Category Archives: NEWS

SAPS: “Stop peddling misinformation”

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Stilfontein mine shaft

By BAKANG MOKOTO

19 January 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) said it wishes to clarify certain issues pertaining to matters related to Stilfontein and condemns the ongoing peddling of misinformation and lies. The police said the first matter is that of the personal information of suspects arrested in the Stilfontein retrieval operation.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the police have since the commencement of the resurfacing of illegal miners, shared a list of those that have resurfaced and retrieved them with two community leaders. Mokgwabone said this was firstly done to ensure transparency with communities, but to also ensure that community members assist the police in finding the next-of-kin of those involved in the illegal mining operations.

“The police have since learnt with dismay that these lists which include names, nationalities and birth dates have been widely shared on various social media platforms. The police are therefore investigating the sharing of suspects personal information in public.

“The second issue is the peddling of lies and misinformation on the blasting of shaft 10 by police. Upon receipt of such an allegation, the police instructed its explosives team to inspect shaft 10 for any sign of explosion,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said it was found that no such blasting or bombing as is referred to – took place. He added that, the police remind those behind this peddling, that according to the Explosives Act 26 of 1956 Section 27 (1A), it is an offense to communicate false information regarding any explosion or alleged explosion.

“Those that do will be guilty of an offense. The SAPS is engaging its legal team on a way forward. Thirdly, the allegation that police arrested one of the volunteers, Mzwandile Mkwayi, in this operation is devoid of truth.

“Mkwayi, according to the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is a parolee and allegedly contravened his parole conditions. The SAPS refers this matter to the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) for further information and clarity. It should be noted that the volunteer is not in police custody,” said Mokgwabone.

He said Vala Umgodi deployments continue to prevent and combat illicit mining activities in Stilfontein.

Meanwhile, the Department of Correctional Services spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo said Mkwayi was not arrested or detained by the DCS. Nxumalo said he was taken to the Klerksdorp Community Corrections Office for administrative purposes, as he is currently a parolee.

“Mkwayi has been on parole since 15 April 2021. His sentence, which commenced following a conviction for murder on 16 September 2013, is set to expire on 15 September 2028. Parole violations include leaving designated jurisdiction.

“So, Mkwayi violated his parole conditions by leaving his designated jurisdiction without prior notification or approval from his monitoring officials. Adherence to jurisdictional boundaries is a critical aspect of parole conditions to ensure proper monitoring,” he said.

Nxumalo said Mkwayi also engaged with media outlets without securing prior authorization, which constitutes another breach of his parole conditions. He said the DSC has issued a formal warning to Mkwayi for these violations.

“He remains on parole and will continue to be monitored in accordance with the conditions of his parole placement until the sentence expiry date,” said Nxumalo.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A man arrested for possession of suspected stolen goods  

NEWS Leave a comment

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

19 January 2025- In an endeavour to address serious and violent crimes, a disruptive operation by the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Task Team and other role players culminated in the apprehension of a man (48), on Wednesday night, 15 January 2025, at Lethabong, outside Rustenburg, for possession of suspected stolen goods.

Eric Ngwenya was arrested after the team of Rustenburg Tactical Response Team (TRT), Public Order Police (POP), Crime Intelligence, Bafokeng Royal Security and Bidvest Security, allegedly intercepted a grey Volkswagen Passat vehicle.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said it was established on investigation that the vehicle was stolen in Garsfontein, Gauteng Province in May 2024. Manyoba further said the investigation into the matter, led the police to the accused’s residence in Lethabong, where a Nissan NP200 vehicle was discovered.

“The said vehicle was linked to cases of murder and house robbery committed in the policing area of Swartruggens in June 2024. Ngwenya briefly appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 17 January 2025, for possession of suspected stolen motor vehicles. 

“He was remanded in custody until 20 January 2025. In Rustenburg North, where the police were tracing suspects possibly involved in theft of motor vehicles, two Mozambican foreign nationals were arrested and detained for contravention of Section 49 (1) (a) of the Immigration Act, 2002.  

“The pair appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 17 January 2025,” she added.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, commended all the role players for their collaborative efforts and the sterling work to ensure that an apparent repeat offender is put behind bars.   

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Two suspects to appear in court for double murder

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE

19 January 2025- Two suspects aged 23 and 28, nabbed for two counts of murder. The suspects were arrested during crime intelligence-driven operation by Brits Trio Task Team and Letlhabile Visible Policing on 17 January 2025, in Letlhabile Block I and G respectively.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said this transpired after the police received a tip-off regarding a double murder incident and operationalised it. Manyoba said it is alleged that, the suspects shot and killed a man and a woman in the early hours of Thursday morning, 16 January 2025, inside a tuck shop at Checkers Section, Maboloka village, near Letlhabile.

