Daily Archives: March 27, 2025

DA demands Northern Cape Dept of Agriculture to stop man made drought in Onseepkans

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Picture: A farming project in SA/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

27 March 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Northern Cape urges the Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform to ensure that it properly hands over the irrigation system in Onseepkans to the Department of Water and Sanitation and fulfil necessary conditions to prevent a man made drought.

The DA Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature, Reinette Liebenberg, who is also a spokesperson on Agriculture said, at departmental insistence, the former irrigation canal was replaced by a pump-driven pipeline system in 2014. Liebenberg said, but the quality of the pipeline’s construction is questionable and the filters are continuously clogged with sludge and other debris.

“This endangers water provision to the harvests of 162 emerging farmers and commercial agribusiness, including 110 hectares of raisins cultivated on communal land as well as export grape production, lucerne and dates.

“Despite departmental assurances that a solar farm would be established to power the pumps, commercial agribusinesses are still burdened with the costs of the Eskom account. It seems they are expected to pay indefinitely while the department does little to secure the promised solar power support,” she said.

Liebenberg further said understandably, commercial farmers want to withdraw from the arrangement. She added that this will affect maintenance of the pipeline and could worsen water supply constraints.

“The DA has repeatedly called the head of the department to engage with the Onseepkans Irrigation Board. It’s disappointing to learn that his intervention was limited to encouraging all roleplayers to find a workable solution, without any concrete answers on the table from the department.

“The latest Eskom bill amounted to nearly R600 000, which was brought to the department’s attention, with no response. If that is the departmental approach, we must ask when it intends fulfilling its own obligations of this deal?” she asked.

Liebenberg said she has submitted questions to the department to probe its intentions, including the status of handing over the project and contingency plans for water provision, if commercial farmers withdraw from the project. She said given the poor response from the department, she will also be escalating this matter to the premier.

“Farming is difficult enough. We cannot allow departments to make matters worse for farmers who keep the agricultural sector going and who play a key role in putting food on our tables,” said Liebenberg.

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A man who raped a girl and gave her R5 jailed

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

27 March 2025- A man (47) was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment by the Springbok Regional Court for raping a minor (11). On 1 April 2023, the victim was at home with the accused in 7de Laan, Bergsig in Springbok.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the accused attempted to forcibly kiss the victim, then closed her mouth when she screamed for help. Shemane said he sexually assaulted her and then gave her R5.

“The victim ran to aunt’s home and reported the incident, who immediately contacted the police and subsequently the suspect was arrested. Bail was successfully opposed and he remained in custody until he was convicted and sentenced.

“The Springbok Regional Court found the accused guilty and sentenced him to twelve years imprisonment, of which five years were suspended for five years on condition that the accused is not convicted of any similar offence during the period of suspension,” he said.

Shemane further said in addition, the accused was declared unfit to possess a firearm and his name is to be entered into the National Register for Sexual Offenders. He added that, the SAPS in the Northern Cape remain committed in the fight against crimes targeting the vulnerable groups of society.

“The Namakwa District Management applauded Detective Constable Agnes Vena of Springbok Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for her outstanding investigative work that led to the incarceration of the accused and justice for the victim,” said Shemane.

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Three suspects from Zimbabwe and Mozambique nabbed for illegal mining

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Picture: The generators confiscated during raids/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

27 March 2025- Three suspects from Zimbabwe and Mozambique aged between 32 and 35, were arrested for illegal mining at Shivan Mine Dam in Klerksdorp during Operation Vala Umgodi. The suspects were arrested by the Dr Kenneth Kaunda Illegal Mining Task Team assisted by the Explosive Unit, as part of combating illegal mining.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the police received a tip-off and operationalised it. Myburgh said on arrival at the mine, numerous persons were observed busy with illegal mining activities.

“On seeing the police, they fled from the scene, but police managed to arrest three suspects (two are Zimbabweans and one is from Mozambique). On the premises, police allegedly found a variety of explosives, including 20 capped fuses, 20 blasting cartridges and 120m of detonating cord.

