24 January 2025- The Johannesburg High Court postponed the bail application by Michael Harry Lomas to 29 January 2025 for further hearing. The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) legal representative placed it on record that he is a suicide risk.
The IDAC spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said this is informed by his failed bid to avoid extradition to South Africa from the United Kingdom, wherein he engaged the service of a private psychiatrist, who testified that he was not fit for extradition, citing his possible suicidal state. Mamothame said the state further believes the accused is a flight risk based on his suspicious travel out of the country through Namibia, back to the United Kingdom in 2018, while investigations had started in 2017.
“He further failed to voluntarily hand himself over to the South African authorities after a warrant for his arrest was issued. He instead opted to fight his extradition to evade trial,” he said.
Picture: The carcass of the cow seized by the police/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
24 January 2025- Two men aged 23 and 35, were arrested for possession of a suspected stolen cow. The accused persons, Tshegofatso Jacob Mekgwe (35) and Mohau Eric Plaatjie (23), briefly appeared in the Mmabatho Magistrates’ Court on 21 and 22 January 2025, for possession of a suspected stolen cow carcass.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said they were both granted bail of R1500 each and their case was postponed until 18 March 2025. Myburgh sais Mekgwe and Plaatjie were arrested on Sunday night, 19 January 2025.
“The accused were arrested after police in Tshidilamolomo village, near Mahikeng, received a tip-off and acted upon it. This led them to a house, where the pair was found in possession of a cow carcass. With the assistance of the brand marks on the carcass, it was established that the cow owner is one of the accused’s employer,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, praised the police members for their quick response, which led to the recovery of the carcass and the arrest of the accused. Asaneng encouraged all stock theft owners to brand mark their animals as this will assist the police tremendously with their investigations and bring perpetrators to book.
24 January 2025- The police in the Northern Cape said they aim to raise awareness regarding bullying and cyberbullying in schools, as learners are commencing their 2025 school calendar year. The police said victims of bullying and or cyberbullying can experience significant social isolation and feel unsafe.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said it can lead to emotional and physical harm, loss of self-esteem, feelings of shame and anxiety, concentration and learning difficulties and in some instances, young people committing suicide. Sam said young people therefore need to realise that, depending on the nature of the acts, cyber bullying and bullying are criminal offences and the perpetrator may be criminally charged with crimen injuria, assault and or criminal defamation, accompanied by a criminal record.
“The police request that the safety hints for the prevention of cyberbullying and bullying in schools be adhered to. Do not respond, if someone bullies you. Remember that your reaction is usually exactly what the bully wants. It gives him or her power over you, so do not retaliate. Responding with similar threats reinforces the bully’s behaviour.
“Help avoid a whole cycle of aggression. Save the evidence, online messages can usually be captured, saved, and shown to someone who can help. Save evidence even if it is minor as cyberbullying can escalate. Block the bully, use preferences or privacy tools to block the person. If it happens while you are chatting, leave the room or area,” he said.
He further said learners should report any abusive comments to the social media website administrators. Sam added that, they should reach out for help, talk to a friend or a trusted adult who can help.
“Parents and teachers need to spot the warning signs of cyberbullying. Check if your child becomes sad, angry or distressed during or after using the internet or a cellular phone. Note if your child appears anxious when receiving a text, email, or have been on social media websites.
“Take note if your child avoids discussions or is secretive about computer or cellular phone activities. Check if your child withdraws from family, friends, and activities they previously enjoyed. Note if your child refuses to go to school or to specific classes, or avoids group activities,” he said.
Sam urges parents to see if their children illustrate changes in mood, behaviour, sleep, appetite, or shows signs of depression or anxiety. He said parents can prevent cyberbullying before it starts by teaching your children to block communication with cyberbullies.
“Not post or share their personal information online, including their full name(s), address(es), telephone number(s), the school’s name, parents’ names, credit card number(s), or their friends’ personal information. Not share their internet passwords with anyone. Not to talk about or share information about their life online. Not put anything online that they would not want their classmates to see. Not send messages when they are angry or upset.
“Always be as polite online as they are in person. The police will continue with campaigns and programmes at schools and communities in the Northern Cape province to address bullying and cyber bullying in order to promote safer schools,” said Sam.
Picture: The copper cables seized by the police/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
24 January 2025- Two men were allegedly caught red-handed by the police stealing copper cables at a train line just outside Victoria West. On 23 January 2025, at around 4pm, the police in Victoria West and Transnet Security received a tip-off regarding suspects allegedly stealing copper cables and operationalised it.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the police allegedly found a group of men stealing copper cables from Transnet lines worth about R150 000. Kock said two of the six suspects were arrested while the other four fled and are still at large.
“The two suspects are foreign nationals aged 35 and 41 years-old, respectively. They will appear in the Victoria West Magistrate’s soon for allegedly tampering with essential infrastructure,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the Victoria West SAPS and Transnet Security for the outstanding arrests. Otola said this displays the excellent collaboration between the police and security sector, together with communities to dismantle crimes related to essential infrastructure and key points.
