Daily Archives: September 8, 2025

Five men nabbed for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

8 September 2025 – Five men were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition at Mafenya section, Chaneng village near Phokeng, outside Rustenburg, during a tactical and crime intelligence-led operation by Phokeng K9 on Wednesday afternoon, 3 September 2025. Acting on a tip-off, the members approached a suspicious Audi Q3 motor vehicle that was found parked next to the road with the bonnet opened.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said attentive members noticed a balaclava on top of the engine cover. Myburgh said when they enquired about it, one of the three occupants fled from the scene, but they were caught.

“Further investigation led to the discovery of three pistols with 25 rounds of ammunition, concealed inside the vehicle’s engine.  A follow-up on the matter resulted in the arrest of two more suspects, who were hiding in the nearby bushes.

“Matamela Madupo (46), Rapula Paul Thobi (37), Mzwakhe Matoko (22), Thabang Motaung (42) and Mojabatho Sidwell Vilikazi (36), appeared before the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court in Tlhabane on 5 September 2025. All accused were remanded in custody until 11 September 2025,” she said.

Myburgh further said in an unrelated incident at a mine in Boitekong, Abongile Mbulawa (40), who is a mine worker, was on Tuesday afternoon, 2 September 2025, arrested by mine security after being found in possession of explosive drills. She added that Mbulawa appeared before the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court on 4 September 2025, and was remanded in custody until 11 September 2025.

“Investigations into these cases continue,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said: “The arrest of these suspects is testament of the importance of a good working relationship and proactive intelligence between the police and the public in the prevention of crime. Had it not been through the positive information received from a concerned and vigilant member of the public, who tipped off a police officer at the Phokeng K9 unit, these heavily armed criminals were intercepted, while on the way to commit a robbery which would have led to a law abiding businessman being robbed and possibly endanger his and family lives.

“That these hoodlums were found in possession of three unlicensed firearms is clear evidence of the criminal and dangerous intent in planning the robbery more so, because in almost all these robberies are committed by brazen trigger happy robbers with little or no regard to the safety of the victims, the police and the public.”

Asaneng said the SAPS is also deeply concerned about the apparent lack of proper control and safeguarding of commercial explosives, which are normally used in the mines and road construction sectors. He said this is after the arrest of a miner.

“The significance of this arrest is that explosives, that are normally sold to CIT robbers, were intercepted before they could fall into criminals’ hands. It is therefore hoped that further investigation will help lead the police to the criminal end users of these explosives,” he said.

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DA alarmed by water-board fees while water crisis rages on

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Picture: Tap running dry/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

8 September 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it is alarmed by the rates paid to water-board chairs and members to attend meetings, while taps sit dry across the country. The DA said notably in 2023/24, the Chair of uMngeni-uThukela earned R109 500 per meeting, while another member earned R54 000.

DA spokesperson on Water and Sanitation and Member of Parliament (MP), Stephen Moore said the Chair of the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority earned R120 300 per meeting. Moore said the Chair of Lepelle Northern Water earned R103 600 per meeting, with the Chairs of Amatola Water and Magalies Water earning R77 833 and R70 831, respectively.

“While the department argues that these amounts are in line with approved policies, that does not make them right or fair to the millions of South Africans currently without basic services. We need every possible cent spent on ensuring municipalities can fulfil the basics.

“Repairing leaks, managing pressure, maintaining reservoirs and pump stations, metering and billing correctly, and paying their bulk-water accounts. We will pursue transparency and accountability on board fees. But we will keep the spotlight squarely on municipal turnaround, because that is where service failures are cutting off water to paying residents,” he said.

Moore further said they call for full transparency now. He added that the department must publish each entity’s fee policy, per-meeting rates, add-ons (travel/prep/committees), attendance, and totals for 2023/24.

“This includes annual caps on fees, no payments for non-board ceremonial events and clear prohibitions against “fee creep”. National Treasury and the Auditor-General (AGSA) to benchmark water-sector board remuneration against comparable SOEs, with findings tabled to Parliament.

“Tie board remuneration to measurable outcomes – governance stability, clean audits, reductions in non-revenue water (NRW), improved collections, and infrastructure recovery. Consider temporary downward adjustments to fee scales at financially distressed entities until turnaround targets are met,” said Moore.

