Setshwantsho: Banna ba le babedi ba ba latofadiwang ka polao
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
21 Phukwi 2025- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le banna ba le babedi ba kwa motseng wa Matlhako 2, gaufi le Pudimoe, e buseditswe morago go fitlha 7 Phatwe 2025, ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung. Balatofadiwa, Phemelo Maine (40) ga mmogo le Okemetse Phatlhanyane (27), ba latofadiwa ka go bolaya Boingotlo Makaota (16).
Go begwa fa setopo sa ga Makaota, se bonwe kwa lebitleng le le seng boteng kwa nageng kwa motseng wa Matlhako 2.
Go ya ka moagisani, one a utlwa segajaja sa lekgarebe mo bosigong jwa Labone kwa ntlung ya ga Maine. Go begwa fa moagisani o, gape a tlhalositse fa a ne a bona Maine ga mmogo le ditsala tsa gagwe ba kgorometsa kereibaye e go bontshang fa ene e pegile sengwe mo teng mo mosong wa Labotlhano.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are: “Sepodisi se ile sa tswa letsholo, mme seo se ile sa lebisa kwa go epololweng ga setopo sa ga Makaota.
“Go begwa fa setopo seo, sene se phuthetswe ka kobo, mme moswi one a supiwa ke ba lelapa la gagwe. Dipatlisiso di shupa fa setopo sa ga Makaota, se ne se na le dintho mo tlhogong, mo diropeng ga mmogo le mo maotong.”
Mokgwabone are dipatlisiso di ile tsa bolodiwa kwa lelapeng la ga Maine, mme diaparo tsa moswi di ile tsa fitlhelwa teng. Mokgwabone are, Maine o tshwerwe ka Lamatlhatso morago ga go ineele kwa sepodising.
“Monna o, o ile a isiwa kwa sepodisi ke morwa rragwe, mme one a tshwarwa. Sepodisi se ile sa botsolotsa Phatlhanyane o a bonweng a tsamaya le Maine fa a ne a kgorometsa kereibaye, mme le ene o ile a lelelwa ke ditshipi,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.
Mokomishinara wa Sepodisi wa nama o sa tshwere mo Bokone Bophirima, Major General Patrick Asaneng, o kgadile ka bogale tiragalo e. Asaneng are polao eo ya go tlhorontshiwa ga bong e kabo e efogilwe fa baagi ba ne ba le malala-a-laotswe.
Kgabagare, Maine o ile a ipona molato mabapi le ditatofatso tsotlhe kgatlhanong le ene, mme o solofetswe go ka nguna-nguna seo le mmueledi wa puso. Phatlhanyane ene o setse a inkeme fela ka la gore a neelwe beile, mme kopo ya gagwe e ka rediwa fa kgetsi e boela kgotlhatshekelo.
Picture: Missing Christiaan van Blerk and Donovan van der Walt, including the vehicle they were travelling in/Supplied
By AGISANANG SCUFF
21 July 2025- The police in Klerksdorp are requesting community assistance in locating two missing men, Christiaan van Blerk (34) and Donovan van der Walt (25). The police said according to information received, they were last seen at work on Monday morning, 14 July 2025, at Afrikaner Plot in Wessel Street in Meirings Park, Klerksdorp.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said they left their place of work in a white Toyota Hilux Raider bakkie, registration number KWF 254 NW, to collect spare parts in Klerksdorp Industria, but never returned. Myburgh said a search was conducted and all leads were followed, but it did not yield positive results.
“Christiaan van Blerk (34) is slender built with long brown hair, brown eyes and about 1.8m tall. He has a scar on the right side of his face (cheek), a tattoo of a cross on his upper arm and a horse shoe tattoo on his upper leg.
“Donovan van der Walt (25) is slender built with brown hair, light blue eyes, a black moustache and beard (unshaven) and about 1.6m tall. He has various tattoos on his body, with a lion tattoo on the left arm/hand,” she said.
Myburgh further said anyone who may have information regarding their whereabouts can contact the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Louis Harmse of Klerksdorp Detectives on 083 607 1395 or the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop on number on 08600 10111. She added that anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone.
“Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 080 091 1011,” said Myburgh.
21 Phukwi 2025- Setopo sa ga Pabalelo Fititi Chapman (19) se se neng se setse se senyega, se bonwe kwa molapong kwa motseng wa Mokassa, gaufi le Taung, mo letsatsing la Labotlhano. Go begwa fa Chapman a ne a timela fa kgwedi ya Seetebosigo e tlhola matsatsi a le 29.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane are mongwe wa losika o a neng a adimile moswi baki, one a e bona kwa thoko ga ditshitshi tsa noka. Tselanyane are sepodisi se ile sa itsisiwe, mme ba leba kwa nokeng eo.
