Picture: A car accident that left a man dead/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
4 March 2025- The police in Upington are investigating a hit and run accident that occurred on the N14 road near Melkstroom on Saturday evening, 1 March 2025. The deceased man is unknown and approximately between the ages 30 and 40.
ZF Mgcawu District Sergeant Omphile Masegela said the deceased was wearing a blue overall jacket, red short pants and black sandals. Masegela said the police also found a document with the surname Sediko in his possession.
“Anyone who knows the deceased or may have information that can assist in tracking the family can contact the Investigating Officer Sergeant Bahedile Nkwadipo on 082 495 4615 or 054 337 3400,” he said.
Setshwantsho: Setlhopa sa Taung Golden Oldies sa kgwele ya dinao
Ka KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
3 Mopitlwe 2025- Lefapha la Katlatlelo-Loago le ikuela go bagodi go ka tsaya karolo mo metshamekong e farologaneng. Go ya ka lefapha, go ikatisa ga bagodi go dira gore ba dule ba itekatse ka nako tsotlhe, ga mmogo le go efoga malwetsi a farologaneng.
Beke e fetileng, bagodi go tswa kwa diporofenseng tse difarologaneng go ralala Afrika Borwa, ba ne ba tsenetse dikgaisano mo metshamekong e farologaneng kwa Rustenburg Civic Centre kwa Rustenburg. Dikgaisano tsa National Active Ageing Programme, di ne di tsweletse kwa Rustenburg, mme setlhopa sa Taung Golden Oldies FC, le sone ene ele karolo ya ditiragalo.
Mokatisi wa setlhopa, Kagiso Wesi, are go botlhokwa go ikatisa le go tsaya karolo mo metshamekong e farologaneng jaaka mogolo. Wesi are le fa metshameko e sa kgona go tswelela ka ntlheng ya dipula tse di maatla, setlhopa sa gagwe se ne se ikatisitse sentle, ebile se le popota.
“Fa e sale re itemogela dipula go tloga ka Moshupulogo. Lefapha le ile la feleletsa le neetse setlhopa sengwe le sengwe sekgele. Ke ka moo re neetsweng sekgele ga mmogo le dimetale. Ke belaela lefapha le dirile se, gore go tla ga bagolo ka kwano, e se nne matsapa a bophiri.
“Setlhopa sa rona se ne se ile go emela sedika sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati. Re ile ra nna le metshameko ya ikatiso kgatlhanong le ditlhopa tse di farologaneng mo Taung. Go bua nnete, go botlhokwa gore bagolo ba ikatise, gonne seo se thusa gore kgathelelo ya maikutlo e ye kwa tlase,” Wesiw a tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, motsamaise wa nama o sa tshwere wa bosetshaba kwa lefapheng la Katlatlelo-Loago, Peter Netshipale are: “Porogerama e, e tlisa seriti le go tsaya tsia bagolo ba rona. Go ikatisa ga bagolo go botlhokwa, ebile go atolosa le dingwaga tsa bone tsa go tshela. Go ikatisa go ba thusa gore ba dule ba itekanetse.
“Gape re ile ra buisana le bagodi ba ba farologaneng go ka utlwa ntlhakemo ya bone mo matsapeng a ba a itemogelang go tswa kw aba dulang teng. Bagetsho, ra itse gore tshotlakako ya bagodi e ile kwa magoletsa, mme re ikuela go bone gore ba itsise sepodisi.”
3 March 2025- A man (33), briefly appeared in Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on charges of fraud. In May 2022, the accused, Minhaz Ahmed Patel allegedly went to a car dealership in Klerksdorp to apply for financing of a BMW 4 series M4 Coupe valued at R1.4 million.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya, Patel allegedly submitted fraudulent documents and his motor vehicle finance was approved by the bank. Gunya said he subsequently received the vehicle, which he never made any payment for since its purchase as credit agreement states.
“As a result, the bank suffered a loss of R1.4 million. The matter was referred to the Klerksdorp based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for further handling. Following a lengthy trace, the suspect was arrested by the police at OR Tambo International Airport, while trying to flee to his home country on 2 March 2025.
“Patel appeared before court and the matter was postponed to 13 March 2025, for formal bail application,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the investigation and prosecution team for their relentless efforts in ensuring that perpetrators face the full might of the law.
Picture: North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
3 March 2025- The North West province has allegedly been experiencing persistent medicine shortages. According to allegations, there is a shortage of cancer medicine at various healthcare centres across the province.
However, the North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari has assured patients and communities of a stable supply of medicines and other pharmaceutical services, despite the ongoing challenges which are being attended to. Lehari said it is important to note that pharmaceutical services in the province were placed under internal intervention during November 2023, following the system crash of the stock inventory management system at the provincial medicines depot.
