Picture: 20 excavators, two delivery vehicles and two trucks confiscated during illegal mining operation/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
25 December 2025 – As part of clamping down on the illicit economy, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, led a multidisciplinary illegal mining operation on a farm in Kroondal, outside Rustenburg. The operation was executed by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), District and Rustenburg Visible Policing, Crime Intelligence, Public Order Police (POP), Provincial Detectives, Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) and Glencore Mine officials.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said although the suspects fled into the bushes and evaded arrest, the police confiscated equipment used in illegal mining, which included 20 excavators, two light delivery vehicles and two trucks. Mokgwabone said investigations into the illegal mining activities in the area and others in the province are underway.
“Naidoo warned that the police, in collaboration with other role players, will act decisively against illegal mining to protect the legitimate economy and residents whose lives are affected by these unlawful acts,” he said.
25 December 2025- A man (45) was arrested for an attempted murder of his former girlfriend in Plooysburg. According to the police, even though the accused, Gordon Marko Adams was arrested on 23 December 2025, in Kimberley, the incident took place in November 2025.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said Adams was arrested through intelligence-driven information after he was spotted in the Kimberley Central Business District (CBD) at approximately 11:30am. Litabe said his arrest follows a successful tracing operation by an operative from Crime Intelligence (CI), who saw him at a store in Kimberley and immediately alerted the Investigation Officer, Sergeant Piet Langeveld.
“The Kimberley Flying Squad, together with the Kimberley Public Order Police was alerted to assist and arrested the suspect.
“It is alleged that on 23 November 2025, a woman (20), was at her home on Kaldroom Farm when Adams allegedly arrived and followed her into another room and closed the door behind them,” he said.
Litabe said he reportedly assaulted her by hitting her in the eye with his fist before producing an okapi knife and a panga. He said this was allegedly followed by a stabbing of the victim near her right eye and hacking to her left arm.
“The suspect then fled the scene. A case of attempted murder was then registered at Plooysburg Police Station.
“Adams appeared in the Magistrate’s Court in Douglas on charges of attempted murder and his case was postponed to the 2 January 2026, in order for him to secure a legal representation,” said Litabe.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, thanked all the members who were involved for impressive collaborative work that led to the arrest of a dangerous criminal.
Picture: Some of newly-promoted police officers/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
25 December 2025- The Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola and Provincial Management extend its heartfelt congratulations to all members who have been promoted with effect from 1 December 2025. Otola said these promotions are a clear recognition of dedication, discipline, professionalism and commitment to serving the people of the Northern Cape with integrity.
She further said it reflects the confidence that the organisation has in their ability to take on greater responsibility and to lead by example. Otola added that a total of 353 members were promoted across the province, including 114 constables promoted to Sergeant, 220 Sergeants promoted to Warrant Officers and 19 Warrant Officers from band B1 to band B2.
“District Commissioners and Station Commanders across all five districts conferred the ranks to the newly-promoted members. As you assume your new ranks you are encouraged to continue upholding the core values of the SAPS, to execute your duties with excellence, and to inspire those under your command.
“Your leadership will play a critical role in strengthening service delivery and enhancing community safety,” she said.
Otola said management wishes all members continued success and trust that they will rise to the challenges of their new responsibilities with pride and distinction.
Picture: The police during stop and search operation/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
24 December 2025- The police in the Northern Cape said it reaffirms itself to ensure the safety and security of all communities on the eve of Christmas. The police said the Christmas season is traditionally marked by increased travel, social gatherings, shopping activities and celebrations.
The Northern Cape spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said Christmas is a period that presents heightened risks related to crime, road accidents and alcohol abuse.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, together with Deputy Provincial Commissioners, District Commissioners and senior officers, will lead intensified visible policing and crime prevention operations across the province as part of the Safer Festive Season strategy. Otola said these measures include high-density patrols, roadblocks, stop-and-search operations, enforcement of traffic laws and joint operations with other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders.
“Special attention is being given to hotspots, shopping centres, transport hubs, entertainment areas, and residential areas. The police urge members of the public to remain vigilant and to take personal safety precautions, including securing homes.
“They should avoid carrying large sums of cash, obeying traffic regulations and refraining from drinking and driving. Parents and guardians are encouraged to closely supervise children, while communities are urged to work together and report suspicious activities,” she said.
