Picture: The police conducting stop and search during Operation Vala Umgodi/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
13 July 2025- Fifteen men aged between 20 and 48 were arrested in the Francis Baard District for contravening immigration legislation and engaging in illegal mining activities. These arrests form part of the ongoing Operation Vala Umgodi.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said on the evening of Wednesday, 9 July 2025, a multi-disciplinary and intelligence-driven operation was executed by the police in collaboration with Ekapa Mine Security. Pilane said the teams responded to information regarding illegal mining activities in the Samaria area.
“Upon arrival, a suspect (23) was caught in the act and subsequently arrested for illegal mining. On 10 July 2025, Operation Vala Umgodi teams, in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Unit, received further intelligence regarding undocumented foreign nationals allegedly employed at a construction site in Mc Dougal Street in Kimberley.
“The information was swiftly operationalised, leading to the arrest of fourteen individuals who were found to be in the country unlawfully. All suspects were charged in terms of the Immigration Act. Additionally, fines were issued to the employers for hiring undocumented foreign nationals,” she said.
Pilane further said Operation Vala Umgodi remains steadfast in its mission to dismantle illegal mining activities and ensure compliance with South Africa’s immigration laws, as well as addressing broader criminality within the province. She added that the police urge members of the public to report suspicious or criminal activity anonymously via the MySAPS App or by calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
13 July 2025- Day 2 of the 2025 Engen Knockout Challenge Cape Town leg at Erica Sports Grounds delivered a thrilling quarterfinal round, with Cape Town Roses continuing their title defence, while Valhalla United ended Stellenbosch FC’s long-standing dominance in the boys’ division. Cape Town Roses advanced to the semi-finals after a commanding 5–1 win over Cape Town Roses faced Rygate Ladies in the quarterfinals.
Cape Town Roses will now face RV United in the final today at Erica Park Sports Grounds.RV United.
Having topped their group, the defending champions carried that momentum into the knockout stages with another structured and confident performance. In the boys’ division, Valhalla United edged Stellenbosch FC 1–0 in a tightly contested encounter.
The result was significant not only did it eliminate the two-time champions, but it also marked the first time Stellenbosch FC have conceded a goal in the Engen Knockout Challenge in three years. Valhalla’s rise underscores the vital role that platforms like the Engen Knockout Challenge play in identifying and developing emerging football talent in Cape Town.
Valhalla secured second place in their group with a 2–0 win over City Town, setting up their quarterfinal clash with Stellenbosch. Their journey to the semi-finals adds further proof of the depth and competitiveness coming through Cape Town’s grassroots system.
While Stellenbosch FC bows out of the competition, their defensive record and consistency across multiple editions have set a standard in this tournament. Their exit also signals a shift, as a new generation of clubs like Valhalla United begin to emerge and make their mark.
With the semi-final line-up confirmed, anticipation is building for what promises to be an exciting final day in Cape Town. The remaining teams are not only playing for the title they’re competing for the chance to represent the Western Cape at Engen Champ of Camps in October.
Fixtures are now live on the Engen Sports website:
Picture: The police conducting stop and search during Operation Shanela/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
13 July 2025- The police in Northern Cape said weekly high-impact crime prevention initiative, Operation Shanela II, continues to make strides in enhancing public safety and restoring law and order across the province. They said the latest series of operations commenced on 7 until 13 July 2025.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said these coordinated, intelligence-driven, high-density deployments involved multi-disciplinary law enforcement teams, executing a range of disruptive policing activities. Shamane said key operational activities included high-visibility blue light patrols, stop-and-search actions, roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, and the tracing of wanted suspects by detectives.
“A total of 3 903 vehicles and 8 535 individuals were stopped and searched during the course of the week. These efforts resulted in the arrest of 301 suspects for various offences, including contact crimes, property-related crimes, drug-related offences, other serious crimes, and crimes detected through proactive policing.
“Additionally, 13 unlicensed liquor outlets were closed. The police and partner stakeholders also conducted compliance inspections at formal and informal businesses, scrapyards, liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, mines, and farms to enforce adherence to relevant legislation,” he said.
Shemane further said during the operations, dangerous weapons,
alcohol, drugs, cash, copper cables, uncut diamonds and precious metals were confiscated. He added that in an effort to curb trending crimes, police together with community policing structures and government departments, continue to host awareness campaigns to educate and sensitise the public regarding the implementation of precautionary measures to ensure their safety.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the collaborative efforts of all law enforcement agencies involved and expressed gratitude to members of the community who provided valuable information that contributed to the success of the operation.
“This joint approach demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring that the people of the Northern Cape feel and are safe,” said Otola.
