Monthly Archives: May 2025

249 suspects arrested for various crimes

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Picture: One of the suspects arrested by the police/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

12 May 2025– A total of 249 suspects were arrested for various offences such as, including, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, drug dealing, illicit liquor trading, robbery, murder and attempted murder. Some of the suspects were also arrested for assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), Burglary at business and residential premises.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said the detective unit also continued with the tracing of wanted suspects who were evading the law for an array of crimes.  Pilane said significant quantities of alcohol, drugs, dangerous weapons and cash believed to be proceeds of crime were confiscated.

“Stolen livestock was also recovered and two suspects arrested in Upington in the ZFM District. Community engagements and awareness campaigns remain ongoing, with the aim of educating the public on crime trends, prevention strategies, and safety measures.

“The weekly high-density, multi-disciplinary Operation Shanela continues to yield positive results in the fight against crime across the Northern Cape province,” he said.

Pilane further said the week-long operation, which ran from 5 to 11 May 2025, was conducted across all five districts and led by District Commissioners and senior officers of the province.

He added that crime prevention initiatives included stop-and-search operations, foot and vehicle patrols, vehicle checkpoints (VCPs), compliance inspections, and targeted interventions aimed at addressing drug and alcohol related crimes as well as trio crimes.

“The operation saw collaboration from various external stakeholders, including the Department of Home Affairs, Department of Health, Department of Social Development, South African Revenue Service (SARS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and the Liquor Board.

“During the operation, 3456 vehicles and 7237 persons were stopped and searched at VCPs and roadblocks. In addition, over 500 individuals were searched during high-visibility patrols,” said Pilane.

He said numerous liquor outlets and second-hand goods dealers were inspected for compliance, resulting in the closure of multiple non-compliant and illegal liquor outlets.

Meanwhile, acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, commended the collaborative efforts of all participating departments, law enforcement agencies, and community policing forums, citing that nobody will be left behind. Ngunelanga said the public is encouraged to report any suspicious or criminal activity via the MySAPS App or by calling the Crime Stop number: 08600 10111.

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Committee welcomes noticeable progress in withdrawal of SADC mission convoys from DRC

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Picture: SANDF soldiers in DRC/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

11 May 2025– The Joint Standing Committee on Defence welcomed assurances from senior commanders of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) that the steady and safe withdrawal of Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo forces has commenced and that two convoys have already reached the transit camp.

The Co-Chairperson of the Committee, Malusi Gigaba said the assurance that all measures have been put in place to ensure that the movement and withdrawal of both personnel and equipment will be done safely and securely and the arrival of the two convoys at the transit camp is a testament to the effective planning that has taken place. Gigaba said the committee also emphasised the safety and security of prime mission equipment that will be moved by sea to South Africa.

“The security of this equipment is critical, especially as private contractors will be used. The committee acknowledged that it would receive a full exit report on the mission upon conclusion of the withdrawal, including the cost associated with the deployment.

“We are cognisant that some of the details around the mission could not be discussed, as it has the potential to endanger the forces still in the deployment area. But concerning cost, the committee highlighted that when the total breakdown is tabled, the committee takes into consideration the cost-benefit analysis of the deployment,” he said.

Gigaba further said the committee has called for effective support of the elements of the SADC peacekeeping mission that remain in the Democratic Republic of Congo under the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC.  He added the committee acknowledges that South Africa’s efforts to establish peace and security in Africa continue to be a crucial element of the country’s foreign policy, as guided by the objectives of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 framework.

“To advance this role played by the SANDF in peacekeeping missions, adequate support must always be provided. The committee highlighted its continued support for the peacekeeping mission as a key diplomatic tool while political engagements continue.

“The commitment to diplomatic engagement aimed at finding lasting solutions to the conflict is welcomed, as it is only through genuine engagement that solutions will be found. The people of the DRC and the region in general deserve a peaceful and secure environment conducive to unlocking the socio-economic potential of the area,”he said.

The Co-Chairperson of the Committee, Phiroane Phala said they have expressed its full support for the extension of the employment of 200 SANDF members in support of the SADC Maritime Security Strategy, under Operation Copper. Phala said the committee deliberated on the letter of 2 April sent by the President to both houses of Parliament, informing Parliament of his decision to extend the employment.

