Picture: A suspect nabbed with dagga worth R20 000
By BAKANG MOKOTO
7 July 2025- The police in Northern Cape said targeted Operation Shanela II has once again pounced on an alleged drug trafficker in Kuruman with dagga worth approximately R20 000. The police said vigilance of John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) Highway Patrol members on 6 July 2025, at around 8:20am, allowed them to spot a suspicious vehicle parked next to the N14 road in Kuruman.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the police approached the Polo Vivo tactically and during the search, they confiscated 8.68kg of dagga worth approximately R20 000. Kock said the suspect (41), who is allegedly from Mahikeng in the North West, is expected to appear in the Kuruman Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of illegal possession of dagga.
“The SAPS in the Northern Cape will tighten their grip specifically focusing on the proliferation of drugs,†said Kock.
8 July 2025- The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) said it has taken note of the recent public revelations made by the South African Police Services’ (SAPS) KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi against the entire value chain of the criminal justice system. POPCRU said while it acknowledges the gravity and extensive nature of the information shared, which touches on matters central to the internal operations and integrity of law enforcement structures, it notes with seriousness the implications these disclosures may have on the broader stability and credibility of the country’s security architecture.
POPCRU spokesperson, Richard Mamabolo said they are of the firm view that the safety and security of South Africans must never be compromised. Mamabolo said this moment demands responsible leadership, maturity and transparency, not public spectacle or factional posturing.
“It is precisely during moments like these that the nation must rally behind principles of accountability, justice, and institutional integrity. As matters stand, the public discourse is increasingly dominated by accusations and counter-accusations, many of which risk derailing the legitimate concerns that should instead be addressed through competent and independent processes.
“We therefore call for calm and caution against such speculation. The criminal justice system should be shielded from any interference, and mechanisms of oversight must be allowed to function, leading to a process that will result in facts being placed in the open,†he said.
Mamabolo further said POPCRU remains confident that, upon his return to the country, the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president Cyril Ramaphosa, will exercise his constitutional duty as Head of State and the Commander-In-Chief of all armed forces to ensure this matter is urgently prioritised. He added that it is essential that no stone be left unturned in determining the full scope of the issues raised, holding those found responsible accountable, and restoring public confidence in SAPS leadership.
“We call on all members to remain committed to upholding the rule of law under extremely challenging conditions, to continue the fight against crime and corruption and to ensure the environments they work under are not compromised. As POPCRU, we reaffirm our commitment to defending the dignity of all officers who serve with honour and discipline,†he said.
9 July 2025- The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) has expressed concern regarding the withdrawal of the Democratic Alliance (DA) from the upcoming National Dialogue declaring it as irrational, myopic, unpatriotic and a sign of immaturity. SAUCIC said that any Government of National Unity (GNU) partner that is working against the social compact initiative undermines the will of the people and their support for national unity, consensus building and cooperation.
SAUCIC President Cardinal Archbishop Dr Modiri Patrick Shole said the DA’s tendency to throw tantrums and issue misguided ultimatums to President Cyril Ramaphosa depict a party that is in crisis as well as rudderless. Shole said it seeks to put itself above the country’s national interests, while inadvertently jeopardising the stability of the economy necessary for faster economic growth, job creation and attracting investors.
“Fortunately, the markets are no longer responding to their empty threats nor taking them seriously. The need to reset the national agenda, reposition the country for renewal and adopt a national plan that will take South Africa on a new development trajectory is non-negotiable.
“The forward march towards creating a non-racial, non-sexist, united, democratic, peaceful and prosperous society envisioned by the Freedom Charter cannot be held to ransom by the usual theatrics associated with the DA and those opposed to equality, social justice, redress of past imbalances and radical socio-economic transformation,†he emphasised.
Shole further stressed that the national dialogue is about redefining the South Africa that all its people want and mobilising the broad spectrum of society, i.e. faith based communities, traditional leaders, women ,youth, business, the academia, trade unions, NGO’s as well as civil society organisations including government and all political parties behind a new vision. He added that, it is about all of them leaving their cocoons, laagers and overcoming prejudices to engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve current challenges facing South Africa.
