Category Archives: NEWS

Namakwa District welcomes 45 new police officers to its radar

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Picture: New cohort arrives in Namakwa District/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

1 December 2025- The Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, officially welcomed 45 of the 58 new constables who completed their training at different SAPS Training Academies in the country and placed at various stations within the district. Andrews said the parade was held at the offices of Human Resource Development ( HRD) in Springbok.

He further said the opening devotion was led by Chaplin Marsha Baard attached to the Employee Health and Wellness section. Andrews added that in attendance were Station and Unit Commanders, SAPS members, representatives from the Labour Unions (POPCRU and SAPU) and the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison.

“The new constables stood proudly on parade, ready to embark on their policing journey. The members will be placed at various stations within the district to obtain workplace exposure in the field of policing. Captain Andre Baard, Head of Training, addressed the constables, shared valid and important information pertaining to the phases of their training.

“Messages of support were delivered by Shabedi from SAPU and Lewis from POPCRU, including Sekia from the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison. We reminded the members that they are no longer simply graduates, but guardians of the Namakwa District, entrusted with the safety and security and wellbeing of communities,” he said.

Andrews said their placement at stations and units is by design, rooted in the principles of policing and Section 205 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. He said the constitution is not just a legal document — it is the heartbeat of democracy, the promise of justice and the shield of every citizen.

“So, we urged them to recognise their duty as both constitutional and spiritual, a calling from God to serve with integrity, courage, professionalism and compassion. We also reminded them that wearing the SAPS uniform is not merely about the clothes and badge, but carrying the mantle of service, the responsibility of protection, and the authority of justice.

“We charged them to serve with discipline as their compass, dignity as their shield, and faith as their strength. We appealed to them to uphold the law without fear or favour, to walk the streets of Namakwa as symbols of hope and trust, and to remember that their daily “Bible” is the SAPS Code of Conduct,” said Andrews.

He blessed their journey with wisdom, courage, and faith, welcoming them to “the winning team.” Andrews said it reminded them that their role is not just a career, but a sacred calling to ensure that Namakwa remains a district where justice prevails and communities thrive.

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Molapisi committed to deliver on his department’s housing mandate

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Picture: North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi/Supplied  

By REGINALD KANYANE

1 December 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi has affirmed that his department will make sure it delivers on its constitutional mandate of providing citizens with sustainable, integrated human settlements and ensuring effective service delivery of public infrastructure, which is crucial for economic growth and social justice.

Speaking recently during the National Council of Provinces’ visit in the North West Province, Molapisi acknowledged that the department is currently faced with many challenges hindering its housing mandate, this includes housing backlog, stalled projects, issues with bulk infrastructure capacity in municipalities and poor workmanship by some contractors.

He further said his department is driving a focused approach to deliver houses for vulnerable communities. Molapisi added that the department has identified project preparation and oversight as key areas of focus.

“As a department, we have initiated several strategies to improve performance and ensure effective delivery of sustainable human settlements. For the current financial year, we are utilising 80% of the budget to unblock stalled housing projects across the province. Only 20% is used for new projects.

“The upgrading of informal settlements is also an important area, which is also getting attention. He said the department is working closely with municipalities to address this matter, which includes access to water, sanitation and electricity. Our approach is respect to local and district municipalities as another sphere of government,” he said.

Molapisi said they are collaborating with municipalities and not taking the big brother posture. He said it is municipalities that at their own council decide to agree on their interventions towards achieving service delivery.

“We will continue to institutionalise the District Development Model (DDM) by effectively taking part in Intergovernmental Relations Forums, which include our MUNIMEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), and Human Settlements respectively.

“Through the interventions aligned to Section 154 of the Constitution, we are going to support and strengthen the capacity of our municipalities so they will be able to manage their affairs, exercise their powers, and perform their functions effectively. Lastly, we want to emphasise a partnership with the Provincial Treasury and South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the continued close working relationship with the North West House of Traditional and Khoi-San leaders to discuss issues affecting their communities,” said Molapisi.

