Monthly Archives: January 2025

SPAR Proteas lose opening netball test match

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Picture: The match between Spar Proteas and Jamaica/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

20 January 2025- The SPAR Proteas went down 55-47 to Jamaica in a hard fought first Test in the three-match Margaret Beckford Sunshine Series in Kingston, Jamaica, on Saturday but national coach Jenny van Dyk is not downcast. Van Dyk said the two teams traded goal for goal in the closely contested first quarter, which ended 12-all.

“The last time we played Jamaica; we lost by 18 points – this time we lost by eight.  There is something to work on and next time, we will know what to expect.

“During the second quarter, the South African goalkeeper Nicola Smith fell heavily and had to leave the court with an arm injury and her replacement Ane Retief was sent off for two minutes for a foul (dangerous play),” she said.

Van Dyk further said the Sunshine Girls took advantage of the situation and won the quarter by 16 goals to 11. She added that Jamaica maintained momentum and made the most of the situation in the third quarter and on two occasions, stretched their lead to 10 points. 

“But the SPAR Proteas fought back hard and reduced the margin to seven goals. (42-35) In the final quarter, the Sunshine Girls surged ahead to take a 12-point lead, but Captain Khanyisa Chawane’s team fought to the end and some superb shooting by Elmere van den Bergh supported by inform goal attack Kamogelo Maseko, helped the SPAR Proteas to finish the match just eight goals behind.

“South Africa last toured Jamaica in 2012. I thought they had done well to cope with the atmosphere in the packed National Indoor Stadium. We theoretically know how they play, but there is nothing like experiencing it,” said van Dyk.

She said the noise and the vibe are something special, but it can put you off your game. Van Dyk said she thinks there is a lot they can take out of this match, and they know what they need to work on. 

The assistant coach, Zanele Mdodana shared the same sentiments. Mdodana said the second quarter was very expensive for them, with a player injured and another sent off, but they should be able to cope with setbacks like that.

“We had a plan and a strategy, but we were thrown a curve ball in the second quarter. That’s where we lost the match, because all the other quarters were very close. Losing Nicola changed the momentum of the game.

“In the curtain raiser, the SPAR Baby Proteas impressed in beating Jamaica Under-21 by 61 goals to 31. The next match is on 23 January 2025 (2am SA time) and the final test on 26 January 2025 (1am SA time),” she said.

Meanwhile, all matches are live in SuperSport Variety 4 DStv Channel 209.

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Three brothers nabbed for robbery, kidnapping and possession of suspected stolen goods

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Picture: Police Tape

By REGINALD KANYANE

19 January 2025- Three brothers were arrested for various offences ranging from house robbery, kidnapping to possession of suspected stolen goods during crime intelligence-driven operation by members of Brits Trio Task Team. This comes after Nyiko Sithole (26), Bennett Sithole (24) and Derrick Sithole (27), were arrested individually between 7 and 8 January 2025, in Winterveldt and Garankuwa. 

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said Nyiko was arrested after being linked with house robbery and kidnapping cases through fingerprints. Manyoba said crimes were committed in Hartbeespoortdam in November 2024. 

“The police seized several suspected stolen goods during the arrest. Upon interview, the suspect implicated his brother, Bennett who was traced to Garankuwa and arrested. Similarly, Bennett implicated his younger brother Derrick who was eventually arrested on 8 January 2025. 

“A search conducted at Derrick’s place in Soshanguve, resulted in the recovery of a Chevrolet Utility bakkie and other items. Further investigation led the police to Morgan Mphela (51), who allegedly bought a suspected stolen Isuzu bakkie from the trio, then chopped it to sell parts,” she said.

Manyoba further said Mphela was charged for possession of suspected stolen goods. She added that the Sithole brothers are expected to make their third court appearance on 22 January 2025, subsequent to initial appearances on 10 and 15 January 2025.  

“Mphela is appearing separately in the Garankuwa Magistrate’s Court for possession of suspected stolen goods,” said Manyoba.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, hailed the police involved for their dedication that resulted in the arrests and recoveries.

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State opposes Loma’s bail application

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By OBAKENG MAJE

19 January 2025- The Johannesburg High Court postponed the bail application by Michael Harry Lomas to 24 January 2025, for further hearing. The legal representative placed it on record that the state opposes the application and an affidavit will be provided detailing the reasons for opposing.

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said: “Following the successful extradition from the United Kingdom (UK) in September 2024, Lomas made his first appearance at the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court and the matter was subsequently transferred to the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crime Court, which eventually transferred it to the high court to be joined with that of the 11 others, who are charged with him.

“In all these court appearances, he reserved his right to apply for bail. Lomas later in December 2024, following his first appearance at the Johannesburg High Court, filed a notice with the high court indicating his intention to formally apply for bail.”

