Category Archives: NEWS

Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources welcomes the arrests of alleged illegal miners in Rustenburg

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Picture: The manmade hole in a house in Tlhabane/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE

8 September 2024 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Mikateko Mahlaule, has welcomed the arrest of two men aged 65 and 31, for allegedly renting out one of the bedrooms inside their house for illegal mining activities. Mahlaule said it is reported that some illegal miners were also arrested.

He further said the media reports say that the incident took place at the Nkandla Informal Settlement, in Rustenburg. Mahlaule added that there is a manhole inside one of the bedrooms, which is alleged to be used to access Khuseleka Shaft of Sibanye Stillwater to steal copper cables.

“We applaud the brave members of the community, who alerted the police about the suspicious movements of people in-and-out of the said house. Rustenburg is another illegal mining hot spot in the North West after Klerksdorp.

“The Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources and Energy in the 6th term of Parliament, visited both areas together with other illegal mining hot spots in Free State, Gauteng, Limpopo, as well as Mpumalanga and recommended for a streamlined approach to this scourge between law enforcement agencies, the then Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, affected communities, and mining companies,” he added.

Mahlaule said this incident is a classic case of the unity of purpose between the community, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Sibanye Stillwater Mine. He said they welcome the arrests and call for law enforcement agencies to spare no effort in further investigations to ensure that the entire value-chain is brought to book and ultimately collapsed.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani said the police had arrested eight more illegal miners aged between 16 and 45, on 6 and 7 September 2024. Funani said these suspects allegedly decided to stay underground when they were trying to evade arrest.

“It is alleged that when they saw the police coming into a house in Tlhabane Township, they used to enter Khusela Mine. They were arrested after they decided to finally come out. Out of the 10 arrested suspects, four are South Africans, and six are foreign nationals.

“The 10 suspects are expected to appear in Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court on 9 September 2024,” she said.

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House owner and his compliance nabbed for illegal mining

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Picture: The man-made hole in one of the bedrooms of the accused/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE

8 September 2024 – A homeowner (65) and his accomplice (31), are expected to appear before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 9 September 2024, for illegal mining, tampering with and/or damaging of essential infrastructure and possession of suspected stolen goods. 

The suspect was arrested in the early hours of Thursday morning, 5 September 2024, at Nkandla Informal Settlement, near Khuseleka 1 mine by Tlhabane Visible Policing, Royal Bafokeng Tactical Team and Rustenburg Public Safety.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani said the police received a tip-off and arrested two suspects for illegal mining, tampering with and/or damaging of essential infrastructure and possession of suspected stolen goods. 

“It is alleged that the home owner, who resides with his family, used and/or allowed a group of men to utilise one of the bedrooms as an entrance to the nearby Khuseleka Mine Shaft. 

“Upon noticing the police, an unconfirmed number of men entered and disappeared into the man-made hole in the bedroom, while the other two including the owner of the house were arrested,” she said.

Funani said: “With the assistance of the mine security team, some of the mine property and other equipment were found inside the house. A search for other suspects is continuing.” 

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrests and thanked the team for their concerted efforts in addressing illegal mining activities. 

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An alleged notorious livestock thief remanded in custody

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Picture: An alleged notorious livestock thief, Moses Matshego/Supplied  

By BAKANG MOKOTO

8 September 2024 – An alleged notorious livestock thief, Moses Matshego (39), who was arrested on 4 September 2024, near Itsoseng Township, near Lichtenburg, will remain in custody. This comes after Matshego briefly appeared in Ditsobotla Magistrate’s Court in Itsoseng on 6 September 2024. 

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani said Matshego was arrested on Wednesday morning, 4 September 2024, by the Mahikeng Stock theft and Endangered Species (STES) unit members, near Itsoseng after a tip-off about suspected stolen cattle loaded in a truck.

“The police managed to arrest the suspect who was found in possession of 15 cattle worth R150 000. According to information, the accused had already branded the cattle with his brand mark.   

“The preliminary investigation into the matter showed that the cattle were allegedly stolen from different places in and around Mahikeng and Itsoseng,” she said.

Funani further said it was further established that the accused was previously charged on several stock theft cases in the province, although some were withdrawn due to investigation related queries. She added that the possibility of linking Matshego with more cases cannot be ruled out.

His stock theft case was postponed until 12 September 2024.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the members of STES for their quick response that resulted in the seizure of cattle and apprehension of the accused for stock theft, which is one of the problematic crimes.

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Police are looking for missing Maryanne Venter

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Picture: The missing Maryanne Venter/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

8 September 2024- The police in Mooinooi request the community’s assistance in locating Maryanne Venter (17), who is residing at Plot 52 Bokfontein. According to the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani, Venter was last seen by her family on 5 September 2024.

“Venter is mentally challenged. She left her home without telling anyone where she was going. A search was conducted around the plot and surrounding areas of Mooinooi without any success.

“At the time of her disappearance, Venter was wearing black sleepers, white short-sleeved T-shirt and green short trousers. She is short, has a slender body, brown eyes and short curly hair,” she said.

