Picture: Some of the items seized by the police/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
31 July 2025- Eighteen suspects were arrested during a swift and coordinated operation by the law enforcement in Prieska on 30 July 2025. The operation was executed by a team composed of the De Aar Public Order Police, Prieska SAPS, and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said acting on intelligence received, the team descended on a mountainous area approximately 7.5km outside Prieska, where the suspects were reportedly engaged in illicit mining activities. Ehlers said 18 men aged between 21 and 60, were apprehended at the scene.
“Mining implements suspected to have been used in the commission of the crime, as well as bags containing what is believed to be gemstones, were confiscated. The suspects were detained on charges of contravening the illicit mining Act, Act 28 of 2002,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Pixley ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, commended the collaborative efforts of the involved units and expressed appreciation to the community for providing valuable information that enabled law enforcement to bring the perpetrators to justice. Mtukushe said the police will continue to enhance efforts to dismantle illegal mining activities in the province.
“The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations will continue with the investigation,” she said.
31 July 2025- Bafana Bafana interim coach, Molefi Ntseki said he is happy with the progress that his players have made as South Africa continues to prepare for next month’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) in the East of Africa. The CHAN tournament will be held in East Africa in three countries – Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda – between 2-30 August 2025 and Ntseki’s charges played a training match against Angola (it ended in a 1-1 draw) behind closed doors at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Tuesday morning as part of their preparations.
They have been in camp in Johannesburg since last week and Ntseki said while getting the players he wanted for this tournament was a challenge, the personnel he has in camp with him have put their hands up.
“It has always been a challenge to select (CHAN squads) and this has been the case from our first (qualifier) against Egypt (in March) and then the game against Malawi (in May), but I think the players that were made available for selection are quality, and players that are very proud to be selected and to be part of this team.
“You can tell from the attitude and the work rate of the players that we have had since we started with the qualifiers and the game we played today,” he said.
Ntseki further said they have 15 players (in the team) that are unattached, but it is not because of a lack of quality from their side. He added that there are many other reasons why these players are not attached and these are good quality players.
“They’ve been in the league for more than five and ten seasons, so you can’t go wrong if you ever have these types of players that are part of the team going into CHAN. So, I am very, very impressed and very happy to have this group,” said Ntseki.
Keagan Dolly said he was excited when he received the call to join the CHAN-bound team.
“I couldn’t say no, and I didn’t even hesitate, you know, when the call-up came. Since Friday, the conversation (in the camp) is that we want to win it for ourselves as individuals and also for the country, you know, to make history.
“That’s what we’re doing. We’re focusing on now and just taking each day as it comes. I think this is our fourth day together, so I think we’re improving as a team and individuals,” said Dolly.
He said he will say it again that it’s always an honour and a privilege to wear these colours. Dolly said you know, not a lot of people get the opportunity to represent their country, especially in a country that has many young boys, who aspire to be professional footballers.
“Not a lot of people get this opportunity. So, when it came, I told you I didn’t hesitate. I always want to represent the country and no matter the level, you know.
“I always want to be there and try to achieve as an individual and, you know, just be a part of a special group like this who has the opportunity now to create history also,” he said.
The Guardian 