“The SAPS encourages the community to participate in the RATE OUR SERVICE QR online survey and assist the police in improving our service to the public and to report criminality to the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App,” she said.
Picture: Police seized some metals during arrests/Supplied
24 January 2025- The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has raised serious concerns about the relentless wave of infrastructure destruction, including the theft of aluminium and cables, the vandalism of traffic lights and railway lines, and the destruction of pylons.
In a recent incident, the department condemned the brazen actions of armed criminals who targeted government properties to steal steel, aluminium, and other valuable materials.
Late last night, security personnel at Public Works House, located in the Central Business District (CBD) of Pretoria, thwarted an attempted robbery by a group of armed intruders. The suspects were attempting to steal aluminium and steel infrastructure, including furniture, from the government premises.
The confrontation resulted in two suspects being shot after the group, armed with dangerous weapons, forcibly infiltrated the guarded property. The attackers are believed to be part of a notorious syndicate involved in the vandalism and theft of metals for sale in the scrap metal market.
Some of the suspects reportedly carried machetes (commonly referred to as pangas) to intimidate and attack security guards. Despite the violent encounter, the security team responded swiftly, wounding two intruders while others managed to escape.
“There have been numerous incidents of vandalism reported at various properties within the CBD area of Tshwane, with Public Works House being a frequent target,” the department stated. It added that fencing had also been repeatedly dismantled and stolen from government properties.
The department expressed concern that some of these crimes may be linked to individuals addicted to substances like nyaope, who sell stolen materials to scrap metal dealers for quick cash.
“The flourishing scrap metal industry and its apparent link to stolen materials are having a devastating impact on critical infrastructure and the broader economy,” the department warned.
The injured suspects were transported to a hospital, while some of the security personnel involved in the incident have been questioned as part of an ongoing police investigation.
“As investigations continue, security measures will be heightened to protect all public assets which must be used for public good,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
Picture: A body of a patient carried away at disused Stilfontein mine shaft/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
24 JANUARY 2025- A patient who was admitted at Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital Complex as part of a cohort of 33 suspected illegal miners, has died. The deceased was identified as Jonny Shingani and was admitted at the facility on 14 January 2025, following a successful extraction of illegal miners underground by National Rescue Operation, at the disused mines in Stilfontein last week.
The North West Department of Health spokesperson, Lucas Mothibedi said Shingani passed away on 23 January 2025 due to a medical-related condition. Mothibedi said from the three-day National Rescue Operation, 246 suspected illegal miners were medically assessed by their healthcare professionals before being handed over to the police, while 33 had to be admitted, for further medical care.
“The total number of those who have passed on from 33 that were admitted, is now 2. All our healthcare professionals remain committed to saving lives. This, became evident when 14 of the 32 remaining patients, were treated, discharged from the facility and handed over to the South African Police Services (SAPS), for criminal proceedings.
“Currently, the department only has 17 admitted patients from the Stilfotein’s extraction. The department wishes to inform members of the media that it will not be running a media commentary on patients’ personal information, including medical condition treated for, and their current medical status amongst others,” he said.
Mothibedi further said this is in line with the department’s stringent adherence to the National Health Act, of 2003, that emphasises rights of patients’ confidentiality. He added that this fundamental Act is generally applied across all patients under their care.
Picture: A man sentenced to 18 years imprisonment for rape/Generic
By BAKANG MOKOTO
24 January 2025- A man (24) was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment by the Hopetown Regional Court for rape and assault. This comes after the accused, Martin April, assaulted and rape woman at Valeria Farm, near Hopetown between 23 and 24 December 2022.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the investigation revealed that, on 23 December 2022, the accused assaulted the man at a friend’s house and further raped his mother the following day on 24 December 2022, who was on her way to a hiking spot.
Sam said the court found the accused guilty and sentenced him to 3 years imprisonment for assault and 15 years imprisonment for rape.
“The assault and rape sentences will run concurrently. April was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Pixley Ka Seme District Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, commended both the investigation and prosecution team, citing that Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) is an ill that has left no gender and sector of society untouched.
Mtukushe said the police will continue to drive social crime prevention programmes with GBVF groups to address these crimes and change behaviour and social norms.
Picture: The alleged illegal firearm seized by the police/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
24 January 2025- A man (27) was arrested by the police in Noupoort for possession of an illegal firearm and dealing in drugs. On 23 January 2024, Warrant Officer Rodney Wales stopped at a local garage to refuel a state vehicle when he noticed suspicious behaviour from a man, who was allegedly carrying a sling bag.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said Wales swiftly followed the suspect into the local gaming shop and noticed that he was hiding something. Pilane said Wales asked to search the bag and allegedly found suspected drugs and money.
“Upon further investigation, a suspected illegal firearm was also discovered hidden inside the game shop, with the serial number filed off. Additional members were called to assist, and more drugs, including dagga and mandrax, were found hidden inside the shop.
