Picture: Some of drugs seized by police during arrest/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
13 January 2025- A man (33) was arrested for dealing in drugs on 11 January 2025, at around 12:00. The suspect was arrested by the police Deben, Kuruman Public Order Policing Service (POPS), Community in Blue Patrollers and Community Police Forum (CPF) members.
The suspect was arrested after his house was raided and sachets of Tik with an estimated street value of R1740.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Capt Mosimaneotsile Letsapa said mandrax tablets to the value of R920 and an undisclosed amount of cash were confiscated. Letsapa said the suspect is expected to appear in Kathu Magistrate’s court soon on a charge of dealing in drugs.
“In an unrelated incident on the same day, Deben police also arrested a man (34) for driving under the influence of alcohol. The police will continue to sharpen their efforts to curb crime and to squeeze the space for criminals to operate,” he said.
Picture: The ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
13 January 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) said it has noted with concern certain misleading narratives surrounding the mode of transport utilised by the Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula, during the recent visit to Robben Island as part of the ANC’s 113th anniversary commemorations.
This comes after media reports suggesting that Mbalula shocked ANC top brass by snubbing a ferry and taking a luxury yacht, instead to an event marking the party’s 113th anniversary. According to Sunday Times newspaper, Mbalula stunned the party’s leaders at its 113th birthday bash in Cape Town when he rocked up at Robben Island in a flashy power yacht that belongs to a Cape Town businessman with government contracts.
However, the party categorically rejected the misrepresentation that Mbalula’s transport choice was an indulgence in luxury.
The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said that was an operational decision guided solely by practical and logistical considerations to ensure the efficient execution of a tightly packed programme. Bhengu-Motsiri said Mbalula had an intense schedule on the day, which began in Robben Island, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony in honour of Songezo Mjongile, a regional cake-cutting ceremony and multiple stakeholder engagements.
“Every engagement required precise coordination to ensure that all obligations were met without delay or disruption. To suggest that such logistical decisions were anything other than necessary is to wilfully ignore the realities of a demanding leadership role during a historic occasion.
“There was no unethical conduct or undue benefit derived from these arrangements. The businessman in question is a reputable, above-board entrepreneur, whose relationship with the ANC is limited to being a stakeholder, as is the case with many other legitimate partners who share in the goal of building a better South Africa,” she said.
Bhengu-Motsiri further said there is also a need to acknowledge the apparent coordinated effort to discredit the ANC by painting its stakeholders and associates in a negative light. She added that this growing trend seeks to delegitimise lawful partnerships between the ANC and credible business people, relationships that remain essential in driving forward the socio-economic transformation agenda.
“The ANC will continue to defend and foster these partnerships, as they are critical to achieving the goals of the National Democratic Revolution (NDR). The ANC remains resolute in its mission to address the socio-economic challenges facing our country.
“Reflecting on the overwhelming success of the January 8 Statement rally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Khayelitsha and the Western Cape for their enthusiasm, and unwavering support,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.
She said the rally demonstrated once again the deep bond between the ANC and the people it serves, and it symbolised a renewed commitment to unity and progress. Bhengu-Motsiri said in line with this renewed commitment, they proudly declare 2025 to be: “The Year of Renewal to Make the ANC a More Effective Instrument of the People to Achieve the Vision of the Freedom Charter: The People Shall Govern! The People Shall Share in the Country’s Wealth!”
“This declaration reflects the ANC’s ongoing dedication to renewing and revitalising itself to better serve the people of South Africa.
“We call on all South Africans to join hands with us in this mission to make the ANC a stronger, more responsive movement that is truly reflective of the people’s aspirations,” she said.
Picture: Community members protesting outside court over a rape case/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
13 January 2025- A man was sentenced to three life terms imprisonment by the Molopo Regional Court for rape. This comes after Fezile Zozi committed the crimes in Lomanyaneng village, near Mahikeng in May 2010, August 2021 and September 2023.
In committing the offences, Zozi would after meeting the victims, cleverly volunteered to accompany them to their places, but ended up raping them. It emerged during the proceedings that Zozi met the first victim (15), in the evening on 20 August 2010.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said out of his own accord, he accompanied the girl who was going home. Mokgwabone said they were on the way when Zozi dragged the girl into the bushes and raped her.
