Daily Archives: December 31, 2025

Eskom technicians at the substation after electricity outage

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Picture: Eskom technicians at the substation/Facebook 

By AGISANANG SCUFF

31 December 2025- The Mamusa Local Municipality said Eskom technicians are currently at their town substation. The municipality said from here, they will be attending to the transformers as they are still awaiting instructions from Bloemfontein.

The Municipal Manager of Mamusa Local Municipality, Rantsho Gincane said thereafter, they will contact the municipality for a way forward. Gincane said Eskom is unable to confirm the time of power restoration.

“Eskom does not have a dedicated Communications Office that liaises with either the municipality or its clients, who are our residents. As a municipality, we have to search information from technicians who in most cases have no updates as well.

“Eskom operates through fault logging and providing reference numbers and then dispatch technicians at their own time. We, however, commit to continue seeking information because we are part of your frustrations. We have on several occasions engaged Eskom in this regard, including proposing that their site offices be used for complaints,” he said.

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‘Celebrate the New Year responsibly’

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

31 December 2025- The police in the Northern Cape have proclaimed a zero tolerance approach as disruptive actions are executed across the province to curb criminality during New Year celebrations. The police said senior management will be leading focused operations simultaneously across all five districts in the province.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the police visibility will be significantly intensified, with members deployed in full force. Ehlers said the disruptive actions will focus on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), alcohol-related offences, contact crimes, property-related crimes, and the possession of dangerous weapons.

“Liquor outlets and public gatherings will be closely monitored, to ensure responsible drinking. The police advise the public to take precautions to avoid falling victim to crime. If you plan to drink, get home safely.  Arrange alternative transport with a designated driver.

“Do not take chances – rather stay where you are until you are sober, or arrange for alternative transport. Never leave your drink unattended.  Do not accept drinks from strangers. Be mindful of drink spiking,” she said.

Ehlers further urges drivers not to drink and drive. She added that they should keep an eye on their friends too and stay in a group.

“Be aware of your surroundings. Parents and guardians must be aware of the whereabouts of children at all times. Report suspicious activity,” said Ehlers.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola urges the public to be responsible and vigilant and to provide valuable information to law enforcement to ensure that perpetrators are apprehended. Otola said crime prevention operations will continue beyond the festive season, as law enforcement remains resolute in squeezing the space for criminal activities.

“Anyone with information related to criminal activities is encouraged to report it via the MySAPS App or contact the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111,” she said.

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Regulator heads to Supreme Court of Appeal over publication of NSC results in newspapers

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

31 December 2025- The Information Regulator (Regulator) said it is heading to the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein to apply for Leave to Appeal following the decision by the full bench of the Pretoria High Court to set aside the Regulator’s Enforcement Notice and the Infringement Notice, which was issued to the Department of Basic Education (DBE) in 2024.

The Regulator said the Leave to Appeal is a formal request to the High Court for permission to appeal a lower court’s decision. The Regulator said it has studied the judgment and thus filed an appeal, which has the effect of suspending the execution of the orders that are the subject of the appeal, pending the final determination of the application and any subsequent appeals.

The Regulator of South Africa spokesperson, Nomzamo Zondi said they have sent correspondence to the Department of Basic Education (DBE), outlining the impact of the application for Leave to Appeal. Zondi said the application for Leave to Appeal makes the Enforcement Notice and Infringement Notices enforceable, which still prohibits DBE from publishing the matric results in the newspapers.

“DBE must comply with the Enforcement Notice unless it obtains an order granting it leave to execute the judgment pending the final determination of the appeal.

“The Regulator stands firm in its position that the importance of judicial processes may help illuminate certain aspects of POPIA, particularly in relation to the obligations of responsible parties, such as DBE, in complying with the Regulator’s orders and in protecting personal information that they hold about data subjects,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Department of Basic Education (DBE), Nosiviwe Gwarube said: “We will announce the outcome of the examinations on 12 January 2026. Results will be released to candidates on 13 January 2026, while some results may not be available because of technical issues.