Otola calls on all citizens to play an active role in creating a safe and peaceful festive season by cooperating with law enforcement officials and respecting the law. She said together through partnership and shared responsibilities, they can ensure that this Christmas period is celebrated safely and responsibly.
Setshwantsho: Mosadi o thudilweng ke sejanaga/Facebook
Ka KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
24 Sedimonthole 2025- Sepodisi kwa Hartswater se ikuela go baagi go ba thusa go shupa setopo sa mosadi o sa itsiweng. Se, se tla morago ga gore mosadi o, a thulwe ke sejanaga se se ileng sa tshaba kwa lefelong la tiragalo.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Kapa Bokone, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane are sepodisi se amogetse ngongora fa kgwedi ya Sedimonthole e ne e tlhola matsatsi a le 21, mme nako e le metsotso e le masome a mararo morago ga ura ya lesome bosigo. Shemane are kotsi e, e diragetse kwa mmileng wa Piet Strydom, gaufi le ER Mocwaledi Secondary School teng kwa Hartswater.
“Mosadi o, o ile a gatiwa ke sejanaga se go bontshang se tshabile kwa lefelong la tiragalo. Moswi a ka tswa a na le dingwaga di le 30, mme one a apere borokgwe jwa jeans jo bo pududu ka mmala, ga mmogo le sekipa sa mmala wa legodimo. Mosadi o, o na le di dreadlocks mo tlhogong.
“Re ikuela go mongwe le mongwe o a ka tswang a na le tshedimosetso mabapi le tiragalo e, kgotsa a ka thusa sepodisi gore se fitlhelele ba losika la moswi, a ka letsetsa mmatlisisi wa kgetsi, Detective Constable Matonyane mo nomorong ya 0832442709, kgotsa a ka letsetsa nommore ya sepodisi ya 08600 10111,” Shemane wa tlhalosa.
Shemane are tshedimosetse ngwe le ngwe e tla tsewa jaaka ya sephiri.
24 December 2025- The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court has granted R100 000 bail to travel agent, Premila Shunmugam (57) of Silver Touch Events from Greenstone Hill. Shunmugam is facing 3 counts of fraud amounting to R400 000.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that in July 2025, Shunmugam used the same modus operandi to defraud multiple clients. Mahanjana said she allegedly offered to help the complainants to book luxury trips abroad through her travel agency.
“After reaching an agreement, the complainants would transfer funds to her. However, after receiving the money the accused would not render any services to the complainants and did not refund the funds. The complainants subsequently reported the matters at various police stations.
“On 8 December 2025, the accused went to Wierdabrug Police Station to provide the police with her statement and after interrogation she was arrested. During bail proceedings, the state opposed the accused’s release on bail,” she said.
Mahanjana further said the state prosecutor, Chris Maruma, submitted an affidavit from the Investigating Officer Sergeant Martin Malapela stating that Shunmugam is not a first-time offender because she has a previous conviction of fraud from the year 2006. Mahanjana added that the affidavit further stated that the accused currently has 37 dockets opened against her in Gauteng and other provinces and that after relocating to a different area, she refused to provide the police with her new address.
“However, the magistrate said that even though the accused has several dockets opened against her, she has not been charged yet and that having one previous conviction does not mean that she has a propensity to commit crime. Therefore, he found exceptional circumstances to release the accused on bail.
“The matter was postponed to 18 February 2026 for further investigations,” she said.
24 December 2025 – Two suspects are expected to appear in the Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court today, facing charges of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition respectively. The suspects were arrested at two separate residences during a crime intelligence-led operation by Vryburg K9 and Crime Prevention Unit members in Morokweng village, near Ganyesa in the early hours of Tuesday morning, 23 December 2025.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the first suspect (38) was found in possession of an unlicensed pistol and five rounds of ammunition. Mokgwabone said it transpired during circulation that the firearm belonged to an individual in Kokwana village, Morokweng.
“The second suspect (49) was also apprehended for possession of an unlicensed firearm (Norinco pistol) and eight rounds of ammunition. Preliminary investigation revealed that the lawful owner of the firearm is deceased and he was a resident of Pomfret, near Morokweng.
“Both firearms and ammunition have been confiscated and will be subjected to ballistic testing,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the police for a job well done and removing firearms from the wrong hands.
