Daily Archives: April 22, 2025

17 suspects arrested for various crimes during Operation Paseka

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Picture: Seventeen people arrested during Operation Paseka/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

22 April 2025- As the Easter Weekend celebrations came to an end, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring public safety by intensifying efforts to curb criminal activities across the province. From 14 April to 20 April 2025, the men and women in blue conducted high-impact operations across all five districts during Operation Paseka (Safer Easter Holiday Operations) coupled with Operation Shanela.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said these operations led by the five District Commissioners and senior officers, resulted in the arrest of 304 individuals for serious offences, including dealing in drugs, illegal liquor trade, robbery, attempted murder, rape, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).

Ehlers said adopting a zero-tolerance approach, SAPS worked in collaboration with various government departments, law enforcement agencies, and community structures to tackle priority crimes.

“The operations led to the confiscation of illegal drugs, alcohol, firearms and dangerous weapons. Crime prevention efforts included roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, high-visibility patrols, and stop-and-search operations.

 “During these activities, 15267 individuals and 1513 vehicles were searched. Seventeen arrests were made for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” she said.

Ehlers further said compliance inspections were also carried out at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, and recycling facilities, resulting in the closure of several non-compliant liquor establishments. She added that detective teams were out in full force to trace and apprehend wanted suspects.

“With increased traffic as holidaymakers returned home, the SAPS urged all motorists to observe road safety regulations and drive responsibly.

“In the lead-up to the weekend, SAPS partnered with relevant stakeholders to conduct community outreach and awareness campaigns. These initiatives focused on Easter safety measures and highlighted key issues such as Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF),” said Ehlers.

She said big events, including drag racing, spinning, music festivals and sports tournaments, were successfully policed and monitored, ensuring the safety of attendees. Ehlers said no major incidents were reported during these gatherings.

“These targeted crime prevention efforts will continue beyond the Easter period. The SAPS encourages the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious or criminal activity through the MySAPS app or by contacting Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” she said.

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Two men nabbed for possession of uncut diamonds

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Picture: Uncut diamonds seized by police/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

22 April 2025- The ongoing focused illicit mining operations under the auspices of Operation Vala Umgodi have secured arrests and the seizure of uncut diamonds in the Namakwa District. On Monday, 21 April 2025, five men aged between 23 and 50, were arrested following the interception of a white Toyota Hilux bakkie on the R355 en route to Port Nolloth.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the vehicle was allegedly transporting illegal miners from Nuttabooi. Sam said upon searching the vehicle, police allegedly discovered unpolished diamonds and undocumented immigrants.

“The suspects were detained and face charges of possession of unpolished diamonds and contravention of immigration laws. Operation Vala Umgodi remains a strategic intervention targeting illegal mining across the Northern Cape.

“The South African Police Service (SAPS) calls on members of the public to support ongoing efforts to combat crime by reporting any suspicious or criminal activity via the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS App,” he said.

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Two suspects nabbed for possession of drugs

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Picture: Two suspects nabbed for being in possession of drugs/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

22 April 2025- Two individuals were arrested for possession of drugs during Operation Phakisa. Thic comes after the law enforcement agencies with other stakeholders embarked on Operation Phakisa between 18 and 20 April 2025.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the targeted operations were conducted in Port Nolloth, Kleinzee, Hondeklip Bay, Groenrivier, Rooiklippies, and Alexander Bay. Ehlers said the South African Police Service (SAPS), in collaboration with officials from the Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Customs, and SANParks, executed a coordinated response to criminal activities affecting the marine environment.

“Law enforcement efforts to combat marine-related crimes remain steadfast, with continued implementation of Operation Phakisa across the coastal areas of the Namakwa District. This multi-agency operation resulted in the arrest of two individuals for drug possession and fines totalling R17 000 were issued.

“Offences included unauthorized vehicle access within coastal zones, violations of the Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996, and breaches of the Marine Living Resources Act 18 of 1998,” she said.

Ehlers further said disruptive actions carried out during the operation include stop-and-search procedures, high-visibility foot and vehicle patrols, as well as vessel inspections. She added that, in total, 320 individuals, 121 vehicles, and 34 vessels were thoroughly searched.

“Compliance inspections were also conducted at harbours, launching sites, and campgrounds to ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations,” said Ehlers.

