‘DA is willing to undermine national interests in pursuit of its narrow partisan agenda’

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Picture: The Democratic Alliance and ANC up in arms

By REGINALD KANYANE

29 June 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) said it has noted the public statement made by the Democratic Alliance (DA) regarding what it alleges to be violations by the Republic of South Africa (RSA), President Cyril Ramaphosa and certain members of the Executive, particularly in relation to the functioning of the Government of National Unity (GNU). The ANC said while they continue to engage constructively within the GNU framework, they are compelled to correct and rebut several misleading assertions made by the DA.

The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu said foremost among these is the DA’s dismissive stance on the recently announced National Dialogue. Bhengu said it is rather surprising that the DA has chosen not to support the National Dialogue, not because they oppose its principles, but because a DA Deputy Minister was dismissed, not only for defying the president, but for also violating established rules.

“This response speaks volumes about the DA’s character. They are willing to undermine national interests in pursuit of their narrow partisan agenda. The ANC firmly believes that this dialogue is not merely an event, but it is a critical process in pursuit of social compacting, unity and national renewal.

“Ours is a nation built on dialogue, negotiation and consensus-seeking. From the founding of the ANC in 1912, to the 1955 Congress of the People in Kliptown that adopted the Freedom Charter, to the historic CODESA negotiations that ended apartheid, and culminating in our world-revered democratic Constitution of 1996. South Africa has time and again chosen the path of dialogue over division,” she said.

Bhengu further said the ANC reiterates that the National Dialogue is rooted in this proud tradition. She added that it seeks to bring all sectors of society together to address the pressing socio-economic challenges confronting the country including poverty, inequality and economic exclusion, through inclusive engagement and joint commitment to solutions.

“We have also taken note of the DA’s threat not to support key budget votes, including those for the Ministries of Human Settlements and Higher Education. Such actions are not only disruptive but undermine the very spirit and functioning of the GNU, to which the DA has committed itself.

“These ministries are critical for improving the lives of South Africans, particularly the poor and working class. At this juncture, it is imperative for the DA to clarify its stance: is it a genuine and principled partner in the GNU, or is it positioning itself as a quasi-opposition within the Executive?” asked Bhengu.

She said South Africans deserve clarity and leadership guided by national interest, not short-term political expediency. Bhengu said the ANC remains committed to the success of the Government of National Unity and will continue to work with all willing partners in advancing the values of the constitution, deepening transformation, and building a better life for all.

Meanwhile, the DA leader, John Steenhuisen said: “A year ago, the formation of the multiparty coalition known as the Government of National Unity (GNU) filled our country with hope. It followed the decision by the people of South Africa to remove the outright majority that the African National Congress had held since the dawn of our democracy in 1994.

“In last year’s election, the people sent a clear message that they no longer wanted the ANC to do as they pleased, regardless of the consequences for our country. The people said, loudly and clearly, that they were tired of corruption, of unemployment, and of an economy that had not grown meaningfully for more than a decade.”

Steenhuisen said instead of the same old one-party domination, the people wanted multi-party collaboration. He said in short, South Africans voted for things to change.

“It is based on this mandate, of change, that the Democratic Alliance joined the GNU. However, instead of upholding the wishes of the people by working in a respectful and collaborative manner with all partners inside the GNU, the ANC has repeatedly undermined these principles.

“Time after time, it has slapped away the hand of substantive cooperation and co-creation, in favour of arrogant and narrow political self-interest. Right from the start, Ramaphosa violated the Statement of Intent signed by all members of the GNU, by appointing a bloated executive without consulting the DA, in order to give the ANC more influence than the voters wanted it to have,” said Steenhuisen.

He said Ramaphosa signed destructive pieces of legislation into law without even having the decency to inform his partners. Steenhuisen said he presided over a disastrous budget process, where he failed to take seriously the views of parties who were opposed to the ANC’s proposed 2% VAT increase.

“Ramaphosa refused to enable meaningful power-sharing to drive collaborative and urgent reform of the economy to create jobs. This past week, without any forewarning or meaningful consultation, he concocted an excuse to remove a DA Deputy Minister out of the blue, because of his own failure to respond to a request for travel permission.

