Picture: Some of suspects arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
24 March 2025- Eleven suspects were arrested for various offenses, including contravention of the Illicit Mining Act during weekend operations that began on 21 March 2025. In ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining, the Northern Cape’s multi-disciplinary teams execute Operation Vala Umgodi in the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the arrested suspects face charges for the contravention of the Illicit Mining Act, the Immigration Act, and charges related to the possession and dealing of drugs. Sam said the suspects were apprehended while engaging in illicit activities at the Samaria and Nuttabooi mining areas in the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts, respectively in the Northern Cape.
“Additionally, arrests were made during stop-and-search operations at Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), as well as during the execution of search warrants. A variety of mining implements were confiscated, including generators, extension cords, spades, bags containing suspected diamond-bearing gravel, sieves, and a range of illegal drugs such as mandrax, dagga, and crystal meth.
“Meanwhile, motorists found to be in violation of traffic laws were fined for contravening the Road Traffic Management Act. The arrested suspects are scheduled to appear in the respective Magistrate’s courts soon,” he said.
Sam said people should say something, if they see something. He said they can report illegal mining to SAPS Crime Stop 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App.
24 March 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said last week, they observed Human Rights Day, a day that honours the 69 unarmed protestors who were killed by the apartheid police in Sharpeville on 21 March 1960. Ramaphosa said since the advent of democracy, they have strived to build a society that recognises the injustices of the past, while advancing reconciliation and national unity.
He further said that is why as a country, they have chosen 21 March as an occasion to recommit themselves to the advancement of human rights for all. Ramaphosa added that, at the dawn of democracy, they chose the path of reconciliation and nation-building.
“The people of this country supported the adoption of a Constitution and a Bill of Rights that guarantees the human dignity of all regardless of their race, gender, culture, religion ethnic or social origin, age, disability, language or birth.
“South Africans should be proud of the fact that the majority of them continue to believe in democracy, human rights and the rule of law as universal values. Since the dawn of democracy, South Africans have been able to exercise their rights freely and many know that they can approach our independent courts and the institutions supporting democracy if their rights are infringed or violated,” he said.
Ramaphosa said they can be proud that South Africans are confident they have a voice and a say in how their country is run, demonstrated by the fact that they have held successive free and fair elections since 1994. He said in South Africa today, all citizens, African, white, Indian and coloured, male and female, enjoy equal rights and freedoms that the state is obliged to uphold, protect and advance.
“In South Africa today, there are constitutional protections guaranteed to all racial, cultural and linguistic groups, including their right to enjoy their culture and to use their language. As South Africans, we should therefore reject the politics of divisiveness that is emerging in many parts of the world.
“In particular, we should challenge the completely false narrative that our country is a place in which people of a certain race or culture are being targeted for persecution. We should not allow events beyond our shores to divide us or turn us against each other,” said Ramaphosa.
He said since the end of apartheid, the country has been recognised globally for upholding human rights. Ramaphosa said the free flow of ideas and opinions are vital to democracy and to having a vibrant society.
“Even those with the most offensive views should know that in democratic South Africa, and unlike many other parts of the world, our Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of expression, as long as it does not include incitement to violence or advocacy of racial and other hatred.
“Reflecting on the perilous state of human rights in many parts of the world today, including the resurgence of racism, South Africa’s path of reconciliation and nation-building becomes all the more important,” he said.
Ramaphosa said as the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has observed, “a toxic legacy of historic enslavement, colonialism and discrimination” continues to infect many parts of the world. He said since they attained our freedom, South Africans have been steadfast in their solidarity with people everywhere who are facing persecution, discrimination and the violation of their rights.
“Human rights are universal and indivisible. As South Africa we stand in solidarity with all those whose right to lead lives of dignity are being undermined by conflict and war. The UN human rights system must be strengthened so that the enjoyment of human rights is no longer the preserve of some.
“As a country we will continue to repeat our call for a renewed global human rights movement so that the rights and dignity of all people should be upheld. As we reflect on the state of human rights in South Africa during this month, let us be proud of our achievements as a country,” said Ramaphosa.
He said at the same time, he said they should recommit themselves to working together to ensure the human rights culture is upheld and strengthened.
Picture: Some of items confiscated by the police/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
24 March 2025- Eleven suspected undocumented foreign nationals were arrested during a disruptive Vala Umgodi Operations conducted between 18 and 19 March 2025. Of the 11 arrests, nine were effected in Ramochana village, near Boitekong and two in Tlhatlaganyane village in the policing area of Sun City.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said a man (36), was fined R1500, for contravening Section 38 (1) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (employing undocumented foreign nationals). Manyoba said the suspects comprised one Lesotho, five Malawi, two Zimbabwe, and three Mozambique foreign nationals.
