Daily Archives: September 4, 2025

AFU granted order exceeding R13m

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

4 September 2025- The Northern Cape High Court sitting in Kimberley granted the Hawks Priority Crime Specialised Investigation (PCSI) and National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture unit (AFU) forfeiture orders exceeding R13 million on 3 September 2025.

In the first matter, a search warrant was executed around Kleinsee and Port Nolloth area, where several illegal miners were apprehended and later deported to their country of origin. Equipment, which includes 244 generators, 155 jack hammers and 58 drills, were seized for further investigation.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said the forfeiture order was granted of the equipment, which values at over R13 million. Mnisi said in the second incident, the accused, Mr A Mangongwa (34), was arrested for stock theft.

“The police requested documentation or permits for the possession of the livestock, but the driver could not produce any documentation. His vehicle was taken for further probing. The court granted a forfeiture of the vehicle valued at R200 000.

“In the third related incident, the police received information on the transportation of two suspected stolen sheep. A search and seizure were conducted on the identified vehicle, the stolen sheep, and the vehicle used in commission of crime was confiscated. Mr K Losper (54) was immediately arrested for stock theft,” she said.

Mnisi further said a forfeiture order was granted of the vehicle valued at R170 000.

Meanwhile, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head Major General Stephen Mabuela is pleased with the team for their resilience in fighting crime.

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Court rule on IDAC’s favour involving Chetty and co-accused

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Picture: The accused appear in court

By BAKANG MOKOTO

4 September 2025- The Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Palm Ridge ruled in favour of the NPA’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) for trial to commence on 14 November 2025, as strongly argued by the state prosecutor in a corruption case involving businessman, Kishene Chetty and 17 of his co-accused.

This ruling follows an application by Chetty and some of the co-accused to have the matter postponed pending the outcome of a review application which they intend filing with the high court.

The IDAC spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said this intended review application is subsequent to the high court striking their application to have all their criminal cases wherein they are facing corruption charges to be combined. Mamothame said the magistrate ruled that it would not be in the interest of justices to delay trial on a matter that has been on the court roll for over three years.

“She further indicated that the review application and the trial can run parallel, without imposing any prejudice to some of the accused who are ready to proceed with trial as the state is.

“Chetty together with his co-accused are facing charges of fraud, corruption, forgery and theft relating to payments of legal fees to a firm of attorneys to benefit those who were members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) at the time when they were arrested, for a separate corruption case that is sitting at the Pretoria High Court,” he said.

Mamothame further said proceeds of unlawfully awarded PPE contracts valued at approximately R8 million to companies linked to Chetty, were allegedly used to pay for the gratifications. Chetty together with some of the accused, are facing other criminal charges in four other cases relating to the irregular awarding of contracts within the SAPS.

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Police need your assistance to locate missing John Van Wyk

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Picture: Missing John Van Wyk/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

4 September 2025- The Kimberley SAPS Serious and Violent Crimes unit are requesting assistance in locating John Van Wyk (81), who went missing on 1 September 2025. Van Wyk was last seen by his niece at their home in Colville, Kimberley at approximately 9pm.  

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said Van Wyk has epilepsy and is 1.7 metres tall, dark in complexion, medium build and speaks Afrikaans. Kock said he was dressed in grey top, a dark blue tracksuit pants and was bare feet.

“The public is reminded that there is no waiting period to report a person missing and should report it immediately.

“Anyone with information can call Detective Sergeant Moagi Mokatsane on 082 302 0407 or the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or utilize the MySaps app. The investigation continues,” said Kock.

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Preacher jailed for raping his stepdaughter

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By REGINALD KANYANE

4 September 2025- A man (37) was sentenced to four life imprisonment by the Fraserburg Regional Court for rape. This comes after the accused repeatedly sexually abused his stepdaughter (13) between 2017 and 2019.

The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the accused, who served as a preacher in his church, began abusing the victim when she was only 10. Magerman said the abuse continued for several years, during which he threatened to separate the child from her mother if she revealed the crimes.

“At the age of 13, the victim fell pregnant as a result of the abuse. Despite initially pleading not guilty and dismissing four legal representatives during the trial, the overwhelming evidence secured his conviction.

“His application for bail was successfully opposed and denied by the court. This sentence reflects the seriousness of these heinous crimes and serves as a strong deterrent to potential offenders,” he said.

Magerman further said it also demonstrates their unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable children and ensuring that perpetrators of crimes against minors face the full consequences of the law. He added that management commended the state prosecutor, Derel Bromkamp and Investigating Officer Constable Anthony Willemse, for their dedication and professionalism in securing justice for the victim.