Funani further said anyone with information regarding her whereabouts can contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Andile Molate of Mooinooi Detectives on 060 970 9200 or can alternatively call Crime Stop on ‪08600 10111. She added that anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone.

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The third suspect on business robbery case nabbed  

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By REGINALD KANYANE

8 September 2024- The third suspect (35) on an alleged business robbery at Brits Mall has been arrested. On 29 July 2024, the shop had just opened at around 8am, and the employees were still entering the shop when two suspects stormed into the shop.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said two suspects, Reborn Chiloane (31) and Regomoditswe Mmethi (29), threatened the employees with firearms. Myburgh said they were ordered to hand over cash and also took cellular phones and laptops before they fled from the shop.

“On 7 August 2024, the police received a tip-off and operationalised it. This led to the arrest of Chiloane and Mmethi. The police also seized eight stolen cellular phones and two laptops.

“They briefly appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 7 August 2024, in connection with an alleged business robbery at Brits Mall. They were both employees at the shop, where the robbery took place,” she said.

Myburgh further said a third suspect was arrested on 8 August 2024, by the dedicated police investigators. She added that all three suspects will appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 12 August 2024, on a charge of business robbery.  

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated Brits Detectives for acting swiftly and arresting the suspects. Kwena said the police will continue to work hard to ensure that criminals are put behind bars.

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Monna oneng a amogetswe kwa bookelong morago ga go shela mo seroring sa mapodisi kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa kwa Morokweng le ene o tlhokafetse

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

Lekala le le ikemetseng la dipatlisiso kgatlhanong le mapodisi la Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), le tsweleditse dipatlisiso. Se se tla morago ga gore banna ba le babedi ba ba neng ba tshwarwa nakwana le go bewa kwa morago ga serori sa mapodisi kwa seteisheneng sa mapodisi sa Morokweng, gaufi le Ganyesa, ba tlhokafale.

Go begwa fa tiragalo e, e diragetse fa masigo a Labobedi a ne a sa. Go ya ka dipego, banna ba ba ne ba tshwerwe nakwana morago ga maitsholo a sa isegeng.

Go begwa fa molelo o ile wa runya kwa morago ga serori se sa sepodisi, mme monna mongwe o dingwaga tsa gagwe di sa itsiweng, one a tlhokafala ka ntlheng ya go hema mosi, fa o mongwe a ile a tabogisetswa kwa bookelong jwa selegae ka dikgobalo tsa go fisiwa ke molelo. Fela go tlhalositswe fa monna o wa dingwaga di le 24, le ene a ile a tlhokafala mo letsatsing la maabane.

Sebueledi sa IPID, Lizzy Shuping are: “Ke nnete, monna o neng a amogetswe kwa bookelo, o ile a tlhokafala. Ba lephata la IPID, ba tsweleditse dipatlisiso.”

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Former Ditsobotla Local Municipality official and businessman nabbed for alleged fraud

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Picture: Former Ditsobotla Local Municipality official, Tsietsi Shema and the Director of Tiro Attorneys, Thabe Tiro, nabbed for alleged fraud/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

The Director of Tiro Attorneys (PTY) LTD, Thouret Mampe Thabe Tiro (41), and the then acting Director of Corporate Services at Ditsobotla Local Municipality, Tsietsi Isaac Shema (54), briefly appeared in the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court on 5 September 2024, facing charges of fraud. The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel, Tinyiko Mathebula said the accused were arrested earlier on Thursday in Lichtenburg by members of the Mahikeng-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation.

Mathebula said their arrest follows an investigation into allegations of fraud relating to the procurement of legal practitioner’s services for the municipality.

“In May 2021, Tiro allegedly submitted a request for payment to the municipality for legal services he had rendered. It was revealed during the investigation that Tiro Attorneys did not render any services and that Shema and another suspect, who is still at large, allegedly approved the request for payment.

“As a result, the municipality suffered a loss of over R460 000 for services that were never rendered. The pair has appeared in court facing four counts of fraud and an alternative theft charge. They have been remanded in custody and their matter was postponed to 6 September 2024, for formal bail application,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, have welcomed the arrest and subsequent court appearance of the accused. They have assured the public that the Hawks and NPA will not hesitate to act against public officials who are involved in fraud and corrupt activities.

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Broos announces final Bafana squad for Uganda, South Sudan 2025 AFCON clashes

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Picture: Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos

By REGINALD KANYANE

5 September 2024 – Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has named his final squad for next month’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Uganda and South Sudan. Broos’ charges open their AFCON account when they face Uganda at home at Orlando Stadium on 6 September 2024 at 6pm) and then they travel to South Sudan to play their second match in the group on 10 September 2024.

The Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos will be without captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who is recovering from an injury, and the Belgian mentor said his absence would be a huge blow.

“If you have a guy like Ronwen who will not be with us in the two games, that is a big problem. He is not just a good goalkeeper, he is also a good captain. We have selected goalkeepers Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu) and Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates).

“These three players will fight it out for the No1 jersey. I would make a decision on who will start in the coming days, and also on who will be captain during this camp,” he said.

