 January 2025- The Pretoria High Court postponed the corruption and money laundering case against the former Speaker of Parliament, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula to 28 March 2025, for the state and her legal representative to discuss her request for further disclosures following her application to have disclosures of “B” and “C” sections of the docket which contain correspondence and the investigation diary, respectively.
The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said they followed this approach in the interest of justice, in a sincere attempt to narrow the facts at issue and to move the matter to trial as soon as possible.
“Her R50 000 bail was extended until the next court appearance,” he said.
20 January 2025- The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said he has ordered maximum resources to be mobilised in finding an alleged kingpin who resurfaced from shaft 11 in Stilfontein last week. Asaneng has also warned that heads will roll once they find those officials that aided the kingpin to escape from police custody after resurfacing from shaft 11.
He further said extensive investigations and tracing operations are underway to find those officials, who aided his escape between shaft 11 and the Stilfontein Police Holding Cells. Asaneng added that, according to records, TIGER was never booked into various other stations, where some illegal miners are being kept.
“TIGER is also not admitted at a local hospital for further medical care. The alleged kingpin and ringleader is a Lesotho national and according to records, his name is James Neo Tshoaeli but is commonly known as TIGER.
“TIGER is being fingered in several statements as one of the ring leaders who controlled operations underground. He is also being accused by some illegal miners who resurfaced underground as him being allegedly responsible for some deaths, assault and torture that is alleged to have taken place according to videos in police possession,” he said.
Asaneng said TIGER is also alleged to have hoarded and kept food away from other illegal miners. He has expressed disappointment in what he terms as an embarrassment to the Vala Umgodi operation that has been running from December 2023.
“I vow to ensure that those responsible for this escape from custody are brought to book and that TIGER is found. TIGER is a fugitive of justice and is considered dangerous.
“Members of the public are advised to share any information pertaining to his whereabouts to the Stilfontein Police Station,” said Asaneng.
The Guardian 