“The motive of the incident is yet to be determined. The first suspect was arrested at Block I and following the interview, he led the police to Block G, where his accomplice was located and arrested.

“In effecting the second arrest, the team confiscated firearms that included 12 Gauge shotgun with filed off serial number, four ammunition as well as a silver 9mm star pistol with filed off serial number and one ammunition, which were found hidden in the garden,” she said.

Manyoba further said the suspects are expected to appear in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 20 January 2025. She added that the 28-year-old suspect will be facing additional charges of unlawful possession of firearms and unlawful possession of ammunition.

“Investigations into the matter, including the tracing of the other suspect/s are underway,” said Manyoba. 

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, welcomed the arrest of two suspects for two counts of murder. Asaneng lauded the police for their relentless efforts to ascertain that the suspects are arrested within hours after the commission of the crimes.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Three men nabbed for forgery and uttering

NEWS Leave a comment

By OBAKENG MAJE

19 January 2025- Three men were arrested by the police in Meriting village, near Rustenburg, for forgery and uttering. The men were arrested during a crime prevention-driven operation on 15 January 2025.

 The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said the accused, Takalani Netangule (45), Sphelele Bangiso (34) and Bangani Anele (38), briefly appeared before Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court and were granted R2000 bail each on 17 January 2025.

“They will reappear before the court on 23 January and 13 February 2025 respectively. The accused were arrested after the members of the crime prevention unit followed up on a tip-off from members of the community during the back to school campaign operation at one of the local schools.

“As a result, a search and seizure warrant was obtained and executed at the identified place. During the search, forged documents and fake certified copies, certification stamps bearing the names of Rustenburg Station and Boitekong Vispol Commander were found,” she said. 

Manyoba said in addition, there were certified copies with false persal numbers of police officers, a doctor’s blank sick notes, pay slips, mine and South African Revenue Services (SARS) certificates. She further said it transpired that members of the community were issued with fake medical and mine qualifications related certificates produced at the internet cafe.

“The preliminary investigation conducted with one of the mines confirmed that the pay slip was false. All the equipment including computers used to reproduce

 fake medical and mining certificates were confiscated.

“Investigation into the matter continues and police request members of the community to come forth with information that can assist in the investigation by calling the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Otladisang Moremi on 060 987 8626,” added Manyoba.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, appreciated the work the police carried out jointly with the public. Asaneng reminded the communities that they are the eyes and ears of the police and that safer communities are enhanced by working together towards the fight against crime.   

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le banna ba le babedi ba kwa Matlhako 2 e buseditswe morago

NEWS Leave a comment

Setshwantsho: Moswi, Boingotlo Makaota/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

17 Ferikgong 2025- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le banna ba le babedi ba kwa motseng wa Matlhako 2, gaufi le Pudimoe, e busiditswe morago ke kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung go fitlha 23 Ferikgong 2025. Go begwa fa Phemelo Maine (40) a puagantse kopo ya gagwe ya beile, fa kopo ya beile ya ga Onkemetse Phatlhanyane (27), e ka rediwa ka di 23 Ferikgong 2025.

Maine le Phatlhanyane ba latofadiwa ka go bolaya Boingotlo Makaota (16).

Go begwa fa setopo sa ga Makaota, se bonwe kwa lebitleng le le seng boteng kwa nageng kwa motseng wa Matlhako 2 mo bekeng e e fetileng ka Labotlhano. Sepodisi se begile fa Makaota a ka tswa a bolailwe mo bosigong jwa Labone gone mo bekeng e e fetileng.

Go ya ka moagisani, one a utlwa segajaja sa lekgarebe mo bosigong jwa Labone kwa ntlung ya ga Maine. Go begwa fa moagisani o, gape a tlhalositse fa a ne a bona Maine ga mmogo le ditsala tsa gagwe ba kgorometsa kereibaye e go bontshang fa ene e pegile sengwe mo teng mo mosong wa Labotlhano.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are: “Sepodisi se ile sa tswa letsholo, mme seo se ile sa lebisa kwa go epololweng ga setopo sa ga Makaota.

“Go begwa fa setopo seo, sene se thatilwe ka kobo, mme moswi one a supiwa ke ba lelapa la gagwe. Dipatlisiso di shupa fa setopo sa ga Makaota, se ne se na le dintho mo tlhogong, mo diropeng ga mmogo le mo maotong.”

Mokgwabone are dipatlisiso di ile tsa bolodiwa kwa lelapeng la ga Maine, mme diaparo tsa moswi di ile tsa fitlhelwa teng. Mokgwabone are, Maine o tshwerwe ka Lamatlhatso morago ga go ineele kwa sepodising.

“Monna o, o ile a isiwa kwa sepodisi ke morwa rragwe, mme one a tshwarwa. Sepodisi se ile sa botsolotsa Phatlhanyane o bonweng a tsamaya le Maine fa a ne a kgorometsa kereibaye, mme le ene o ile a lelelwa ke ditshipi,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.