“The hypocrisy of this conduct is even more galling because in 2020, the same Ramaphosa issued a mere reprimand and salary docking to former Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula when she flew an ANC delegation to Zimbabwe in a military plane,” he said.

Steenhuisen said to make matters worse, Ramaphosa has now also defied the 48-hour ultimatum issued to him by his largest coalition partner to act against corruption in his own ranks. He said this was a clear opportunity to demonstrate that action will be taken consistently and fairly.

“By doing so, he has actively chosen to protect Thembi Simelane for her alleged role in VBS looting, he has chosen to protect Nobuhle Nkabane after she actively misled Parliament, and he continues to shield a whole cast of looters implicated in state capture.

“Just this morning, instead of taking action against state capture, the ANC cleared Malusi Gigaba, David Mahlobo, Zizi Kodwa and Cedric Frolick of all charges against them. Despite this pattern of double standards and abuse of power, DA members of the executive have remained focused on delivering for the people of South Africa,” said Steenhuisen.

He said the strides they have made in portfolios like Agriculture, Home Affairs, Public Works and Infrastructure, Communications and Digital Technologies, as well as Environment – and through hardworking Deputy Ministers like Andrew Whitfield – has set a new standard of excellence for governance at national level. Steenhuisen said in some cases, the DA literally achieved more in twelve months than the ANC did in thirty years.

“But perhaps this is the real source of the ANC’s double-standard towards the DA. They know the DA is succeeding. They know that the performance of DA Ministers puts their party to shame.

“And they know that the opportunities for looting and corruption are shrinking wherever DA reforms are implemented. The flagrant double-standard that protects the likes of Simelane and Nkabane, but acts against Whitfield, proves that in the ANC’s universe the only things you dare not be, are competent, honest, and hard-working,” said Steenhuisen.

He said this is not about an isolated incident. Steenhuisen said it is about a pattern of disrespect, arrogance and double-standards.

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Freedom Charter inspires the deliberations of the Veterans’ League

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Picture: ANCVL president, Snuki Zikalala

By BAKANG MOKOTO

27 June 2025- The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ANC Veteran’s League said it met on 26 and 27 June 2025, marking the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Freedom Charter. According to the ANCVL, the meeting remembered the unique place the Freedom Charter has played in the evolution of democracy and the progressive values in the constitution.

The ANCVL president, Snuki Zikalala said almost two years after the league’s national conference, their membership has grown by nearly 50%, with their current verified membership standing at 3440 members with a further 2300 pending. Zikalala said they have members providing guidance and working with structures of the ANC at all levels and throughout the country.

“The ANCVL’s NEC welcomed Khunjuzwa Kekana to the position of Deputy Secretary General, which was vacant. Kekana is a former Executive Mayor of the Sarah Baartman District Municipality in the Eastern Cape. She served in this role for over 20 years with an impeccable track record.

“She is well-positioned to join the office bearers in fulfilling their responsibilities, especially in addressing local government issues and the problems of our people. The NEC also agreed to the co-option of Sisa Njikelana as an additional member of the NEC,” he said.

Zikalala further said his long history of involvement in the trade union movement will be an important asset as the Veterans’ League seeks to play a role in forging greater trade union unity. He added that Njikelana will play a role in their planned engagement with the labour movement with a view to uniting all progressive forces.

“The meeting deliberated on key issues arising out of its priorities of organising the Veterans’ League, supporting ANC renewal and improving service delivery. The meeting deliberated on the challenges facing municipalities, particularly in terms of service delivery.

“There was a recognition that while the problems facing municipalities are multifaceted, more can be done, especially in respect of being responsive to the needs of communities on basic issues such as access to water, electricity, clean environments and community safety,” said Zikalala.

He said Veterans’ League members will engage with and where possible, participate in interventions to support local governments, particularly those that are struggling. Zikalala said Veterans’ League NEC members are also active in driving the process in the ANC’s Local Government Intervention Task Team, to make progress in localities of greatest need.

“Areas of work for the Veterans’ League include addressing the lack of responsiveness from officials and initiating proactive action in response to allegations of poor performance, lack of accountability and unethical practices.

