Category Archives: NEWS

Learners to be empowered through early career guidance  

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi and her delegation, including Unisa Convocation President, Justice Dabampe/Supplied  

By REGINALD KANYANE 

20 November 2024- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said a strategic meeting they convened with representatives from the University of South Africa (Unisa), will assist them to explore an innovative partnership. Motsumi said the meeting focused on piloting a ground-breaking career guidance program designed to empower learners to make informed career choices as early as Grade 9.  

She further said the proposed program is part of Unisa’s broader strategy to enhance career readiness among learners in the future to align learners’ talents, interests, and aspirations with future career opportunities well before they reach matric.  

Motsumi added that Unisa’s decision to partner with the North West province, stems from the province’s significant contribution to the university’s enrolments. 

“The program will also support the department’s goal of integrating career guidance into the life sciences curriculum through a collaborative approach. I am optimistic about the initiative. 

“This partnership is a step forward in shaping the futures of our learners by giving them the tools and support needed to make well-informed career decisions. We hope that these engagements bear fruit in a way that will address career readiness challenges and strengthen our education system,” she said. 

Motsumi said her department and Unisa, remain committed to fostering innovative collaborations that align with the province’s education priorities and prepare learners for the demands of the modern workforce.  

Meanwhile, Unisa Convocation President Justice Dabampe said: “We will do all in our efforts and beyond to ensure that we take the University of South Africa (UNISA) to number one in Africa as the oldest and largest university. I stand here to commit that we will invest in the academic project and advance transformation to ensure a holistic development and academic experience. 

“UNISA should be an incubator of academic excellence, thought leadership and knowledge production that will benefit African development as aligned with our prestigious institutions vision and mission.”

He said they are committed to ensure maximum investor attraction with the aims of clearing all student debt and gaining public and private sector confidence to absorb and employ UNISA graduates. Dabampe said they will continue advancing the call that Unisa hire its graduates. 

“We should invest in infrastructural and technological development towards asserting ourselves as a major and key international and global university. I invite all stakeholders that we are open to recommendations, advice and working with the greater collective. 

“Let us work together and let us work for Unisa because a better Unisa is a better society,” he said.

He said part of the programmes will include taking Unisa to the people, ensure that the learners in various schools are supported. Dabampe said they intend to ensure that access to education does not only remain a dream for the vast majority of the people, but becomes a reality.

“As an incubator of knowledge, Unisa will ensure that, we improve the quality of education and impart the such knowledge,” he said.

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An elderly woman receives RDP house  

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 Picture: The North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie, beneficiary, Lydia Mere and North West MEC for (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

2024 November 2024- An elderly woman, Lydia Mere (84), who received a newly-built RDP house said she is over the moon to have shelter. Mere, who originates from the Soutpan Farms, but has been living in Maquassie Township for more than 30 years, was one of the beneficiaries who received keys to the newly built houses. 

“I am currently staying with my son and husband. Our family survives on my social grant since no one in the house is employed. This is one of the best days of my life. 

“I was beginning to worry that I may depart from this world without having a proper house. This is a legacy for my children,” she said. 

Another beneficiary, Keletsame Serape (63) shared the same sentiments. Serape said she was born and raised in Leeubos farm, outside Wolmaranstad. 

“I moved to Lebaleng with my family in the past 10 years. We are grateful that we know living in a proper decent house,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said: “We will continue with our quest to unblock blocked projects across the province. This was testament during the recent Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme in Maquassi Hills, wherein the department handed over 4 houses to beneficiaries.

“We urge the beneficiaries to look after their houses and to use them for their intended purposes. We will terminate contracts of those contractors who underperform or abandon the projects.”

Molapisi further said this act institutes a major setback in the department’s mandate of providing houses to communities and it should be taken into serious consideration. He added that his department will assess the projects to determine what level of intervention is required to ensure the completion of the projects going forward. 

“In addition, we visited two elderly families in Tswelelang Township, to present them with their title deeds. The other eight title deeds out of a total 1170, were handed over during the feedback session to their rightful beneficiaries. 

“The remaining title deeds will be issued to the beneficiaries by the Maquassi Hills Local Municipality. The responsibility of the government is to ensure that the elderly, child-headed families and disabled people are prioritized,” said Molapisi.

He said their dignity is restored as it is stipulated in the Bill of Rights that all humans have the right to decent houses or living environment. 

Molapisi was joined by the North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie, who donated food parcels to the families. The Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism also planted trees for the beneficiaries, adding to the greening campaign by the department of Human Settlements. 