Meanwhile, the acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, visited the operational sites and commended all involved agencies for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the province’s coastal regions. Ngubelanga urged community members to actively support law enforcement efforts by reporting any suspicious activities or marine-related crimes.

“Information can be shared anonymously via the MySAPS app or by contacting the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111,” he said.

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Monna wa kwa Longaneng o bolailwe ka go thuntsiwa

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Setshwantsho-papiso- Monna wa kwa Longaneng o thuntsiwe

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

22 Moranang 2025- Monna wa kwa motseng wa Longaneng, gaufi le Taung, o tlhokafetse morago ga go thuntsiwa. Go begwa fa moswi, Tumisang Kodisang, ane a tsamaya le ditsala tsa gagwe mo sejanageng magareng ga motse wa Longaneng le Mothanthanyaneng mono Taung ka Lamatlhatso fa ba ne ba kgorogelwa ke banna ba le babedi ba ba itsiweng.

Go begwa fa banna bao ba kwa motseng wa Dikhuting, ba ne ba tlhasela Kodisang le go mo thuntsa. Go ya ka dipego, banna bao, ba ile ba bega fa ba tlile ba fapana le Kodisang ka mafoko mo dingwageng tse di fetileng.   

Sebueledi sa lelapa la kwa ga Kodisang eleng malomagwe moswi, Lentikile Lucas are bone jaaka lelapa, ga ba itse gore go ka tswa go diragetseng. Lucas are sepodisi se ne se etetse lelapa ka letsatsi la Tshipi.

“Jaaka lelapa tiragalo e, e re utlwisitse botlhoko. Jaanong kgetsi e butswe, mme sepodisi se ile sa goroga kwa lelapeng. Batho ba ba itseng gore go diragetseng, ke ba ba neng ba tsamaya le Tumisang, mme rona jaaka lelapa re mo kakabalong,” Lucas wa tlhalosa.     

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Mokaptein Mpho Manyoba are moswi one a rwalelwa kwa bookelong jwa sedika jwa Taung ke banna ba ba sa itsiweng morago ga tiragalo e. Manyoba are banna bao, ba ile ba tsamaya morago ga go mo isa kwa bookelong.  

“Kodisang one a le mo maemong a bosisi fa a ne a amogelwa kwa bookelong. Fela, o ile a tlhokafala moragonyana. Moswi one a na le ntho ya sethunya, mme kgetsi ya polao e ile ya bulwa.

“Ga gona ope o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana, mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse,” Manyoba wa tlhalosa.

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Sejanaga se menogile kwa tsela-kgolo ya N18 mono Taung

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Setshwantsho: Sejanaga se menogile kwa tsela-kgolo ya N18 gaufi le Taung  

Ka REGINALD KANYANE

22 Moranang 2025- Sepodisi sa Taung se kaile fa se butse kgetsi morago ga kotsi e diragetseng ka letsatsi la Tshipi mo mosong. Se se tla morago ga gore sejanaga sa Hundai Sedan se menoge kwa tsela-kgolo ya N18 e e ralalang toropo ya Taung.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Mokaptein Mpho Manyoba are, batho ba le babedi ba ile ba tabogisetswa kwa bookelong jwa sedika jwa Taung, morago ga gore mokgweetsi a palelwe ke go ema kwa kgolokweng e rebang parakano (traffic circle) e e mo gare ga tsela mono Taung. Manyoba are go ile ga gobala batho ba le babedi.

“Go bontsha fa go ne go le mo mosong, mme go le lefifi fa kotsi e direga. Batlhankedi ba thuso ya potlako (Emergency Medical Rescue Services) ba ile ba tabogela kwa lefelong la tiragalo go neela bagobadi thuso ya potlako,” Manyoba wa tlhalosa.

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Six suspects linked to series of copper cable theft in North West nabbed

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Picture: One of the suspects nabbed for cable theft/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

22 April 2025- Six suspects were arrested for alleged theft and tampering with/damaging critical infrastructure. This comes after Transnet security guards called the police in the early hours of Thursday morning and informed them that, there are suspects busy cutting cables in Christiana. 

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said it is further alleged that they found cable cutting implements at the crime scene. Manyoba said the police in Bloemhof were activated and reacted swiftly.

