7 March 2025- A scrap yard in Upington was fined R70 000 by the Upington Regional Court for contravention of the Second-Hand Goods Act. on Wednesday, 05 March 2025. However, half of the fine is suspended for 5 years.
In 2020, an undercover project driven investigation was conducted whereby Telkom copper cables were sold to Van Zyl Scrap Metal (PTY) LTD in Upington. After completion of three transactions, the project was terminated in June 2022, and the accused was brought before court.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said the accused made several court appearances until pleading guilty and the case was finalized in court. Mnisi said on a separate, but related matter, OL Scrap Metal (PTY) LTD was fined R35 000, on charges of contravention of the Second-Hand Goods Act by the same court.
“During 2020, an undercover project driven investigation was conducted whereby Telkom copper cables were sold to OL Scrap Metal in Upington. The project was finally terminated in June 2022, and the accused was arrested. The accused pleaded guilty on 5 March 2025, and was sentenced,” she said.
7 March 2025- A 41-YEAR-OLD man sentenced to 12 years imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court for fraud. Thse accused, Amukelani Nicolus Malungani, was arrested on 13 May 2021, by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said between 2016 and 2017, Franti General Trading CC operated in Kimberley and failed to submit tax returns for that period. Mnisi said this evasion has resulted in the South African Revenue Service (SARS) suffering a potential loss of R415 339, 84.
“An intensive investigation by the team, Malungani, who was one of the company’s accountants, was found guilty on 2 counts of tax evasion and money laundering. He was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment of which 2 years is suspended for a period of five years,” she said.
7 March 2025- The Northern Cape Department of Education said it is pleased to announce the successful disbursement of R100 million to schools as part of the norms and standard allocations. The department said these funds have been allocated for essential needs, including Learning and Teaching Support Materials, municipal services, special schools, hostel subsidies, Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres and learner transport.
The Northern Cape Department of Education spokesperson, Geoffrey van der Merwe said a total of R22 million has been paid directly to municipalities across the province to assist schools struggling to cover their municipal service costs. Van der Merwe said this intervention was crucial in preventing electricity disconnections at schools, which could have negatively impacted their operations.
“Although there remains a shortfall in the funding provided, we are happy to report that schools are continuing to operate smoothly without any disruptions. The department is in ongoing communication with the Provincial Treasury to ensure the timely disbursement of funds to schools in the new financial year.
“With this matter now resolved, we urge all our stakeholders and partners in education to unite in our efforts to improve learner outcomes and the overall quality of education. Our department officials are working diligently to provide continuous support to schools and learners,” he said.
7 March 2025- The Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy was briefed by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) on the reasons for its decision on Eskom’s Multi-Year Price Determination 6 (MYPD6) Revenue Application. Briefing the committee, NERSA outlined the rationale behind its decisions, emphasising the need to balance Eskom’s financial sustainability with the economic pressures facing consumers.
The presentation highlighted that Eskom originally requested a staggering 57% increase in tariffs over three years. However, after thorough evaluations and consultations, NERSA approved a significantly reduced increase of 24.3%.
NERSA said it considered its decision within the broader context of ensuring affordability for consumers while enabling Eskom to address its operational challenges effectively.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Nonkosi Mvana said they have expressed significant concerns about the implications of tariff increases on consumers and the broader economy. Mvana said the members highlighted the historical pattern of tariff hikes and their adverse effects on economic activity, seeking clarification on how NERSA plans to ensure that future increases do not unduly burden vulnerable households and small businesses.
“Additionally, there were worries that the tariff increases might stem from mismanagement at Eskom. Some committee members voiced scepticism about Eskom’s ability to effectively utilise the funds generated from these increases, pointing to past inefficiencies and corruption.
“In response, NERSA explained that the approved increases are contingent upon Eskom meeting specific performance targets and operational efficiency benchmarks. The regulator assured the committee that it would closely monitor Eskom’s financial management and operational practices to ensure that any additional revenue is directed towards improving service delivery and reducing load shedding,” she said.
