18 August 2025- The Northern Cape Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit is investigating a case of murder and attempted murder following a tragic incident at a local shebeen in Ganspan. The police said preliminary reports indicate that on 27 July 2025, at approximately 03:30am, a group of 14 adult men and women were socialising and drinking around a fire.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said it is alleged that during a temporary power outage, an unknown individual allegedly threw an unidentified object into the fire, resulting in a violent explosion. Ehlers said 14 individuals sustained burn injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
“Three of the victims succumbed to their injuries. On 15 August 2025, members from Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit together with Hartswater Crime Intelligence Unit, followed up on information and successfully apprehended a suspect (28) in Ganspan, near Jan Kempdorp in connection with the incident.
“Anyone who may have information regarding the incident is urged to contact Colonel Letlhogonolo Kanakang at 071 686 1360 or Colonel Corrie Coghlan at 071 686 0020,” she said.
Ehlers further said information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality. The investigation is ongoing.
Picture: Minibus taxis blocking the road in protest/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
18 August 2025- The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) said it has noted with concern, the circulation of false information on social media suggesting that the council has instructed South Africans not to use their private vehicles and to travel with their families. SANTACO said it wishes to place it on record that it has never issued such communication and has never imposed any mode of transport on the public.
SANTACO national spokesperson, Rebecca Phala said: “Any individual making such claims is not and has never been, speaking on behalf of the council. The council strongly condemns these acts in the strongest terms.
“Like all other paid-for transport services, taxi operations are voluntary and remain a choice available to commuters. We strongly urge members of the media to exercise caution and verify information with us before publishing reports of this nature.”
Phala further said publishing misleading information without affording SANTACO a right of reply misleads the public and damages trust in the sector. She added that for clarity, only law enforcement authorities hold the legal mandate to enforce regulations relating to transport in South Africa.
“We encourage members of the public to report any incidents of harassment or unlawful enforcement directly to law enforcement agencies.
“SANTACO remains committed to serving the nation with integrity and transparency,” said Phala.
Picture: SAUCIC president, Cardinal Archbishop Dr Modiri Patrick Shole
By AGISANANG SCUFF
18 August 2025- The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) said the foundation laid by the first National Convention inspire hope that the National Dialogue will deliver a Social Compact that will reset the country’s development agenda and address challenges facing the country. SAUCIC said that the completion of nomination of a national steering committee that is representative of sectors will pave the way for work to start in earnest.
SAUCIC president, Cardinal Archbishop Dr Modiri Patrick Shole said though unrealistic expectations and suspicion characterised engagements with representatives in the National Convention held over the weekend, they are confident that these were part of the birthing process to usher a new chapter for our maturing democracy. Shole ascribed this to multiple factors that include social distance that had developed mistrust, self-interest and lack of effective communication that had left stakeholders and most communities behind.
“The National Dialogue processes that are to unfold will afford ordinary citizens the opportunity to reclaim their voices for an active citizenry that will come up with a comprehensive plan for radical change as well as a rapid response to rebuild the nation.
“For this to be achieved, trust must be reestablished and stronger partnerships entrenched because South Africans have achieved a lot through dialogue in the past, from adoption of the Freedom Charter in 1955, CODESA in 1991& 1992 and adoption of the country’s democratic constitution in 1996,” he said.
Shole further said it is not late for unpatriotic pessimists to also come on board because failure is not an option. He added that they owe it to future generations to reclaim their deferred dream of a united, non-racial, non-sexist, peaceful and prosperous nation characterized by economic development, shared growth including social cohesion.
“SAUCIC as part of the faith-based sector is encouraged that National Dialogue values, its principles as well as the citizen-led roadmap has eliminated exclusion as well as elitism by bringing ordinary citizens to be architects of their own destinies through an inclusive process that will take into account our people’s lived experiences.
“We commend the adopted engagement modalities for public participation, diverse platforms such as community, sector dialogues, digital engagements, use of mobile Dialogue units to reach all remote rural communities including youth labs and mass media, i.e. Radio, TV, social media for reach and feedback,” said Shole.
He said they are confident that person-to-person engagements, including community meetings in their churches, schools, traditional councils (kgotlas), social clubs and digital platforms including the involvement of youth and children will allow for maximum reach to exceed the targeted 10 million citizens. Shole said that the national effort will among others contribute towards addressing rising youth unemployment, moral decay characterized by corruption, escalating violent crime, migration of illegal foreign nationals, Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) as well as deepening poverty and inequality.