“Neither self-respecting as well as right-thinking individuals nor grouping would refuse to be part of the journey to reaffirm our common identity, shared values as well adopt a new National Development Plan that will unlock economic opportunities for shared growth and prosperity for all.
“The DA and other reactionary formations must be reminded that the dialogue will not be about establishing hegemony, self-preservation or perpetuating lies about the imagined white genocide, but finding one another for peaceful and harmonious co-existence,†underscored Shole.
He urged all churches, fraternal including people of faith to reclaim their prophetic voice, stand in the gap and pray for the reconciliation as well as unity that have eluded us thus far. Shole further asserted that a new united society with a new mindset must be birthed and emerge, i.e. if South Africa is to overcome the myriad of challenges it is currently facing that including among others the impact of geopolitics on the economy, the crisis of rising youth unemployment, illegal foreign nationals, deepening inequality as well as poverty affecting the most vulnerable, unacceptable crime levels and gender-based violence affecting communities.
“Those who cannot imagine it and contribute solutions because they are enticed and preoccupied with pursing a narrow white supremacist regime change agenda will remain irrelevant beyond the dialogue and even in the future,†he said.
9 July 2025 – The South African Senior Women’s National Team, Banyana Banyana began the defence of their CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title on a positive note with a 2-0 win over Ghana at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco on Monday night. Two goals from Linda Motlhalo and Jermaine Seoposenwe in the first half were enough to see the reigning African Champions win their seventh consecutive match in this tournament.
Played in soaring heat with temperatures hovering around 35 degrees Celsius, the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana were tested by the physical Ghana, but coach Dr Desiree Ellis’ charges held their own, controlling the proceedings from early on. The South Africans took the lead in the 28th minute after midfielder Noxolo Cesane, who was celebrating her 50th cap, was brought down in the Ghana box. It took a VAR check to confirm the penalty.
The ever-reliable Linda Motlhalo coolly slotted it past goalkeeper Cynthia Koldan Findib. It was about six minutes later when Jermaine Seoposenwe made it 2-0 after she received a delightful pass from Lebohang Ramalepe as they went to the dressing room with a comfortable advantage.
In the second stanza South Africa put game management to good use as they were able to keep Ghana at bay, with Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Andile Dlamini making some spectacular saves. Ellis made some changes, replacing Lebohang Ramalepe, Noxolo Cesane and Amogelang Motau with Hildah Magaia, Regina Mogolola and Ronnel Donnelly – the latter was making her debut for Banyana Banyana.
With Ghana launching attacks relentlessly, Seoposenwe could have wrapped the game up late in the match after a good run. She beat the goalkeeper, but the ball went narrowly wide.
The West Africans tried hard to get back into the game and hit the crossbar twice but in the end, South Africa triumphed in their eighth meeting with Ghana.
Ellis said: “They had us under pressure, and we couldn’t get out of our half, we changed things a bit and started getting onto the ball more because that is our strength. I haven’t seen the penalty though, but I know the foul was in the box – sometimes it goes for you, sometimes it doesn’t.
“But, I think the second goal also came at a great time. We could have finished it off with the third one and they almost got back in. Overall, I think it was even Stevens because Andile Dlamini made quite a couple of saves as well. We always say if we can keep a clean sheet we win the game, and today our whole team played defensively really well,†she said.
Ellis further said it was extremely hot out there and she thinks the cooling break was welcome. She added that she takes nothing away from Ghana as they are still a quality side.
Meanwhile, Banyana Banyana returns to action on Friday (11 July) as they face Tanzania in their second match of the tournament at the same venue. Kick-off is at 9pm South African time (20h00 local time in Morocco).
7 July 2025- The police in Northern Cape said the increasing incidents of stock theft cases reported in the province is concerning. The police have requested that farmers, especially emerging farmers implement and adopt stock theft safety hints in order to safeguard and secure their livestock.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said farmers should ensure that all fences and gates are maintained in order to protect their livestock. Shemane said they should also ensure that holes in and under fences are repaired immediately.
“Property owners should not merely delegate, but take charge by inspecting their livestock. They should ensure that the yards or kraals where the stock is kept are secured. Be particularly watchful when there is a full moon, over weekends and at the end or beginning of a month or during periods that you know from experience when stock thefts frequently (Slaughtering for the pot) occur.
