Picture: Some of suspects nabbed during Operation Vala Umgodi/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
12 April 2025- Twenty seven suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Vala Umgodi. The suspects were nabbed by a multi-disciplinary team executed in the Northern Cape that include the Mission Area Joint Operations Centre (MAJOC) roving team, the Department of Home Affairs Immigrations Services and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
The Northern Cape police spokesperson,Sergeant Timothy Sam said some of the suspects were arrested for contravention of the Illicit Mining and Immigration statutes, as well as other related crimes. Sam said the police’s weekly operations focused on tracing and searching illegal and undocumented immigrants that are suspected to be conducting illegal mining in the Northern Cape.
“The weekly disruptive activities included vehicle and foot patrols, stop and searches, vehicle check points as well as executing raids at identified addresses. The team in the Namakwa District, near Kleinsee, arrested suspects at Sandkop mine and Port Nolloth for illegal mining, trespassing, dealing in drugs, as well as the apprehension of two women for drug trafficking.
“The team in the Frances Baard District Kimberley, pounced on numerous undocumented suspects at construction sites and during stop and searches, that included jobseekers standing at street corners around Kimberley mining areas,” he said.
Sam further said several illegal mining implements, drugs and cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime were confiscated. He added that, the undocumented suspects were processed and verified by the immigration officials before being formally charged and presented to court for deportation.
“The police in partnership with all stakeholders will tirelessly heighten efforts to eradicate illegal mining in the Northern Cape,” said Sam.
12 April 2025- The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Maggie Sotyu said they gathered to discuss a crucial pillar of the tourism industry, which is the sustainability and development of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). Sotyu said the event is essential for fostering collaboration, understanding and shared ownership of key initiatives.
She further said she hope the gathering will provide a platform for diverse voices to exchange ideas and contribute to shaping outcomes that reflect the needs and priorities of the Fezile Dabi District Municipality. Sotyu added that, as they are all aware, this is the month, which South Africa celebrates its Freedom Month and Freedom Day on 27 April.
“The month marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s history as the first democratic elections was held on 27 April 1994. This milestone symbolises the triumph over oppression and the beginning of a new era of economic and social transformation. We must recognise that true liberation extends beyond political rights and economic empowerment.
“Sustainable SMMEs are key drivers of inclusive growth and poverty alleviation. By supporting and nurturing SMMEs, we honour the legacy of Freedom Month by ensuring that economic opportunities reach all South Africans, particularly those who were historically marginalised,” she said.
Sotyu said a thriving SMME sector not only strengthens the economy, but it also upholds the values of resilience, self-reliance and shared prosperity that define the spirit of freedom. She said on 26 to 27 February 2025, she attended the Sustainable Tourism Conference.
“It is at that conference that we determined that a platform of this kind is necessary. By engaging stakeholders and communities in meaningful dialogue, we build trust, establish transparency and encourage active participation. At the same time, it gives us a chance to ensure that all perspectives are considered as we move forward.
“Tourism in South Africa is not just about destinations. It is about people, it is about the small business owners of Zamdela offering authentic township experiences, guesthouse operators in Sharpeville welcoming travellers with warm hospitality and tourist guides in Batho sharing hidden gems of our rich country and those around Mangaung.
“These types of enterprises are the lifeblood of our tourism sector, and their success is our nation’s success. SMMEs are very important in the tourism industry. It contributes significantly to employment, economic transformation and community upliftment,” said Sotyu.
She said they bring innovation, diversity and authenticity to the tourism offerings, making South Africa a worldwide competitive and unique destination. Sotyu said despite their enormous potential, it is a fact that many SMMEs face challenges that threaten their survival and growth.
“Such threats include – limited access to funding and financial support, skills gap in business management and digital transformation, market access and lack of exposure to international tourists. Not to mention the impact external shocks, such as Covid-19 and global shifts have on these enterprises.
“As the government, our role is to enable and empower SMMEs to overcome these barriers and
it is our duty to maximise every opportunity to empower these enterprises. As much as the conversation is about preserving the environment, it is also about building long-term economic opportunities to ensure inclusive growth and to position black-owned businesses at the forefront of a thriving and responsible tourism sector,” she said.
