Monthly Archives: January 2025

Three men jailed for killing a cop

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Three men who were sentenced for killing a cop/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

31 January 2025- Three men were sentenced to a combined 26 years by the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court for killing a cop. Tshepo Sthembiso Molaba (33), Thabiso Gladwin Phendela (30) and John Elvis Hlongwane (30), were found guilty on charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, defeating the administration of justice and murder of a policeman.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said the trio was arrested following an investigation into the murder of Warrant Officer Gaonathebe Diphephenyane, who was attached to Kimberley Crime Scene Investigation (CSI). Gunya said in July 2023, Diphephenyane was travelling from Kimberley to Rustenburg on an official trip when he was hijacked in Klerkskraal in the North West.

“He was robbed of the state vehicle, a cell phone and money. Diphephenyane’s lifeless body with signs of strangulation, was found dumped next to the road in Klerkskraal.

“A multi-disciplinary team comprising the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Hawks’ Tactical Operations Management Section, Crime Intelligence, North West and Northern Cape Provincial Detectives, Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management was assembled to work on the case,” he said.

Gunya further said the information led the police to Boikhutsong Township in Ventersdorp, Vosloorus and Brakpan in Gauteng, where the suspects were apprehended. He added that they appeared in court and were remanded in custody until their sentencing.

“Molaba was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances, Phendela was sentenced to 4 years imprisonment for defeating the administration of justice and Hlongwane was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for murder of a policeman.

“All three accused have been declared unfit to possess a firearm,” said Gunya.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi, and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, have lauded the investigation and prosecution team for working tirelessly to ensure that the accused face the full might of the law.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Four undocumented suspects nabbed for illegal mining

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Some of items seized by police/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

30 January 2025- Four undocumented suspects were arrested by the police and security personnel for illegal mining and trespassing in coordinated efforts at Kleinzee mine on 28 January 2025. This comes after multi-disciplinary teams of Operation Vala Umgodi, conducted vehicle and foot patrols at illegal mining hotspot areas.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said they received a tip-off from Vetus Security Guards regarding alleged illegal mining activities taking place at Kleinzee Mine. Shemane said the police swiftly reacted and operationalised the information.

“Upon arrival, four men were found engaging in illegal mining. The four suspects aged between 25 and 40, were subsequently arrested and the equipment that was used in the commission of illicit mining were confiscated.

“The public is encouraged to report illicit mining by using the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or by using the MySAPS App,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Action SA: “The bust of drugs worth R37m in Zeerust is just a tip of iceberg”  

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The police seized drugs worth R37 million/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

30 January 2025- Two suspects from Tanzania (42) and Zambia (39), were arrested for dealing in drugs near Zeerust on Wednesday. The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng has applauded law enforcement officials for their swift and effective response in arresting suspects in a recent drug bust near Zeerust.

Morweng said the operation, which resulted in the seizure of illicit substances called Crystal Meth, demonstrates commitment to tackle the scourge of drug-related crime in the province. He further commended the police and traffic officers for their diligence and professionalism in executing the arrest.

“The drugs are dangerous and mainly affect young people negatively. Therefore, we must commend men and women in uniform for their stunning work on the arrest.

“The preliminary investigations suggest that the street value of these substances is over R30 million. However, the confirmed value will be determined as further investigations unfold,” he added.

Morweng said the investigation will be conducted with utmost thoroughness, ensuring that all aspects are meticulously examined.

Meanwhile, the Action SA provincial chairperson, Kgosi Kwena Mangope said: “We strongly condemn the African National Congress (ANC) catastrophic failure in border management, which has once again been exposed by the recent drug bust at the Zeerust Border Post.

“This incident is yet another example of how South Africa’s porous borders have become gateways for criminal syndicates to operate with impunity. The ANC’s inability to enforce effective border security has not only facilitated organised crime, but also placed communities at risk by allowing illicit activities to flourish unchecked.”

Mangope said while commending law enforcement for intercepting the drug shipment, they emphasise that this incident starkly exposes the ANC’s long-standing inability to secure South Africa’s borders. He said the Action SA believes that Morweng’s admission that corrupt officials may have facilitated this drug trafficking operation is a damning indictment of the ANC’s governance.

“The interception of one drug shipment cannot be celebrated, while acknowledging the department’s own systemic failure. The fact that these drugs were being transported from Zambia via a minibus taxi highlights how easily international criminal syndicates exploit South Africa’s porous borders.

“This crisis stems directly from decades of ineffective immigration policies and border mismanagement under ANC rule. Action SA highlights two critical failures such as the complete collapse of border security infrastructure and patrol capacity,” he said.

Mangope alleged that this endemic corruption enabled criminal syndicates to operate freely. He said furthermore, this drug bust is only a symptom of a much larger problem.

“Undocumented foreign nationals now make up an estimated 10% of South Africa’s population. The ANC must take full responsibility for turning our borders into a haven for transnational criminals.

