Picture: Vandalism at Matshogo Reservoir in Dinokana village, near Zeerust/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
19 October 2025- The Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality said it continues to experience costly vandalism in its water infrastructures across the district, which often creates interruption in supply of water to the community.
The municipality said Matshogo Reservoir in Dinokana village, near Zeerust, was not spared and suffered another blow when about 12 armed men accosted two security officers and cuffed them with electric cables and vandalized.
The executive mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Khumalo Molefe said these criminals opened the nearby pump house and took the entire cables inside, security guards’ cell phones and the security two-way radio communication system. Molefe said the situation seriously affected the flow of water greatly in parts of the wards in Ramotshere with water supply.
“We appeal for patience as our technical staff is onsite assessing the damage in order to mitigate this challenge. The municipality has for a number of times suffered these acts of vandalism and in many instances, our community ended up running out of patience and stage protests against the municipality.
“I am therefore making a humble appeal and hope that the alternative water supply will be available. Currently, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is onsite conducting their investigations with the hope of arresting perpetrators,” he said.
Picture: North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi
By REGINALD KANYANE
19 October 2025- Following pronouncements from his budget speech, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi, will convene a human settlements MUNIMEC with municipalities from across the province. Molapisi said MUNIMEC is an intergovernmental relations forum, where he interacts with municipal leaders to foster cooperation and improve service delivery and governance at municipal level.
He further said it is a consultative platform involving the MEC, mayors, municipal managers and other stakeholders within the human settlements value chain. He added that the forum will deliberate on the progress in addressing the housing backlog as well as the status of housing delivery across the province.
“It will also ensure that there is alignment between planning and budget processes in identifying the needs of communities. Among others the forum will monitor and evaluate projects in local municipalities and further advise the department on relevant issues to be attended to.
“The MUNIMEC will further assist in coordinating other important issues in the human settlements sector, and also keep community leaders updated on plans and challenges relating to the department,” said Molapisi.
He said the forum will meet quarterly and assist in coordinating service delivery in local municipalities. Molapisi said the MUNIMEC will be held at Kings Gate Hotel, Rustenburg on Tuesday at 8am.
Setshwantsho-papiso- Di ATMs di le pedi di thuntshitswe ka bomo kwa Ganyesa
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
19 Diphalane 2025- Sepodisi se batlisisa kgetsi ya go thuntsiwa ga di ATMs di le pedi ka bomo kwa motseng wa Ganyesa. Go begwa fa banna ba le supa, ba ile ba itelekela kwa garage nngwe ya selegae le go thuntsha di ATMs tseo fa masigo a Lamatlhatso a sa.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh are go begwa fa banna bao, ba ile ba inaya naga ka madi a seatleng a go sa itsiweng gore a phuphulediwa go bokae morago ga moo. Myburgh are ga gona ope o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaaka.
“Dipatlisiso di tsweletse, mme re ikuela go mongwe le mongwe o a ka tswang a na le tshedimosetso mabapi le kgang e, go ka itsise sepodisi. Dintlha tsotlhe tse di ka lebisang kwa go tshwarweng ga babelaelwa di ka tsholwa jaaka tsa sephiri,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.
18 October 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the policing of contact crimes remains a key priority in the Northern Cape. The police urge members of the public to act responsibly by avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and remain vigilant at all times.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said overindulgence often leads to vulnerability and increases the risk of becoming a victim of crime. Ehlers said in light of this, communities are advised to adhere to the following safety tips to reduce the risk of contact crimes:
“Stay alert – awareness is your best defence. Always leave venues with friends where possible. Avoid going to the bathroom alone – use the buddy system in public places. Never accept drinks or lifts from strangers.
“Remain in well-lit areas and avoid walking alone in secluded places. Stay in populated areas and trust your instincts – if something feels wrong, act immediately. Carry a personal alarm and use it when necessary,” she said.
Ehlers further said if an individual is a victim, s/he should seek help immediately. She added that they should make noise to attract attention if they are in danger.
“If attacked, do not bathe or change clothes – it may destroy vital evidence. Provide police with full details about the incident and suspect. Drink responsibly – you must be able to give a clear account of events.
“Never leave your drink unattended to avoid possible spiking. Stay alert and remain aware of your surroundings. If it’s safe, capture photos or videos of incidents, understanding that your device may be needed as evidence,” said Ehlers.
She said individuals should record key details such as times, number plates and descriptions. Ehlers said if no pen is available, they should leave themselves a voice note or draft message.
“Leave abusive relationships immediately and seek help from family or the police. Always have an emergency contact on the speed dial. Parents must know the whereabouts of children at all times.
“Break the silence and report criminal behaviour to the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App,” she said.
18 October 2025- The police in the Frances Baard District, Provincial Firearms, Liquor and Second Hand Goods, Public Order Police, Tactical Response Team, K9 Unit, Flying Squad, Kimberley Police Station, together with the traffic officials and Transnet, conducted Safer Festive Season Operation duties in Kimberley on 16 October 2025. The parade was addressed by the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Dikeledi Gopane said compliance inspections were carried out at scrap metal dealerships, resulting in the confiscation of copper cables and copper wire. Gopane said two fines amounting to R5000, were issued for contraventions of Section 25(4)(b) – dealing with burned cables.
“Vehicle Check Points (VCPs) were conducted resulting in the thorough searching of 119 vehicles and 284 persons. Several traffic fines totalling R11 100 were issued, along with one warrant of arrest.
“In addition, admission of guilt fines was issued to the value of R3000. During the second phase of the operation, high-visibility patrols were conducted across the greater Kimberley as part of ongoing crime prevention visibility,” she said.
Gopane further said intensified and enhanced policing with more boots on the ground will continue throughout the festive season and beyond.
