Picture: 25 initiates rescued from. Bogus initiation school
By AGISANG SCUFF
7 July 2025- The Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) has rescued a group 25 people who have been missing for two weeks. The kids were found at an illegal initiation school near Lonely Park village in Mahikeng.
The rescue comes after an intensified night search by PICC members and some initiation school principals, following a tip-off by residents in the village. Initially the number of initiates was eleven and overtime the number increased to 25. The boys were lured into attending the illegal initiation school at Tsetse village, outside Mahikeng and parents started looking for their kids.
The North West Cooperative Governance, Human Settlementand TraditionalAffairs (COGHSTA)’s Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee representative, Andries Stemmer said bogus principal has been changing locations in the bush for the past two weeks to avoid arrest. Stemmer said the main culprit and few others who have been in charge of this illegal initiation school, are on the run and they appeal to them to hand themselves over to the police.
“This rescue brings a total number of initiates who have been rescued, since the beginning on the winter initiation season to 115. The extensive monitoring operation to ensure compliance with Customary Initiation Act of 2021, will continue until the last day of the winter initiation season which is 18 July 2025,” he said.
Picture: North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua
By BAKANG MOKOTO
7 July 2025- During her opening address at the Departmental Executive Management Committee meeting held on Sunday, North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua emphasized the importance of her being apprised on imperative strategic issues especially the structure. Mokua said getting a full report on the approved organizational structure will assist her to know who is where and whether everyone is where they should be within the department.
Mokua expressed her gratitude about the progress report regarding the acquisition of yellow fleet. She further said the equipment and machinery will assist the department in bridging the gap left by the budgetary constraints that impede the department’s efforts to make the provincial road network trafficable, especially in rural and farming areas.
“As preparations are underway to procure these new equipment, issues of storage, security and training of operators must be prioritised. The department cannot afford to lose any of the limited resources available, whereas the department continues to get complaints from the communities about the status of the roads.
“I must say that I am encouraged and pleased to see that a lot of critical and vacant posts have been advertised. What we have done will ensure that we address two of the top three priorities of this 7th administration, which are Driving Inclusive Growth and Job Creation, as well as that of Reducing Poverty and Tackling the High Cost of Living,” she said.
Mokua reminded the management that the local government elections are fast approaching and as a result the environment will soon become hostile. She added that there is usual spike in community protests related to service delivery during this period.
“Our department will as usual be in the firing line because of the state of our road infrastructure. Where we are not able to meet the demands by tribal authorities and communities, we must be honest and explain our budgetary limitations to them.
“It is important to provide feedback regularly. I also appeal to senior managers to pull not only their socks, but also their working boots and put shoulders to the wheel as a collective to ensure that the Public Works and Roads machinery functions optimally.
“We are going to have to put more efforts in our work and be more responsive to the eminent influx of community requests,” said Mokua.
7 July 2025- The Portfolio Committee on Police said it has has noted the explosive allegations made by the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, during a media briefing on Sunday. The committee said is of the view that the allegations are serious and require urgent attention from the Head of State.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Ian Cameron said the allegations, if correct, have far-reaching implications on the effectiveness of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and require immediate attention. Cameron further said the committee has long highlighted concerns over the rot within the SAPS, which impacts its ability to investigate acts of crime and bring the worrying crime statistics down.
“The allegations are noteworthy because they have been made by such a senior-ranking officer within the SAPS. During the media briefing held on 21 January 2025, I highlighted concerns over the lack of detail in the directive to close the Political Killings Task Team and the moratorium on the filling of vacancies within the Crime Intelligence (CI) environment, especially in the context of the centrality of CI in proactive crime prevention.
“The allegations are also worrying because they lay bare the strained working relationship among senior officers within the SAPS. If those saddled with the responsibility to drive strategies to combat crime are not working in tandem, then the entire organisation will not achieve shared goals,” he said.
Cameron said the President, Cyril Ramaphosa needs to lead by outlining a process to investigate the allegations and restore the credibility of the SAPS. He said the committee will meet to decide on the best process to look into the allegations and ensure accountability.
“This might include calling an urgent meeting with all relevant stakeholders to account for the allegations. What is clear is that Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi has taken great personal risk to make these allegations and the committee, Parliament, and the people in general must demand answers,” said Cameron.
