POPCRU disturbed by ongoing dysfunctional LCRC

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 July 2025- The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) said is deeply disturbed by the ongoing state of dysfunction at the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) in Mpumalanga, which has reached a crisis point due to persistent mismanagement and an alarming disregard for established protocols and the wellbeing of our members. POPCRU said this situation has long been neglected by those entrusted with management responsibilities, particularly individuals occupying acting roles at the head office who have demonstrated clear signs of incompetence and an abuse of authority.

POPCRU representative, Sipho Nkambule said what they are witnessing in the province, particularly in areas such as Acornhoek, are clear patterns of victimisation directed at their members. Nkambule said these are not isolated incidents, but form part of a broader culture of inconsistency, where signed resolutions are either selectively implemented or completely ignored.

“Instead of fair and transparent processes, there is growing evidence of preferential treatment in the allocation of operational duties and filling of vacancies—some of which are earmarked for individuals even before posts are formally advertised, often from Pretoria. Such practices undermine organisational integrity and demoralise hardworking and deserving members.

“Furthermore, the rotation system meant to govern operational deployments has been rendered meaningless, as decisions are made arbitrarily, and any attempt to seek clarity on these uneven practices is met with unwarranted disciplinary action. The weaponisation of discipline to silence legitimate concerns is unacceptable and is in direct contradiction with the principles of fairness and justice that should underpin policing institutions,” he said.

Nkambule further said it is particularly disheartening that despite repeated attempts by POPCRU to raise these issues through proper channels, there has been no meaningful intervention from the Head Office. He added that the human cost of this negligence is grave— their members are subjected to undue stress, working in a toxic environment that has, in some tragic instances, led to preventable loss of life.

“This failure to act decisively and compassionately on such critical issues is a betrayal of duty. POPCRU is left with no option but to demand the immediate intervention of the Divisional National Commissioner. We call on their office to urgently visit the province and address these pressing matters before we are forced to escalate this crisis nationally.

“Further, we call for the removal of the current acting Commander as he is not competent to manage members, and lacks interpersonal skills. Our members deserve leadership that is ethical, responsive, and accountable—not silence in the face of suffering,” said Nkambule.

He said the situation at the Mpumalanga LCRC cannot be allowed to deteriorate any further. Nkambuke said if ignored, they will have no hesitation in mobilising their structures to bring this matter to the forefront of national attention.

“Enough is enough,” he said.

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Salgado undergoes successful operation

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Picture: The Nigerian Female Soccer Team players vising Banyana Banyana player, Gabriel Salgado in hospital/Twitter

By OBAKENG MAJE

24 July 2025 – Banyana Banyana star Gabriela Salgado underwent a successful operation at the Mohamed VI University Hospital in Casablanca, Morocco on Wednesday, a day after the injury she suffered during the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semi-final clash against Nigeria at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium.

The Banyana Banyana team doctor, Dr Lindi Mokoena said the winger was stretchered off late in the second half following an accident during the South African senior women’s national team’s 1-2 defeat to the Super Falcons on Tuesday (22 July 2025). Mokoena said Salgado remains in hospital, while she recuperates and will stay with the team upon release.

“She will fly back home with Banyana Banyana next week. Gabi sustained a fracture of the mid-shaft of her left leg during the fixture against Nigeria and underwent a successful surgery at the Mohamed VI University Hospital in Casablanca.

“She will be out of action for the rest of the year, but we are pleased that she received exceptional care from the medical team of Banyana Banyana, CAF and the hospital. We were fully confident and comfortable with the procedure being performed in Morocco and would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to CAF and the dedicated staff at the Mohamed VI University Hospital for their professionalism and outstanding support during this time,” he said.

Mokoena further said the whole Banyana Banyana team visited Salgado at the hospital on Tuesday night after she had been stabilized following the injury. He added that the messages of support continue pouring in, with Republic of South Africa (RSA)President Cyril Ramaphosa leading the charge.

“Today, our thoughts are with Banyana Banyana’ Salgado as we wish her a comfortable and speedy recovery from her traumatic injury in last night’s WAFCON semi-final against a victorious Nigeria.

“I know you’re a woman of deep and public faith, Gabriela, and you’re a woman of bravery and skill on the pitch. The nation wishes you well. Casablanca was always going to be a tough ask for our national team as Africa’s defending champions and Nigeria’s breakthrough in referee optional proved this,” said Ramaphosa.

He said they are confident Banyana Banyana will regroup and return to WAFCON as future champions. Ramaphosa said they wish Nigeria’s Super Falcons and Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses well for Saturday’s dream home final for the host nation.