“They should know their neighbours and count livestock at least once a week. The necessity of a thorough stock register cannot be over emphasis. Owners, brand your stock theft, go to SAPS Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit officers, where you will be issued with application forms and apply for branding certificates at the Department of Agriculture,†he said.
Shemane further said owners should properly mark their livestock according to the Animal Identification Act 2002(Act No 6 of 2002), by branding them. He added that farmers are advised to invest in technology such as CCTV cameras to curb stock theft.
“Owners of livestock are encouraged to make use of helpers created through cooperation between SAPS, local farmers unions and communities. If you notice strange animals or suspicious persons at a cattle post, report it to SAPS and your neighbours immediately.
“Refrain from hiring undocumented persons as employees on your farm. Ensure that you have full details of labourers as this can assist police with investigations of stock theft. Cooperate with local South African Police Service and Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit and assist the SAPS in their efforts to curb stock theft,†said Shemane.
He said anyone with information about illegal stock theft activities can contact the police on 08600 10111 or MySAPS App or their local Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit or your local police station. Shemane said all information will be treated confidentially.
7 July 2025 – The Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries has called for coordination of resources in order to maximise the impact Early Childhood Development (ECD) have in society. The committee said the ECD centres are an empowerment tool whose role and importance should never be forsaken.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Makhi Feni said: “It is really concerning to the committee that we read of challenges besieging the ECD sector when we had just transferred the function to the Department of Basic Education (DBE).
“Surely, our portfolio will not and must not fail our children, as there was a reason to migrate the function to education. This is a function that requires everyone and any help with regards to the welfare and foundation phase education of our children.â€
Feni further said they are building a nation and their actions including the budget allocated for this specific function must support that. He added that weekend reports indicated that several ECD centres and some attached to schools, struggled with basic necessities like water, sanitation and food items, especially in the rural Limpopo and the Eastern Cape.
“The committee would love to receive an update briefing on empirical and manifest challenges since the migration of the function to the DBE. We do not want a system that breaks our children and their early educators either through budget constraints or infrastructure.
“We call on the minister and the provincial MECs to prioritise the work around ECD centres. These are areas where our children spend the longest time without parental supervision and outside their homes. The committee also noted the challenges around payment of student teachers and tutors in Quintile One schools,†said Feni.
He said they accepted the fiscal constrained environment the DBE operated in. Feni said, but they do not want the challenges to become a phenomenon.
“The DBE must attend to this matter urgently wherever it is manifest. Salaries of teachers are a no-go area for cuts and hiccups. These are meagre salaries and it is not as if these teachers are paid millions.
“The committee’s interest was a functional system where all parents see value and trust that their children will turn out responsible and accountable young adults whose skills will be relevant to a 21st Century economy,†he said.
7 July 2025 – The police in Mogwase are appealing to the community to assist them in locating a missing man, David Filmone Monese (59), who is residing at Leagajang Section in Mogwase Township, near Rustenburg. It is alleged that Monese was last seen by his colleague at work on 27 June 2025, wearing a black T-shirt, a blue jean and black sandals.
“Furthermore, extensive investigations were done and all leads were followed up with no success. Anyone with information regarding Monese’s whereabouts can contact the Investigating Officer, Captain William Ratsoma at Mogwase Detectives on (014) 555 2258 or 082 569 4887 or their nearest police station.
“Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via My SAPS App on your smartphone or alternatively call Crime Stop on ‪‪08600 10111,†she said.
19 Seetebosigo 2025- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le monna wa dingwaga di le 47 wa kwa motseng wa Khibitswane, gaufi le Taung, e buseditswe morago go fitlha Phukwi a tlhola matsatsi a le 23, ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung. Kabelo Vincent Mogongwa o latofadiwa ka go bolaya lekgarebe la gagwe, Tsholofelo Nde Emphukile (38).
Go begwa fa Mogongwa a ile a tshwarwa morago ga dipego tsa gore o thuntsitse lekgarebe la gagwe, Emphukile ka tlhobolo e lekwalo-tetla la yone le fedile. Go ya ka lephatha la bosekisi, Mogongwa o rerile loso la kgarebe ya gagwe pele ga a ka mo thuntsha.
