Daily Archives: December 1, 2025

Technical Investigation Report on the failure of Jagersfontein Tailings Dam Released

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Picture: Jagersfontein disaster

By BAKANG MOKOTO

1 December 2025- The Department of Water and Sanitation Deputy Ministers, David Mahlobo and Sello Seitlholo have officially released the findings of the independent technical investigation onto the failure of the Jagersfontein Fine Tailings Storage Facility (FTSF) to the Jagersfontein community on Friday. The dam failure incident that occurred in the small town in the Kopanong Local Municipality in Free State on 11 September 2022, resulted in tragic loss of life, leaving scores of people homeless as well as pollution of the environment and water resources.

The duo visited the town of Jagerfontein with Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae accompanied by Kopanong Local Municipality mayor, Xolani Tseletsele on 28 November 2025. The delegation proceeded to Mayibuye Community Hall, where they relayed the findings of the report to the community.

Mahlobo said the Jagersfontein FTSF or tailings dam, owned by the Jagersfontein Development (Pty) Ltd, consisted of two compartments separated by an embankment wall. He said when the dam breached on the southern wall of the tailings dam, one compartment collapsed, leading to containment of approximately 5.9 million cubic meters (mᵌ) of fine tailings being released downstream and causing flooding and destruction of infrastructure and property including power lines, substations and wastewater treatment works, houses as well as pollution to the environment. 

“Two people were confirmed dead, and one person remains missing, and is presumed dead. Following the collapse of the dam, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) appointed the University of Pretoria (UP) and University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) to conduct a technical investigation into the failure of the TSF, to determine the cause of its collapse, assist the department to ensure that such incidents do not recur, ensure better regulation techniques are employed and to conduct an extensive technical study into the cause(s) of failure of the FTSF.

“This investigation included site visits and expert evaluations by specialist civil engineers, i.e. geotechnical and hydraulic engineers from the two institutions. Parallel to this, the Environmental Management Inspectorates from both the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) and DWS, conducted a joint investigation into the incident. A criminal case docket was finalised and referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Bloemfontein, which has taken the decision to prosecute,” said Mahlobo.

He further said the team of experts from the UP and Wits, also completed the investigation and handed the report to the department in September 2024. Mahlobo added that the report was kept confidential at the request and advice of the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions (DDPP) until the matter was enrolled and the first court appearance of the accused in the matter.

“The technical investigation by the two universities found that among others, the owner of the tailings dam, Jagersfontein Development (Pty) Ltd, may have been aware of the instability of the storage facility along the southern wall of the dam tailings from as far back as 2019, and at the time added large volumes of material to stabilise the slope, which was not effective, but continued to raise the dam wall and deposit more tailings into the dam.

“The report further indicates that the construction/raising of the tailings storage facility was based on conceptual designs and that no detailed designs were done to enable the safe construction of the facility. In addition, there was no construction supervision by a registered engineering professional,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Seitlholo said the investigation also revealed that part of the southern wall of compartment-2 was constructed over a pre-existing tailings dump of low strength, meaning it was constructed on a weak foundation. He said this is what largely resulted in the failure of the TSF where the breach occurred.

“We would have liked for the dam to close down, but seeing that it is not yet fully compliant with directives issued, however government also have to consider the livelihood of residents who reside in the area as the mine provides job opportunities to some of the residents. It is a fine balancing act saving jobs and saving lives.

“A full copy of the report can be accessed on the Department of Water and Sanitation’s website,” he concluded.

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SAPS in Northern Cape commemorate 16 Days of Activism For No Violence against Women and Children

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Picture: Some of community members attending the launch of 26 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

1 December 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape in partnership with the Regional Interdenominational Ministers Wives Association (INDAMWASA) hosted a church service in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley in commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign. The service was held on 27 November 2025, at the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa in Galeshewe Township.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the event was attended by congregants dressed in black with purple ribbons to symbolise solidarity with victims of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). Litabe said the SAPS members, Community Policing Forum (CPF) representatives and key stakeholders were also in attendance. Litabe said senior SAPS officials, including Brigadier Irene Kopeledi, the Provincial Head of Proactive Policing and Brigadier Terry Bosman from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, together with the Galeshewe Ministers Fraternal (GAMIFRA), the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Northern Cape and the SAPS Men for Change Association and Women’s Network, supported the initiative.

