A call for Ramaphosa and Mchunu’s resignations

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramqphosa

By REGINALD KANYANE

3 October 2025- Activists and Citizens Forum said it is neither surprised nor shocked with the lengthy adjournment of the Madlanga Commission until 13 October.  The forum said when the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa, announced that he had decided to appoint a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the explosive allegations by the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi of criminal syndicates who have infiltrated the criminal justice system.

Activists and Citizens Forum spokesperson, Dennis Bloem said a cartel is in operation. Bloem alleged that the suspended Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, was working with these syndicates.

“We knew this was a delaying tactic and strategy to suppress the truth. However, Ramaphosa and his inner circle are too late to block the police leadership to tell the country the truth. Over the past few days, the country heard horrific revelations from Mkhwanazi, National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, General Marga van Rooyen, and Head of Crime Intelligence, Dumisani Khumalo –  absolutely too late to shut their mouths.

“The country can expect more desperate attempts to divert the attention of the public from the Madlanga Commission. On 6 July 2025, during his press conference, Mkhwanazi said that he would produce evidence of all his allegations, and that is exactly what is happening before the commission,” he said.

Bloem further said no doubt – there is no place to hide for corrupt leadership in government. He added that with the amount of damning revelations that were laid bare at the Commission, it will be advisable for Ramaphosa and Mchunu to do the honourable thing and resign immediately, to save the country from more embarrassment.

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A demand for immediate release of South Africans abducted by Israel

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Picture: South Africans abducted in Israel/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

3 October 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla is another grave offence by Israel of global solidarity and sentiment that is aimed at relieving suffering in Gaza and advancing peace in the region. Ramaphosa said on behalf of the government and nation, he calls on Israel to immediately release the South Africans abducted in international waters, and to release other nationals, who have tried to reach Gaza with humanitarian aid.

He further said the interception of the flotilla in international waters is contrary to international law and violates the sovereignty of every nation whose flag was flown on the dozens of vessels in the flotilla. Ramaphosa added that this action also violates an International Court of Justice injunction that humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow unimpeded.

“South Africa calls on Israel to ensure that the life-saving cargo transported by this flotilla reaches the people of Gaza, as the flotilla represents solidarity with Gaza, not confrontation with Israel. South Africa supports the call by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for Israel to urgently lift the blockade on Gaza and allow the entry of life-saving material through all means possible.

“My thoughts are with all of the abductees and their families and it is my expectation that Israel will release the human rights activists as these abductions serve no purpose in the context of efforts to secure peace in the Middle East,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Forum for South Africa (FOSA) said it strongly condemns the unlawful abduction of South African citizens and other international activists by the Israeli regime after the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters off Gaza. FOSA said the flotilla was a humanitarian mission, carrying food and medical supplies destined for Palestinians living under an illegal and brutal blockade.

The National Leader of Forum for South Africa, Tebogo Mashilompane said the Israeli navy’s violent interception and seizure is a direct violation of international law and basic human rights. Mashilompane said among those detained are South Africans who courageously stood up for justice and peace, including author and activist Zukiswa Wanner, who had warned in advance that she might be kidnapped by the occupying forces.

“Their only crime was solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine. FOSA echoes the call by President Cyril Ramaphosa for the immediate release of all South Africans and other detained activists. We further demand that the South African government take urgent diplomatic and legal steps to secure their freedom.

“The United Nations and international community hold Israel accountable for its continued defiance of international law. Humanitarian missions are protected from illegal interference so that desperately needed aid reaches Gaza. South Africa knows from its own history that international solidarity is not a crime — it is a duty,” he said.

Mashilompane said just as the world stood with them in their darkest days of apartheid, today they stand firmly with the people of Palestine in their struggle for freedom, dignity, and peace. He said that Israel should free their activists, Palestine and end the blockade.

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Uncle remanded in custody after allegedly raping his niece

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

2 Diphalane 2024- A man (33) was remanded in custody when he appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 30 September 2025, on a charge of rape. The accused is expected to make a second appearance before the same court on 8 October 2025, for a formal bail application.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said the accused was apprehended on 29 September 2025, for allegedly raping his niece (12) on 28 September 2025, in Oukasie Location, near Brits. Tselanyane said it is alleged the niece arrived at her grandmother’s place and found his uncle sitting in a couch.