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Three escapees from Rooigrond Correctional Centre re-arrested

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By OBAKENG MAJE

1 December 2025 – The police said a meticulous investigation conducted by a Mahikeng Detective regarding wanted suspects, led to the identification and re-arrest of three escapees from Rooigrond Correctional Centre between February 2010 and March 2022. In the first incident reported on Thursday morning, 4 February 2010, a detainee aged 28 and detained at Rooigrond Correctional Centre, was tasked to take rubbish to a dumping site, but he escaped.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said at the time of the escape, he was serving 8 years imprisonment for robbery committed in Sannieshof. Myburgh said he was found in detention at Upington Prison serving a life sentence for a murder case committed in 2011.

“He will appear at Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court, for escaping from lawful custody today. In a second escape incident reported at Rooigrond Correctional Centre on Monday afternoon, 14 March 2022, Edward Khomotso Madiba (36), was found missing during roll-call. He was serving 20 years imprisonment for aggravating robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm.

“A Warrant of Arrest was obtained and he was re-arrested at Johannesburg Correctional Centre on 19 November 2025, where he was detained on another case. He appeared before the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on 20 November 2025, and was remanded in custody until 10 February 2026,” she said.

Myburgh further said in the last incident also reported at Rooigrond Correctional Centre on Monday afternoon, 14 March 2022, another inmate aged 39, was also found missing during roll-call. She added that an inspection of the cell indicated that burglar bars of a window were removed.

“He was sentenced to life imprisonment for two separate cases of rape and house breaking. Subsequent investigations led police to Bethal Correctional Centre, where the inmate was detained on another separate case. He will appear before the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on 3 December 2025, for escape from lawful custody,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, applauded Sergeant Morongwa Evelyn Koboekae for working hard to trace, identify and bring to book all three suspects. Naidoo warned that dangerous criminals will not be allowed to roam freely amongst law-abiding citizens.

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Ramaphosa grateful over successful G20 Leaders’ Summit

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By AGISANANG SCUFF 

1 December 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his profound gratitude to all South Africans for ensuring and enabling the beloved country to host a series of successful G20 meetings throughout the year, ending with the G20 Leaders’ Summit. 

Ramaphosa who addressed the nation last night said when they launched their G20 Presidency a year ago, he said that this must be the People’s G20.

He further said it cannot belong just to the leaders, but to the millions of people who have a stake in the discussions and decisions of the G20. Ramaphosa added that this was the first time the G20 Summit was held on African soil.

“We are humbled to have been that one country on the African continent to host the summit and represent the 1.4 billion people who live on our continent. Participants of the G20 who attended from other countries experienced the friendship, hospitality and generosity that define our nation and our continent.

“Many visitors commented on the vibrancy, warmth and hospitality of our people. World leaders, diplomats, delegates and observers have been sharing their impressions online as well. This is what I would like to thank the people of South Africa for. For showing up for your country and standing by it. For showing, time and again that no matter what difficulties we may face, when it comes down to it, you remain proudly South African,” he said.

Rampahosa said over the past year, the country has hosted tens of thousands of delegates in more than 130 meetings in every part of the country from Gqeberha to George, Cape Town to eThekwini, Hoedspruit to Polokwane. He said they have also held meetings in other cities on the African continent and beyond their shores.

“Drawing from Brazil’s G20 Presidency last year, we convened the G20 Social Summit to advance the voice of civil society. The Social Summit, which was attended by more than 5000 people from around the world, was an exceptional celebration of the diversity and vibrancy of global civil society.

“I know some of you might have been inconvenienced by the influx of visitors to our country, road closures and other disruptions to your daily lives. We thank you for being patient and we apologise for any difficulties you experienced. We thank the many people from across the country who welcomed visitors to our cities, towns, airports, hotels, conference centres, restaurants and tourist sites,” said Ramaphosa.

He said they thank their security services personnel, who ensured that all G20 events took place without incident. Ramaphosa said they thank all the members of different social sectors who participated in the engagement groups and in other G20 activities throughout the year.