12 July 2025- The Portfolio Committee on Health on Friday announced that it would consult Parliament’s legal advisors to draft recommendations for legislative amendments to improve transparency and accountability in medical schemes. This decision follows a meeting with the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo said they have received a briefing on a report detailing systematic discrimination against black healthcare providers by medical schemes in South Africa. Dhlomo said the report, which was presented by the independent Section 59 panel, has raised concerns regarding the treatment of Black practitioners in the healthcare system.
“During the briefing, committee members posed questions about the implications of the report’s findings. Some members expressed concern over the disproportionate allegations of fraud, waste and abuse directed towards Black practitioners compared to their non-black counterparts.
“Others asked what the Council of Medical Schemes is doing to address the backlog of complaints. The complaints include troubling delays in responding to systemic issues reported since 2019. Some members of the committee emphasised the need for accountability and sought further information on the punitive measures against medical schemes found guilty of discriminatory practices,” he said.
Dhlomo further said they enquired about the department’s intentions to acknowledge the harm inflicted upon Black practitioners. He added that the committee made several recommendations to address the findings of the report.
“Among them was to establish an early warning system within medical schemes to alert healthcare providers to potential issues related to Section 59 of the Medical Schemes Act. The committee believes this approach will protect honest practitioners from unwarranted scrutiny and will ensure timely corrective actions to mitigate financial losses.
“The committee also called for greater transparency about the algorithms and software used by medical schemes to monitor claims. The committee also stressed the need for these systems to be fair and unbiased. Members agreed that robust legal frameworks are essential to empower the Department of Health and the Council for Medical Schemes to take decisive action against discrimination,” said Dhlomo.
He said some members also highlighted the importance of creating a legislative environment conducive to genuine accountability and change. Dhlomo said the committee resolved to consult with legal advisors about possible legislative amendments to improve transparency and accountability.
“It also stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the backlog of complaints with the Council for Medical Schemes. The committee also highlighted the value of collaboration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is crucial to fostering accountability among practitioners and enhancing the overall integrity of the healthcare profession.
“The committee also highlighted that engaging stakeholders, including medical schemes and practitioners, in constructive dialogue will be vital to address the report’s findings and implement necessary reforms,” he said.
13 July 2025- The towering bronze statue of the former President, Jacob Zuma, that has cost taxpayers R1.8 million, has now been abandoned and turned into shabbiness. The monument in Groot Marico was erected in quest of honouring Zuma, who was captured by the apartheid regime at the site alongside with his Umkhonto weSizwe guerrillas, while trying to skip the country to Botswana.
The much-anticipated splendour unveiling took place back in 2017 and it was said to form part of the Liberation Heritage Route.
One of tourism operators in the North West, Kagiso Legobe said it is sad to see most of the tourism sites that offer a glimpse into the country’s past and often carrying a clandestine history are being abandoned. Legobe said he is not surprised to see Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma Monument in Groot Marico being abandoned by the North West Provincial Government like other attraction sites.
“The sad part is that the area was an information centre before the department took over. They have erected a statue there and abandoned it. What is surprising is that the monument falls under the North West Department of Arts, Sports, Culture and Recreation, which is not its obligation when it comes to tourism and that is why they do not care.
“If the monument was under the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), it would have been better. Why the North West Provincial Government cannot put an information centre for tourism there like they did in Rustenburg and Potchefstroom?” he asked.
Legobe further calls on the North West Provincial Government to maintain the attraction centre just like they do in other areas. He added that it is bizarre to see millions of rands being spent and dumped just like that without any vision.
“The area has turned into a forest. It is wretched because the Ramotshere-Moiloa area is significant when it comes to tourism. The challenge is some properties will be owned by the municipalities, but being run by various departments. Imagine if the area was placed under the DEDECT’s care. It would have been well-maintained and used to generate income and boost the economy.
“If the department cannot run the place, let them partner with private partners. You will never ever see this kind of ignorance when you go to Potchefstroom or Klerksdorp, where tourism buildings fall under municipality,” said Legobe.
In 2021, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Winston Rabotapi said: “Zuma monument in Groot Marico is a symbol of wasteful expenditure and a reminder of state capture. We will write to the North West MEC for Arts, Sports, Culture and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi, to suggest that the Zuma Liberation Route and museum in Groot Marico be turned into a cultural community centre.
“During a recent oversight inspection to this Capture Site of former President Jacob Zuma in Groot Marico where a statue in his honour has been erected to the tune of R1.8 million, we found it to be deserted and dilapidated.”