“Also important is to support councillors and for veterans throughout the country to be active in ward committees and in community-based and civil society organisations seeking to address community needs,” he said.

Zikalala said the ANC Veterans League has been active in developing a strategy to prepare for local government elections, which has been incorporated into the ANC election strategy. He said the phased campaign involves reconnecting with the people, demonstrating their capacity to attend to community concerns and then transitioning to the actual election campaign.

“Attention will be placed on the process of candidate selection, ensuring that candidates are comrades who have demonstrated their leadership qualities, including responsiveness to community aspirations in their localities, and in the ANC.

“Skilled and competent leaders must populate the councils after these elections to continue the local government turnaround. Efforts should be made to ensure that younger leaders, who can initiate robust and imaginative campaigns, take over the baton to play a leading role,” said Zikalala.

He said the meeting deliberated on the extent to which corruption is blight on the society and a constraint to the renewal of the ANC. Zikalala said the NEC welcomed the actions taken by the Gauteng Provincial Government, led by Panyaza Lesufi, to initiate lifestyle audits and take decisive action against those who fell afoul of ethical criteria.

“The meeting also noted various actions taken by law enforcement agencies to deal with corruption and other crimes, including Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The meeting agreed to further develop a well-informed understanding of corrupt tendencies and practices within society, so that the ANC can play a leading role in combating this scourge.

“The ANCVL will continue to ensure that ANC members implicated in corruption are subject to the policies and processes established by the ANC for such instances. In addition to formal institutions within the state, the VL has initiated a process that will provide an internal platform for those who want to report corruption to do so and to be protected,” he said.

Zikalala said the meeting expressed deep concern about the SACP’s decision to contest elections as a political party in its own right. He said the meeting recognised the strong historical bonds between the ANC, SACP and COSATU and how debilitating it would be to try and disentangle this relationship.

“Without the SACP that works closely with the other alliance partners, the character of the liberation movement would change to the detriment of both the ANC and the SACP, especially in areas where the SACP has made important contributions such as matters of social transformation and political education.

“The Veterans’ League NEC is of the firm conviction that any misunderstanding on both strategic and tactical matters can and should be addressed differently, and in the interests of the unity of progressive forces in the forthcoming local government and subsequent elections,” said Zikalala.

He said several unintended consequences of this decision were raised, including how to address members of the ANC who currently hold dual membership with the SACP as well as leaders of the SACP who have been deployed in the ANC as legislators and in executive roles. Zikalala said a further challenge is the likelihood of this move increasing divisions within organised labour and COSATU in particular.

“The meeting agreed to engage directly with the SACP in addition to proposing that the ANC NEC fast-track discussions with the SACP to determine a way forward with due regard to the history of the relationship in the tripartite alliance and the need to strengthen the progressive movement in this profoundly uncertain domestic and global environment.

“The Veterans’ League was instrumental in conceptualising and drafting the Foundation Course, and veterans have been at the forefront of participating in the rollout of this political education course. 600 members of the Veterans’ League have now completed the Foundation Course,” he said.

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Molale stabbed his girlfriend, Rethabile Medichane 22 times   

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Picture: The deceased, Tshepiso Medichane and the accused, Simon Molalae during happy times/Facebook

By KEDIBONE MOALETSI

28 June 2025- The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said it welcomes the life imprisonment sentence handed down by the Taung Regional Court to Simon Kesetsi Molale (22) of Lokgabeng village, near Taung. Molale was convicted of premeditated murder of his partner, Tshepiso Rethabile Medichane (21).

The NPA regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the conviction relates to an incident that occurred on 12 August 2024, when Molale and his girlfriend attended a function at his aunt’s place. Gunya said on the evening of that day, they both left function and went home together. 

“On their way home, Medichane informed Molale that she no longer wanted to be in a relationship with him. The accused got furious, went to a nearby house and borrowed a knife. He attacked the deceased, stabbing her and inflicting 22 wounds. After the brutal attack, he fled the scene. He was subsequently arrested and was denied bail.

