13 June 2025- The police said it is committed to creating a safe and secure environment for all the people in South Africa. The police said the community of Roodepan and surrounding areas in Kimberley are informed about the new telephone numbers of the Roodepan Police Station.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said for the public to reach Roodepan Community Service Centre (CSC), the following telephone number must be used to report to the Roodepan SAPS via the new land line number (053) 873 9111.
Shemane said the public can also utilize the SAPS emergency number 08600 10111 for emergencies or visit the police station in person or alternatively report crime via the mobile application, MySAPS App.
13 June 2025- A pastor, Petrus Phuthego Gasengake (48), who was convicted of robbery with aggravating circumstances was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Molopo Regional Court.
On 4 April 2021, Gasengake went to the house of a female congregant in Ramosadi village, near Mahikeng.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said at the time, the congregant was in the company of another male church member. Gunya said upon arrival, Gasengake bypassed them and proceeded directly to the complainant’s bedroom.
“An argument ensued in the bedroom, during which he choked the complainant and threatened her with a knife. Driven by rage, he stole R4000 in cash, bank cards, and the keys to her motor vehicle, which he then used to flee the scene.
“The court heard that after leaving the complainant’s home, he drove to his house in Lichtenburg, where he stabbed his wife without provocation and fled,” he said.
Gunya further said a case of robbery and attempted murder was subsequently opened. He added that the stolen vehicle was circulated and Gasengake was arrested in Vryburg on 6 April 2021.
“He was positively identified by the complainant. Gasengake was previously sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for the attempted murder of his wife on 11 November 2022. Despite pleading not guilty to the robbery charge, he was convicted based on compelling evidence led by the prosecution.
“In aggravation of sentence, state advocate Ntebaleng Mabale emphasised the prevalence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the region and highlighted the importance of strong court action in protecting victims and communities,” said Gunya.
He said Mbale argued that there were no substantial or compelling circumstances to warrant deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence of 15 years. Gunya said in delivering judgment, Magistrate Ndade Maphango, cited the aggravating nature of the offence and noted that the accused showed no remorse and failed to apologise to the complainant.
Meanwhile, welcoming the verdict, Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, commended the prosecutor’s diligence and the bravery of the investigating officers. Makhari reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to pursuing justice for victims of crime and ensuring community safety.
“The NPA welcomes the 15-year direct imprisonment sentence,” she said.
13 June 2025- The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has encouraged all Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant beneficiaries to ensure that they do an identity verification.Â
In a statement issued on Friday, SASSA Mpumalanga spokesperson Senzeni Ngubeni urged all beneficiaries that are required to go through this process to do so to avoid any delays.
“There is no short cut. All beneficiaries that are required to go through this process, they must do it to avoid delays and disappointment of not receiving the grant.
The main reason one would receive a “identity verification” status message is that the agency suspects fraudulent activity or contacts and banking details are incorrect.
“Beneficiaries who have this status must not panic but verify at their SASSA local offices or log in to the website http://srd.sassa.gov.za. During this process the clients will receive a link via SMS and it must be attended to within 72 hours,” Ngubeni said.
He added that to avoid fraudulent activity, beneficiaries must protect their personal details and not seek assistance from strangers.
SASSA online platforms and service offices are always ready to provide assistance to beneficiaries and enquiring clientele.
Requirement to apply for SRD grants are as follows: Applicant must be a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee registered with Home Affairs; aged above 18; unemployed; not receiving any other grant and not be a resident in a government- funded institution.
SASSA had urged beneficiaries to use online platforms to apply for social grants or visit SASSA offices.
For more information beneficiaries can contact the toll free number during working hours on 0800 60 10 11 or WhatsApp 082 046 8553. – SAnews.gov.za
South Africa is closely monitoring the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, known as Nimbus or NB.1.8.1, associated with a rise in cases in certain regions of Asia.
This is according to Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, who addressed the 4th Health Working Group meeting of the Group of 20 (G20), which is underway in Johannesburg.
Motsoaledi said the World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated this “a variant under monitoring” due to its growing presence.
India is the latest country to experience a surge in new COVID-19 cases due to the emergence of the new variant, NB.1.8.1.
According to the Independent, infections have been confirmed in several Asian countries, including Thailand, Indonesia and China.
In addition, the United Kingdom Health Security Agency reported the first 13 cases of this variant in England last week.
“I wish to reassure this esteemed gathering that South Africa has robust surveillance systems in place.
“Our National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) manages a comprehensive sentinel surveillance programme that systematically tests for key respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV. Currently, our data show very low SARS-CoV-2 activity,” Motsoaledi explained.
South Africa is currently experiencing a seasonal rise in influenza, but the country is well-prepared to manage the situation, he said.