“The cases against the two suspects who appeared in the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court was postponed
until 27 March 2025. In Rustenburg, the accused were remanded in custody and will reappear on different dates between 25 March and 8 April 2025.
“In effecting the arrests, the team confiscated two water pumps, fuel pump and connector hose with filter. The operations are ongoing to bring perpetrators to book and curb illegal economic activities,” she said.
Picture: Learners evacuating scholar transport bus/Screengrab
By OBAKENG MAJE
24 March 2025- As the scholar transport crisis continues to paint a grim picture, concerned parents in Mokgareng village, near Taung, call on the North West Departments of Education and Community Safety and Transport Management, to address scholar transport challenges.
This comes after learners from Thapang Secondary School in Matlapaneng village were forced to evacuate the scholar transport that emitted a cloud of smoke last week. According to one of the parents, who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said, the scholar transport bus was ferrying learners from Mokgareng to Matlapaneng when this happened.
“It is worrisome to see this happening. We cannot have challenges of unroadworthy buses year in, year out without any action. So, we express our deepest concern over the situation, and I hope both departments will react timeously.
“Also, it is most probable that other learners across the province are affected by the same crisis across all rural provinces. Either are being left stranded due to the failure of scholar transport services or they are given unroadworthy buses,” she said.
The North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said: “The department is aware of the incident that occurred. The bus experienced a mechanical failure due to a substance that was deliberately introduced into the diesel tank by unknown individuals, as reported by both the driver and the service provider.
“This act resulted in engine complications, which is the reason for the considerable smoke emitted from the exhaust. There was no emergency evacuation and all the learners were safe.”
Molokwane further said they went to their respective school without any reported injuries. He added that the situation was managed effectively, prioritising the well-being of the learners.
“The service provider dispatched an intervention bus. Thereafter, the officials from the learner transport department convened with the service provider today to address the situation.
“The Department of Education will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the smoke, as we cannot solely depend on the driver’s account,” said Molokwane.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management spokesperson, Charles Matlou said the Lethina Trading Enterprises is appointed to provide scholar transport services to learners attending school in Thapama Secondary School situated in Matlapaneng village. Matlou said the operator informed the department about the incident on 17 March 2025.
“The department conducts ad hoc monitoring of scholar transport and the recent one was on 11 March 2025. The bus in question was in good condition according to the monitoring tool utilised by the monitors.
“It must be noted that the monitoring tool of the department does not cover the engine related aspects due to the assumption that once the vehicle has a certificate of fitness it is in good condition,” he said.
Matlou said in total, the department spends R450 000 000 on scholar transport every year.
Picture: The ANC Chief Whip in North West Provincial Legislature, Motlapelula Rosho/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
24 March 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) Chief Whip in the North West Provincial Legislature, Motlalepula Rosho on Thursday commended the R55.740 billion budget presented by the North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi. Rosho said the allocation biased towards rural development will address infrastructure challenges facing the province and create the much-needed jobs for the unemployed.
She further applauded the focus on empowering marginalised communities, women and youth to ensure that growth achieved will be shared across all levels of society in order to create an equitable and self-sustaining economy. Rosho added that the allocation of R258.723 million towards rural roads should alleviate the plight of historically marginalised communities that are inaccessible particularly during rainy seasons.
“Coupled with R127.225 million allocated for the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme Grant targeting black subsistence and distressed commercial farmers will improve access to formal and institutional markets.
“The job creation priority has been allocated sufficient resources for all departments, state owned enterprises and municipalities to adequately respond to the challenge of youth unemployment,” she said.
Rosho highlighted that the budget was in line with the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi’s State of the Province Address (SOPA) pronouncement placed youth at the centre of government’s Programme of Action to mitigate against rising unemployment.
“We are further encouraged by the allocation of R81.492 million for the continuation of the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative for the benefit of 3 094 young people and partnership for labour activation programme targeting creation of more than 24 000 job opportunities.
“We concur that the strategic investments in small business, agriculture, tourism, public infrastructure including the revamp of the Pilanesberg and GD Montshioa Airports will lay the foundation for long-term economic sustainability, economic growth and prosperity,” said Rosho.
She said the budget advances the vision of the Freedom Charter as expressed in the ANC’s January 8 statement. Rosho said the allocation of R1.848 billion towards servicing of 5403 sites and construction of 3555 housing units will reduce the inherited housing backlogs and reduce mud houses across the province in order to restore the dignity of the historically marginalised.
“We welcome measures aimed at tightening the Supply Chain Management (SCM) processes by subjecting all major bids to vetting in collaboration with the State Security Agency (SSA) to curb corruption in awarding of tenders.
“The budget reflects a shared dedication to improving the lives of our people while also reaffirming the ANC’s historic mission of advancing the interests of the working class because education and healthcare remain central pillars of government spending, ensuring that economic transformation is felt in the everyday lives of our people,” she asserted.
