8 April 2025- The police in Northern Cape said as they are in the Easter Holiday period, they will focus on intelligence driven and high visibility during police actions throughout the province. The police said a multi-disciplinary approach will be adopted in an effort to stabilise and reduce crime in all hot spot areas.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said Operation Shanela coupled with Operation Paseka, has tightened its grip on crime in the province by apprehending and arresting 275 persons throughout the five districts from 31 March 2025 until 6 April 2025. Kock said the multi-disciplinary teams inspected numerous unlicensed outlets for non-compliance to ensure perpetrators face the full might of the law.
“Through 13 088 high visibility actions, vehicle and foot patrols and stop and search actions, 2911 vehicles and 5755 persons were stopped and searched at vehicle check points (VCPs) and roadblocks conducted across the province.
“Suspects were arrested for illegal dealing in liquor, burglaries at residential and business premises, malicious damage to property, assaults, robberies, dealing in drugs, and possession of dangerous weapons and stock theft to mention a few,” he said.
Kock further said Detectives also conducted tracing operations in search of wanted suspects who failed to make court appearances or for whom warrants of arrests were issued. He added that, compliance inspections were conducted at numerous second-hand dealers and liquor premises as well as formal and informal businesses, farms, scrapyards.
“During the execution of the operations, police confiscated counterfeit goods, dangerous weapons, firearms and ammunition, alcoholic beverages, drugs and cash. Stolen goats were also recovered as well as a vehicle stolen in Franschoek in the Western Cape.
“Various community engagements and outreach programmes were held in conjunction with community policing structures and government departments in all 5 districts,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General, Koliswa Otola appreciated the collaboration between departments in conjunction with community structures in the execution of the operations and thanked the public for their continued efforts in the fight against crime. Otola reiterated that no one will be left behind, especially as we are in the Easter period.
8 April 2025- Following the opening of the fifth sluice gate at the Vaal Dam, the Vaal River system has now entered a flood stage. In addition, the South African Weather Service has issued a Yellow Level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across parts of the Northern Cape.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said in light of these developments, the South African Police Service in the Northern Cape urges all motorists to exercise caution and adhere to the safety guidelines when travelling in inclement weather. Ehlers said drivers should reduce speed and increase following distance to allow for adequate reaction time in case of sudden stops or changing road conditions.
She further said they should use headlights at all times to enhance visibility and ensure their vehicles are visible to others. Ehlers added that they should also ensure that, windshield wipers are functioning properly to maintain clear visibility.
“Avoid puddles and standing water, which may conceal potholes. Be cautious of large vehicles that may reduce your visibility due to spray. Stay alert and avoid distractions. If necessary, pull over safely.
“As the Easter Weekend approaches, the SAPS remains dedicated to safeguarding the well-being of all residents and visitors across the province. We urge all road users to remain vigilant, drive responsibly, and prioritise safety at all times,” she said.
8 April 2025- The South African Police Service in Barkly West is currently investigating three separate motor vehicle accidents that occurred within a 24-hour period on the R31 road, near Barkly West, which resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Sergio Kock said first accident took place on 6 April 2025, at 16:35, approximately 5km outside Barkly West, near Pniel.
Kock said an Isuzu mini-truck reportedly overturned and came to a halt off the roadway.
“Both occupants sustained serious injuries and were transported to hospital for medical treatment. A case of reckless and negligent driving has been registered.
“Roughly an hour later, at around 17:30, a second collision occurred on the R31 near Gong-Gong, where it is alleged that an Audi and a BMW were attempting to overtake when they collided with a truck,” he said.
Kock further said a truck overturned and came to a standstill on its side in the middle of the road. He added that vehicle had a single occupant.
“Tragically, the driver of the Audi was declared deceased on the scene. The drivers of the BMW and the truck sustained injuries and were taken to hospital. The road was closed to traffic until approximately 3am on 7 April 2025.
“A culpable homicide investigation is underway by Barkly West SAPS. The third incident occurred early this morning, 7 April 2025, at about 05:30, approximately 15km, outside Barkly West on the R31,” he said.
