21 July 2025- The Johannesburg High Court has dismissed an application for a discharge in terms of Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act, brought by the accused in a high-profile corruption case linked to the rehabilitation of mines. The court also ruled in favour of the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), granting leave to amend the indictment on certain charges against the accused.
The IDAC spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said this development follows the closure of the state’s case. Mamothame said the defence’s application was brought thereafter.
“The matter has been postponed to 25 May 2026, and is set down until 12 June 2026, during which period the defence is expected to call its witnesses. The accused include the former Deputy Director-General of the then Department of Mineral Resources (DMR), Joel Raphela, as well as Ronica Ragavan, Pushpaveni Govender, and entities linked to the Gupta family—Optimum Coal Mine, Koornfontein Mines, and Tegeta Exploration and Resources.
“They face 11 charges, including: Fraud, Contravention of Regulation 4 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA), Contravention of Regulation 7 of the National Environmental Management Act, Money laundering, Forgery, Uttering and Perjury,” he said.
Mamothame further said all accused have pleaded not guilty to all charges.
21 July 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said they are making steady progress on economic reform. Ramaphosa said last week, they released a progress report on Operation Vulindlela, a government-wide initiative to accelerate progress on economic reform.
He further said this report shows that the economic reform programme is making steady progress, opening the way to more rapid, inclusive and sustainable growth and job creation. Ramaphoisa added that they established Operation Vulindlela in the 6th administration to remove the binding constraints that have long held back the economy’s growth such as an unreliable energy supply, inefficient rail and ports, high data costs, and a visa system that had deterred investors and tourists.
“We have made significant progress since then in clearing these obstacles with a clear view to enhance economic growth. The reduction in load shedding over the past year was supported by the reforms that we introduced to unlock private investment in electricity generation, while reforms in the telecommunications sector have brought down the cost of mobile data.
“We have reduced the turnaround times for approval processes for water use licences and energy projects, made great progress in clearing the visa application backlog, and expanding the eVisa scheme. In April 2025, we commenced the next phase of Operation Vulindlela to build on these successes and initiate a second wave of reform,” he said.
Ramaphosa said they are moving quickly towards a competitive electricity market, which will introduce greater competition in electricity generation and reduce the chances of experiencing load shedding again. He said the reform underway in the energy sector will introduce greater choice for consumers and drive down costs.
“As part of this process, work is underway to establish an independent Transmission System Operator within the next five years, in line with the Electricity Regulation Act. We have also made significant progress towards enabling greater investment in our transmission network, including from the private sector, with regulations to govern these investments.
“In April, the Rail Infrastructure Manager was established as a separate operating division of Transnet with its own management and reporting structure. It has made capacity available across the freight rail network to private train operating companies and has received 98 requests for access to date,” said Ramaphosa.
He said a revised Network Statement will soon be published and capacity allocated in response to these requests, marking the start of open competition in freight rail. Ramaphosa said a Private Sector Participation Unit has been established within the Development Bank of Southern Africa to facilitate and fast-track private sector participation in logistics.
“A request for information for private sector participation projects in the rail system and ports has received a strong response from the market, and will enable us to mobilise new investment to modernise and expand our logistics infrastructure.
“The reform of our visa system is making it much easier for people to visit South Africa and bring much-needed skills and investment while enhancing border security through the Border Management Authority, which we established in the Sixth Administration as part of the reform process. An Electronic Travel Authorisation system has been developed by the Department of Home Affairs and is being prepared to go live in September 2025,” he said.
Ramaphosa said as part of Operation Vulindlela Phase II, they are also reforming the local government system to ensure that basic services such as water and electricity – which are essential for economic growth – are delivered efficiently and reliably. He said several metros have submitted plans for the turnaround of their water and electricity utilities that outline a clear pathway for the ring-fencing of water and electricity services.
“Progress against these action plans will enable these municipalities to access a new performance-based incentive from the National Treasury to drive much greater investment in water and electricity infrastructure. All of these reforms are designed to boost economic growth and create jobs for South Africans.
The claims by some opposition parties that these reforms represent a form of privatisation are baseless and misguided.
