Eight suspects nabbed in connection with illegal mining

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Five men nabbed for illegal mining

By BAKANG MOKOTO

25 July 2025- The ongoing efforts of Operation Vala Umgodi continue to produce significant results in the Northern Cape. A total of 24 individuals aged between 22 and 44, were arrested in connection with illegal mining activities and violations of immigration laws during intelligence-driven, multi-disciplinary operations.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said in the Namakwa District, combat and proactive teams arrested eight suspects at a private, restricted property near Kleinzee for illegal mining and contraventions of South Africa’s immigration laws. Pilane said on 22 July 2025, Vala Umgodi teams in the Francis Baard District acted on intelligence regarding undocumented individuals employed at various construction sites in Minerva Gardens.

“As a result, eleven men were arrested and handed over to immigration authorities for further processing. Employers found in violation were issued with fines. In a separate incident, five suspects were arrested for alleged illegal mining during a joint operation between the SAPS and a Kimberley-based mine security company, following a tip-off about illegal activities on a privately-owned mining property.

“Various tools believed to be used in illegal mining as well as suspected diamond-bearing gravel were confiscated. All arrested suspects are expected to appear in local Magistrates’ Courts soon,” he said.

Pilane further said Operation Vala Umgodi remains committed to combating illegal mining and ensuring adherence to immigration legislation. He added that the public is encouraged to report any criminal activity anonymously via the MySAPS App or by calling the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Missing Simbarashe Chimbowa nabbed for Contravention of Immigrant Act

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: A missing Simbarashe Chimbowa found and arrested/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 July 2025- The South African Police Service confirmed that Simbarashe Chimbowa (31), a Bolt driver who was reported missing by his mother after last being seen on 21 July 2025 at 7pm in Kagisho in Kimberley, has been found and arrested. Chimbowa was apprehended along with two other individuals, Elias Mzonjani (47) and Believe Chikate (25), for contravening the Immigration Act.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the arrest was effected by the Visible Policing Unit of Douglas SAPS on 21 July 2025 at approximately 11pm. Kock said the trio was found in a blue Ford Focus approximately 5km outside Douglas on the Kimberley Road.

“All three suspects appeared briefly in the Douglas Magistrate’s Court on 25 July 2025. The matter has been remanded to 29 July 2025, for further investigation. The vehicle in which they were travelling was seized by the police.

“The investigation is ongoing and members of the public with any relevant information are urged to contact Detective Warrant Officer Calvin Botha at 082 908 3623, SAPS Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or to use the MySAPS App. All information received will be treated with the strictest confidentiality,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A man sentenced to five years imprisonment for assaulting his girlfriend

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE

25 July 2025- A man (32) was sentenced to five years imprisonment for assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). The accused, Jason Howard Kupido assaulted his girlfriend (25).

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the incident occurred on 19 February 2025, at approximately 6pm. Kock said an argument ensued between the couple that was walking to the accused’s residence.

“Kupido violently assaulted the victim by kicking her, pelting her with stones and stabbing her multiple times. He was arrested shortly after the incident and sentenced on 22 July 2025. In addition to the prison term, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm.

“The South African Police Service (SAPS) commends Detective Constable Dineo Potjeng of the Carnarvon Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for her diligent investigation, which resulted in a successful conviction,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Three suspects arrested for dealing in drugs

NEWS Leave a comment

By OBAKENG MAJE

25 July 2025- A multi-disciplinary police team executed targeted raids in Postmasburg during Operation Nduna, which ran from 23 until 24 July 2025 to Thursday, 24 July 2025. The police said the operation focused on disrupting illegal drug activities in and around Postmasburg, curbing the proliferation of narcotics and addressing the influx of undocumented immigrants.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said a joint operation comprised members from the Provincial Organised Crime Unit, Kuruman Public Order Police, ZF Mgcawu District Crime Intelligence Unit and the K9 Units from Upington, Kuruman and Kimberley. Sam said the raids were conducted at identified residences suspected of being involved in drug trafficking and contraband smuggling.