He said they call for immediate municipal leak-repair and pressure-management blitzes, metering and revenue recovery, and settlement of arrears to water boards to protect bulk-water security. Moore said these board fees are very difficult to justify given the state of the water crisis.

“The DA will press the Minister and each board in Committee for a transparent review and tighter controls on remuneration – while demanding urgent municipal action to restore reliable water to residents,” he said.

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A man sentenced to two life terms for murder and attempted murder

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Picture: The accused, Raymond Steven Jan-Erick Smith/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

8 September 2025- The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said it welcomes the sentence handed down by the Pretoria High Court to Raymond Steven Jan-Erick Smith (37) of Proclamation Hill. Smith was sentenced to two life terms for two counts of murder, three years imprisonment for attempted murder, and eight years’ imprisonment for attempted robbery with aggravating circumstances.

The NPA spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said the court ordered that the sentences run concurrently with life imprisonment. Mahanjana said he was further declared unfit to possess a firearm.

“On 23 July 2025, the NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) secured a preservation order against his 2011 model Nissan X-Trail, valued at R65 000, which was used in the commission of the crimes. Smith targeted the home of an elderly couple, Gerald Cantello (74) and Lilian Janson (71), after seeing their house valued at R2.7 million advertised for sale online.

“The advert included images showing several televisions and electronic devices, which attracted Smith’s attention. He contacted the estate agent under the pretence of being a potential buyer and visited the property on 16 January 2025 and again on 20 January 2025. On his third visit, 27 January 2025, around 18h00, he arrived with the intention of robbing the couple,” she said.

Mahanjana further said when Cantello opened the door, Smith assaulted him, forced him into the toilet, and tied his hands with a cable tie. She added that Janson, upon hearing the commotion, came to investigate, but Smith overpowered her, tied her up, and forced a rubber ball into both their mouths.

“The couple’s son, Grant James Cantello (47), and his wife, Heidi Cantello (47), who lived on the same premises, heard the screams and rushed into the house. Smith attacked them with a knife, fatally stabbing both on the scene.

“A boy (16), the son of the deceased couple, also tried to intervene but was stabbed. He managed to escape, locked himself in his bedroom, and called for help. Smith fled but was arrested the following day, 28 January 2025, at his residence while attempting to wash his blood-stained clothes,” said Mahanjana.

In court, Smith pleaded guilty and requested a lenient sentence, asking the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentences. However, state advocate Lawrance More, successfully argued for life imprisonment.

More emphasised that: “The murders were premeditated, planned over 11 days. Smith had multiple opportunities to desist but persisted, the victims were killed in their own home, where they were supposed to feel safe.

“The court also considered Victim Impact Statements (VIS) facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Lebogang Lebese. The 16-year-old survivor revealed the severe trauma he suffered, including having to change schools, which negatively affected his academic performance. Cantello, who survived, spent three weeks in hospital and remains immobile due to his injuries.”

Mahanjana said the judge found no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify a lesser sentence and ruled that the prescribed minimum sentences were appropriate.

Meanwhile, the acting Director of Public Prosecutions (ADPP), Advocate Marika Jansen Van Vuuren, praised the work of Advocate More and Investigating Officer Constable Ronald Ravele from Lyttleton Police Station. She commended their dedication, which ensured the conviction and sentencing of a man who senselessly killed innocent people out of greed.

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A man sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for rape

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By REGINALD KANYANE  

8 September 2025- A man (33) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Hartswater Regional Court for rape. The accused, Nshirimane Fabrice was arrested for raping a woman (22).

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the incident took place in January 2024, when the victim visited the accused’s home with a friend. Sam said Fabrice raped the victim after offering her a place to rest inside his house.

“He was arrested shortly after the incident and has since been declared unfit to possess a firearm. In addition to the rape conviction, he received a further three-month sentence for contravening the Immigration Act,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Thabo Mphuthi, commended the prosecution team, led by Sekhotsane and the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant George Mosime, for their thorough work which ensured justice for the victim. Mphuthi reiterated the police’s commitment to fight Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) through strong partnerships with communities.