“We thank the business people who participated in the G20 business forums and the B20 for bringing together businesses from other countries. We thank the Presiding Officers and Members of Parliament, members of the Judiciary, academics and many others who organised G20 meetings. We also thank our media for keeping our people informed about the G20 processes that were unfolding all over the country.

“We thank our Premiers for having been such welcoming hosts. We thank our mayors, councillors and municipal workers that worked so hard to prepare our host cities for the arrival of our visitors, particularly in Johannesburg, which hosted the Leaders’ Summit. These cities showed what can be done when a concerted and coordinated effort is made to fix potholes and street lights, to clean up our streets and maintain our infrastructure,” he said.

Ramaphosa said this must continue past the G20 and must be expanded to areas of their towns and cities that have been neglected. He also thanked the Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, G20 Sherpas and government officials, who guided the deliberations with wisdom and purpose.

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Technical Investigation Report on the failure of Jagersfontein Tailings Dam Released

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Picture: Jagersfontein disaster

By BAKANG MOKOTO

1 December 2025- The Department of Water and Sanitation Deputy Ministers, David Mahlobo and Sello Seitlholo have officially released the findings of the independent technical investigation onto the failure of the Jagersfontein Fine Tailings Storage Facility (FTSF) to the Jagersfontein community on Friday. The dam failure incident that occurred in the small town in the Kopanong Local Municipality in Free State on 11 September 2022, resulted in tragic loss of life, leaving scores of people homeless as well as pollution of the environment and water resources.

The duo visited the town of Jagerfontein with Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae accompanied by Kopanong Local Municipality mayor, Xolani Tseletsele on 28 November 2025. The delegation proceeded to Mayibuye Community Hall, where they relayed the findings of the report to the community.

Mahlobo said the Jagersfontein FTSF or tailings dam, owned by the Jagersfontein Development (Pty) Ltd, consisted of two compartments separated by an embankment wall. He said when the dam breached on the southern wall of the tailings dam, one compartment collapsed, leading to containment of approximately 5.9 million cubic meters (mᵌ) of fine tailings being released downstream and causing flooding and destruction of infrastructure and property including power lines, substations and wastewater treatment works, houses as well as pollution to the environment. 

“Two people were confirmed dead, and one person remains missing, and is presumed dead. Following the collapse of the dam, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) appointed the University of Pretoria (UP) and University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) to conduct a technical investigation into the failure of the TSF, to determine the cause of its collapse, assist the department to ensure that such incidents do not recur, ensure better regulation techniques are employed and to conduct an extensive technical study into the cause(s) of failure of the FTSF.

“This investigation included site visits and expert evaluations by specialist civil engineers, i.e. geotechnical and hydraulic engineers from the two institutions. Parallel to this, the Environmental Management Inspectorates from both the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) and DWS, conducted a joint investigation into the incident. A criminal case docket was finalised and referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Bloemfontein, which has taken the decision to prosecute,” said Mahlobo.

He further said the team of experts from the UP and Wits, also completed the investigation and handed the report to the department in September 2024. Mahlobo added that the report was kept confidential at the request and advice of the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions (DDPP) until the matter was enrolled and the first court appearance of the accused in the matter.

“The technical investigation by the two universities found that among others, the owner of the tailings dam, Jagersfontein Development (Pty) Ltd, may have been aware of the instability of the storage facility along the southern wall of the dam tailings from as far back as 2019, and at the time added large volumes of material to stabilise the slope, which was not effective, but continued to raise the dam wall and deposit more tailings into the dam.

“The report further indicates that the construction/raising of the tailings storage facility was based on conceptual designs and that no detailed designs were done to enable the safe construction of the facility. In addition, there was no construction supervision by a registered engineering professional,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Seitlholo said the investigation also revealed that part of the southern wall of compartment-2 was constructed over a pre-existing tailings dump of low strength, meaning it was constructed on a weak foundation. He said this is what largely resulted in the failure of the TSF where the breach occurred.

“We would have liked for the dam to close down, but seeing that it is not yet fully compliant with directives issued, however government also have to consider the livelihood of residents who reside in the area as the mine provides job opportunities to some of the residents. It is a fine balancing act saving jobs and saving lives.

