10 March 2025- Eight suspects aged between 27 and 42, were arrested contravention of the Immigration Act, dealing in and possession of drugs, resisting arrest, assault on a police official, defeating the ends of justice and robbery with a weapon. The suspects were arrested during Northern Cape multi-disciplinary Operation Vala Umgodi team, tasked to combat illicit mining activities.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the operation was executed from 6 March 2025, in the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts, respectively. Sam said the police from the Kimberley and Kleinsee Venue Operations Centres (VOC), executed disruptive activities, including vehicle check points (VCPs), stop and searches, as well as crime prevention patrols in and around the mining areas and communities.
“Shift B of the Kimberley VOC while patrolling,& received information of drug dealing at a house in Galeshewe, Ramatshela Street. They verified and operationalised the information and found Mandrax tablets, Crystal Meth and Khat, with a total value of approximately R3180, as well as R8 780 cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime.
“The team further arrested 3 assailants who robbed a member of the public not far from were they searched the drug house. All suspects will appear in their respective Courts of Kimberley and Port Nolloth soon,” he said.
Sam further said numerous traffic violation fines were issued at several VCPs in Frances Baard and Namakwa. He added that, the combat teams will intensify its efforts by squeezing the space for illegal miners to operate.
“If you see something, say something. Report illegal mining to the SAPS Crime Stop 08600 10111,” said Sam.
10 March 2025- A man (50) was sentenced to six years imprisonment for fraud and theft of a motor vehicle. In November 2020, the accused, Hanro Pietersen, visited the complainant at Riverside Farm, near Plooysburg.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said Pietersen informed the complainant that he was a mechanic and would be able to fix his Nissan X trail vehicle, which is valued at R70 000. Shemane said the victim paid the accused R15 000 to do the repairs on the vehicle and Pietersen then towed the vehicle to Kimberley.
“The accused took the vehicle papers with him and informed the complaint that he was taking the papers in case the police stopped him along the road. Instead, the accused went to the Kimberley Traffic Department and forged the signature of the complainant and put the vehicle on his name.
“After the accused repaired the vehicle, he then sold it to a person in Roodepan in Kimberley. It then came to the attention of the owner that the vehicle has been sold,” he said.
Shemane further said the complainant approached the police and a case of theft of motor vehicle and fraud was registered. He added that, the police recovered the vehicle and arrested the accused.
“On 5 March 2025, the Kimberley Regional Court convicted and sentenced him to six years imprisonment, and he was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” said Shemane.
Meanwhile, the District Commissioner of Pixley Ka Seme, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, commended the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Samuel Witbooi of De Aar Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit in securing the conviction and bringing the perpetrator to justice.
Picture: A missing patient, Elias Lumkwana/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
10 March 2025- The Kimberley SAPS Serious and Violent Crimes unit are requesting the assistance of the public in locating missing Elias Lumkwana (55). The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said Lunkwana is originally from Colesberg and was admitted to the Robert Sobukwe Mangaliso Hospital in Kimberley, 4 March 2025.
“A family member went to visit the following day, but could not find him at the hospital and reported him missing on 6 March 2025, at the Kimberley SAPS.
“Anyone with information can contact Detective Sergeant Moagi Mokatsane on 083 314 3855 or call SAPS crime stop on 08600 10111 or utilize the MySaps App,” he said.
Kock said the public is reminded that there is no waiting period to report a missing person.
10 March 2015- The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General, Koliswa Otola conferred ranks to the newly promoted officers and members of the SAPS at the Provincial Headquarters during an Extended Provincial Crime Combatting Forum Management meeting in Kimberley on Monday.
Otola was joined by the Deputy Provincial Commissioner of Policing, Major General Keagekae Besnaar, Deputy Provincial Commissioner of Crime Detection, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga and the District Commissioner of Frances Baard, Major General Gabathata Makgari.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said in attendance, were the Provincial Heads of various components, while the other four District Commissioners with their respective stations linked via the virtual platform. Litabe sais the newly promoted officers, whose appointment date is 1 March 2025, included Colonel Itumeleng Pudule (The new Provincial Head of Employee Health and Wellness Services),
Lieutenant Colonel Mosimaneotsile Letsapa, the new Station Commander of Kathu,
Lieutenant Colonel Bakang Kgwadi, the new Station Commander of Keimoes.
