23 June 2025- The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), Madoda Sambatha said he is taking legal action against a certain individual, who allegedly hacked his phone and stole personal pictures. On 18 June 2025, pictures of Sambatha and his wife were circulated on various social media platforms.
Samabatha said these images were unlawfully accessed and distributed as a result of a hacking incident involving his personal mobile device. He said this intrusion constitutes a serious violation of privacy and is a criminal offense under the Cybercrimes Act No. 19 of 2020.
“The preliminary evidence indicates that the hacking was perpetrated by an employee within the North West Provincial Government (NWPG), using an official government email address.
“The said individual not only accessed the content without consent, but also tampered with the photos before distributing them publicly. The details of the person involved are known to me,” said Sambatha.
He further said on 19 June 2025, he formally opened a criminal case at Mmabatho Police Station. Sambatha added that, in addition to the criminal proceedings, he will be pursuing a civil case to hold the perpetrator accountable for damages caused.
“I wish to clarify and affirm that my wife has been a small-scale communal farmer since 2019, engaging in horticulture, broiler chickens and egg-laying production. I was only deployed to the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) in 2024 — five years after she began her farming journey.
“This malicious incident seeks to distort facts and invade the dignity of our family. We remain resolute in upholding the truth and pursuing all legal avenues to ensure justice is served,” he said.
Meanwhile, The Guardian Newspaper understands that, the alleged perpetrator, was working in the Office of the Premier’s private office during former North West Premier, Supra Mahumapelo’s tenure and now she has since allegedly been moved to the North West Department of Arts, Sports, Culture and Recreation.
Picture: Some of the firearms seized by the police
By REGINALD KANYANE
23 June 2025 – A man (31) is expected to appear at Orkney Magistrate’s Court for possession of unlicensed firearms, unlawful possession of ammunition, two counts of attempted murder and contravention of the Dangerous Weapons Act. The suspect, who is from Lesotho, will face an additional charge of contravention of the Immigration Act.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said the suspect’s arrest was part of efforts to eradicate illegal firearms. Manyoba said the suspect was arrested by the Kanana Detectives and Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Visible Policing members during a takedown operation early in the morning at around 2:30am on 20 June 2025, at Kanana Extension 13 near Orkney.
“The suspect was found in possession of a pistol, a revolver, a gas pistol and several different rounds of ammunition. Reports suggest that the suspect allegedly shot and critically injured two men, aged 25 and 27, following an altercation between him and the victims on Saturday evening, 14 June 2025.
“Investigations into the matter continue,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said the South African Police Service (SAPS) is imploring the communities of Kanana, Khuma and Jouberton Townships, including the established Community Policing Forums and Community Safety Forums not to harbour illegal armed criminals who are robbing, killing and maiming them, but to notify the police immediately so that they can be arrested.
23 June 2025- A woman (49) was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team on 17 June 2025, for alleged fraud and alternative theft. It is alleged that during 2012, the accused, Martha Rapetsoa was a co-director of the company named Rowen Tree 60 Pty Ltd with two other directors.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said Rapetsoa allegedly withdrew an application for renewal of prospecting mining rights, which was in the process at the Department of Minerals Resource and Energy (DMRE). Mnisi said later on, in 2015, Rapetsoa, together with her co-directors, resolved to sell the company and the withdrawn prospecting mining right to a known businessman in the Northern Cape for an amount of R100 000.
“After the conclusion of the sale agreement, but before the businessman could make payment, she sold the company to the complainant and withheld the letter withdrawing the prospecting mining right, thereby misleading the complainant as though the prospecting mining right was valid and in good standing.
“Consequently, the complainant accepted the offer and paid an amount of R1 368 000. After the complainant paid the amount of R1 368 000 to the seller of the rights, an amount of R100 000 was then paid to a personal account belonging to one of the Directors of Rowen Tree 60 Pty Ltd,” she said.
Mnisi further said this series of fraudulent transactions resulted in the complainant losing an amount of R1 368 000. She added that more arrests are imminent.
“Rapetsoa briefly appeared before Douglas Magistrate’s Court on 19 June 2025. The next court date will be on 5 August 2025, for pre-trial and 2 additional accused to be added on the roll,” said Mnisi.