“The niece proceeded to the kitchen, and the uncle grabbed her from behind and forcefully took her to his bedroom where he allegedly raped her. Following the incident, the accused allegedly threatened the victim and warned her not to tell anyone about the incident.

“The victim went home and despite the threats, she reported the matter to her mother who in turn informed the police. A case of rape was registered, and the accused was successfully traced and arrested a few hours later,” he said.

Tselanyane further said investigation into the matter continues.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said: “Sexual paedophiles and predators like this one must never be allowed to prey on defenceless and vulnerable children and hopefully he will face the full might of the law.”

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Mapodisi a le mararo kwa Vryburg ba latofadiwa ka go utswa dinku

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

2 Diphalane 2025- Mapodisi a le mararo ba tlhageletse kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Vryburg mo letsatsing la gompieno morago ga go latofadiwa ka bogodu jwa leruo. Go begwa fa mapodisi a, eleng Sarasanta Difedile Modisaotsile (43), Mosimanegape Mokoena (40) ga mmogo le Constable Lemogang Gaelesiwe (31), ba eleng matseka kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Vryburg, ba ile ba tshwarwa fa Lwetse a ne a tlhola matsatsi a le 30.

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane, morui mongwe wa kwa polasing ya Broedersput, o ile a lemoga fa dinku tsa gagwe di le nne di tlhaela fa a ne a bala leruo la gagwe. Tselanyane are, go begwa fa morui o, a ile a tsamaya go dukuloga polasi ya gagwe, mme o ile a bona motlhala o sa itsiweng wa sejanaga.

“Seo, se ile sa mo rotloetse go ya go lebelela kgatiso ya ditshwantsho tsa motsikinyego (CCTV camera). Go begwa fa a ile a bona sejanaga sa modiro wa Nissan NP300 bakkie se se tshweu se tsamaya-tsamaya mo polasing ya gagwe.

“Dipatlisiso tsa go sale gale tse di dirilweng ke sepodisi, di shupa fa sejanaga seo, ele sa sepodisi. Dipatlisiso di ile tsa bolodiwa ke unit ya sepodisi sa Vryburg K9, Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (STES), District and Vryburg Detectives, Vryburg Crime Intelligence and Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), mme di ile tsa lebisa kwa motseng wa Dithakwaneng, kwa ntlenyana ga Vryburg,” Tselanyane wa bega.

Tselanyane are sepodisi se ile sa fitlha kwa ntlung nngwe, kwa se fitlhetseng nama ya dinku di le pedi teng. Tselanyane are mmelaelwa wa dingwaga di le 43, eleng Loeto Moncho, o ile a lelelwa ke ditshipi mme a latofadiwa ka go tshola nama ya nku e go belaelwang fa e utswitswe.

“Moncho o ile a tlhagelela ka boripana kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Vryburg, mme o ile a neelwa beile ya R500. Batlhankela ba, ba sepodisi, le bone ba ile ba tlhagelela ka boripana kwa kgotlhatshekelo, mme ba neelwa beile ya R1000 mongwe le mongwe. Dikgetsi di buseditswe morago go fitlha Ngwanatsele a tlhola matsatsi a le 11,” Tselanyane wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, mokomishinara wa sepodisi wa nama o sa tshwere mono Bokone Bophirima, Major General Patrick Asaneng are: “Lephata la sepodisi ga se tulo ya batho ba ba itshwereng makgasa jaaka batlhankela ba ba sepodisi ba ba tshwanetsweng ke gore ba be ba le kwa kgolegelong,” Tselanyane wa tlhalosa.

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Former Home Affairs employees found guilty of fraud

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Picture: Former Home Affairs employee, Dawn Celeste Pieterson/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

2 October 2025- Former Home Affairs employee, Dawn Celeste Pieterson (45) was found guilty on all nine counts of fraud, read with the provisions of Section 99, 103, and 224 of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1977 as well as two counts of contravention Section 31 (1) (d) of Birth and Death Registration Act 51 of 1992 by the Calvinia Magistrate’s Court. Pieterson’s misdeeds took place between February 2019 and September 2022, when she was an employee of the Department of Home Affairs based in Calvinia.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said as part of her duties, she had access to the national population register. Thebe said Pieterson took funeral covers from reputable insurance companies and nominated herself as a beneficiary.

