Category Archives: NEWS

Four suspects nabbed for being in possession of unpolished diamonds

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Picture: Unpolished diamond confiscated by police/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 November 2024- Four men aged between 33 and 52, were arrested by the police duirng Operation Vala Umgodi in the Namakwa District. This comes after they were allegedly found to be in possession of suspected illegal diamonds.

According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Merapelo Pilane, the multi-disciplinary team of Operation Vala Umgodi, comprising of proactive and combat teams of South Africa Police Service (SAPS) and South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in the Namakwa District, received a tip-off regarding vehicles transporting alleged illegal miners from Koingnaas to Kleinzee on the R355 road during the early hours of Friday morning, 22 November 2024.

“The information was tactically operationalised and one of the vehicles was spotted along the R355 road, while the other one was intercepted while trying to evade the police. Upon searching the two vehicles, 25 suspected unpolished diamonds were found and confiscated.

“Four suspects were subsequently arrested. They were also found to be in contravention of the Immigration Laws,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, welcomed the tireless efforts by Operation Vala Umgodi in combating illegal mining activities in the province. Otola said the members of the public are encouraged to report any criminal activities through the Mysaps App, or the 80600 10111 crime stop number.

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More than 167 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

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Picture: Police conducting stop and search during Operation Shanela/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 November 2024- More than 167 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The police in Northern Cape said these actions and activities with the emphasis on High density operations, commenced on 18 until 24 November 2024.

The northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said these included Vehicle Control Points (VCPs), stop and searches, roadblocks, tracing of wanted suspects, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections and visits to farms and mines.

Shemane said during the weekly safer festive season operations, 167 suspects were arrested for crimes such as illegal possession of ammunition, dealing in drugs, assault common and GBH, murder, possession of drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, robberies, attempted murder, burglaries, malicious damage to property and undocumented persons.

“Also, 40 VCPs and roadblocks were conducted across the province during which 2255 vehicles and 4323 persons were stopped and searched. The police closed 15 unlicensed liquor premises.

“Compliance inspections were executed at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, and liquor premises. mines, farms, formal and informal businesses were also visited. This has enhanced efforts to curb crime as we celebrate the festive season period,” he said.

Shemane further said actions were executed across all five districts in the province to address priority crimes in hotspot areas. He added that during the operations, the police confiscated a firearm, ammunition, dangerous weapons, thousands of litres of alcoholic beverages, drugs, and copper cables.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, assured the public that the police will be on high alert and the operations will continue undoubtedly during the festive season period and beyond. Otola said it will be all hands on deck, leaving no one behind during this period and beyond.

“We urge community members to make use of the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or MySAPS App when reporting criminal activities,” she said.

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Banyana Banyana coach over the moon after induction  

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Picture: Banyana Banyana coach, Dr Desiree Ellis

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 November 2024 – Banyana Banyana coach Dr Desiree Ellis said she is grateful for the way her career has panned out after she was inducted into the South African Hall of Fame on 20 November 2024. The induction into the South African Hall of Fame is the latest accolade for the revered Women’s Africa Cup of Nations-winning coach.

Ellis led the Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s national team to the continental title in 2022, in Morocco – after several others she has been awarded in 2024 alone. She was inducted alongside several figures from South African football and said being among the distinguished football legends was very special.

The inductees included legends such as former Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba, erstwhile South African senior men’s national team captains Neil Tovey and Lucas Radebe, and the legendary Patrick “Ace” Ntsoelengoe, Jomo Sono and Nelson “Teenage” Dladla.

“To listen to their stories was absolutely amazing and incredible, and many people in the room could relate to that. I just need to thank a lot of people who were part of my journey because without their contribution, I wouldn’t be standing where I am.

“A special mention, of course, must go to the Banyana Banyana players, the staff, the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Sasol. I don’t work in isolation. I think it’s through their fantastic efforts that I’m able to stand up there,” said Ellis.

She further said, also, a big thank you to everyone out there that works in women’s sport and women’s football because we all know the challenges they face. Ellis added that, but through all of that, they are still able to perform on the international arena.

“Again, a big thank you to SAFA and Sasol for their unwavering support, and of course, the new player in women’s football, VW, who has come on board. All these partnerships make the game better and bigger, and also help it grow through their contribution.