“The public is encouraged to support SAPS efforts by participating in the “Rate Our Service” survey, and to report criminal activities through the MySAPS App or Crime Stop number 08600 10111. All information will be treated confidentially,” she said.

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‘We must build a society in which corruption cannot take root’

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By OBAKENG MAJE  

8 September 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said just over a week ago, the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC) handed over its final report at the conclusion of its three-year term. Ramaphosa said the council was set up in 2022 to guide the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and to strengthen the state’s anti-corruption architecture.

He further said the report includes a recommendation to establish a permanent, independent, overarching anti-corruption body. Ramaphosa added that the council recommends that this body be known as the Office of Public Integrity and Anti-Corruption and that its mandate be to prevent, investigate and remedy systemic corruption.

“The proposed body, which responds to one of the key recommendations of the State Capture Commission, would be expected to both fight corruption and prevent it from happening in the first place. The NACAC report also makes recommendations on the strengthening and coordination of law enforcement agencies, enhanced coordination mechanisms among the different law enforcement agencies, the use of Artificial Intelligence to prevent corruption and the establishment of an anti-corruption data sharing framework.

“These recommendations will be thoroughly reviewed by the relevant government institutions for tabling and deliberation in Cabinet. The work of NACAC makes it clear that the fight against corruption is complex, multi-faceted and protracted. This fight requires the dismantling systems of patronage that have become entrenched over many years. It requires strengthening state capacity to handle complex cases and closing regulatory loopholes that have enabled corruption to flourish,” said Ramaphosa.

He said they need to tackle public and private sector corruption with equal energy. Ramaphosa said tax evasion, market manipulation, inflated contracts and tender collusion by businesses significantly harm the economy, yet often receive less attention than corruption in public institutions.

“Amid daily reports of alleged corruption, South Africans want to see action. They want to see more arrests and convictions. We should therefore welcome the progress being made by our law enforcement agencies. Last week the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, and the Special Investigating Unit briefed Parliament on investigations into the South African Post Office, Postbank and the South African Social Security Agency, financial irregularities at water entities, an allegedly corrupt fuel tender, and graft at a number of municipalities.

“This year has seen a number of arrests linked to alleged corruption in Eskom, the South African Police Service, Transnet and in municipalities. While allegations of corruption within these important institutions are deeply disturbing, it is encouraging that they have been detected and that criminal action is being taken,” he said.

Ramaphosa said in July 2025, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Working Group on Bribery noted that South Africa continues to make progress in detecting and investigating foreign bribery cases, and that “the resilience and commitment of individual government and law-enforcement officials, working in a multi-agency approach, has contributed to this progress”.  He said they continue to make progress towards the removal of the country from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey-list.

“In June, FATF noted that South Africa has completed all 22 action plan items to combat money-laundering and the financing of terrorism. Exiting the grey-list is part of the fight against corruption and key to safeguarding the integrity of our financial system.

“Much of this work takes place behind the scenes. While there is a justifiable public expectation that there should be more convictions – including those implicated in state capture – fighting corruption extends way beyond putting culprits in the dock,” said Ramaphosa.

He said as the NACAC report points out, they need to pursue institutional reform to address the shortcomings in practices and systems that have enabled corruption to flourish. Ramaphosa said corruption is much more than the result of the criminal intent of a few individuals, be it government officials, elected public representatives or business people.

“It can become embedded in state institutions or business enterprises and manifest itself in practices and organisational culture. The success of our efforts relies on our ability to prevent corruption in the first place in state institutions, business enterprises or organs of civil society.

“That is why we need to build transparent, accountable and ethical institutions – both public and private – in which corruption is unable to take root. We all need to work together to build a society characterised by responsibility and integrity,” he said.

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One of five people accused of stealing firearms at Petrusville Police Station sentenced

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

8 September 2025- Kimberley Regional Court sentenced one of the accused persons who were arrested for theft of firearms and ammunition at Petrusville Police Station on 6 November 2023. The conviction comes after the accused, Benjamin Motsoane, pleaded guilty as charged.

Motsoane was arrested alongside five other accused persons.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said a multi-disciplinary operation consisting of Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, Crime Intelligence and Kimberley Flying Squad, arrested the group in June 2024, during a marathon tracking and arrests of identified suspects which included two police Sergeants aged 43 and 44, at Petrusville Police Station.

