Daily Archives: September 29, 2025

1267 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela II

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Picture: Some of copper cables seized by the police/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

29 September 2025- Focusing on enhanced crime prevention and combating, the weekly Joint Law Enforcement operations under Operation Shanela II, conducted between 22 and 28 September 2025, across the province led to the apprehension of 1267 suspects. Through the execution of actions such as vehicle check points (VCPs), stops and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses and farms, 1777 copper cables, 82 fireworks, five explosive gels, five electric detonators, tobacco products, liquor and drugs such as dagga, cocaine, crystal meth, tik and mandrax were seized.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said moreover, the operations resulted in the apprehension of 76 illegal migrants. Mokgwabone said 456 out of the 1 267 arrests were for wanted suspects who were linked to the crimes committed through forensic DNA leads.

“The arrests, among others, included 25 suspects for rape and attempted rape, 289 for assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm and common, 26 for burglary, business and residential, 34 for murder and attempted murder, 48 for driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, 29 for possession of drugs, and 31 for illegal dealing in liquor.

“In Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, four suspects aged between 31 and 51, are expected to appear in the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court for possession of suspected stolen goods. The suspects were arrested in the early hours of Friday morning, 26 September 2025, by Stilfontein Visible Policing and Potchefstroom Flying Squad members on the N12 (Stilfontein/Potchefstroom) road,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said the police were on patrol when they noticed an overturned white Chana bakkie and went to investigate. He added that on arrival, they discovered copper cables hidden in the nearby bushes.

“The members also spotted a suspicious Ford Ranger vehicle in the vicinity. As they approached the vehicle, it sped off, leading to a chase. The vehicle stopped after a few kilometres due to an apparent breakdown. A search conducted led to the discovery of suspected stolen copper cables in the bakkie and all three suspects, along with the driver of the Chana bakkie, were apprehended after failing to account for the copper cables.

“The copper cables, which were identified as those of Telkom, are valued at R290 000. Still in the District, a security officer in Klerksdorp arrested a suspect on Monday, 22 September 2025, after being found in possession of a bundle of signal cables,” said Mokgwabone.

He said the suspect, who was also found in possession of an axe and a spade, was handed over to the police and is facing charges of tampering with and damage to essential infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Dintletse Molefe, welcomed the arrests, which she said will positively contribute towards the reduction of crime and ensuring general safety in the province as we approach a safer festive season.

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A prayer for fallen police officers

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Picture: Police officers in a prayer for fallen police officers/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

29 September 2025- On Monday at around 8am, the police in Namakwa, hosted a prayer service at the District Office in Springbok. The prayer service was led by Chaplain Marsha Baard of the Employee Health and Wellness section, who delivered a powerful message.

Baard said: “On duty with God’s strength, boots on the ground with the sound of God’s army. Special prayers were offered to a member who is currently admitted in hospital in Cape Town and in remembrance of fallen members who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our country.

“The service was also graced with the attendance of Colonel Diketso Lekgwathi, Acting District Commissioner, who commended and appreciated the unity and spiritual strength shown by all members present.”

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NWU to host colloquium honouring Professor John Makhene

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Picture: Professor John Makhene

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

29 September 2025- The North West University (NWU) said it is proud to announce a colloquium in honour of Professor John Makhene, the founding vice-chancellor of the former University of Bophuthatswana, now the NWU. The university said the event will take place on 3 October 2025, at Mmabatho Palms Hotel, Mahikeng.

The NWU Communications Manager (Mafikeng campus), Oscar Mosiane said this prestigious colloquium will celebrate Makhene’s enduring legacy as a pioneering academic, transformative leader and fierce advocate for accessible and inclusive education during one of the most pivotal periods in South African higher education history. Mosiane said the event will be held under the theme: “Academic Leadership as a Catalyst for Transformative Change”.

“The programme will include keynote tributes from senior academics and public sector leaders, panel discussions reflecting on the academic and historical significance of Makhene’s leadership and personal reflections from colleagues, former students and family.