Tickets to the opening qualifier against Uganda are on sale at all TicketPro outlets and South African Football Association (SAFA), President Dr Danny Jordaan and CEO Lydia Monyepao, have continued to urge fans to come out in numbers and support the team. Gates will open at 3pm on 6 September 2024, and tickets are priced at R30 (Children, Scholars and Student), R60 for Adults, and R140 for Family (2 adults + 2 children).


The tickets are available at TicketPro, all Spar supermarkets (QuickSpar and SuperSpar), SASOL, ENGEN, SHELL, PowerFashion and JAM Clothing. The two top finishers will qualify for the tournament to be hosted in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
Ticketpro – South Africa vs Uganda – 6th of September 2024 – (ticketpros.co.za)

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Educators equipped with online safety training workshop

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Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West MEC for Viola Motsumi said her department, in partnership with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has successfully concluded the first day of its three-day provincial online safety training workshop held at Kings Gate Palace in Rustenburg.

Motsumi said the schedule to proceeded from 3-5 September 2024. She further said the training aims to equip educators with the essential knowledge and skills they can transfer to learners on how to navigate the digital landscape safely and effectively.

“Recognising the growing influence of technology on education, the workshop focused on understanding both the positive and negative impacts of the cyber world on the learning environment. As a province committed to educational advancement, North West was selected as the pilot province for this innovative initiative.

“The online safety training provides valuable insights into online safety practices and strategies to address challenges faced by school communities. I am enthusiastic for the workshop’s success,” said Motsumi.

She further said she is delighted by the positive response and engagement from the educators and the stakeholders during this groundbreaking training. Motsumi added that by equipping them with the tools to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly, they are taking a significant step towards ensuring that the schools are not only places of learning, but also safe havens for the youth.

“From here, our educators will transfer the skills learned to learners in their schools so they they use cyberspace responsibly and not as a platform to bully each other. We are fortunate to have stakeholders such as the Film and Publication Board, Google, the Department of Communication and Digital Technologies, amongst other stakeholders to address the challenges in cyberspace and how they can optimise cybersecurity for school-going children.

“Other stakeholders that are part of the online safety workshop, include MTN, Agape Youth Movement, Movibgdot, teacher unions and School Governing Bodies. This training marks a crucial milestone in the department’s efforts to prepare learners for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century,” she said.

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Only 50% of land claim applications finalised

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

5 September 2024 – The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development briefed the Portfolio Committee on Land Reform and Rural Development on Wednesday about the Tenure Reform Programme, which focuses on land and tenure rights for farm dwellers and labour tenants.

The committee decided to defer the component on communal land tenure because it required focused attention. The report on tenure rights for farm dwellers and labour tenants outlined the progress made in acquiring land, protecting tenure rights for farm dwellers, and settling labour tenant applications lodged in terms of the Land Reform (Labour Tenants) Act of 1996.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Land Reform and Rural Development, Albert Mncwango said by 31 March 2001, the department had received a total of 20 524 labour tenant applications, of which 11 423 had been finalised and 9 101 were outstanding.

Mncwango said while the committee welcomed the progress, it expressed great dissatisfaction with the fact that it took 23 years to settle just a little over 50% of the applications.

“The committee welcomed the intervention by the courts to oversee the settlement of the labour tenant applications through a Special Master of Labour Tenants at the Land Claims Court. The department must submit credible information to the committee.

“Some of the statistics presented contradicted previous reports presented during the 6th Parliament. Further, the department’s report was short in detail,” he said.

Mncwango further said the committee expected the report to address the question of evictions and how the department has worked to secure the rights of farm dwellers, including the work of the Panel of Mediators and Judicial Administrators, Panel of Arbitrators, legal representation through the Legal Aid Board, and the Land Rights Awareness Campaigns.

He added that members of the committee raised concerns about what appears to be little work done to address the weaknesses identified in the Joint Oversight Report of the Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour and the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development tabled in the National Assembly in 2022.

“The department said that it would have to come and present a comprehensive report about what it has done with the recommendations. Many loopholes identified in the parliamentary report were to find expression in the ESTA Amendment Act, enacted in April 2024.

“These amendments advocated for, among other things, the establishment of a Land Rights Management Board and Land Rights Management Committees to deal with a range of issues affecting farm dwellers and labour tenants,” said Mncwango.

He stressed the need for an audit to quantify the extent of farm evictions and outstanding labour tenant applications. Mncwango also said there is a need for developing a plan to settle claims quickly.

“The committee will invite the Special Master for Labour Tenants to further discuss the mechanisms put in place to fast-track finalising labour tenant applications.

“We urge the department to hold Land Rights awareness campaigns to inform farm dwellers and labour tenants about their rights and the statutory recourse provided in ESTA as amended and the LTA,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting Director-General, Nomtandazo Moyo said the progress aligns with budget allocation and staff capacity. Moyo said in addition to a decreasing budget of R206 293 000 in 2021/22 to R111 438 000, each Provincial Land Reform Office, has three staff members responsible for ESTA, LTA and CPA.

“The slow pace of finalising labour tenants’ applications reflected the available resources within the department. Parliament should push for a bigger budget so that the department can employ more officials and settle the cases,” she said.

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