Picture: The copper cables seized by the police/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
24 January 2025- Two men were allegedly caught red-handed by the police stealing copper cables at a train line just outside Victoria West. On 23 January 2025, at around 4pm, the police in Victoria West and Transnet Security received a tip-off regarding suspects allegedly stealing copper cables and operationalised it.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the police allegedly found a group of men stealing copper cables from Transnet lines worth about R150 000. Kock said two of the six suspects were arrested while the other four fled and are still at large.
“The two suspects are foreign nationals aged 35 and 41 years-old, respectively. They will appear in the Victoria West Magistrate’s soon for allegedly tampering with essential infrastructure,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the Victoria West SAPS and Transnet Security for the outstanding arrests. Otola said this displays the excellent collaboration between the police and security sector, together with communities to dismantle crimes related to essential infrastructure and key points.
“The SAPS encourages the community to participate in the RATE OUR SERVICE QR online survey and assist the police in improving our service to the public and to report criminality to the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App,” she said.
Picture: Police seized some metals during arrests/Supplied
24 January 2025- The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has raised serious concerns about the relentless wave of infrastructure destruction, including the theft of aluminium and cables, the vandalism of traffic lights and railway lines, and the destruction of pylons.
In a recent incident, the department condemned the brazen actions of armed criminals who targeted government properties to steal steel, aluminium, and other valuable materials.
Late last night, security personnel at Public Works House, located in the Central Business District (CBD) of Pretoria, thwarted an attempted robbery by a group of armed intruders. The suspects were attempting to steal aluminium and steel infrastructure, including furniture, from the government premises.
The confrontation resulted in two suspects being shot after the group, armed with dangerous weapons, forcibly infiltrated the guarded property. The attackers are believed to be part of a notorious syndicate involved in the vandalism and theft of metals for sale in the scrap metal market.
Some of the suspects reportedly carried machetes (commonly referred to as pangas) to intimidate and attack security guards. Despite the violent encounter, the security team responded swiftly, wounding two intruders while others managed to escape.
“There have been numerous incidents of vandalism reported at various properties within the CBD area of Tshwane, with Public Works House being a frequent target,” the department stated. It added that fencing had also been repeatedly dismantled and stolen from government properties.
The department expressed concern that some of these crimes may be linked to individuals addicted to substances like nyaope, who sell stolen materials to scrap metal dealers for quick cash.
“The flourishing scrap metal industry and its apparent link to stolen materials are having a devastating impact on critical infrastructure and the broader economy,” the department warned.
The injured suspects were transported to a hospital, while some of the security personnel involved in the incident have been questioned as part of an ongoing police investigation.
“As investigations continue, security measures will be heightened to protect all public assets which must be used for public good,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
Picture: A body of a patient carried away at disused Stilfontein mine shaft/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
24 JANUARY 2025- A patient who was admitted at Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital Complex as part of a cohort of 33 suspected illegal miners, has died. The deceased was identified as Jonny Shingani and was admitted at the facility on 14 January 2025, following a successful extraction of illegal miners underground by National Rescue Operation, at the disused mines in Stilfontein last week.
The North West Department of Health spokesperson, Lucas Mothibedi said Shingani passed away on 23 January 2025 due to a medical-related condition. Mothibedi said from the three-day National Rescue Operation, 246 suspected illegal miners were medically assessed by their healthcare professionals before being handed over to the police, while 33 had to be admitted, for further medical care.
“The total number of those who have passed on from 33 that were admitted, is now 2. All our healthcare professionals remain committed to saving lives. This, became evident when 14 of the 32 remaining patients, were treated, discharged from the facility and handed over to the South African Police Services (SAPS), for criminal proceedings.
“Currently, the department only has 17 admitted patients from the Stilfotein’s extraction. The department wishes to inform members of the media that it will not be running a media commentary on patients’ personal information, including medical condition treated for, and their current medical status amongst others,” he said.
