Monthly Archives: July 2025

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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The police are looking for three school girls who are missing

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Picture: Three learners who went missing/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

25 July 2025- The police in Rosedale are searching for three learners from Simbruner Primary School. It is alleged that three learners, Heinoline Beukes (6), Loraine Pienaar (11), and Melonice Pienaar(13), left home for school on 24 July 2025, and never reached school.

The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said they were all dressed in their school uniform. Masegela said the police were alerted and immediately launched a search and activated all SAPS units, as well as Community Policing Forum (CPF) structures in search of the missing girls.

“The management of the SAPS in the district urges the community to assist with information that may lead to the location or whereabouts of the three girls. Anyone with information can contact the investigating officer Captain Tessa Reineson on 076 017 9287 or 054 337 0132.

“We remind the public that there is no waiting period to report a person missing and should be reported immediately,” she said.

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A man jailed for assaulting his girlfriend

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

25 July 2025- A man (21) was sentenced to three years imprisonment by the Carnarvon Regional Court for assault. This comes after the accused, Frankie Magang’s violent attack on his ex-girlfriend in Vosburg.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the incident occurred over two consecutive days from 10 until 11 December 2024. Sam said the victim was in the process of ending the relationship when Magana physically assaulted her.

“On the second day, as the victim attempted to flee to her parents in Britstown, the accused tracked her to a hitch-hiking spot and continued the assault. Magang was found guilty of assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and sentenced to three years imprisonment.

“The sentence was wholly suspended for five years on the condition that he does not commit a similar offence during this period. Additionally, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Pixley ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, commended the Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Albertina Bedwell of the Carnarvon Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, for her dedication and professionalism in securing the conviction.

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Ramaphosa concludes meeting with Northern Cape Provincial Executive

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 July 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA)President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded a meeting between the National Executive and the Northern Cape Provincial Executive.  The meeting held under the theme: “Unlocking the Northern Cape potential as a modern, growing and successful province”, was the 6th formal engagement that the national executive had with a provincial executive. 

Ramaphosa spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said the meeting was also joined by executive mayors. Magwenya said previous sessions include meetings with the Executive Councils of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and most recently, the Eastern Cape.

“These sessions have resulted in strengthening cooperative governance, breaking down silos and cooperative project planning that leads to collaborative execution. As Ramaphosa said during the Budget Debate last week, when the three spheres of government work together, the lives of the people of South Africa are improved.

“It is envisaged that the National Executive would have met with the leadership of the remaining provinces over the next few months. The President emphasised the importance of structured engagements between the national and provincial executives that assist government coordination more efficiently, resolve challenges together and to plan smarter,” he said.

Magwenya further said the meetings are also meant to facilitate innovative ideas and proposals to address service delivery and skills challenges. He said the meeting discussed the ongoing roll out of catalytic economic development projects that require the deepening of cooperation between the national and provincial governments.

“These include the Boegoebaai Harbor and SEZ development, revitalisation and expansion of Vaalharts, Namakwa SEZ and the development of the infrastructure master plan. The meeting further affirmed closer cooperation on issues of climate change mitigation considering the province’s vulnerability to erratic weather conditions.

“The national executive pledged to continue working closely with the province in areas of Transport and Logistics, Basic Education, Water and Sanitation infrastructure development, Human Settlements, Tourism and Energy and Electricity,” said Magwenya. 

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European Court of Human Rights rules in favour of Caster Semenya

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Picture: Olympic champion Caster Semenya

By REGINALD KANYANE

25 July 2025- Sonke Gender Justice said it welcomes the recent ruling by the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights involving Olympic champion Caster Semenya. The ruling found that Semenya was denied a fair hearing by the Swiss Federal Tribunal, where she had appealed a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in favour of World Athletics. 

Sonke Gender Justice Co-Executive Director, Bafana Khumalo said in its ruling, the ECHR judgment said the Swiss Federal Supreme Court failed to provide the athlete the level of judicial scrutiny required when reviewing the 2019 arbitration decision. Khumalo said Semenya had contested the World Athletics Federation regulation, which prevents women with Differences in Sexual Development from competing in female sports.

