Daily Archives: November 25, 2025

Northern Cape SAPS diving units ready and equipped for the safer festive season operations

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Picture: Divers from Northern Cape SAPS/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

25 November 2025- Patrolling the borders of the Republic of South Africa is of vital importance to the stability and safety of the country and this includes the coastal borders of the country. The Northern Cape coastline stretches from the Orange river in the north to the GroenRivier in the south and the most effective manner to patrol these areas is by boat.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien said as the province is gearing itself for the influx of holiday makers to our shoreline, dams and rivers, skippers and divers from the SAPS Diving units in the Northern Cape have been preparing, training, refreshing and getting themselves ready for this hectic period as visitors flock to the water. Gamieldien said divers and skippers from the Northern Cape joined by their counterparts from the Free State participated in an intensive exercise operation dubbed- “ Navalis Exercitatio” translated from Latin means Naval Exercise to prepare them mentally and operationally for any incident that may occur in and on the water.

“The Provincial Head for the Police Emergency Services (PES), Brigadier Amicus Alberts together with the National Diving Co-ordinator, Captain Marilè Wessels presented and facilitated both theoretical and practical exercises in the coastal town of Port Nolloth in the Namakwa District from 20 until 26 November 2025.

“The exercises consisted of Vessel patrols, vehicle coastal patrols, theory and diving shore entries. The team was joined by the Namakwa District Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews and I, as the Provincial Head for Corporate Communication and Liaison, as we participated in vessel patrols along the shoreline of Port Nolloth,” she said.

Gamieldien further said the SAPS diving units will also be preventing and combating incidents of poaching along the RSA/Namibian borderline and West Coast, as well as preventing illegal crossing by illegal/undocumented immigrants entering South Africa. She added that the SAPS Water Policing and Diving Services provide a specialised diving-related response service for various water related emergencies, crime prevention and investigative support.

“Their key tasks include conducting search and rescue operations for people in distress in water, including swift water and flood rescues, recovering the bodies of drowning victims and assisting detectives by searching for and recovering evidence and exhibits submerged in water such as firearms, vehicles or hazardous substances for investigations.

“As we are in the festive period, the main focus will be patrolling dams, rivers and coastal areas to ensure adherence to water safety regulations and by-laws particularly during public events this festive holidays,” said Gamieldien. 

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Two nabbed for kidnapping and robbery

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

25 November 2025 – A tactical and crime intelligence-led operation on Thursday evening, 20 November 2025, by Klipgat Detectives, culminated in the arrest of four suspects for kidnapping and armed robbery. The arrests emanated from an incident in which a businessperson was allegedly kidnapped and robbed during a business deal earlier this month at Madibeng Hills, Klipgat.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said during the investigation, a tip-off was received and operationalised, leading to successful tracing and arrest of the suspects in Slovoville, Klipgat. Mokgwabone said in effecting the arrests, the police confiscated robbed items such as two Pioneer CDJs, a Dixon mixing console, power adaptor, four power cables and an iPhone, all valued at R29 000.

“The accused, aged between 18 and 22, briefly appeared to appear in the Ga-rankuwa Magistrate’s Court on 24 November 2025, on charges of kidnapping and armed robbery,” he said.

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Tembisa Hospital official and the Hawks official in court for corruption

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Picture: Two accused persons, a Tembisa Hospital official, Zacharia Chisele (53) and a Hawks official, Sergeant Papi Tsie/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 November 2025- Two accused persons, a Tembisa Hospital official, Zacharia Chisele (53) and a Hawks official, Sergeant Papi Tsie (41), briefly appeared at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court, where they are each facing a charge of corruption. It is alleged that on 23 November 2025, the two met with the Hawks investigating officer involved in an ongoing investigation of corruption at the Tembisa Hospital. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said during the meeting, it is alleged that the two gave the Hawks official a gratification of R100 000 for Chisele to avoid prosecution in an ongoing investigation. Mahanjana said in court, the matter was postponed to 2 December 2025, for bail investigations and a bail application. 

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The police are looking for a rape suspect

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Picture: Identikit of the rape suspect/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

25 November 2025- The police in Kanana request the community’s assistance in locating and identifying a man as per attached identikit. It was reported to the police that a victim (15) was walking home in Extension 4, Kanana Township, near Orkney at around 6:30pm on 19 August 2025.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said she was approached by an unknown man, who overpowered and threatened her with a knife, then raped her. Myburgh said the man is dark in complexion, with dark eyes, medium in height and built.