“Sepodisi se ile sa bona setopo sa moswi se kaola-kaola mo godimo ga metsi. Ba lephata la sepodisi se se sapang ba ile ba bidiwa, mme ba ntsha setopo seo sa ga Chapman mo metsing. Moswi o ile a netefadiwa ke ba losika fa ele Chapman, mme sebakwa sa loso se tla itsisiwe morago ga diteko tsa loso.
“Go fitlha ga jaana, dipatlisiso di tsweletse,” Tselanyane wa tlhalosa.
Picture: A man who was arrested for alleged burglary
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
21 July 2025- The vigilance and swift response by members of Upington SAPS resulted in apprehension of a burglary suspect (35) in the early hours of the morning on Monday. It is alleged that, the police noticed something suspicious while conducting patrols in the Middelpos residential area and went to investigate.
The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said upon approaching the residence, an unknown man fled on foot and was pursued by police. Masegela said the local police were joined by their colleagues of the Upington Highway Patrol, who assisted in the apprehension of the suspect.
“The unaware owners of the residence were sleeping and were informed by the police about the burglary. The stolen items amounting to R5000 were handed back to the owner. A man is expected to appear in court soon,” she said.
Picture: A scene where illegal mining taking place/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
21 July 2025- Five suspects aged between 25 and 38 were arrested for their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities and possession of unpolished diamonds. The suspects were arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said on 20 July 2025, the proactive and combat teams of Operation Vala Umgodi deployed in the Namakwa District, received intelligence about individuals suspected to be in possession of unpolished diamonds in the Nuttabooi area. Pilane said the information was operationalised, leading to the apprehension of the suspects.
“A search was conducted, resulting in the recovery and confiscation of unpolished diamonds. Four suspects were arrested and charged with possession of unpolished diamonds. In a separate incident, during disruptive operations at illegal mining hotspots in the Kleinzee area, members of Operation Vala Umgodi in collaboration with a private mine Security Company, acted on information regarding alleged illegal mining at a mine.
“A man (38) was arrested for reportedly being in possession of suspected diamond-bearing gravel, which was subsequently confiscated. All suspects are expected to appear in the Port Nolloth Magistrate’s Court soon. Investigations are ongoing,” he said.
Pilane further said Vala Umgodi will continue to dismantle illegal mining operations and confiscate mining implements during these disruptive operations. He added that the police urge members of the public to report any suspicious or criminal activities by using the MySAPS App or calling the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111.
21 July 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa has signed Proclamation 270 of 2025, amending Proclamation 30 of 2019 to expand the Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU) probe into the North West Development Corporation (NWDC). The amendment specifically authorises the SIU to investigate contracts awarded to Tokiso Security Services CC to provide security services to the NWDC and other provincial government entities.
The SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago said the original proclamation had empowered the SIU to investigate maladministration related to the establishment of Tokiso Security Services as a subsidiary of the NWDC. Kganyago said the new amendment extends this mandate to examine all contracts, where Tokiso Security Services CC was appointed to render security services to the NWDC, provincial departments, public entities and government business enterprises in the North West.
“The expansion of the investigation scope will allow the SIU to determine whether the security service contracts were awarded appropriately and if any irregularities, maladministration, or financial losses to the state occurred during the procurement process.
“The SIU will investigate whether proper procedures were followed in appointing Tokiso Security Services CC and whether any officials, employees, or service providers acted improperly. Additionally, the amendment extends the investigation period to include conduct up to the date of the proclamation’s publication on 18 July 2025,” he said.
Kganyago further said the original Proclamation (R.30 of 2019) also authorised the SIU to investigate irregularities in contracts associated with the NWDC, including the Youth Enterprise Combo implemented by MVEST Protecting the public interest and assets through prevention measures and systemic investigations to eradicate fraud, maladministration, and corruption. He added the trust, security services provided by Naphtronics (Pty) Ltd and the purchase of the Christiana Hotel and Game Farm.
“Beyond investigating maladministration, corruption, and fraud, the SIU is committed to identifying systemic failures and recommending measures to prevent future losses. In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.
“Under the SIU Act, the SIU is also authorised to initiate a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing identified during its investigation resulting from acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration,” said Kganyago.
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.
The Guardian 