Daily Archives: July 17, 2026

Police distribute 50 winter beanies during Winter Relief Drive

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Picture: The police during Winter Relief Drive/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

17 July 2026 – In support of Nelson Mandela International Day and the spirit of dedicating 67 minutes to serving others, members of Calvinia SAPS launched their Winter Relief Drive on 16 July 2026, by distributing 50 winter beanies to elderly residents in Calvinia. The initiative forms part of SAPS’ commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable community members during the harsh winter months, while honouring the legacy of former President Nelson Mandela through acts of compassion, kindness and service.

The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said a particularly touching moment during the outreach was the presentation of a winter beanie to Dawid Ryk, who is set to celebrate his 99th birthday in October 2026. Members described it as a privilege to share this special occasion with him, recognising his remarkable life and contribution to the community. Magerman said the recipients expressed heartfelt gratitude for the kindness and compassion shown by the SAPS members, saying the gesture not only brought warmth against the winter cold but also reminded them that they are valued, remembered and cared for.

“The Calvinia SAPS Winter Relief Drive will continue until the end of August 2026, with members reaching out to more vulnerable residents across the policing area. Through this initiative, SAPS reaffirms its commitment to serving communities with dignity, compassion and Ubuntu, while embracing the spirit of Mandela Day by giving back to those who need it most,” he said.

The Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, commended the police for embodying the values of selfless service and community care. Andrews encouraged all members to continue building trust and strengthening partnerships through meaningful acts of kindness that reflect the true spirit of Mandela Day.

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R100m partnership brings long-awaited relief to Brits community

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Picture: North West DPWR, Elizabeth Mokua

By REGINALD KANYANE

17 July 2026 – The North West Department of Public Works and Roads (DPWR) and Valterra Platinum Mines have on Friday, entered into a landmark public-private partnership that will inject close to R100 million towards the upgrading of 12km of Road D105 from Ramokokastad to Brits, bringing long-awaited relief to communities in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality. The partnership was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) by the North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua and the Senior General at the mine’s Amandabult Complex, Johan Van Tonder in the presence of Kgosi Manotshe Ramokoka, who represents Baphalane ba Ramokoka Traditional Council.

Mokua said under the agreement, Valterra Platinum Mines will inject R98 million into the joint upgrade for 10 kilometre stretch of Road D105, while the department will contribute towards the remaining 2km that includes construction of a bridge to improve safety and all-weather accessibility for the community. She said the department has already appointed a consulting engineering firm for the designs before construction commences.

“Vaalterra will on the other hand appoint the contractor to carry out the works. The department continues to encourage partnerships with the mining sector as part of its strategy to expand and preserve the provincial road network. This is far more than a road construction project.

“It is a partnership that restores hope to the people of Ramokokastad, Bojating and all the surrounding villages while demonstrating that sustainable infrastructure development is possible when government and business work together. I also want to add that mining remains a key driver of the provincial economy. At the same time, mining activities place considerable pressure on our road infrastructure through the movement of heavy vehicles,” she said.

Mokua further said partnerships such as this one represents a responsible and sustainable approach to ensuring that community’s benefit from improved infrastructure while supporting economic growth.

Johan Van Tonder pledged the mine’s continued commitment to ensuring the roads in the area that also benefit their employees and operations also contribute towards community development and access to social amenities. As the recipient of this grand gesture, Ramokoka pledged his and the community’s support by ensuring that the project is implemented in time and within the allocated budget by avoiding any stoppages.

“We would like to commend the department and the mining house for their consideration of their area. You could have chosen to take this project somewhere else, but you chose our villages. This gesture came as a surprise as some of us never thought we would ever see the road to Brits tarred in our lifetime,” he said.

Meanwhile, the project is expected to improve access to schools, healthcare facilities, economic opportunities and public services for the Ramokokastad community and surrounding villages, while strengthening connectivity within the Moses Kotane Local Municipality.

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Two policemen jailed for corruption

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By OBAKENG MAJE

17 July 2026 – Two former police officials were sentenced for corruption related offences. In the first matter, Warrant Officer Thabo Alfred Maku (56) and Constable Lebogang Lawrence Sebole (38) allegedly demanded R4000 from the owner of a butchery in Tlhabane Township, near Rustenburg, after identifying contraventions of the Meat Safety Act during November 2020.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said at the time of the incident, both policemen were on duty and attached to the Phokeng Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit. Myburgh said the court heard evidence that the business owner handed over the money, but no official fine was issued by the police and no receipt was provided.

“The matter was subsequently reported and investigated, leading to their arrest on 18 August 2022. Maku resigned from the police following his arrest, while Sebole was dismissed from the service. On 10 July 2026, both accused were convicted. On 16 July 2026, the court sentenced Maku to six years imprisonment for corruption and defeating the ends of justice.

“Sebole was sentenced to five years imprisonment for corruption. In a second matter reported in Phokeng during January 2022, the court heard that Sebole demanded R7 000 from a complainant in exchange for the release of a vehicle that had been impounded as an exhibit. Following the approval of an undercover operation by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in North West, an operation was conducted, resulting in his arrest,” she said.

Myburgh further said Sebole was also convicted on 10 July 2026 and sentenced to an additional six years imprisonment for corruption. She added that the court ordered that the sentence imposed in the Tlhabane matter, run concurrently with the sentence in the Phokeng case.

“Both accused were also declared unfit to possess a firearm according to Section 103 of the Firearm Control Act, 2000,” said Myburgh.

Welcoming the sentences, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, said these convictions and sentences send a strong message that no police officer is above the law. Naidoo said police officers must remain within the prescripts of the law at all times.

“We assure the community that the abuse of authority, corruption or conduct that undermines public trust will be dealt with decisively. We would like to further commended Warrant Officer William Armstrong of the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit, and Advocate Zola Mpayipheli of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and all role players whose professionalism and commitment ensured the successful prosecution of the cases,” he said.

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