“Candidates are urged to get their statements of results from their school/centre where they wrote the exams. Candidates’ results will also be available on this website from 6am on 13 January 2026. Result queries should be submitted for investigation within 30 days after the release of results. Candidates must ensure that names and identity numbers reflect correctly on their statement of results and report any required corrections to the department before 20 February 2026.”

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North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone takes early retirement

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Picture: North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone

By OBAKENG MAJE

31 December 2025- The North West police spokesperson, retires after an exceptional policing career spanning for 35 years, a journey marked by discipline, dedication, integrity and unwavering commitment in serving the communities of North West. Mokgwabone said he decided to go into early retirement from 1 January 2026.

He further said as a famous quote from John Donne’s 1624 work says: “No human being is an island”, Mokgwabone added that he exists because of others’ existence.

“I was there because you were there. I am saying this because I walked this journey with most of you since I became a Communication Officer in the South African Police Service (SAPS). We worked together and relied on each other to achieve our objectives, both as the SAPS and various media houses you represented and worked for.

“It was indeed a privilege for me to have worked with patient, understanding and professionals of your calibre. I salute your ladies and gentlemen.  Take note that I will not be available on the SAPS official number from 9am,” he said.

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Manhunt launched after three people shot

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By REGINALD KANYANE

31 December 2025 – The police are searching for suspects following a shooting incident in which three people were shot along the Nyongane Main Road in Hazyview on 30 December 2025, at approximately 5:30pm. Upon responding to the complaint, police found two men with gunshot wounds who were certified deceased at the scene.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said a woman allegedly sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition. Ndubane said a baby (2), who was also in the vehicle was unharmed.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the four victims were travelling along the Nyongane Main Road towards Nyongane when they were ambushed by an unknown number of suspects who were hiding in nearby bushes.

“The suspects allegedly opened fire on the vehicle. The driver managed to continue driving for approximately 200 metres before colliding with another vehicle from behind and coming to a stop,” he said.

Ndubane further said the suspects, who were on foot, then approached the vehicle and shot the occupants at close range, killing the driver and his passenger instantly. He added that the injured woman is believed to be the driver’s wife.

“A 72-hour activation plan has been implemented, and all relevant role players attended the scene. Police are appealing to members of the public for any information that may assist in the arrest of the suspects.

“Anyone with information is urged to contact Captain Eddie Rapagadi on 082 449 0231, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or submit information via the MySAPS App,” said Ndubane.

He said all information will be treated as confidential, and callers may remain anonymous.

Meanwhile, the acting Mpumalanga Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has condemned the incident and confirmed the activation of the 72-hour plan to apprehend those responsible.

“We cannot live in a society where people open fire and kill others in broad daylight, while also endangering the life of an innocent minor,” said Mkhwanazi.

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Public and business owners warned against unlawful trading of fireworks  

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By OBAKENG MAJE

31 December 2025- As part of the ongoing Safer Festive Season Operations, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape cautions members of the public and business owners against the unlawful trading and irresponsible use of fireworks during the end-of-year celebrations. The police said they take the safety of all citizens seriously, including that of children, motorists, animals and vulnerable members of the community.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said in terms of the Explosives Act and applicable municipal safety regulations, the discharge of fireworks is prohibited within a 500-metre radius of petrol stations, hospitals, clinics, old-age homes and animal welfare centres. Pilane said it is further illegal to aim or direct fireworks at any person, animal, motor vehicle, or building, as such actions pose a serious risk of injury and may cause significant damage to property and infrastructure.

“The police strongly advise parents and guardians to ensure strict supervision of underage children when fireworks are used, as unsupervised handling may result in serious injuries.

“The Act explicitly states that it is illegal to sell fireworks to persons under the age of 16. Parents and guardians may be held criminally liable should a minor under their care be found in possession of, or using, fireworks without supervision,” he said.

Pilane added that members of the public are urged to purchase fireworks only from authorised dealers who display valid SAPS-approved permits. He said street vendors and hawkers are not authorised to sell fireworks.

“Failure to comply with the Explosives Act and municipal by-laws may result in immediate police intervention and appropriate legal action,” said Pilane.

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