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More young people are victims of abuse in North West

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By REGINALD KANYANE

20 November 2024- The police in North West said it is perturbed by the rising cases of both assault with intent to inflict Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common. The police said the release of the first quarter crime statistics, similarly confirmed the challenges the province experiences regarding these cases. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said with the looming second and third phases of the safer festive season, which are made distinctive among others, by abuse of alcohol, more cases are likely to be reported. 

Mokgwabone further said analysis has shown that most of the victims are youth, due to apparent abuse of liquor, which is one of the contributing factors.

“It has also been established that Gender Based Violence & Femicide (GBVF), including domestic violence-related incidents, occur behind closed doors and most of the victims are women. 

“In some instances, the crimes are regrettably committed by people who know each other, relatives and friends. The police in the province effect more than 150 assaults related arrests weekly and secure convictions,” he said. 

Mokgwabone said while these actions are supposed to serve as a deterrence, assaults are still problematic in all the districts.  He said community leaders, parents, law abiding citizens and members of Community Police Forum (CPF) and related structures, are urged to work together with the police in the fight against crime. 

“Parents are requested to discourage their children from participating in post examinations gatherings and inappropriately arranged celebratory activities or events characterised by unruly behaviour and abuse of alcohol known as Go tlhatswa Dipene or Pens Down.  

“Equally important, event organisers are urged to act responsibly during the safer festive season and beyond by strictly complying with the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act, 2010, Liquor Act, 1989 and other pertinent legislations,” said Mokgwabone. 

He said that police in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies and other relevant role players will not hesitate to take drastic actions against those who perpetrate crime including assaults.  

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Meyara wa masepala o mogolwane wa Taung, Tumisang Gaoraelwe o etetse ba lelapa la rra Kale kwa Shaleng

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Setshwantsho: Meyara wa masepala o mogolwane wa Taung, Tumisang Gaoraelwe o thubega ka selelo      

Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

20 Ngwanatsele 2024- Ba lelapa la rra Kale la kwa motseng wa Shaleng, gaufi le Taung, ba tlhalositse fa ba tlhoka dithuso go ka tsweletsa phitlho. Se se tla morago ga gore mongwe wa leloko la lelapa, Olebogeng Mampe Kale (33), a latofadiwe ka go bolaya batsadi ba gagwe, Mosemanegape Kale (74), Phodisho Kale (68), ga mmogo le kgaitsadie, Bonolo Kale (27).   

Kale o ile a tshwarwa, mme kgetsi ya gagwe e buseditswe morago go fitlha di 25 Ngwanatsele 2024. 

Meyara wa masepala o mogolwane wa Taung, Tumisang Gaoraelwe, o ile a etela lelapa. Gaoraelwe yo oneng a patilwe ke molekgotlha Itumeleng Maribe are, ba ne ba ile go busa maoto kwa lelapeng morago ga tiragalo e setlhogo e. 

“Ga re kitla re lo naya sepe se se tla busetsang tiragalo e kwa morago. Go le gantsi fa re etela malapa a diragaletsweng ke sengwe sa go tshwana le se, ba fitlha ba re tlhalosetsa gore go diragetseng. 

“Jaanong, mo kgannyeng e, re bone go se botlhokwa gore re tlhole re lo botsa gore go diragetseng, gonne mongwe le mongwe wa itse. Re tlhaloseditswe fa ba lelapa ba kaile fa ba na le makasi a baswi le serame, mme ba tlhoka thuso tsa dijo. 

“Re tla bua le bo rrakgwebo bangwe go ka thusa ntle le go ikgolega. Rona jaaka masepala ga re ntshe dijo. Fela re ile ra leka go batlana le dithuso go batho bangwe ba re dirang le bone (service providers),” Gaoraelwe wa tlhalosa. 

Gaoraelwe are ba itse gore dintsho tse di ntseng jaana, di oka batho ba le bantsi. Are jaanong, fa go ka nna le sengwe, ba tla boela mo lelapeng.  

Kgabagare, Modulasetilo wa setheo se eseng sa puso sa Sino Themba, eleng Golekane Morwe are: “Modiredi-loago wa rona, Goitsemang Sehako, one a etela sekolo se segolwane sa Motheletsi, gonne gona le baithuti ba rra Kale teng. 

“Baithuti bao ke Mphoentle Kale (17) yo o dirang Mophato wa 11, ga mmogo le Tlhalefo Kale (16) wa Mophato wa 8. Fela, Sehako o tlhalositse fa ba se kitla ba thoba bana bao maikutlo go fitlha ba fetsa go kwala ditlhatlhobo tsa bone tsa mafelo a ngwaga.”