Mvana further said the energy regulator emphasised its commitment to conducting thorough economic impact assessments prior to approving any tariff adjustments. She added that NERSA noted that the approved increases were based on careful consideration of operational costs, maintenance needs and performance targets for Eskom.
“Additionally, NERSA recognised the necessity for enhanced accountability and oversight, reaffirming its intention to monitor Eskom’s compliance with established performance standards diligently. Another significant question raised by the committee involved the integration of independent power producers (IPPs) into the energy landscape and how this would affect future pricing.
“Members expressed concerns about the potential costs associated with integrating renewable energy sources and whether these costs would be passed on to consumers. NERSA assured the committee that while IPPs will contribute to diversifying the energy mix, careful planning and regulation will be essential to manage costs effectively,” said Mvana.
She said committee members inquired whether NERSA is considering any changes to the existing regulatory framework to better address Eskom’s challenges and those of the energy sector as a whole. Mvana said in response, NERSA said the evolving landscape of the energy market, continuous policy review will be required.
“Furthermore, NERSA stressed that any amendments would only be made after careful consideration of the long-term implications for both Eskom and consumers. The discussion also touched on the issue of the gas/coal problem, particularly with regard to the integration of gas as a transitional fuel in South Africa’s energy mix.
“Committee members raised questions about the implications of relying on gas while also managing coal dependencies. NERSA recognised the complexity of this issue, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to energy generation that considers both environmental sustainability and economic viability,” she said.
Mvana said regarding the negotiated pricing agreements between Eskom and large industrial users, committee members questioned the fairness of these agreements in the context of rising tariffs for ordinary consumers. She said the energy regulator reiterated that such agreements are governed by the electricity pricing policy and said that it will continue to review these contracts to ensure they align with South Africa’s broader economic goals.
Setshwantsho-papiso: Setopo sa motho se bonwe ke mapodisi
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
7 Mopitlwe 2025- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le monna wa kwa motse-setoropong wa Utlwanang, gaufi le Christina, e buseditswe morago go fitlha di 10 Moranang 2025. Molatofadiwa, George “Bees” Kgalaki (50), one a tlhageletse kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Christiana ka boripana, mabapi le polao.
Se se tla morago ga go bonwa ga setopo sa ga Elizabeth Makanase Tukula (47) kwa matlakaleng, gaufi le lebala la metshameko la kwa Chrisitiana. Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, setopo sa ga Tukula, se bonwe ke bana fa bane ba tshameka.
Van Rooyen are lekau la ga Tukula, le ile la tshwarwa, mme le tlhageletse kwa kgotlha-tshekelo.
“Setopo sa ga Tukula se bonwe ka Labobedi beke e e fetileng, fela mokola ene o tshwerwe ka Laboraro. Dipatlisiso di supa fa moswi a kgwageditswe ka terata,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, Kgakali yo o ileng a bolelela lekgotlha gore ene o tla ipuelela mo kgetsi e, one a fetola mogopolo, mme a kopa mmueledi wa puso. Dipatlisiso di tswelela mo kgetsi.
Picture: Police looking for four people of interest/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
7 March 2025- The Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation is seeking public’ assistance in locating Mckevin Ayanda Dormithiene (46), Nkosingiphile Fortune Mahlangu (25), Gift Chilambe (21) and Thando Fakude (29), as they can help the police in resolving a fraud and money laundering case. The complainant alleges that during April 2022, his company was defrauded by two companies, Power Magnet International Procurement Pty (Ltd) and Cargo Freight Company.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said, these entities were willing to sell, package fine sunflower oil, and export to Spain from Springbok Airport. Mnisi said a total amount of 34.069 USD (R521 135.95) was paid to the said entities, and the fine sunflower oil was never delivered.
“The investigation by the team established that the money was paid into a bank account, belonging to Pabith Group Trader, and was later transferred to different companies, Luno accounts and different cell phone numbers. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Lt Col Breedt at 082 302 0467 Warrant Officer Mosienyane at 071 351 7410.
“Alternatively, anonymous tip-offs can be reported via Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS App. All information will be treated confidentially, and callers may remain anonymous,” she said.
The Guardian 