“Action SA remains committed to securing our borders for a safer and more prosperous South Africa. The people of the North West deserve better,” said Mangope.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

SPAR Proteas ready for challenge of Nation’s Cup

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture:Spar Proteas player against Jamaica/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

30 January 2025- The SPAR Proteas have moved from the heat and vibe of Jamaica to a chilly Britain for the Vitality Netball Nations Cup against England, Uganda, and Malawi this weekend, and head coach Jenny van Dyk believes her players are ready for the new challenge.

Van Dyk said this tour has been a great opportunity to test their resilience and mental fitness. She further said the change in climate is quite refreshing.

“We took steps on the journey from Jamaica to ensure that we did not suffer too much jet lag, like keeping the players awake at certain times. It’s never going to be easy, but we need to be able to deal with these challenges if we want to play the best in the world.

“The Nations Cup was an important part of the team’s preparations for the Commonwealth Games next year. Our first match is against Uganda on Saturday, but we are also working on our second match, against England the next day (Sunday),” said van Dyk.

She added they must be able to deal with the different styles of play. Van Dyk said the African teams have their own style and so does England, and they need to be ready to play them all.

The assistant coach, Zanele Mdodana, who was part of the last SPAR Proteas team to tour Jamaica in 2012, said there had been an incredible improvement in the way Jamaica played. Mdodana said most of their players play league netball in Australia and this has made them stronger.

“We learnt so much from playing there, even though we lost all three matches. This will help us in the Nations Cup. Our players are better because of this experience. I am excited to see the growth in the entire team,” she said.

Meanwhile, the SPAR Proteas captain Khanyisa Chawane said the team was very excited about the challenge ahead.

“We haven’t had an opportunity like this since the World Cup in 2023. We want to take everything we learnt in Jamaica and implement it. The team would not be affected by the support for the England team.  

“Nothing can compare to Jamaica – the vuvuzelas, the pot lids being banged, the general noise. We couldn’t hear the instructions from our coaches. But in England, the arenas are bigger, and the noise won’t be as intense,” said Chawane.

She said the team’s mindset of always wanting to win had not been affected by the losses to Jamaica. Chawane said this team will always fight to the end.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Mining can drive sustainable development, uplift communities

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Stilfontein Mine Shaft

By BAKANG MOKOTO

30 January 2025- The North West University (NWU) principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka said the mining sector must make headlines for the right reasons. Tyobeka said South Africa is not a refuge for illegal miners and their exploitation tactics.

He further said Stilfontein is a name irrevocably connected to South Africa’s mining sector. Toybeka added that it is high time that the country makes global mining headlines for the right reasons.

“The saga of the illegal miners in the Buffelsfontein Mine in Stilfontein caught the attention of global news agencies and painted a very skewed picture of mining in South Africa. It was and still is disheartening. We should be able to dictate what the picture of one of our most valuable sectors looks like.

“Our mines are resources of immense value, and they can contribute even more to the fortunes of all South Africans. We need the world to know this and we need the world to see this,” said Tyobeka.

He said in 2023, the mining sector contributed more than R200 billion to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Tyobeka said it is a sector that employs more than 470 000 people.

“These are not insignificant numbers. The mines are feeder veins to their surrounding communities and a lifeline to countless households. That is why the NWU is actively pursuing the establishment of our School of Mines and Mining Engineering, which will be based in Rustenburg, to address the evolving needs of South Africa’s mining industry.

“The mining sector remains the backbone of South Africa’s economy, fuelling job creation, exports and industrial growth. Rich in minerals like gold, platinum and rare earths, mines are pivotal to global supply chains,” he said.

Tyobeka said with responsible governance and innovation, mining can drive sustainable development, uplift communities and secure the nation’s economic resilience. He said from 3 to 6 February 2025, Cape Town will play host to the Investing in African Mining Indaba, which is the largest conference of its kind in the world.

“The country and the continent need events like this to show that we will not be defined by failures that make for sensational reading, like Stilfontein, but by current successes and those to come.

“We are the world’s largest producer of platinum, with about 70% of global production hailing from South Africa. We are also a notable exporter of gold, iron ore, manganese, chromium, diamonds and more,” said Tyobeka.

He said South Africa is a global mining power, not a refuge for zama zamas and their exploitation tactics. Tyobeka said South Africans should take hands and work together to show the world who they are.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Police urge relatives of illegal miners who died in Stilfontein to come forward

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: A body of a person in mortuary/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

30 January 2025- The police request the relatives of 78 illegal miners who died in the Stilfontein mine to come forward and identify their loved ones. More than 80 bodies were retrieved by the rescue team at Buffelsfontein Gold Mine Shaft No 11, during the mine rescue operation a few weeks ago.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said this is part of ongoing investigations into the inquest dockets.

“Relatives of the deceased are requested to come forward for the identification process. Family members are requested to meet with the investigation team at Stilfontein Police Station on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 8am and 3pm,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Workshop explores the establishment of an Agri Hub in North West

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The delegation during workshop/Supplied

By OSCAR MOSIANE

30 January 2025- The North West University (NWU), in partnership with the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, held an extensive three-day workshop on beef beneficiation and goat aggregation from 22 to 24 January at the Mahikeng Campus’ Molelwane Farm.