“Kopeledi strongly condemned the abuse of women and children, calling for collective action to end GBVF. Lieutenant Colonel (Reverend) Naledi Otswelwang addressed the congregation on behalf of SAPS Men for Change, urging men to take responsibility and reaffirming the message that violence has no place in society.

“The service was officiated by Reverend Sello Mothelesi of the Native Independent Congregational Church in Galeshewe, followed by a candle-lighting ceremony in remembrance of GBVF victims. The SAPS band played hymns and the programme was directed by Ms Nomampondomise Vika,” he said.

Litabe further said events commemorating this worthy annual campaign will continue unabated to create awareness regarding crimes against women and children and the eradication thereof.

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A man jailed for assaulting the mother of his girlfriend  

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By REGINALD KANYANE

1 December 2025- The accused, Lukas Klein (24) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Hopetown Regional Court for two counts of assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and one count of arson. The conviction stems from a violent attack on the victim, Lena Louw (47), who is the mother of his girlfriend.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said according to Louw, Klein was visiting their home when she heard her daughter screaming and warning her to close the door as Klein was approaching aggressively. Litabe said Louw attempted to defend herself by throwing boiling water at Klein after he forced the door open.

“Despite this, Klein continued his attack, striking her with a pickaxe and rendering her unconscious. She later regained consciousness in hospital, where she learned that Klein had set her house on fire, destroying all her belongings. A case docket containing charges of assault GBH and arson was registered at Hopetown Police Station, subsequently leading to the arrest of Klein on the same day of the incident.

“He remained in custody until the finalisation of the case. The accused was sentenced to three years imprisonment for assaulting his girlfriend and four years imprisonment for assaulting the complainant. Klein will serve the full 10 year term and has been declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.

Litabe further said the investigation was led by Sergeant Recardo Kock of the Hopetown Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, whose thorough work was commended by the Pixley ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, together with the Provincial Management of the South African Police Service in the Northern Cape. He added that the SAPS reiterate that Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) have no place in society.

“Perpetrators of violence against women and children will face the full might of the law,” said Litabe.

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209 vehicles, 644 persons stopped and searched during cross-border operation

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Picture: The law enforcement officers during cross-border operations/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

1 December 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape in partnership with law-enforcement counterparts in Botswana, conducted joint cross-border operations along the South Africa/Botswana borderline from 27 to 30 November 2025. The operation involved various SAPS units, including Operational Response Services, Organised Crime, Stock Theft Unit, Crime Intelligence, Visible Policing, John Taolo Gaetsewe District, Operational Command Centre and Border Policing in collaboration with the South African Border Management Authority.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the primary objective of the joint operation was to combat cross-border crimes impacting both countries such as stock-theft, human trafficking, drug trafficking and other transnational offences. Litabe said during the operation, 209 vehicles and 644 persons were stopped and searched.

“Two suspects were arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act and three traffic fines amounting to R2000 were issued. Operational activities further included the searching of premises in South Africa, borderline patrols and roadblocks. Compliance inspections were also conducted at tuck-shops, liquor outlets and farms.

“SAPS affirms that operations of this nature will continue throughout the festive season and beyond, as part of ongoing efforts to ensure safety and security along the border,” he said.

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342 perpetrators arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela II

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Picture: Some of the drugs confiscated during the raid/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

1 December 2025- As the country observes 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, the Northern Cape police bolstered efforts to address Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), contact crimes and other related serious and violent crimes during the execution of Operation Shanela 2. The police said the senior managers both at Provincial and District level, led the high density operations in collaboration with relevant stakeholders from 24 until 30 November 2025.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said all law enforcement agencies implemented a robust crime prevention approach to curb crime across all five districts through intelligence driven and targeted disruptive actions. Ehlers said actions included stop and search actions, Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), roadblocks and high visibility patrols. 