“During the operation, drugs with an estimated street value of R30 140 were seized. Three suspects aged between 23 and 37, were arrested for dealing in drugs. The suspects are expected to appear in the Postmasburg Magistrate’s Court soon,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, reaffirmed the SAPS’ commitment to working with stakeholders to eliminate drugs from communities and bring perpetrators to justice. Otola said the police remain resolute in its efforts to clamp down on illegal and unregulated activities across the province.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A policewoman nabbed for defeating the ends of justice

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: A policeman nabbed for allegedly defeating the ends of justice/Facebook

By AGISANANG SCUFF

25 July 2025- A policewoman (46) was arrested by the Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU) for defeating the ends of justice. The accused, Sergeant Myka Constance Shale who is attached to Crime Intelligence Gathering (CIG), was arrested at her house in Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom on 23 July 2025.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said Shale allegedly met with an informer, who allegedly handed a firearm to her that was picked up on the murder scene of Wilfred Casper (38). Myburgh said the murder was reported on 12 July 2025, at Marikana in Promosa, near Potchefstroom.

“However, after receiving the firearm, it was never handed in or declared by her. Casper was found with multiple stab wounds and other injuries. He was declared dead on the scene by Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS).

“The police arrested eight men between the ages of 27 and 35, for Casper’s murder. It is alleged that they are all members of the SVK-gang. The eight accused appeared before the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 17 July 2025, for murder and were remanded in custody for a bail application,” she said. 

Myburgh further said consequent to the investigation by the ACIU, Shale was arrested and granted R4000 bail upon her appearance in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 23 July 2025, for defeating the ends of justice. She added that Shale’s case was postponed to 6 October 2025. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

The police are looking for three school girls who are missing

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Three learners who went missing/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

25 July 2025- The police in Rosedale are searching for three learners from Simbruner Primary School. It is alleged that three learners, Heinoline Beukes (6), Loraine Pienaar (11), and Melonice Pienaar(13), left home for school on 24 July 2025, and never reached school.

The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said they were all dressed in their school uniform. Masegela said the police were alerted and immediately launched a search and activated all SAPS units, as well as Community Policing Forum (CPF) structures in search of the missing girls.

“The management of the SAPS in the district urges the community to assist with information that may lead to the location or whereabouts of the three girls. Anyone with information can contact the investigating officer Captain Tessa Reineson on 076 017 9287 or 054 337 0132.

“We remind the public that there is no waiting period to report a person missing and should be reported immediately,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A man jailed for assaulting his girlfriend

NEWS Leave a comment

By BAKANG MOKOTO

25 July 2025- A man (21) was sentenced to three years imprisonment by the Carnarvon Regional Court for assault. This comes after the accused, Frankie Magang’s violent attack on his ex-girlfriend in Vosburg.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the incident occurred over two consecutive days from 10 until 11 December 2024. Sam said the victim was in the process of ending the relationship when Magana physically assaulted her.

“On the second day, as the victim attempted to flee to her parents in Britstown, the accused tracked her to a hitch-hiking spot and continued the assault. Magang was found guilty of assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and sentenced to three years imprisonment.

“The sentence was wholly suspended for five years on the condition that he does not commit a similar offence during this period. Additionally, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Pixley ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, commended the Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Albertina Bedwell of the Carnarvon Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, for her dedication and professionalism in securing the conviction.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Ramaphosa concludes meeting with Northern Cape Provincial Executive

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 July 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA)President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded a meeting between the National Executive and the Northern Cape Provincial Executive.  The meeting held under the theme: “Unlocking the Northern Cape potential as a modern, growing and successful province”, was the 6th formal engagement that the national executive had with a provincial executive. 

Ramaphosa spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said the meeting was also joined by executive mayors. Magwenya said previous sessions include meetings with the Executive Councils of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and most recently, the Eastern Cape.

“These sessions have resulted in strengthening cooperative governance, breaking down silos and cooperative project planning that leads to collaborative execution. As Ramaphosa said during the Budget Debate last week, when the three spheres of government work together, the lives of the people of South Africa are improved.

“It is envisaged that the National Executive would have met with the leadership of the remaining provinces over the next few months. The President emphasised the importance of structured engagements between the national and provincial executives that assist government coordination more efficiently, resolve challenges together and to plan smarter,” he said.