Mamothame further said Lomas and 11 other are facing 41 counts of corruption linked to the R1,4 billion that was meant for the upgrade of Eskom’s Kusile Power Station in Mpumalanga between 2014 and 2017. He said their matter will appear on 5 March 2025, for pretrial.

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SAPS: “Stop peddling misinformation”

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Picture: Stilfontein mine shaft

By BAKANG MOKOTO

19 January 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) said it wishes to clarify certain issues pertaining to matters related to Stilfontein and condemns the ongoing peddling of misinformation and lies. The police said the first matter is that of the personal information of suspects arrested in the Stilfontein retrieval operation.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the police have since the commencement of the resurfacing of illegal miners, shared a list of those that have resurfaced and retrieved them with two community leaders. Mokgwabone said this was firstly done to ensure transparency with communities, but to also ensure that community members assist the police in finding the next-of-kin of those involved in the illegal mining operations.

“The police have since learnt with dismay that these lists which include names, nationalities and birth dates have been widely shared on various social media platforms. The police are therefore investigating the sharing of suspects personal information in public.

“The second issue is the peddling of lies and misinformation on the blasting of shaft 10 by police. Upon receipt of such an allegation, the police instructed its explosives team to inspect shaft 10 for any sign of explosion,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said it was found that no such blasting or bombing as is referred to – took place. He added that, the police remind those behind this peddling, that according to the Explosives Act 26 of 1956 Section 27 (1A), it is an offense to communicate false information regarding any explosion or alleged explosion.

“Those that do will be guilty of an offense. The SAPS is engaging its legal team on a way forward. Thirdly, the allegation that police arrested one of the volunteers, Mzwandile Mkwayi, in this operation is devoid of truth.

“Mkwayi, according to the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is a parolee and allegedly contravened his parole conditions. The SAPS refers this matter to the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) for further information and clarity. It should be noted that the volunteer is not in police custody,” said Mokgwabone.

He said Vala Umgodi deployments continue to prevent and combat illicit mining activities in Stilfontein.

Meanwhile, the Department of Correctional Services spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo said Mkwayi was not arrested or detained by the DCS. Nxumalo said he was taken to the Klerksdorp Community Corrections Office for administrative purposes, as he is currently a parolee.

“Mkwayi has been on parole since 15 April 2021. His sentence, which commenced following a conviction for murder on 16 September 2013, is set to expire on 15 September 2028. Parole violations include leaving designated jurisdiction.

“So, Mkwayi violated his parole conditions by leaving his designated jurisdiction without prior notification or approval from his monitoring officials. Adherence to jurisdictional boundaries is a critical aspect of parole conditions to ensure proper monitoring,” he said.

Nxumalo said Mkwayi also engaged with media outlets without securing prior authorization, which constitutes another breach of his parole conditions. He said the DSC has issued a formal warning to Mkwayi for these violations.

“He remains on parole and will continue to be monitored in accordance with the conditions of his parole placement until the sentence expiry date,” said Nxumalo.

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A man arrested for possession of suspected stolen goods  

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

19 January 2025- In an endeavour to address serious and violent crimes, a disruptive operation by the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Task Team and other role players culminated in the apprehension of a man (48), on Wednesday night, 15 January 2025, at Lethabong, outside Rustenburg, for possession of suspected stolen goods.

Eric Ngwenya was arrested after the team of Rustenburg Tactical Response Team (TRT), Public Order Police (POP), Crime Intelligence, Bafokeng Royal Security and Bidvest Security, allegedly intercepted a grey Volkswagen Passat vehicle.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said it was established on investigation that the vehicle was stolen in Garsfontein, Gauteng Province in May 2024. Manyoba further said the investigation into the matter, led the police to the accused’s residence in Lethabong, where a Nissan NP200 vehicle was discovered.

“The said vehicle was linked to cases of murder and house robbery committed in the policing area of Swartruggens in June 2024. Ngwenya briefly appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 17 January 2025, for possession of suspected stolen motor vehicles. 

“He was remanded in custody until 20 January 2025. In Rustenburg North, where the police were tracing suspects possibly involved in theft of motor vehicles, two Mozambican foreign nationals were arrested and detained for contravention of Section 49 (1) (a) of the Immigration Act, 2002.  

“The pair appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 17 January 2025,” she added.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, commended all the role players for their collaborative efforts and the sterling work to ensure that an apparent repeat offender is put behind bars.   