“Furthermore, 13 generators, two water pumps and five mining drills were also confiscated. The suspects will appear before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court 27 March 2025, facing charges of unlawful possession of explosives, illegal mining and the Contravention of Section 49 of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002),” she said.

Meanwhile, acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, applauded the police involved in the operation for their ongoing efforts that resulted in bringing the suspects 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.

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Two municipal officials in court for graft case

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By REGINALD KANYANE

27 March 2025- The Mmabatho Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Rustenburg, postponed the case against Benjamin Mathews Mogotsi (51) and Constance Motaung (50), to 29 May 2025, for the matter to be transferred to the Commercial Crimes Court in Rustenburg. The duo was arrested on Wednesday by the office of the Provincial Commercial Crime Unit.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said the accused persons are both charged with four counts of fraud. Gunya said the evidence presented in court revealed that the Mpheni Social Club was established by the employees of Rustenburg Local Municipality.

“The social club was to assist members who joined, to share the money contributed after twelve months. Mogotsi was elected as the Chairperson of the club, and Motaung as the Treasurer. Investigations revealed that between 25 and 29 November 2023, Mogotsi and Motaung withdrew funds from the club account without the permission or authority of other members, stealing over R600 000.

“In court, the state did not oppose the release of the accused on bail as they are not a flight risk. However, the state asked the court to impose stringent bail conditions. The court granted both accused a R5000 bail each with normal bail conditions,” he said.

Gunya further said both accused were ordered to hand in their passports to the investigating officer.

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Olivier goes big in Japan

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Picture: Friedle Olivier/Morgan Piek 

By MORGAN PIEK 

27 March 2025- Former Toyota Cheetahs loose-forward Friedle Olivier has officially been unveiled as a Mitsubishi Dynaboars player in Japan.

OFM Sport broke the news that the versatile ball-carrier has signed a contract to continue his career in Japan – an opportunity he felt he simply couldn’t turn down.

The 32-year-old, who previously played in Russia as well as for Valke, joins a team that already boasts two other former Cheetahs players: lock Walt Steenkamp and prop Khutha Mchunu.

Another South African currently on the Dynaboars’ books is Springbok and Bulls outside back Kurt-LeeArendse. “I am very excited to join the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Sagamihara Dynaboars family,” Olivier told rugbyjp.com.

“It is a massive honour to be part of this club and its rich history, and I can’t wait to make the club and its supporters proud.

“I will always strive to leave the jersey in a better place and bring honour to it. I can’t wait to meet everyone and begin this amazing journey.”

Olivier is available to play for his new team immediately and could feature in their upcoming match against Kubota Spears.

Kubota Spears, in turn, boast Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx, along with two Grey College Old Boys – Merwe Olivier and Rikus Pretorius – who both played their junior rugby for the Cheetahs. Other South Africans at Kubota include Schalk Erasmus, Tyler Paul, Ruan Botha, and David Bulbring.

Olivier is contracted to play for the Dynaboars until the end of the season, and a return to the Cheetahs has not been ruled out.

Source: OFM Sport/Morgan Piek 

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Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded activities to hit Rustenburg

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By BAKANG MOKOTO

27 March 2025- The Accelerated Service Delivery Programme – Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded activities are this week being rolled out in Rustenburg and will culminate in several services being delivered to villagers in Monakato, Lethabong, Tsitsing, Mamerotse, Maile and Marikana on 28 March 2025. The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) leadership will also have a community feedback session at Monakato Community Hall, which is about 40km north of Rustenburg.

The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said, Mokgosi will be leading the roll out of this service delivery programme, accompanied by Members of Executive Council (MECs) and District and Local Executive Mayors. Tatai said they will hand over four mobile libraries to Bojanala Platinum District Municipality, while farmers in Mamerotse and Tsitsing will receive state-of-the-art livestock handling facilities.

“Moreover, four RDP houses will be handed over to beneficiaries in Lesung, with about 153 beneficiaries set to receive their title deeds – reflecting a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to improve housing and property ownership within the community.

“Other services to be rendered will include the handing over of newly constructed toilets to Monakato Primary School, school uniforms to 38 learners at Maumong and Tlapa Primary Schools,” he said.