Sotyu said tourism is indeed a powerful driver of economic growth and job creation, but if
not managed responsibly it can have a negative impact on the natural resources, displace
communities and leave more harm than good. She said embracing sustainable tourism by black-owned enterprises is not just about being part of a
global trend, but is a necessity for resilience, competitiveness and profitability.
“Speaking of opportunities, the Department of Tourism is dedicated to creating an inclusive,
sustainable, and resilient tourism economy. Allow me to put the spotlight on our departmental
programmes. We have a variety of programmes with the specific aim of promoting tourism, alleviating poverty and creating jobs.
“Our Market Access Support Programme offers financial support to small tourism enterprises to exhibit at tourism platforms. I want to urge you to visit the Department of Tourism website at
Sotyu said this week they are assisting 49 tourism SMMEs to promote their services at the World Travel Market Africa in Cape Town. She said sadly, only three of the 49 are from the Free State.
“I really hope to see a larger number of you at the Africa’s Travel Indaba in May. We also want to encourage you to apply for our Green Tourism Incentive Programme, which offers a win-win solution to tourism establishments and our greening objectives. This programme is a resource efficiency programme which aims to support tourism enterprises to reduce the cost of investing in energy and water efficient solutions.
“This incentive can greatly
assist a tourism establishment to reduce their electricity and water bills in the long term. The department also established a Tourism Transformation Fund and Tourism Equity Fund to support the transformation efforts in the sector,” said Sotyu.
She said the Transformation Fund offers a combination of debt finance and grant funding for new and expansion tourism development projects with majority black shareholding. Sotyu said for tourist guides, the department has a number of programmes, including language training.
“We recently advertised for youth to apply for tourist guide training in Vredefort Dome and we
are currently conducting tourist guide training in Golden Gate National Park. For youth in tourism, the department offers annually a bursary programme and learnership programmes, focusing on professional cooking, wine appreciation and hospitality, targeting youth with a specific interest in tourism.
“I urge all young people here to visit the departmental website and social media pages regularly
for these opportunities. Please familiarise yourselves with all the projects that are offered by the department to assist in promoting tourism,” she said.
Picture: The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng
By REGINALD KANYANE
11 April2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said stock theft appears to be a huge challenge in the areas of Mareetsane, Mooifontein, neighbouring villages and farms. Morweng said this came during the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme (ASDP) Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded held in Weltevrede village, outside Mahikeng.
He further said, he was made aware of this challenge during his unannounced visit to the Mareetsane and Mooifontein Police Stations, as part of oversight monitoring. Morweng added that, at Mareetsane Police Station, he found about 200 stock theft dockets that are under investigation and it serves five villages as well as over 40 farms with variation in size.
“The Mooifontein Police Station serves eight villages and neighbouring farms. The station has a serious challenge of stock theft cases reported from time to time, but the community doesn’t get feedback on any progress.
“An extraordinary approach is needed to clamp down on the concerning rate of stock theft. I have received a detailed account of the challenges experienced by both police stations,” said Morweng.
He said they have an obligation as a government to protect the communities and their properties, so they need to have a solution. Morweng said they need to urgently re-strategise and find innovative ways to root it out.
“We definitely need to demolish the syndicate if there is one around here. Following a number of complaints that we received from communities, we called on station managers to constantly provide feedback to communities on cases that are being reported and under investigation.
“Police station managers are obliged to attend community meetings within the jurisdiction of their stations. It is important to give feedback on cases reported,” he said.
Morweng said the police are doing a good job, but failing to give feedback to the concerned regarding their cases. He encouraged communities to improve their security and measures of taking care of their livestock through brand marking.
“Recently, the Mooifontein Police Station assisted communities to apply for brand marks as part of measures to deal with stock theft. With regard to other challenges raised by both police stations such as personnel and resources, we will engage with the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng.
“In order to provide them with the support they require, I will engage Asaneng to see how we can increase the station’s capacity and ensure that they service the community adequately,” said Morweng.