“They intercepted a Silver Honda with four occupants. Three suspects were apprehended and charged with theft and tampering with/damaging critical infrastructure, however, the driver managed to evade arrest and sped off in the Honda towards the direction of Hoopstad, enroute to Wesselsbron. 

“The police in Wesselsbron were activated and managed to stop the driver of the Honda in Wesselsbron on the R34 main road at 07:45am. The fourth suspect, a Zimbabwean (36) was apprehended and also charged with theft of cables and tampering with/damaging critical infrastructure,” she said.

Manyoba further said the police followed up on more information received. She added that a white Toyota Fortuner was intercepted and searched in the morning at around 8am at a roadblock on the N12 road, near Rio Casino, in Klerksdorp.

“During the search of the vehicle, police found 184kg of copper cables.  Two South African men aged 47 and 40, were arrested and charged for being in possession of suspected stolen cables after they could not account for the property in their possession.

“The police anticipate linking all six suspects with more theft of copper cables cases registered in the North West. The suspects will appear before the Christiana Magistrate’s Court on 22 April 2025,” said Manyoba.

She said more arrests are imminent as investigation into this matter continues.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, welcomed the arrest and congratulated the members for their effective coordination of information and their swift response that led to these arrests. Asaneng emphasized that the arrests and recoveries of suspected stolen aluminium and copper cables by the police, points to a serious security of threat of damage to critical infrastructure by well organized criminal syndicates, operating in the different parts of the province. 

“The police working together with State-Owned Entities (SOEs) and municipalities in the province will leave no stone unturned in making sure that those behind this organized crime are prosecuted not merely for possession but for destroying or damaging essential and critical infrastructure,” he said.

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Two foreign nationals nabbed for possession of copper cable worth R134 000

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Picture: The copper cables seized by the police/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

22 April 2025– Two foreign nationals, a Malawian and a Zimbabwean, were arrested for possession of suspected stolen cables. The accused, Robert Gurupira (26) and Moffat Pamgani (26), were arrested during an intelligence-driven, collaborative effort by Klerkskraal police, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Operational Command Centre, Crime Intelligence Overt team and West Rand Flying Squad, intercepted a truck, loaded with 1.5 ton of suspected stolen aluminium cable on Tuesday at around 5am.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said the suspects were arrested after failing to account for the property in their possession. Manyoba said the street value of the cables is estimated at R134 000.

“Furthermore, police seized a white Tata truck valued at R150 000. The duo appeared before the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court on 16 April 2025.  Gurupira and Pamgani, were remanded in custody until 22 April 2025, for a formal bail application,” she said.

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Three nabbed for business robbery

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Picture: The firearm and ammunition seized by the police/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

22 April 2025– Three suspects aged 53, 46 and 47, were arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition and business robbery. This comes after the Rustenburg and Phokeng Public Order Police (POP), were activated after a tip-off regarding a blue Hyundai Accent with three occupants allegedly involved in a business robbery in the Ventersdorp area.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said the information was operationalized, leading the team to the R30 road between Derby and Rustenburg. Manyoba said the team spotted and intercepted a blue Hyundai Accent and pulled it over. 

“During the search of the vehicle, police recovered a pistol, with ammunition that the occupants could not account for. Additionally, cash and cellular phones were also found in their possession.

“Initial investigations revealed that the trio, driving a blue Hyundai Accent, allegedly stopped at a tuck shop earlier the same day in Goedgevonden, near Ventersdorp at around 12:30 midday,” she said. 

Manyoba said two men allegedly approached the business owner and requested to buy cigarettes, whilst the female suspect remained in the vehicle. She said it was reported that the shop owner was allegedly pointed with a firearm and robbed of the cash, as well as his cellular phone, before the suspects sped off.

“The three suspects will appear before the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court on 22 April 2025.  Investigation into the matter continues,” said Manyoba.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, congratulated members for effective communication when executing their duties.  Asaneng said police will continue the fight against the proliferation of illegal weapons and ammunition in society, which is the key factor in perpetuating crime.

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Baagi ba tlogetswe ba gaeletswe kwa Schweizer Reneke morago ga go kgaoga ga thapo ya Eskom

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Picture: Mamusa Local Municipality

Ka REGINALD KANYANE

22 Moranang 2025- Masepala wa selegae wa Mamausa, o itsise baagi ba one ka kgaogo ya motlakase. Masepala o tlhalositse fa se, se tlhodilwe ke go kgaogo ga thapo ya motlakase kwa Wolmaranstad.  