“This includes a multimedia exhibition and cultural performances. The colloquium will provide a platform to reflect critically on the development of higher education in South Africa, acknowledge Makhene’s foundational leadership role and explore the future of ethical, transformative academic leadership in our country and on our continent,” he said.

Mosiane further said Makhene laid the foundation for an institution that grew into one of the most respected universities in South Africa. He added that as the NWU, they continue to walk the path he helped

to forge, one rooted in equity, excellence, and access,” said Mosiane.

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One person nabbed for Contravention of the Immigration Act  

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Picture: One person nabbed during Operation Phakisa/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

29 September 2025- The Law enforcement stepped up the battle against marine related crimes through the implementation of Operation Phakisa across the coastal areas of the Namakwa District from 24 until 28 September 2025. Targeted operations were conducted in Port Nolloth, Kleinzee, Hondeklip Bay, Koingnaas, Groenrivier, Waterfall, Brazil and Alexander Bay.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said several South African Police Service (SAPS) units, in collaboration with officials from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the Department of Home Affairs, Customs, Traffic and SANParks, executed a coordinated response to address criminal activities affecting the marine environment.

Ehlers said this multi-agency operation resulted in the arrest of one individual for the contravention of the Immigration Act and fines, totalling R15 400 were issued.

“Offences included violations of the Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996, and breaches of the Marine Living Resources Act 18 of 1998. Disruptive actions carried out during the operation included stop-and-search actions, high-visibility foot and vehicle patrols, and vehicle check points. In total, 322 individuals and 151 vehicles were thoroughly searched.

“Seizures included limpets, fish fillets, mussels and tools believed to be used in the commission of crimes to the estimated value of R3 340. Compliance inspections were also conducted at harbours, launching sites, slipways, fish processing establishments, restaurants and campgrounds to ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, reaffirmed that the continued success of such operations relies on sustained collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the community.  Otola assured the public that decisive action will remain focused on combating marine-related crimes and also protecting the fauna and flora of the Namakwa region specifically and thereby strengthening the safety and security within affected communities.

“Information can be shared anonymously via the MySAPS app or by contacting the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111,” said Ehlers.

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Tlhapi to lead Provincial Heritage Day Celebrations in Mokgalwaneng village

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Picture: The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virgina Tlhapi

By OBAKENG MAJE

29 September 2025- The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virgina Tlhapi, will close the heritage month activities with the Provincial Heritage Day Celebrations on 30 September 2025, at Tlhaalapitse Primary School in Mokgalwaneng village, in Moses Kotane Local Municipality.  Tlhapi said the event will be celebrated under the theme: “Celebrating the lives of our heroes’ and heroines who laid down their lives for our freedom”, which invites all South Africans to reflect on and honour the sacrifices made by those who fought for liberation and freedom of our country.

She further said the purpose of the Provincial Heritage Month Celebrations seeks to celebrate their rich cultural diversity and foster pride in the traditions, languages and practices that defines their collective identity. Tlhapi added that the event aims to showcase the government’s commitment to protecting cultural resources and promoting inclusive cultural expressions as part of sustainable development.

“Various government services such as Gender-Based Violence (GBV) walk, wreath laying at the grave of Disake Dikeme, who is one of the local struggle icons, aerobics and self-defence exhibitions, which will be led by me, accompanied by Kgosi of Bakgatla ba Kgafela Traditional Authority, mayor of Moses Kotane Local Municipality and Bojanala District Municipality mayor.

“Mokgalwaneng with its 32 surrounding villages had activities held as Heritage Day build-up.  On 23 September 2025, we had Heritage through libraries in Bloemhof. On 24 until 26 September 2025, we had the Provincial Indigenous Games in Rustenburg and Oral History Colloquium in Mogwase on 25 to 26 September 2025,” she said.

Tlhapi said on 27 September 2025, they had a Batlharo Boo Tokwane Ba ga Masibi Cultural Event in Disaneng village, near Mahikeng.  She said the Provincial Heritage Day Celebrations will commence at 8am.

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