Meanwhile, the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said in a statement that, he has noted statements made in a media briefing by SAPS KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Ramaphosa said this is a matter of grave national security concern that is receiving the highest priority attention.
“It is vital that the integrity of the country’s security services is safeguarded and that the rule of law is affirmed. All parties to this matter are called upon to exercise discipline and restraint.
“The trading of accusations and counter-accusations threatens to undermine public confidence and sow confusion. Furthermore, these actions damage the unity and focus of the police,” he said.
Ramaphosa said he will outline the actions to be taken on this matter on his return from the BRICS Leaders’ Summit currently underway in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Picture: The police during Operation Shanela/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
6 July 2025- The police in the Northern Cape said it has, through Operation Shanela 2, intensified its police strategies to ensure that crime is reduced. Operations specifically focused on reducing contact crimes in hotspot areas, with specific emphasis on murder, Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), the proliferation of firearms and ammunition, as well as drug trafficking.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said disruptive actions were executed and led by the five District Commissioners and Senior officers across the province. Sam said these actions commenced on 30 June 2025 until 6 July 2025.
“This resulted in the subsequent apprehension and arrest of 236 suspects, as well as the confiscation of numerous items. The targeted operations focused on roadblocks, vehicle check points, stop and searches.
“This includes compliance inspections and activities targeting drug and contraband smuggling , the tracking and tracing of wanted suspects and heightened police visibility that aimed at preventing and combating serious and violent crimes during this week,” he said.
Sam further said the actions resulted in a total of 2739 vehicles and 5904 persons being stopped and searched at various vehicle check points (VCPs) and roadblocks across the province. He added that numerous compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security companies, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, as well as farms were conducted.
“Operational successes achieved, included the arrest of 236 suspects for murder, attempted murder, assault, burglaries, illegal dealing in liquor, contravention of the Firearms
Control Act.
“Other suspects were arrested for illegal possession of firearm, theft off or out of motor vehicle, malicious damage to property, driving under the influence of alcohol, robbery, rape, possession of dangerous weapons, dealing in and possession of drugs, illegal immigrants, and other crimes,” said Sam.
He said the police in Roodepan, supported by the Kimberley Public Order Police Unit, followed up on information regarding dagga sales and pounced on the unsuspecting suspect in Lorato Park in Kimberley. Sam said in Postmasburg, members of the Firearm, Liquor and Second-hand Goods, swiftly arrested two suspects aged 30, for possession of alleged stolen copper cables valued at approximately R170 000.
“The police confiscated large volumes of alcoholic beverages during raids at liquor outlets, drugs, dangerous weapons, firearms and cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime.
“Several community awareness campaigns addressing various issues were initiated by stations in conjunction with community policing structures and government departments across the province,” said Sam.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola appreciated all the efforts and activities by all SAPS members, law enforcement agencies and stakeholders as well as all community policing structures for their concerted efforts in preventing, combatting and fighting crime, making sure that nobody is left behind. Otola urged all citizens to be alert and vigilant at all times and report any suspicious criminal activity immediately to the SAPS emergency number 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App.
6 July 2025- The Kwazulu Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi made staggering allegations against the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, Deputy Police Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya and others that, they are involved in criminal activities. Mkhwanazi who briefed the media earlier on alleged that since the establishment of the Political Killings Task Team in July 2018, the team has been investigating a total of 612 dockets.
He further said these cases include murder, attempted murder, intimidation, conspiracy to commit murder and other cases. Mkhwanazi added that a total of 436 suspects were arrested and charged, with 156 firearms recovered of which 55 links ballistically to politically related cases.
“An additional 35 SAPS members were arrested and charged in attempts to defeat the course of justice in these cases. A total of 128 accused were found guilty on 106 cases, 29 accused were sentenced to life imprisonment, 40 accused were sentenced between 10 to 135 years, 25 accused were sentenced between 1 to 9 years, 23 accused sentenced between 3 to 12 months.
“Awaiting sentencing of 11 eleven accused on two cases. The sentences total to 1801 years imprisonment. On 26 March 2025, a total of 121 case dockets under investigation were taken away from the Task Team as directed by the Deputy National Commissioner: Crime Detection, Lieutenant General, Shadrack Sibiya acting on the instruction of the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu to disband the Task Team,” he said.