“Elevated traffic volumes were addressed during these initiatives resulting in the issuing of numerous fines for the contravention of traffic laws, as well as the arrest of seven perpetrators for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Road safety is one of the critical focus areas during the execution of safer festive season operations to ensure the safety of all motorists, passengers and pedestrians.

“A total of 9450 individuals and 4862 vehicles were stopped and thoroughly searched, including the searching of numerous premises. Compliance inspections were conducted at numerous second-hand dealers and liquor premises as well as formal and informal businesses, farms and scrapyards.  These inspections led to the closing of 16 unlicensed liquor premises for non-compliance violations,” she said.

Ehlers further said measures were intensified at shopping centres and malls to address the increase in retail activity during the discount shopping period to clamp down on ATM-related crimes, shoplifting, theft and robberies. She added that 342 perpetrators were arrested for various crimes including drug related offences, burglary, murder, rape, attempted murder, and assault GBH. 

“Detectives conducted over 200 tracing operations to track down and apprehend offenders, who have been evading the law for an array of offences. During the execution of the operations, police confiscated a substantial amount of alcohol, drugs and dangerous weapons as well as illicit tobacco products.

“Ongoing community engagements and awareness programmes focusing on prevailing crime tendencies were held in conjunction with community policing structures and government departments. The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children that commenced on 25 November 2025, was marked through several awareness campaigns throughout the province,” said Ehlers. 

She said the provincial launch was led by the Office of Premier in the Northern Cape and attended by the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliwa Otola in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District. Ehlers said the Northern Cape SAPS will continue to conduct intensified operations across the province to restore stability and combat criminal activities in identified hotspot areas in collaboration with stakeholders and the community.

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Five illegal miners jailed in separate cases

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

1 December 2025- Siphelele Mlangeni (26) and Bennett Mendi (42) were sentenced to R20 000 fine or six (6) years imprisonment by the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 26 November 2025, after they were found guilty of illegal mining and contravention of Immigration Act. The accused were arrested in August 2024 by members of the Vala Umgodi Task Team after they were caught mining chrome illegally in Witrantje village, near Sun City.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said following their arrest, they made several court appearances until they entered into a plea bargain with the state. Mathebula said they were found guilty of illegal mining and were sentenced to R20 000 fine or six years imprisonment, half of which is suspended for five years on condition that they are not convicted of illegal mining during the period of suspension.

“The court ordered them to pay an amount of R10 000 each on or before 3 December 2025. Meanwhile, on 26 November 2025, another three accused were sentenced on a separate matter to six years imprisonment for illegal mining and contravention of Immigration Act.

“Learnmore Mtapwa (27), Moses Maharabe (27) and Caiphus Moyo (40), were arrested by members of the Vala Umgodi Task Team in June 2024 in Tlhatlhaganyane village, near Sun City. It is reported that the accused were caught mining chrome without permits. They were apprehended and charged with illegal mining and contravention of Immigration,” he said.

Mathebula further said the accused made several court appearances until they entered into a plea bargain with the state. He said they were sentenced to 6 years imprisonment for illegal mining and half of which is suspended for five years on condition that they are not convicted of the same offence during the period of suspension.

“They were sentenced to two years imprisonment for contravention of Immigration Act, which is suspended for five years on condition that they are not convicted of the same offence during the period of suspension. The accused were declared unfit to possess a firearm and that they must be deported after serving their sentences,” said Mathebula.

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Decomposed body found along Lichtenburg/Mahikeng road identified

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Picture: A body discovered next to the road/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

1 December 2025- The family of an unknown woman who was found dead next to Lichtenburg/Mahikeng road near Kapsteel road on 18 November 2025, at around 2pm, came forward and identified her as Tsholofelo Lisa Kgotleng (25) from Bakerville. This comes after the police requested the public to assist them in identifying a decomposed body of Kgotleng, who was wearing a black T-shirt and black trousers (military style).