“We can only get better and bigger from here onwards. Thank you to everyone. There are so too many to mention but thank you to everyone who’s been part of my journey. As they say, we’re not done yet. A special mention to my family who have always been there, always supporting me from afar. I want to say thank you to them,” she said.

Meanwhile, the South African Football Association (SAFA) President, Dr Danny Jordaan, congratulated the Banyana Banyana coach on her latest accolade and said her star keeps shining brighter.

“Desiree has been an incredible ambassador for South African football and it is amazing and special to see her being recognised for her tireless effort and dedication to the game. Congratulations coach Desiree,” said Jordaan.

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Ethiopian man arrested for being in possession of two firearms and ammunition

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Picture: Firearms and ammunition seized by the police/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

24 November 2024- Ethiopian foreign national (27) was arrested for being in possession of two unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The suspect is expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 25 November 2024.

According to the North West police spokesperson, Colonel Amanda Funani, the police at Hartbeespoortdam, allegedly received a tip-off and operationalised it. Funani said the police received an intelligence that a shop owner allegedly kept unlicensed firearms at his shop.

“The suspect’s shop at Schaumburg Informal Settlement was searched on Thursday night. The action resulted in the discovery of two firearms and ammunition in the backroom. 

“Furthermore, it was discovered that the suspect was in the country illegally and was using illegal documents belonging to an elderly man (65),” she said.

Funani said the suspect was charged for possession of two unlicensed firearms, unlawful possession of ammunition and contravention of Section 49 (1)(a) of the Immigration Act, 2002. (Act No. 13 of 2002).

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the police who were involved in the operation for their sterling job. Kwena also thanked members of the community for working together with the police in fighting crime and ensuring that criminals are put behind bars, where they belong.

“The public is urged to report crime by calling the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or using MySAPS application. Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline: 080 091 1011,” he said.

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Two nabbed for being in possession of suspected stolen goods

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Picture: Some of the belongings seized by the police/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 November 2024- Two suspects arrested for possession of suspected stolen goods at Ten Rooms Informal Settlement on Thursday, by the Brits Crime Intelligence and Visible Policing, as well as Hartbeespoortdam Visible Policing and Detectives during a joint tactical operation.

According to the North West police spokesperson, Colonel Amanda Funani, a search was conducted at the suspects’ place and that led to the recovery of one HP printer, a cooler bag, two laptop bags, a roll bag with wheels and a black jacket. Funani said all the belongings were worth R5000.

“The preliminary investigation revealed that the goods were stolen during a business burglary committed earlier this month in Hartbeespoortdam. The accused, Samuel Ngobeni and Samuel Mokgarudi, both aged 42, briefly appeared in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 22 November 2024.

“The pair was remanded in custody until 27 November 2024, for bail application,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 1 District Commissioner, Major General Modisagaarekwe Mosimanegape, hailed the police for dedication and concerted efforts that resulted in the success.

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Nigerian man arrested for being in possession of drugs

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

24 November 2024- A Nigerian foreign national (37) was nabbed at his residential place in Klerksdorp on Friday night, 22 November 2024. This comes after the police received a tip-off regarding suspected drug dealing activities. The suspect was ultimately arrested after allegedly being found in possession of drugs.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Amanda Funani said: “The suspect is expected to appear before Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 25 November 2024.”

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrest and commended the police in Klerksdorp for their effort. Kwena said crime can be reported on the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS application.

“Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 080 091 1011,” he said.

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Three foreign nationals arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen copper cables

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Picture: The copper cables seized by the police/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

24 November 2024- Three suspects aged between 41 and 51, were arrested by the police on 23 November 2024. This comes after they were allegedly found to be in possession of suspected stolen copper cables in Klerksdorp.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Amanda Funani said the reports suggest that, Transnet Security Officer was conducting patrols along the railway lines when he saw three men, who are Zimbabwean, Lesotho and Mozambican foreign nationals digging. He allegedly approached them to check what they were doing.

“The security officer found them in possession of copper cables. He then alerted the police who responded quickly and arrested the trio. Further probe established that the suspects are in the country illegally. 