Joining in on the well wishes were the Super Falcons of Nigeria. Some of their players were distraught after Salgado’s injury and were openly in tears during the game.

A few Nigeria players went to the hospital to visit her on 23 July 2025, and they presented her with a signed Super Falcon jersey.

“The entire Super Falcons of Nigeria family, from players and coaches to staff were profoundly saddened to learn of the serious injury sustained by Gabriela Salgado during yesterday’s match.

Our immediate thoughts are solely with her for comfort, care, and the recovery journey ahead. We are holding Gabriela, her teammates, her family and close friends in our hearts, sending our deepest wishes for strength and resilience. Our immediate focus, and our enduring concern, is solely for her wellbeing, comfort, and recovery,” read a statement from the Super Falcons team.

The Super Falcons team said the spirit of competition instantly fades in moments like these, replaced by a shared sense of care for a fellow athlete. They said as fellow members of this football community, The Super Falcons NGR stands firmly alongside Banyana Banyana in solidarity and support.

“Our collective wish is for Gabriela’s steady healing, renewed strength, and a return to the pitch when she is ready, surrounded by the unwavering support of the team and community. With sincere sympathy and solidarity,” read a statement from the Super Falcons team.

Banyana Banyana has been given the day off and will return to action on Thursday to conclude preparations for the final match of the tournament. They face Ghana in the third and fourth place play-off at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.

Kick-off is at 21h00 SA time (20h00 local time in Morocco).

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NA agrees to establish Adhoc Committee on Mkhwanazi matter

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Picture: KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi

By BAKANG MOKOTO  

23 July 2025 – The National Assembly (NA), has today during its sitting, adopted the joint report of the Portfolio Committee on Police and the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development on wide-ranging allegations made by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, regarding security matters that have implications for the country’s national security.

Amid the NA Speaker’s request for the committees to consider, on an urgent basis, the wide-ranging allegations regarding security matters within their respective mandates, the committees have submitted the report within the stipulated time frame, set as no later than 23 July 2025.

The NA spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo said following the committees’ consideration of the matter, as part of their recommendations, they identified various issues arising from the allegations as falling within the NA’s accountability and oversight function. Mothapo  said the issues include, the alleged unlawful decision by Minister Senzo Mchunu to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), the alleged unlawful removal of 121 case dockets from the PKTT on the direction of the Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, the alleged moratorium by Mchunu on filling vacancies within the SAPS’ Crime Intelligence Unit, whether Mchunu misled Parliament about the nature of his relationship with Brown Mogotsi, whether the award of a R360 million contract to Vusimuzi Cat Matlala’s company for the provision of healthcare services to SAPS was irregular and the alleged interference by IDAC in police matters, including jurisdictional issues, among others.

“The committees proposed that an Ad Hoc Committee be established in accordance with NA Rule 253, stating that the scope of such a committee is task specific and time bound, contrary to the general oversight function of portfolio committees which, in contrast, is ongoing and often requires juggling competing priorities.

“The committees also recommended, without being prescriptive, that the House considers that should it resolve to establish an Ad Hoc Committee, the process to be concluded within ninety days of the committee being instituted – provided that the timeframe may be amended or extended if necessary,” he said.

Mothapo further said the committees proposed that the approach adopted ensures that the principle of separation of powers is respected throughout, the Ad Hoc committee be appropriately resourced, including having ready access to external forensic and legal advisory services, consideration be given to the possible need to provide for the protection of potential whistle-blowers on how best to facilitate public participation and transparency.

He added that, as far as possible, meetings should be conducted openly and whenever possible, broadcast on Parliament TV and on its social media channels.

“Consideration be given on how to ensure that the work of the Ad Hoc committee does not duplicate or overlap with the work of the inquiry/investigation simultaneously being undertaken by the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence and does not lead to conflicting outcomes.

“The committees further urged, as far as legally permissible, for continuous oversight of the work of the Commission of Inquiry and requests that the interim reports submitted to the President to also be made available to Parliament,” said Mothapo.

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FOSA: “Illegal spaza shops are still oprating”

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Picture: Spaza shop/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

23 July 2025- Forum for South Africa (FOSA) said while many have forgotten about the issue of illegal spaza shops, it has never divorced itself from the struggle for justice. FOSA said a month ago, it wrote to the Minister of Small Business Development through its legal head, Adv Matswiki, requesting clarity from the Minister with regard to measures put in place in protecting the children against illegal spaza shops.