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said: “Kindly take note that family members came forward after reading about the unidentified body on Facebook and positively identified the woman as Tsholofelo Elisa Kgotleng (25) from Bakerville. Police investigations are continuing with regard to the cause of her death.

“The South African Police Service appreciates the communities’ assistance. Keep following our social media pages to stay informed.”

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A boy sentenced to 16 years imprisonment for raping three boys

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By REGINALD KANYANE

1 December 2025- The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo welcomed recent sentences handed down to rapists in the province between October and November 2025, as the province continues to deal decisively with sexual offenders. Naidoo said in one of the sentences, two life terms and additional 48 years imprisonment were handed down to Elias Thejane (39) by the Klerksdorp Sexual Offences Regional Court for raping three women in Kanana Township, near Orkney between December 2012 and October 2014.

He further said following a lengthy and extensive investigation by the Provincial Serial and Electronic Crime Investigation (SECI) unit, the convict was arrested on 9 October 2015. Naidoo added that despite being released on bail, he was re-arrested and sentenced on a separate case of burglary and two counts of rape.

“The crimes were committed in Bothaville in the Free State Province. In Vryburg, Jeffrey Dikgwatle (26 ) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court after raping a woman (24), who was on her way home after attending a party in Huhudi Township, near Vryburg on Saturday night, 6 July 2019.

“Dikgwatle overpowered the victim, threatened her with a knife and dragged her to his shack, where he ultimately raped her several times. In Mahikeng, a suspect (15), on 28 April 2024, raped two boys aged 10 and 9. They were playing in Top Village when he grabbed both boys, dragged them outside the village, tied them up and took turns on raping them at the Zeerust Bridge.

“A passerby appeared and the suspect fled, leaving two boys behind. They managed to untie themselves and reported the matter to their parents. In another separate incident reported on 25 September 2024, the same suspect raped a boy (11),” he said.

Naidoo said the victim’s mother noticed that her son was in pain. He said the victim confirmed that he was on his way to Golfview when the suspect met him on the road, took him to a nearby bridge, then assaulted, strangled and raped him.

“The boy, now 16 years-old, was sentenced to 16 years imprisonment by the Mmabatho Child Justice Court. Three more accused persons were sentenced to a combined 47 years imprisonment. The crimes were committed in Ikageng, Setlagole and Letlhabile between May 2015 and March 2025.

“It is worth noting that all the accused persons were declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000. In addition, the courts instructed that their names be included in the National Register for sexual offenders,” said Naidoo.

He commended the investigating officers, prosecutors and all other role players for their collaborative efforts that led to securing of these sentences, which he said will send a strong message that sexual offences will not be tolerated. Naidoo said as part of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, the South African Police (SAPS) in the province in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders, continues with community outreach programmes, as well as  operations to ensure that those commit Gender Based Violence related offences are brought to book.

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A mother and son nabbed for alleged murder

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By OBAKENG MAJE

1 December 2025- Two accused, Lesego Batweng (43) and Onkabetse Batweng (22), briefly appeared before the Zeerust Magistrate’s Court on 28 November 2025, for the alleged murder of Mmapula Nyanto (44). Lesego and her son, Onkabetse were remanded in custody until 2 December 2025.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the accused persons’ court appearance emanated from an incident wherein Nyanto was allegedly undressed and assaulted after being accused of witchcraft. Myburgh said the incident occurred on Monday morning, 24 November 2025, in Dinokana village, near Lehurutshe.

“After the ordeal, Nyanto was taken to a nearby health centre, where she was declared dead a short while later. Meticulous investigation conducted by the Lehurutshe Detectives led to the identification of the two suspects, who were arrested shortly after the incident,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, applauded the Lehurutshe Detectives for working hard to ensure that the suspects are arrested. Naidoo warned that taking the law into one’s hands is unlawful, unacceptable, and cannot be tolerated.

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