“Since then, changes have been made in Provincial Pharmaceutical Management with the aim to improve Pharmaceutical Service Delivery and overall medicine availability. Processes related to procurement of medicines have been upgraded and improved to ensure that there is an increase in meeting the growing demand in public healthcare in the province.
“The medicine availability in pharmacies in the province is currently monitored through manual processes from product data reports as extracted from stock inventory management systems. As things stand, the average total medicine availability in 31 public sector pharmacies in the province is at 85.12% against a target of 80% medicine availability,” he said.
Lehari further said this shows that medicine availability in the province is improving since the intervention plan to address the challenges identified in 2023, started to be implemented. He added that cancer medication is procured through the National Contract for Supply and Delivery of Oncology and Immunological Agents to the Department of Health.
“Over the past few months, our department has experienced challenges in terms of inconsistent supply of a limited number of cancer medications. The contracted suppliers for medication that is used as treatment of choice for breast cancer have reported supply constraints to National Department of Health (NDoH) and the Chief Director for Sector Wide Procurement has released a circular to all health departments explaining how treatment should be adjusted and which alternatives should be used for the treatment of breast cancer.
“The current situation is such that the National Department of Health has embarked on a process to obtain quotations for alternative suppliers and the matter is receiving urgent attention. Currently, patients are getting Tamoxifen as the third alternative for management of breast cancer,” said Lehari.
He said the challenge is that due to the side effects, this item is not preferred by patients. Lehari said, currently, they have enough stock of Tamoxifen in their pharmacy.
“All changes to patient medication are made in consultation with specialists and in the best interest of patient outcome. South Africa is following a centralized procurement, where national contracts are awarded for procurement of medicines as contained in standard treatment guidelines and included in the essential medicines list.
“The province is not immune to the delays in shipping of medicines from different countries, as well as production problems that can cause delays in timeous delivery of medicines to service delivery points. From time to time, the department encounters increased demand or sudden increase in demand for certain medicines which can lead to temporary shortages,” he said.
Lehari said the regulatory delays where manufacturers have to apply for licensing of newly registered medicines can cause a slowdown in production and distribution. He said there are also financial challenges, where companies announce discontinuation of manufacturing of medicines and this can lead to fewer available options.
“These challenges are also compounded by trade restrictions, conflicts and international policy changes that can disrupt medicine supply processes. In some instances, protest actions can negatively impact the distribution of medicines where roads are closed and routes are not accessible which causes a delay in delivery of medicines to service delivery points.
“Working closely with Sector Wide Procurement and Affordable Medicines Directorate at National Level to escalate medicine supply chain challenges and seek solutions to challenges. The department is implementing a number of interventions including implementation of a stock out escalation protocol as an early warning sign to seek alternative treatment to ensure continuity of care,” said Lehari.
He said this includes continuous contracted supplier engagements to inform suppliers of challenges and/or increased needs to meet needs in terms of patient care. Lehari said they will also have an improved communication to clinicians to ensure that they communicate medicine stock out challenges and alternative options available to achieve the same therapeutic outcomes.
“Enrolment of patients on the Central Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution Program, where a contracted service provider supplies medicines to chronic stable patients. Raise public awareness through patient education sessions, adherence clubs and radio interviews.
“Pharmacy Managers meeting will be conducted weekly from 5 March 2025, going forward to ensure that challenges are communicated effectively and corrective measures are implemented without delay. So, I am confident that our department is making positive progress towards adequate medicine availability in the province and that the challenges are being addressed,” he said.
Lehari said he had studied reports on the status of pharmaceutical services and medicine availability. He said different stakeholders in and outside the province continue to work with his department to deal with challenges and other factors within and outside of our control.
3 March 2025- Two men aged 36 and 38, were arrested by the police in Van Zylrus for possession of dagga worth R19 000 during Operation Shanela. This comes after the police confiscated the bags of dagga from a VW Polo during a vehicle check point over the weekend.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the Operation Shanela remains focused and continues to stamp down the authority of the state during the weekly multidisciplinary police actions, which commenced on 24 February 2025 until 2 March 2025.
“The initiative was executed in the five districts. These disruptive actions resulted in the arrest of 256 persons and wanted suspects as well as the confiscation of numerous weapons, drugs, alcohol, livestock and other items. Operation Shanela is in full swing across the province with high-density operations that includes roadblocks, stop and searches, the tracking and tracing of wanted suspects and heightened police visibility aimed at preventing and combating serious and violent crimes during the disruptive actions.