“Molale pleaded guilty to the charge. In aggravation of the sentence, the state prosecutor, Rebaona Mokgopa, submitted Victim Impact Statements (VIS) from the mother of the deceased, which was facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Molebogeng Oliphant, emphasizing the devastating impact of the crime,” he said.

According to Gunya, Mokgopa argued that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a pandemic in the country and urged the court to pass a sentence which is deterrent in nature to show that the courts will not tolerate such violent crimes. He said the Magistrate Bhuti Zulu concurred that no substantial or compelling circumstances existed to justify a lesser sentence, leading to the imposition of life imprisonment.

Meanwhile, welcoming the verdict, Dr Rachel Makhari, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and prosecution teams. Makhari said these sentences underscore the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) commitment to fighting GBV and ensuring that justice is served. 

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Company fined R35 000 for failure to submit Tax Returns

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Picture: SARS logo

By REGINALD KANYANE

28 June 2025- The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said it welcomes the imposition of a hefty fine on Mariolene Trading CC, represented by Pieter Jacobus Schotlz (42), as a sole active member and the company’s director. Mariolene Trading faced 35 counts of Contravening Section 234 (d) of the Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011 – Failure to submit returns.

The NPA regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said it is alleged that Scholtz is the Director of Mariolene Trading CC, and his company is registered with the South African Revenue Services (SARS) for Value Added Tax (VAT) and Company Income Tax. Gunya said investigations revealed that between March 2019 and May 2024, Scholtz did not submit returns for his company.

“On 25 January 2022, SARS telephonically reminded him to submit outstanding returns on behalf of his company, which is accused number 1. Subsequently, that written communication was sent to Scholtz by SARS, but he failed to submit returns.

“In court, Scholtz opted to pay an admission of guilt fine of R35 000 for failing to submit tax returns. The NPA welcomes this outcome, as it underscores the importance of tax compliance in ensuring effective revenue collection and upholding public confidence in SARS’s enforcement capabilities,” he said.

Welcoming the outcome, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended Advocate Dineo Mathule for her diligence in bringing the matter to a successful conclusion. She also acknowledged the collaborative effort of all role players involved in the case. The NPA, through its Specialised Tax Unit, remains committed to ensuring accountability and reinforcing a culture of tax compliance under the Honey Badger Project. Criminal prosecution remains a key instrument in addressing wilful non-compliance with tax laws.

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Three men nabbed for business robbery and possession of illegal firearms  

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By OBAKENG MAJE

 28 June 2025- Three men were arrested in Block A, Maubane village, near Makapanstad by the Brits Trio Task Team and Makapanstad Detectives. The suspects, who have reportedly been committing house and business robberies, were traced to a place in the village, where they were apprehended and two firearms, six rounds of ammunition, a cell phone, drill machine, clothes and diapers were seized.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the accused, Dumisane Shabangu (33), Kenneth Hlongwane (25) and Tebogo Seodisa (22), were arrested and briefly appeared before the Temba Magistrate’s Court on 27 June 2025. Mokgwabone said Shabangu, Hlongwane and Seodisa, were remanded in custody until 11 July 2025, facing various charges.

“Shabangu is facing a business robbery, unlawful possession of ammunition and attack on a police officer charges, Hlongwane is facing armed robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm charges, while Seodisa is faced with armed robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm charges.

“The investigations into the matter are underway, and the possibility of linking the accused to more cases cannot be ruled out. So, the police in the police will continue with their efforts to eradicate illegal firearms and stabilize contact and violent crimes,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said he is hopeful that the accused will not be released back into the community to continue with their criminal activities and reign of terror. Asaneng said he hopes that they will be successfully prosecuted.

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SCOPA slams municipality for operating without a mayor

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

27 June 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature Standing Committee on Provincial Public Accounts chaired by Smuts Matshe has resolved to direct the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Gaoage Molapisi to urgently restore the rule of law at Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality, where there has not been a permanent mayor since December 2024.

This follows the Scopa Public Hearings on the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) where the municipality was expected to account for the R1.1 billion irregular expenditure for the 2023/24 financial year. The meeting had to be abandoned as the municipality has not had a mayor for more than six months and all Members of Exco were not in attendance.