Mkhwanazi said this was done without the authority of the National nor the Provincial Commissioner. He said these case dockets have been sitting at the Head Office ever since without any investigation work done on them.
“Therefore, the team accounts for only 112 dockets of which 54 are politically related, 22 Parallel, 15 Adhoc, 16 University of Fort Hare and 5 Traditional Leadership. In 2024, a request was received from Gauteng Organised Crime Investigation Unit to assist with the investigation to dismantle the organised crime syndicate operating in the country and controlled in Gauteng Province.
“I took a decision to deploy 10 members from the Political Killings Task Team to support the Gauteng Organised Crime Investigation Unit. This investigation has unmasked the syndicate which involves politicians, law enforcement (SAPS, Metro Police & Correctional Services), prosecutors, and judiciary and is controlled by drug cartels, as well as business people,” said Mkhwanazi.
He said this act undermines the South African Criminal Justice System. Mkhwanazi alleged that Brown Mogotsi sent him WhatsApp messages regarding the allegations on the defeating the ends of justice matters, which were publicised which involve the Department of Correctional Services at Empangeni in KwaZulu Natal.
“Mogotsi also sent me a screenshot of a presentation that was made on 30 September 2024 titled: “2024/2025 Division Crime Intelligence Policies”. When asked to share the copy of this presentation, he responded by saying, “Gen Khan will brief you next week”.
“He further wrote that, 8 “the Minister is briefed, he has just arrived in Lusikisiki”. On 5 March 2025, a presentation was made to the Portfolio Committee by me, which included the allegations of an associate of the Minister of Police to Brown Mogotsi),” he said.
Mkhwanazi alleged that Mchunu denied knowing Mogotsi in Parliament, however, he confirmed that he knows Mogotsi during the telephonic conversation, which was posted @londcare 3-30, where he confirmed that this was his comrade from North West Province. He said the evidence has been found in the cell phone of the accused, Vusimuzi @CAT Matlala which shows the communication between Brown and Mchunu.
“In April 2024, Mr Swart, a Qtech employee was fatally shot while entering the company premises. Qtech has been a long-standing service provider to Transnet. Shortly after the incident, three suspects, including Warrant Officer Detective Tau Pule, were arrested in Johannesburg.
“During the arrest, weapons used in the murder—an AK-47 and a pistol—along with cell phones, were confiscated. The ballistic expert from within the Political Killing Task Team conducted examination of these firearms,” said Mkhwanazi.
“On 6 December 2024, the Task Team visited the premises of two of the high-profile syndicates of which one (Katiso Molefe) was arrested for the murder of Swart. The unusual activities were observed whilst the team was busy with this operation,” he said.
Mkhwanazi said on 30 December 2024, the Ballistic Expert issued a ballistic report which linked these firearms with a number of high-profile cases (including high-profile South African Artists) which occurred in Gauteng dating as far back as 2021. He said on 31 December 2024, Mchunu, issued a letter to disband the Political Killings Task Team and to suspend the filling of all vacancies within the Crime Intelligence.
“In January, February and April 2025, Sibiya issued written instructions withdrawing all the case dockets from the Task Team to his office. On 14 May 2025, the Task Team arrested Vusimuzi @CAT Matlala for an attempted murder x3.
“This is an individual who was awarded a police contract of over R360 million in 2024. An analysis was conducted on electronic communication of this syndicate. This analysis reveals communication between the arrested Vusimuzi @CAT 13 Matlala, Brown Mogotsi, an associate of Mchunu,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi said Mchunu in his capacity as a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the African National Congress (ANC), has been on a campaign trail this weekend in Vryheid, KZN, ahead of the by-elections on 16 July 2025. Mogotsi said Mchunu has been engaging a number of community groupings, including Izinduna, community organisations and commercial farmers, discussing measures aimed at tackling the rampant crime affecting them, inclusive of stock theft.
“Whilst still busy with these engagements, the Minister was made aware of today’s media briefing called by the KwaZulu Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, making a number of wild allegations and claims on a variety of issues.