Mokomishinara wa Sepodisi wa nama o sa tshwere mo Bokone Bophirima, Major General Patrick Asaneng, o kgadile ka bogale tiragalo e. Asaneng are polao eo ya go tlhorontshiwa ga bong e kabo e efogilwe fa baagi ba ne ba le malala-a-laotswe.

Kgabagare, modula-setilo wa mokgatlho wa baagi wa South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) mo Taung, Joseph Tanyane are: “Re utlwile ka tiragalo eo, mme re tlhabilwe ke ditlhong thata. Re dira boikuelo go makgarebe a atlhogang gore ba itlhokomele thata jang mo makawaneng a tlang kwa morago a.

“Ko bofelo, ba feleletsa ba ba tseela matshelo, mme re ba rotloetsa thata gore ba itlhokomele. Re leboga sepodisi sa rona sa Afrika Borwa ka gore se sebaka ba be ba setse ba tshwere babelaelwa. Ba dira tiro entle go baagi ba rona.”

Tanyane are ba romela matshidiso go ba lelapa la ga Makaota gore ba beye tshotlhe fa pele ga Modimo, gonne ke ene fela o a itseng.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

SAPS tender corruption case postponed

NEWS Leave a comment

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

17 January 2025- The Pretoria Regional Court postponed the case against Kishene Chetty and 12 of his co-accused to 24 March 2025, to await the outcome of their application at the high court to have this case combined with their other matter appearing at the high court where they are facing separate charges of corruption.

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the accused in the matter are facing charges of forgery, uttering, fraud and theft relating to the procurement of toners for the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga and Eastern Cape Province.

Mamothame said the offence is alleged to have taken place between 2015 and 2015, resulting in a loss of over R800 000 to the SAPS.

“Amongst the accused are SAPS officials who allegedly colluded with the companies involved for the awarding of the tender, while knowing that falsified documents were being provided by these companies.

“The companies involved in the matter are Bambanani Marketing and Projects, Baroma Construction and Office Consumables, Super Stationery Distributors, Sifikile Furniture and Projects and Vatika and Projects. Investigations by IDAC have led to Chetty being charged in other matters which are currently before courts for alleged corruption involving millions within the South African Police Service,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

The rescue operation wrapped up at Stilfontein mine

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The rescue machine that was used to extract illegal miners underground

By REGINALD KANYANE

17 January 2025- The North West Department of Health said its officials have wrapped up a week-long on-site support operation at the National Rescue Operation (NRO) at Stilfontein mine. The operation ended 16 January 2025.

The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari said the department’s on-site successful operation comprised of different specialists’ healthcare professionals led by acting Deputy Director General for Hospitals and Clinical Support, Agisanang Portia Tlou, Chief Director for Hospitals and Clinical Support Services, Zenzo Ndabula and Chief Director for Dr Kenneth Kaunda district, Phil Maboe.

Lehari said the operation oversaw the care of the extracted sickly illegal miners at the department’s medical facilities before being handed over to the police for arrests.

“The operation also involved the processing, transportation and storage of bodies of those that have perished underground. Of the illicit miners, only 9 have been admitted under the department’s care for further medical check-ups under police guard.

“The rest are in police custody. We laud officials dispatched on site by the Superintendent General, Obakeng Mongale. They have shown unwavering commitment and have gone beyond the call of duty,” he said.

Lehari further said operations like these ones are complex, especially when they involve such a huge number. He added that all of the over 1900 illegal miners passed through the hands of their medical personnel before being handed over to police.

“They have done so well. The work on those bodies have started in earnest and I am really proud of the work done so far. We are not done yet as we will now work on bodies at our mortuaries,” said Lehari.

Meanwhile, he said 246 individuals were brought to the surface from underground and assessed by medical personnel from the Department of Health before being handed over to the for criminal processing between 13 and 15 January 2025.

Lehari said the operation also saw the extraction of 78 bodies, which have been inimitably handled by the Forensic Pathology Services within the department.

“Some of the bodies had stayed for days and unfortunately are in a mortified state. The department reiterates its earlier call to members of the public and media to guard against disinformation and misinformation and allow the government to handle this sensitive matter with all tenets required,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le lekawana la kwa Lokgabeng e buseditswe morago

NEWS Leave a comment

Setshwantsho: Molatofadiwa, Simon Molale mo kgetsing ya polao

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

16 Ferikgong 2015- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le lekawana la kwa motseng wa Lokgabeng, gaufi le Taung, e buseditswe morago go fitlha ka di 17 Tlhakole 2025. Simon Molale (22), yo a latofadiwang ka go tlhaba le go bolaya lekgarebe la gagwe, Tshepiso Medichane (21), o tla nama a letile kwa ntlo-lefitshwana morago ga go ganelwa ka beile ke kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung.

