Author Archives: The Guardian

South African Police CAC in Northern Cape inspires many in digital world  

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The SAPS Chief Administration Clerk, Reshanthan Moodley/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

23 June 2025- The police in Northern Cape said as they commemorate Youth Month under the theme: “Skills for the Changing World – Empowering Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation”, they are proudly introducing and celebrating Chief Administration Clerk (CAC), Reshanthan Moodley (34), who truly embodies the spirit of this year’s theme. The police said Resh as Moodley is affectionately known, is a passionate digital innovator and firearm enthusiast, committed to lifelong learning and the advancement of technology within the SAPS.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said Moodley started his career in the South African Police Service (SAPS) in May 2014, as an administration clerk within the Provincial Technology Management Services (TMS) in Kimberley. Kock said in this role, he was responsible for managing the Provincial System Helpdesk, providing critical IT support to SAPS personnel throughout the Northern Cape.

“In 2015, Moodley was entrusted with the installation, configuration, implementation and training of SAPS members on various crime management systems, including ICDMS, NPIS, and PVS.

“His pivotal role in the national rollout of Facial Recognition Cameras under the NPIS initiative in 2017 further showcased his technical acumen and dedication. His involvement in new system deployments sparked a deep interest in software development, motivating him to pursue a Diploma in Systems Development, with a focus on full-stack development and ethical hacking,” he said.

Kock further said in 2022, Resh was promoted to Chief Administration Clerk, serving as the Provincial MIC (Management Information Coordinator) for TMS in the Northern Cape. He added that his current responsibilities include developing the annual operational plan for the component, monitoring and evaluating performance in line with the Annual Performance Plan (APP).

“This includes compiling quarterly performance and feedback reports. Managing and implementing the component’s risk register, developing and overseeing the Service Delivery Improvement Plan (SDIP) and compiling annual performance assessments,” said Kock.

He said in addition to his administrative duties, Moodley continues to leverage his technical expertise by providing vital support in operations, including radio communications and most recently, contributing to technical support for illicit mining operations. Kock said currently, he is leading the coordination of the Ministerial CCTV Camera Project in the Northern Cape.

“This initiative aims to enhance police safety by identifying high-risk security points at police stations and units and proposing appropriate technical solutions.

“Looking ahead, Moodley aspires to become a software developer focused on creating innovative AI technologies and algorithms that will increase efficiency and accuracy within SAPS,” he said.

Kock said Moodley is also committed to academic and professional development and this is clear in the qualifications he obtained. He said Moodley obtained a Diploma in Systems Development, Diploma in Cyber Security, Higher Certificate in Information Technology, and Certificates in Microsoft Mobility and Security, Artificial Intelligence in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and Information Systems: Technology and Business Models.

“This includes Strategic Planning and Management, Project Management and Operations Management Frameworks. Moodley lives by the personal motto: “Strive for progress, not perfection.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Fifteen suspects nabbed for illegal mining

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: One of the suspects nabbed for illegal mining/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

23 June 2025- Fifteen suspects aged between 22 and 50 were arrested across the Northern Cape for Contravention of the Immigration Act, illegal mining activities and possession of suspected unpolished diamonds. The arrests were the result of a multi-disciplinary, intelligence-driven operation conducted by members deployed under Operation Vala Umgodi in the Namakwa District.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said the police allegedly received a tip-off regarding nocturnal mining operations at a diamond site in Koingnaas. Pilane said acting swiftly on the intelligence, the proactive and combat teams tactically approached the identified location and successfully apprehended ten suspects actively engaged in illegal mining.

“The individuals were also found in possession of suspected unpolished diamonds. In a separate intervention within the Francis Baard District, teams under the leadership of the Provincial TAC-JOC Commander, Colonel Sebenzile Qunta, conducted disruptive operations at the Beefmaster illegal mining camp.

“A significant quantity of dagga was recovered during the action. Additionally, three suspects were arrested at a wholesale premises on Phakamile Mabija Street in Kimberley after they were found to be in the country without valid documentation,” he said.

Pilane further said on 20 June 2025, two more suspects were arrested in Longlands following intelligence reports of illegal mining activities in the area. He added that the police confiscated suspected diamond-bearing gravel, unpolished diamonds, and various equipment believed to have been used in the commission of illegal mining operations.