“Crucially, the new variant remains a descendant of the Omicron lineage. This means that current recommendations for updated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are still effective. Therefore, at this stage, no specific new public health actions are required from the public.”
Motsoaledi said government continues to promote good hygiene practices, including handwashing, covering coughs, and staying home when feeling unwell.
“These simple measures are effective in reducing the spread of all respiratory illnesses. We will continue to monitor the situation closely through our established networks and will report any significant changes.”
Meanwhile, he called on the attendees of the meeting to work together with “renewed urgency and unwavering resolve”.
“Let us build a future where solidarity, equity, and cooperation are the cornerstones of our global health architecture.”
The week-long Health Working Group meeting began on Tuesday and will conclude on Friday.
It brings together health leaders, experts, and policymakers from the world’s largest economies, invited nations, and international organisations.
The plenary sessions will build on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and address ongoing barriers to accessing countermeasures, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
There will be a focus on prioritising the expansion of local and regional manufacturing capacity, especially in regions like Africa.
Delegates will also explore opportunities for technology transfer, sustainable financing, and regulatory alignment to ensure timely and equitable access to life-saving tools during health emergencies. – SAnews.gov.za
The Department of Agriculture is currently assessing the possibility of implementing regionalisation for chicken imports from Brazil to ensure local demand is met without compromising biosecurity.
This follows South Africa’s suspension of imports of live poultry, eggs, and fresh (including frozen) poultry meat from Brazil after an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Brazil reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1 – clade 2.3.4.4b) in chickens, in a breeding establishment (parents), located in the municipality of Montenegro, state of Rio Grande do Sul, on 15 May 2025.
This necessitated South Africa to suspend trade of live poultry, eggs and fresh poultry meat, and revised its import permit process.
Agriculture Minister, John Steenhuisen, noted that while South Africa’s poultry industry has sufficient domestic slaughter chickens, concerns remain over the impact the suspension import of Brazilian poultry on the country’s food supply chain, particularly the affordability and accessibility of processed meats and pet foods.
He said the department is in constant engagement with the Brazilian authorities to determine if the outbreak has not spread to other States and a confirmation that there are no additional affected farms in other regions.
“This is a necessary procedure of ensuring that we don’t introduce the virus to South Africans and infect the poultry industry. We need to balance food security realities with biosecurity imperatives,” Steenhuisen explained.
The Minister added that the department has established that the reason for the delay in Brazil responding to South Africa’s enquiries is due to the number of similar enquiries Brazil is receiving and responding to, since Brazil exports poultry products to many other countries. – SAnews.gov.za
Picture: Bafana Bafana players in celebratory mood/Generic
By AGISANANG SCUFF
13 June 2025 – South Africa are through to the semi-finals of the COSAFA Cup after they were held to a 0-0 draw by Mauritius at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday afternoon.
The draw was enough to take coach Vela Khumalo’s team to the last four of the tournament and finish at the top of Group A after Zimbabwe beat Mozambique 3-1 in the other group match. According to the tournament rules, the top teams in each of the four groups advance to the semi-finals, with the winner of Group A to face the top side in Group D, and the leading team in Group B up against the top team in Group C.
Coach Vela Khumalo said while Mauritius were tough opponents and his charges struggled to break them down during a tense 90 minutes of football, the home side also missed a plethora of chances that could have won the match comfortably.
“Look, I think our boys need to put on their scoring boots. Our sessions (ahead of the semi-finals) will be more on finishing. This is exactly what we have been all about. But if you see it at training, honestly speaking, the players are coming from recess, their teams were closed (for the off-season) and then they came back here. Maybe they left their scoring shoes behind. But gradually, I think it will come back and then we’ll manage to score goals,” he said.
13 June 2025- The National Consumer Commission (NCC) said it can confirm the recall of 142 Volkswagen Polo vehicles and 8 Volkswagen Tiago vehicles, as notified by Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA). The commission said the recall is due to a faulty part in the gas generators of the front passenger airbag module.
The National Consumer Commission spokesperson, Phetho Ntaba said in the event of an accident with deployment of the front airbag, there may be a reduced protective effect by the front passenger airbag and an increased risk of injury to the passenger. Ntaba said furthermore, the gas generator housing may burst, or components of the gas generator housing may come loose and cause serious or deadly injuries to vehicle occupants.
“According to the supplier, 141 Polo vehicles were made available for sale nationally from 20 December 2022, while a Polo and eight Tiago vehicles were made available for sale from 29 January 2024.
“Affected consumers are advised to take steps such as deactivate the front passenger airbag, refrain from using the front passenger seat, submit their vehicle to any VWSA approved dealer for a check and if necessary, replacement of the affected components,” she said.