“The mission aims to counter the threat of piracy and other illicit maritime activities along the northern Mozambique Channel have been successful, hence the decrease in piracy activities.

“It is essential that this crucial intervention is maintained to enable trade, which will lead to economic growth and improved standard of living for the people of the region,” he said.

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DA welcomes move for DRC board of inquiry

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

11 May 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it welcomes the revelation in Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Defence, that the DRC calamity may soon be subjected to a board of inquiry. The DA alleged that this was revealed by Deputy Minister Bantu Holomisa, because Minister Motshekga snubbed Parliament and chose instead to travel to Russia for a military celebration.

The DA spokesperson on Defence and Military Veterans, Chris Hattingh, who is also a Member of Parliament (MP), said they strongly condemn Motshekga’s repeated refusal to account before the Joint Standing Committee on Defence. Hattingh said in the absence of Motshekga, scant information was shared with the committee by the senior leadership of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and more questions than answers remain.

“What is of serious concern is that our troops are in no way safe and secure yet – the seemingly poor logistical planning of the withdrawal from the Democratic Republic of the Congo could leave our troops further exposed in an increasingly hostile conflict environment.

“Despite posing probing questions on the logistical aspects of the withdrawal, these questions could not be answered as no SANDF Chief of Logistics was present in the meeting, despite it being scheduled weeks in advance,” he said.

Hattingh further said, the SANDF contributed a total of R1.6 billion to the DRC SAMIDRC mission, in terms of equipment, personnel, and military costs. He added that the SANDF in today’s committee, however, could provide no definitive answer as to how much weaponry and equipment was either lost or damaged as part of the mission in the DRC.

“It is high time that the truth of the DRC calamity comes out and that the families of our brave fallen soldiers may know what happened to their loved ones.

Those who lead our soldiers to their peril must be held accountable and brought to book where necessary,” said Hattingh.

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CorpsAfrica program to address rural challenges

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Picture: Residents struggling with water in rural area

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

10 May 2025- CorpsAfrica, a pan-African Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) said it is pleased to announce its volunteer program in South Africa. The organisation was founded in 2011 by former Peace Corps volunteer, Liz Fanning.

The Country Director for South Africa, Kelo Kubu said CorpsAfrica has recruited and trained African youth as volunteers to live and work in rural and under-resourced communities in their own countries. Kubu said since its inception, CorpsAfrica has established a presence in 10 countries, including Morocco, Senegal, Malawi and Rwanda.

“The organisation has trained and deployed over 900 volunteers, who have successfully implemented more than 800 community-driven projects, impacting the lives of thousands of people.

“The first cohort of volunteers are placed in two provinces (North West and Limpopo) under four local municipalities including, Moretele, Greater Taung, Polokwane and Maruleng Local Municipalities. The duration of their service is 10 months and volunteers are working on a variety of projects tailored to the needs of these communities, focussing on areas such as education, health, agriculture and economic development,” she said.

Kubu further said CorpsAfrica’s entry into the country is a testament to the incredible growth and impact the organisation has achieved over the years. She added they are excited to bring this transformation program to SA, where they believe their volunteers will make a meaningful difference in the lives of communities.

“For more information about CorpsAfrica and its programs, please visit www.corpsafrica.org,” she said.

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Five suspects arrested for illegal mining during Operation Vala Umgodi

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Picture: One of the suspects nabbed/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

11 May 2025– Five suspects were arrested in connection with illegal mining and drug-related activities. The suspects were arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said on 10 May 2025, the police received a tipoff regarding drug dealing at the Samaria Informal Settlement, near Ikapa Mine. Sam said the information was swiftly operationalised.

“Three suspects aged between 26 and 30, were arrested after police discovered mandrax tablets and cash believed to be proceeds of criminal activity at their premises. Continued efforts on 11 May 2025, led to the arrest of two additional suspects aged 38 and 42, for illegal mining at the Colville Old Mine.

“Numerous fines were also issued for violations of the Road Traffic Management Act during vehicle check points (VCPs) and stop-and-search operations conducted in both the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts,” he said.