11 April 2025- A mother (40) from Dunnottar in Nigel was sentenced to eight years by the Gauteng High Court sitting in Benoni for the murder of her daughter. The sentence is wholly suspended for five years on condition that she is not convicted of murder during that period.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said this follows her conviction for the murder of her son (16) and an attempted murder of her daughter (7). Mahanjana said on 6 June 2022, the woman fed her two minor children food laced with poisoned food.
“This occurred shortly after she had fallen victim to a financial scam and was unable to pay her children’s school fees. She had also recently discovered that she had contracted a disease.
“After feeding the poisoned food to her children, she drove with them toward the Free State Province. Upon reaching Frankfort, the children began to fall ill. She stopped at a local filling station, requested assistance, and disclosed what she had done,” she said.
Mahanjana further said emergency services were called, and the children were transported to Frankfort Hospital, where the son died. She added that, in her plea, the mother stated that she had also confessed her actions to the doctor at the hospital.
“The police were called and she was arrested, though later released on bail. During the mitigation of sentence, she asked the court to deviate from imposing the prescribed life sentence because she was the primary caregiver of her surviving daughter.
“She also told the court that she was remorseful of her actions and at the time of the incident she was not in the right frame of mind due to her recent diagnosis,” said Mahanjana.
The state prosecutor, advocate Jeffery Nethononda, urged the court to impose a sentence that reflects the seriousness of the offence and argued against deviating from the prescribed minimum sentence, given that the crimes were committed against her children. The father of the deceased child was also called to testify for victim impact.
“He testified that while he has forgiven the mother, he continues to struggle with the pain of losing his son. In delivering the sentence, acting Judge Van der Westhuizen, found that there were substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed life sentence.
“The court considered the mother’s genuine remorse, the fact that she is the primary caregiver of her surviving child, the betrayal and the emotional trauma she suffered from the father of her daughter and her mental health challenges, including depression, at the time of the incident,” she said.
Picture: The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Mpho Khunou
By BAKANG MOKOTO
11 April 2025- The North West Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism has summoned former members of the North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB) on 10 April 2025, to account for persistent governance and financial challenges facing the entity. During their tenure, the former members failed to appear before the committee on two previous occasions on 4 and 18 February 2025, where they were expected to address, among other matters, delays in employee salary payments for January and February 2025.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Mpho Khunou said they became aware of financial difficulties within the entity after receiving an internal memo issued by the former acting CEO of the NWPTB, Charlene Jacobs. Khunou said, in the memo, Jacobs warned that salaries might not be paid by the end of January 2025.
“This development led to protest action by employees in response to the delayed payments. As a result, the committee invited the North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Evelyn Lenkopane, to provide insight into the general financial health of the entity, with a particular focus on the payment of salaries.
“The committee also took note of a media statement issued by Lenkopane on 25 January 2025, in which she expressed concern over the NWPTB’s financial state. She revealed that the department consistently disburses quarterly tranches to the entity, despite its ongoing struggles to pay salaries,” he said.
Khunou further said determined to ensure full accountability, the committee resolved in February 2025 to issue summonses to the former board members, regardless of the fact that their term had ended at the end of that month. He added that they are extremely pleased that the former members finally appeared before the committee.
“One of the key issues arising from the meeting was that former board members provided conflicting explanations for their absence from the 4 February 2025 meeting.
“The committee will investigate the matter further and take appropriate action should it be found that any member misled the committee. In addition, the former board members failed to provide a comprehensive plan or account of efforts to improve the financial health of the entity and ensure timely salary payments,” said Khunou.
He said the committee has since recommended that the former members submit detailed reports outlining actions taken to address the financial crisis. Khunou hailed the meeting as both groundbreaking and significant. Khunou said the meeting reaffirmed the powers of the Portfolio Committee to hold current and former board members accountable.
“It appears the former board members believed they could evade accountability during and after their tenure. The committee has lived up to its promise to the people of the North West that legal action will be taken when necessary.
“The committee also acknowledged the recent establishment of an interim board by Lenkopane and committed to continue exercising effective oversight over both the entity and the department, without fear or favour,” he said.