Morwe are Sehako o tlhalositse fa seo se ka ba tsosetsa diletseng, mme se ba kgoreletse mo ditlhatlhobong tsa bone. Are jaanong, ba tlhalositse fa ba tla ba thoba maikutlo morago ga ditlhatlhobo. 

“Go tloga moo, ba ile ba etela lelapa, mme ba buisana le Gomolemo Kale (39). Ba lelapa ba ile ba tlhalosa fa ba tlhoka dithuso gore ba ka tsweletsa phitlho. 

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More than 86 persons searched during Operation Phakisa  

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Picture: Police conducting a search during Operation Phakisa/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

18 November 2024- More than 121 persons and 86 vehicles have been stopped and searched during coastal and beach patrols. In Hondeklipbaai, a man was fined R8000, for being in possession of West Coastal Rock Lobster (WCRL) during the closed season.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said fines valued at R3000, were issued for contravening the Marine Living Resources Act in Alexander Bay, Port Nolloth, and Lutzville. Shemane said the Department of Forestry and Fisheries and Environment released two ocean species back into the sea in Lutzville and issued fines.

“Various fines amounting to R6400, were issued for Contravening the Road Traffic Act. The multi-disciplinary intelligence driven teams confiscated and seized fillet slender tuna, fillet Ruhi fish, talapia, snoek, expired food products, and West Coastal Rock Lobster with a total value of R17 100.

“This was done in collaborative approach between SAPS Provincial Operational Response Service (ORS), Provincial Border Policing, Border Policing, SAPS Search and Rescue, Springbok K9 and Springbok Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU), Springbok CI (Crime Intelligence),” he said.

Shemane further said this included the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE), South African National Parks (SANPARK) and Customs. He added that all stakeholders executed the four-day Operation Phakisa in Alexander Bay, Lutzville, Hondeklipbaai and Port Nolloth from 14 until 17 November 2024.

“The visits, searches, and compliance inspections of fishing permits, were conducted at fish shops and restaurants, businesses, harbours, launching pads, camp sites, mining areas, and aquaculture sites,” said Shamane.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the collaboration between the different departments in the fight against marine related crimes along our coastal border lines. Otola said members of the public are encouraged to report any criminal activities through the MySAPS app or crime stop number 0800 10111.

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Three of nine accused in a murder, attempted murder, arson, kidnapping and malicious damage to property case denied bail

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Picture: The RDP house of a traditional healer, the late Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu torched   

By OBAKENG MAJE

18 November 2024- Three of nine accused in a murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, malicious damage to property and arson case from Modutung village, near Taung, were denied bail. Letlhogonolo Mothibi (38), Thomas Morakanele (29) and Itumeleng Boikanyo (45), are facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and malicious damage to property, while Othusitse Oshubile (31), Paul Kwati (43), Tshepo Sekgetho (31), Lesego Mongale (34), Lebogang Morakabe (44) and Ogopoleng Semau (33), were charged with attempted murder, murder and arson.

The verdict on bail application against Mothibi, Morakanele and Boikanyo, was announced today.

The bail application hearing of Mongale, Oshubile, Kwati, Sekgetho, Semau and Morakabe continues.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said a multi-disciplinary team assembled to investigate criminal activities that engulfed Modutung village in Taung on 20 October 2024. Mokgwabone said the accused persons were arrested for allegedly committing crimes after a missing girl, Rethabile Molapo’s burnt body was found and retrieved from an unused pit latrine.

“Following the discovery and the funeral of Molapo, some community members took the law into their own hands. Among others, they allegedly kidnapped and severely assaulted the traditional healer’ son, Kopano Legodu, set alight the traditional healer, Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu’s house and ultimately killed her after she managed to get out of the house.

“They allegedly looted goods from a tavern and a tuckshop, which were then set ablaze. The investigations into the matter are underway and the possibility of more arrests cannot be ruled out,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the success and commended the police involved in the investigation, tracing and subsequent arrests of the suspects.

Kwena urged community members to remain calm and work with the police to ensure that all those who perpetrated acts of mob justice and the killing of a young girl are brought to book to face the full might of the law.

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Shaleng triple murder accused remanded in custody

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Picture: Triple murder accused, Olebogang Mampe Kale/Facebook  

By OBAKENG MAJE

18 November 2024- An accused in a triple murder case, Olebogeng Mampe Kale (33), was remanded in custody by the Kgomotso Periodical Court until 25 November 2024. Kale briefly appeared in court on Monday, after he allegedly killed his father, Mosimanegape Kale (74), Phodisho Kale (68) and Sister Bonolo Kale (27) in Shaleng village, near Taung on Friday evening.