“She was expected to undergo medical processes to reduce her testosterone level and faced discrimination for being different. Sonke believes that sports governing bodies are supposed to be inclusive and provide equal opportunities and safe spaces for women to compete fairly.

“This court ruling serves as a reminder for all institutions to move beyond mere words and actively practice accountability in upholding human rights. We welcome this judgement which sets out an important jurisprudence on how these matters should be dealt with fairly going forward,” he said.

Khumalo further said they commend Semenya for her tenacious courage and fortitude in staying the course fighting for human rights of all. He added that it is unfortunate that she has been denied in the meantime from exercising her talents for years which has certainly set her back in her illustrious career.

“But other athletes in similar circumstances will benefit from this decision. Sonke recommends that the World Athletic Federation and other sports organisations should review their regulations to avoid such cases of human rights violations in the future,” said Khumalo.

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Ntseki announces his SA squad for CHAN

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Picture: Coach Molefi Ntseki

By OBAKENG MAJE

25 July 2025- Coach Molefi Ntseki will lead the South African men’s national team that will represent the country in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) next month. The CHAN tournament will be held in East Africa in three countries – Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda – between 2-30 August, 2025 and the South African Football Association (SAFA) has confirmed that Ntseki will be at the helm.

Ntseki also announced the squad that will represent the country next month and he said he was looking forward to leading the team in the continental event.

“We just want to take this opportunity to thank the SAFA Technical Committee for giving us the opportunity to lead this team in the Chan tournament. We have assembled a team that will represent South Africa in the CHAN tournament.

“We are in Group C and the team that we have selected is mostly composed of the players we started this journey with. So we are looking forward to the tournament and to do our best. We just want to say thanks to the clubs and to the coaches who managed to release players for our CHAN team to have a good squad going into the tournament,” he said.

SAFA Technical Committee Chairman Jack Maluleke said Ntseki has been afforded the opportunity to finish what he started after qualifying the team earlier this year. Maluleke said he got them to this stage of the journey and it is only right that he completes the job in the CHAN tournament itself.

“The South Africans beat Egypt and Malawi in the previous rounds to qualify for the event. The team will assemble in Johannesburg on 25 July 2025 where they will be based in camp until departure to Uganda on 3 August 2025. The tournament kick-off on 2 August 2025 in Dar es Salaam is a match between co-host Tanzania and Burkina Faso at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium,” he said.

Meanwhile, the South Africans have been drawn in Group C against Uganda, Niger, Guinea and Algeria. Ntseki’s charges played their opening match of the tournament against Algeria on Friday, 8 August 2025.

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A fraud case against Director of Mthini Attorneys postponed  

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Picture: Shimane Petrus Mthini from Mthini Attorneys/Facebook

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 July 2025- A fraud case against Shimane Petrus Mthini (42) from Mthini Attorneys, was postponed by the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court until 4 September 2025. Mthini, the Director of Mthini Attorneys, was arrested by members of the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation on 22 July 2025, following an investigation into allegations of defrauding two complainants.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the reports indicate that the accused loaned R300 000 from the Road Accident Fund (RAF) claimant, citing that he wanted to pay another Road Accident Fund claimant. Gunya said he allegedly promised to pay back the money when his client had received funds from the RAF.

“Investigation revealed that the accused received over R800 000 from the RAF and never paid his client. The accused also reportedly failed to pay back R300 000, which was loaned to him by the complainant. Following an investigation, Mthini was arrested and charged with two counts of fraud.

“He appeared in court and was released on R15 000 bail. His matter was postponed to 4 September 2025,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West acting Hawks Head, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi, and Dr Rachel Makhari, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, have applauded those who worked on the case. They have cautioned legal practitioners who are defrauding unsuspecting victims that the NPA and Hawks will stop at nothing to ensure that victims get justice.