Go begwa fa Molale a ne a tlhaba Medichane le go mo bolaya, mme one a tshaba kwa lefelong la tiragalo morago a go bona batho.

Fela, go begwa fa ba lelapa la gagwe ba ne ba mo tshwara le go mo isa kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Taung di ura morago ga tiragalo e. Go begwa fa Molale a lekile go tsaya botshelo jwa gagwe pele ga ba lelapa la gagwe ba ka mo neela sepodisi ka motsi o.

Molale o ile a amogelwa kwa bookelo jwa selegae jwa Taung morago ga magatwe a gore o ile a itlhaba ka thipa.

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are Molale one a tshwarwa le go latofadiwa ka polao ya ga Medichane.

“Ke nnete molatofadiwa mo kgetsing e ya polao o tshwerwe. Molatofadiwa one a isiwa kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi ke ba lelapa la gagwe.

“One a na le dikgobalo, mme o ile a amogelwa kwa bookelong jwa selegae. Molatofadiwa o lebagane le kgetsi ya polao, mme thipa e e dirisitsweng go bolaya moswi ene ya fitlhelwa kwa lefelong la tiragalo.”

Go fitlha ga jaana, bosekisi bo tlhalositse fa bo setse bo emetse dipholo tsa diteko tsa thipa e go begwang fa Molale a e dirisitse go bolaya Medichane, mme dipatlisiso mo kgetsing di a tswelela.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Onalerona Primary School in Kgomotso village affected by severe wind    

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The roof of the Onalerona Primary School building blown off 

By OBAKENG MAJE

16 January 2025- Onalerona Primary School were among buildings that were damaged by the severe wind on Tuesday. The roof of a building at the school was blown off.

However, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said the strong winds and heavy rains damaged several homes and buildings in Kgomotso village, near Taung.

“The district schools have experienced disruptions due to storms from December 2024, to the present, resulting in the damage of two institutions, specifically Majeng Secondary School and Onalerona Primary School, both located in Kgomotso village.

“Foundation phase learners from Onalerona Primary School will be accommodated at the nearby Thutoneo Primary School, which possesses sufficient classroom facilities,” he said.

Molokwane further said Majeng Secondary School also has an abundance of unused classrooms, therefore, no critical crisis has arisen. He added that repairs are scheduled to commence in 2025.

taungdaiynews@gmail.com

DA calls on Ramaphosa to establish a Commission of Inquiry over Stilfontein mine saga

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Stilfontein mine shaft

By REGINALD KANYANE

16 January 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it has delivered an official letter to the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa, urging him to establish a Commission of Inquiry into the ongoing disaster at the Buffelsfontein Mine in Stilfontein, North West. This comes after the mine became the site of a devastating crisis, with over 78 illegal miners’ bodies recovered.

The DA spokesperson on Mineral and Petroleum Resources, James Lorimer, who is also a Member of Parliament (MP) said, the letter emphasises the urgent need for a comprehensive investigation into the events surrounding this crisis. Lorimer said the mine has attracted significant attention, both locally and internationally, as the humanitarian catastrophe unfolds.

“We believe that this crisis warrants a full and

transparent inquiry into the causes and consequences of the disaster. So, we calling for the inquiry to investigate key issues, including the role of government agencies.

“An examination of the actions or failures of government bodies such as law enforcement and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), which are responsible for managing and addressing illegal mining operations,” he said.

Lorimer further said the investigation must also look into the role of the mine owners, management, and operators in ensuring safety and mitigating illegal mining activities. He added that the inquiry should determine the factors that led to the disaster, including insufficient safety protocols and the escalation of illegal mining activities.

“The extent of illegal mining at Buffelsfontein and its effect on both the mine’s operations and the surrounding community, must be fully explored. We also call for an assessment of how government agencies have responded to the crisis, particularly in light of the Gauteng High Court’s order for a lawful rescue operation.

“The inquiry should propose recommendations for preventing similar disasters in the future, including regulatory improvements and stronger measures against illegal mining,” said Lorimer.

He said the DA urges Ramaphosa to act swiftly, while witnesses are still available to ensure that this inquiry takes place. Lorimer said a transparent investigation will help uncover the full scope of the crisis and prevent future tragedies of this nature.

Meanwhile, a total of 84 alive illegal miners have been retrieved on 15 January 2025. All 84 have been placed under arrest.

The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said: “Eighteen illegal miners have been certified dead. Mathe said the total figures on day three of operations by 4pm on Wednesday afternoon showed that 216 alive illegal miners were retrieved, while 78 are deceased.”

The acting North west Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, provided further updates at 7:30pm yesterday.

taungdailynews@gmail.com