Rabotapi said the museum on the premises has been without electricity for more than a year and the security officer guarding the white elephant is the only staff member on site. He said the statue that was originally bronze, was baked into a silver shine by the sun with not even a light to keep up the pretence of bronze.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Arts, Sports, Culture and Recreation Director, Noluyolo Zahela said the department has not abandoned the monument. Zahela said the department had plans, which were to be implemented at the site, but due to limited resources and the budget reductions, these plans could not be implemented.
“The other issues which are affecting the functionality of the site are the lack of electricity and water supply at the site. The property belongs to Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality and the electricity is billed to the municipality. The electricity has been cut-off since Eskom was owed. The department previously paid the money that was owed to Eskom and had since tried to change the electricity to be prepaid, but this did not succeed.
“The supply of water depends on electricity. As the borehole, JoJo tanks and stands were supplied by the department,” she said.
13 July 2025- The South African Football Association (SAFA) has dismissed the latest claim that there is money missing at the Association. As recently as 28 June 2025, SAFA once again submitted an unqualified audit report, which was tabled before the Association’s highest decision-making body, the Congress, and it was then approved by the Congress held at the Sandton Convention Centre.
SAFA CEO, Lydia Monyepao said the meeting in Sandton dealt with various issues, including the financial statement, which was approved unanimously by all of the SAFA Members. Monyepao said they must state clearly that since 1991, SAFA has submitted unqualified audit reports and there has never been a year where they did not table an audited financial report.
“On the question of money missing at SAFA, we have issued several statements and addressed this claim, including on 5 May 2025, 16 March 2024 and 8 March 2024, and said there is no money missing at SAFA. Let us reiterate, there is no money missing from SAFA.
“The ability to sign our cheques is the responsibility of the SAFA CEO, the CFO and the COO, and no other person can sign cheques on behalf of the Association,” she said.
Picture: The late Deputy Preisdent, David Mabuza/Twitter
By OBAKENG MAJE
13 July 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said the late Deputy President, David Dabede Mabuza made a huge contribution on the journey to a democratic South Africa in many ways. Ramaphosa said Mabuza was a servant of the people and that for which he will be best known and forever remembered for.
He further said DD as he Mabuza was fondly known, was a revered leader not only in his home province of Mpumalanga but throughout the country as well. Ramaphosa added that DD served as the country’s Deputy President, as Premier of Mpumalanga and as the Deputy President of his movement, the African National Congress (ANC).
“When he served as a Member of Parliament (MP) and as the Leader of Government Business, he proved to be a renowned political strategist, always deftly navigating the very difficult balance amongst parliamentary parties. In all his roles, he was often described as strategic, enigmatic and fiercely loyal to the cause of stability and unity.
“Yet despite his stature, he was forever humble. His own humble beginnings infused him with a mission to uplift our people. He was most happy when he was among the people. He never isolated himself from them. He never lost the common touch,” he said.
Ramaphosa said since the news came of his passing, they have seen throngs of ordinary citizens, traditional leaders and political leaders from across the spectrum flocking to DD’s home in Barberton to pay their respects. He said such was his popularity and his ability to unite the people of this province.
“Mabuza was not a man for standing on podiums and giving long speeches. He was not a man for the pomp and ceremony of high office. He preferred to be on the ground with the masses of our people, listening to their concerns and working to improve their lives. Over the past days, we have heard from a number of young citizens of Mpumalanga who have described him as a father of the community, who helped bring development to many rural parts of Mpumalanga.
“He was a man of sharp intellect, deep pragmatism and quiet resolve. To some, he was the “cat with nine lives” — resilient in the face of political storms. But to many in his home province and beyond, he was a source of support, a provider of opportunities, and a champion for rural development and education,” said Ramaphosa.
He said Mabuza’s political activism began from a very young age. Ramaphosa said his former principal recalls how he was still in primary school when he first got involved in politics, first through the Black Consciousness Movement and later as a unionist.
“Mabuza loved education. When he finished high school, he chose to enter the teaching profession. We have heard outpourings of love from those he encouraged to study. There are probably some of his former high school learners among us today, people who still called him Sir and Meneer because they clung to his passion for education long after he left the classroom.
“Mpumalanga has so many more boarding schools in rural areas because DD wanted to eradicate the barrier to education for farm children. True to his calling, the legacy that our former Deputy President leaves us is that of being quick to respond to matters of service delivery,” he said.
Ramaphosa said today in Mpumalanga Province, there are families who now live in decent homes because during door-to-door campaigns, DD intervened on the spot and at some point, dug into his own pockets to meet their needs. He said those houses were not built after years of follow-up meetings.