18 August 2025 – A rollercoaster of emotions awaits fans of South Africa, Uganda and Algeria in the African Nations Championship when their tightly contested group reaches its climax on Monday night.
Group C will be decided on the final day on Monday, 18 August 2025 and after the dust has settled, leaders Uganda (six points), second-placed Algeria (five points) and third-placed South Africa (five points) will know whether they are progressing to the knockout stages or going home.
With the group balanced on a knife edge, the South Africans face the hosts Uganda at the Mandela National Stadium while Algeria and Niger had to travel from Kampala to Nairobi, Kenya, this weekend ahead of their equally decisive final group match at Nyayo National Stadium. Kick-off is at 19h00 (South Africa time) for both matches.
South Africa coach Molefi Ntseki said they simply have to beat the hosts Uganda if they are to remain in control of their own destiny in the business end of the group stages of this continental tournament.
“Things will be very interesting for all the teams that will be playing tomorrow. We as South Africa are fully aware that if we are to go to the next stage of this tournament, it is a must-win game tomorrow as much as it’s a must-win game for Uganda,” he said.
“In terms of our technical approach to this game, we are fully aware of the demands and expectations, the mental side of it in terms of how we carry ourselves going into this game, and the technical preparations. We have seen all the (top three) teams playing three matches and in the three matches, there were technical changes made in terms of player selection and the approach.”
A huge crowd is expected at the Mandela National Stadium and Kwandakwensizwa Mngonyama said the players have to be mentally prepared for the atmosphere that will greet them in such a crucial match against the host nation.
“As the coach has said, tomorrow is not going to be an easy one for us. But we are aware of everything and what we should expect, especially tomorrow. As South Africa, we need to win the game so that we can go through. Uganda also have to beat us to go through. So, it’s not going to be an easy one, but we’ve got to fight. We are ready and we need to be mentally prepared, which is one of the most important things for tomorrow’s game.”
Picture: The Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour, Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
18 August 2025- The Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour, Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala will on Monday, lead a team of inspectors and other law enforcement agencies on a blitz inspection targeting the iron and steel sectors in the North West.
Nemadzinga-Tshabalala said the blitz inspection will test the compliance with the labour laws and regulations that include among others, Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA, National Minimum Wage Act (NMWA), Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
“This includes Unemployment Insurance Act (UIA), Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act (UICA) and Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA).
“This blitz inspection is part of a series of interventions by the department and its social partners to ensure safe and conducive workplaces,” she said.
African Ministers of Water have used the AU–Africa Water Investment Programme (AU-AIP) Water Summit 2025 to highlight the multibillion dollar opportunities in the water sector.
The Ministers presented bulk water projects currently underway in their countries during a ministerial roundtable on how they are de-risking the water sector.
Among the large water projects presented included the construction of dams, climate-resilient financing, and nationwide water supply programmes.
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka, told delegates that the country presents abundant opportunities for discerning investors, as it has “the highest density of dams in Africa”, with 10 600 dams built to date, creating vast investment potential.
“The new paradigm is that ‘a dam is an economy’,” Masuka said when outlining government’s ‘Infrastructure 6.0’ model, which integrates hydroelectricity generation, irrigation, potable water, fisheries, tourism and wastewater management.
To attract private investors, Masuka said Zimbabwe has developed Special Economic Zones, which are spearheaded by a one-stop investment centre — the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (ZIDA), working alongside the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) to fast track government’s water projects.
“The two institutions, ZIDA and ZINWA, would be able to handle world investors in the water sector to ensure the acceleration of the last mile development of the 10 600 dams. If you are looking for investment, start in Zimbabwe,” the Minister said.
Climate resilient financing strategy
Malawi Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Sidik Mia, said while water is not only a basic human right, but also a strategic asset for resilience, economic growth, and sustainable development, access to water remains a privilege for the “lucky few” across the African continent.
She said Malawi’s Climate Resilient WASH [Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene] Financing Strategy, has assisted the country to shift from “reactive funding to proactive planning”, boosting investor confidence and unlocking new financing.
“The financing strategy is not just a technical document – it is a strategic planning instrument that brings clarity on the financing needs, identifies sources of financing, and aligns investment areas with national priorities, filling the gaps where we need.