“The Minister of Police will never allow his integrity, that of the Ministry or the SAPS at large, to be undermined by insinuations made without evidence or due processes, from anyone, including Mkhwanazi.
“We will be reviewing Mkhwanazi’s statements and consider appropriate action. All these statements made by him in public require an urgent, thorough and transparent investigation, on a proper platform,” she said.
Mogotsi said Mchunu remains committed to upholding the rule of law, ensuring accountability within the SAPS, and serving the people of South Africa with integrity. She said most importantly, Mchunu remains committed to the task at hand and that is to reduce the high murder rate, reduce high availability of illegal firearms, tackle drug trafficking and syndicates and GBV+F throughout the country, with a specific focus on the four provinces with high levels of crime, namely KZN, Gauteng, the Eastern Cape and Western Cape.
Picture: The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari
By OBAKENG MAJE
4 July 2025- The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari said he will launch a probe after allegations that the department is planning to re-deploy former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to a different position. This comes after the said CFO was dismissed over dishonesty and serious financial violations.
The North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said: “The department is still re-evaluating this matter and wishes to allow the completion of the reassessment process before making final conclusions and public statements on the matter.
“The department did not oppose the CFO’s appeal application, but that is still being determined internally. Once the matter is concluded, reasons will be provided.”
Picture: The former Deputy President, David Mabuza
By OBAKENG MAJE
3 July 2025- The heartfelt condolences messages continue to pour in after the passing of the former Deputy President, David Dabede Mabuza at the age of 65. Mabuza, who was born at Phola Trust, in Mpumalanga Province died today.
The ANC secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula posted on his X (formerly known as Twitter), said it is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that they learned of the passing of the former Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa (RSA) and stalwart of the movement.
Mbalula said DD as David Mabuza is affectionately known said he dedicated his life to the service of the people of South Africa. He further said from his days in the struggle against apartheid to his leadership as the Premier of Mpumalanga and later as Deputy President, he was a committed cadre who carried the values of unity, discipline, and transformation.
“On behalf of the ANC, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, comrades, and the people of South Africa. We have lost a patriot, a freedom fighter, and a leader who served with humility and conviction. May his soul rest in peace, and may we honour his legacy by continuing the work of building a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous South Africa,” said Mbalula.
Meanwhile, Mabuza obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of South Africa in 1989, following his achievement of a National Teacher’s Certificate from Mgwenya College of Education in 1985. He was first sworn in as Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa on 27 February 2018 and again on 30 May 2019 for the 6th democratic administration following his appointment to this role by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Mabuza has been tasked by President Ramaphosa with new Delegated Responsibilities in the 2019-2024 term of Government. He was tasked to Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Leading Government efforts to fast-track Land Reform and the coordination of Government programmes to accelerate Land Reform and agricultural support, assist the President to stimulate and support Rural and Township economies through implementing empowerment models and assisted the President in the implementation of Rapid Response interventions on Service Delivery and Trouble-shooting in service delivery hotspots.
This includes coordinating anti-poverty initiatives through, amongst others, Public Employment Programmes, Integrated Service Delivery and Enterprise Development, leading the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) and the country’s integrated response to the challenges of HIV and AIDS. Mabuza also assisted the President in efforts towards building a better Africa, support in Investment Facilitation and Trade Promotion and leading the National Human Resource Development Council and fostering collaboration between government and social partners towards addressing the shortage of skills in critical sectors of the economy amongst others.
In addition, Mabuza chaired the Cabinet Committees of Governance, State Capacity and Institutional Development (GSCID) as well as the Justice, Crime-Prevention and Security (JCPS). Previously, he held a number of positions in government including as Premier of the Mpumalanga Province from 2009 to 2018, Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Agriculture and Land Administration from 2008 to 2009 in Mpumalanga Province, MEC for Roads and Transport from 2007 to 2008, a Member of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature from 2004 to 2007, Member of Parliament (MP) of the Republic of South Africa from 2001 to 2004, Mpumalanga MEC for Housing from 1999 to 2001, and as MEC for Education between 1994 and 1998.