Kock said a stationary truck, which had reportedly broken down on the roadside, was struck by another truck. He said the driver of the stationary vehicle was outside the truck at the time.
“The driver and passenger of the second truck sustained serious injuries and were taken to hospital for medical treatment. A case of reckless and negligent driving has been registered. The road was reopened at approximately 09:30 this morning.
“The police urge all motorists with any information related to these incidents to contact Barkly West SAPS Detectives at 082 458 9670,” said Kock.
He said motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution when travelling in wet weather conditions. Kock said they should refrain from speeding and ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on any journey.
8 April 2025- A man (32) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Upington Regional Court for killing his own brother. On 21 May 2024, the two brothers, Jan Rooi (33) and Willem Rooi (32), were involved in an altercation at home in Raaswater during which Jan was fatally stabbed by his brother.
The ZF Mgcwawu Police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said the police were alerted and the case was assigned to Sergeant Vuyani Silingile of Upington Detective Branch. Masegela said the accused, Willem Rooi, was arrested later that day and brought before court.
“The accused’s brother was convicted for murder and he was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment. The investigating officer and NPA, were lauded for the teamwork and prompt investigation, which secured a lengthy sentence for a Domestic Violence related case,” he said.
8 April 2025- ANC calls on all patriotic and freedom-loving South Africans to take to heart the critical tasks before them to defend the hard-won gains of the freedom to deepen the democracy and unite in the face of adversity. The party said as the country commemorates a Freedom Month, it was in this spirit of vigilance and renewal that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the African National Congress convened at Chief Albert Luthuli House on 7 April 2025, to process pressing national developments, evolving geopolitical conditions, and the intensifying contradictions emerging within the Government of National Unity (GNU).
The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said the NWC’s deliberations represent the ANC’s collective reflection on the current state of governance, the recent budget impasse and the complex global forces shaping the democratic transition. Bhengu-Motsiri said safeguarding the NDR in conditions of strategic setback.
“The NWC reaffirmed the NEC’s characterisation of the 2024 electoral outcomes as a strategic setback. While we acknowledge the decline in electoral support, the ANC remains the largest political force in the country.
“The moment demands principled clarity and tactical sensitivity to preserve access to state power, continue advancing the NDR and rebuild trust with our people—especially the primary motive forces of our revolution,” she said.
Bhengu-Motsiri further said the NWC considered four tactical options in the post-election context, assuming opposition, entering a grand coalition, establishing a minority government with confidence-and-supply arrangements, or constructing a GNU. She added that, excluded the opposition benches as they would have compromised the transformation trajectory of the state.
“We instead opted for an inclusive GNU—a unity of opposites—designed to hold the centre, safeguard the state power, and regain public confidence. On the contradictions within the GNU.
“The GNU, by design, is complex. It requires high levels of political maturity and revolutionary discipline. We understood that it was never going to be an easy journey, considering it is made up of role-players diametrically opposed to us ideologically—but we expect discipline despite all this,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.
She said they are now deeply concerned by the conduct of the Democratic Alliance (DA), whose participation in the GNU has been marred by double-dealing, negotiating and acting in bad faith, and open disdain for transformation. Bhengu-Motsiri said while the GNU Cabinet adopted three strategic priorities aligned with the ANC’s Manifesto and endorsed, the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP), the DA has simultaneously acted as an opposition force— opposing the BELA Act, the NHI, and the Land Expropriation Amendment.
“It seeks to divide government, confuse the public and claim credit without assuming responsibility. This dishonesty undermines the very essence of collective governance. The NWC resolved that there is a need to continue to engage with all GNU partners and all political parties.
“We remain committed to the GNU as a tactical element, but its integrity cannot be compromised. In light of current developments, the NWC resolved that, we will reset a button to engage with all political parties in the GNU,” she said.
Bhengu-Motsiri said furthermore, the ANC will continue to drive consensus on key pillars of a developmental fiscal policy, equitable and redistributive tax policy, progressive management of debt and deficit levels, rationalisation of expenditure away from elite consumption toward social investment, and the institutional redesign necessary to realise a capable, ethical, and activist state. She said they will engage with allies, business and the religious sector through the South African Council of Churches, to share and also listen to their opinion about the issues they are confronting.