Go begwa fa lekawana le, le lekgarebe la gagwe, ba ne ba dula botlhe kwa phaphosing e e hirilweng kwa motseng wa Khibitswane, gaufi le Taung.
Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Mokaptein Aaftje Botma, yo ga jaana a rotseng tiro, moagisani wa monna o, o ile a tlhalosetsa sepodisi fa baratani ba, ba gorogile ka ura ya bongwe mo mosong, mme go ile ga tsoga kgakgauthano magareng ga bone.
“O kaile fa a utlwile modumo wa sethunya. Sepodisi se ile sa biletswa kwa lefelong la tiragalo, mme se ile sa fitlhela moswi mogare ga bophadiphadi jwa madi.
“Sepodisi se ile sa patelesega go shaga burglars, gore ba kgone go tsena mo ntlung. Molatofadiwa o ile a tshwarwa, mme one a ganelwa ka beile,†Botma wa tlhalosa.
Picture: The former ANCYL Secretary-General, Sindiso Magaqa
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
7 July 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development said it welcome the sentence of long-term imprisonment for the man who was found guilty of killing a former ANC Youth League Secretary-General and dedicated public servant, Sindiso Magaqa. The committee said the conviction and 25-year sentence mark a significant moment for the rule of law in South Africa and reinforces our collective belief that justice must be served — regardless of time, influence or status.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Xola Nqola said the accused admitted that he was one of a group of men who were paid R120 000 to kill Magaqa in 2017. Nqola said the accused also implicated the former City Manager of the Umzimkhulu Local Municipality, Zweliphansi Skhosana and the ex-mayor, Mluleki Ndobe, who has since passed on and former journalist and eThekwini Local Municipality Communications Manager, Mdu Ncalane.
“Magaqa was a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and integrity in public service. His untimely death was not only a loss to his family and community but to the nation. The committee commends the investigative and prosecutorial teams for their persistence in pursuing this complex case and hopes that this outcome brings some measure of closure to Magaqa’s loved ones.
“We urge continued support for law enforcement and the judiciary in their efforts to address politically motivated crimes and protect all who serve the public. South Africa’s democracy depends on the assurance that no one is above the law,†he said.
7 Phukwi 2025- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le molatofadiwa, Motseothata Seoleseng (35) wa kwa motseng wa Majaneng, gaufi le Taung, e buseditswe morago ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung go fitlha fa Phukwi a tlhola matsatsi a le 29. Se, se tla morago ga gore mongwe wa dipaki mo kgetsing e, Tshotlego Seoleseng, a se iponatse makgetlhonyana kwa kgotlhatshekelo.
Go begwa fa kgotlhatshekelo e ntshitse lekwalo-tshwaro kgatlhanong le Tshotlhego mabapi le go sa iponatse kwa kgotlhatshekelo fa a tlhokega. Seoleseng one a tshwara le go latofadiwa ka go tlhaba le go bolaya tsala ya gagwe, Mosimanegape Adam van Wyk (31), ka thiba.
Go begwa fa Seoleseng ga mmogo le moswi, ba ne ba le mmogo, mme ba ile ba ya kwa gabo molatofadiwa ko ba fitlhetseng morwa rragwe molatofadiwa, Tshotlhego, a na le lekgarebe la gagwe.
Mongwe wa bo maratahelele wa tlhalosa: “Go begwa fa go ile ga runya kgakgauthano ya mafoko ma gareng ga molatofadiwa le monnawe. Sebakwa sa kgakgauthano ke gore, molatofadiwa one a botsa monnawe gore goreng a tlisa lekgarebe kwa gagabo.
“Ene ya re fa e ya matsogong, tsala ya molatofadiwa, van Wyk a leka go tsiriganya. Fela go begwa fa molatofadiwa a ne a mo tsogela kgatlhanong, mme a mo tsatsanka ka thipa. Go ya ka dipego, moswi one a rwalelwa kwa bookelong jwa sedika jwa Taung, fela one a balelelwa le badimo mo letsatsing la Tshipi.â€
Go begwa fa kgetsi ya polao ene ya bulwa, mme mmelaelwa one a tshwarwa.
Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are kgetsi ya polao e butswe.
The Guardian 