“They were erected within months because he was not one to make empty promises. I had the privilege of serving alongside DD for five years in government, and during this time I came to know him as a person who understood the responsibility that he had been given. He was dependable, reliable and an excellent deputy.
“As Leader of Government Business in Parliament he worked to ensure that the will of the people was reflected in the laws of the land and in the programmes of the state. In all his responsibilities as Deputy President, from land reform to HIV and AIDS, from anti-poverty initiatives to addressing the needs of veterans, Mabuza could always be relied on,” said Ramaphosa.
12 July 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) remains steadfast in prioritising the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). In a recent milestone, the Griekwastad Regional Court sentenced Ricardo Pyl, also known as Booitjie Langman, to 22 years of direct imprisonment for rape.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said conviction stems from an incident that occurred on 1 March 2024 at approximately midnight. Kock said a woman (21) was socialising at a neighbour’s house in the company of the accused (33).
“When the neighbour left, the accused threatened the victim with a knife and raped her inside the premises. The victim managed to escape hours later and called for help.
“The accused had fled the scene, taking her cellphone. Griekwastad SAPS Detectives apprehended Pyl the following day and successfully recovered the victim’s cellphone in his possession,” he said.
Kock further said the bail was successfully opposed and the accused remained in custody until the conclusion of the trial. He added that, on 10 July 2025, he was sentenced to 22 years imprisonment by the Griekwastad Regional Court.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended Detective Warrant Officer Shaniel Antonie from the Kimberley Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for her outstanding investigative work that secured the conviction.
“We hope this sentence serves as a deterrent to those who may consider perpetrating similar crimes. We also trust it brings a measure of solace to the victim and encourages other survivors to continue speaking out against the scourge of GBVF,” said Otola.
12 July 3025- A Zimbabwean man (29) was sentenced to 13 year imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court for three counts of culpable homicide, failure to render assistance at the scene of an accident and contravention of the Immigration Act. The accused, Collin Mhlanga’ sentencing follows a horrific incident that claimed the lives of Omphile Jonas (16), Mi-Kayla Booysen (23) and Wessem Matthews (20).
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the incident occurred on 30 June 2024, in Lerato Park, Roodepan near Kimberley. Senokoatsane said after consuming alcohol at a local soccer field, Mhlanga drove a white Navara bakkie with two passengers.
“At the Homelite intersection, he struck Omphile Jonas, who was crossing the road. Rather than stopping to assist, he fled the scene, ran a stop sign, and ignored two red traffic lights. Moments later, he collided with a stationary minibus taxi on Barkly Road, where Mi-Kayla and Wessem were seated.
“Both later succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. During the trial, state prosecutor Mothelesi Katlego Thothela led compelling evidence from five state witnesses, including one of Mhlanga’s passengers.
“Their testimonies painted a clear and damning account of reckless conduct. The court found that Mhlanga acted with gross negligence and that his actions directly resulted in the loss of three lives. His version of events was rejected by the court as false and contradictory,” he said.
Senokoatsane further said in aggravation of sentence, the State presented Victim Impact Statements (VIS) compiled with the support of Court Preparation Officer, Lindokuhle Sikhakhane. He added that Mi-Kayla’s father, a paramedic, delivered a moving testimony describing his futile attempt to save his daughter at the scene.
“Omphile’s mother and Wessem’s brother also recounted the deep trauma and lasting pain suffered by their families. The prosecution argued that only a direct custodial sentence could reflect the seriousness of the offence and the profound impact on the victims’ families.
“The court agreed, also granting the State’s request that Mhlanga be deported upon completion of his sentence due to his illegal presence in the country,” said Senokoatsane.
He said Mhlanga was sentenced to five years imprisonment for culpable homicide of Omphile Jonas, seven years imprisonment for culpable homicide Mi-Kayla Booysen) and seven years imprisonment for culpable homicide of Wessem Matthews. Senokoatsane said Mhlanga was also sentenced to additional three years for failure to render assistance.
“Mhlanga was sentenced to six months imprisonment or fine R600 for Contravention of Immigration Act. According to court, sentence on counts 2 and 3 will run concurrently. The total effective sentence is 13 years direct imprisonment.
“The NPA commends State Prosecutor, Court Preparation Officer and the investigating team for their diligence and commitment to justice,” he said.
Senokoatsane said the judgment is a stark reminder that reckless and irresponsible behaviour on the roads has devastating consequences. He said the court has sent a strong message that such lawlessness, particularly when it results in the loss of innocent lives, will not be tolerated.
“Human life is invaluable, and we will continue to pursue these cases vigorously to uphold the rule of law and deter future offenders,” said Senokoatsane.