“These members, Captain Tebogo Oliphant (Plooysburg), Captain Aloycia-Motlatsi (Hondeklipbaai), Captain Xolani Ralarala (Vanwyksvlei), Captain Renard Setlhabi (Onseepkans), Captain Anel Thiro (Marydale), Captain Melvin Wales (Phillipstown), Captain Frank Witbooi (Olifantshoek), Captain Silulami Nomyayi (Fraserburg) and Captain Johannes Bekker (Aggenys), were appointed to the rank of Captain as new Station Commanders.
“Prior to conferring the ranks, Otola invited the new appointees into the EPCCF meeting so that they could catch a glimpse of what she expects from the station commanders,” he said.
Meanwhile, in her congratulatory message, Otola indicated that with the new rank comes new responsibilities and accountability. She said before they make her proud, they must make themselves proud.
“We also urged them to take command of their respective offices and not be intimidated by any person.” She said.
Picture: The police are looking for person of interest/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
10 March 2025- The Galeshewe Police Serious and Violent Crimes Unit requests the assistance of the public in tracing a person of interest in solving a business robbery case that occurred in Barkly Road in Galeshewe on 4 February 2025. The police said the preliminary investigations indicate that the person of interest depicted in the picture, allegedly involved in the robbery and fled the scene.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said: “Anyone with information is urged to contact the Investigating Officer Detective Sergeant Chrisna Von Wielliegh at 082 469 0547 or make use of SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or make use of the MySAPS App to send a tip-off.
Picture: Former Northern Cape Roads and Public Works CFO, Bradley Slingers
By REGINALD KANYANE
10 March 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Northern Cape said the dismissal of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Northern Cape Roads and Public Works, Bradley Slingers, must be the first step in combating corruption. Slingers (58), was arrested on 16 November 2023, after a roadblock, near Shell Ultra City on the N12 road in Kimberley.
This comes after he was allegedly found with a large sum of cash in his vehicle. A search of Slingers uncovered R200,000 in his possession, as well as three additional bags containing a total of over R679 000 in cash.
According to The Star newspaper, it appeared that the Hawks have been investigating National Department of Public Works officials for some time, and the roadblock was set up to clamp into the corruption syndicate happening at the DPWI. The newspaper said sources close to the situation have revealed that DPWI senior officials across the country take “cash gifts” from service providers in exchange of large tenders and projects, a scourge mostly prevalent in Gauteng, KZN and the Northern Cape.
The Hawks are believed to have been on Slingers’ tail for some months leading up to the arrest. At the arrest Slingers could not answer where he got the cash.
The DA Northern Cape Provincial Leader, Harold McGluwa, who is also a Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in Northern Cape said, the DA’s pressure has led to confirmation from the Department of Roads and Public Works that they have dismissed Slingers, following the outcome of an internal disciplinary hearing. McGluwa said this is only the first step in fighting corruption in the provincial government and must extend to other departments.
“The DA expects the Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, to make an example of the Slingers case and urgently lead a process to ensure that internal disciplinary processes are initiated against all officials whose fate has been left to the courts alone to determine. Departments also have a critical responsibility to enforce accountability and to punish wrongdoing, and they should be acted against when they fail to do so.
“The DA will monitor developments in relation to instituting efficient disciplinary processes within departments. We will also probe the delayed implementation of the dismissal of Slingers by the department. It cannot be that department’s only action when a scandal hits the media,” he said.
McGluwa further said they appreciate that the Slingers case remains under investigation by law enforcement agencies. He added that, they hope that the investigation is finalized soon and that it leads to Slingers’ prosecution by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works spokesperson, Zandile Luphahla said: “We can confirm the dismissal of its former CFO after he was found guilty of misconduct, which brought the department into disrepute. The Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong, has received a letter from the former CFO’s attorney.
“While the contents of the letter remain confidential, the Makatong is applying her mind and will respond accordingly.”
Picture: The explosives seized by the police/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
10 March 2025- Zimbabwean man (21) was arrested for unlawful possession of explosives during an intelligence-led operation in Klerksdorp. The police said this was part of combating illegal mining and other crimes.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the suspect, who allegedly tried to flee after becoming aware of the police, was arrested in the bushes near a shopping mall by members of the National Intervention Unit (NIU). Myburgh said inside his vehicle, police allegedly found a variety of explosives, including capped fuses, 30 blasting cartridges and 50m of detonating cord.
“Initial investigations indicated that the explosives are used to commit cash in transit heists, explode Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) as well as utilisation in illegal mining activities. The suspect will appear before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on Monday, on charges of unlawful possession of explosives,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, applauded all members involved in the multi-disciplinary operation for their diligence that resulted in bringing the suspect to book. Asaneng said the public is advised to report crime, including through the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS application anonymously.
“Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 080 091 1011,” he said.
10 March 2025- The accused, Angelique Loubsher (53), who was facing 135 counts of theft, was found guilty by the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court. Loubsher was working as a Financial Administrator at a company selling cleaning materials, had over a period of 10 months (from 3 January 2021 to 23 October 2021) stealing money belonging to her employer, instead of depositing it into the employer’s bank account.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said she was sentenced to just more than 23 years imprisonment, suspended on condition that she pays the whole amount of R285 842.46, back to her now former employer. Myburgh said Loubsher was also put under correctional supervision for a period of five years.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, congratulated the Potchefstroom Detectives for recently achieving excellent sentences. Asaneng commended the Investigating Officers and prosecution for leaving no stone unturned to secure the sentence.
Picture: Director of the School for Government Studies at the North West University (NWU), Professor Kedibone Phago/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
10 March 2025- Director of the School for Government Studies at the North West University (NWU), Professor Kedibone Phago said, it seems there is uncertainty that springs eternal in the South African political landscape. Phago said the Government of National Unity (GNU) has yet to find its feet, and cohesion has not been one of its hallmarks.
He further said, there is much to be done if the country is to be defined by its successes rather than its failures. Phago added that the state of State-Owned Entities (SOEs) is a broken backbone.
“The SOEs are the backbone of the South African economy, but that backbone is fractured. Nowhere is this more evident than at Transnet, which suffered severe damage from the era of state capture under former President Jacob Zuma.
“There is no doubt that the government needs to focus on reviving SOEs to fix the economy. One of the first steps should be a comprehensive skills audit, followed by a clear roadmap for skills development,” said Phago.
He said a structured partnership with universities and TVET colleges is crucial for medium to long term planning. Phago said this would ensure a steady pipeline of technical expertise feeding into both SOEs and local government structures.
“Collaborations should extend to the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA). How long will the GNU last?
“That remains the burning question. The current unity government, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, was a necessary response to the ANC’s failure to secure an outright majority in the last elections,” he said.
Phago said it is in South Africa’s best interest for the GNU to hold until the next elections. He said with Ramaphosa at the helm, there’s a chance that the GNU could endure, but the real threat lies within the ANC itself.
“The party’s elective conference, expected before 2029, could be a turning point. If Ramaphosa decides not to run for a third term as ANC president, history suggests that internal party battles could bring his tenure to a premature end.
“We have seen this before. Both Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma were ousted due to ANC leadership struggles. Leftist opposition forces, particularly the EFF and MK parties, are watching closely, waiting for an opportunity to unseat him,” said Phago.
He said with a diverse population and a young, vibrant workforce, South Africa needs pragmatic governance. Phago said, however, the ideological tug-of-war between left-wing and centrist policies continues to shape the country’s political landscape.
“A pragmatic approach must be entrenched. The left may call it neoliberalism, but the reality is that South Africa has to align itself with global financial systems such as the World Bank and the IMF. The challenge, he says, is that leftist rhetoric in South Africa often lacks substance.
“To sustain social grants, free education, and other welfare programmes, the government needs to broaden its tax base. Without this, left-wing policies become little more than empty slogans,” he said.
Phago said corruption scandals such as the arms deal, travelgate and state capture, have further exposed the hypocrisy of some so-called progressive leaders. He said with declining support, the ANC faces an uphill battle ahead of the 2029 elections.
“However, there are some signs of stabilisation. Early polls suggest that both the ANC and the DA, have maintained their support base since the formation of the GNU. The 2026 local government elections will be a crucial test.
“The black middle class in urban centres will be a key demographic to watch. In addition, the ANC’s elective conference in 2026 will provide insights into the party’s internal power struggles,” said Phago
He said the MK Party, founded by Zuma loyalists, is still in its infancy and its leadership instability threatens its future. Phago said the rift between its secretary general and Duduzile Zuma, could determine whether the MKP retains its 14% support base.
“Without internal cohesion, the party’s future is uncertain,” he said.
Meanwhile, Phago said the EFF appears to be in decline. He said the departure of Floyd Shivambu and Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, has left a significant leadership vacuum. He said so far, Julius Malema has not demonstrated a clear strategy to keep the party viable.
“The DA, on the other hand, has adopted a two-pronged strategy within the GNU. By staying in government while simultaneously challenging policies in the courts, the DA seeks to retain white voters who might drift to the Freedom Front Plus, while also appealing to the black middle class.