According to the North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh, the family members were inside their shack, sitting around a coffee table when the suspect entered and struck his father over the head with a knobkierrie. Myburgh said thereafter, family members fled through a window and ran to neighbours for assistance.

“The suspect then assaulted his mother and sister with a knobkierrie over their heads and fled the scene. Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) were called and declared all three victims (father, mother and sister) dead on the scene,” she said.

Myburgh further said with the assistance of community members, the suspect was traced and arrested on Saturday at around 6am. She added that the suspect was charged for the triple murder and will appear before the Kgomotso Periodical Court on Monday.

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, condemned the incident. Kwena thanked the community for their assistance and commitment that assisted the police to arrest the suspect and said the police will work hard to ensure successful prosecution.

Meanwhile, the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe and Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Infrastructure, Itumeleng Maribe are expected to pay homage to the Kale family today.

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‘Stilfontein mine is a crime scene’  

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Picture: Stilfontein mine shaft   

By OBAKENG MAJE

18 November 2024- The president of Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa said as a government, they have made a clear determination to deal with acts of criminality, whether they be Cash-in-Transit heists, extortion, illegal mining, gang violence, or related crimes. Ramaphosa said illegal mining is a form of criminality that has caused a great deal of anger and anguish in communities.

He further said to address this problem, they set up an illegal mining task force involving various parts of the security cluster. Ramaphosa added that, they also deployed personnel from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to support the work of the police.

“For over a month now, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other government agencies, has been working to resolve a situation of several hundred illegal miners refusing to surface from an abandoned gold mine in Stilfontein in the North West.

“The miners, who entered the mine to conduct illegal mining operations, face arrest. The operation forms part of the nationwide Operation Vala Umgodi, which continues to register gains in cracking down on illicit mining activities across the country,” he said.

Ramaphosa said the law enforcement authorities have information that some of the miners may be heavily armed. He said it is well-established that illegal miners are recruited by criminal gangs and form part of wider organised crime syndicates.

“The hazardous nature of illicit and unregulated mining poses considerable risk in terms of the presence of explosives, the inhalation of toxic fumes and the possible collapse of unstable mine shafts.

“This endangers not only the illegal miners, but also our police and other law enforcement agencies. Because of the many hazards such an operation poses, law enforcement agencies have been negotiating with the illegal miners since the stand-off began to get them to the surface and to safety,” said Ramaphosa.

He said police, mine safety experts and emergency and rescue personnel remain at the scene. Ramaphosa said the situation is precarious, uncertain and potentially volatile.

“As part of the operation, police had closed off the entrances the illegal miners use to transport their supplies underground. This has generated a great deal of public debate about the rights of illegal miners.

“Acts of violence and intimidation of communities by illegal miners is well-documented. Some illegal miners have been implicated in serious and violent crimes, including murder and gang rape. Many are in the country illegally,” he said.

Ramaphosa said illicit mining activity costs the economy billions of rands in lost export income, royalties and taxes.  He said violence between rival gangs over the spoils of illicit mining has spilled over into surrounding communities and has cost a number of lives.

“The hazardous materials used by illegal miners endanger the health of neighbouring communities. Last year, 16 people, including three children, were killed in an explosion in Boksburg in Gauteng linked to gas used by illegal miners to process gold.

“This was just one of many such accidents linked to illegal mining activity that has claimed the lives of both miners and innocent civilians,” said Ramaphosa.

He said they need to be clear that the activities of these miners are illegal. Ramaphosa said they pose a risk to the economy, communities and personal safety.

“The Stilfontein mine is a crime scene, where the offence of illegal mining is being committed. It is standard police practice everywhere to secure a crime scene and to block off escape routes that enable criminals to evade arrest.

“In doing so, the police must take great care to ensure that lives are not put at risk and that the rights of all people are respected. So far, more than 1000 miners have surfaced and been arrested,” he said.

Ramaphosa said those who resurface are assessed by medical personnel on site. He said those in good health are detained and will be processed according to the law.

“Those who require medical care will be taken to hospital under police guard. The police will carry out their duties and responsibilities to bring the illegal miners to the surface safely.

“They will do all they can to reduce the risk of harm to the miners and to our law enforcement officials. We will continue to work with the mining industry to ensure they take responsibility for rehabilitating or closing mines that are no longer operational,” said Ramaphosa.

He said as a country committed to the rule of law and dedicated to upholding the human rights of all, they will continue to work towards a peaceful resolution of the stand-off at Stilfontein.