Magwenya further said the meetings are also meant to facilitate innovative ideas and proposals to address service delivery and skills challenges. He said the meeting discussed the ongoing roll out of catalytic economic development projects that require the deepening of cooperation between the national and provincial governments.

“These include the Boegoebaai Harbor and SEZ development, revitalisation and expansion of Vaalharts, Namakwa SEZ and the development of the infrastructure master plan. The meeting further affirmed closer cooperation on issues of climate change mitigation considering the province’s vulnerability to erratic weather conditions.

“The national executive pledged to continue working closely with the province in areas of Transport and Logistics, Basic Education, Water and Sanitation infrastructure development, Human Settlements, Tourism and Energy and Electricity,” said Magwenya. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

European Court of Human Rights rules in favour of Caster Semenya

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Olympic champion Caster Semenya

By REGINALD KANYANE

25 July 2025- Sonke Gender Justice said it welcomes the recent ruling by the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights involving Olympic champion Caster Semenya. The ruling found that Semenya was denied a fair hearing by the Swiss Federal Tribunal, where she had appealed a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in favour of World Athletics. 

Sonke Gender Justice Co-Executive Director, Bafana Khumalo said in its ruling, the ECHR judgment said the Swiss Federal Supreme Court failed to provide the athlete the level of judicial scrutiny required when reviewing the 2019 arbitration decision. Khumalo said Semenya had contested the World Athletics Federation regulation, which prevents women with Differences in Sexual Development from competing in female sports.

“She was expected to undergo medical processes to reduce her testosterone level and faced discrimination for being different. Sonke believes that sports governing bodies are supposed to be inclusive and provide equal opportunities and safe spaces for women to compete fairly.

“This court ruling serves as a reminder for all institutions to move beyond mere words and actively practice accountability in upholding human rights. We welcome this judgement which sets out an important jurisprudence on how these matters should be dealt with fairly going forward,” he said.

Khumalo further said they commend Semenya for her tenacious courage and fortitude in staying the course fighting for human rights of all. He added that it is unfortunate that she has been denied in the meantime from exercising her talents for years which has certainly set her back in her illustrious career.

“But other athletes in similar circumstances will benefit from this decision. Sonke recommends that the World Athletic Federation and other sports organisations should review their regulations to avoid such cases of human rights violations in the future,” said Khumalo.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Ntseki announces his SA squad for CHAN

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Coach Molefi Ntseki

By OBAKENG MAJE

25 July 2025- Coach Molefi Ntseki will lead the South African men’s national team that will represent the country in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) next month. The CHAN tournament will be held in East Africa in three countries – Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda – between 2-30 August, 2025 and the South African Football Association (SAFA) has confirmed that Ntseki will be at the helm.

Ntseki also announced the squad that will represent the country next month and he said he was looking forward to leading the team in the continental event.

“We just want to take this opportunity to thank the SAFA Technical Committee for giving us the opportunity to lead this team in the Chan tournament. We have assembled a team that will represent South Africa in the CHAN tournament.

“We are in Group C and the team that we have selected is mostly composed of the players we started this journey with. So we are looking forward to the tournament and to do our best. We just want to say thanks to the clubs and to the coaches who managed to release players for our CHAN team to have a good squad going into the tournament,” he said.

SAFA Technical Committee Chairman Jack Maluleke said Ntseki has been afforded the opportunity to finish what he started after qualifying the team earlier this year. Maluleke said he got them to this stage of the journey and it is only right that he completes the job in the CHAN tournament itself.

“The South Africans beat Egypt and Malawi in the previous rounds to qualify for the event. The team will assemble in Johannesburg on 25 July 2025 where they will be based in camp until departure to Uganda on 3 August 2025. The tournament kick-off on 2 August 2025 in Dar es Salaam is a match between co-host Tanzania and Burkina Faso at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium,” he said.

Meanwhile, the South Africans have been drawn in Group C against Uganda, Niger, Guinea and Algeria. Ntseki’s charges played their opening match of the tournament against Algeria on Friday, 8 August 2025.

taungdailynews@gmail.com