23 December 2025- Motorists in Moretele and afar will soon be spoilt for choice on where they need to fill up their gasoline with the commencement of construction of a new filling station, Netfuels, envisaged to open for business in April 2026. The filling station located along Makapanstad main road in Ipeleng Section, Dertig village, will boast the services.
Moretele Local Municipality mayor, Masango George Manyike welcomed the development of Netfuels in Dertig. Manyike said the empowerment, investment and changing the lives of their residents is at his heart.
“We are here as a government, SALGA is here, and SANCO is also here. This means you have our support. We are very happy to choose to invest in Moretele. The filling station has four pumps with diesel and petrol. It has a filling station, a convenience store, a restaurant, a gas depot and a tyre shop.
“Described as not just another filling station, Netfuels is looking to offer customized top-notch products, convenience and be a place where one can fuel up and also connect. Each pump services eight vehicles at a time,” he said.
According to Netfuels CEO, Zola Pato, they avoided going with normal franchise filling stations, as they have limitations. Pato further said franchises do not allow them to tailor-made packages as they would have loved to.
“We wanted to offer the people of Moretele something new and different. Net Fuels is the first of many garages to come. The project is the brainchild of Dertig-born Kenneth Jolimvaba, Johannes Masingi and Radikgati Modise.
“These three gentlemen approached us in 2014 when they saw us building a garage somewhere. However, we only started warming to the idea in 2016. As a former SASOL employee, I had overseen and managed a project with over 200 filling stations,” he said.
Pato added that there was none without challenges. He requested everyone to support them.
“With your support, we will weather anything that may come our way,” said Pato.
23 December 2025- Maphoitsile Primary School in Taung is set to celebrate its 70th anniversary in grand style in 2026. Now, the school management is inviting former learners to honour the legacy and future.
The School Governing Body (SGB) secretary, Segametsi Matsitle said they are excited to announce that they will be celebrating its 70th year of excellence in 2026. Matsitle said as part of their preparations, they invite all former learners and the community to a meeting to discuss the plans and arrangements for this milestone event.
“The meeting will take place at Maphoitsile primary School on 29 December 2025, at 10am. So, this will be a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with old friends and be part of the celebration. Your inputs and participation are invaluable to us. We look forward to seeing you there on Monday,” she said.
Picture: Some of street lights bought by community members/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
23 December 2025- Baagisani Ba No 2 in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke said they have taken a stand against crime. The community members said after realizing that their ward is plagued by a high rate of house-breaking, cable theft, robbery, assaults and Gender-Based Violence (GBV), they have decided to take matters into their own hands.
The Chairperson of Baagisani Ba No 2, Thabo Sehloho said they bought streetlights using their own money and with the help of the Mamusa Local Municipality, they installed them. Sehloho said their ward will no longer be dark and conducive to evil activities.
“Big up to the ward 2 community for contributing R25 each and make this happen. Our next projects are street humps and removal of illegal dumping sites. We have taken an oath to make ward 2 safer and crime-free again. We also have trained and well-equipped patrollers, who are working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure our ward is secure.
“We call on the community to cooperate with our patrollers and report any suspicious activity. Together, we can make Ward 2 a safer place,” he said.
Meanwhile, on 5 March 2025, the Chairperson of the North West Legislature Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management, Freddy Sonakile expressed satisfaction with the 3.9% overall decrease in crime recorded for this period. Sonakile said it is important to recognize that this period covers the festive season, a time when crime rates typically surge.
He further said this decrease is a testament to the impact of the various initiatives launched by SAPS during that period. Sonakile added that, however, there are still areas requiring particular attention.
“The committee has taken a specific interest in police stations that continue to register high crime rates. Notably, Ikageng in Potchefstroom, is the leading station in the province for contact crimes and contact-related crimes, ranking 50th and 18th nationally.
“Rustenburg is the highest in property-related crimes and other serious crimes in the province, ranking 6th and 13th nationally, followed by Klerksdorp and Brits. Tlhabane, Mooinooi, and Letlhabile – the top three stations in crimes detected as a result of police action,” he said.
Sonakile said Taung is the highest in the province and nationally for arson cases. He said Mogwase recorded as the highest in the province and nationally for cash-in-transit robberies, while Mmabatho recorded as the highest in the province for attempted sexual offences, ranking 2nd nationally.
The Guardian 