“The convict was on bail in August 2021, when he met a woman (18), who was on her way home just after midnight. Once more, he volunteered to accompany the woman.
“They were walking when Zozi told the woman that she was bewitched. Further that he had the ability to heal the woman. Due to the woman’s refusal to the proposal, Zozi forcefully undressed and raped her next to the road,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said, two years later, Zozi met a woman (38), walking home in the early hours of the morning. He added that in this instance, Zozi pretended to be a prophet and attempted to apply prophetic practices to the woman.
“Upon refusal, the woman was dragged to the nearby bushes and raped. Consequent to investigations including the linkages, all the cases were combined for the purpose of trial,” said Mokgwabone.
In addressing the court for a severe punishment, the state prosecutor, advocate Kefentse Diseko, highlighted the gravity and prevalence of the offences. Diseko told the court that the accused violated the constitutional rights of the victims.
“The convict was accordingly handed life sentence for each of the three counts of rape. The sentences will run concurrently. He was in addition, declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000,” he said.
Meanwhile, in welcoming the sentence, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Dr Rachel Makhari and the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, pointed out that while the rape incidents caused trauma to the victims, it is pleasing that the collaboration of entities to ensure justice to the victims of crime, continues to yield positive results. Asaneng applauded Diseko, as well as other role players for their cooperation, which ensured that another criminal is removed from society.
Picture: Some of drugs confiscated by the police/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
13 January 2025- More than 1194 suspects were arrested for various offences during Operation Shanela. The suspects were arrested by the police in the North West for working together with other law enforcement agencies and role players.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the arrests were executed between 6 until 12 January 2025. Mokgwabone said the suspects were among others, arrested for illicit mining, murder, rape, attempted murder, assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm and common and dealing in drugs.
“This includes illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, burglaries at business and residential premises and driving under the influence of alcohol. Moreover, 115 suspected undocumented persons were also taken in for processing by Immigration Officials.
“Of the total arrests, 614 were effected during detectives’ suspect raiding operations. The arrests include an Angolan national (36), who was arrested in Vryburg on 10 January 2025, for possession of crystal meth,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said a Nigerian national (35), was detained after being found in possession of crystal meth and 91 mandrax tablets. He added that in Lomanyaneng village, outside Mahikeng, the operation which began with a roadblock, led to the shutdown of an illegal Second-Hand Goods Dealership.
“That after information was operationalised that the dealer was operating without a registration certificate. The dealer was as a result, issued with a fine. As part of the operations, 307 premises, 3 888 persons and 1 197 vehicles were searched.
“Moreover, 250 licensed liquor premises and second-hand goods dealers were visited for compliance inspections. The operation further led to the confiscation of liquor, 55 ammunition, five firearms, jewellery, nine cell phones, a variety of drugs and many other items,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, lauded the police and other law enforcement officials for their persistent hard work in ensuring the general safety and security of the communities.
Picture: Students leave the campus at the North-West University in Mahikeng, South Africa, (also known as Mafikeng) Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016. Protesting students burned down several buildings on the campus Wednesday forcing the evacuation and indefinite closure till further notice a spokesman said Thursday. (AP Photo)
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
13 January 2025- In accordance with its internal processes and procedures, the North West University (NWU) said it does not allow for a so-called walk-in application process for first-year students in 2025.
The university said this means that persons who did not submit an application for studies during the application period, who did not receive an offer to study at the NWU or who applied for admission after the closure of the application period, will not be able to make an application at this point in time.
The NWU Deputy Registrar, Prof Michael Temane said the university has reached full capacity for its 2025 intake, with no extra places available.
“We had more than 390 000 applications of whom more than 276 000 submitted their final applications. Of these, only 11 754 can be accommodated in terms of our approved enrolment targets by the Department of Higher Education and Training.
“The NWU is proud of every Grade 12 learner who has completed their school career successfully and want to wish them well in advance as they embark on their various endeavours. Unfortunately, we are just not able to accommodate any walk-ins who did not qualify during the application process last year,” said Temane.