Picture: Some of drugs seized by the police/Generic
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
18 October 2025- A man (19) was arrested for possession of drugs by the members of the Springbok Public Order Policing unit at Rocky Ridge in Okiep at approximately 12:30pm. The police said on the same day at around 12:45pm, a girl (17) was also arrested in the same area in Okiep, for dealing in drugs.
The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said in an unrelated incident on the 16 October 2025, at approximately 5pm, a man (27) was arrested for dealing in drugs in Okiep with an estimated street value of R119 250. Magerman said the suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, reaffirmed the police’s commitment to robustly address drug-related crimes in the district, issuing a stern warning to the public that SAPS have adopted a Zero tolerance approach when it comes to crime.
Picture: A police officer, Sergeant Lebogang Moreothibang/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
18 October 2025- The members of the Danielskuil SAPS recently underwent specialized training in the safe handling of dangerous snakes. Sergeant Lebogang Moreothibang and Constable Kesaoleboga Thomas courageously embraced the challenge and successfully completed the training presented by Idwala Mine.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the programme was designed to equip participants with essential knowledge and practical skills to safely capture and relocate venomous snakes. Ehlers said during the course, the Moreothibang and Thomas handled several highly venomous species, including the Puff Adder, Green Mamba, Boomslang, and Night Adder.
“These dedicated members are now well-prepared to safely remove and handle dangerous snakes encountered within the community, thereby ensuring the safety of residents,” she said.
18 October 2025- Two men aged 20 and 23, were arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen firearm and ammunition in Mothibistad, near Kuruman. This comes after the police received a tip-off regarding a stolen firearm in the Gantatelang village, in Mothibistad.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the police’s quick response led to the arrest of suspects and recovered a pistol and ammunition. Ehlers said the complainant reportedly left his residence in Mothibistad on 26 September 2025.
“On his return, he discovered that his firearm had been stolen. The matter was subsequently reported to the police, which led to the arrest. The duo is expected to appear in court soon on a charge of residential burglary.
“The public is reminded to store firearms unloaded in a compliant safe and follow legal storage and handling requirements in accordance with the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000,” she said.
17 October 2025- The Mahikeng Local Municipality said it has noted with concern a message circulating on social media alleging that a tender involving the municipality, the Department of Public Works & Roads, as well as SANRAL has been awarded, and that a related meeting will take place at Mmabatho Stadium.
The municipality said it wishes to place it on record that these claims are false and misleading.
The executive mayor of Mahikeng Local Municipality, Tshepiso Mphehlo said there is no such tender process or meeting authorized or coordinated by the municipality in collaboration with the said entities. Mphehlo said residents are urged to treat this information as inaccurate and to refrain from sharing or acting on unverified messages circulating online.
“The municipality continues to uphold transparency and due process in all its operations, including procurement matters. Members of the public are reminded that official municipal announcements and engagements are communicated through verified municipal channels and spokespersons.
“The municipality remains committed to providing accurate information and serving the community with integrity and accountability,” he said.
17 October 2025 – Members of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence and the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans said they are concerned about what they have seen along the country’s border in Musina.
The joint committees’ today concluded their oversight visits with engagements with the Border Management Authority (BMA), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the South African Police Services and the South African Revenue Service on interdepartmental cooperation at Musina Local Municipality.
The committee said the ease at which people flow between South Africa and Zimbabwe while evading established ports of entry and opting to use unofficial entry points operated by crime syndicates was highly concerning. The committee called for a sufficiently equipped SANDF and other border entities in terms of personnel on the ground, technology and other resources.
The Co-Chairperson of the joint standing committee, Dr Malusi Gigaba, noted that Beitbridge is South Africa’s busiest land port of entry, making it one of the hardest to manage. Gigaba emphasised that managing migration to realise its economic development, national security potential and minimise its risks, requires a new paradigm underpinned by management.
“They need to ensure that there is an all-of-government and all-of-society approach. It is necessary to invest in border management infrastructure in order to mitigate against loss of billions of rand as a result of counterfeit goods, the illicit entry and exit of goods that are not declared to SARS.
“This includes other crimes such as car theft and illicit tobacco, among others. The bus that was involved in a fatal accident, where 40 mostly undocumented foreign nationals lost their lives, shows the ease with which people can pass through South Africa’s checkpoints,” he said.
Gigaba further said obviously, the enablers are on their side of the border. He added that the fact that there were large quantities of medicines which were found on the wreckage shows that they were for distribution purposes in another country, which is a further testament that this was an evasive manoeuvre against paying duties.
“Something needs to be done about syndicates that buy trucks and hire drivers to transport illicit goods across border lines. In addition, concerted efforts are needed to find solutions, as South Africa cannot control what happens with its counterparts on the Zimbabwe side.
“Members also called for collection of all the donkeys along the border as they are used to carry out illegal activities. The committee said the engagement with the BMA has exposed a weak and dysfunctional system,” said Gigaba.
He recommended that all departmental entities should improve on their cooperation to disable the enablers and traffickers. Gigaba said it is worrying to think that should the truck scanner that is in use break down due not being properly maintained, this will pose a huge risk as cargo will not be scanned.
“We commend the admirable dedication of soldiers serving along the border, at times without proper equipment. We need to ensure that the challenges they face at the level of technology, equipment and infrastructure are addressed.
“They are making enormous personal sacrifices to protect those of us inside the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Dakota Legoete said: “It has become very clear that the BMA does not have a budget, same as SAPS, Home Affairs and SANDF.
“It is estimated that South Africa losses over R83 Billion rands in illicit goods and substances and one of the national key points where there is a serious national threat is here in Beitbridge, Durban harbour and OR Tambo.”
The Guardian 