“Numerous vehicle check points (VCPs) and roadblocks were conducted across the province, during which a total of 2968 vehicles and 7128 persons were stopped and searched. Compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, as well as farms were conducted as well as several community awareness campaigns,” he said.
Kock further said operational successes achieved, included the arrest of suspects for murder, attempted murder, assault, burglary, illegal dealing in liquor, illegal firearms and ammunition, theft off or out of motor vehicle, malicious damage to property and driving under the influence of alcohol. He added that, this includes robbery, rape, possession of dangerous weapons, dealing in and possession of drugs, illegal immigrants, stock theft and other crimes.
“The police confiscated large volumes of alcoholic beverages, drugs, dangerous weapons, fuel, copper, and cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime,” said Kock.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, expressed her gratitude to all law enforcement agencies for the collective efforts and actions executed during this period. Otola also reiterated that no one will be left behind when it comes to fighting crime as it involves the robust involvement and support of community structures and external role players.
“We urge everyone to be alert and vigilant and report any suspicious criminal activity immediately to the police using the SAPS 08600 10111 number or the MySAPS app to continue to assist the police in fighting crime,” she said.
Picture: The police searching a truck during cross-border operation/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
3 March 2025- Three undocumented foreign nationals were arrested for illegal possession of drugs during a cross-border operation to address. The operation was executed between 27 February 2025 until 2 March 2025, in quest to tackle crimes along the neighbouring borders of the Republic of South Africa (RSA) and Namibia.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the multi-disciplinary operation, including the South African Police Service, Customs, Cross Border Road Transport Agency, and Border Management Authority, secured significant successes. Ehlers said actions, namely search and seizure activities, vehicle check points, and border patrols were executed to tackle crimes prevalent along these borders.
“These actions resulted in the search of 1065 vehicles and 1489 persons. Mandrax with an estimated value of R4 525 and cash believed to be used in the commission of a crime was seized. Search operations led to the confiscation of fish nets, fish traps, illicit cigarettes with an estimated value of R150 156 and tobacco products worth about R2000.
“Fines for the contravention of an array of traffic violations to the amount of R14 600 were issued. These operations will continue between the RSA and neighbouring countries to ensure the safety and security along the borders. Criminality along these borderlines can be reported via the MySAPS app or 08600 10111,” she said.
Ehlers further said incidents involving extortion can be reported to the National Extortion Hotline at 0800 911 011.
Picture: SAPS members who participated in the run/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
1 March 2025- The Northern Cape SAPS hosted the Provincial Sports Day on 27 February 2025, at the 8SAI Army Base in Upington under the theme: “Get ready to play, cheer and shine”. The event commenced early morning with a 5km fun run, followed by volley ball, darts, cricket, netball, tug of war, bowls, rugby and soccer.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said teams from all five districts in the province participated in the event. Sam said the acting Provincial Head for Human Resource and Development, Brigadier Gilroy Tait, outlined the purpose of the day and cited that police involvement in sports can positively impact employee performance and commitment to the organization.
“The event envisaged to encourage members to participate in sports interventions in order to promote SAPS relations with communities.
“The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, the District Commissioner for the ZF Mgcawu District, Major General Monica Sebili, commenced by congratulating Sergeant Shonnie Pule from Deben Police Station for her remarkable achievement,” he said.
Sam further said Pule occupied 3rd position in the female 42.2km Balwin Pretoria Marathon. He added that, Otola also congratulations all other participants, who represented the province on 23 February 2025.
Meanwhile, Sebili pleaded with members to take responsibility for restoring the culture of sports within the SAPS as it is part of the organisation’s wellness programme and promoting healthy lifestyle.
“All members and teams who excelled in their different sporting codes were presented with medals and trophies. Lieutenant Colonel, Anette Moses, on behalf of the Provincial Organising Committee, thanked all stakeholders, including the ZFM District Office, the South African National Defence Force, the Department of Correctional Services in the District for their hospitality and for supporting the SAPS,” she said.
1 March 2025- The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Penny Majodina said they will continue to confront water supply challenges, whenever they rear their ugly heads. Majodina said this during the launch of National Water Month in Eikenhof, Johannesburg, Gauteng.
She further said the National Water Month is commemorated annually in South Africa during the month of March. Majodina added that, it is South Africa’s expansion of World Water Day, which is observed on 22 March and focuses its attention on the importance of fresh water and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
“National Water Month is a moment to reflect on water supply challenges, strides we have made together to expand access to water, and the long road that we still need to traverse. The department and its partners reaffirm their unwavering commitment to addressing the pressing water challenges faced by communities across South Africa.
“Anchored around World Water Day observed annually on 22 March, this critical period highlights the urgent need to tackle water scarcity, improve infrastructure, and ensure equitable access to clean water and sanitation for all,” she said.