“The suspect has been arrested and charged for dealing in drugs and possession of an illegal firearm. The police encourage members of the public to report any criminal activities through the Mysaps App or the 0860010111 crime stop number,” he said.
Picture: A car dealership fined R100 000 for prohibited conduct/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
24 January 2025- The National Consumer Commission (NCC) said it welcomes the judgment of the National Consumer Tribunal handed down on 8 January 2025, against a car dealership that contravened Sections of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). In the judgment, the Tribunal declared the conduct of Avura Motors trading as Avura Executive Auto as prohibited, fined the company R100 000 and ordered a total refund of R106 088.28 to the consumer and insurance company.
The National Consumer Commission spokesperson, Phetho Ntaba said on 28 November 2022, the NCC received a complaint from the consumer alleging that Avura Executive Auto sold the consumer a defective vehicle. Ntaba said the NCC investigation revealed that in 2022, the consumer paid R288 577.50 for a pre-owned 2014 Mazda and within 28 days of the purchase, the vehicle started manifesting defects.
“The consumer informed the supplier of the defects and elected to have the vehicle repaired. Avura Executive Auto refused to honour the consumer’s election stating that the vehicle was sold in good condition. The supplier further relied on their 30-day or 1000km warranty.
“The supplier’s refusal compelled the consumer to take the vehicle to a third party for repairs. The consumer was quoted/charged R106 088.28 for parts and labour. The consumer’s warranty insurer paid R75 000, and the consumer paid the difference of R31 088.28,” she said.
Ntaba further said on 31 July 2024, the NCC referred the matter to the Tribunal, which ruled that Avura supplied a defective vehicle thus contravening Sections 55(2)(a) to (d) and 56(2)(a) of the CPA.
She added that, Section 55(2)(a) to (d) states that every consumer has the right to receive goods that are reasonably suitable for the purpose for which they are generally intended, of good quality and must be usable and durable for a reasonable period of time.
“Section 56(2)(a) stipulates that “within six months after delivery of any goods to the consumer, the consumer may return the goods to the supplier without penalty and the supplier must, at the direction of the consumer, repair or replace the unsafe or defective goods.
“Ruling on this matter, the Tribunal found “the contraventions are serious, displaying a total disregard for the CPA and the consumer’s rights,” said Ntaba.
She said the Tribunal found that the consumer was exploited by the sale of a vehicle, which was not of good quality. Ntaba said the Tribunal ruled that Avura Executive Auto has contravened sections 55(2)(a) -(d) and 56(2)(a) of the CPA.
“Avura Executive Auto’s contravention of these sections was declared as prohibited conduct. An interdict prohibiting Avura Executive Auto from engaging in the same or similar prohibited conduct in the future was granted. Avura Executive Auto was ordered to refund the consumer R31 088.28 within 30 business days of the judgement.
“Avura Executive Auto was further ordered to refund the consumer’s insurer R75 000 towards the cost of the repairs within 30 business days of the judgement and Avura Executive Auto was ordered to pay an administrative penalty of R100 000 within 60 business days of the judgment,” she said.
24 January 2025- The Department of Basic Education (DBE) calls on Grade 12 learners who did not pass to register to rewrite matric subjects in quest to improve their results. The department said it has a second chance matric programme to provide support to learners, who want to rewrite subjects.
“It helps them to meet the requirements of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Senior Certificate (SC) and obtain a Grade 12 matric certificate. Face to face classes are available at locations around the country, as well as online programmes and television and radio broadcasts.
“The opportunities that exist to rewrite National Senior Certificate (NSC) supplementary exams in March (National Senior Certificate progressed learners (learners who wrote the NSC the previous year but did not sit for all 6 subjects).”
The department said in June, part-time NSC candidates (learners who attempted the NSC examinations post 2015). It says more information on registration dates and resources is available from the Department of Basic Education (DBE).
The department says for more information, those interested can call 0800 20 29 33 or go to www.facebook.com/DBE2ndChance/
In 2024, the GCIS Assistant Director: Content Development, Andrea Naicker said those who may have missed the mark may feel discouraged. Naicker said there is however no need for despair as hope comes through the government’s Second Chance Matric Programme.
“The programme offers matric learners who have not met the requirements for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) a second chance to achieve the results they desire. We understand that being a Grade 12 student is highly pressured and some learners may face additional challenges such as inadequate learning environments, family or social challenges which can hamper learning.
“Regardless of the situation, we believe that every matriculant who may have not passed or achieved their desired results, deserves a second chance to rewrite their matric examination and improve their marks,” he said.
Naicker further said through the Second Chance Matric Programme, established by the Department of Basic Education (DBE), learners are supported to meet the requirements of the National Senior Certificate. He added that learners can, through the programme, also register for the subjects they wish to do better in.
“Improved results can influence the career path of an individual, providing opportunities they may not otherwise have had access to such as universities and specialised degrees or courses.
“We urge those in need of a second chance at acquiring their matric certificate or improving their matric results to take hold of this opportunity and apply for the Second Chance Matric Support Programme,” said Naicker.
The Guardian 