Picture: Some of drugs confiscated during Operation Vala Umgodi/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
20 January 2025- Twelve suspects were arrested during the continuous intelligence-driven disruptive operations conducted on 18 January 2025, by the multi-disciplinary teams of Operation Vala Umgodi. The police in Northern Cape said the operation focused on illicit mining and other related crimes in Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the police received a tip-off regarding suspected illegal mining activities taking place at a mining hotspot area in Kleinzee. Shemane said further investigation led to the arrest of four suspects aged between 35 and 57, for alleged illegal mining and trespassing.
“The police seized equipment suspected to be used in the commission of illicit mining and bags containing possible suspected diamond bearing material. In Frances Baard District, the police received information about illegal activities taking place at identified locations in Barkly West.
“The police pounced and arrested five undocumented persons aged between 26 and 47, as well as the seizure of ammunition. Furthermore, the police received a tip-off regarding the sale of drugs in Windsorton,” he said.
Shemane added that, upon arrival, a suspect (65), was searched and suspected drugs were found in his possession. He said the suspect was subsequently arrested.
“Another location in Kimberley was identified and searched. Drugs were found and confiscated, and a man (50) was apprehended for possession of drugs.
“In an unrelated matter on 19 January 2025, a man (36), was apprehended in Galeshewe for dealing in drugs. Drugs with an estimated value of R3000 were confiscated with a substantial amount of money believed to be the proceeds of criminal activities,” said Shemane.
He said the police will continue with their concerted efforts in addressing illicit mining activities, as well as other related crimes. Shemane said the public is reminded to report any criminal activities to SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS App.
20 January 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Northern Cape said learners, parents, educators and local businesses are paying the price for the Northern Cape Department of Education’s alleged financial mismanagement. The DA’s Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in Northern Cape Provincial Legislature, Priscilla Isaacs said the oversight they conducted confirmed that learners, parents, educators, principals, and local businesses are paying the price for financial mismanagement and poor prioritisation by the Northern Cape Department of Education.
Isaacs said parents and guardians taking their children to school this week were met with unprecedented requests for stationery, cleaning materials, and other items as the department failed since 2024, to pay funding for learning and teaching support materials, maintenance, food schemes, and other essentials.
She said while the department admitted its failure, it only committed to partial payment of outstanding monies.
“School communities are left scrambling to cover unexpected costs. As the department only paid 27% of schools’ funds for learning and teaching support materials, classes are left without stationery.
“Grade 12 learners at a Kimberley-based high school have been sitting on their hands since the academic year started, because the school lacks textbooks and cannot afford paper to make copies. Schools also receive only 35% of their hostel subsidies for two quarters, creating serious financial shortfalls at very short notice,” said Isaacs.
She further said one hostel near Calvinia resorted to sending learners home over the weekends, because the school cannot afford to pay staff and provide food for two non-school days. Isaacs added that not all parents can afford additional transport costs.
“Educators are under immense pressure to keep classes afloat from their own pockets. Yet without funding, schools are not necessarily able to pay educators their salaries.
“A school in Daniëlskuil was forced to use funding intended for salaries in 2025, to pay operational costs in 2024. Without funding, schools cannot provide the security needed to prevent vandalism and theft. Schools in Ritchie attest to the frequency of break-ins and vandalism after hours and during school holidays,” said Isaacs.
She said most schools visited by the DA representatives are unable to pay municipal accounts timeously. Isaacs said a school in Keimoes also struggles to afford prepaid electricity.
“Without electricity, the school’s pumps cannot draw sufficient water from the reservoir for hostel learners. While the department urges schools to engage with service providers, prioritise critical needs and plan conservatively, some schools have already been turned away by local businesses due to high debt levels and will find it impossible to make alternative arrangements without sufficient funding.
“It is also unrealistic to expect local businesses to subsidise schools indefinitely. I know of one business that hasn’t been paid for six months for school printing services. Why must it pay for the department’s failures?” she asked.
Isaacs said the department could easily find the funds to cover essential education services if it improved its abysmal financial management. She said in the last financial year, the department frittered away over R647 million in irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure.
“While one school in Ritchie only had enough supplies to feed children from an impoverished community for two days, the department upped its spending on its own catering for officials by 50%.
“And while schools are left without pens and paper, the department splashed out on gifts worth more than R3.5 million. We question the wisdom behind lavish gala events to celebrate the lowest matric pass rate in the country for the second consecutive year,” she said.