Matshe said it is absurd that the provincial government placed the municipality under Section 139 (1{a}) and yet COGTA as the lead department has tolerated Kagisano-Molopo to operate in an illegal manner by not having a mayor or acting mayor for such a long period.

“This represents a total disregard of the law, total collapse of the accountability system and the creation of conditions conducive for corruption, fraud, maladministration and all forms of malfeasances. COGTA has to urgently attend to this matter without any further delays.

“We will not process an audit report of a municipality that is operating in an unlawful manner – no municipality should be allowed to operate without a mayor or any of the key office bearers,” he said.

Mathe further said Kagisano-Molopo appears to be in crisis as almost all of its senior managers are in an acting capacity, including the Municipal Manager. He added that, absence of a mayor or acting mayor means senior officials are not supervised and in the process they might be making decisions that are not guided.

The municipal speaker, Pretty Moirwagale confirmed before the Public Accounts Committee that the municipality has been operating without a mayor since December 2024.

“Our then mayor, Tshireletso Marabutse was on leave from December 2024 until March 2025 and an acting mayor was elected during that period. At the beginning of 2025, the council resolved to end the acting arrangements once the resignation of the substantive mayor was confirmed leading to us operating without a mayor.

“The municipal council needs to pass items that have to be presented by the mayor at the council sitting, an acting mayor is elected during council sitting and the acting is only for the duration of the council meeting,” he said.

Matshe said Moirwagale should within 48 hours compile a report regarding their failure to elect a mayor or acting mayor and formally bring this to the attention of the MEC for COGTA.

“We cannot continue to tolerate a situation where the people of Kagisano-Molopo are being undermined and allow gross disregard for the rule of law- a true democracy has to have consequences for those failing the people,” he said.

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CEO of a diamond-related Joint Venture and co-accused nabbed for fraud

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Picture: The largest diamond ever found

By REGINALD KANYANE

27 June 205- Mervyn Casterns, the CEO of Pulling and Sharing Joint Venture (PSJV) was arrested on 26 June 2025 in Cape Town and appeared before the Belville court on 27 June 2025, on charges of fraud and the Contravention of the Diamond Act. Daniel Nathan, Kubentheran Moodley and Martha Rapetsoa were also arrested on Friday morning, 27 June 2025 in Gauteng and appeared before the Palm-Ridge Court on 27 June 2025 on the same charges.

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said Carstens’s matter was transferred from Belville to Palm-Ridge Court on 30 June 2025. Mamothame said Nathan was granted R100 000 bail, while Moodley and Rapetsoa were each granted R30 000 bail.

“Strict bail conditions were imposed, and the accused were ordered to report to their nearest police station once a week and handover their passports to the investigating officer.

“Their court appearance emanates from the contract awarded in 2015 to Scarlet Sky Investments 60 (SSI), which gave it exclusive rights to market and sell the diamonds produced by the PSJV, a joint venture between the Alexkor and the Richtersveld community,” he said.

Mamothame further said they allegedly acquired diamonds which they sold for gain for more than what SSI was entitled to in terms of the contract. He added that, several individuals and affiliated companies through the marketing tender allegedly acquired diamonds from sales conducted by Scarlet Sky for and on behalf of the PSJV for a period of over five years.

“This Alexkor investigation conducted by the NPA’’s IDAC, emanates from the findings of the Commission of Inquiry into allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector Including organs of State,” said Mamothame.

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Crime Intelligence boss and co-accused in court for fraud and corruption

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Picture: The accused in a corruption and fraud case/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

27 June 2025- Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo, who is the Divisional Commissioner in the Crime Intelligence of the South African Police Service (SAPS), together with six of his co-accused appeared before the Pretoria Regional Court on charges of fraud and corruption relating to the appointment of an unqualified civilian in a senior post within the SAPS. Their court appearance follows their arrest on 26 June 2025 by the NPA’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the matter was postponed to 13 August 2025 for disclosure. Mamothame said Khumalo, Madondo, Lekalakala, Gabela, Ncube and Mokwele, were granted R10 000 bail each.