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Two suspects to appear in court for double murder

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By REGINALD KANYANE

19 January 2025- Two suspects aged 23 and 28, nabbed for two counts of murder. The suspects were arrested during crime intelligence-driven operation by Brits Trio Task Team and Letlhabile Visible Policing on 17 January 2025, in Letlhabile Block I and G respectively.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said this transpired after the police received a tip-off regarding a double murder incident and operationalised it. Manyoba said it is alleged that, the suspects shot and killed a man and a woman in the early hours of Thursday morning, 16 January 2025, inside a tuck shop at Checkers Section, Maboloka village, near Letlhabile.

“The motive of the incident is yet to be determined. The first suspect was arrested at Block I and following the interview, he led the police to Block G, where his accomplice was located and arrested.

“In effecting the second arrest, the team confiscated firearms that included 12 Gauge shotgun with filed off serial number, four ammunition as well as a silver 9mm star pistol with filed off serial number and one ammunition, which were found hidden in the garden,” she said.

Manyoba further said the suspects are expected to appear in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 20 January 2025. She added that the 28-year-old suspect will be facing additional charges of unlawful possession of firearms and unlawful possession of ammunition.

“Investigations into the matter, including the tracing of the other suspect/s are underway,” said Manyoba. 

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, welcomed the arrest of two suspects for two counts of murder. Asaneng lauded the police for their relentless efforts to ascertain that the suspects are arrested within hours after the commission of the crimes.

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Three men nabbed for forgery and uttering

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By OBAKENG MAJE

19 January 2025- Three men were arrested by the police in Meriting village, near Rustenburg, for forgery and uttering. The men were arrested during a crime prevention-driven operation on 15 January 2025.

 The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said the accused, Takalani Netangule (45), Sphelele Bangiso (34) and Bangani Anele (38), briefly appeared before Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court and were granted R2000 bail each on 17 January 2025.

“They will reappear before the court on 23 January and 13 February 2025 respectively. The accused were arrested after the members of the crime prevention unit followed up on a tip-off from members of the community during the back to school campaign operation at one of the local schools.

“As a result, a search and seizure warrant was obtained and executed at the identified place. During the search, forged documents and fake certified copies, certification stamps bearing the names of Rustenburg Station and Boitekong Vispol Commander were found,” she said. 

Manyoba said in addition, there were certified copies with false persal numbers of police officers, a doctor’s blank sick notes, pay slips, mine and South African Revenue Services (SARS) certificates. She further said it transpired that members of the community were issued with fake medical and mine qualifications related certificates produced at the internet cafe.

“The preliminary investigation conducted with one of the mines confirmed that the pay slip was false. All the equipment including computers used to reproduce

 fake medical and mining certificates were confiscated.

“Investigation into the matter continues and police request members of the community to come forth with information that can assist in the investigation by calling the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Otladisang Moremi on 060 987 8626,” added Manyoba.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, appreciated the work the police carried out jointly with the public. Asaneng reminded the communities that they are the eyes and ears of the police and that safer communities are enhanced by working together towards the fight against crime.   

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Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le banna ba le babedi ba kwa Matlhako 2 e buseditswe morago

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Setshwantsho: Moswi, Boingotlo Makaota/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

17 Ferikgong 2025- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le banna ba le babedi ba kwa motseng wa Matlhako 2, gaufi le Pudimoe, e busiditswe morago ke kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung go fitlha 23 Ferikgong 2025. Go begwa fa Phemelo Maine (40) a puagantse kopo ya gagwe ya beile, fa kopo ya beile ya ga Onkemetse Phatlhanyane (27), e ka rediwa ka di 23 Ferikgong 2025.

Maine le Phatlhanyane ba latofadiwa ka go bolaya Boingotlo Makaota (16).

Go begwa fa setopo sa ga Makaota, se bonwe kwa lebitleng le le seng boteng kwa nageng kwa motseng wa Matlhako 2 mo bekeng e e fetileng ka Labotlhano. Sepodisi se begile fa Makaota a ka tswa a bolailwe mo bosigong jwa Labone gone mo bekeng e e fetileng.

Go ya ka moagisani, one a utlwa segajaja sa lekgarebe mo bosigong jwa Labone kwa ntlung ya ga Maine. Go begwa fa moagisani o, gape a tlhalositse fa a ne a bona Maine ga mmogo le ditsala tsa gagwe ba kgorometsa kereibaye e go bontshang fa ene e pegile sengwe mo teng mo mosong wa Labotlhano.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are: “Sepodisi se ile sa tswa letsholo, mme seo se ile sa lebisa kwa go epololweng ga setopo sa ga Makaota.

“Go begwa fa setopo seo, sene se thatilwe ka kobo, mme moswi one a supiwa ke ba lelapa la gagwe. Dipatlisiso di shupa fa setopo sa ga Makaota, se ne se na le dintho mo tlhogong, mo diropeng ga mmogo le mo maotong.”