23 June 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA), Cyril Ramaphosa said across many parts of the world, human rights are under threat and constitutionalism is increasingly being tested. Ramaphosa said in March 2025, the UN Human Rights Council said the world is facing ‘a moment of profound instability’ – characterised by conflict, democratic backsliding, declining respect for the rule of law, right-wing populism, attacks on civil society and judicial independence being undermined.
He further said the council stressed the need for countries to strengthen democratic institutions charged with safeguarding fundamental rights and freedoms. Ramaphosa added that, as South Africans, they can be proud that they continue to strive to live up to this obligation.
“Even as we face numerous challenges, our democratic order is in good health, anchored in a progressive constitution and a Constitutional Court that continues to safeguard the rights of all.
“This year marks 30 years since the court convened for the first time, marking a new, bold chapter of our democratic journey. The imperative for the establishment of a specialised constitutional court was a key facet of the multiparty negotiations that preceded the democratic transition,” he said.
Ramaphosa said whilst some believed that existing structures such as the Supreme Court could perform this task, the African National Congress (ANC) advocated for a new court that was untainted by the past. He said just as drafters of the constitution itself drew heavily on the experiences of other countries – when considering the model of the court, they looked to other jurisdictions for inspiration.
“One of these was Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court that was established in 1951. Retired Constitutional Court Judge Richard Goldstone recalls how the 11 members of the new court met for the first time in the German city of Karlsruhe, the seat of the Federal Constitutional Court.
“Retired Judge Johann Kriegler recalls how they learned skilled adjudication of constitutional issues from their German colleagues. In this respect, this proud institution of our democracy is the product of constitutional solidarity,” said Ramphosa.
He said it draws on the wisdom and support of international partners, yet remains uniquely South African in its outlook, its orientation and values. Ramaphosa said the court’s first case in 1995, on the constitutionality of the death penalty – set the tone for a humanistic jurisprudence grounded in human dignity that endures to this day.
“In his judgment, one of South Africa’s finest legal minds, South Africa’s first black Chief Justice Ismail Mohamed, immortalised the vision of the new court.
“The South African Constitution is different,” Justice Mohamed writes. “It retains from the past only what is defensible and represents a decisive break from, and a ringing rejection of that part of the past which is disgracefully racist, authoritarian, insular and repressive, and a vigorous identification of and commitment to a democratic, universalistic, caring and inspirationally egalitarian ethos,” he said.
Ramaphosa said over the past 30 years, the Constitutional Court has advanced this aspirationally egalitarian ethos in far-reaching ways. He said landmark judgments are well-known on issues such as the death penalty, access to HIV/Aids treatment, prisoners’ right to vote, and others.
“Yet its less well-known judgments that have had equally dramatic impact on matters such as upholding the rights of pensioners to not having their old age grants disrupted, the rights of smallholder farmers to not have their livestock impounded under colonial-era ordinances, the rights of women in customary marriages, and upholding the rights of rail commuters to safety.
“The composition of the Constitutional Court bench, particularly with respect to judges with different backgrounds and different views on the law, has played an important role in shaping the court’s jurisprudence,” said Ramaphosa.
He said in 2007, former Chief Justice Pius Langa highlighted the centrality of judicial diversity, saying this was not confined solely to an appropriate racial or gender mix, but that a wide range of views and life experiences are represented. Ramaphosa said judicial diversity, Justice Langa said, is likely to increase judicial dissent, and hence improve the quality of decisions.
“Throughout its proud history the court has carried out its work without fear or favour, not hesitating to hold even the most powerful in society to account. An Ipsos poll released earlier this year found that most South Africans view democracy, human rights and the rule of law as universal values that all nations deserve and must aspire towards.
“The majority of respondents also believed that South Africa is a good example of a democracy, and has a responsibility to be a moral leader in the world. This confidence is a result of the abiding trust the public has in our Constitutional Court,” he said.
Ramaphosa said as they celebrate this milestone, they should honour the proud history of the court by continuing to work together as all of society to realise the full promise of their Constitution.
Picture: The SAPS Chief Administration Clerk, Reshanthan Moodley/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
23 June 2025- The police in Northern Cape said as they commemorate Youth Month under the theme: “Skills for the Changing World – Empowering Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation”, they are proudly introducing and celebrating Chief Administration Clerk (CAC), Reshanthan Moodley (34), who truly embodies the spirit of this year’s theme. The police said Resh as Moodley is affectionately known, is a passionate digital innovator and firearm enthusiast, committed to lifelong learning and the advancement of technology within the SAPS.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said Moodley started his career in the South African Police Service (SAPS) in May 2014, as an administration clerk within the Provincial Technology Management Services (TMS) in Kimberley. Kock said in this role, he was responsible for managing the Provincial System Helpdesk, providing critical IT support to SAPS personnel throughout the Northern Cape.