“All arrested individuals are expected to appear in the respective courts on 23 June 2025. The South African Police Service in the Northern Cape remains resolute in its efforts to combat illegal mining and other forms of criminality,” said Pilane.

He said the members of the public are urged to report any suspicious activities anonymously via the MySAPS App or the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

SAUCIC conveys condolences to families of Eastern Cape floods victims    

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: One of the victims of Eastern Cape floods carried away/Sowetan

By REGINALD KANYANE

23 June 2025- The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) on Sunday conveyed condolences to families that lost their loved ones in the devastating floods in the Eastern Cape. This is as the death toll climbed to 92 after two more bodies were recovered.

SAUCIC President Cardinal Archbishop Dr Modiri Patrick Shole said their thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families, including those who are still searching for their loved ones in ongoing search and recovery operations. Shole said they also wish those who survived the worst natural disaster in the history of the country a speedy recovery.

“We would like to commend the government’s speedy intervention that has resulted in restoration of critical services such as water and electricity, roll-out of relief effort and declaration of a State of Disaster to assist flood victims.

“This includes the deployment of members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to bolster search and recovery operations. We also express appreciation for the supporting role played by the churches and traditional leaders,” he said.

Shole further said this includes coordination by the National and Provincial government, the Department of Social Development, the OR Tambo and Amathole District Municipalities, NGO’s as well as humanitarian organisations like Gift of the Givers. He added that the rate at which their rural communities are experiencing natural disasters as a result of climate change calls for a review of disaster management strategies.

“This calls for protocols to empower communities to respond timeously and adequately whenever they experience such disasters. So, we appeal for compassion for victims emphasizing that those who were left displaced and homeless must be speedily assisted to rebuild their lives.

“Accountability mechanism must be put in place to safeguard mobilised resources against opportunistic and corrupt elements that will not resist the temptation to benefit at the expense of the plight of victims,” said Shole.

He stressed that infrastructure development including rollout of housing as well as road construction projects including the on-going project to build access bridges through the Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme must be expanded to mitigate against flooding.

Shole said while they acknowledge that the inherited infrastructure backlog is huge, no effort must be spared to ensure that their rural communities are not left behind.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A call to curb teenage pregnancy

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: A teenager pregnant while still attending school/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

23 June 2025- The North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie calls on various communities to join hands with the government in its effort to curb teenage pregnancy in the province. Dantjie’s plea follows the recent cases of statutory rape involving three young girls in Christiana.  

She further said three cases were reported to Lekwa Teemane Service Point on 19 June 2025, by the police after the nursing sister and medical practitioner filed the cases following consultations with three teenage girls aged 14 and 15. Dantjie added that the other minor’s age is still to be confirmed.

“The three visited the local clinic and were confirmed to be pregnant. The absence of parental accompaniment during their clinic visits raised significant concerns regarding inadequate parental care and supervision.

“Upon preliminary investigation conducted by professional social workers comprised of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) social worker, probation officer and ward supervisor, it was discovered that two of the three minor girls aged 14 and 15, had already given birth while the other one is expected to give birth in August 2025,” she said.

Dantjie said a girl (14), was impregnated by a boy (17), a girl (16) by a man (18), while the age of the boyfriend of a girl (15) is still to be verified. She expressed disappointment on the three statutory rape cases.

“The government has implemented measures to address teenage pregnancy in schools such as the integrated school health programme, which is led by the North West Department Education, Health and Social Development.

“These programmes include family preservation. Our department has also partnered with the Shout it Now organisation to educate young people about HIV, teenage pregnancy and other social ills across the province,” said Dantjie.

She said: “We cannot be deterred by these incidents in our resolve to prevent teenage pregnancy and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in our communities.

“Our social workers, including our social cluster departments and the civil society organisations are on the ground to break the barrier of ignorance among young girls by educating them about teenage pregnancy and other social pathologies that are tormenting our communities.”

Dantjie said that the issue of teenage pregnancy requires the collaborative efforts of key role players, which include parents, teachers, guardians and the community at large. She said social workers will continue to render family preservation services, psychosocial support and parenting skills to the young girls. 

“They will also be referred to a psychologist in order to prevent them from possible cyber bullying and stigmatisation.