Isaacs said surely this funding could have been used to assist schools in impoverished communities, where parents cannot afford to feed their families, let alone afford to carry schools on their unemployed backs.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Department of Education response will be incorporated in the article when received.
20 Ferikgong 2025- Monna wa dingwaga di le 22, wa kwa motseng wa Morokweng, gaufi le Ganyesa, o thuntsitswe le go bolawa ke banna bangwe ba ba sa itsiweng. Go begwa fa tiragalo e, e diragetse ka masa a letsatsi la Tshipi (19 Ferikgong 2025).
Go ya ka dipego, go bonwe sejanaga sa VW Polo sa mmala o motala wa loapi ka nomoro plata ya porofense ya Gauteng, se se neng se kaila-kaila gaufi le legae la moswi eleng Tumelo Seokame. Go begwa fa ka nako eo, Seokame one a le kwa lefelong la boiketlo ga mmogo le lekgarebe la gagwe.
Go begwa fa Seokame ane a tsamaya le lekgarebe la gagwe go ya go robala. Go ya ka dipego, banna ba, ba ile ba ya go mo batla kwa gagabo, mme ba motlhoka.
Fela go begwa fa Seokame ya re a sentse a itheeditse kwa lelapeng la kgarebe ya gagwe, banna ba le bane ba ba sa itsiweng ba ne ba itelekela teng koo, mme ba kopa thuso mabapi le sejanaga sa bone se seneng se ba fa mathata.
Go begwa fa seo, ene ele tsela ya bone ya go gogela Seokame kwa ntle gore ba kgone go mo tlhasela. Go begwa fa lekgarebe la ga Seokame le ne la utlwa sethunya se gelebetega kwa ntle, mme moraganyana, one a bona Seokame oneng a phukga-phukga madi a tla a taboga le go siela mo ntlung.
Go ya ka dipego, Seokame one a laela lekgarebe la gagwe go le botsa phokoje fa ene a ne a leka go thiba setswalo. Go begwa fa lekgarebe la gagwe le ile la betsega ka letlhaba-phefo, fela one a kopana le mongwe wa banna ba kwa ntle.
Go begwa fa ka lesego, monna owa a sa montsha dikgobalo. Go begwa fa mongwe wa banna ba, a ile a tswelela ka go raga setswalo, mme one a tsena le go thuntsa Seokame makgetlho a le supa.
Go ya ka dipego, Seokame o thuntsitswe mo tlhogong makgetlho ale mabedi, gangwe mo letsogong, le mo mokwatla. Bathuso ya potlako ba ne ba bidiwa le go netefatsa fa Seokame a ragile kika kwa lefelong la tiragalo.
Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi kwa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are: “Ke nnete kgetsi ya polao e butswe, fela ga nkitla re tsena mo diteng tsa kgetsi. Dipatlisiso mo kgetsing e di tsweletse.”
20 January 2025- A business robbery case against four men in Mokassa 1 village, near Taung, was postponed by the Taung Magistrate’s Court until 23 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.
Picture: Some of suspects arrested by the police during raid/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
20 January 2025- The police in the Northern Cape have stamped the authority of the state as learners returned back to school throughout the province. The disruptive actions across all five districts in the province secured the arrest of 228 suspects for serious crimes including dealing in drugs, possession of a dangerous weapon, possession of drugs, attempted murder, business robbery, murder, rape and assault GBH.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said this includes the arrest of five wanted suspects, who were traced by detectives and successfully apprehended. Ehlers said collaboration between the police and other government departments to address priority crimes, resulted in these arrests and confiscation of drugs such as dagga, Tik and mandrax as well the seizure of alcohol, dangerous weapons and money believed to be the proceeds of crime.
“A total of 5687 persons and 2777 vehicles were stopped and searched at roadblocks, vehicle check points, high visibility patrols and stop and search actions. Compliance inspections were conducted at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, and recyclers.
“More than 17 unlicensed liquor outlets were closed during these inspections. In an effort to promote rural safety, several farms and mines were visited. The police, in partnership with other government departments and Community Police Structures (CPS), embarked on numerous back to school awareness campaigns in all five districts to promote school safety and address significant issues such as bullying, dangerous weapons and drug abuse,” she said.
Ehlers further said the engagements at schools will continue. She added that communities are encouraged to assist the police, share valuable information and to continue aiding the police by reporting incidents via the MySAPS app or 08600 10111.
20 January 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said as his administration took office last year, they made a commitment to reach out across society to find solutions to the challenges the country faces. Ramaphosa said since then, they have placed partnership at the centre of their work.