“In 2015, Moodley was entrusted with the installation, configuration, implementation and training of SAPS members on various crime management systems, including ICDMS, NPIS, and PVS.
“His pivotal role in the national rollout of Facial Recognition Cameras under the NPIS initiative in 2017 further showcased his technical acumen and dedication. His involvement in new system deployments sparked a deep interest in software development, motivating him to pursue a Diploma in Systems Development, with a focus on full-stack development and ethical hacking,” he said.
Kock further said in 2022, Resh was promoted to Chief Administration Clerk, serving as the Provincial MIC (Management Information Coordinator) for TMS in the Northern Cape. He added that his current responsibilities include developing the annual operational plan for the component, monitoring and evaluating performance in line with the Annual Performance Plan (APP).
“This includes compiling quarterly performance and feedback reports. Managing and implementing the component’s risk register, developing and overseeing the Service Delivery Improvement Plan (SDIP) and compiling annual performance assessments,” said Kock.
He said in addition to his administrative duties, Moodley continues to leverage his technical expertise by providing vital support in operations, including radio communications and most recently, contributing to technical support for illicit mining operations. Kock said currently, he is leading the coordination of the Ministerial CCTV Camera Project in the Northern Cape.
“This initiative aims to enhance police safety by identifying high-risk security points at police stations and units and proposing appropriate technical solutions.
“Looking ahead, Moodley aspires to become a software developer focused on creating innovative AI technologies and algorithms that will increase efficiency and accuracy within SAPS,” he said.
Kock said Moodley is also committed to academic and professional development and this is clear in the qualifications he obtained. He said Moodley obtained a Diploma in Systems Development, Diploma in Cyber Security, Higher Certificate in Information Technology, and Certificates in Microsoft Mobility and Security, Artificial Intelligence in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and Information Systems: Technology and Business Models.
“This includes Strategic Planning and Management, Project Management and Operations Management Frameworks. Moodley lives by the personal motto: “Strive for progress, not perfection.”
Picture: One of the suspects nabbed for illegal mining/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
23 June 2025- Fifteen suspects aged between 22 and 50 were arrested across the Northern Cape for Contravention of the Immigration Act, illegal mining activities and possession of suspected unpolished diamonds. The arrests were the result of a multi-disciplinary, intelligence-driven operation conducted by members deployed under Operation Vala Umgodi in the Namakwa District.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said the police allegedly received a tip-off regarding nocturnal mining operations at a diamond site in Koingnaas. Pilane said acting swiftly on the intelligence, the proactive and combat teams tactically approached the identified location and successfully apprehended ten suspects actively engaged in illegal mining.
“The individuals were also found in possession of suspected unpolished diamonds. In a separate intervention within the Francis Baard District, teams under the leadership of the Provincial TAC-JOC Commander, Colonel Sebenzile Qunta, conducted disruptive operations at the Beefmaster illegal mining camp.
“A significant quantity of dagga was recovered during the action. Additionally, three suspects were arrested at a wholesale premises on Phakamile Mabija Street in Kimberley after they were found to be in the country without valid documentation,” he said.
Pilane further said on 20 June 2025, two more suspects were arrested in Longlands following intelligence reports of illegal mining activities in the area. He added that the police confiscated suspected diamond-bearing gravel, unpolished diamonds, and various equipment believed to have been used in the commission of illegal mining operations.
“All arrested individuals are expected to appear in the respective courts on 23 June 2025. The South African Police Service in the Northern Cape remains resolute in its efforts to combat illegal mining and other forms of criminality,” said Pilane.
He said the members of the public are urged to report any suspicious activities anonymously via the MySAPS App or the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.
Picture: One of the victims of Eastern Cape floods carried away/Sowetan
By REGINALD KANYANE
23 June 2025- The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) on Sunday conveyed condolences to families that lost their loved ones in the devastating floods in the Eastern Cape. This is as the death toll climbed to 92 after two more bodies were recovered.