Sebueledi sa masepala, Tebogo Mooketsi are masepala wa bone fa e sale o itemogela kgaogo ya motlakase go tloga ka ura ya boraro mo mosong. Mooketsi are ga jaana, badiri ba setheo se se rebolang motlakase sa Eskom, ba semeletse le go baakanya thapo eo.

“Badiri ba kwa Eskom ba semeletse, mme tiego e tlholwa ke lefatshe le le kolobileng morago ga dipula. Jaanong, go ka tsaya nakonyana pele ga ba konosetsa tiro ya bone. Ka ga jalo, re ikuela go baagi go nona pelo ka mathe, mme re tshepa fa ba tla bona motlakase pele ga letsatsi la gompieno le tikela.

“Mongwe le mongwe o a ka tswang a na le go sa tlhaloganye kgotsa dipotso, a ka ntetsetsa mo dinomorong tsa 0780270876 go ka atlhatlha ntlha e go ya pele,” Mooketsi wa tlhalosa.

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MKP leader, Floyd Shivambu lambasted for visiting fugitive Bushiri

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Picture: The fugitive ECG leader, Shepherd Bushiri and MKP Secretary-General, Floyd Shivambu

By OBAKENG MAJE

22 April 2025- The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development has noted with grave concern the recent visit by uMkhonto weSizwe Party leader, Floyd Shivambu, to Malawi, where he was seen in the company of Shepherd Bushiri, a fugitive who fled South Africa in 2020, while facing serious charges, including rape and fraud. The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi said uMkhonto weSizwe Party is a political party represented in the Parliament of South Africa.

She further alleged that the Bushiris’ unlawful departure from South Africa constituted a direct violation of their bail conditions and prompted an official extradition request to the Malawian government.  Kubayi added that, in March 2025, a Malawian court ruled in favour of extraditing the couple to South Africa to face justice.

“So, we strongly condemn Shivambu’s conduct, describing his association with Bushiri as a blatant act of disrespect toward South Africa’s legal system. We caution that such behaviour by a political leader not only undermines the credibility of the judiciary, but also diminishes the gravity of the charges against Bushiri, sending a dangerous message to the public and to victims of crime.

 “Shivambu’s actions erode public trust in the justice system and embolden those who believe they can escape accountability. No one, regardless of status or position, is above the law,” she said.

Kubayi said political leaders have a responsibility to uphold the rule of law, not fraternise with fugitives. She urges all public representatives to work in partnership with law enforcement authorities to safeguard the country from those who violate the law.

“As a party represented in the Parliament of South Africa, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party has a duty to uphold justice and respect the integrity of South Africa’s legal processes,” said    Kubayi.

Meanwhile, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela said: “We wish to categorically distance ourselves from the recent visit of our Secretary-General, Floyd Shivambu to the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) church led by self-proclaimed prophet, Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi.

“We wish to make it unequivocally clear that the visit was not sanctioned, endorsed or initiated by the leadership or any official structure of the MKP. Shivambu undertook this visit in his personal capacity and without the mandate of the party.”

Ndhlela said the uMkhonto weSizwe Party upholds the rule of law and maintains a zero tolerance stance on criminality in all its forms. He said when in an unprecedented case, former president Jacob Zuma, was sent to prison without a trial under Roman Dutch Law, he did not flee from justice, but was incarcerated and served his time, even though it was a miscarriage of justice and a violation of his human rights.

“We remain firmly opposed to any association with individuals who are fugitives from justice. Our values are rooted in integrity, justice and accountability and we reject any actions that comprise the reputation and ethical standing of our movement.

“Furthermore, the MKP strongly condemns all forms of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the exploitation of vulnerable communities, especially innocent Christian believers, by individuals who manipulate faith for personal enrichment or to evade justice,” said Ndhlela.

He said their party stands with the victims of such exploitation and will never align itself with those who use religion as a shield to defraud, abuse or mislead the public. Ndhlela said they reiterate their commitment to ethical leadership and the principles of justice and they call on all members and representatives of the MKP to act in a manner that reflects the highest standards of responsibility and accountability

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