“The measures we are taking are common sense reforms that will preserve public ownership of key infrastructure while introducing greater competition, dynamism and investment. A number of our peer countries introduced similar reforms, which have powered their economies to higher levels of growth,” said Ramaphosa.
He said even as the world faces difficult economic headwinds, our economic reform agenda will create the conditions for higher growth and investment, while renewing our infrastructure for generations to come.
Picture: Some of suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela II/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
21 July 2025- More than 206 suspects were arrested during Operation Shanela II across all five districts in the Northern Cape. The police said the arrests are the reaffirmed effort to combat prevalent crimes in the province.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said they are adopting a multi-disciplinary approach led by District Commissioners, which entailed high visibility patrols, stop and search actions, roadblocks and vehicle check points. Ehlers said the suspects were arrested between 14 and 20 July 2025.
“The teams inspected numerous liquor outlets for non-compliance to ensure perpetrators face the full might of the law, this led to the closure of 26 unlicensed establishments.
“Concerted interaction with other law enforcement agencies resulted in the searching of 10 132 persons and 5 372 vehicles at vehicle check points (VCPs) and roadblocks, as well as high visibility patrols conducted across the province,” she said.
Ehlers further said Mandela Day commemoration events on 18 July 2025 were preceded by simultaneous Operation Shanela II actions across all five districts as part of the province’s coordinated crime combating strategy to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV), extortion, drug related offences, illegal firearms, contact crimes and vehicle related crimes. She added that suspects were arrested for serious crimes, including illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, illegal dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, illegal possession of drugs, murder, rape, assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and burglary.
“Detectives also conducted tracing operations in search of wanted suspects, who failed to make court appearances or for whom warrants of arrests were issued. Compliance inspections were conducted at numerous second-hand dealers and liquor premises as well as formal and informal businesses, farms and scrapyards.
“During the execution of the operations, police confiscated a significant amount of alcohol, drugs, dangerous weapons and firearms as well as cash believed to be the proceeds of crime,” said Ehlers.
She said various community engagements and awareness programmes were held in conjunction with community policing structures and government departments to address prevalent crime trends, namely Gender-Based Violence (GBV), youth and crime and substance abuse.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, expressed sincere appreciation for the robust collaboration between various government departments and community structures in the successful execution of recent operations. Otola reiterated that heightened and enhanced high-density operations will continue to target crime hotspots in the identified high crime areas across the province.
21 July 2025 – A minor, who was apprehended for the alleged murder of Charles Junior Tshabalala (28), appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 17 July 2025. The suspect was arrested on 15 July 2025.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said it is alleged that on 13 July 2025 at about 4am, the police in Letlhabile, were called to a local clinic wherein upon arrival, they found a man who was certified dead with a stab wound on his upper body. Tselanyane said as a result, a case of murder was registered.
“The preliminary investigation revealed that earlier that morning, the suspect allegedly stabbed the deceased, thereafter, attacking and stabbing another man on a public road at Sasol Section in Maboloka village.
“The victim was on his way home with his girlfriend and two men who were travelling in a vehicle, stopped after seeing the suspect dragging a woman known to them. The victim’s girlfriend alighted from the vehicle to try and help that woman and in the process, the suspect slapped her.
“The boyfriend then tried to intervene and he was attacked and stabbed with a sharp object on his neck by the suspect. Furthermore, information about the suspect was received and operationalised, thorough investigation by Letlhabile Detectives and Tracing Team leading to the arrest of the suspect (17) at Letlhakaneng village,” he said.
Tselanyane further said, during the arrest, the murder weapon was also recovered and confiscated. He added that the suspect is detained at a Juvenile Centre and is expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 29 July 2025, for legal aid assistance.
“He will also be processed in terms of the Child Justice Act,” said Tselanyane.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said the arrest of the teenager, who is not attending school and being taken care of by his grandmother, is a manifestation of the endemic wickedness and the society’s indifference to the maladies that are endemic in the communities, often ending in calamities such as murder, rape and drug addiction by the youth. Asaneng said it is worrisome that a teenager frequenting and already drinking liquor at a licensed tavern and surely neighbours, including the woman (29), who was rescued from him and others knew and were aware of his defiant behaviour which unfortunately has ended in the tragic loss of life.
