Daily Archives: July 25, 2025

Committee receives a brief from ARC

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

25 July 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture welcomed the briefings it received yesterday from the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC), and the Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) on their performance in the fourth quarter of the 2024/25 financial year and commended their notable performance.

In welcoming the briefings from the three entities of the Department of Agriculture, the Chairperson of the Committee, Dina Pule, said the committee was happy about the progress that the entities reported to the committee. Pule said the committee notes the hard work the entities have demonstrated and called for more improvement in all the areas of work that included implementation of the Auditor General’s recommendations on their last audit outcomes.

“The ARC reported that funding for building of the new Foot-and-mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine Facility is still a challenge and that, efforts to obtain the required funding for the new facility remains a priority.

“The entity reported that field assessment of the FMD vaccine in Mpumalanga and Limpopo is ongoing and the study on vaccine safety in pregnant cows and young calves has been initiated,” she said.

Pule further said in appreciating the performance of the NAMC, the committee called on the entity to do more on finding market access for the small-scale farmers as markets are alfa and omega for their growth, survival and meaningful contribution to the South African economy and for national food security.

She added that the Deputy Minister of the Department of Agriculture, Zoleka Capa, who led the departmental delegation, that the committee notes with appreciation the accountability of both the Minister and his Deputy that they demonstrate to the committee.

“Accountability is a critical starting point for the success of the department. We deeply appreciate your availability to our meetings with the department. Your presence solidifies the accountability of the department to the committee and the oversight responsibility of the committee over the department.

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‘We cannot negotiate with criminals’

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

25 July 2025- Activists and Citizens Forum said it agrees and supports the Kwa-Zulu Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, when he said the police cannot negotiate with criminals who are busy challenging and undermining the authority of the police. The Forum said they commit heinous crimes such as cash-in-Transit heists, kidnappings, and shooting at police using heavy caliber firearms, killing police and innocent people.

The Activists and Citizens Forum spokesperson, Dennis Bloem said they cannot expect to be treated with kid gloves. Bloem said they were very concerned about media reports, reporting that the incoming acting Minister of Police, Firoz Chachalia, was allegedly saying that there must be a different and new approach on how to deal with crime.

“This is what Professor Chachalia reportedly said: “Giving the police licence to kill is not the answer to crime. I do not believe that Skiet, Skop en Donner brings down crime. What it does is criminalise the police because they then start acting unlawfully”.

“Unfortunately, we completely disagree with Chachalia on his approach and totally agree and support the approach that the police are applying in fighting these criminals – fighting fire with fire,” he said.

Bloem further said they believe what Mkhwanazi has started in KZN province by taking these criminals head-on. He added that it is bearing positive results all over the country.

“Criminals know now they have nowhere to hide. The latest successful operation was the Crown Mines Gauteng incident, where five Cash-in-Transit thugs were killed by police. We applaud the police with their recent successful operations.

“The police cannot do it alone without our support of the Public. It is our responsibility to assist the police in creating a safer country by helping the police with information if we know of any criminal activities,” said Bloem.

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Ethics Committee Releases 2025 Register of Members’ Interests

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 July 2025 – The Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests has, during its scheduled meeting held today, adopted the 2025 Register of Members’ Interests per item 12 of the Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members’ Interests for National Assembly and Permanent Council Members. The 2025 register is the second of the 7th Parliament following the 2024 General Elections.

The Co-Chairpersons of the Committees, Lusizo Makhubela and Henni Britz said as per convention following the adoption, the committee resolved to release the register to enable access to the public section of the register. They said the new code adopted by the 6th Parliament established the submission of interests using the prescribed electronic form, which is aimed at streamlining declarations and making the process seamless and quick.

“The adoption of the electronic declaration submission form was a strategic decision in line with the move to ensure a paperless Parliament. Also, to ensure seamless submission, the office of the Registrar availed staff to support and assist Members of Parliament with their online submissions.

“Item 12 (7) of the Code is clear that a Member must disclose his/her registrable interests in the first quarter of the financial year,” said Makhubela.

Britz shared the same sentiments. He said the code promotes a culture of openness and accountability, and the release of the register is a bold step in building public trust and confidence. He further said by ensuring accountability of public representatives, the release ensures credibility of the oversight work over the executive.

“The Register for Members’ Interests will be accessible on the Parliamentary website from today. As per item 12 (1) of the Code, the Register consists of both a public and confidential section. The public section of the register is now available to be perused by the public to ensure accountability.

“The Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests further communicates that the 2025 disclosure process had a 100% compliance by the due date of all Members of Parliament. No Member of Parliament submitted late. The committee commends this milestone,” he said.

The full public section of the register can be accessed here: https://tinyurl.com/36vyn5bs

A full report will be published in the Parliament’s Announcements, Tablings and Committee Reports.