“Financing strategies effectively signal government seriousness, readiness, and strategic intent,” Mia said.
Water for all
In Côte d’Ivoire, Water and Forests Minister Laurent Chagba highlighted the country’s biggest project in the water sector, the ‘Water for All’ programme, valued at 1 320 billion CFA francs (US$2.3 billion).
He said the initiative aims to guarantee fair and sustainable access to drinking water for all populations, both in rural and urban areas. It also integrates water resources management in the context of climate change.
The major achievements of the first phase of the project include strengthening the storage capacity of the country’s economic capital, which is the Autonomous District of Abidjan; the increase in the production of drinking water in 27 regions and departments, as well as the equipment of 200 chiefs from sub-prefectures to people deprived of water supply systems.
The initiative also aims to implement 450 000 social water connections over three years.
“It also [facilitated] the rehabilitation and maintenance of human-powered pumps between 2017 and 2020,” Chagba said.
In the area of water resources, Chagba highlighted the implementation of the Integrated Development and Adaptation Programme for Climate Change in the Niger River Basin, financed by a consortium of donors and led by the African Development Bank.
The programme covers eight regions and an autonomous district, mainly in the northern and central regions of the country.
“This programme illustrates the commitment of the Ivory Coast to making water a lever for sustainable development, social inclusion and climate resilience,” he said.
Ministers including the Senegal Minister of Water and Sanitation, Dr Sheikha Atidi-Anediye; Abdallah Ahmed Balala, Assistant Minister Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability in the UAE, and Dr Engineer Abtamu Ittefa, the Minister of Water and Energy of the Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, also took part in the plenary.
The Ministers commended South Africa and the African Union for hosting a successful summit, held in the lead-up to South Africa hosting the G20 Summit in November. – SAnews.gov.za
Picture: Some of the suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
17 August 2025- The police in Northern Cape said fostering of a holistic approach through the execution of Operation Shanela II ensures a unified and cohesive response to criminal activities in the province. The police said multi-disciplinary actions conducted from 11 until 17 August 2025, resulted to in the arrest of 318 perpetrators.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said teams operating in all five districts, inspected numerous liquor outlets for non-compliance to ensure perpetrators face the full might of the law. Ehlers said this led to the closure of 16 unlicensed establishments.
“The concerted interaction with other law enforcement agencies resulted in the searching of 8010 persons and 3717 vehicles at vehicle check points (VCPs) and roadblocks, as well as high visibility patrols conducted across the province.
“In reflection of Women’s Month, Operation Basadi under the umbrella of Operation Shanela II, performed targeted actions across all five districts as part of the province’s coordinated crime combatting strategy to address gender-based violence, extortion, drug related offences, illegal firearms, contact crimes and vehicle related crimes,” she said.
Ehlers further said suspects were arrested for serious crimes, including dealing in drugs, murder and attempted murder, rape 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,” said Ehlers.
She added that compliance inspections were conducted at numerous second-hand dealers and liquor premises as well as formal and informal businesses, farms, and scrapyards. Ehlers said during the execution of the operations, police confiscated a significant amount of alcohol, drugs, dangerous weapons, firearms and ammunition and copper cables.
“Ongoing community engagements and awareness programmes focusing on women, children and vulnerable groups were held in conjunction with community policing structures and government departments to address prevalent crime trends, such as Gender-Based Violence (GBV), youth and crime as well as alcohol and substance abuse,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola expressed her sincere appreciation for the forceful 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.
Picture: ANC LET coordinator in Taung Sun-region, Moreotsile Olifant
By OBAKENG MAJE
17 August 2025- The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation in North West has arrested Malane Abraham Letsapa (45) and ANC Local Election Team (LET) coordinator in Taung Sub-region, Moreotsile Israel Olifant (50) on 16 August 2025, for alleged fraud. Letsapa, who was the Expanded Public Works Programne (EPWP) District Coordinator and Oliphant, the former PR Councillor in the Dr Ruth Mompati District Municipality, were arrested in Vryburg and Taung.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said the reports indicate that, in December 2020, Dr Ruth Mompati District Municipality approved the implementation of the Presidential Stimulus Project (PSP) under the Department of Public Works and Roads’ EPWP. Mathebula said the project was allegedly intended to be rolled out in Matsheng and Tlapeng villages in the Greater Taung Municipality, which involved cutting of trees and grass along the main road leading to and from the two villages.