“The SAPS acknowledges the courage of the young survivor and the witnesses who came forward to testify.

“The SAPS, together with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), remains committed to prioritising cases of violence and abuse against women and children,” said Magerman.

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Calls for PSC to probe Lumka Oliphant’s behaviour

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Picture: Suspended Department of Social Development spokesperson, Lumka Oliphant

By OBAKENG MAJE

4 September 2025- The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) calls on the Public Service Commission (PSC) to investigate the conduct of National Department of Social Development’s Head of Communication, Lumka Oliphant. This follows vitriolic statements attributed to Oliphant in the aftermath of the United Nations Conference trip undertaken by the South African delegation marred by allegations of extravagance in hotel accommodation and flight ticket.

SAUCIC President Cardinal Archbishop Dr Modiri Patrick Shole said that Oliphant’s unprofessional conduct is unprecedented.  

“Not only does this unhinged conduct and arrogance undermine the Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe as the Executive Authority of the department, but sets precedence as it has blurred lines of protocol, good governance and accountability.

“A probe by the PSC will be both neutral and objective because a departmental process might be viewed as biased,” he said. 

Shole emphasised that South Africa’s attendance of conferences aimed at addressing the challenges of gender equality and the empowerment of women was not only desirable, but crucial as part of contributing to the global effort. He said anyone who thinks otherwise does not understand the need for participation at high level platforms like the UN Commission on the Status of Women and Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children.

“Conferences like these are important in order to ensure that the country’s response is informed by international best practices, global trends and experiences.

“It is common knowledge that financial expenditure and accountability are the responsibilities of the accounting officer. Therefore, allegations of financial irregularity and or mismanagement should squarely be directed at the Director General of the Department and the Chief Financial Officer,” stressed Shole.

He further said Oliphant’s attacks on Tolashe are unwarranted and disrespectful.

“Her confrontational posture does not belong in the public service nor in the political arena, where mud is thrown around because by comparison to the Minister’s political credentials, she is a small fry.

“The department might be dealing with an ambitious destabiliser and an individual who could be part of a group that has deeply entrenched its influence to the extent that it is prepared to challenge as well as take on anyone it regards as an outsider such as Tolashe and the newly appointed Deputy Director-General for welfare services, Sizakele Magangoe,” suggested Shole.

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Oversight meeting amid transport crisis

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Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng

By AGISANANG SCUFF

4 September 2025- The North West Legislature Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management said it will hold an oversight meeting with the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng and North West MEC for Finance, Keneetswe Mosenogi, to account for the ongoing transport crisis in the province.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Freddy Sonakile said the meeting will also focus on recent court judgments affecting North West Transport Investments (NTI), progress on the Legislature’s resolution regarding NTI employees’ salaries and measures to stabilize commuter bus services in Ngaka Modiri Molema amid the Atamelang Bus Service appeal.

Sonakile said the meeting will take place at the NWPL Committee Room 2 / Hybrid between 8am and 10am.

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A foreign national nabbed for dealing in drugs

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Picture: Drugs confiscated by the police during the raid/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

4 September 2025- A foreign national (36) was arrested by the Kuruman Public Order Police on Wednesday for dealing in drugs. This comes after the police executed a self-initiated operation in the Kuruman area following reports of drug dealing at premises.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police obtained the necessary search warrants and approached the premises. Sam said they recovered mandrax tablets and khat with an estimated street value of R20 550, as well as cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime.

“The suspect was subsequently arrested and charged for illegal dealing in drugs. He is expected to appear in the Kuruman Magistrates Court soon,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting John Taolo Gaetsewe District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, commended the Kuruman POP Charlie platoon members for being vigilant and ensuring that drug dealers are brought to justice.

Baloyi said the public is encouraged to rate the police efforts in fighting crime by participating in the “RATE OUR SERVICE” online survey to assist the police in improving services.

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‘Sibiya’s comments are premature’

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Picture: Lieutenant General Shadrack Siniya

By BAKANG MOKOTO  

4 September 2025 – The Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee to investigate allegations made by Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, Soviet Lekganyane, said he has noted media reports quoting Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya stating the date he will appear before the committee.

Lekganyane clarified that no final decision has yet been made regarding the list of witnesses and such decisions will be made collectively by the full committee.

Lekganyane said while Sibiya’s expressed willingness to testify is appreciated, his public comments are premature. He further said the committee has only approached potential witnesses to check their availability and ensure they have access to legal counsel if needed.