Mothibedi further said this is in line with the department’s stringent adherence to the National Health Act, of 2003, that emphasises rights of patients’ confidentiality. He added that this fundamental Act is generally applied across all patients under their care.
Picture: A man sentenced to 18 years imprisonment for rape/Generic
By BAKANG MOKOTO
24 January 2025- A man (24) was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment by the Hopetown Regional Court for rape and assault. This comes after the accused, Martin April, assaulted and rape woman at Valeria Farm, near Hopetown between 23 and 24 December 2022.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the investigation revealed that, on 23 December 2022, the accused assaulted the man at a friend’s house and further raped his mother the following day on 24 December 2022, who was on her way to a hiking spot.
Sam said the court found the accused guilty and sentenced him to 3 years imprisonment for assault and 15 years imprisonment for rape.
“The assault and rape sentences will run concurrently. April was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Pixley Ka Seme District Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, commended both the investigation and prosecution team, citing that Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) is an ill that has left no gender and sector of society untouched.
Mtukushe said the police will continue to drive social crime prevention programmes with GBVF groups to address these crimes and change behaviour and social norms.
Picture: The alleged illegal firearm seized by the police/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
24 January 2025- A man (27) was arrested by the police in Noupoort for possession of an illegal firearm and dealing in drugs. On 23 January 2024, Warrant Officer Rodney Wales stopped at a local garage to refuel a state vehicle when he noticed suspicious behaviour from a man, who was allegedly carrying a sling bag.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said Wales swiftly followed the suspect into the local gaming shop and noticed that he was hiding something. Pilane said Wales asked to search the bag and allegedly found suspected drugs and money.
“Upon further investigation, a suspected illegal firearm was also discovered hidden inside the game shop, with the serial number filed off. Additional members were called to assist, and more drugs, including dagga and mandrax, were found hidden inside the shop.
“The suspect has been arrested and charged for dealing in drugs and possession of an illegal firearm. The police encourage members of the public to report any criminal activities through the Mysaps App or the 0860010111 crime stop number,” he said.
Picture: A car dealership fined R100 000 for prohibited conduct/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
24 January 2025- The National Consumer Commission (NCC) said it welcomes the judgment of the National Consumer Tribunal handed down on 8 January 2025, against a car dealership that contravened Sections of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). In the judgment, the Tribunal declared the conduct of Avura Motors trading as Avura Executive Auto as prohibited, fined the company R100 000 and ordered a total refund of R106 088.28 to the consumer and insurance company.
The National Consumer Commission spokesperson, Phetho Ntaba said on 28 November 2022, the NCC received a complaint from the consumer alleging that Avura Executive Auto sold the consumer a defective vehicle. Ntaba said the NCC investigation revealed that in 2022, the consumer paid R288 577.50 for a pre-owned 2014 Mazda and within 28 days of the purchase, the vehicle started manifesting defects.
“The consumer informed the supplier of the defects and elected to have the vehicle repaired. Avura Executive Auto refused to honour the consumer’s election stating that the vehicle was sold in good condition. The supplier further relied on their 30-day or 1000km warranty.
“The supplier’s refusal compelled the consumer to take the vehicle to a third party for repairs. The consumer was quoted/charged R106 088.28 for parts and labour. The consumer’s warranty insurer paid R75 000, and the consumer paid the difference of R31 088.28,” she said.
Ntaba further said on 31 July 2024, the NCC referred the matter to the Tribunal, which ruled that Avura supplied a defective vehicle thus contravening Sections 55(2)(a) to (d) and 56(2)(a) of the CPA.
She added that, Section 55(2)(a) to (d) states that every consumer has the right to receive goods that are reasonably suitable for the purpose for which they are generally intended, of good quality and must be usable and durable for a reasonable period of time.
“Section 56(2)(a) stipulates that “within six months after delivery of any goods to the consumer, the consumer may return the goods to the supplier without penalty and the supplier must, at the direction of the consumer, repair or replace the unsafe or defective goods.