Khunou said the committee further identified priorities such as restoring the NWPTB to sound financial health, ensuring stability at senior management level, finalising the merger of the former Parks Board and Tourism Board and resolving the unstable labour environment, which has been marked by prolonged strikes and low staff morale for the NWPTB moving forward:
11 April 2025- The trial against Kamal Vasram and Saliesh Indurjeeth relating to the R37.7 million SARS customs tax fraud case emanating from the importing of a pasteurisation plant for the Estina Dairy Farm, commenced before the Pretoria Regional Court today.
The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the matter was postponed to 18 August 2025 for further trial. Mamothame said the state will, however, prior to that, file an application for the admissibility of further evidence which has been sourced from another country.
“The court ordered the state to file its application by 6 June 2025, and the defence to file their reply by 7 July 2025. Arguments will subsequently be heard on 18 July 2025, for the court to make a ruling on the admissibility of the evidence on 18 August 2025.
“The duo’s court appearance emanates from a collaborative investigation by the IDAC and the South African Revenue Service (SARS), into the Estina Dairy Project, wherein they allegedly submitted fraudulent and inflated customs clearance valued at the time of importation at approximately R37.7 million for the pasteurisation plant imported from India, declared to be new, while it was allegedly second-hand,” he said.
Mamothame further said the importation of the pasteurisation plant was allegedly invoiced to Estina by Gateway Limited in the UAE, a company linked to the Guptas. He added that, the accused remain out on R10 000 bail each.
Picture: A scholar transport bus involved in an accident/Facebook
By REGINALD KANYANE
11 April 2025- The North West Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management has expressed grave concern following yet another unacceptable incident involving a scholar transport bus. A school bus, reportedly with defective brakes, was carrying 48 learners when it failed to stop at the traffic lights opposite Mega City, crashing into a state vehicle and a liquor truck.
The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee, Freddy Sonakile, who arrived at the accident scene just minutes after it occurred, said, fortunately, the truck absorbed the impact, preventing further disaster. Sonakile said the learners sustained minor injuries and were taken to nearby clinics and hospitals.
“This incident highlights a recurring failure in the scholar transport system. Despite numerous warnings by the Committee about unroadworthy buses, the issue persists—this accident being a direct result of those concerns being ignored.
“More troubling is the bus operator’s admission that he has not been paid for over three months, despite continuing to provide the service. This speaks to serious financial mismanagement and systemic negligence within the North West scholar transport tender system,” he said.
Sonakile further said the committee has requested a full report and will hold the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management accountable. He added that the department had assured the committee in March 2025 that all scholar transport operators had been verified.
“Yet, this dangerously unfit bus remained in operation, an inexcusable oversight. The committee will, at its next sitting, consider firm and possibly unpopular reforms, including consideration of compliant versus non-compliant buses and a complete review of the entire tender.
“We cannot afford to wait for fatalities. Bold, immediate and uncompromising action is required to protect our children. We’ve been raising these concerns for over a year, the time for excuses is over,” said Sonakile.
He said the committee wishes all injured learners a speedy recovery and urges parents and communities to remain vigilant and report non-compliant buses immediately and most importantly act before lives are lost, not after.
Picture: The late professor and palaeoanthropologist Phillip Vallentine Tobias holds the Taung skull. / Wikipedia
By OBAKENG MAJE
11 April 2025- Taung World Heritage Site, which is a significant piece of South African heritage, is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The site is where a crucial early hominin fossil was discovered.
However, one of the founders of Vaal Taung Tourism Association, Ontshebile Joseph Tshamboko, who is affectionately known as ‘OJ The Dreamer” said, it is disheartening to see that there are no builds-up event to celebrate 100 years anniversary since the discovery of Taung Skull. Tshamboko calls on the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) to make means that it brings Taung Skull from Wits University to Taung, at least for a month.
He further said that it will benefit the economy of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District at large. Tshamboko said that will also inspire young people who are passionate about tourism.
“For years, as the tourism product owners across the province, we have submitted numerous proposals to previous MECs, but nothing is happening. We do see that tourism in Bojanala is booming, whereas Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District also has the potential.
“When it comes to the Taung Skull issue, it is really throbbing. Yes, we see development but they have been there for the past 10 years. Today, the area is still in the developmental stage, though they said they are completing soon,” he said.