Thebe said during November 2023, a complaint was received from the office of the Provincial Commissioner regarding theft of firearms and ammunition at Petrusville Police Station.

“A case docket was opened with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation team for probing. Firearms were later recovered in Senekal and Marquad, Free State.

“Furthermore, investigation revealed that two police officers working at Petrusville SAPS were involved during the theft of state firearms. This matter was taken to the Director of Public Prosecutor for decision and it was concluded that five suspects must stand trial for theft, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

“Moreover, the trial against the rest of the accused will proceed on 17 – 21 November 2025 in the De Aar Regional Court,” he said.

Thebe further said the accused was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for theft of firearms and ammunition, five years for unlawful possession of a firearm without a licence, 13 years imprisonment for unlawful possession of a prohibited firearm – fully automatic firearm without a licence and two years imprisonment for unlawful possession of ammunition and five years imprisonment for Contravention of Section 4 (a) and or (b), read with sections 1 and 8 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), Act 121 of 1998, (5) years imprisonment.

He added Motsoane was further declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in the Northern Cape, Major General Stephen Mabuela, welcomes the sentence in this important case.

“Stealing from the police station and being aided by our own members, that is the biggest betrayal which borders on treason. We hope for hefty sentences for other accused,” said Mabuela.

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Kgetsi ya go teketa le go shupa ka sethunya e boela kgotlhatshekelo

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Setshwantsho: Molatofadiwa, Korononea Jeremia Modise

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

8 Lwetse 2025- Kgetsi ya go teketa le go shupa ka sethunya kgatlhanong le molatofadiwa, Korononea Jeremia Modise (34) wa kwa motseng wa Dikhuting, gaufi le Taung, e boela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno. Modise o solofetswe go dira kopo ya go gololwa ka beile.

Modise one a tshwarwa mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go teketa ga mmogo le go shupa ka sethunya. Go ya ka dipego, monna wa kwa Picong, Batsile Eric Sebico (43) one a tlhaselwa le go teketwa ke Modise ka kgwedi ya Seetebosigo mono ngwaga.

Go begwa fa Sebico a ile a kgorogelwa ke banna ba ba neng ba tsamaya ka sejanaga sa Toyota GD6 ga mmogo le Volkswagen Polo e khibidu ka mmala kwa legaeng la gagwe.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are go begwa fa banna bangwe ba ile ba tsena kwa legae la mongongoregi le go mo teketa. Mokgwabone are go begwa fa banna ba, ba ile ba thuntsa dokolo di le pedi mo setswalong sa mongongoregi pele ga ba ka tsamaya.

“Sepodisi se butse dikgetsi di le tharo kgatlhanong le molatofadiwa, eleng kgetsi ya go teketa, tshenyo ya dithoto ga mmogo le go shupa ka sethunya.

“Jaaka sepodisi, ga re na bopaki jwa gore banna ba, ba tshabiwa ke sepodisi, ebile ba amega mo dikgetsing tse dingwe. Jaanong, re ikuela go mongwe le mongwe o a nang le bopaki mabapi le seo go tsenya ngongora gore sepodisi se batlisise ntlha eo,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, go begwa fa Modise gape a buletswe kgetsi ya go teketa Christopher More (70). More one a tlhaselwa gabedi ka dinako tse difarologaneng kwa motseng wa gagwe wa Picong le go fitsetswa ntlo ga mmogo le sejanaga.

Gape, go begwa fa a ne a tlhaselwa le go shupiwa ka sethunya kwa legaeng la gagwe kwa Monoto-mosetlha kwa motseng wa Tlapeng.

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 ‘The pressure is on those who are trying to get to us’

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Picture: Bafana Bafana player, Lye Foster/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

8 September 2025- Lyle Foster will be hoping for a belated birthday present when Bafana Bafana host Nigeria in a highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Free State Stadium on Tuesday night. Foster celebrated his birthday in camp a few days ago and he insisted that Bafana Bafana are not under any pressure as they head to the crunch qualifier against their long-time rivals.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos’ charges will go into this encounter on the back of a tough victory against Lesotho (3-0) at the Free State Stadium on Friday night, while the Super Eagles beat Rwanda 1-0 at home on Saturday.

