Daily Archives: December 9, 2025

MRM applauds arrest of six suspects in multimillion Makapanstad drug bust

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Picture: Drugs worth millions confiscated in clandestine laboratory in Makapanstad/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

9 December 2025- The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West on Tuesday applauded the arrest of six suspects after the discovery of drugs worth millions at a clandestine drug laboratory in Makapanstad. The civil society led movement promoting the Charter of Positive Values Positive Charter of Values said that the breakthrough has exposed the shift of drug trade operations from urban centers to rural communities, where drug syndicates thought they would not be easily detected.

Convenor of the MRM Interim Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele remarked that the Thulwe village drug laboratory discovered north-west of Maubane was undoubtedly a massive operation that relied on obscurity, while it supplied drugs that are destroying the future and lives of mostly youth to a wider network. Kgwele said while they are encouraged that there still exists capacity within the SAPS to mount such a thorough investigation by dedicated police officers, they can only celebrate the successful arrests when follow-up investigations lead to the arrest of the mastermind/s behind the what is undoubtedly a drug cartel that is supported by sophisticated logistics to move the drugs around.

According to the Hawks Spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale, members of Serious Organised Crime Investigation of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in the Western Cape followed up information relating to a suspect that fled in a different case involving proliferation of drugs when the information led them a small holding in Thulwe.

Kgwele highlighted that drug abuse and illicit trafficking are tearing families apart. He mentioned that every family that has an addict in its household knows the immeasurable pain of watching their loved one going to waste due to drug addiction.

“There is an urgent need for united action and collaboration to establish value driven communities as part of contributing towards reclaiming Ubuntu and addressing moral decay. This effort must be supported by an intensified effort to rid our communities of drugs which are contributing to senseless violent crimes and gender-based violence and femicide,” said Kgwele.

Meanwhile, the Moretele Local Municipality mayor, Masango George Manyike has commended the Makapanstad SAPS together with the Hawks Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation for their swift and coordinated operation that led to the arrest of six suspects and the discovery of millions worth of drugs in Makapanstad. Manyike said the successful operation, conducted by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team alongside Counter-Narcotics and Gangs (Western Cape), uncovered a clandestine mandrax manufacturing laboratory on a small holding in Thulwe, north-west of Maubane.

“We would like to praise the dedication and vigilance displayed by the law enforcement agencies. Their efforts demonstrate a firm stand against criminal activities that threaten the safety and well-being of Moretele communities.

“This breakthrough is a clear message that illegal drug manufacturing and distribution will not be tolerated in our municipality. We are grateful for the swift response and collaboration between the Hawks and our local police. Their work helps protect our youth and communities from the devastating impact of drugs,” he said.

Manyike further said the municipality remains committed to working closely with law enforcement to combat crime and ensure safer neighbourhoods.

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1487 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela II

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

9 December 2025 – In enhancing public safety and addressing the heightened risk of criminal activity during this period, the police in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, conducted high density intelligence-led joint law enforcement Safer Festive Season Operation – Shanela 2 across the province between 1 and 7 December 2025. 

The police said the operations covered all the province’s districts and included the execution of actions such as the setting of roadblocks on all the national and provincial arterial roads, tracing of wanted suspects, stop and searches and compliance inspections at liquor selling outlets and shutting down of unlicensed liquor premises.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said consequent to the operations, a total of 1487 arrests were made for various offences that included murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH) and common assault, and burglaries at residential and business premises, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of drugs, and illegal dealing in liquor. Mokgwabone said it is worth noting that out of 1487 arrests, 459 were effected during detectives’ suspected raiding operations.

“Furthermore, the operations resulted in the confiscation of copper cables, six firearms, ten rounds of ammunition, drugs, liquor,  tobacco products and suspected stolen stock or produce (four goats), among others,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, expressed gratitude to all role players for their continuous and coordinated efforts in ensuring the well-being of the community.