Tshamboko said it will be great if locals have a touch or feel the skull within their jurisdiction as part of its centenary celebration. He said even if there is no physical touch, just to see it will make a difference.
“I think some of us will rest in peace knowing that we have seen our fossil with our naked eyes. When are we going to lay our eyes on that particular precious skull?
“If they are concerned about security, they can do the same thing as they do when showcasing the World Cup trophies. We will be able to generate income and tourism product owners will make profits,” said Tshamboko.
He said people are prepared to pay to see that skull. Tshamboko said the government can even deploy South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to guard the Taung Skull as part of activation.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Evelyn Lenkopane said: “I have been receiving a lot of calls regarding Taung Skull. We are closing shop now and will no longer be a construction site.
“Taung Skull must generate income for the people of Taung. We are busy digitising it and the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, will hand it over to the community, so that activation and economical activities can start rolling.”
Lenkopane said the government has already spent almost R500 million on the Taung World Heritage Site project since its inception. She said they have appointed a project management team that has given a timeline.
“We cannot forever pump money into the project. So, we are giving it to the community and releasing a digitised version of it. We are also engaging Wits University,” said Lenkopane.
Meanwhile, the fossilised skull of a child was discovered by unsuspecting workers in a limestone quarry in Buxton village in 1924. Taung Skull or Taung Child, which was later named Australopithecus africanus, was the first hominid fossil to be discovered on the African continent.
Taung Skull was formally discovered and studied by Raymond Dart. The skull was taken to the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg for research purposes, where it is currently located.
Picture: The SAPS van seen offloading crates of liquor/Screengrab
By BAKANG MOKOTO
11 April 2025- The SAPS Management in the Northern Cape said it has noted the video clip circulating on social media platforms depicting a SAPS marked vehicle offloading crates at a liquor outlet in Paballelo on 10 April 2025. The management said it wishes to place the incident into context to avoid further misunderstanding and misinterpretation thereof.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien said SAPS in Paballelo were busy disposing of SAP 13 items on 10 April 2025 which included liquor. Gamieldien said during various police operations, a number of illegal shebeens or illegal liquor outlets were raided and alcohol being sold in contravention of applicable legislation was seized and stored in the SAPS custody.
“Upon finalization of the criminal cases, the alcohol was declared as forfeited to the state. The liquor was disposed of in accordance with SAPS internal prescripts. The empty bottles and crates were also disposed of by means of taking them to the identified legal liquor outlet for purposes of disposal in exchange for cash.
“The money will then be deposited into the State account. The SAPS is appealing to the community to refrain from posting unverified videos on social media platforms without confirming or verifying the origin or circumstances thereof,” she said.
Gamieldien further said these incidents tarnishes and damages the image of the organization and compromises the confidence of the public in the South African Police Service.
Picture: The scholar transport bus involved in a car accident/Ofentse Letlape
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
11 April 2025- The scholar transport bus ferrying 48 learners from Lapologang Secondary School in Montshioa Township, near Mahikeng was involved in an accident. This comes after the breaks of a 50-seater bus allegedly failed, resulting in it hitting a state vehicle from behind.
The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said the accident occurred on a busy intersection near Mega City Shopping Centre on Thursday afternoon. Morweng said neither of the two drivers were hurt, though some learners sustained minor injuries.
“All the 48 learners were taken to Bophelong Provincial Hospital. The learners, 12 boys and 36 girls whose ages range from 14 to 18 and in Grade 8 to 12, are from Lokaleng, Mogosane and Tlapeng, outside Mmabatho.
“The Department of Community Safety and Transport Management Chief Director responsible for Transport Operation, Mpho Rantona, worked with teachers till very late to ensure that all learners are transported to the hospital,” he said.
Morweng further said out of learners admitted, 47 were discharged after medical checkup, except one who is kept for overnight observation. He added that the department made arrangements for each learner to be transported home.
“The department has also made alternative transport to ensure learners are being transported to school. We have requested a comprehensive report on the cause of the accident, including the roadworthiness of the bus,” said Morweng.
The Guardian 