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Overcrowding in correctional service facilities a concerned

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By REGINALD KANYANE

25 July 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services today expressed concern over the low success rate of the current legislation in reducing overcrowding in correctional facilities in the country. The committee received a briefing from the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) on the use of Section 49G of the Correctional Services Act (CSA) and Section 62F of the Criminal Procedures Act (CPA) applications.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Kgomotso Ramolobeng said both sections are about strategies to reduce overcrowding in correctional facilities. Ramolobeng encouraged the executive of the DCS and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD) to continue working together in order to strive for better ways to implement these pieces of legislation effectively to increase the success rate of matters referred.

“Section 49G of the CSA refers to the maximum period of incarceration and provides that the period of incarceration of a Remand Detainee (RD) must not exceed two years from the initial date of admission into the remand detention facility.

“Such matter should be brought to the attention of the court concerned in the manner set out in this section: provided that no RD shall be brought before a court in terms of this section, if such RD appeared before a court three months immediately prior to the expiry of such two year period and the court during that appearance considered the continued detention of such detainee,” she said.

Ramolobeng further said whilst Section 62F of CPA provides that any court before a charge is pending in respect of which bail was granted, may at any stage, whether bail was granted by court or any other, on application by the prosecutor, add any further condition of bail. She added that, the section further provides that the accused shall be placed under the supervision of a probation officer or Correctional Official. The committee heard that both strategies are driven by the DCS and may result in the reduction of the inmates.

“The committee heard that the success rate under Section 49G of the CSA for the 2022/23 financial year is 1.25% of 12 283 court referrals nationally with the Eastern Cape and Western Cape both indicating a 0% success rate.

“In terms of 2023/24, the Eastern Cape once again showed a 0% success rate. In the 2024/25 financial year the province had 142 court referrals and only one was successful and in the current financial year it has had two successful court referrals,” said Ramolobeng.

She said the committee also heard that approximately 40% of the total sentenced offender population are serving sentences above 15 years, inclusive of those serving life sentences. Ramolobeng said lifers will typically remain incarcerated for longer periods of time and are sentenced/ convicted of serious crimes.

“This means that bed spaces will not become readily available, which places more pressure on already overcrowded correctional facilities. The DCS needs to capacitate and improve the functioning of community corrections so that the courts can have confidence in the system and place more remand detainees under correctional supervision.

“In terms of the outcomes of Section 49G application, especially relating to the Eastern Cape, it’s a very serious concern. The committee will raise this with the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development that deals with referrals,” she said.

Ramolobeng said the committee will continue the implementation of both the sections that can address overcrowding in facilities if implemented efficiently and effectively.

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NPA concerned over leaked affidavit in Bushuri’s case  

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Picture: Prophet Shepherd Bushiri

By OBAKENG MAJE

25 July 2025- The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said is taken aback by the leaking to the media of the affidavit of one of the state witnesses. The NPA said the affidavit forms part of the documents in the case docket that was disclosed to the defence for the accused to prepare for their trial.

The NPA regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana said it is very concerning as this leaked affidavit has the potential to compromise the state’s case. Mahanjana said it also endangers the life of the state witness because her full details, including a photo of her, were published in the media. 

“The case was set down for trial to commence on 14 October 2024, almost a year ago.  However, the case has been met with numerous interlocutory applications by some of the accused attempting to delay the trial. None of these interlocutory applications were successful. 

“Despite all these applications, the state has always maintained its readiness to start with the trial. We therefore urge the media to be responsible when exercising their mandate to produce news to keep the public informed to do so without jeopardising the rights of the witnesses who will be called to testify,” she said.

Mahanjana further said the case is set down on 4 August 2025 for trial.

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Eight suspects nabbed in connection with illegal mining

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Picture: Five men nabbed for illegal mining

By BAKANG MOKOTO

25 July 2025- The ongoing efforts of Operation Vala Umgodi continue to produce significant results in the Northern Cape. A total of 24 individuals aged between 22 and 44, were arrested in connection with illegal mining activities and violations of immigration laws during intelligence-driven, multi-disciplinary operations.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said in the Namakwa District, combat and proactive teams arrested eight suspects at a private, restricted property near Kleinzee for illegal mining and contraventions of South Africa’s immigration laws. Pilane said on 22 July 2025, Vala Umgodi teams in the Francis Baard District acted on intelligence regarding undocumented individuals employed at various construction sites in Minerva Gardens.

“As a result, eleven men were arrested and handed over to immigration authorities for further processing. Employers found in violation were issued with fines. In a separate incident, five suspects were arrested for alleged illegal mining during a joint operation between the SAPS and a Kimberley-based mine security company, following a tip-off about illegal activities on a privately-owned mining property.