“Ruling on this matter, the Tribunal found “the contraventions are serious, displaying a total disregard for the CPA and the consumer’s rights,” said Ntaba.
She said the Tribunal found that the consumer was exploited by the sale of a vehicle, which was not of good quality. Ntaba said the Tribunal ruled that Avura Executive Auto has contravened sections 55(2)(a) -(d) and 56(2)(a) of the CPA.
“Avura Executive Auto’s contravention of these sections was declared as prohibited conduct. An interdict prohibiting Avura Executive Auto from engaging in the same or similar prohibited conduct in the future was granted. Avura Executive Auto was ordered to refund the consumer R31 088.28 within 30 business days of the judgement.
“Avura Executive Auto was further ordered to refund the consumer’s insurer R75 000 towards the cost of the repairs within 30 business days of the judgement and Avura Executive Auto was ordered to pay an administrative penalty of R100 000 within 60 business days of the judgment,” she said.
24 January 2025- The Department of Basic Education (DBE) calls on Grade 12 learners who did not pass to register to rewrite matric subjects in quest to improve their results. The department said it has a second chance matric programme to provide support to learners, who want to rewrite subjects.
“It helps them to meet the requirements of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Senior Certificate (SC) and obtain a Grade 12 matric certificate. Face to face classes are available at locations around the country, as well as online programmes and television and radio broadcasts.
“The opportunities that exist to rewrite National Senior Certificate (NSC) supplementary exams in March (National Senior Certificate progressed learners (learners who wrote the NSC the previous year but did not sit for all 6 subjects).”
The department said in June, part-time NSC candidates (learners who attempted the NSC examinations post 2015). It says more information on registration dates and resources is available from the Department of Basic Education (DBE).
The department says for more information, those interested can call 0800 20 29 33 or go to www.facebook.com/DBE2ndChance/
In 2024, the GCIS Assistant Director: Content Development, Andrea Naicker said those who may have missed the mark may feel discouraged. Naicker said there is however no need for despair as hope comes through the government’s Second Chance Matric Programme.
“The programme offers matric learners who have not met the requirements for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) a second chance to achieve the results they desire. We understand that being a Grade 12 student is highly pressured and some learners may face additional challenges such as inadequate learning environments, family or social challenges which can hamper learning.
“Regardless of the situation, we believe that every matriculant who may have not passed or achieved their desired results, deserves a second chance to rewrite their matric examination and improve their marks,” he said.
Naicker further said through the Second Chance Matric Programme, established by the Department of Basic Education (DBE), learners are supported to meet the requirements of the National Senior Certificate. He added that learners can, through the programme, also register for the subjects they wish to do better in.
“Improved results can influence the career path of an individual, providing opportunities they may not otherwise have had access to such as universities and specialised degrees or courses.
“We urge those in need of a second chance at acquiring their matric certificate or improving their matric results to take hold of this opportunity and apply for the Second Chance Matric Support Programme,” said Naicker.
23 Ferikgong 2025- Monna wa dingwaga di le 25, wa kwa motse-setoropong wa Reivilo o tshwerwe. Se tla morago ga gore molatofadiwa, Bongani Baikai a latofadiwe ka go betelela mosetsanyana wa dingwaga di le 14.
Go begwa fa Baikai, ane a tsamaya le lekgarebe la gagwe go ya go iphanya ka nnotago. Go begwa fa Baikai ga mmogo le lekgarebe la gagwe le eleng ausi wa mongongoregi, ba ne ba go robala kwa gabo lekgarebe.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are, go begwa fa molatofadiwa ga mmogo le lekgarebe la gagwe ba ne ba robetse kwa phaphosing enngwe ya go robala, fa mongongoregi ane a robetse kwa go enngwe.
“Go begwa fa molatofadiwa a ne a ya kwa phaphosing e mongongoregi a neng a robetse kwa go yone, mme a fitlha a mo tsosa le go mo biletsa kwa ntle, mme a mo betelela. Kgetsi ya petelelo ene ya bulwa kgatlhanong le Baikai.