He further said walk-ins refer mostly to non-accepted students who still want to study, but do not meet the criteria or did not apply for admission. Temane added that it is furthermore important to mention that first-year applicants, who received a conditional offer in respect of enrolment in 2025 at the NWU will be informed shortly after the release of the NSC results early this week of the status of their application.
“All prospective students who are uncertain whether they were admitted to study at the NWU should contact the university’s toll-free number (0860 169 698) from 20 January 2025, when online registration for first-year students will commence.
“We remind unsuccessful applicants that another opportunity for application for further studies exists, as they may register online on the Central Applications Clearing House (CACH) website for consideration at various universities depending on the availability of spaces,” he said.
Temane said the national CACH sign-up service aims to provide unsuccessful applicants with access to career development services and where possible, an opportunity to access spaces still available at other higher-education institutions. He said their call centre can be reached on 0860 690 722.
“The CACH facility sends prospective students’ information to all tertiary-education institutions. These institutions may contact them where places exist and if students meet the requirements,” said Temane.
13 January 2025– The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education will today attend the release of the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results. It is common practice that the committee attends the event as part of the oversight process over the executive and as a way to encourage learners that are now entering a new phase of their educational journey.
The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee, Joy Maimela said the event represents the culmination of over 12 years of hard work within the schooling system and provides stakeholders the opportunity to reflect on where the system stands, its shortcomings, and areas of strength. Maimela said while the focus on the day is on Grade 12 results, reflections should be on the system in its entirety.
“We call for families to ensure effective support to all learners as they keenly await the results. As we await the results, it is important to highlight that those that are not successful should not lose hope.
“It is important for families to offer maximum support to learners and encourage them to fight anxiety that can lead to unfortunate incidents,” said Maimela.
Meanwhile, the event will be held at MosaÏek Church, 1 Danielle Street, Fairland, Randburg on 13 January 2025 at 6pm.
Picture: The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
13 January 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng has directed that the payment of North West Transport Investment (NTI) salaries be expedited. In a media briefing held on 6 January 2025, Morweng undertook to ensure that the payment was processed within a week.
“Our interest as a shareholder representative is to ensure that the employees are being paid. Our team is looking at the possibilities of making sure that that is being done within ten days.
“We would also want to make sure that there is a solution to the non-payment of salaries. In an effort to ensure stability at the entity, the Chief Director for Corporate Services at the Department, Dr Ntlhopeng Dikobe, was seconded to NTI to oversee its revival as an accounting officer,” he said.
Morweng further said this was shortly after the court process, which the department had embarked upon to remove the BRP. He added that despite the intention to apply for a leave to appeal, which meant the status quo remains, Dikobe engaged the BRP to ensure that creditors, primarily of whom are the employees, are being paid.
“The resolution of the meeting is that an external payment processor will be engaged to ensure salaries are being paid within the period as stipulated by me. This is the same process that the Head of Department, Dr Hans Kekana had utilised earlier when the department was intervening in yet another payment imbroglio at the entity.
“It has also been agreed that all employees of the entity must go back to work. This includes workers who had been protesting in Mahikeng since the middle of December 2024,” said Morweng.
He said as a result of this intervention, those employees who had been in Mahikeng had since left. Morweng said the BRP will also prepare a report for the shareholder accounting for the work done including the money that has been appropriated for the entity as an intervention.
“We are committed to visit the NTI depots to engage with employees. This has also been earlier done by both Kekana and Dikobe,” he said.
13 January 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) in North West celebrates two of its branches for their exceptional performance and dedication in advancing the ideals and objectives of our glorious movement as announced by the ANC president, Cyril Ramaphosa at the organisation’s celebration of 113 years since its inception.
The Reatlegile Branch of the ANC Women’s League in Ward 18 in Taung, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Region, has been awarded the prestigious Charlotte Maxeke Award for being the best-performing branch, while the ANC Branch of Ward 41 in Bojanala Region, has achieved joint third place in the Sol Plaatje Award category for its outstanding contributions.
The ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping said these accolades underscore their tireless efforts in community development, community development, fostering organisational functionality, advancing social justice, and embodying the ANC’s mission of building a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous society.
Maruping said they are immensely proud of these remarkable achievements.
“These awards bear testimony to the hard work and dedication of our members, who epitomised the objectives of the National Democratic Revolution (NDR).
“Their efforts are an honour to the legacy of our forebears and reaffirm our ongoing commitment to social justice and equality. As we enter 2025, declare it the year of renewal to make the ANC a more effective instrument of the people and achieve the vision of the Freedom Charter,” he said.
Maruping further said the ANC remains steadfast in its mission to change the lives of our people for the better. He added that, this year, they re-dedicate themselves to the principles of good governance such as ethical leadership, equitable share of our country’s resources and wealth and uplifting of the communities.
“We encourage all members to remain focused on implementing the resolutions of the 55th ANC National Conference as we strive for a brighter future,” said Maruping.
Picture: Some if drugs confiscated during Operation Shanela/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
13 January 2025- More than 203 suspects were arrested during Operation Shanela in Northern Cape. The suspects were arrested for murder, attempted murder, assault, burglary, illegal dealing in liquor, malicious damage to property and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said this includes robbery, rape, possession of dangerous weapons, dealing in and possession of drugs, illegal immigrants, stock theft and other crimes.
Sam said Operation Shanela, remains steadfast in its objective to reduce contact and violent crimes as schools are gearing up to start the 2025 school year.
“The weekly multi-disciplinary high density operation which commenced on 6 until 12 January 2025, was executed in the five districts as preparations for the reopening of schools started.
“Actions and police activities executed during the operations included vehicle check points (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, drugs and other commodities smuggling,” he said.
Sam further said several vehicle check points (VCPs) and roadblocks were conducted across the province during which a total of 2422 vehicles and 4780 persons were stopped and searched. He added that numerous compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses as well as farms were executed.
“The police in Kuruman, while executing crime prevention patrols, received information from the public of a wanted suspect who was seen walking in one of the streets. The police followed up the information and arrested the suspect who was allegedly involved in a case, where a security officer was shot with his own firearm.
“The police also confiscated large volumes of alcoholic beverages, drugs, dangerous weapons, fireworks and cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime,” he said.
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 indicated that the police will promote safer schools’ initiatives during the Back to School Campaigns.
“The police will ensure visibility in and around schools, monitoring the carrying or storage of dangerous objects, and the possession or entry of alcohol or illegal drugs.
“Through robust community participation and support, the police’s actions will be strengthened. We appreciate the public’s efforts in fighting crime together,” she said.
Setshwantsho: Lekgarebe le le bolailweng, Boingotlo Makaota/Facebook
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
13 Ferikgong 2025- Banna ba le babedi ba di ngwaga di le 27 le 40, ba solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa Kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno. Se se tla morago ga go golagangwa le polao ya lekgarebe la dingwaga di le 16, kwa motseng wa Matlhako 2, gaufi le Pudimoe.
Go begwa fa setopo sa ga Boingotlo Makaota, se bonwe kwa lebitleng le le seng boteng kwa nageng kwa motseng wa Matlhako 2 ka Labotlhano. Sepodisi se begile fa Makaota a ka tswa a bolailwe ka Labone bosigo.
Go ya ka moagisani wa mmelaelwa wa dingwaga di le 40, one a utlwa segajaja sa lekgarebe mo bosigong jwa Labone kwa ntlung ya mmelaelwa o. Go begwa fa moagisani o, gape a tlhalositse fa a ne a bona mmelaelwa 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 lekgarebe.
“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 mmelaelwa wa dingwaga di le 40, mme diaparo tsa moswi di ile tsa fitlhelwa teng. Mokgwabone are, mmelaelwa 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 monna mongwe o bonweng a tsamaya le mmelaelwa 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 gore ka se sebaka ba be ba setse ba tshwere babelaelwa. Ba dira tiro entle go baagi ba rona.
“Re romela matshidiso go ba lelapa la ga Makaota gore ba beye tshotlhe fa pele ga Modimo, gonne ke ene fela o a itseng.”
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