Majodina said the National Water Month programme is particularly significant as it aligns with Human Rights Month and International Women’s Day, underscoring the critical role of water as a fundamental human right and its disproportionate impact on women, who often bear the brunt of water scarcity. She said water is the foundation of life, essential for human survival, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
“Yet, millions of South Africans continue to face challenges in accessing clean water and safe sanitation. The government has elevated water to the top of its agenda, recognising that universal access to water and sanitation is not only a moral imperative, but also a prerequisite for sustainable development.
“It is befitting and symbolic that we are hosting this event in Eikenhof, Johannesburg. The City of Johannesburg and other parts of the province and country have experienced water supply disruptions,” said Majodina.
She said through the January 8 Statement and the State of the Nation Address (SONA), water has been elevated to one of the apex national priorities. Majodina said as a department and the water sector in general, they are determined to respond practically to this clarion call by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“We welcome the announcement that the government will spend over R940 billion on infrastructure over the next three years to revitalise roads and bridges, build dams and waterways, modernise our ports and airports and power our economy. In response, our department is identifying key unfunded projects (both national water resource infrastructure and water services infrastructure) to be considered for funding by the Treasury.
“This will put the department in a good position to gain access to the R100 billion mentioned by Rampahosa. We are developing innovative ways of funding infrastructure,” she said.
Majodina said they are engaging local and international financial institutions and investors to unlock R100 billion in infrastructure financing. She said to date, the Infrastructure Fund has secured R23 billion for seven large water infrastructure projects.
“We are taking a series of decisive actions to resolve the water crisis, to enable our people to get water where they live, whether in townships or rural areas. Starting this year, we will work with our municipalities to establish professionally managed, ring-fenced utilities for water and electricity services to ensure that there is adequate investment and maintenance,” said Majodina.
Picture: A backpack with tools used to commit burglaries seized/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
1 March 2025- A man (35) was arrested by the Lichtenburg Crime Prevention police during an intelligence driven operation on Thursday afternoon, for possession of house-breaking implements. This comes after the police received a tipoff pertaining to the suspect’s whereabouts and involvement in business burglaries in and around Kieserville, near Lichtenburg.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said upon arresting the suspect in Beyers Naude Street, police allegedly found him to be in possession of a backpack that contained tools used to commit burglaries. Manyoba said he was linked to a business burglary committed at Kieserville, Lichtenburg.
“It was also established that the suspect has a pending burglary case. The suspect is expected to appear before the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court on 3 March 2025,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, commended the police for their tireless efforts in tracking and arresting the alleged repeat offender.
1 March 2025- For many aspiring engineers, the disappointment of not qualifying for admission can feel overwhelming. Failing to meet the requirements in key subjects such as mathematics and physical sciences can dash hopes.
However, those determined to pursue their dreams now have a lifeline through the North West University’s (NWU) Xcel programme. On 10 February 2025, the Faculty of Engineering welcomed the new cohort of Xcel students.
This innovative programme offers matric learners a second chance to improve their mathematics and physical science marks, helping them meet the entry requirements for engineering studies. The programme also opens doors to other areas of study, giving students the flexibility to explore new academic opportunities after improving their results.
Xcel enables students to repeat grades 11 and 12, with a focus on rebuilding their school-based assessment portfolios, which are crucial for final matric evaluations. After completing the programme, students rewrite the National Senior Certificate exams in mathematics and physical sciences under the Department of Basic Education’s supervision.
With improved results, students can qualify to study engineering or other disciplines.
The one-year, full-time Xcel programme covers core education in mathematics and physical sciences, alongside higher education modules in Academic Literacy Development. In addition, students gain valuable skills through courses in computer-aided design and programming, which prepare them for success in future studies.
The Xcel programme has helped many passionate students regain hope and achieve their dreams of studying engineering. Many have gone on to graduate as proud alumni of the NWU’s Faculty of Engineering.
One recent Xcel programme success story worth noting is Tobias Brits, 2020 Xcel Programme students who was awarded First Place for the Best Final Year Project in Mechatronics at the 2024 annual Final Year Project Day of the School of Electrical, Electronic, and Computer Engineering. Initially, he did not meet the minimum Grade 12 requirements for entry into the engineering programme.
However, after retaking Grade 12 through the Xcel Programme, he went on to complete his BEng in four years with exemplary results, ultimately earning top recognition for his outstanding project.
This is just one of many success stories the Xcel Programme has produced – and continues to inspire.
The faculty is confident that the 2025 cohort will continue this legacy, inspiring even more success stories that will make the NWU proud.
The Guardian 