“He was wearing a white cap and a white t-shirt and spoke Setswana. He is estimated to be about 25 years-old or older. The police request anyone who may have information that can assist to identify and trace the man, to contact the Branch Commander/Investigating Officer, Colonel Hariëtte McKinsey/Constable Onalena Letebele of Klerksdorp Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit on 082 492 3785 or 082 568 6909. 

“Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via MySAPS App on your smartphone or alternatively call Crime Stop on ‪08600 10111,” she said.

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Former attorney, Pretus Thobejane who is accused of theft granted R50 000 bail  

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By OBAKENG MAJE  

25 November 2025- Former attorney, Pretus Thobejane (54) of Thobejane PM Attorneys was granted a R50 000 bail by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court. Thobejane is facing 31 counts of theft amounting to R8.3 million.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that between November 2024 and October 2025, the accused used the same modus operandi to defraud multiple complainants. Mahanjana said Thobejane allegedly offered conveyancing services to assist them in purchasing properties.

“After reaching agreements, the complainants transferred funds to him for the services. However, after receiving the money, Thobejane allegedly failed to render any service, became unreachable and did not refund the funds. The complainants subsequently reported the matter to the Legal Practice Council (LPC), which opened cases at various police stations.

“Following police investigations, Thobejane was arrested on 13 November 2025 at his residence in Centurion. During the bail proceedings, state prosecutor Chris Maruma did not oppose Thobejane’s release on bail, noting that he is not considered a flight risk, has a fixed address and has no previous or pending cases against him,” she said.

Meanwhile, the matter was postponed to 27 February 2026, for further investigation.

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Vass handover houses to beneficiaries of Dalton 100 housing project

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Picture: Northern Cape MEC for COGHSTA, Bentley Vass handing over houses/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE  

25 November 2025- As part of the Northern Cape 1 Billion Rand Housing Project for the Northern Cape, the Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass, handed over a total of 10 houses to some of the beneficiaries of the Dalton 100 Housing Project in Douglas. Vass was accompanied by the mayor of Siyancuma Municipality, Patrick McKlein and the municipal speaker, Johannes George.

“Today, we are here in Dalton, Douglas, to hand over ten houses to beneficiaries from this project in Siyancuma Municipality. We are happy with the quality of the houses and that we can deliver on the commitment of the government to house the nation.

“We continue to call on all our contractors across the province, to speed up the pace of building these houses, so that more beneficiaries can receive keys to their houses for security and comfort,” he said.

Vass further said the construction work is continuing on the Dalton 100 Housing Projects and many others across the province, as part of the 1 Billion Rand Housing Project.

One of the beneficiaries, Sanna Letele (81) received the keys to her house. Letele said she is happy because her family including her children and three grandchildren have a proper roof over their heads.

“We will be moving out of this shack. I cannot thank the government enough for restoring my dignity,” she said.

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Elderlies receives new houses as part of Thuntsha Lerole

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Picture: North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi with beneficiaries/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

25 November 2025- After suffering a stroke earlier this year, forcing her into permanent disability, Boitumelo Pelaelo (68) from Dipudi Section in Ganyesa, thought her dream of owning a proper house would perish right in front of her eyes. However, this was not the case as her dream was realised when Pelaelo received keys to her newly-built house from the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi.

She is currently staying in an old house with her family of 13. The family depends on her old age grant and child support grants received by the younger children.

According to Pelaelo, the old house they were living in was small for the whole family and said they will now be able to live comfortably and not cramped.

“I would like to thank the government for what they have done for me and my family. This house will indeed change our lives for the better,” she said.

Pelaelo’s house has been amended with ramps as she is using a wheelchair.

The handover of houses is part of the Department of Human Settlement’s continued effort of unblocking blocked projects across the province. So far 80% of the project has been completed and houses handed over to beneficiaries.

Out of a total of 73 houses, 60 have already been completed.

Molapisi said this progress is a positive stride in the department’s commitment to accelerating housing delivery. He said the department will leave no stone unturned and will ensure that houses are built for legible beneficiaries.

“As the provincial government, we will continue to deliver on our mandate and change the lives of the people. We do this to ensure we deliver as promised. We further handed over houses to three elderly people at Tlapeng Section,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries, Ishmael Motlaleemang (70) had been living in a one-roomed house with his partner and two dependants for years. According to Motlaleemang, the new house will afford his family enough space to live in. The other two beneficiaries; Samuel Morakeng (70) and Kathrina Koba Seakwa (67), also thanked the department for finally recognising them as they have been waiting for their houses for years.