“It is alleged that the Oliphant facilitated the process of head hunting beneficiaries, while Letsapa processed claims for payment of beneficiaries for a period of three months. Investigation revealed that no services were rendered, resulting in the department suffering a loss of over R87 000.
“The accused made an urgent bail application on 17 August 2025, in the North West High Court sitting in Mahikeng and they were granted R2000 bail each. They will appear in Taung Magistrate’s Court on 18 August 2025, on charges of fraud,” he said.
17 Phatwe 2025- Banna ba le babedi ba di ngwaga di le 42 le 49, ba tshwere mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go utswa kgomo. Sepodisi sa kwa Marydale, gaufi le Kimberley, se tlhalositse fa banna ba, ba ile ba utswa le go bolaya kgomo eo.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi kwa porofenseng ya Kapa Bokone, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers are ka Labotlhano, mongongoregi o ile a itsise sepodisi ka kgomo ya gagwe e utswilweng e be e bolaiwa kwa Koegas. Ehlers are sepodisi se ile sa betsegela kwa lefelong la tiragalo ka gangwe.
“Sepodisi se ile sa fitlhela masaledi a kgomo eo kwa lefelong leo. Dipatlisiso di ile tsa ba lebisa kwa ntlung nngwe kwa ba fitlhetseng babelaelwa ba le babedi gone.
“Bogodu jwa leruo ke tlhoba boroko mo kgaolong ya rona, mme sepodisi se tla tswelela go lwa kgatlhanong le seo. Barui ba kopiwa go latela melawana ya tshireletso go efoga bogodu jwa leruo,” Ehlers wa tlhalosa.
Ehlers are ba ikuela go batho botlhe go ka ba itsise ka bosenyi jo bo diragalang. Are ba ka letsetsa di nomoro tsa 08600 10111 kgotsa ba tla dirisa MySAPS App.
Setshwantsho: Monna o go begwang fa a nyeletse, Xolisile William Manju
Ka REGINALD KANYANE
15 Phatwe 2025- Sepodisi mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirina se ikuela go baagi go ba thusa go batlana le Xolisile William Manju wa dingwaga di le 50, yo go begwang fa a nyeletse. Go ya ka sepodisi, Manju o dula kwa lefelong le le bodiwang Baipei gaufi le Monti’s Tavern kwa Extension 6, kwa motsesetoropong wa Ikageng, Potchefstroom.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh are, go begwa fa Manju a bonwe la bofelo fa kgwedi ya Mopitlwe ene e tlhola matsatsi a le 31 mono ngwaga ka ura ya bo supa mo mosong.
“Go begwa fa Manju a ile a tswa kwa lelapeng la gagwe, mme a tlhalosa fa a ya go tsaya lekwalo-itshupo la gagwe la karata kwa Lefapheng la Merero ya Selegae. Fela ga ka a boela gae.
“Go ile ga bolodiwa letsholo-patlo, fela seo ga sa ka sa ntsha maungo a namatshang. Fa Manju a ne a nyelela, one a apere borokgwe jo bo khunou, baki ya ubarolo e pududu ga mmogo le ditlhako tsa di grasshopper le tlhoro e marabaka,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.
Myburgh are go begwa fa Manju a le montsho ka mmala, mme a na le moriri o mokhutsane, mme one o le mo pududu le bontsho, matlho a ma khunou, o mo telele, ditedu go dukuloga molomo fa tse dingwe di tsamaya mo thoko ga ditlhaa go ya go kopana le moriri.
Myburgh are Manju ona le lebadi mo tsebeng ya molema le mo letsogong la molema gaufi le sekgono.
“Go begwa fa Manju a bone mabadi ao, ka motsi wa fa a ne a amegile mo kotsing ya sejanaga. Mongwe le mongwe yo a ka tswang a na le tshedimosetso mabapi le go nyelela ga ga Manju, a ka letsetsa mmatlisisi mo kgetsing e, Konsetabole Thabang Khumalo mo di nomorong tsa 078 553 4353.
“Kgotsa a ka letsetsa sepodisi sa selegae mo nomorong ya 08600 10111. Gape a ka neelana ka tsibogo ka go dirisa MySAPS App mo mogaleng wa letheka wa se gompieno,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.
The Guardian 