12 July 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said they have established the Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE) in accordance with the National Land Transport Act No. 5 of 2009. Morweng said the primary function of the PRE is to monitor and oversee public transport in the province.
He further said the entity will receive and adjudicate on applications relating to operating licenses for public transport. Morweng added that PRE members are expected to deal with operator renewals, transfers as well as amendments.
“We are incredibly fortunate that the members we are introducing today, come with diverse backgrounds, different skills and expertise which will be invaluable as the department works towards our strategic goals of bringing a paradigm shift in the competency of the Provincial Regulatory Entity.
“The term of office of the previous PRE Board Members expired on 30 June 2025. I, therefore, wish to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing members for having served the province since 2019. After their term came to an end, we published a Notice in the Government Gazette No. 52859 for the appointment of new members on 25 June 2025 for public comments,” he said.
Morweng said they undertook this in accordance with the legislation, which requires the call for nominations through Government Gazette prior to the appointment. He said this therefore means that the members they are introducing are faced with a mammoth task of turning around the Provincial Regulatory Entity.
“Given challenges experienced before, the incoming PRE is expected to reconfigure PRE in its entirety and create a fit for purpose machinery responsive to the needs of the provincial growth trajectory.
“This includes pursuing the vision of the department in Transforming Public Transport by focusing on the oversaturated taxi services market, challenges of the Operating Licenses architecture. This must be done by ensuring IT system reliability, route realignment, operator license service conditions, ensure there is no abuse of temporary permits, dal decisively with illegal operations that include minibus operations, 7+1, 4+1, door-to-door and mushrooming operations on non-designated taxi ranks,” said Morweng.
He said they will also deal decisively with backlog and clearing all outstanding applications undertaken last year. Morweng said they will ensure there is a quicker turnaround in order to guarantee efficiency in the Operator License Administration System.
“The rural nature of our province impedes or places a higher premium on citizens residing in far flung areas to access Operator License Services. This therefore calls for incoming PRE members to give impetus to the initiatives to create satellite offices to expedite service delivery.
“The fight against corruption and maladministration cannot be overemphasised. There had been a myriad of complaints from the industry and public alike on allegations of corruption by some in the value chain of operator licenses,” he said.
Morweng said these allegations cannot be taken lightly as they cast the image of the department and its leaders in a negative public perception. He said he then hereby calls upon PRE members to subscribe to an oath of office to uphold the constitution of the Republic of South Africa without any fear, favour or ill-will.
“I expect all PRE members to sign the pledge to adhere to corruption-free administration by acting with integrity, impartially, courteously, honestly, respectfully, transparently, professionally and in an accountable manner.
“Utilize all the available resources responsibly, efficiently and cost-effectively to maximize their use in rendering a high-quality service which is accessible to every person and continuously strive towards improving service delivery. Uphold and protect the fundamental rights of every person within the administration, the applicants, the operators and the commuters,” said Morweng.
He said they should abide by the PRE Procedural Manual and Business Flow Process in terms of the National Land Transport Act, 5 of 2009. Morweng said PRE members will also ensure they act in accordance with the North West Land Transport Regulations, 2021, made in terms of Section 10 of the National Land Transport Act No. 5 of 2009) published on the 12th February 2021 in the National Government Gazette no. 44247.
“Having gone through rigorous process that included gazetting of the nominated names as mentioned earlier, Mr L Modibane, Mr P Lekone, Ms M Matuba, Mr K Moiloa, Mr T Metswamere, Mr S Lekhu and Mr F Vilakazi, who will be the chairperson. All these PRE members inclusive of myself as the Executive Authority, as well as the Accounting Officer, will hereafter sign the pledge to ensure that we align ourselves with the pledges presented above.
“My expectation is that the current saturated routes are being dealt with speedily as they are a source of taxi conflict, breed illegal operations and generally destabilise the public transport sector. This includes ensuring that there is no contravention of the law in terms of people who are hiking for lifts,” said Morweng.
He said in terms of Section 50 of the National Land Transport Act, Act 5 of 2009, any person who operates public transport for a reward, meaning exchange of money for a transport, is expected to have a valid operating license before operating such a service. Morweng said one of the challenges they have experienced is in the e-hailing services.
“Most of these services are requesting for a service using an international online app which has not as yet been regulated in the province. There is a process underway to regulate the service to be in line with the National Land Transport Amendment Act 23 of 2023.
“This Act was passed by the President on the 11th of June 2024 and its regulations were gazetted on 29 November 2024. Public was given an opportunity to comment on it and closed 30 days after the gazetting of the regulations, and now the National Department is currently finalizing the regulations,” he said.
The Guardian 