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It’s all systems go for 2025 Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music Festival

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Picture: Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music Festival line-up

By OBAKENG MAJE

9 December 2025- Preparations for the 2025 edition of the Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music Festival are on the final stretch this week, with the organisers declaring their readiness to host a memorable and safe event. Work behind the scenes is progressing well, with the buzz about the event all over the media, including print, radio, and various social media platforms.

The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi said the safety and security department is also working tirelessly to improve on past challenges to provide an unforgettable experience for the young and old. Tlhapi said the festival will take place on 12 until 14 December 2025, at Mmabatho Stadium and Mmabatho Convention Centre.

“As is tradition with Mahika Mahikeng, the buzz starts with an event at the Barolong Boo Ratshidi Kgotla on 11 December 2025, where the organisers will seek the blessings and support from Kgosi Jeff Kgotleng Montshioa for a successful event.   

“The music and culture events kick-off on 12 December at the Mmabatho Stadium, where Khuli Chana, Fifi Cooper and Kabza, will be some of the leading acts entertaining the youth. Gospel night on 13 December 2025, at the Mmabatho Convention Centre, will feature legends such as Benjamin Dube, Busi Radebe and Teboho Moloi,” she said.

Tlhapi further said a new feature on the Mahika Mahikeng programme is the Maftown Spin Festival. She added that it will be at the Mmabatho Stadium parking lot on 13 December 2025, from 10am.

“On 14 December 2025, at the Mmabatho Stadium, it will be jazz night with leading acts such as Zonke, KB Motsilenyane, Kelly Khumalo and the Jaziel Brothers. Tickets are available from Computicket: Youth Festival (12 December 2025 – Mmabatho Stadium (R250 and on the day R300).

“Gospel Festival will take place on 13 December 2025 at Mmabatho Convention Centre and tickets will be R250 and R300 on the day. For the car spinning festival, the ticket will cost R200 and R250 at the gate. For the Jazz Festival on 14 December 2025 at Mmabatho Stadium, the ticket will cost R300 at Computicket and R350 on the day,” said Tlhapi.  

 Meanwhile, those who are interested in VIP packages can contact info@mahika-mahikeng.co.za, mmathabo@bigdaddy247events.co.za or Phillip@bigdaddy247events.co.za. They can also call 067 556 9824 or 084 5801430.

For VIP packages for spinning, they can contact 071 462 2909

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Business women in Makwassie Hills receive equipment

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Picture: Business women in Makwassie Hills receive equipment/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE

9 December 2025- Women entrepreneurs in Maquassi Hills hailed the North West Department of Social Development for providing them with material support to grow their Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). The department said equipment includes tools sets, fridges, dough rollers, gas stoves, tables, chairs, industrial washing machines, cake mixtures, pots, electric frying pans, micro ovens and chuffing dishes.

Presenting the equipment to the beneficiaries, Manager in the Office of MEC, Tebogo Chaane said the aim of the initiative is to provide women-led emerging businesses with the necessary equipment to enhance their productivity, efficiency and competitiveness in the market.

“Please make it a point that you sharpen your skills by studying. Be professional in your business. Make sure that you maintain cleanliness. As your businesses grow, make sure you hire unemployed people.

“The provision of material support to rural women across the province is in line with the departmental policy on economic strengthening of individuals, households and community initiatives which aims to reduce vulnerability, poverty and dependence on the state,” he said.

Chaane further said as part of social investment, the department has on an annual basis, procured equipment, machinery and materials for unemployed women who have livelihood strategies to uplift the socio-economic level of their communities and generate income for their respective households.

Meanwhile, community members from Kgakala Township, Tswelelang, Makwassi and Leeudoringstad, attend the handing over ceremony held under the theme: “The rise of rural women: building resilient future.” Since the beginning of the current financial year, the department has been providing equipment to women owned enterprises across the province.

Modiehi Motlhabane, who specialises in bakery and confectionery, attributed her profound thanks to God Almighty for enabling the department of social development to buy them equipment and deliver it at the right time.

“I thank God for giving us strength to wait for the equipment. I am so grateful. It is like I am born again. I appeal to all women to work hard as women. My advice to other women is to start businesses to fight poverty and unemployment. Now that we have received the equipment, we are going to work hard for the success of our businesses,” she added.