“They were ordered not to enter any premises of crime intelligence. Meanwhile, Lushaba will remain in custody as his matter is a Scheduled 6 Criminal Offence, owing to his pending case and such did not reflect in his affidavit presented to court for bail application.

“Khumalo is charged together with Major General Philani Lushaba (CFO at Crime Intelligence), Major General Nosipho Precious Madondo (Component Head of Intelligence Analysis and Co-ordination), Major General Josias Lekalaka (Gauteng Provincial Head: Crime Intelligence), Major General Zwelithini Gabela (Technical Management Services), Brigadier Phindile Ncube (Section Head: Personnel Security – Vetting and Brigadier Dineo Mokwele,” said Mamothame.

He further said their charges relate to the irregular employment of Mokwele in a senior ranking position of Brigadier in the Technical Support Services (TSS). Mamothame added that, it is alleged that Khumalo acting in common purpose with his co-accused, were involved in the irregular appointment of Mokwele.

“They are further accused of flouting the vetting process, which is critical in the appointment of senior officials within the SAPS, particularly the crime intelligence division which deals with sensitive and confidential information.

“This case forms part of IDAC’s broader mandate of investigating fraud and corruption within government entities to prevent state capture through these critical entities,” he said.

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Two men sentenced to 26 years imprisonment for dealing in drugs

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

27 June 2025- Two men sentenced to a combined 26 years imprisonment by the Postmasburg Regional Court for dealing in drugs. The duo, Mthobisi Dlamini (38), and Xolani Njoko (35), were arrested during an operation by Upington Public Order Police on 3 August 2024.

The ZF Mgcawu District spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said Dlamini and Njoko, appeared suspicious, while being spotted during patrols. Masegela said they were approached by SAPS members and apprehended subsequent attempting to discard the mandrax tablets and flee from the police.

“An undisclosed amount of cash was also found in their possession. They were both charged for dealing in drugs and during trial, the District Court Prosecutor, Tshifhiwa Muruba, argued that the offence is prevalent in the area and that drugs are destroying the community.

“Dlamini was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment, while Njoko was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. The investigating officer, Constable Zanele Matsietsa, was applauded for the meticulous investigation and the members of Upington POP for effecting the arrest,” she said.

Masegela further said the police remain steadfast and relentless in their efforts to rid the community of drugs. She said the management in ZF Mgcawu District welcomed the conviction.

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Six people nabbed for possession of 22 suspected stolen goats  

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Picture: Twenty two suspected stolen goats/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

27 June 2025 – Six people were arrested by the Mabeskraal Visible Policing members for stock-theft and possession of 22 suspected stolen goats worth R34 000. The accused briefly appeared in the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 26 June 2025.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the accused, Katlego Rammekwa (19), Robert Moloto (30), Mthokosize Mkhize (38), Mzilikazi Khumalo (34), Thabo Moalosi (37) and Thapelo Motaung (27), were arrested in the early hours of Tuesday morning, 24 June 2025, in Makweleng Section, Mabeskraal village, outside Rustenburg.

Mokgwabone said the police received a tip-off and allegedly stopped the accused’s vehicle at Makweleng Crossroad, then conducted a search and discovered 22 goats inside a trailer pulled by a silver Toyota Hilux single cab vehicle.

“The police arrested the accused after failing to account for the livestock and confiscated the vehicle and the trailer. All accused are expected to make a second court appearance on 8 July 2025, for a bail application and legal representation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng indicated that the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the North West, which is predominantly rural and agrarian had prioritised its operations to combat, prevent and detect widespread incidents of stock theft by strengthening crime prevention partnerships initiatives under the Community Policing and Rural Safety Strategies.

“The arrests of these suspects and the recovery of suspected stolen livestock, is therefore an affirmation of the importance and effectiveness of collaborative crime prevention partnerships. 

“While the arrest of the suspects is welcomed and appreciated, it is important to note and concede that the threat to food security and livelihoods posed by ubiquitous theft of livestock will only be addressed by arresting unscrupulous speculators, auctioneers, feedlot owners, abattoirs and other markets for stolen stock,” said Asaneng.

He said all of them are the real beneficiaries of this lucrative illicit economy.

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