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Lenkopane hand over a house to disadvantaged family

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Picture: North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane handed over a house/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 July 2025- As part of the Nelson Mandela Day celebrations, the North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Evelyn Lonkopane, handed over a newly-built home to the Pule family.

The Pule family, headed by a grandfather who had been living in a shack with his four siblings and four great-grandchildren, received the keys to their new home – bringing hope and dignity to their lives. Lenkopane said the donation was made following the passing of the family’s nephew, who was one of the providers and had been working for Mankwe Game Trackers.

“He sadly passed away due to COVID-19. The house, located at No. 2312, Lekwa Section in Ledig, was fully sponsored by Mankwe Game Trackers, a valued tourism stakeholder of the DEDECT. The family also received other donations including household contents from other tourism role players.

“In the spirit of Nelson Mandela’s legacy, the 67 minutes of service led by our dignitaries were dedicated to finalizing the painting of the home, which includes a toilet facility, planting of vegetable garden seedlings, and groceries donated by other tourism sector partners (Sun City, Kwa Maritane, Zimasa Travel, Ivory Tree, and Kingdom Resorts),” she said.

Lenkopane further said this initiative reflects the power of public-private partnerships, which she strongly advocates for among role players in the Economic Development, Environment, and Tourism sector and highlights the impact of collective action in uplifting the communities.

“We are now seeing the positive impact of our investments in Sun City Resort and other areas, thanks to the collaboration with various stakeholders. The quality of our work must really reflect the spirit of Tata Mandela, providing sustainable assistance to families, enabling them to maintain their dignity and improve their living conditions.

“We urge other tourism stakeholders to join in supporting communities. Let’s invest in our people and share valuable opportunities with them, embodying the spirit of “Tata Madiba’s” values. As part of the 67 minute gesture, the department also handed over equipment to 17 Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises owned by people with disabilities across all the districts of the province,” said Lenkopane.

In addition, she handed over certificates to Semphete Cooperative members operating in Morokweng village, who attended Product Development Training recently. Lenkopane added that they cannot just train and leave them.

“We will further assist them with access to market platforms like G20 activities and market linkages so they can profile themselves and market their products,” she said.

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Derailed Omotoso prosecution demands new commitment to NPA reform

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Picture: Nigerian televangelist, Timothy Omotoso

By REGINALD KANYANE

24 July 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it invites the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to engage in the proposed amendment bills that are currently before Parliament, tabled by them, which will ensure the NPA’s independence. The DA said Eastern Cape High Court has ruled that the NPA is not entitled to clarification on the court’s acquittal of Nigerian televangelist, Timothy Omotoso on charges of rape.

The DA Spokesperson on Justice and Constitutional Development and Member of Parliament (MP), Glynnis Breytenbach said this will hamper the NPA’s case in the Supreme Court of Appeal and may lead to yet another resounding loss in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Breytenbach said restoring the NPA’s capacity to send criminals to jail is central to making South Africa safe for its citizens and eradicating GBV.

“The DA’s campaign to fix the NPA and shield it from political interference will improve the lives of all South Africans, and we invite the prosecutorial body to give its input on the party’s proposed legislative amendments.

“While the increasing number of failed prosecutions is a cause for great concern, the Democratic Alliance believes that the NPA can be restored as a body that provides justice to the millions of South Africans that are exposed to crime daily,” she said.

Breytenbach further said they call for the NPA to come to the table to ensure that the bills being developed by the DA directly address the issues they face on the ground. She added that the Bills being developed by the Democratic Alliance will have the NPA report directly to Parliament and consequently to the people of South Africa.

“The top structure of the NPA (National Director of Public Prosecutions, Deputy National Directors, Directors and Special Directors) should be appointed by the President only after a public participatory process with Parliament holding the body accountable.

“Over the past 30 years the NPA’s decline has been facilitated by political interference and this must be stopped. South Africa cannot turn the tide on corruption and crime without an independent NPA that prosecutes criminals without fear, favour or prejudice,” said Breytenbach.

She said there has never been a more critical time for all stakeholders to set aside their differences and join the DA in its fight to rescue South Africa.

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