Mabuza has also risen through the ranks of the ANC, where he served as Deputy President of the ANC since December 2017, having also been elected previously as the Chairperson of the ANC in Mpumalanga from 2008 to 2017, Ex Officio Member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ANC since 2007, Deputy Chairperson of the ANC Mpumalanga in 2005, Chairperson of the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) from 1988 to 1991, Coordinator of National Education Crisis Committee from 1987 to 1989, Chairperson of National Education Union of South Africa from 1986 to 1988, Treasurer of Foundation for Education with Production from 1986 to 1990, and Secretary of the Azanian Student Organisation (AZASO) from 1984 to 1985.
Mabuza was a trained Mathematics teacher by profession and became a School Principal before moving to politics. His passion remained in education and he established the DD Mabuza Foundation in 2014, focusing on education and the social upliftment of the vulnerable groups such as children, child-headed households, the aged and persons with disability.
Picture: Police at the crime scene simulation/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
3 July 2025- The police have joined several emergency services in a plane crash simulation exercise near the Kimberley Airport on 3 July 2025. The exercise was planned by the Kimberley Airport Company in conjunction with several role-players, giving all an opportunity to test their state of readiness in terms of the functionality of their emergency systems and identify areas for improvement.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police mobilised teams were led and coordinated by Lieutenant Colonel Tatolo Matsi at the onsite crime scene. Sam said the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) is on the scene and ensures that all mobilised members executed, understood their roles and area of responsibility when it comes to crime scenes and disaster management.
“The police reaction time ensures that immediate medical assistance to the injured, cordoning and preserving the crime scene, combing and collection of exhibits, handling of exhibits and handing over of crime scenes, are some of the responsibilities that the SAPS emergency teams in such crime scenes are expected to master at all times.
“The SAPS in ensuring a safe and secure environment for all its citizens, continuously strives to skill its members in order to gain practical experience and improve their services in a safe and controlled environment,” he said.
Picture: One of the suspects allegedly carrying a firearm during robbery/Screengrab
By OBAKENG MAJE
3 July 2025- The police in Kuruman said they are investigating an alleged business robbery case following the unlawful and intentional forceful taking of an undisclosed amount of cash from a local chain store located in the Kuruman Mall, using violence and or the threat of violence on 2 July 2025. The police said its preliminary investigations indicate that four assailants reportedly armed with firearms entered the store and instructed the cashier at the kiosk to put all the cash from her till in a bag they had with them and proceeded to the cash office that they could not gain entrance to due to security measures in place.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the assailants on realization that they could not access the cash office, ran out of the store without inflicting any harm to the store personnel. Sam said the police have activated all necessary resources to track and trace the suspects who sped off in a white Nissan Micra with no number plates in the direction of Seoding and Mothibistad.
“Anyone who might have information that may assist with the investigation of this case can contact Detective Captain Justice Taea at 082 495 4679/072 516 4597 or 08600 10111 and or the police MySAPS App. All information will be treated confidentially. The investigation is continuing,” he said.
Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass
By AGISANANG SCUFF
3 July 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass said he has acknowledged and welcomed the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry appointed by the Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul. Vass said the commission is set to investigate traditional leadership disputes and claims arising from the John Taolo Gaetsewe District.
He further said the appointment of the commission is in line with the provision of Section 59(1)(a) of the Northern Cape Traditional Leadership and Governance and Houses of Traditional Leaders Act (Act No.4 of 2007), read with Section 2 of the Northern Cape Commissions of Inquiry Act (Act No. 4 of 1996). Vass added that, eight-member commission will be led by Professor Mandla Maseko.
“The commission’s inaugural meeting is scheduled for 15 July 2025, to finalise their calendar of activities. We are positive that this commission will provide all traditional communities, leaders and stakeholders, in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, an opportunity to table all their concerns and disputes.
“This will be with a view of ensuring harmony and co-existence within all traditional communities in the district, particularly those that are experiencing leadership tensions. As a department, we will support the work of the commission, so that they reach their set objectives, in the allocated time of two years,’’ he said.
Vass said the Northern Cape Provincial Government is committed in its continuous support of the institution of Traditional Leadership, as this institution plays a key role in the system of cooperative governance, and the development of communities. He said various media platforms and stakeholders will be engaged to ensure that communities, especially in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, are aware of the activities of the commission and fully participate.
The Guardian 