“A full copy of the report can be accessed on the Department of Water and Sanitation’s website,” he concluded.

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SAPS in Northern Cape commemorate 16 Days of Activism For No Violence against Women and Children

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Picture: Some of community members attending the launch of 26 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

1 December 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape in partnership with the Regional Interdenominational Ministers Wives Association (INDAMWASA) hosted a church service in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley in commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign. The service was held on 27 November 2025, at the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa in Galeshewe Township.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the event was attended by congregants dressed in black with purple ribbons to symbolise solidarity with victims of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). Litabe said the SAPS members, Community Policing Forum (CPF) representatives and key stakeholders were also in attendance. Litabe said senior SAPS officials, including Brigadier Irene Kopeledi, the Provincial Head of Proactive Policing and Brigadier Terry Bosman from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, together with the Galeshewe Ministers Fraternal (GAMIFRA), the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Northern Cape and the SAPS Men for Change Association and Women’s Network, supported the initiative.

“Kopeledi strongly condemned the abuse of women and children, calling for collective action to end GBVF. Lieutenant Colonel (Reverend) Naledi Otswelwang addressed the congregation on behalf of SAPS Men for Change, urging men to take responsibility and reaffirming the message that violence has no place in society.

“The service was officiated by Reverend Sello Mothelesi of the Native Independent Congregational Church in Galeshewe, followed by a candle-lighting ceremony in remembrance of GBVF victims. The SAPS band played hymns and the programme was directed by Ms Nomampondomise Vika,” he said.

Litabe further said events commemorating this worthy annual campaign will continue unabated to create awareness regarding crimes against women and children and the eradication thereof.

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A man jailed for assaulting the mother of his girlfriend  

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By REGINALD KANYANE

1 December 2025- The accused, Lukas Klein (24) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Hopetown Regional Court for two counts of assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and one count of arson. The conviction stems from a violent attack on the victim, Lena Louw (47), who is the mother of his girlfriend.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said according to Louw, Klein was visiting their home when she heard her daughter screaming and warning her to close the door as Klein was approaching aggressively. Litabe said Louw attempted to defend herself by throwing boiling water at Klein after he forced the door open.

“Despite this, Klein continued his attack, striking her with a pickaxe and rendering her unconscious. She later regained consciousness in hospital, where she learned that Klein had set her house on fire, destroying all her belongings. A case docket containing charges of assault GBH and arson was registered at Hopetown Police Station, subsequently leading to the arrest of Klein on the same day of the incident.

“He remained in custody until the finalisation of the case. The accused was sentenced to three years imprisonment for assaulting his girlfriend and four years imprisonment for assaulting the complainant. Klein will serve the full 10 year term and has been declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.

Litabe further said the investigation was led by Sergeant Recardo Kock of the Hopetown Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, whose thorough work was commended by the Pixley ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, together with the Provincial Management of the South African Police Service in the Northern Cape. He added that the SAPS reiterate that Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) have no place in society.

“Perpetrators of violence against women and children will face the full might of the law,” said Litabe.

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209 vehicles, 644 persons stopped and searched during cross-border operation

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Picture: The law enforcement officers during cross-border operations/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

1 December 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape in partnership with law-enforcement counterparts in Botswana, conducted joint cross-border operations along the South Africa/Botswana borderline from 27 to 30 November 2025. The operation involved various SAPS units, including Operational Response Services, Organised Crime, Stock Theft Unit, Crime Intelligence, Visible Policing, John Taolo Gaetsewe District, Operational Command Centre and Border Policing in collaboration with the South African Border Management Authority.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the primary objective of the joint operation was to combat cross-border crimes impacting both countries such as stock-theft, human trafficking, drug trafficking and other transnational offences. Litabe said during the operation, 209 vehicles and 644 persons were stopped and searched.

“Two suspects were arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act and three traffic fines amounting to R2000 were issued. Operational activities further included the searching of premises in South Africa, borderline patrols and roadblocks. Compliance inspections were also conducted at tuck-shops, liquor outlets and farms.

“SAPS affirms that operations of this nature will continue throughout the festive season and beyond, as part of ongoing efforts to ensure safety and security along the border,” he said.