“We hope to reach consensus on the budget impasse within the period of 5 days after having engaged all stakeholders. As the largest party in government, we want to thank all political parties that have worked with us to pass the Fiscal Framework, both within and outside GNU.
“We remain principled and loyal on the talks about talks that we had with them, the engagements and ventilated issues in those discussions. The negotiating team has been given a broad mandate, and they will report within two weeks to the national officials and the NEC,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.
She said their mission is clear to build a democratic, non-racial, non-sexist, united and prosperous South Africa. Bhengu-Motsiri said struggle continues and the people’s movement will not retreat.
“The budget crisis was a test of leadership and character. The NWC acknowledged those political parties that rose above partisanship and placed national interest, social justice, and economic stability at the centre of the deliberations on the Fiscal Framework. Parties such as Action SA demonstrated maturity and patriotism in supporting the Framework, on the basis that alternative revenue proposals will be sought, including the replacement of the proposed VAT increase within 30 days.
“This collaboration repositions Parliament as a site of negotiation, consensus-building, and progressive change. Economic recovery: Yes to a Budget for growth and social equity. We reiterate that budgetary alternatives must prioritise the protection of the social wage, stimulate growth, and promote job creation,” she said.
Bhengu-Motsiri said at the same time, they must manage public debt and build a capable developmental state. She said the ANC’s Economic Transformation Committee, in close collaboration with the Chief Whip, will engage in the process of developing a revised revenue framework rooted in equity and developmental imperatives.
“We are committed to ensuring that fiscal consolidation does not come at the expense of the poor. The revised budgetary stance remains pro-poor, pro-growth, and anchored in the goals of the NDR. Key highlights of this progressive Fiscal Framework include, over R50 billion allocated to fund approximately 1.3 million students from poor and working-class families to access higher education and training.
“Nearly R39 billion committed to the School Nutrition Programme, which feeds over 9 million learners daily in no-fee schools. More than R250 billion remains allocated to Social Security, supporting over 18 million South Africans through old-age pensions, disability grants, and child support grants,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.
She said R33 billion is allocated to sustain the Social Relief of Distress Grant, providing monthly income support to over 8.5 million unemployed adults as part of a phased approach toward Basic Income Support. Bhengu-Motsiri said an additional R11.2 billion has been allocated to employ more doctors and nurses to strengthen frontline health services.
“The Department of Basic Education will recruit over 14,000 new teachers, particularly in under- resourced rural and township schools. The Department of Police has been allocated resources to recruit over 10,000 new police officers to strengthen community safety.
The NWC further resolved that we must protect and defend our institutions, and not leave them open to attack when they lawfully pursue their mandates. The ANC will continue to defend the constitutional integrity and independence of our democratic institutions,” she said.
8 April 2025- The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina together with Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, will visit the Vaal Dam on 9 April 2025, to assess the water resource infrastructure amid heavy inflows into the dam as a result of ongoing rainfall in the Vaal River Catchment.
The Department of Water and Sanitation, Wisane Mavasa said due to torrential rains in the past few weeks, the department had to implement necessary dam safety precautions and controlled water releases from the dam to safeguard the infrastructure. Mavasa said the department has five sluice gates opened gradually from 20 March 2025, with the fifth sluice opened on 6 April.
“The Vaal Dam is currently releasing 793 cubic metres per second (mᵌ/s) of water downstream the Vaal River System into the Bloemhof Dam, while the Bloemhof has also activated its releases up to 3000 mᵌ/s, also through five gates by this
8 April 2025 – The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) will hold a hybrid plenary sitting on 9 April 2025 at 2pm, to consider two oversight visit reports from the Select Committee on Security and Justice. The reports are based on the committee’s visit to Limpopo from 22 to 23 October 2024 and the visit to the Simon’s Town Naval Base in Cape Town on 13 November 2024.
The National Assembly (NA) spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo said in Limpopo, the committee visited the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court and the local police station. Mothapo said there, members assessed progress on service delivery matters related to border management and community concerns about the actions of the court and police regarding people from the neighbouring countries.