Sam further said all arrested suspects are expected to appear in court soon. He added that Operation Vala Umgodi continues its relentless efforts to combat illegal mining activities across the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts in the Northern Cape.

“The operation remains a key initiative in asserting the authority of the state and curbing illegal mining and related crimes in the province. See something? SAY something. Report illegal mining to SAPS Crime Stop: 08600 10111 or MySAPS App,”said Sam.

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SAFA denies illegally paying R10m to Jordaan

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Picture: SAFA president, Dr Danny Jordaan

By OBAKENG MAJE

11 May 2025– The South African Football Association (SAFA) said the alleged disinformation and coordinated attempt to effect regime change at the organisation continues with claims now that the SAFA president, Dr Danny Jordaan was paid more than R10 million from the association without the knowledge and approval of the National Executive Committee (NEC) in 2020. SAFA said these allegations are malicious and mischievous and quite frankly, laughable.

SAFA CEO, Lydia Monyepao said it is inconceivable that the basis of this latest smear emanates from someone who accessed the SAFA financial system illegally, misinterpreted the reports they generated and leaked it to third parties in a bid to generate this false narrative. Monyepao said the report that was obtained illegally relates to all payments made to Jordaan since 2007, and covers a period of 18 years during which time he held various positions in SAFA as CEO until 2008, CEO of the World Cup Bid Up until 2006 and CEO of the FIFA World Cup from 2006 until 2011.

“It also includes SAFA meeting allowances and honorariums, which were paid to all NEC members over a period exceeding 13 years. The Honorarium and NEC meeting allowance paid to all NEC members, separation payments between SAFA and President when he returned from deployment from the 2010 FIFA World Cup LOC

“Bonus paid to the Three Musketeers (Dr Danny Jordaan, Dr Irvin Khoza and Dr Molefi Oliphant) for securing the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which is a substantial portion of the amount that is being bandied about,” said Moneypao.

She further said this also includes payments from CAF, which are paid into the SAFA account for transfer to Jordaan. Monyepao added that these payments are made via the association’s bank accounts.

“All the payments made to the President over this period were properly authorized. All the above were also properly approved by the NEC at the time. Finally, this is part of the ongoing campaign directed at the SAFA President with a view of effecting regime change.

“We did provide this explanation to the Sunday newspaper that continues to peddle misinformation, and it is no surprise that the journalist deliberately ignored our full response,” she said.

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13 suspected stolen cattle worth R130 000 discovered

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Picture: 13 suspected stolen cattle seized/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

10 May 2025- Two suspects aged 37 and 39 respectively, were arrested for alleged stock-theft. This comes after the multi-disciplinary team received a tip-off and conducted a tactical operation at the identified plot, resulting in the arrest of the suspects.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said 13 cattle with an estimated value of R130 000 believed to be stolen, were recovered at the scene. Shemane said the South African Police Service (SAPS) members in the ZF Mgcawu District, acted on information regarding suspected criminal activities involving livestock on grazing land, near Upington on the evening of Thursday, 8 May 2025, at approximately 21:30.

“The intelligence was operationalised with the assistance of specialised SAPS units, including the Upington Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (STESU), Upington Rural Safety, and the Upington Highway Patrol. The rightful owners of the livestock are currently unknown.

“The police are urging the public to come forward, if they may be missing cattle to report to their nearest police station and claim the livestock. They must however be in a position to have proof of ownership,” he said.

Shemane further said livestock owners are once again reminded to brand-mark their animals for easier identification and to assist in curbing stock theft. He added that, anyone with information that could assist in identifying the owners is requested to contact the Upington Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit at 079 529 3930 / 082 454 4849 / 054 337 3460/1, or alternatively the SAPS Crime Stop number at 08600 10111.

“The MySAPS App may also be used. All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality,” said Shemane.

Meanwhile, the ZF Mgcawu District Commissioner, Major General Monica Sebili, commended the SAPS team for their dedication and consistent efforts in combating crime.

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Police are looking for missing Carl Ferus

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Picture: Missing Carl Ferus/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

10 May 2025- The police in Kenhardt are requesting the assistance of the public in locating Carl Ferus (24), who was last seen on 24 April 2025, at his residence at 1191 Brussel Street, Kenhardt. The police said unfortunately, it is unknown what he was wearing at the time of his disappearance.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said anyone with information that can assist in locating Ferus can contact the Investigating Officer Sergeant Andrew Hendriks st 082 495 4762 or the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app. Shemane said all information received will be treated confidentially.