FOSA national leader, Tebogo Mashilompane said in addition, they sought an explanation as to why illegal spaza shops are still operating despite the fact that children died after eating snacks from spaza shops. Mashilompane said they have taken the responsibility to protect the vulnerable, hence they want the department to be proactive not reactionary as they always do.

“It must also be stated that in the recent past, FOSA has engaged the Minister of COGTA about the same issue, and he referred us to the Minister of Small Business Development. To date, the Minister never bothered to give clarity despite the fact that we have made two follow ups.

“As a result, FOSA gave the Minister of Small Business Development until tomorrow, 24 July 2025 to respond. If the Minister does not respond by the due date, the legal team will take the matter to court,” he said.

Mashilompane further said they will urge the courts to hold the Minister personally liable for the deaths of all the children and also liable for legal costs. He added that, as a reasonable organization, we have given the Minister enough time to respond  or have a meeting with our team so we can understand the reasons why illegal spaza shops are still operating, especially by illegal foreigners, but the Minister does not see the urgency and the impotence of our call, so, on behalf of the innocent children, they will fight for their justice in court.

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Corruption has heighten under Ramaphosa’s administration

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By REGINALD KANYANE

23 July 2025- Activists and Citizens Forum, Dennis Bloem said when the retired Chief Justice, Raymond Zondo, addressed the SACC Anti-Conference, he told the religious leaders that the country is busy fighting corruption for more than thirty years and corruption is getting worse. Bloem said it seems there is no fight against corruption.

He further said Zondo also told the conference that the ANC committed a very grave mistake by disbanding the effective anti-corruption unit, the Scorpions. Bloem added that this unit was very successful in arresting corrupt people and sending them to jail.

“Whether one is a political leader, or a Member of Parliament, or a businessman or an ordinary citizen, the Scorpions did not favour anyone. They did their work without fear or favour.

“The country thought that under former President Jacob Zuma’s administration, corruption was at the highest level. However, the country was wrong. Corruption is worse now and out of control under President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration,” he said.

Bloem said corruption is completely out of control at all levels of government, municipalities, provincial governments, and National Government. He said people are stealing taxpayers’ money as if the world is coming to an end tomorrow.

“The reason why there is no end in corruption is because the government is infiltrated by criminals masquerading as political leaders. Meanwhile, they are the biggest thieves. KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, told the country a few weeks ago that the South African Police Services are infiltrated by criminal syndicates and that some politicians are also on the payroll of these syndicates.

“Activists and Citizens Forum believe that corruption will not end for as long as the ANC is in power. We know this so-called Government of National Unity is just a rubber stamp for the ANC,” said Bloem.

He said the only way that corruption can come to an end, is that they get rid of this corrupt government and that the people demand an urgent overhaul of the criminal justice system, establish an effective anti-corruption unit like the Scorpions, who will act without fear or favour.

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Police are looking for a missing person

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Picture: A missing person, Simbarashe Chimbowa/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

23 July 2025- The Galeshewe SAPS is requesting assistance in locating a missing man (30), who is a bolt driver from Galeshewe Township, in Kimberley. The police said the driver is originally from Zimbabwe and is known as Simbarashe Chimbowa and was last seen at his house in Kagisho on 21 July 2025 at approximately 7pm.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said Chimbowa speaks English and Shona and is dark in complexion, with a beard, 1.79 meters tall and of slender build. Kock said he was last seen wearing a red hoody and green tracksuit pants before going to work.

“He drives a Blue Ford Comfort with registration number DDH 295 NC. Anyone with information can call Investigation Officers, Warrant Officers Isaac Saane on 082 469 0193 or Christopher Botha on 082 469 0203.

“You can call the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or utilize the MySaps app. All information will be treated confidentially. The investigation continues. The public is reminded that there is no waiting period to report a missing person,” he said.

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Police are looking for Mbodla in connection with rape case

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Picture: A person of interest, Mbodla/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

23 July 2025- The Galeshewe Family Violence, Children and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) request the assistance of the public in tracing a person of interest known as Mbodla and or Mr Mbodla in solving a rape case that occurred in Santa Zone 2, Galeshewe on 12 July 2025. The victim during the said night went out with her friends to a liquor establishment to enjoy themselves and later on decided to go and relax where the person of interest stays.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said she was too tired to stay up with her friends and was offered a place to sleep in the bedroom of the same house. Sam said, however, she was woken up by someone on top of her known to her as Mbodla that she managed to push off her and continued sleeping till the morning.