Rosho said the departmental policy and budget debates that are expected to follow will further unpack policy interventions aimed at strengthening the fight against violent crime including Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), supporting municipalities to address service delivery as well as water challenges and high cost of living affecting most indigent households.
Setshwantsho: Kgoro ya ofisi e e robilweng kwa setheong sa Lokgabeng Disability Centre
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
24 Mopitlwe 2025- Sepodisi sa Taung se batlisisa kgetsi ya go kgothosa o tlhometse. Se se tla morago ga gore banna ba ba sa itsiweng ba feta robedi ba go begwang fa ba ne ba apere uniform ya sepodisi, ebile ba tlhometse go utlwala, ba kgorogele batlhankedi ba tshireletso kwa lefelong le go dulang bagodi le batho ba ba tselang ka bogole kwa Lokgabeng Disability Centre kwa motseng wa Lokgabeng, gaufi le Taung, mo letsatsing la maabane mo gare ga bosigo.
Go begwa fa banna ba, ba ile ba tshosetsa badiri ba setheo, pele ga ba ka tsaya di laptop, USBs ga mmogo le megala ya letheka.
Mong wa setheo, Agnes Mokgobo, o kaile fa go sena ope o a ileng a tswa dikgobalo mo tiragalong e. Mokgobo are o makaditswe ke tiragalo e, gonne kwa setheong sa gagabo go dula bagodi, ga mmogo le batho ba ba tshelang ka bogole.
“Re maketse ebile re ipotsa gore go baneng batho bao ba ne ba dira dilo tse. Mo setheo sa rona ga gona madi, mme re tshela fela ka dithuso. Re itumelela gore ga gona ope wa bagodi kgotsa wa batho ba rona ba re ba tlhokomelang ba ba tswileng dikgobalo, gonne batho bao, ba tsene fela kwa ofising ya rona.
“Re ikuela go mongwe le mongwe o a ka tswang a na le tshedimosetso ka tiragalo e setlhogo e, go ka letsetsa sepodisi,” Mokgobo wa tlhalosa.
Sebueledi sa Lefapha la Katlatlelo-Loago mono Bokone Bophirima, Petrus Siko are ba kgala tiragalo e ba sa kgale mathe ganong. Siko are ba setse ba buile le motsamaisi wa diporojeke (Project Manager), mme ba tlile go romela batlhankedi ba katlatlelo-loago (social workers) go ya go thoba badiri ga mmogo le badudi kwa setheong maikutlo.
“Go maswe go bona se se diragala matsatsinyana fela Afrika Borwa e fetsa go keteka letsatsi la ditshwanelo tsa botho. Re ikuela go sepodisi go ka tshwarwa badiri ba tiro e maswe e ka bonako,” Siko wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, mokaptein Mpho Manyoba, are o sentse a kokwanya ditlha, mme o ka boela go Taung DailyNews ka ditlha tse di feletseng.
24 March 2025- Seven murder accused were remanded in custody. This comes after their brief appearance in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 17 March 2025.
The accused, Katlego Maila, 30, Tebogo Morale, 25, Kopano Makwela, 24, Kgomotso Koma, 30, Tshepang Makwela, 25, Tumelo Sengwani, 27, and Joseph Chauke, 26, were remanded in custody until 24 March 2025, for bail application and legal representation. The accused were arrested on 13 March 2025, in Letlhabile, outside Brits, in connection with the murder of John Mashile (30) on 12 March 2025.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said it is alleged that police in Letlhabile were summoned to the local clinic, where they were shown Mashile’s lifeless body. Manyoba said the reports suggested that the victim escaped from a church premises where he and other people were seemingly treated for mental illness and doing drugs.
“Although initial reports indicated that the man was killed by the public, it transpired during the questioning that the accused allegedly assaulted and killed him after he attempted to escape from the centre.
“The accused were as a result, arrested for murder,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, welcomed the arrest and commended the members for the breakthrough.
Picture: Mourners during MmaKgosi Rosemary Mangope’s funeral/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
24 March 2025- The North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua urged those who are left behind to continue the work started by Mmakgosi Rosemary Mangope, who was laid to rest in Motswedi village, near Zeerust on Saturday. Mokua said this will happen by striving to support local artists, promoting cultural diversity and investing in the cultural and artistic education of children and youth in the province.
She further said Mangope’s passing is not just a loss to her family, but to all of them. Mokua added that Mangope was a ‘beacon of hope’ and a voice of reason in times of uncertainty.
“MmaKgosi gave her life to something bigger than herself through her numerous community development initiatives especially in this village,” she said.
The Action SA president, Herman Mashaba said the beloved Rosemary Nishebo Mangope, the Queen of Bahurutshe boo Manyane, died after a battle with cancer. Masahaba said Nishebo, as she was affectionately known, was not only a loyal and trusted member of the political party, but also a beacon of hope and progress in community development across South Africa.