“To benefit, she manipulated the national population register by falsely issuing BI-1663 forms (notice of death form) to reflect the fictitious death of the victims. The system registered the affected persons as deceased, resulting in a plethora of problems in the victims’ day to day lives.

“The matter was postponed to 26 January 2026 for sentencing,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the acting Provincial Head of the Hawks, Brigadier Prince Mashimbye, commended the great effort of the investigation and prosecution team.

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A man sentenced to six years imprisonment for business burglary and theft

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

2 October 2025- The Pixley Ka Seme District Police Management said it welcomes the conviction and sentencing of Ntlanzeko Mbatha (33). The police said on 29 September 2025, the De Aar Regional Court, found Mbatha guilty of business burglary and theft.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said he was sentenced to six years imprisonment and declared unfit to possess a firearm. Shemane said the incident occurred on 14 January 2025, at approximately 19:30, when the complainant secured his business premises, ensuring all doors and windows were properly locked.

“The following morning, 15 January 2025, a passerby alerted the complainant that the business had been broken into. The police were immediately activated and a case was registered. Investigations swiftly led to the tracing and arrest of the accused.

“Bail was successfully opposed by the investigating officer, resulting in the accused remaining in custody until his conviction and sentencing,” he said.

Shemane further said the Pixley Ka Seme District Police Management commended Detective Sergeant Zwelandile Nolusu for his dedication and thorough investigative work, which ensured that justice was served.

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‘Police officer swaps his badge for the holy cloth’

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Picture: The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Sergio Kock/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

2 October 2025- The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock bids farewell to the organisation after 24 years of loyal and dedicated service. Kock will be transitioning full time into the ministry at TD Church in Kimberley to leverage his skills and passion for serving humanity in a new capacity.

He further said this calling aligns his heart for people with his faith, still enabling him to make a meaningful impact in his community. Kock added that he is thankful for the lessons learned, the triumphs celebrated, and the challenges overcome during his time in law enforcement.

“These experiences will undoubtedly enrich my ministry, allowing me to serve with empathy, wisdom, compassion and the love of Christ. As I embark on this new chapter, I’m eager to bring hope, healing, and support to those in need to experience the love of Jesus Christ and be disciples to change their world.

“I’m excited to work closely with our church community, schools, PG13, rehabs, government and NGO’s in serving as a vessel of God’s love and grace. I’d also like to express my deepest appreciation to everyone who has supported me throughout my career, especially my family, church, Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien and our marvellous communications team (unfortunately too many to mention but everyone is included in love),” said Kock.

He said as he swapped the camera and pen for his continuous walk with God in His Word and he truly looking forward to staying connected to all of them as he begins this new journey. Kock said may God bless the community, and may his love guide them all.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola and the Provincial Management wish Kock success on his new journey. Otola said they deeply appreciate the dedication, positivity, professionalism and meaningful contributions he has made in strengthening the image of the organization.

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‘Protect your SASSA card and PIN’

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By REGINALD KANYANE

1 October 2025- The police in Northern Cape said in an endeavour to protect your personal safety and property, is urging the public to exercise caution and remain vigilant during the pay-out period. The police said in order to stay safe when accessing your SASSA grant, safety tips are recommended.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said individuals should keep their personal and payment information confidential. Sam said they should protect their SASSA card and PIN at all times.

“Be cautious of strangers around ATMs. Be aware of your payment dates and consider waiting a few days after the scheduled date to avoid large crowds at payment points. Be wary of unsolicited calls or messages asking for your personal details or card information.

“Be alert and aware of your surroundings before and after using an ATM. Avoid using ATMs with blank screens or those located in poorly lit or secluded areas. Consider going with a friend and or a family member when collecting cash,” he said.

Sam further said they should also be suspicious of strangers who offer help or claim there’s a problem with the ATM. He added that the security personnel stationed at ATMs are there to deter criminal activity and are not authorised to assist with transactions.

“The South African Police Service encourages the public to report any suspicious activity or criminal incidents by calling the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111, the SASSA grant and fraud hotline 0800 601 or via the MySAPS App,” said Sam.