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Residents call for the revival of Taung Cultural Calabash event

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Picture: Some of residents boycotting Taung Cultural Calabash event

By OBAKENG MAJE

18 November 2024- The residents of Taung call on the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport to restore the Taung Cultural Calabash event to its former glory. The residents were left in awe after the department allegedly announced that, the event that was supposed to take place in November 2024, has been rescheduled to 27 February until 2 March 2025.

Taung Cultural Calabash historically takes place during Heritage Month and is a great opportunity to develop local talent and create a form of income for the surrounding Taung community – which it so desperately needs.

The Chairperson of Re Aga Taung Civic Organisation, Modisaotsile Lebitse said the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport, does not take the people of Taung seriously. Lebitse said the Taung Cultural Calabash event was established back in 1994, as an annual youth-based arts festival and soon found a sponsor in the Transnet Foundation.

“However, it was allegedly marred with corruption, mismanagement of funds, and maladministration. This allegedly forced the country’s transport parastatal, Transnet, to pull the plug. So, as residents of Taung, we demand answers.

“It cannot be normal to see the Taung Cultural Calabash event being reduced to nothing. Last week, we had a consultative engagement meeting with the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport representatives, Neo Jobeta and Thabo Mabe,” he said.

Lebitse further said they were told that there will be no Taung Cultural Calabash event this year. He added that they said the event will only take place on 27 February until 2 March 2025.

“So, we are so disappointed and I just wonder why the department is doing this to us. We are all demoralised and most artists did not attend that meeting. We do not even know when the next meeting will be.

“The department does not care and what is disappointing is that Jobeta is one of our own. He comes from Buxton village, in Taung. So, he was supposed to be at the forefront of defending this event,” said Lebitse.

He said: “This happens year in and out. We haven’t had a smooth-running event since 2017. So, we call on the department to get its house in order.

“They also mentioned that they have roped in the new service provider because they were not happy with the service of the previous one.”  

In 2022, the Democratic Alliance (DA), called on the North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport, Virginia Tlhapi came clean on alleged tender irregularities surrounding Taung Cultural Calabash.

The then DA North West Spokesperson on Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Winston Rabotapi said the allegations of corruption surrounding the Taung Cultural Calabash festival is concerning. Rabotapi said disgruntled artists, along with some community members, staged a protest outside the Mmabana Taung offices, where they raised serious allegations of tender irregularities implicating the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation and demanded that the event be put on hold.

“The Taung Cultural Calabash will host big names in its line up like Casper Nyovest, Thebe and Douglas Mosadi, but allegations of false advertising on festival flyers and that the event is no longer up to standard have also come to light.

“Taung Cultural Calabash is not the only event marred by allegations of corruption. He said the R55 million Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music Festival scheduled to take place in December also came under scrutiny following allegations of tender irregularities,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tlhapi said: “Taung Cultural Calabash event is still on and Mmabana Foundation has conducted auditions across all four districts and there are winners to such. So, all participants will be performing during the event.”

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Only two out of 32 tuckshops are compliant

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Picture: Some of rotten foodstuff seized during a clamp down/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

18 November 2024- Only two out of 34 tuckshops that were inspected at the Frances Baard District are compliant. This comes after the Northern Cape PROVJOINTS under the leadership of the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, together with MECs, the Frances Baard District mayor and local mayors of Dikgatlong, Phokwane, Magareng Municipalities and inter-governmental teams, embarked on the food safety campaign on 18 November 2024.

Otola said the focus was on compliance inspections to tuckshops/spaza shops to address illicit and contaminated foodstuff sold by tuck shops and non-compliance. She further said multi-sectoral teams were deployed under the leadership of the Northern Cape MEC for COGHSTA, Transport, Safety and Liaison, Bentley Vass, local mayors in Barkley West, Delportshoop, Warrenton, Hartswater and Ritchie.

“Only two tuckshops were found compliant and 32 were closed down due to non-compliance, including operating without valid licences. Large volumes of expired, damaged and rotten meat and food items were confiscated during the visits.

“Seven undocumented foreign nationals were arrested and detained for processing by the Department of Home Affairs and three fines were issued,” she said.

Otola further said an urgent plea is made to communities to allow the inter-governmental teams to conduct their inspections in order to ensure that all compliance is adhered to. She added that collaborative efforts will continue to ensure that fraudulent and fake food and beverages are removed from shelves and offered for sale to communities.

“Contaminated food products can pose serious health risks to consumers and can have deadly consequences. Hence, these operations will be conducted in all five districts within the Northern Cape province to clamp down on illicit trade in food and food fraud,” said Otola.

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