“Various tools believed to be used in illegal mining as well as suspected diamond-bearing gravel were confiscated. All arrested suspects are expected to appear in local Magistrates’ Courts soon,” he said.

Pilane further said Operation Vala Umgodi remains committed to combating illegal mining and ensuring adherence to immigration legislation. He added that the public is encouraged to report any criminal activity anonymously via the MySAPS App or by calling the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111.

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Missing Simbarashe Chimbowa nabbed for Contravention of Immigrant Act

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Picture: A missing Simbarashe Chimbowa found and arrested/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 July 2025- The South African Police Service confirmed that Simbarashe Chimbowa (31), a Bolt driver who was reported missing by his mother after last being seen on 21 July 2025 at 7pm in Kagisho in Kimberley, has been found and arrested. Chimbowa was apprehended along with two other individuals, Elias Mzonjani (47) and Believe Chikate (25), for contravening the Immigration Act.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the arrest was effected by the Visible Policing Unit of Douglas SAPS on 21 July 2025 at approximately 11pm. Kock said the trio was found in a blue Ford Focus approximately 5km outside Douglas on the Kimberley Road.

“All three suspects appeared briefly in the Douglas Magistrate’s Court on 25 July 2025. The matter has been remanded to 29 July 2025, for further investigation. The vehicle in which they were travelling was seized by the police.

“The investigation is ongoing and members of the public with any relevant information are urged to contact Detective Warrant Officer Calvin Botha at 082 908 3623, SAPS Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or to use the MySAPS App. All information received will be treated with the strictest confidentiality,” he said.

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A man sentenced to five years imprisonment for assaulting his girlfriend

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By REGINALD KANYANE

25 July 2025- A man (32) was sentenced to five years imprisonment for assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). The accused, Jason Howard Kupido assaulted his girlfriend (25).

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the incident occurred on 19 February 2025, at approximately 6pm. Kock said an argument ensued between the couple that was walking to the accused’s residence.

“Kupido violently assaulted the victim by kicking her, pelting her with stones and stabbing her multiple times. He was arrested shortly after the incident and sentenced on 22 July 2025. In addition to the prison term, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm.

“The South African Police Service (SAPS) commends Detective Constable Dineo Potjeng of the Carnarvon Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for her diligent investigation, which resulted in a successful conviction,” he said.

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Three suspects arrested for dealing in drugs

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By OBAKENG MAJE

25 July 2025- A multi-disciplinary police team executed targeted raids in Postmasburg during Operation Nduna, which ran from 23 until 24 July 2025 to Thursday, 24 July 2025. The police said the operation focused on disrupting illegal drug activities in and around Postmasburg, curbing the proliferation of narcotics and addressing the influx of undocumented immigrants.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said a joint operation comprised members from the Provincial Organised Crime Unit, Kuruman Public Order Police, ZF Mgcawu District Crime Intelligence Unit and the K9 Units from Upington, Kuruman and Kimberley. Sam said the raids were conducted at identified residences suspected of being involved in drug trafficking and contraband smuggling.

“During the operation, drugs with an estimated street value of R30 140 were seized. Three suspects aged between 23 and 37, were arrested for dealing in drugs. The suspects are expected to appear in the Postmasburg Magistrate’s Court soon,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, reaffirmed the SAPS’ commitment to working with stakeholders to eliminate drugs from communities and bring perpetrators to justice. Otola said the police remain resolute in its efforts to clamp down on illegal and unregulated activities across the province.

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A policewoman nabbed for defeating the ends of justice

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Picture: A policeman nabbed for allegedly defeating the ends of justice/Facebook

By AGISANANG SCUFF

25 July 2025- A policewoman (46) was arrested by the Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU) for defeating the ends of justice. The accused, Sergeant Myka Constance Shale who is attached to Crime Intelligence Gathering (CIG), was arrested at her house in Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom on 23 July 2025.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said Shale allegedly met with an informer, who allegedly handed a firearm to her that was picked up on the murder scene of Wilfred Casper (38). Myburgh said the murder was reported on 12 July 2025, at Marikana in Promosa, near Potchefstroom.

“However, after receiving the firearm, it was never handed in or declared by her. Casper was found with multiple stab wounds and other injuries. He was declared dead on the scene by Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS).

“The police arrested eight men between the ages of 27 and 35, for Casper’s murder. It is alleged that they are all members of the SVK-gang. The eight accused appeared before the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 17 July 2025, for murder and were remanded in custody for a bail application,” she said. 

Myburgh further said consequent to the investigation by the ACIU, Shale was arrested and granted R4000 bail upon her appearance in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 23 July 2025, for defeating the ends of justice. She added that Shale’s case was postponed to 6 October 2025. 

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