“Mmakgosi’s remarkable legacy spans decades of selfless dedication to service and upliftment communities. A highly educated leader, she held multiple degrees including a BA in Social Science, Honours in Sociology, and an MA Social Science from the then University of Bophuthatswana, now the North West University (NWU).
“Her passion for education saw her obtaining a Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Development from the Indira Gandhi Open University in New Delhi. Amongst some of her remarkable achievements was founding the Mmabana Arts Cultural Centres that have produced numerous prominent South African artists,” he said.
Mashaba said throughout Nishebo’s career, she held several prestigious positions, including Chief Director at the Department of Sports Arts and Culture, Divisional Executive at the Development Bank of Southern Africa, and CEO of the Arts Council until her retirement in April 2022. He said that, up until her passing, Mmaarona Mmakgosi remained committed to community development projects through her signature initiatives including Ikanye & Moito Projects.
“Her campaigns embodied her philosophy of self-reliance and empowerment, captured in the saying “Mphe mphe o a lapisa, motho o kgonwa ke sa gagwe” (Believe in yourself, believe in your own strength). We have lost several very dear people in Action SA over the relatively short period of our existence as a party.
“All of them are a great loss to us and to South Africa, mindful of their contribution to our political journey. To my family – especially to Connie, my dear wife, Ntshebo was a lot more than a colleague, but a friend,” said Mashaba.
He said they are deeply saddened by her passing and they hold her husband and their dear friend, Kgosi Kwena Mangope, close to their hearts. Mashaba said Nishebo’s passing is another big loss to the country.
“Nishebo is survived by her two children, two grandchildren and her husband, Kgosi Kwena Mangope, the leader of the Bahurutshe Boo Manyana Traditional Community. Action SA calls upon all South Africans to keep Kgosi Kwena Mangope and the entire Mangope family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
“Her warm personality, infectious energy, and dedication to community service will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Legislature Speaker, Dr Desbo Mohono said: “We send our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the late Rosemary Nishebo Mangope. We mourn the loss of a remarkable woman, who was not only a pillar of strength to her family, but also a champion of community development and empowerment.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mangope family, relatives, and friends during this difficult time, and may they find solace in the fond memories of Mangope’s life and legacy.”
Mohono said they also acknowledge the immense contribution that Mangope made to the development of the province and the country. She said her selflessness, compassion, and dedication to the welfare of others will always be remembered.
“As we bid farewell to this remarkable woman, we take comfort in the knowledge that her legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Rest in peace, Mrs. Mangope,” said Mohono.
Meanwhile, also in attendance at the funeral service, was the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi.
Picture: A house of a murder suspect torched/Screengrab
By BAKANG MOKOTO
24 March 2025- The police in Mmabatho said they condemn in the strongest possible terms an incident wherein unknown suspects allegedly torched a house of a murder suspect in Montshioa Township, near Mmabatho on 22 March 2025. It is alleged that a suspect (44), allegedly assaulted and killed his girlfriend (35), in the early hours of Saturday morning at Sereko Street, in Montshioa.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said the matter was reported to the police and
the suspect was apprehended. Manyoba said the police were still at the scene when a group of people demanded to be handed the suspect in an attempt to take the law into their own hands, but he (the suspect) was successfully taken to the police station for detention.
“According to information, police received a complainant at around 10:30 that the suspect’s house was on fire at Maiphetlho Street in Montshioa. The scene was visited and a case of arson was registered for investigation.
“No one has been arrested and investigation into the matter continues,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, expressed his displeasure about the incident, which he said is intolerable and displays a total disregard for the rule of law. Asaneng urged members of the community to refrain from applying mob justice as that is unlawful, but to work with the recognised community structures including Community Police Forum (CPF) in the fight against crime.
24 March 2025- Two men from Dikhuting village, near Taung were arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen cattle on Tuesday. This comes after the police received a tip-off regarding two men who were allegedly transporting cattle to go and cell them at an auction in Bloemhof.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said the police follow-up on the tip-off and intercepted the suspects. Manyoba said the suspects’s vehicle was spotted and intercepted at around 11am.
“One of the men allegedly claimed upon questioning that he was the owner of the cattle that were newly brand marked for purpose of the sale. The men were subsequently arrested after failing to properly account for the cattle.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the cattle were certainly stolen at Dikhuting village, near Taung, and the owner positively identified them as his. The suspects are expected to appear in the Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court on 24 March 2025,” she said.
Manyoba said the investigation into the matter continues.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, acknowledged the police for their swift response that led to the arrest and recovery of the stolen livestock. Asaneng said stock theft remains one of the problematic crimes in the province and that the police, other relevant stakeholders and communities, will continue to work hard to ensure that alleged thieves are arrested.
The Guardian 