13 June 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) said it has noticed with concern the number of incidents reported relating to the theft out of and from motor vehicles. The police said they are urging the public to adhere to and implement safety measures to curb this occurrence, especially during shopping trips, at guest houses, holiday destinations, social gatherings, homes and other public places.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said individuals should not leave their firearms in the motor vehicles’ glove compartment (cubbyhole) or anywhere in the vehicle when they park the vehicle as this is against the law. Kock said they should make sure that all the doors and windows are properly locked when they park their vehicles.
“Valuable items such as laptops, hand bags, shopping bags, cash and cameras should be locked in the boot and out of plain sight. Be aware of people approaching you and informing you that you have a flat tyre.
“The intention can be to steal items that they see inside the vehicle. Keep the doors locked and windows closed at all times, especially when driving in town. Do not use a cellular phone unless you have a hands-free kit as it can also lure criminals to your vehicle,” he said.
Kock further said at night, people should park in well-lit and not dark and secluded areas. He added that they should not leave their keys in the ignition.
“Remove detachable radios and the radio’s face when leaving your vehicle unattended. Try to install an alarm and/or anti-theft device. Use parking areas with a parking attendant or supervision/someone patrolling.
“Otherwise try to park in locations that are well populated and not crowded by bushes or buildings where offenders might hide,” said Kock.
He said if they see something, they must say something. Kock urged the public to report criminality to your nearest police station or call the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or the MySAPS App.
“All information received will be treated confidentially,” he said.
13 Seetebosigo 2025- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le monna (35) wa kwa motseng wa Majaneng, gaufi le Taung, e buseditswe morago ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung. Motseothata Nelson Seoleseng, yo o kwa ntlo-lefitshwaneng, o latofadiwa ka go tlhaba tsala ya gagwe, Mosimanegape Adam van Wyk (31) ka thiba go fitlhelela a tlhokafala.
Tiragalo e, e diragetse dikgwedi di le mmalwa kwa motseng wa Majaneng. Go begwa fa Seoleseng ga mmogo le moswi, ba ne ba le mmogo, mme ba ile ba ya kwa gabo molatofadiwa ko ba fitlhetseng morwa rragwe molatofadiwa ana le lekgarebe la gagwe.
Mongwe wa bo maratahelele wa tlhalosa: “Go begwa fa go ile ga runya kgakgauthano ya mafoko ma gareng ga molatofadiwa le monnawe. Sebakwa sa kgakgauthano ke gore, molatofadiwa one a botsa monnawe gore goreng a tlisa lekgarebe kwa gagabo.
“Ene ya re fa e ya matsogong, tsala ya molatofadiwa, van Wyk, one a leka go tsiriganya. Fela go begwa fa molatofadiwa a ne a mo tsogela kgatlhanong, mme a mo tsatsanka ka thipa. Go ya ka dipego, moswi one a rwalelwa kwa bookelong jwa sedika jwa Taung, fela one a balelelwa le badimo mo letsatsing le le latelang.”
Go begwa fa kgetsi ya polao ene ya bulwa, mme mmelaelwa one a tshwarwa.
Kgabagage, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are, kgetsi ya polao e butswe. Kgetsi e ne ya busediwa morago go fitlha 9 Seetebosigo 2025, fa dipaltisiso di tsweletse.
13 June 2025- Orlando Pirates FC player, Boitumelo Radiopane has admitted that South Africa needs to be more clinical in front of goals as they gear up to face Comoros in the COSAFA Cup semi-finals at the Free State Stadium on Friday evening.
Despite topping Group A, Radiopane bemoaned the missed opportunities that could have made their path smoother. However, the young striker is confident that the team has learned from those moments and is ready to deliver when they face Comoros.
“We tried each and every day to finish the chances we get in training because that is where the work starts.
“I am happy with the group of players that I’m surrounded with because we all want to reach the same goal, which is to win, and to win we have to score as many goals as we can,” he said.
Radiopane further said all he can say regarding their decision-making in front of the goals is that they need to be calm and not be selfish at some point. He added that if they are not in a good position to score, he just has to give it to the next player who is in the better position and to win the game for them.
“The only way to reward our defence is to score for them because they are doing everything well and everything they can for the opposition not to strike at us,” said Radiopane.
His honesty and hunger reflect the spirit of a team that is still finding its rhythm, but refuses to back down. Radiopane is one of several young players stepping up their game for the team, as they prepare to face Comoros.
As the semi-final draws closer, the mood in the South African camp is a mix of calm confidence and quiet determination, with players like Radiopane knowing the weight of the jersey they wear and the pride that comes with representing their country on home soil.
Meanwhile, South Africa is ready to fight for a place in the final of COSAFA Cup. The stage is set for today at 6pm at Free State Stadium, where South Africa will lock horns with Comoros in what promises to be a thrilling COSAFA Cup semi-final clash.
The Guardian 