They said they will now be able to live comfortably without worrying during rainy seasons and strong cold winds.

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A man sentenced to 22 years for raping a boy

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

25 November 2025- A man (44) was sentenced to 22 years imprisonment for rape. On 25 August 2024, a boy (14) was alone at his home in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley when the accused approached him, attempted to initiate a sexual relationship and also sexually assaulted the victim.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the accused then threatened the victim with violence should he report the matter. Ehlers said the incident was immediately reported to the police, who launched a criminal investigation.

“On 27 August 2024, the accused was subsequently arrested. Bail was successfully opposed and he remained in custody until his sentencing. The Galeshewe Regional Court sentenced him to 22 years imprisonment and declared him unfit to possess a firearm. 

“Additionally, his name will be recorded in the National Register for Sexual Offenders,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, praised the investigating officer, Detective Constable Setshego Matlhale from the Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit and Advocate Tevaunhnay van Wyk from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for the outstanding collaboration and dedication that secured a fitting sentence and ensured justice for the young victim. Otola said sexual offences committed against minors remain a priority for investigators in the Northern Cape, who continue to ensure that perpetrators face the full might of the law.

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Alleged Facebook rapist abandoned bail  

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 November 2025- An alleged Eersterust serial rapist, Helder Isidro (36), from Eersterust, abandoned his bail application at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court. Isidro faces a charge of rape for allegedly raping a woman (27).

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that the accused and the complainant initially connected on a Facebook Hook-Up page and later continued their communication via WhatsApp. Mahanjana said during these exchanges, they arranged to meet in Mamelodi in January 2024.

“On the day of the meeting, the accused allegedly ordered an e-hailing ride for the complainant, which collected her from her residence and dropped her off at a petrol station opposite Denlyn Mall. Upon her arrival, the complainant met the accused, who asked her to walk to his residence.

“While walking through a veld, Isidro allegedly grabbed the complainant, undressed her, and raped her while threatening her with a knife. After the assault, he allegedly took her cell-phone and money, handed her R20, and told her to take a taxi home,” she said.

Mahanjana further said the complainant reported the matter to the police on 12 August 2025, after recognising the accused from images circulating on social media. She added that following investigations, the accused was arrested on 13 November 2025, while he was already in custody on an unrelated matter.

“In court, the case was postponed to 14 January 2026 for the joining of charges,” said Mahanjana.

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‘Break the silence against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide’

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By REGINALD KANYANE

25 November 2025- The Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing in the Northern Cape, Major General Johny Besnaar, accompanied by the Acting District Commissioner of the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, Brigadier Kenneth Baloi, led a Men’s Indaba at the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality Chambers on 25 November 2025. Besnaar said the Indaba aimed to spark meaningful dialogue, break the silence surrounding Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and provide an inclusive platform for engagement and solutions.

He further said the session was attended by various stakeholders, including the Community Police Board, Men for Change, Departments of Justice, Correctional Services and Health, the National Prosecuting Authority, FAMSA, Kumba Iron Ore, SAPS Employee Health and Wellness and the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. Besnaar added that all partners pledged their commitment and reaffirmed that combating GBVF requires a united and collaborative effort.

“It is important to have a multi-faceted approach in tackling GBVF. The programmes of this nature require the active participation of all stakeholders to confront the social ills that continue to endanger women and children. The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape remains steadfast in its commitment to combat GBVF through sustained initiatives and by calling on the public to work alongside law enforcement in creating safer communities,” he said.

Outlining the purpose of the gathering, Deputy Chairperson of Men for Change, Captain Bennett Phoko, emphasised the pivotal role men play in addressing GBVF. Phoko highlighted that men’s active involvement is essential in creating safe, respectful communities and fostering behavioural change.

“Throughout the Indaba, attendees engaged in robust dialogue to devise meaningful ways to contribute to the fight against GBVF including rejecting silence, advocating for stronger anti-GBVF policies, and challenging harmful societal norms,” he said.

Meanwhile, Advocate Mule Molokwane from the Office of the Family Advocate, presented an overview of key legislation, including the Children’s Act of 2005, underscoring the legal framework that protects children and vulnerable groups.

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