“Molatofadiwa one a tlhageletse ka boripana kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung, mme kgetsi ya gagwe ene ya busediwa morago, fa ene a ka nama a letile kwa ntlolefitshwana,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, go begwa fa Baikai, a setse a lebagane le kgetsi e nngwe gape ya petelelo kwa Postmasburg.
23 January 2025- A business robbery case against four men in Mokassa 1 village, near Taung, was postponed by the Taung Magistrate’s Court until 30 January 2025, for formal bail application. The accused were arrested after a swift response by the police and members of the community.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Aobakwe Motshela (26), Thatayaone Mongalenyane (26), Goitsemodimo Dikhucwe (33), and Zwelinzima Mohapi (31), were arrested on Tuesday evening, 7 January 2025, after allegedly committing a business robbery in Mokassa 1 village.
“It is alleged members of Visible Policing rushed to the scene after receiving a call at about 6pm, informing
them of a robbery in progress. Upon arrival, the police joined members of the community who were found chasing the suspects.
“Three men were as a result arrested. The fourth suspect who was seen carrying a firearm, was apprehended after being found hiding in the bushes,” he said.
Mokgwabone said a search for the firearm was conducted immediately and the following day, but that did not yield positive results. He said the accused briefly appeared in Taung Magistrate’s Court.
“They were remanded in custody until 16 January 2025, for a formal bail application,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the District Commissioner of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng, thanked members of the community and the police for their cooperation, which he said is a good example of what can be achieved if everyone is involved in the fight against crime.
23 January 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said they strongly reiterate its opposition to the Expropriation Bill, which the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa has now signed into law. The DA said while they recognise that the constitution allows for acts of redress and restitution, including land reform, they have serious reservations about the procedure, as well as important substantive aspects of the Bill.
The DA national spokesperson, Willie Aucamp said: “We are in discussions with our legal team to formulate our case.”
Meanwhile, Ramaphosa spokesperson, Vincent Mangwenya said the president has signed into law the Expropriation Bill, which repeals the pre-democratic Expropriation Act of 1975, and sets out how organs of state may expropriate land in the public interest for varied reasons. Magwenya further said the Bill, which has undergone a five-year process of public consultation and parliamentary deliberation, aligns legislation on expropriation with the constitution.
“Section 25 of the Constitution recognises expropriation as an essential mechanism for the state to acquire someone’s property for a public purpose or in the public interest, subject to just and equitable compensation being paid.
“Up to now, expropriation of property has been governed in terms of the Expropriation Act of 1975, which predates the expropriation mechanism provided for in section 25(2) of the Constitution,” he said.
Mangwenya added that the Bill assented to by Ramaphosa, outlines how expropriation can be done and on what basis. He said this law will assist all organs of state – local, provincial and national authorities – to expropriate land in the public interest for varied reasons.
“Local, provincial and national authorities will use this legislation to expropriate land in the public interest for varied reasons that seek, among others, to promote inclusivity and access to natural resources.
“The Bill repeals the Expropriation Act and provides a common framework in line with the constitution to guide the processes and procedures for expropriation of property by organs of state,” said Magwenya.
He said in terms of this law, an expropriating authority may not expropriate property arbitrarily or for a purpose other than a public purpose or in the public interest. Magwenya said expropriation may not be exercised unless the expropriating authority has without success attempted to reach an agreement with the owner or holder of a right in property for the acquisition thereof on reasonable terms.
“An expropriating authority is therefore obliged to enter into negotiations with the owner of a property required for such purposes.
“An expropriating authority must also attempt to reach an agreement on the acquisition of the property before resorting to expropriation – except in circumstances where the right to use property temporarily is taken on an urgent basis in terms of a provision in the legislation,” he said.
Magwenya said the law provides for disputes to be referred for mediation or to appropriate courts.
The Guardian 