He further said while South Africa has a rich history of dialogue and cooperation, their experience of the COVID-19 pandemic underlined how important collaboration was in saving lives and livelihoods. Ramaphosa added that it showed the value of effective coordination across the state and with other sectors of society.
“One of the areas where partnerships within the state have had the greatest impact is in Operation Vulindlela. This initiative has brought together government departments and public institutions to undertake focused reforms in areas such as energy, logistics, telecommunications and water infrastructure.
“We also have structures like the President’s Coordinating Council, which brings together leaders from national, provincial and local governments to deal collectively with common challenges. In other areas, we have brought the different spheres of government together with other stakeholders,” he said.
Ramaphosa said last year, they established the Presidential eThekwini Working Group to support the metro in its efforts to restore business confidence and overcome service delivery challenges. He said, together, the working group has made progress on things such as water supply, tourism infrastructure and law enforcement.
“We have seen the value of partnership in our response to the electricity crisis. The progress we have made in reducing the severity of load shedding has been made possible by bringing together government departments, state-owned companies, business, labour and other social partners.
“The National Electricity Crisis Committee has played a crucial role in coordinating and focusing the efforts of these many different players. Another area that is benefiting from such partnerships is in rail and port operations,” said Ramaphosa.
He said these are beginning to stabilise and recover lost volumes as a result of efforts to support Transnet’s operational recovery. Ramaphosa said an important area of structured cooperation is the partnership between government and business to unlock impediments to inclusive growth.
“Though our respective roles and mandates may differ, we are aligned on the need to drive inclusive economic growth and job creation. Our areas of cooperation have extended beyond immediate economic issues.
“For example, the government came together with civil society partners on a national strategy to end gender-based violence and femicide. We have worked with various sectors through bodies like the South African National Aids Council and the Human Resource Development Council, using our collective resources and capabilities to promote development” he said.
Ramaphosa said this week, they will attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where they will be outlining South Africa’s priorities for its G20 Presidency. He said at the centre of our G20 agenda, is the promotion of cooperation among G20 and other countries on the most pressing issues facing the world.
“This cooperation should not only take place at a government-to-government level. It should involve all social formations. As in previous G20 presidencies, dialogue with civil society and other non-government institutions will be conducted through various engagement groups.
“These engagement groups cover sectors such as business, labour, civil society, parliamentary bodies and the judiciary. Following the approach of the Brazilian G20 Presidency in 2024, we will be convening a G20 Social Forum,” he said.
Ramaphosa said this will bring together representatives of engagement groups and other segments of civil society. He said one of the messages they will be taking to Davos is their ongoing commitment to partnerships in pursuit of inclusive growth and sustainable development.
“We will present our experiences of cooperation across society in South Africa and encourage greater emphasis on partnerships in international relations. In particular, we will make a call for global companies to partner with governments, entrepreneurs and stakeholders in emerging markets to pursue sustainable and inclusive growth.
“As we take our message of partnership and progress to Davos this week, we reaffirm our commitment to work with all social partners in pursuit of inclusive growth that benefits all South Africans and leaves no one behind,” said Ramaphosa.
20 January 2025- A man (49) briefly appeared before the Ottosdal Magistrate’s Court for fraud worth R2.3 million. In October 2021, a woman (63), allegedly approached by her friend who recruited her to join an investment scheme. She allegedly took her to a traditional healer at Golf View, Mahikeng who then advised her to resign as she was due for pension so that the ancestors could bless her.
The complainant was allegedly provided with a bank account belonging to Makgomo Doris Ngcobo (43), who is the wife of Mcbeth Ngcobo.
The Hawks spokesperson in North west, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said the money was allegedly transferred into the said account and thereafter they ignored her calls. Malwetse said the matter was referred to the Mahikeng based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for further handling.
“Following lengthy investigation, a warrant of arrest was issued for Mcbeth and Mmakgomo Doris Ngcobo. However, Mmakgomo Ngcobo could not attend court as she was already in custody on a separate fraud case.
“Mcbeth Ngcobo appeared before court and was released on R10 000 bail. The matter was postponed to 26 February 2025, for the appearance of both accused at Klerksdorp Specialised Commercial Crimes Court,” she.
Meanwhile, the North West Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended the investigation and prosecution team for their persistent efforts in ensuring that perpetrators are brought to book.
Picture: The match between Spar Proteas and Jamaica/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
20 January 2025- The SPAR Proteas went down 55-47 to Jamaica in a hard fought first Test in the three-match Margaret Beckford Sunshine Series in Kingston, Jamaica, on Saturday but national coach Jenny van Dyk is not downcast. Van Dyk said the two teams traded goal for goal in the closely contested first quarter, which ended 12-all.