“At the Simon’s Town Naval Base, the committee’s visit was to assess operational challenges faced by the navy. The House will also hold a debate sponsored by the Economic Freedom Fighters on the theme: “Housing inadequacy in South Africa and the prevalence of informal settlements.”
8 April 2025- Four suspects, who were part of a syndicate that stole three new Ford Rangers from Car dealership in Zeerust early Monday morning, were arrested. The suspects were arrested during a chase by the police, Gauteng Airwing Highway patrol and Traffic North West Eagles.
According to the information, during the early morning hours of Monday, 7 April 2025, a business break-in was allegedly committed by unknown suspects from Gauteng, where three brand new Ford Ranger Double Cab bakkies were stolen.
It was during a combined effort between the above-mentioned role players that the location of the stolen bakkies were obtained, while enroute to Gauteng.
The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said, the Response Vehicles and Airwing were activated, which led to the recovery of three stolen bakkies and successful arrest of four suspects in different areas as the bakkies went in completely different directions. Morweng has sent a strong message to criminals who still think that they can come to the North West and do as they please.
“Our men and women in blue with Eagles traffic team are working day and night to make sure that criminals are flushed out and the car syndicate that has been brewing and thinking that our province is a playground, your days are numbered.
“As I have made a call to the community members to work together, we can reduce crime and make our province safer for anybody who stays here or wants to tour our province,” he said.
Morweng further said they have to make sure that the province is user friendly and nobody can invest in a crime environment, hence they are out there to deal with criminals. He added that the suspects were arrested in Koster, Tarlton and Randfontein, for possession of stolen property and will be linked to the original case of business breaking and theft of vehicles in Zeerust.
“The police investigations are still ongoing to find out if there are more people involved in the syndicate. The total value of the recovered cars is estimated at R1.8 million,” said Morweng.
8 April 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Xola Nqola, expressed his shock at the killing of a state witness inside the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court earlier today. Nqola said criminals have become so brazen that they do not care who they shoot or where they shoot.
He further said he struggles to comprehend how these criminals can take a court and turn it into a murder scene. Nqola added that this is a brazen attack, where criminals fear no one.
“It is totally unacceptable. What is more worrying is the fact that these brutal attackers walked into a court building whilst armed when they shot the witness in the lobby. The question now is, how did they manage to enter the building with firearms without being detected?
“During last month’s oversight visit to various courts in KwaZulu-Natal, the committee found most of the metal detectors not functioning. It was not working, and we raised that concern to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, as well as the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure,” he said.
Nqola said they need to revisit the security at all courts for the safety of the Judges, magistrates, advocates, lawyers, and the public daily, unsuspectingly assuming they are safe when entering the buildings.
Picture: The executive mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Khumalo Molefe and North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
8 April 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi accompanied by the Executive Mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Khumalo Molefe, conducted an oversight visit to four key water projects across villages in Mahikeng. The visit aimed at improving water access and addressing infrastructure challenges faced by locals.
Molefe said the visit will include inspections of water projects in Mmasutlhe, Magogoe, Dithakong, Setumo Park, Signal Hill and Lonely Park. He further said during these visits, Mokgosi will be engaging with local authorities and related stakeholders in an effort to evaluate the progress of each water project and assessing the impact on the surrounding communities.
“These projects are part of the government’s ongoing commitment to provide sustainable water solutions in rural areas, ensuring equitable access to this essential resource.
“In Mmasutlhe, Magogoe, Dithakong, Setumo Park, Signal Hill and Lonely Park, Mokgosi will further observe significant strides in water infrastructure development, including the installation of new pipelines, repair of aging systems, and the establishment of reliable water supply points,” said Molefe.
He added that they took the opportunity to discuss future plans for the expansion of these projects and the necessary improvements to meet the growing needs of the communities. Molefe said the visit underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that all residents, regardless of their location, have access to clean and safe drinking water.
“The Government of National Unity (GNU) continues to prioritize water security as part of its broader development goals, with further investments planned to enhance water access and infrastructure across the region,” he said.
The Guardian 