21 Phukwi 2025- Sepodisi sa Taung se netefaditse fa se butse kgetsi ya polao ntle le maikaelelo. Se, se tla morago ga go tlhokafala ga Onkgomotse Pona Matlhaku (32) mo kotsing ya sejanaga.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane are go begwa fa Matlhaku ene ele mopalami mo sejanageng sa Nissan Almera fa sene se thulwa ke sejanaga sa NP 200 LDV. Tselanyane are kotsi e, e diragetse kwa circle mo tsela-kgolo ya N18 ka Lamatlhatso bosigo.
“Go begwa fa sejanaga sa Nissan Almera se ne se se tswa kwa toropong ya Taung, mme se leba kwa motseng wa Mokgareng. Go begwa fa sejanaga se, se ne se setse sele mogare ga circle fa se thulwa ke sejanaga sa NP 200 LDV, se se neng se tswa kwa Hartswater, mme se leba kwa Vryburg.
“Moswi o ile a tlhokafalela kwa lefelong la tiragalo, fa bakgweetsi ba dijanaga di le pedi ba rwaletswe kwa bookelong jwa selegae. Ga gona ope o tshwerweng, mme sepodisi ga se belaele fa go ka tswa go na le botsukunape mo kotsing e,” Tselanyane wa tlhalosa.
21 July 2025- Three individuals accused of business robbery and kidnapping in Moruleng village, near Rustenburg, briefly appeared before the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 15 July 2025. The trio was arrested in Soweto Township, in Johannesburg on 12 July 2025.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane alleged that on 10 July 2025, at around 8am, a victim (36) was with his employees at his business premises in Moruleng village when two vehicles arrived, a white Kia sedan and a white VW Jetta. Tselanyane said the Kia vehicle was allegedly used to block the entrance of the business premises, while the VW Jetta occupants entered the premises and were all armed with firearms.
“Both vehicles had four male occupants each. They then proceeded to rob the victim of a cell phone, took cash from the till and forced him into their vehicle and drove away.
“Following this incident, a multi-disciplinary team consisting of the Provincial Organised Crime Unit, Mogwase and Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 (Rustenburg) Detectives, Provincial and National Crime Intelligence, Anti-Gang Investigation Unit, Tactical Response Team (TRT), Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), as well as the Hostage Negotiator were established,” he said.
Tselanyane further said on 12 July 2025, the team managed to identify the two vehicles used in the commission of crime and an intelligence-led operation was conducted to intercept a white Jetta with the assistance of Gauteng Police and security officers at Protea Glen Mall, Soweto wherein one suspect was apprehended. He added that later the same evening, the team proceeded back to Gauteng Province to trace outstanding suspects.
“The team proceeded to a certain house in Molapo in Soweto and managed to arrest another suspect. They confiscated a white Kia vehicle in the process. The second suspect led the team to his parental home as well as to a family member’s house, where firearms were hidden.
“Upon arrival at the premises, the family member was found in possession of two unlicensed firearms, a Lorcin 9mm and another pistol. The family member was immediately arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and appeared in Soweto,” said Tselanyane.
He said the vehicles and firearms were confiscated. Tselanyane said three accused, Joseph Thabang Makgala (52), Lemmy Elias Nku (47) and Sello Gift Khasu (34), briefly appeared at Mogwase Magistrate’s Court and were remanded in custody until 22 July 2025, for a formal bail application.
“Investigation into the matter continues,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said: “These arrests are a strong warning and message to criminals that no matter where they are, they will be tracked down relentlessly and they will not be afforded the time and space to enjoy and benefit from their criminal ventures.”
Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
21 July 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong led a series of impactful community upliftment projects across Kimberley in commemoration of International Mandela Day. Makatong said they did that under the theme: “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality.”
Makatong emphasised that Mandela Day is not about rhetoric, but about meaningful action. She further said service is not about speeches, but about showing up, rolling up our sleeves and making a difference where it matters most.