“The suspects are expected to appear before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 25 November 2024, facing charges of tampering with essential infrastructure and contravention of Section 49 (1)(a) of the Immigration Act, (Act No. 13 of 2002),” said Funani.  

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrest and commended the Klerksdorp Police and Transnet Security Officer for their collaborative efforts.

Kwena said crime can be reported on the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS application.

“Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 080 091 1011,” he said.

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Bosasa-linked corruption case against Mathenjwa set for trial

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

21 November 2024- The Johannesburg High Court postponed the corruption case against Trevor Mathenjwa to 7 February 2025 for pre-trial. Mathenjwa is facing corruption charges linked to BOSASA, amounting to approximately R300 000.

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said this amount was allegedly offered and received as gratification from BOSASA and its subsidiary Sondolo IT, where Mathenjwa is a Director, to the late Dudu Myeni for the upgrade of the security systems to her home.

“He is currently out on R10 000 bail and he is expected to be back in court when the matter resumes in February next year,” said Mamothame.

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‘Corruption, cover-up allegations at Phillipi Training College a concern’

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Picture: The SAPS members during parade

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

21 November 2024 – The Portfolio Committee on Police said on Wednesday, it has learnt with dismay that investigations into allegations of mismanagement at the Phillipi Training College have made little progress over the last two months. This comes after the South African Police Service (SAPS) gave the committee a preliminary update and a more comprehensive briefing is planned for next week.

The Chairperson of Committee, Ian Cameron said they conducted an oversight visit to the college in September 2024, following allegations of mismanagement, criminal activity at the training academy, corruption and leadership failures that threatened the academy’s effectiveness and, consequently, the future of policing in South Africa.

“On Wednesday, the committee heard that the complainant who gave details of fraud and corruption was interviewed, and a statement was obtained. The witnesses mentioned by the complainant were also interviewed and 19 affidavits were obtained.

“The committee also heard that the report on the internal audit is expected to be finalised soon. However, committee members expressed grave concern about the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation’s (the Hawks) slow progress in acting on allegations of blatant corruption,” he said.

Cameron further said they maintained that the update did not reveal anything new or different from what the committee had been told in September. He added that the committee also noted that the SAPS did nothing about disciplinary actions, and none of the officers who stole ammunition or commanders who covered it up were charged.

“The committee was also concerned about witnesses’ anonymity, as there are reports that witnesses were called over loudspeakers for everyone to hear. The committee wanted to know what the SAPS was doing to protect the witnesses and noted that the process followed set them up as targets instead of protecting them.

“It is either a lack of interest or there is a deliberate pushback because there has been no action whatsoever. Commanders seemingly still have access to bank accounts, and the whistle-blower, who is a good, dedicated, career police officer, has now been suspended,” said Cameron.

He said it is estimated that over R100 million has been stolen over the last six years. According to Cameron, the Hawks also did not do 205 applications in court to access bank accounts.

“Something that does not need to take longer than 24 hours. If this is how we’re going to deal with the good people in the police who speak out against corruption, then we’re not protecting whistle-blowers, and this just simply cannot be. So, someone speaks out against corruption, and it takes six years for the police and the Hawks to do something about it.

“But, we will not stop cleaning up. The committee was encouraged to hear that the Minister of Police would now intervene. It will receive further feedback next Wednesday,” he said.

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A man who was arrested for illegal hunting back in court  

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Picture: A leopard skin seized by the police/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

21 November 2024- A man (37) who is facing charges of possession of endangered species in terms of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004, set to appear at Tshidilamolo Magistrate’s Court today.

On 15 November 2024, the members of Mahikeng based Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit received a tip-off about the accused, John Mosikare, who was allegedly hunting illegally.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said, the information was operationalised. Malwetse said in collaboration with members of Mahikeng Tactical Response Team, the suspect’s house at Moshawane village, near Tshidilamolomo was searched.

“During the search, four animal paws and a leopard carcass were found. The suspect did not have a permit to possess any animal species. He was subsequently apprehended.

“Mosikare appeared before court and was released on R300 bail. The matter was postponed to 21 February 2025, for further investigation,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West acting Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the investigation and prosecution team. They have cautioned the public against engaging in illegal hunting of wildlife as it poses a threat to endangered species.

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