“If the ANC elects a controversial or corruption-tainted leadership at its next conference, the DA could gain further traction among urban voters. Given South Africa’s current political fragmentation, could a centrist force emerge as a viable alternative?” he said.
Phago believes such forces are already visible within the GNU, but their survival is uncertain. He said the challenge is to sustain them.
“Paul Mashatile, the current deputy president of the ANC, does not represent this centrist shift. Until we see who succeeds Ramaphosa, it’s too early to say whether a pragmatic governance model will take hold.
“For now, the so-called progressive forces remain weak and divided. If they were a real threat, we would have seen them take control of a municipality in Gauteng or KwaZulu-Natal by now,” said Phago.
He said South Africa’s political and economic landscape remains volatile. Phago said the survival of the GNU depends on Ramaphosa’s leadership, while the ANC’s ability to reverse its declining fortunes will be tested in the coming years.
“The next few years will determine whether South Africa moves towards pragmatic governance or remains mired in ideological battles that do little to address its pressing economic challenges,” he said.
10 March 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said agriculture is one of the most important sectors in our economy. Ramaphosa said the goods and services produced across the agricultural value chain underpin our country’s food security and account for a significant portion of South Africa’s exports.
He further said, according to data from the Agbiz, last year South Africa’s agricultural exports reached a record $13.7 billion. Ramaphosa added that these agricultural exports are diverse, with 44% of these products exported to other African countries, 21% to Asia and the Middle East, 19% to the European Union and 6% to the Americas.
“The value and volume of the farming sector has more than doubled since the dawn of democracy in 1994. This is testimony to the ongoing efforts of both Government and industry to ensure that South Africa products access as many export markets as possible.
“Beyond the role of expanded export markets, agricultural economists have attributed the sector’s growth to the government’s embrace of science, allowing the private sector to register better seed cultivars and genetics to boost productivity,” he said.
Ramaphosa said the agricultural sector remains ripe for investment because of its recognised growth prospects. In addition, the revenue the state collects from agriculture enables the government to provide services that improve the lives of our citizens. He said the sector is a major source of employment.
“By the end of 2024 approximately 924,000 people worked directly in agriculture and over 200,000 worked elsewhere in the agriculture value chain. The health and growth of our farming sector is vital to supporting small towns and keeping rural South Africa vibrant.
“Given the critical role of agriculture in our national life, the government is working with all stakeholders to ensure the survival, sustainability and growth of this sector,” said Ramaphosa.
He said in collaboration with partners in the industry, they are undertaking growth-enhancing measures such as the sectoral master plans. Ramaphosa said the Poultry and Sugar Master Plans were the first steps, culminating in the Agriculture and Agro-processing Masterplan that was signed by organised agriculture and other partners in 2022.
“The Department of Agriculture has launched a blended finance instrument in collaboration with the Land Bank to help farmers who require capital to continue growing the sector.
“As this labour-intensive sector expands, more work opportunities will be created in the most vulnerable areas of the country, particularly rural areas. This in turn will support their economic rejuvenation,” he said.
Ramaphosa said agriculture, like other sectors, is affected by municipal service delivery challenges, and by the poor state of key infrastructure such as roads, rail and ports. He said this constrains the delivery of agricultural goods to markets.
“The structural reforms that started during the sixth administration are making progress towards addressing the port and rail challenges. Several road transport and bulk water infrastructure projects are underway that will boost the growth of agriculture.
“We cannot talk about sustainable agriculture in South Africa without addressing issues of equity and inclusion in farming and land ownership. Transformation remains a challenge in agriculture,” he said.
Ramaphosa said in his book, A Country of Two Agricultures, economist Wandile Sihlobo, notes that black farmers currently only account for around 10% of the commercial output in South Africa’s agriculture. He said their growth agenda must therefore have a bias towards the empowerment of black farmers.
“The inclusion of black farmers in commercial agriculture necessitates that land is made available to them. The ongoing land reform process and release of Government land will continue to benefit emerging farmers and ensure that they too add to the growth of South Africa’s farming economy.
“This is an effort that requires multi-sectoral collaboration. The Land Bank and other commercial financiers will need to collaborate by providing capital. Organised agriculture can come on board to deploy the necessary training,” said Ramaphosa.
He said the farming sector of South Africa is vital to their growth agenda. Ramaphosa said it has shown resilience in the past and will likely continue along this encouraging and promising path.
“It will therefore be critical that the sector embraces the onward march of transformation. It is in the interests of all South Africans that we have an agricultural sector that is representative and inclusive, that contributes to the growth of our economy and that produces the food our country needs,” he said.
The Guardian 