“The last time we played Jamaica; we lost by 18 points – this time we lost by eight. There is something to work on and next time, we will know what to expect.
“During the second quarter, the South African goalkeeper Nicola Smith fell heavily and had to leave the court with an arm injury and her replacement Ane Retief was sent off for two minutes for a foul (dangerous play),” she said.
Van Dyk further said the Sunshine Girls took advantage of the situation and won the quarter by 16 goals to 11. She added that Jamaica maintained momentum and made the most of the situation in the third quarter and on two occasions, stretched their lead to 10 points.
“But the SPAR Proteas fought back hard and reduced the margin to seven goals. (42-35) In the final quarter, the Sunshine Girls surged ahead to take a 12-point lead, but Captain Khanyisa Chawane’s team fought to the end and some superb shooting by Elmere van den Bergh supported by inform goal attack Kamogelo Maseko, helped the SPAR Proteas to finish the match just eight goals behind.
“South Africa last toured Jamaica in 2012. I thought they had done well to cope with the atmosphere in the packed National Indoor Stadium. We theoretically know how they play, but there is nothing like experiencing it,” said van Dyk.
She said the noise and the vibe are something special, but it can put you off your game. Van Dyk said she thinks there is a lot they can take out of this match, and they know what they need to work on.
The assistant coach, Zanele Mdodana shared the same sentiments. Mdodana said the second quarter was very expensive for them, with a player injured and another sent off, but they should be able to cope with setbacks like that.
“We had a plan and a strategy, but we were thrown a curve ball in the second quarter. That’s where we lost the match, because all the other quarters were very close. Losing Nicola changed the momentum of the game.
“In the curtain raiser, the SPAR Baby Proteas impressed in beating Jamaica Under-21 by 61 goals to 31. The next match is on 23 January 2025 (2am SA time) and the final test on 26 January 2025 (1am SA time),” she said.
Meanwhile, all matches are live in SuperSport Variety 4 DStv Channel 209.
19 January 2025- Three brothers were arrested for various offences ranging from house robbery, kidnapping to possession of suspected stolen goods during crime intelligence-driven operation by members of Brits Trio Task Team. This comes after Nyiko Sithole (26), Bennett Sithole (24) and Derrick Sithole (27), were arrested individually between 7 and 8 January 2025, in Winterveldt and Garankuwa.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said Nyiko was arrested after being linked with house robbery and kidnapping cases through fingerprints. Manyoba said crimes were committed in Hartbeespoortdam in November 2024.
“The police seized several suspected stolen goods during the arrest. Upon interview, the suspect implicated his brother, Bennett who was traced to Garankuwa and arrested. Similarly, Bennett implicated his younger brother Derrick who was eventually arrested on 8 January 2025.
“A search conducted at Derrick’s place in Soshanguve, resulted in the recovery of a Chevrolet Utility bakkie and other items. Further investigation led the police to Morgan Mphela (51), who allegedly bought a suspected stolen Isuzu bakkie from the trio, then chopped it to sell parts,” she said.
Manyoba further said Mphela was charged for possession of suspected stolen goods. She added that the Sithole brothers are expected to make their third court appearance on 22 January 2025, subsequent to initial appearances on 10 and 15 January 2025.
“Mphela is appearing separately in the Garankuwa Magistrate’s Court for possession of suspected stolen goods,” said Manyoba.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, hailed the police involved for their dedication that resulted in the arrests and recoveries.
19 January 2025- The Johannesburg High Court postponed the bail application by Michael Harry Lomas to 24 January 2025, for further hearing. The legal representative placed it on record that the state opposes the application and an affidavit will be provided detailing the reasons for opposing.
The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said: “Following the successful extradition from the United Kingdom (UK) in September 2024, Lomas made his first appearance at the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court and the matter was subsequently transferred to the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crime Court, which eventually transferred it to the high court to be joined with that of the 11 others, who are charged with him.
“In all these court appearances, he reserved his right to apply for bail. Lomas later in December 2024, following his first appearance at the Johannesburg High Court, filed a notice with the high court indicating his intention to formally apply for bail.”
Mamothame further said Lomas and 11 other are facing 41 counts of corruption linked to the R1,4 billion that was meant for the upgrade of Eskom’s Kusile Power Station in Mpumalanga between 2014 and 2017. He said their matter will appear on 5 March 2025, for pretrial.
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