Mokgwabone are dipatlisiso di ile tsa bolodiwa kwa lelapeng la ga Maine, mme diaparo tsa moswi di ile tsa fitlhelwa teng. Mokgwabone are, Maine o tshwerwe ka Lamatlhatso morago ga go ineele kwa sepodising.

“Monna o, o ile a isiwa kwa sepodisi ke morwa rragwe, mme one a tshwarwa. Sepodisi se ile sa botsolotsa Phatlhanyane o bonweng a tsamaya le Maine fa a ne a kgorometsa kereibaye, mme le ene o ile a lelelwa ke ditshipi,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.

Mokomishinara wa Sepodisi wa nama o sa tshwere mo Bokone Bophirima, Major General Patrick Asaneng, o kgadile ka bogale tiragalo e. Asaneng are polao eo ya go tlhorontshiwa ga bong e kabo e efogilwe fa baagi ba ne ba le malala-a-laotswe.

Kgabagare, modula-setilo wa mokgatlho wa baagi wa South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) mo Taung, Joseph Tanyane are: “Re utlwile ka tiragalo eo, mme re tlhabilwe ke ditlhong thata. Re dira boikuelo go makgarebe a atlhogang gore ba itlhokomele thata jang mo makawaneng a tlang kwa morago a.

“Ko bofelo, ba feleletsa ba ba tseela matshelo, mme re ba rotloetsa thata gore ba itlhokomele. Re leboga sepodisi sa rona sa Afrika Borwa ka gore se sebaka ba be ba setse ba tshwere babelaelwa. Ba dira tiro entle go baagi ba rona.”

Tanyane are ba romela matshidiso go ba lelapa la ga Makaota gore ba beye tshotlhe fa pele ga Modimo, gonne ke ene fela o a itseng.

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SAPS tender corruption case postponed

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

17 January 2025- The Pretoria Regional Court postponed the case against Kishene Chetty and 12 of his co-accused to 24 March 2025, to await the outcome of their application at the high court to have this case combined with their other matter appearing at the high court where they are facing separate charges of corruption.

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the accused in the matter are facing charges of forgery, uttering, fraud and theft relating to the procurement of toners for the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga and Eastern Cape Province.

Mamothame said the offence is alleged to have taken place between 2015 and 2015, resulting in a loss of over R800 000 to the SAPS.

“Amongst the accused are SAPS officials who allegedly colluded with the companies involved for the awarding of the tender, while knowing that falsified documents were being provided by these companies.

“The companies involved in the matter are Bambanani Marketing and Projects, Baroma Construction and Office Consumables, Super Stationery Distributors, Sifikile Furniture and Projects and Vatika and Projects. Investigations by IDAC have led to Chetty being charged in other matters which are currently before courts for alleged corruption involving millions within the South African Police Service,” he said.

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The rescue operation wrapped up at Stilfontein mine

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Picture: The rescue machine that was used to extract illegal miners underground

By REGINALD KANYANE

17 January 2025- The North West Department of Health said its officials have wrapped up a week-long on-site support operation at the National Rescue Operation (NRO) at Stilfontein mine. The operation ended 16 January 2025.

The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari said the department’s on-site successful operation comprised of different specialists’ healthcare professionals led by acting Deputy Director General for Hospitals and Clinical Support, Agisanang Portia Tlou, Chief Director for Hospitals and Clinical Support Services, Zenzo Ndabula and Chief Director for Dr Kenneth Kaunda district, Phil Maboe.

Lehari said the operation oversaw the care of the extracted sickly illegal miners at the department’s medical facilities before being handed over to the police for arrests.

“The operation also involved the processing, transportation and storage of bodies of those that have perished underground. Of the illicit miners, only 9 have been admitted under the department’s care for further medical check-ups under police guard.

“The rest are in police custody. We laud officials dispatched on site by the Superintendent General, Obakeng Mongale. They have shown unwavering commitment and have gone beyond the call of duty,” he said.

Lehari further said operations like these ones are complex, especially when they involve such a huge number. He added that all of the over 1900 illegal miners passed through the hands of their medical personnel before being handed over to police.

“They have done so well. The work on those bodies have started in earnest and I am really proud of the work done so far. We are not done yet as we will now work on bodies at our mortuaries,” said Lehari.

Meanwhile, he said 246 individuals were brought to the surface from underground and assessed by medical personnel from the Department of Health before being handed over to the for criminal processing between 13 and 15 January 2025.

Lehari said the operation also saw the extraction of 78 bodies, which have been inimitably handled by the Forensic Pathology Services within the department.

“Some of the bodies had stayed for days and unfortunately are in a mortified state. The department reiterates its earlier call to members of the public and media to guard against disinformation and misinformation and allow the government to handle this sensitive matter with all tenets required,” he said.

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