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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
Picture: Transformer damaged in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke/Facebook
By REGINALD KANYANE
30 December 2025- Mamusa Local Municipality said all the areas of Mamusa are now without power supply following the storm that damaged Eskom lines. The municipality said Eskom technicians are on the ground attending to the faults, which include a fallen transformer in Ipelegeng Township.
The Municipal Manager, Rantsho Gincane said the municipality is in constant communication with Eskom and will keep stakeholders and residents posted.
30 December 2025- Itsoseng Delicious event organisers have chastised Amapiano singer, Babalwa Mavuso, who is affectionately known as Babalwa M after fallout. This comes after Babalwa M refused to perform at the event on 26 December 2026, after allegedly making irrational demands.
According to the statement released by the Itsoseng Delicious event organisers, Babalwa M failed to perform at the scheduled gig after disputes over new demands prior to ascending to the stage.
“Looks Lounge would like to address the unfortunate situation regarding a scheduled artist, Babalwa M’s performance at the Itsoseng Delicious event on 26 December 2025. An artist was booked to perform at 5pm. However, she arrived approximately one hour and 30 minutes late.
“Despite this delay, the event organisers remained accommodating and continued preparations for the performance as the crowd was excited and ready,” the statement said.
The promoters further said, however, when it was time for Babalwa M to take to the stage, additional demands were made on-site for performance riders (alcoholic beverages) that had not been requested or agreed upon prior to the event. They added that they had already provided hospitality, including Hennessy VS, followed by Hennessy VSOP in good faith.
“Despite this, further demands were made for two bottles of Veuve with the condition that she would not perform without them. Attempts were made to resolve the matter amicably, but the artist declined to proceed with the performance unless these new demands were met.
“As a result, the artist’s decision was to cancel her performance. With her intentions of no longer willing to perform, the organisers requested a refund of a booking fee, which was done in full before the artist’s departure from the event,” the promoters said.
The promoters have since sincerely apologised to the patrons and supporters who attended the event, specifically to those who were looking forward to Babalawa M’s performance.
However, Babalwa M came out guns blazing and accused the promoters of disrespecting her.
“My decision not to proceed with the performance was not based on performance riders or alcohol demands as suggested. I have performed at numerous venues with incorrect performance riders or no riders at all.
“I have always chosen professionalism over inconvenience when the engagement is handled with utmost respect. Unfortunately, in this instance, the situation deteriorated due to unprofessionalism, disrespect and aggressive conduct from the promoters on-site,” she said.
Babalwa M said she was subjected to rudeness, swearing and verbal abuse, including being called ‘crazy’ by one of the promoters. She said under those circumstances, it became impossible to continue in a safer, respectful and professional environment.
“I would also like to clarify that I did not charge my full performance fee and had already agreed to a discount in good faith. The additional alcohol bottle referenced in the statement was provided by my DJ’s friend, not by the venue or promoters.
“Basic hospitality, including water, was not offered to me or my team. As an artist and a professional, I believe that mutual respect is non-negotiable. Just as one would not continue a transaction in a store where they are treated badly, I could not proceed with a performance after being disrespected,” said Babalwa M.
She said her decision to leave the venue was the result of preventing further confrontation and to protect her well-being. Babalwa M said she remains committed to professionalism, respect for the audience and positive working relationships.
30 December 2025- The Activists and Citizens Forum said from the year 2009, the people of the country have faced darkness. The Forum said this past year, was not different.
The Activists and Citizens Forum spokesperson, Dennis Bloem said 2025 was an extremely difficult year. Bloem said at the beginning of each year, the people of the country look forward to a better year, where the conditions of life will turn for the better.
“Instead of changing for the better, things have become worse. Unemployment, poverty and Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) have reached crisis proportions.
“Inequality is getting bigger by the day. The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. Crime is out of control in the country. Murder, rape, robbery, car hijacking, kidnapping, and extortion are rising by the day,” he said.
Bloem further said what is extremely disturbing is that more and more police officers are involved in these crimes. He added that on 6 July 2025, when KwaZulu Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi decided to come out publicly and tell the world and the country about corruption, infiltration of criminals in the criminal justice system and political interference by politicians.
“He shook the foundation of a corrupt system. The country has been hearing scary testimonies before the Commission and Parliamentary Ad-Hoc Committee that was set up to investigate the explosive allegations made by Mkhwanazi.
“The country also heard the strong voices of Defence Force Generals raising their concerns about the poor condition of the state of our Defence Force and the porous borders, undocumented foreigners who are flooding our country,” said Bloem.
He said the country is in a political and economic crisis. Bloem said they are sinking deeper into a dark hole.
“We want to reiterate what we have said before – the country is in the hands of wrong leaders. President Cyril Ramaphosa was never a good and strong leader.
“He is dishonest and full of empty promises. He will lead the country nowhere. What we as Activists and Citizens Forum hope and wish for, is more brave and selfless men and women who put the interests of the country above their own interests, men and women who follow in the footsteps of Mkhwanazi,” he said.
Bloem said they wish all patriotic citizens who are striving to make the country a better and safer country a prosperous year.
30 December 2025- The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit has successfully apprehended a man (26) linked to a series of phone snatching incidents across Gauteng, along with three other suspects involved in a suspected stolen property syndicate. On 30 December 2025, JMPD officers acted on information regarding a suspect who had gained notoriety through a viral social media video.
Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson, Superintendent Xolani Fihla said in the footage, the suspect is seen snatching a cellphone from a woman before fleeing the scene. Fihla said the investigative trail led the Tactical Response Unit (TRU) to a flat in Hillbrow.
“During a thorough search of the premises, officers discovered the suspect hiding on the balcony. He was found in possession of a cellphone for which he could not account.
“Following a preliminary investigation, the suspect has been positively linked to numerous phone snatching cases across the province, the March 2025 hijacking of an off-duty JMPD member as per the Diepsloot SAPS case and the use of a Toyota Corolla with cloned registration plates during the commission of these crimes,” he said.
Fihla further said the operation was extended as officers followed up on additional information regarding the suspect’s associates. He added that this led to the arrest of three Bangladeshi nationals at Wanderers Street in Johannesburg Central.
“These individuals are alleged to be responsible for “flushing” (reprogramming/wiping) stolen cellphone devices. During the arrest, officers recovered specialised equipment used in the flushing of cellphones.
“The primary suspect, a Zimbabwean national, was arrested and detained at Hillbrow SAPS on charges of possession of suspected stolen property. The three Bangladeshi suspects were charged with possession of suspected stolen property and detained at Johannesburg Central SAPS,” said Fihla.
He said the four suspects will appear at their respective courts soon.
Meanwhile, the JMPD Chief of Police, Commissioner Patrick Jaca, commended the Tactical Response Unit for their swift action. Jaca said the arrest of these individuals is a significant breakthrough in our ongoing efforts to dismantle syndicates that terrorise the residents.
“By linking this suspect to both the viral video and the hijacking of one of our own members, we are sending a clear message that there is no hiding place for criminals in Johannesburg. Our officers are working tirelessly to ensure that all those involved in the value chain of stolen property are brought to book.
“Investigations are ongoing and the search and arrest of more suspects linked to this syndicate is imminent.
“The JMPD remains committed to removing criminals from our streets and dismantling the networks that profit from the theft of personal property,” said Jaca.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and continue reporting suspicious activities.
The Guardian 