“Today, we lead by example and take action to restore dignity, fight poverty and uplift the most vulnerable among us. The day began in Freesia Street, Roodepan, where the delegation intervened to assist the Afrika family, a household of 11 individuals living in a cramped two-bedroom home.
“The department partnered with the community to paint and refurbish the home. We also install new ceilings and doors, including extending the lounge area by laying new tiles to create a safer, warmer environment,” added Makatong.
She said they are not just building walls, but restoring dignity, privacy, and hope. Makatong said they are also investing in the future at local crèches.
“The delegation also visited Kgatelopele, Little Star and Wonderland Crèches, collectively serving over 50 children, some as young as 9 months. These early learning centres received refreshed and cleaned facilities. They received donations of essential learning and play equipment. These are our affirmation of our critical role in breaking the cycle of poverty.
“These centres are the heartbeat of our future. Supporting them is an investment in our children’s dreams. We also brought comfort to an elderly in Platfontein. In Platfontein, the team concluded the day of impact by restoring the dignity of Gogo Elia Shimite (93), whose home lacked basic insulation and safety features,” she said.
Makatong said her department assisted by renovating the structure, installing new windows and a proper roof, building a fireplace, including adding a new electrical meter. She said Shimite now has a warm, safe home to live out her golden years with dignity and pride.
“As Mandela Day reminds us each year, making every day a Mandela Day means turning compassion into action. Tata Madiba reminded us that what counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others.
“Let us continue to serve, uplift and restore dignity. It is still in our hands,” concluded Makatong.
Picture: 2025 TNL Champions – Golden Fireballs: Fireballs celebrate their victory after clinching the Telkom Netball League title at the Durban ICC on Sunday, 20 July 2025. They defeated the Crinums 47–40 in a thrilling final/Supplied
By KARABO MOKGALAGADI
21 July 2025- The Durban ICC was indeed electrified with spectators, making the 2025 Telkom Netball League (TNL) Final a memorable one. The Golden Fireballs secured the championship title with a convincing 47-40 victory.
The Fireballs showcased their dominance throughout the 2025 season, finishing with a perfect record and no losses. Guided by coaches, Dr Elsje Jordaan and Bongi Msomi, their consistency and determination were key. The players’ mutual respect and strong chemistry contributed significantly to their success.
The match was intense, with both teams vying for dominance. The Crinums led 13-11 after the first quarter, but the Fireballs fought back to level the score at 23-23 by halftime. The Fireballs took control in the third quarter, leading 34-30, and maintained their momentum in the final quarter despite a strong effort from the Crinums.
A red card for the Crinums’ Refiloe Nketsa and Ane Retief, further impacted their chances, ultimately falling short.
“It’s been a 12-player effort, and to see how everybody contributed to every game, it’s just massive,” said Jordaan.
“We are very grateful for the seamless collaboration between the team management, including myself, Bongi, Tass, and Amy, which contributed to a truly fantastic season.”
KD STARS PROMOTED TO DIVISION 1
The Kingdom Stars dominated the Baobabs in a repeat of last year’s Telkom Netball League (TNL) promotion/relegation match, thrashing them 60-42. This convincing win secures Kingdom Stars’ spot in Division 1, showcasing their strength and determination. The Baobabs’ towering Goal Shooter, Muhluri Hlatshwayo, led the team to an early 14-10 lead in the first quarter. However, Baobabs’ inconsistent play allowed the Stars to dominate the second quarter, taking control 25-20.
The KwaZulu-Natal team, uplifted by their victory over the Tornados in the group finals, entered the game with renewed energy. Goal Shooter Sbonga Mdletshe excelled in the quarter, consistently converting shots, while her opponent struggled to find rhythm.
Nompumelelo Mthembu’s side maintained their dominance, leading 48-29 at the end of the third quarter. The final quarter sealed Emily Mathosa’s team’s fate, a dreaded demotion to Division 2 in the 2026 Season.
TNL INDIVIDUAL AWARDS:
Best Shooter – Olwethu Ngubane (Fireballs)
Best Centre – Refiloe Nketsa (Crinums)
Best Defender – Jamie van Wyk (Jaguars)
Player of the Tournament – Tarle Mathe (Fireballs)
21 July 2025- A rape case against the accused, Kagalelo Setlhare (45), will resume today at the Taung Magistrate’s Court. Setlhare, who is affectionately known as Starzen, was arrested and charged with rape.