“The committee was categorical that the first official witness will be Kwazulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, whose public statements prompted the formation of the committee.

“We reaffirm the committee’s commitment to begin hearings, but stressed the importance of finalising all foundational and procedural preparations to ensure the committee’s success,” he said.

Lekganyane further said a meeting will be held tomorrow to finalise these arrangements.

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Kgetsi ya polao katlhanong le molatofadiwa, Olebile Sereetsi e buseditswe morago

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Setshwantsho: Monna o latofadiwang ka go boalya lekau la mokapelo wa lone wa maloba, Olebile Jan Sereetsi

Ka KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

4 Lwetse 2025- Kgetsi ya polao kagtlhanong le monna wa kwa kgaolong ya Marikana kwa motse-setoropong wa Utlwanang kwa Christiana, Olebile Jan Sereetsi (40), e tlhotse e buseditswe morago go fitlha di 28 Diphalane 2025, ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Christiana go ka ipaakanyetsa letlha la tsheko. Sereetsi yo oneng a solofetswe go dira kopo ya beile, o ile a puaganya kopo eo.

Sereetsi o latofadiwang ka go bolaya mokapelo wa lekgarebe la gagwe la maloba. Go begwa fa ka di 26 Lwetse 2024, molatofadiwa a ile a leba kwa ntlung ya mokapelo wa gagwe wa maloba, mme a mo fitlhela a na le lekau la gagwe, Charlie Kati (31), mme go ile ga runya kgotlhang.

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani, go begwa fa Sereetsi a ile a tlhaba Kati ka thipa, mme a mo gogela kwa sekgweng se se gaufi.

“Go begwa fa Sereetsi, a ile a kgabetlhelela moswi ka go mo kgaola maoto le go mo segolola serwe sa gagwe sa senna. Go begwa fa Sereetsi, a ile a latlhela dikarolo dingwe tsa mmele mo molapong, ga mmogo le setopo sa moswi.

“Go begwa fa lekgarebe la moswi, le ile la lotlegela sepodisi ka se se diragetseng, mme a bega fa lekau la gagwe le timetse. Seo, se ile sa lebisa kwa go batlaneng le moswi,” Funani wa tlhalosa.

Funani are mongwe wa baagi one a loma sepodisi tsebe gore o bone Sereetsi a kgorometsa kereibaye, mme a lebile kwa molapong. Funani are, lekala la sepodisi le le sapang, le ile la bidiwa le go batlana le setopo sa ga Kati kwa molapong.

“Sepodisi se ile sa bona serwe sa moswi sa senna, ga mmogo le dikarolo dingwe tsa mmele di latlhetswe mo molapong,” Funani wa tlhalosa.

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Ditsobotla Local Municipality placed under Section 139 (7) of the Constitution  

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Picture: The embattled Ditaonotla Local Municipality

By OBAKENG MAJE

4 September 2025- The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa said he has invoked Section 139 (7) of thr Constitution at the embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality. Hlabisa wrote a letter to formally inform the Cabinet at its sitting on 3 September 2025.

“This national intervention will be implemented in accordance with Section 139(7) of the Constitution, read together with Chapter 13 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA). In terms of Section 150(2)(a) of the MFMA, the national executive assumes the powers and functions ordinarily exercised by the provincial executive.

“Accordingly, the Minister of Finance will assume the powers and functions of the MEC for Finance for the duration of the intervention. To operationalise the intervention and ensure the effective implementation of the recovery plan as contemplated in Section 139(5)(c) of the MFMA, the Cabinet has appointed a National Cabinet Representative (NCR) supported by a multi-disciplinary team of experts,” he said.

Hlabisa further said this team will execute the assumed executive responsibilities on behalf of the national executive, guided by clearly defined roles and responsibilities as set out in the Terms of Reference to be issued. He added that the Cabinet has authorised the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs to consult with Ministers in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster to establish a Joint Operational Task Team.

“The primary mandate of this Task Team will be to investigate and prosecute specific criminal activities reported to be prevalent within the municipality.

“In light of the above, I wish to convene a formal engagement with the following stakeholders to communicate the Cabinet resolution and introduce the National Intervention Team,” said Hlabisa.

He said he kindly requested that the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi extend formal invitations to all councillors of the Ditsobotla Municipal Council for the 12h00 session. Hlabisa said in addition, he requested that Molapisi coordinate the necessary logistical and security arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of both meetings.

“Your cooperation and support in this regard are highly appreciated,” said Hlabisa.

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