“I don’t necessarily think there’s pressure on us. I think at the moment we are where we are in the group and that’s a positive.

“I think pressure is on the guys who are trying to get to us, but that doesn’t mean we should take our foot off the gas or take our foot off the pedal,” said Foster.

He further said he thinks that they should just have the same mentality still and keep steady, keep playing game by game, staying humble and just like he said, taking the game as it comes. Foster added that he does not necessarily think there’s pressure.

“I think the pressure is on those who are trying to get to us. I think we’ve had a good start, but the most important thing is trying to push forward and make sure that we seal it,” he said.

Meanwhile, the leaders Bafana Bafana remain top of Group C with 16 points after seven matches, while the Nigerians are third with 10 points from the same number of games.

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A suspect killed in a shootout

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Picture: A suspect shot dead by the police/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

8 September 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) National Intervention Unit (NIU) tracked down a wanted suspect who is linked to the murder of the late Zwelabantu Zuma, a school principal, who was shot and killed in his office at a school in Msinga in Kwa-Zulu Natal in 2020.

The suspect (40) was wanted for several other cases in KZN, including carjacking and for being in possession of an unlicensed firearm. He was previously arrested but the case was withdrawn in court.

The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the relentless SAPS investigator, presented new evidence before court and a J50 warrant of arrest was issued for the suspect. Mathe said on Sunday afternoon, members of the NIU tracked down the suspect to a hostel in Mapetla, Soweto.

“When the suspect noticed the presence of police, he began shooting and the NIU returned fire, fatally wounding him.

“Two other accused in the case of murder of Zuma are already serving life sentences, while two others died before being trialed. One suspect is still outstanding on this case and police are still searching for the remaining suspect,” she said.

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SAUCIC condemns attempted robbery at Kwaggafontein Mosque

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Picture: SAUCIC President, Cardinal Archbishop Dr Modiri Patrick Shole /Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

8 September 2025- The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) President, Cardinal Archbishop Dr Modiri Patrick Shole on Sunday condemned an attempted robbery at Kwaggafontein Mosque in Mpumalanga during which two worshippers sustained gunshot wounds. Shole said one robber was reportedly fatally wounded on the scene during an exchange of gunfire.

He further said according to media reports, the latest incident and violent confrontation with local worshippers and Pakistan nationals occurred at a mosque near Kwa-Mahlangu Butchery on Friday night. Shole added that the robber who died at the scene has since been identified as Melusi Mabena (22), while his unknown accomplices are still at large.

“We wish the worshippers who were hospitalised for treatment a speedy recovery adding that the spate of robberies targeted at faith gatherings are appalling violent acts that are threatening these communities.

“Earlier this year, a gang robbed scores of congregants at the same place of worship. And an “Imaam” was murdered in a subsequent incident. None of our communities will be safer with armed heartless criminals responsible for such heinous acts roaming our streets and neighbourhoods,” he said.

Shole said a concerted effort must therefore be intensified to bring the other culprits that are still at large behind bars. He mentioned that brazen robberies and opportunistic violent crimes of this nature targeted at churches and other places of worship are not only a disgrace, but barbaric acts that defile the sanctity of places of worship.

“Opportunistic violent crimes targeted at faith gatherings and other places of worship are threatening the constitutional right of freedom of assembly and should be confronted head-on to nip the escalating trend in the bud.

“The effort to tackle the scourge of violent crime threatening our communities must be bolstered and a stronger partnership with our police established,” Shole underscored.

He appealed to communities to unite in action against violent crime in order to rid communities of illegal firearms by reclaiming their activism in support of crime prevention structures and community policing. Shole called for increased police visibility and patrols in communities and appealed to churches to inform law enforcement and crime prevention structures whenever they are hosting evening gatherings.

“While we have encouraged churches to take precautionary measures such as minimizing cash during services, installing security cameras and engaging private security companies, this does not in any way exonerate our police from their responsibility to prioritise the safety of churches in their operational plans.

“We commend the police for the swift arrest of five suspects that allegedly robbed a church in Ngwenyeni village near Komatipoort around 03:30 on Saturday morning,” he said.

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