He was granted a R2000 bail.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the complainant was attending a Taung Annual Gospel Music Festival at PH Moeketsi High School in Taung, a few months ago and she went outside the venue to look for her friend. Mokgwabone said Setlhare allegedly grabbed and pulled her to the nearby bushes, where he allegedly assaulted and raped her.
“Although the complainant works at the place in question, she was not on duty on the day of the incident, but attending a gospel festival. The accused appeared before the Taung Magistrate’s Court. He was arrested on Tuesday and charged with rape,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron said it is disillusioned that despite constant talk, there has been no tangible action to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Cameron said the seeming inability and unwillingness to implement strategies is evidenced by the continued non-compliance with the provisions of the Domestic Violence Act.
“Despite the commitment made to the committee in a meeting held on 30 October 2024, there remain a substantial number of administrative and operational non-compliances at police station level. The direct consequence of the non-compliance is that the lives of the victims are endangered.
“It is concerning that of the 243 police stations visited, 60 non-compliance incidents were reported, including the failure to properly record reported incidents, which can be used in a court of law should the need arise,” he said.
Cameron said such records are necessary to ensure effective conviction of GBV crimes and gaps must be eradicated. He said the committee underscored that, while the presentation painted an improvement in certain areas, the reality on the ground is that many victims are still turned away from police stations when reporting GBV or the police do not deliver protection orders within the stipulated timeframes.
“The lack of consequence management within the South African Police Service (SAPS) is the root cause of this inability to change course and to adhere to prescripts. Until the SAPS ensure that errant police officers are held accountable, there will be no change.
“It is still concerning that to this day, there are police stations that do not have Victim-Friendly Rooms (VFR) that enable victims to report crime in a safe and discreet room. The SAPS reported that there are 95 Stations without designated VFR,” said Cameron.
21 July 2025- Banyana Banyana coach Dr Desiree Ellis was full of praise for her charges after they managed to defeat a resolute Senegal in the quarterfinals of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and set up a mouth-watering semi-final clash against the old enemy, Super Falcons of Nigeria.
South Africa beat the Lionesses of Teranga 4-1 on penalties as both sides could not be separated at the end of extra time with no goals on the board on 19 July at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco.
Ellis introduced fresh legs in the second half, bringing on Amogelang Motau, Nonhlanhla Mthandi and Bongeka Gamede for Lebohang Ramalepe, Sibulele Holweni and Linda Motlhalo. Gamede was making her first appearance in the tournament.
“I said the game was not going to be easy. I said it was going to be a difficult game because of the group they were in and how they got out – and we did not expect anything less. The first 15 minutes, we showed a bit of nerves, trying to get into the game but once we got into the game, we nullified the threat, their two tall strikers.
“We dealt very well with their long ball, but sometimes we gave the ball away too cheaply. Senegal has improved from the last time we played them, the coach has done a fantastic job,” she said.
Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Andile Dlamini made two great saves in the penalty shootout, while Karabo Dhlamini, Tiisetso Makhubela, Gabriela Salgado and Bambanani Mbane ensured that South Africa stayed in the game to give the defending champions a massive 4-1 win.
“We have been practicing penalties and we knew who our kickers were going to be and that’s why we made the changes we made. We always knew that Andile could save one or two – she had done it before.
“This was our first penalty shoot victory in the WAFCON – we lost it in 2006 and in 2018 in the final. I don’t have enough words to describe this team – the resilience, the courage, the never-say-die attitude, the willingness to fight for each other,” said Ellis.
She further said no matter what Senegal threw at them, they were able to withstand that. Ellis added that South Africa and Nigeria will meet in the last four on 22 July at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
“We are not thinking about Nigeria right now, we will think about the next match tomorrow. Let’s celebrate what we have done,” she said.
Meanwhile, Banyana Banyana headed to Casablanca as they departed Oujda, a place they have called home over the last 16 days where they played all their four matches in the tournament. In the other semi-final, hosts Morocco will face Ghana.
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