“The public is reminded that there is no waiting period for reporting a missing person,” he said.

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Cameron welcomes collaboration between DPWI and SAPS

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Picture: The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

10 May 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, welcomes the announcement of the initiation of discussions between the Ministers of Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) on how the DPWI can better support the police. Cameron said the initiation of interactions on a ministerial level is critical as it positively responds to recommendations by the portfolio committee that the DPWI provides enhanced support to SAPS.

He further said this was based on the deplorable conditions that members are exposed to at station level, which negatively impacts the overall morale and appetite to combat crime. Cameron added that, is cognisant of fiscal challenges currently facing all government departments, but remains of the view that there are low-hanging fruits that the DPWI can address to improve working conditions of SAPS.

“For example, the issue of maintenance is crucial and the removal of bureaucratic impediments that delay implementation should be resolved. Also, we highlighted the need for better project management in development projects for police stations.

“For example, it is unacceptable that building a police station takes 12 years, similar to the delays experienced in Vuwani, Limpopo. While we acknowledged the meeting as instructive, we emphasised that what is needed is the actual implementation of resolutions that arise out of the engagement,” said Cameron.

He said the implementation has always been a drawback in South Africa and they hope that this engagement will lead to faster implementation of interventions. Camerona said the committee will await tangible and actionable plans on how the DPWI will improve its services to the SAPS to enable the committee to monitor implementation.

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ANC Chief Whip in North West Provincial Legislature, Motlalepule Rosho gets her Master’s Degree in Communication

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Picture: ANC Chief Whip,Motlalepula Rosho after her graduation at the NWU (Mahikeng Campus)  

By REGINALD KANYANE

10 May 2025-The African National Congress (ANC) Caucus in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) on Friday, congratulated its Chief Whip, Motlalepula Ziphorah Rosho, who earlier in the day obtained a Masters Degree in Communication from the North West University (NWU) at a graduation ceremony held at the NWU Mahikeng Campus Great Hall.

Rosho who held an Honours Degree in Communication prior her graduation for the Masters’ Degree whose dissertation is titled “Examining Stakeholder Perception- A participatory Development Communication Study on the Establishment of JB Marks Local Municipality” is a journalist by profession having attained her first journalism Diploma through Birman Business College.

She also has a leadership Diploma from UNISA and a Postgraduate Diploma on Leadership and African studies from the University of Johannesburg. Rosho’s communication skills were honed when she served the ANC Department of Information and Publicity (DIP) as a Media Organiser for the first 1994 democratic elections.

She also had a stint as an investigative journalist and unleashed her potential when she volunteered her services for the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) between 1992-1993. Rosho had also worked as a media organiser for the then Western Transvaal and Northern Cape ANC Regions, as well as served as a member of SANCO’s subcommittee on Media Relations. 

Rosho among others, also served as Media Liaison Officer for the MEC for Agriculture, Conservation, Environment and Tourism, senior manager in various Directorates of management, i.e. Provincial Growth and Development Strategy and Human Resource Development Director before her election as a public representative in 2009.

She had served as Deputy Speaker and Chairperson of the Public Accounts Portfolio Committee of the NWPL (2009-2010), MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism from 2012-2014, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development as well as Chairperson of the Local Government & Human Settlements Portfolio Committee and subsequently served as MEC for the same portfolio for six months.

Though the workaholic Rosho served as MEC for Provincial Treasury in the 6th administration for a full term, her community activism including passion for development, good governance, accountability and communication remain unquenched. Rosho also served SANCO as Head of its Media and Communications Sub Committee during her tenure as a Member of its National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Working Committee (NWC).

Hers has indeed been a lifelong journey of learning and selfless contribution hence the ANC caucus applauds the milestone she has achieved as an inspiration that should be celebrated as part of her quest to study while also serving and contributing solutions to the development challenges facing North West communities. Rosho’s resolve to overcome a gruelling and tight work schedule to achieve this academic milestone was not a small feat.

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