“In addition, the probation officer will ensure that therapeutic services are rendered through possible diversion programmes to the alleged perpetrators if deemed appropriate after thorough investigation,” said Dantjie.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Four men nabbed for dealing in drugs

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Some of drugs seized by the police/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

23 June 2025- Four suspects were arrested for allegedly dealing with drugs during intensified Operation Shanela II in ZFM District on Friday. The operation activities have the yielded good results.

The ZFM District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said a Crime Intelligence-driven operation by Upington Border Police assisted by K9 unit, led to the apprehension suspects. Masegela said the police allegedly received tip-off about drugs to be delivered at one of the premises in Paballelo.

“The police operationalised the information. The police searched the said premises and discovered dagga to the value of R 33 350. They then arrested three suspects aged 22, 28, and 38, respectively.

“Furthermore, a man (31) allegedly found in possession of mandrax tablets and methamphetamine with an estimated value of R123 000 was arrested,” she said.

Masegela further said in addition, the police also confiscated cellphones and a scale believed to be used in the commission of crime. She added that, in an unrelated incident, the police in Keimoes closed down an illegal liquor outlet and seized liquor amounting to R15 000.

“An elderly man was charged for Contravention of the Northern Cape Liquor Act. The relentlessness actions by the members to eradicate drugs and other related crimes were commended by the District Commissioner of ZFM, Major General Monica Sebili, who urged the community to continue reporting illicit drug dealing.

“The police will continue tighten grip and continue unabatedly to minimize the space for criminal activity in the ZFM District,” said Masegela.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

218 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The police conducting stop and search campaign/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

23 June 2025- More than 218 suspects were arrested in Northern Cape for various crimes during the concerted efforts of Operation Shanela II, which is a weekly multi-disciplinary, high-density crime-combatting initiative. The police said the operation will continue to drive an integrated and strategic national response to criminal activities across the Northern Cape.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Sergio Kock said the latest phase of the operation ran from 16 until 22 June 2025 and focused primarily on reducing contact and violent crimes in identified hotspot areas. Kock said the policing actions were executed during this period, which included vehicle checkpoints (VCPs), stop-and-search operations, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, and activities targeting drug and contraband smuggling.

“Across the province, numerous VCPs and roadblocks resulted in 2,799 vehicles and 4,707 individuals being stopped and searched. Compliance inspections were conducted at second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, recycling centers, private security companies, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses.

“This includes farms and mining operations. As part of broader community safety efforts, SAPS, together the Community Policing structures, representatives from the Department of Education, as well as other structures and NGO’s in support of the Safer Schools Programme visited several schools in the districts as a form of creating awareness with regard to crime trends, especially child protection,” said Kock.

He further said in line with Youth Month, SAPS and its partners also hosted various events under the theme: “Skills for the Changing World – Empowering Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation.” Kock added that, operational successes recorded during the week included arrests for murder, attempted murder, rape, robbery,

assault, burglary, malicious damage to property,

drug dealing and possession,

driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and

harboring of undocumented foreign nationals.

“Detectives executed tracing operations to focus on the apprehension of wanted suspects.

“The police further confiscated large quantities of alcoholic beverages, illicit drugs, non-ferrous metals, and cash suspected to be proceeds of criminal activity,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, reaffirmed that Operation Shanela II represents a strategic realignment of resources and expertise.

“Our objective is to mitigate the impact of crime on public safety and economic growth, creating a secure environment that fosters domestic prosperity and attracts international investment,” she stated,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Lesotho national nabbed for attempted murder, unlawful possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition  

NEWS Leave a comment

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

23 June 2025 – As part of efforts to eradicate illegal firearms, a suspect (31) will appear in the Orkney Magistrate’s Court on 23 June 2025, to face charges of possession of unlicensed firearms, unlawful possession of ammunition, two counts of attempted murder and contravention of the Dangerous Weapons Act. The suspect, who is from Lesotho, will face an additional charge of contravention of the Immigration Act. 

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said the arrest was made by Kanana Detectives and Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Visible Policing members during a takedown operation at around 2:30am on 20 June 2025, at Kanana Extension 13 near Orkney.  Manyoba said the suspect was found in possession of a pistol, a revolver, a gas pistol and several different rounds of ammunition.

“Reports suggest that the suspect allegedly shot and critically injured two men aged 25 and 27, following an altercation between him and the victims on Saturday evening, 14 June 2025. Investigations into the matter continue,” she said.  