The workshop aimed to equip agricultural stakeholders in the province with the essential tools and knowledge to conceptualise and establish an Agri Hub that will serve the community effectively. The department’s delegation was headed by North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha.

The event also featured notable attendees, including Kgosi Phenyo Motshegare, representing the Barolong Boora Motshegare tribe in Lokaleng, well-known breeder Dr Monty Chiepe, and farmers Andrew Aphane, Mompati Kgomanyana-Modimogale, and Mike Gcabo who shared their practical experiences.

Sambatha emphasised the importance of the Agri Hub concept and the university’s potential leadership in this initiative. He pointed out that the university has a wealth of researchers who can significantly contribute to the establishment of the Agri Hub within the province.

“It is highly advantageous for this project to be directed by the NWU, as it will remain insulated from disruptions caused by changes in administration or the MEC. Such transitions often hinder the success of projects due to resulting shifts in priorities at the leadership level,” he said.

NWU delegates under the leadership of Prof David Modise, executive dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, also shared a presentation. Modise emphasised the university’s mission and stated that this collaboration is both timely and essential.

“The primary objective is to coordinate all stakeholders to work together to improve livestock quality for the benefit of communities and farmers. This workshop represents the first phase of our efforts.

“In the future, we may consider expanding to include additional commodities, while staying mindful of the memorandum of understanding between the university and the department, and our collaboration with the colleges of agriculture within the province,” he said.

NWU honorary doctorate recipient, Chiepe, an esteemed earth scientist, social entrepreneur, and farmer from Botswana, expressed his satisfaction in sharing his expertise for the Agri Hub initiative.

“I am collaborating with the university and the department to outline a programme specifically designed to support farmers, particularly in the beef and goat sectors. Our objective is to ensure that small-scale and subsistence farmers derive benefits from the value chain, enabling them to advance towards becoming commercial farmers.”

Farmer Andrew Aphane of Aphamo Boerdery delivered a presentation on the management of feedlots, abattoirs, and the comprehensive value chain that has the potential to benefit the residents of North West Province once the Agri Hub is operational.

“The Agri Hub will serve as a centre of excellence dedicated to enhancing livestock genetics, optimising animal feed, and facilitating research.

“It will provide farmers access to significant research outcomes, enabling them to adopt methodologies that have been validated by experts as effective,” he said.

Motshegare commended the collaborative efforts of the NWU and the department for their shared vision that promises to benefit the entire province.

“As traditional leaders, we are encouraged by initiatives of this nature that aim to enhance our communities. We anticipate significant improvements in our agricultural fields and livestock, and we are prepared to provide the necessary support to ensure the success of this project,” he said.

The workshop included a comprehensive tour of Molelwane Farm, conducted by the Farm Manager, Hannes Lombard. Lombard provided participants with an overview of the current farm activities and the existing structures that will be utilised when the Agri Hub becomes operational.

This three-day workshop successfully brought together representatives from the agricultural sector, traditional leadership, government, academia, and local communities. Consequently, a concept document was developed to guide implementation efforts.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Mokassa business robbery case back in court

NEWS Leave a comment

By OBAKENG MAJE

30 January 2025- A business robbery case against four men in Mokassa 1 village, near Taung, is expected to resume today at the Taung Magistrate’s Court, for formal bail application. The accused were arrested after a swift response by the police and members of the community.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Aobakwe Motshela (26), Thatayaone Mongalenyane (26), Goitsemodimo Dikhucwe (33), and Zwelinzima Mohapi (31), were arrested on Tuesday evening, 7 January 2025, after allegedly committing a business robbery in Mokassa 1 village.

“It is alleged members of Visible Policing rushed to the scene after receiving a call at about 6pm, informing them of a robbery in progress. Upon arrival, the police joined members of the community who were found chasing the suspects.

“Three men were as a result arrested. The fourth suspect who was seen carrying a firearm, was apprehended after being found hiding in the bushes,” he said.

Mokgwabone said a search for the firearm was conducted immediately and the following day, but that did not yield positive results. He said the accused briefly appeared in Taung Magistrate’s Court.

“They were remanded in custody until 16 January 2025, for a formal bail application,” said Mokgwabone.

Meanwhile, the District Commissioner of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng, thanked members of the community and the police for their cooperation, which he said is a good example of what can be achieved if everyone is involved in the fight against crime.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Two nabbed for allegedly stealing a vehicle

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The alleged suspected stolen vehicle/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE

30 January 2025- Two suspects aged 20 and 36, were arrested for allegedly stealing a vehicle in Batlharos, near Kuruman. The police in Danielskuil successfully traced and recovered a vehicle.

The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said the vehicle fitting the description was located with two occupants in the Danielskuil area on 27 January 2025. Masegela said upon questioning by the police, the two men could not produce proof of ownership or reasonable explanation for being in possession of the vehicle.

“The owner identified and confirmed ownership on consultation. The two suspects were subsequently arrested for theft of a motor vehicle.

“The management in the ZF Mgcawu District applauded the vigilance of the members and encouraged them to continue to stamp the authority of the state,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com