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.
30 December 2025- The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a weather warning for disruptive rains and severe thunderstorms across the country for today.
The warnings for rain are as follows:
Orange level 5 warning: Disruptive rain resulting in flooding of settlements (both formal and informal) and roads, low-lying bridges, as well as damage to mud-build houses is expected over the northern and eastern parts of Limpopo.
Yellow level 4 warning: Disruptive rain resulting in flooding of settlements (both formal and informal) and roads, low-lying bridges, as well as damage to mud-build houses is expected in the northern parts of Mpumalanga and southwestern Limpopo, except in the extreme southeast. Yellow level 4 warning: Severe thunderstorm, leading to heavy downpours, excessive lightning, strong damaging winds and large amounts of small hail and/or large hail a populated are expected over Gauteng, extreme southwestern parts of Limpopo, southern parts of Mpumalanga, eastern parts of North West, eastern parts of Free State, as well as the western parts KwaZulu-Natal.
Yellow level 1 warning: Severe thunderstorms, leading to localised flooding of susceptible roads, settlements and low-lying bridges/areas, excessive lightning, strong damaging winds and large amounts of small hail and/or large hail are expected over the north-central parts of the Northern Cape. The weather service also issued warnings for possible fire danger in parts of the Northern and Western Cape provinces.
“Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected over the western parts of the Northern Cape, as well as in places over the northern parts of the Western Cape.
“Extremely hot and uncomfortable conditions are expected in places over Namakwa district in the Northern Cape, as well as in places over the Western Cape, except along the south coast and adjacent interior,” the SAWS said. – SAnews.gov.za
30 December 2025- Suspected criminal mastermind, Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, has been transferred from Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre (C-Max) to the super maximum eBongweni Correctional Facility in Kokstad. Matlala is allegedly linked to, among others, the coordinated syndicates responsible for the looting of over R2 billion meant for healthcare in Gauteng, the attempted murder of his ex-lover and is believed to have played a role in the capture of some key members within law enforcement agencies.
The Department of Correctional Services said the transfer of remand detainees and sentenced offenders between correctional facilities is a standard operational practice informed by a range of considerations, primarily security, safety, operational requirements, and effective inmate management across the correctional system.
“In terms of Section 6 of the Correctional Services Act, 1998, the National Commissioner of Correctional Services is legally empowered to detain an offender or remand detainee at any correctional centre, notwithstanding the wording of a warrant.
“This provision exists to enable the department to respond appropriately to security assessments and operational demands. Furthermore, the department emphasised that its core mandate is to ensure the safety and security of all facilities which are “conducive to humane detention, while enabling the delivery of rehabilitation and care programmes,” said the Department of Correctional Services said.
The department said in this regard, the safety and security of detainees, officials and the broader correctional environment remain paramount. It said where enhanced security measures are required, these considerations take precedence.
“It must be emphasised that the transfer of a detainee does not prejudice their legal rights or access to services. All detainees continue to receive appropriate care, and necessary arrangements are made to ensure that court appearances and legal processes are honoured without impediment.
“Given the sensitive nature of security-related decisions, the department will not engage in public discussions, interviews or further commentary on the specific security considerations underpinning this transfer,” the department explained. – SAnews.gov.za
30 December 2025- Bafana Bafana are through to the Last 16 stage of the Africa Cup of Nations after beating Zimbabwe 3-2 in a pulsating five-goal thriller played at the Marrakech Stadium on Monday night. A lot was at stake in this final Group B match and the two COSAFA neighbours started the game with an opportunity to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament.
But it was coach Hugo Broos’ charges who raced to an early lead when Tshepang Moremi scored the opening goal of the match in the seventh minute after his goal-bound shot was deflected into the back of the net by Zimbabwe’s Divine Lunga. To their credit, the Zimbabweans did not drop their heads after the setback and took the game to the South Africans instead, to the delight of the sizable crowd that was in attendance.
They were eventually rewarded when the troublesome Tawanda Mashwanhise found the back of the net in the 19th minute after dribbling his way past the Bafana Bafana rear-guard. The South Africans reclaimed the lead in the second half after Lyle Foster beat goalkeeper Washington Arubi in the air and headed his effort into the back of the net in the 50th minute.
But the stubborn Zimbabwe equalised again after a shot from Maswanhise hit Aubrey Modiba and ricocheted into the back of the net in the 73rd minute. Bafana Bafana were awarded a penalty after Zimbabwe captain Marvelous Nakamba handled the ball inside the area very late in the game.
Man of the match Oswin Appollis calmly stepped up and converted the winning goal of the match from the spot in the 82nd minute.
Meanwhile, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie joined the fans in the stands and added his voice to the many that cheered Bafana Bafana during this exciting showdown between the two neighbouring countries. The South African senior men’s national team will remain in Marrakech until towards the end of the week before travelling to Rabat for their Last 16 match.
30 December 2025- The police in Stella request the assistance of the community in locating a missing man, Mojaki Stoun (61), of Marst Street in Stella, near Vryburg. Stoun was last seen by his nephew at around 15:15pm on 9 December 2025, when he left his place to go to the farm.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said, however, he never returned. Mokgwabone said a search was conducted around the surrounding areas without success.
“Investigations were done and all leads were followed up, but that did not yield positive results. At the time of his disappearance, Stoun was wearing black jean trousers with brown and black stripes t-shirt.
“He is dark in complexion, 1.85m tall, medium built with short grey hair, short grey beard and grey moustache. The police request anyone who may have information regarding the missing person’s whereabouts to contact the Investigating Officer, Constable Dikatso Nkoto on 076 838 5933,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said, alternatively, one can call the nearest local police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. He added that, anonymously tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App.
Picture: Tortoises seized by the police during raid/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
30 December 2025- The multidisciplinary high-density Shanela 2 Safer Festive Season Operation which seeks to intensify the fight against crime, yielded positive results when numerous suspects were arrested in the Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2.
The operations, which were simultaneously and jointly conducted by members from Mogwase, Sun City, Mabeskraal, Dwarsberg Police Stations, as well as the Rustenburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, targeted among others, businesses trading illegally and in counterfeit goods, enforcement of the Firearms Control Act (Act 60 of 2000) and Road Traffic Management Corporation Act (Act 20 of 1999) as well as tracing of wanted suspects.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said during the operation, 145 vehicles were stopped and searched together with 215 occupants. Tselanyane said a total of 49 traffic fines to the value of R26 400 were issued to drivers.
“Additionally, 20 suspects were arrested for crimes such as assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH) and common, rape and malicious damage to property.
“Moreover, firearms compliance inspections led to the registration of two cases for contravention of Section 120(8)(a) of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (failure to store firearms in prescribed safe / strong room) and one illegal immigrant was apprehended for contravention of section 49 of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act 13 of 2002),” he said.
Tselanyane further said as if that was not enough, the police received a tip-off regarding someone who was harbouring a creep of tortoises and operationalised it. He added that, upon arrival at the suspect’s address, the police found tortoises and arrested the suspect (55), for possession of protected species.
“All arrested suspects are expected to appear soon before various courts,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, applauded the police for a sterling job and continued commitment of ensuring the safety of our communities.
The Guardian 