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342 perpetrators arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela II

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Picture: Some of the drugs confiscated during the raid/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

1 December 2025- As the country observes 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, the Northern Cape police bolstered efforts to address Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), contact crimes and other related serious and violent crimes during the execution of Operation Shanela 2. The police said the senior managers both at Provincial and District level, led the high density operations in collaboration with relevant stakeholders from 24 until 30 November 2025.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said all law enforcement agencies implemented a robust crime prevention approach to curb crime across all five districts through intelligence driven and targeted disruptive actions. Ehlers said actions included stop and search actions, Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), roadblocks and high visibility patrols. 

“Elevated traffic volumes were addressed during these initiatives resulting in the issuing of numerous fines for the contravention of traffic laws, as well as the arrest of seven perpetrators for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Road safety is one of the critical focus areas during the execution of safer festive season operations to ensure the safety of all motorists, passengers and pedestrians.

“A total of 9450 individuals and 4862 vehicles were stopped and thoroughly searched, including the searching of numerous premises. Compliance inspections were conducted at numerous second-hand dealers and liquor premises as well as formal and informal businesses, farms and scrapyards.  These inspections led to the closing of 16 unlicensed liquor premises for non-compliance violations,” she said.

Ehlers further said measures were intensified at shopping centres and malls to address the increase in retail activity during the discount shopping period to clamp down on ATM-related crimes, shoplifting, theft and robberies. She added that 342 perpetrators were arrested for various crimes including drug related offences, burglary, murder, rape, attempted murder, and assault GBH. 

“Detectives conducted over 200 tracing operations to track down and apprehend offenders, who have been evading the law for an array of offences. During the execution of the operations, police confiscated a substantial amount of alcohol, drugs and dangerous weapons as well as illicit tobacco products.

“Ongoing community engagements and awareness programmes focusing on prevailing crime tendencies were held in conjunction with community policing structures and government departments. The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children that commenced on 25 November 2025, was marked through several awareness campaigns throughout the province,” said Ehlers. 

She said the provincial launch was led by the Office of Premier in the Northern Cape and attended by the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliwa Otola in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District. Ehlers said the Northern Cape SAPS will continue to conduct intensified operations across the province to restore stability and combat criminal activities in identified hotspot areas in collaboration with stakeholders and the community.

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Five illegal miners jailed in separate cases

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

1 December 2025- Siphelele Mlangeni (26) and Bennett Mendi (42) were sentenced to R20 000 fine or six (6) years imprisonment by the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 26 November 2025, after they were found guilty of illegal mining and contravention of Immigration Act. The accused were arrested in August 2024 by members of the Vala Umgodi Task Team after they were caught mining chrome illegally in Witrantje village, near Sun City.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said following their arrest, they made several court appearances until they entered into a plea bargain with the state. Mathebula said they were found guilty of illegal mining and were sentenced to R20 000 fine or six years imprisonment, half of which is suspended for five years on condition that they are not convicted of illegal mining during the period of suspension.

“The court ordered them to pay an amount of R10 000 each on or before 3 December 2025. Meanwhile, on 26 November 2025, another three accused were sentenced on a separate matter to six years imprisonment for illegal mining and contravention of Immigration Act.

“Learnmore Mtapwa (27), Moses Maharabe (27) and Caiphus Moyo (40), were arrested by members of the Vala Umgodi Task Team in June 2024 in Tlhatlhaganyane village, near Sun City. It is reported that the accused were caught mining chrome without permits. They were apprehended and charged with illegal mining and contravention of Immigration,” he said.

Mathebula further said the accused made several court appearances until they entered into a plea bargain with the state. He said they were sentenced to 6 years imprisonment for illegal mining and half of which is suspended for five years on condition that they are not convicted of the same offence during the period of suspension.

“They were sentenced to two years imprisonment for contravention of Immigration Act, which is suspended for five years on condition that they are not convicted of the same offence during the period of suspension. The accused were declared unfit to possess a firearm and that they must be deported after serving their sentences,” said Mathebula.

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