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said the South African Police Service (SAPS) is imploring the communities of Kanana,  Khuma and Jouberton, including the established Community Policing Forums and Community Safety Forums not to  harbour illegal armed criminals who are robbing, killing and maiming them, but to notify the police immediately so that they can be arrested.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

North West Department of Education employee sentenced to three years imprisonment for fraud

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE

22 June 2025- The North West Department of Education employee, Olebogeng Modikoe (40), was on 20 June 2025, sentenced to three years imprisonment or R20 000 fine by the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court after he was found guilty of fraud. In 2023, Modikoe, as a Principal Human Resource Officer, created two ghost employees on the system and gave them a three months contract.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said employees reportedly received remuneration amounting to R150 000. Gunya said investigations conducted by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation, revealed that the salaries were paid into the bank accounts of two accused persons, whose matter is still before court.

“Following an investigation, Modikoe and his co-accused were arrested in March 2024. Modikoe made several court appearances until he entered into a plea and sentencing agreement with the State.

“He was found guilty and sentenced to three years imprisonment or R20 000 fine on two counts of fraud. Modikoe was further sentenced to two years imprisonment or R10 000 fine on two counts of money laundering,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West acting Hawks Head, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, have welcomed the sentencing and lauded the prosecution and investigation team’s efforts.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

TIA to sign MoU with MICT SETA

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: MICT SETA educating learners/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

23 June 2025- The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), an entity of the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI) in partnership with the Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA), set to officially sign a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aimed at powering digital skills and innovation in South Africa.

The Alkemi Collective from Martin Slabbert, who released an invite on behalf of the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), Martin Slabbert said this landmark partnership sets in motion a multi-year strategic partnership that will see TIA and MICT SETA jointly design and implement targeted digital and Fourth Industrial Revolution skills programmes.

Slabbert said: “These initiatives aim to broaden access to innovation driven learning, improve employment readiness among youth and strengthen South Africa’s National System of Innovation.

“The MOU will unlock various opportunities, including co-funded digital skills and incubation programmes. Bursary schemes and a dedicated Research Chair in Innovation Management. The internship and placement opportunities for graduates.”

He further said accelerated support for entrepreneurs through hackathons, mentorship, and commercialisation platforms. Slabbert added that this event marks a significant step toward bridging South Africa’s digital divide and enabling a future ready workforce that reflects the country’s diversity and potential.

“The event will take place at MICT SETA Offices, Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand at 11am until 1pm. TIA is a national public entity that serves as the key institutional intervention to bridge the innovation chasm between research and development from higher education institutions, science councils, public entities, the private sector, and commercialisation,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Unemployed youths scammed over road traffic learnership

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The traffic officers duirng parade in North West/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

22 June 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said his department has noted with disquiet concern what appears to be an unceasing concerted effort by unknown individuals to scam unsuspecting and desperate unemployed young people by promising to train them as traffic officers. Morweng said this comes after one of these scammers going by name of ‘Mr Mantswe’ allegedly solicits money from the desperate unemployed young people under the guise of securing positions for them in the Road Traffic Learnership.

He further said the scammer allegedly promise those who had applied for traffic learnership to take them to the college “in Welkom in the Free State”. Morweng added that, this cretin allegedly tell innocent victims that he comes from his office and had scammed several young people about R700 each ostensibly for “transport”.

“The department wishes to inform the public that the traffic learnership recruitment process has been concluded and successful applicants have already been taken to the college at the beginning of this month.

“The department will inform the prospective applicants through official platforms, including website and social media pages when the next recruitment cycle starts.

We call on individuals who had been conned off by these roguish people to lay charges with the police,” he said.

Morweng said this is an illegal conduct by those who seek to take advantage of unemployed young people who are in the market for job opportunities. He said they are appealing to take to report these people to the police and to the department.

“Meanwhile our Legal Unit has opened the case with Mmabatho Police Station for further investigation. The department would like to put it on record that it follows guidelines and procedures outlined by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) on employment processes.

“This includes the recruitment of candidates on the traffic learnership. The recruitment process does not require any money from applicants as the department pays for the transportation and training costs of the successful applicants,” said Morweng.

He said the public is advised to be cautious of these criminal elements and to report any suspicious behaviour to their nearest police station and to the department.

taungdailynews@gmail.com