Tatai further said they will also distribute 100 food parcels to vulnerable families across the local municipality, two cheques to local non-profit organisations, five wheelchairs to identified beneficiaries and sporting attire and equipment to identified local teams. He added that, as constant features of the weekly Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded activities, potholes patching and blading of internal roads, clearing of illegal dumping sites, distribution of agricultural support packages, law enforcement operations and registration of indigent households for access to free basic services will be some of the services that will be undertaken across the local municipality.

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Bafana beat Benin to maintain lead in Group C

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Picture: Bafana Bafana players against Benin 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

27 March 2025- Bafana Bafana beat Benin 2-0 in a crunch FIFA World Cup qualifier at a sweltering Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on Tuesday to maintain their lead in Group C. It was the occasion of Percy Tau’s 50th cap and while he did not find the back of the net himself, he worked very hard to ensure that coach Hugo Broos’ charges return home with the priceless three points.

Second half goals from Lyle Foster in the 52nd minute and Jayden Adams in the 84th minute were enough to give the visitors victory away from home.

Broos had said that he wanted six points from the two matches against Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday last week and against Benin in Cote d’Ivoire, and his charges met the challenge. The Bafana Bafana coach said the victory was down to a very good analysis of the opponent and his players followed the instructions to the book.

“We knew where we could be dangerous against Benin. They are a good team, but what we did very well today was to keep possession and wait for the right moments,” he said.

It was a tough game in Cote d’Ivoire, but this Bafana Bafana side has proved time and time again that they can grind out the result in difficult conditions.

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A sentenced to six years for fraud 

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By BAKANG MOKOTO 

27 March 2025- A man (28) who bought two vehicles amounting to R749 999, using fraudulent documents such as confirmation of employment and employment contract, was sentenced to six years imprisonment by the Upington Regional Court, which was wholly suspended. Two vehicles were later repossessed after investigation by Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team. 

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said a reputable vehicle finance house suffered a potential loss of R749 999. Thebe said the accused, Jan-Ray April was sentenced for two counts of fraud. 

“April was found guilty on both counts and sentenced to 6 years imprisonment, wholly suspended for 5 years on condition that he is not convicted on the same offence again during the period of suspension, to compensate the finance house a loss amount of R258 000. 

“In terms of Section 103 (1) of the Firearm Control Act 60 of 2000, the accused is declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said

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A man jailed for killing a cop 

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Picture: A close-up of man holding knife smeared with blood and still dripping/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

27 March 2025- A man (38) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Northern Cape High Court sitting in Upington for killing a police officer in Keimoes. The atrocity occurred in January 2020. 

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said a police officer, who was attached to Upington Public Order Policing (POP) and his friend, were attacked by the accused, Chidi Emmanuel Okafor while sleeping.

Thebe said the deceased lost his life as a result of being stabbed, while his friend got away with serious injuries from the incident. 

“Okafor was charged with housebreaking with intent to commit murder, attempted murder and murder. The accused disappeared after the brutal crime. 

“However, Upington Hawks Serious Organised Crime members were tasked with the tracing and investigation of the matter. Okafor was traced to Klerksdorp, where he was arrested and brought back for a lengthy trial,” he said. 

Thebe said Okafor was convicted in August 2024, and sentenced in 18 March 2025, with a final verdict of life imprisonment on the main charge and 10 years imprisonment on the charge of attempted murder. He said the sentence will run concurrently.

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Hartswater man nabbed for fraud and money laundering

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Picture: The accused, Ruan Maritz/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE 

27 March 2025- A man (30) from Hartswater was arrested by the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team for fraud and money laundering. This comes after allegations that Ruan Maritz misrepresented to the complainants and other victims that he is a broker for Quick Trade Investment and Forex Trading. 

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said the investment contract stipulated that when clients invest 50%, the broker will add with the same percentage, a promise he never honoured. Thebe said the victims suffered a loss amounting to R2 million. 

“Maritz a made a brief appearance before Hartswater Magistrate’s Court on 26 March 2025, and was granted bail of R50 000. The matter is postponed to 12 May 2025,” he said.

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