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Tswaing poised to gain essential service through Thuntsha Lerole

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By OBAKENG MAJE

2 October 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi will on Friday lead the roll-out of the Thuntsha Lerole programme in Tswaing Local Municipality, which falls under Ngaka Modiri Molema District. Identified as one of the ten local municipalities prioritised for implementation of phase 5 of the provincial government’s Accelerated Service Delivery Programme – Thuntsha Lerole, Tswaing Local Municipality is experiencing several service delivery challenges, including inconsistent water supply and poor state of roads infrastructure.

Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said through a coordinated effort to enhance access to quality services, Mokgosi who will be joined by Members of Executive Council (MECs), will officially hand over an internal road in Matshelapad. Tatai said as an ongoing endeavour to improve the state of local road infrastructure, potholes patching will be undertaken from Delareyville to Ottosdal, while blading will be conducted in identified internal roads across the local municipality.

“As part of the Title Deeds Friday campaign, a nationwide title deeds restoration programme, Mokgosi will symbolically issue 10 out of the available 1 282 title deeds to the rightful owners, while three completed RDP houses will be handed over to the identified beneficiaries.

“The provincial leadership will also undertake an oversight visit to the new Delareyville Bulk Pharmacy construction site, which once completed, will not only strengthen medicine supply across the local municipality and neighbouring health facilities, but will also improve availability and equitable healthcare delivery,” he said. 

Tatai further said as part of the day’s programme, fresh produce will be handed over to indigent families in Matshelapad, Jachtkraal, and Skierlik, while 105 food parcels will be distributed to households in Thawane village. He added that in support of youth development, sports equipment will be issued to nine identified schools, while traditional attire will be presented to Agisanang Traditional Group.

“To enhance access to economic opportunities, the Centralised Supplier Database (CSD) team will be available on-site to assist with the registration, updating, and amendment of company profiles.

“In addition, integrated primary health care services will be offered to ensure that community members receive vital health screenings and support,” said Tatai.

He said in support of the clean cities initiative, the clearing of illegal dumping sites will also be undertaken across the local municipality. Tatai said the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme – Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded programme will also be rolled out in two other districts.  

“In Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, the programme will be rolled out at Greater Taung Local Municipality – Pitsong Community Hall in Taung, while in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, public services will be rendered at Tswelelang Township, in Wolmaranstad, Maquassi Hills Local Municipality,” he said.

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Amajita won’t underestimate New Caledonia in FIFA U20 World Cup clash

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

2 October 2025- The South African U20 Men’s National Team, Amajita said it will not underestimate New Caledonia when the two teams meet in their second match of the 2025 FIFA U20 Men’s World Cup in Chile. Raymond Mdaka’s charges got their Group E campaign off to a shaky start, narrowly losing 2-1 to France on 29 September 2025, while New Caledonia suffered a devastating 9-1 defeat at the hands of the United States of America.

Amajita and their French-speaking opponents will do battle on Friday morning (01h00 SA Time) Thursday night 20h00 local time at Estadio El Teniente en Rancagua.

“We will go there with the mentality of getting maximum points so that we know in our match against the USA we can also try to get maximum points. The France game was a wake-up call for us, so we are looking forward to the clash against New Caledonia. We don’t feel the pressure, but we experienced this in Egypt (losing the first game), so this was just a wakeup call.  

“We respect all teams even though they (New Caledonia) lost 9-1. We should not go there with that mentality of saying we can also beat them with the same scoreline, as much as they lost heavily, we respect them and what they are capable of,” said Amajita midfielder Lazola Maku.

The South Africans got off to a good start against France in the opening stages of their fixture but lost the grip of the match, allowing the Europeans to dictate matters, which ended with a defeat.

Maku further said: “I think the nerves got the better of us, after all it’s the World Cup stage, but we will go back and fight for maximum points.”

As matters stand in Group E, the USA and France lead the group with three points each – the Americans are top due to a superior goal difference. South Africa and New Caledonia are yet to collect points, lying in positions three and four respectively.

The USA and Les Bleues faced off in an earlier kick off time of 17h00 and a draw between them could throw the group wide open.

Amajita have a clean bill of health with coach Mdaka spoilt for choice for his starting 11.

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