“In the morning the victim told Mbodla that she is not comfortable with what he did and she is going to report the matter to the police, of which Mbodla laughed it off. Mbodla, who is depicted in the image herewith, is also linked to the taxi business normally driving or assisting at the “last stop” taxi rank.

“The police are not able to locate Mr Mbodla and request anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the Investigating Officer Detective Warrant Officer Jonathan Letimela at 060 658 0923 or 08600 1011 or via the MySAPS App,” he said.

Sam said all information received will be treated confidentially.

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Motsumi deeply concerned about ongoing community protests

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Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi

By BAKANG MOKOTO

23 July 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she is deeply concerned about ongoing community protests in Tshunyane village that have blocked access to Seshupo Primary School and nearby schools. Motsumi said her department strongly condemns any actions that stop learners from attending school and interfere with their right to education.

“For months, the department has been working with the Tshunyane community to address urgent repairs at Seshupo Primary School, which was badly damaged in recent storms. A contractor has been appointed to carry out the repairs. The renovation update is that the appointed contractor has completed the assessment and inspections of the buildings to be renovated.

“Major renovations are expected to begin within two weeks. The contractor has already built an ablution block at the school. Additionally, the department has provided a borehole to ensure the school does not face water shortages, as the village has limited water supply,” she said.

Motsumi further said, however, disagreements within the community have made the situation difficult. She added some groups want a new school built instead of the approved repairs, causing tensions and unrest.

“Due to increasing violence from protesters outside the school, the school was temporarily closed from the opening of the third quarter to keep learners and teachers safe. We called for calm and unity, stressing the need for stability for the whole community’s well being and progress.

 “It’s unacceptable for any group to use intimidation or violence to push their own agenda at the expense of children’s education. We urge everyone to come back to the negotiation table and work together for the benefit of our learners,” said Motsumi.

She said the department remains committed to improving education and school facilities in Tshunyane and asks community leaders to help restore peace so schools can reopen immediately

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National Assembly Approves the 2025 Appropriation Bill

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

23 July 2025- The National Assembly (NA) said it has, this afternoon during its plenary sitting approved the 2025 Appropriations Bill. The NA said the Appropriation Bill is a key part of the national budget.

The NA spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo said it outlines how government funds will be shared among various departments. Mothapo said Section 27(1) of the Public Finance Management Act requires the Minister of Finance to table the annual budget for a financial year in the NA before the start of that financial year or, in exceptional circumstances, on a date as soon as possible after the start of the financial year.

“The National Budget for the 2025/26 financial year, including the Appropriation Bill was tabled on 21 May 2025 by the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana and the Bill was subsequently referred to the appropriations committee for consideration, and to report back to the NA.

“The 2025 budget focuses on reducing government debt, supporting the poor and vulnerable, improving public services such as health and education and stimulating job creation and rebuilding infrastructure,” he said.

Mothapo further said the total government expenditure for the year will amount to R2.3 trillion. He added that of this R1.17 trillion is allocated directly to national departments including the departments of health, education, and police.

“R1.1 trillion will fund social grants, provincial and municipal transfers, and debt servicing. Even though the Bill proposes the allocation of resources across the national sphere of government, 72.2 percent of these allocations go into transfers and subsidies.

“These are transfers to provinces, municipalities, public corporations and other non-profit making entities. An additional R180 billion has been allocated over the next three years for infrastructure upgrades, public servants’ salaries, extension of COVID-19 relief grants and hiring unemployed doctors and teachers and improving public transport,” said Mothapo.

He said in processing the Bill, Section 4(4)(c) of the Money Bills Amendment Procedure and Related Matters Act requires the committees on appropriations of both Houses of Parliament to consult with the Financial and Fiscal Commission (FFC). Mothapo said in addition to the FFC commenting on the Bill, the committee also invited the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) and government departments for comments.

“In its comments the FFC cautioned against the underfunding of departments such as trade, science and small business. The PBO called for stronger alignment between spending and outcomes like poverty reduction and economic growth.

“It further called on Parliament, along with oversight bodies, to not only look at spending to find ways to save money, but also check if different institutions are doing the same work. If so, laws creating those overlaps should be removed,” he said.

Mothapo said the approval of this Bill is important as it authorises government spending for the upcoming financial year, to ensure that critical services and government operations are not disrupted. He said the Bill will be sent to the National Council of Provinces for concurrence, and if approved, then to the President for signing into law.

“It is then that departments can start spending in accordance with the Act,” said Mothapo.

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