Another beneficiary from Kgakala Township, Kediemetse Selebalo, expressed her happiness after receiving material support from the department.

“Through the sale of food and cakes, I generated money for my Bachelor of Education foundation phase. Today, I am a graduate and I am still pursuing this business. Thank you very much for social development for boosting my business,” she said.  

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A company director sentenced for R3.6m tax fraud

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

9 December 2025- The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) in collaboration with the South African Revenue Service (SARS), and other law enforcement agencies have secured six years imprisonment sentence with two years suspended for Tshepo Khoza in a tax fraud matter involving approximately R3.6 million, linked to systemic corruption within state procurement processes.

The IDAC spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said, Khoza who is a director of Grey Apple Trading Enterprise (Pty) Ltd, was found guilty on three counts of fraud, one of which falls under Schedule 5 category (serious crimes) and one count of failing to register for Value-Added Tax (VAT) in contravention of section 234 of the Tax Administration Act. Mamothame said the conviction follows extensive investigations under Project Blue Lights, which uncovered that Grey Apple Trading Enterprise received tenders from the South African Police Service (SAPS) linked to the DNA project that resided under the FSL unit (forensic science laboratory).

“These tenders were awarded due to Khoza’s family relationship with a senior SAPS official. Despite earning approximately R3.6 million between 2015 and 2018, Khoza falsely declared the company to be dormant and failed to declare income to SARS. The corruption trial wherein he is charged with others will resume on 22 February 2026,” he said.

Meanwhile, the SARS Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter together with IDAC Head, Advocate Andrea Johnson, acknowledged the teamwork that led to this conviction, reinforcing the public’s trust in joint efforts to uphold tax compliance and fight corruption.

“Tax fraud is not a victimless crime. It is theft from the national fiscus and, ultimately, from the millions of South Africans who depend on government services for education, healthcare, and social support. Every rand stolen through fraudulent schemes undermines our country’s ability to deliver on its constitutional mandate. SARS will not tolerate such conduct.

“We will pursue every case relentlessly, and those who choose to defraud the system must know that accountability is certain and justice will prevail,” said Kieswetter.

Johnson said: “This outcome demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between SARS, IDAC, and law enforcement agencies to combat tax-related crimes and corruption in public procurement. The case forms part of a broader strategy to dismantle networks that undermine fiscal integrity and public trust. This communicates our unswerving commitment to bring to book those that are committed to defraud the state,” she said.

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A man sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for murder

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

9 December 2025- A body of a boy (13) was discovered in the veld with a stab wound to his chest next to the Kalkfontein gravel road in Petrusville. The police in Petrusville said they were alerted by a passerby on 26 May 2025, at approximately 10am.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said upon arrival at the scene, the police discovered the body of a boy who was later identified as Dion Rudy Bezuidenhoudt. Shemane said a thorough police investigation led to the arrest of a suspect, Chris Blaauw (19).

“The police successfully opposed bail and the accused remained in custody throughout the court proceedings. On 8 December 2025, Blaauw pleaded guilty to the murder. He was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for murder by the De Aar Regional Court,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, reiterated that law enforcement agencies will not turn a blind eye to crimes committed against the most vulnerable members of society. Otola commended Detective Constable Jessica Julie of the Petrusville Detectives for her swift and thorough investigation, as well as the prosecutorial guided investigation that ensured the accused was removed from society for a considerable period.

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Police are looking for missing woman

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Picture: Missing Icherene Savada Sussana Windstaan/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

9 December 2025- The police in Kakamas are requesting the public to assist in locating a missing woman, Icherene Savada Sussana Windstaan (40). The police said Windstaan was last seen wearing light blue jeans, white shirt and white shoes before her disappearance.

ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said she is suspected of being in the vicinity of Upington. Masegela said anyone with information that can assist in locating her can contact the investigating officer, Captain Gabriel Matthys on 076 021 4734 or 082 447 190.

“The public is reminded that there is no waiting period to report a missing person,” she said.

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