SAUCIC President Cardinal Archbishop Dr Modiri Patrick Shole said their thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families, including those who are still searching for their loved ones in ongoing search and recovery operations. Shole said they also wish those who survived the worst natural disaster in the history of the country a speedy recovery.
“We would like to commend the government’s speedy intervention that has resulted in restoration of critical services such as water and electricity, roll-out of relief effort and declaration of a State of Disaster to assist flood victims.
“This includes the deployment of members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to bolster search and recovery operations. We also express appreciation for the supporting role played by the churches and traditional leaders,” he said.
Shole further said this includes coordination by the National and Provincial government, the Department of Social Development, the OR Tambo and Amathole District Municipalities, NGO’s as well as humanitarian organisations like Gift of the Givers. He added that the rate at which their rural communities are experiencing natural disasters as a result of climate change calls for a review of disaster management strategies.
“This calls for protocols to empower communities to respond timeously and adequately whenever they experience such disasters. So, we appeal for compassion for victims emphasizing that those who were left displaced and homeless must be speedily assisted to rebuild their lives.
“Accountability mechanism must be put in place to safeguard mobilised resources against opportunistic and corrupt elements that will not resist the temptation to benefit at the expense of the plight of victims,” said Shole.
He stressed that infrastructure development including rollout of housing as well as road construction projects including the on-going project to build access bridges through the Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme must be expanded to mitigate against flooding.
Shole said while they acknowledge that the inherited infrastructure backlog is huge, no effort must be spared to ensure that their rural communities are not left behind.
Picture: A teenager pregnant while still attending school/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
23 June 2025- The North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie calls on various communities to join hands with the government in its effort to curb teenage pregnancy in the province. Dantjie’s plea follows the recent cases of statutory rape involving three young girls in Christiana.
She further said three cases were reported to Lekwa Teemane Service Point on 19 June 2025, by the police after the nursing sister and medical practitioner filed the cases following consultations with three teenage girls aged 14 and 15. Dantjie added that the other minor’s age is still to be confirmed.
“The three visited the local clinic and were confirmed to be pregnant. The absence of parental accompaniment during their clinic visits raised significant concerns regarding inadequate parental care and supervision.
“Upon preliminary investigation conducted by professional social workers comprised of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) social worker, probation officer and ward supervisor, it was discovered that two of the three minor girls aged 14 and 15, had already given birth while the other one is expected to give birth in August 2025,” she said.
Dantjie said a girl (14), was impregnated by a boy (17), a girl (16) by a man (18), while the age of the boyfriend of a girl (15) is still to be verified. She expressed disappointment on the three statutory rape cases.
“The government has implemented measures to address teenage pregnancy in schools such as the integrated school health programme, which is led by the North West Department Education, Health and Social Development.
“These programmes include family preservation. Our department has also partnered with the Shout it Now organisation to educate young people about HIV, teenage pregnancy and other social ills across the province,” said Dantjie.
She said: “We cannot be deterred by these incidents in our resolve to prevent teenage pregnancy and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in our communities.
“Our social workers, including our social cluster departments and the civil society organisations are on the ground to break the barrier of ignorance among young girls by educating them about teenage pregnancy and other social pathologies that are tormenting our communities.”
Dantjie said that the issue of teenage pregnancy requires the collaborative efforts of key role players, which include parents, teachers, guardians and the community at large. She said social workers will continue to render family preservation services, psychosocial support and parenting skills to the young girls.
“They will also be referred to a psychologist in order to prevent them from possible cyber bullying and stigmatisation.
“In addition, the probation officer will ensure that therapeutic services are rendered through possible diversion programmes to the alleged perpetrators if deemed appropriate after thorough investigation,” said Dantjie.
Picture: Some of drugs seized by the police/Supplied
By AGISANANG SCUFF
23 June 2025- Four suspects were arrested for allegedly dealing with drugs during intensified Operation Shanela II in ZFM District on Friday. The operation activities have the yielded good results.
The ZFM District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said a Crime Intelligence-driven operation by Upington Border Police assisted by K9 unit, led to the apprehension suspects. Masegela said the police allegedly received tip-off about drugs to be delivered at one of the premises in Paballelo.
“The police operationalised the information. The police searched the said premises and discovered dagga to the value of R 33 350. They then arrested three suspects aged 22, 28, and 38, respectively.
“Furthermore, a man (31) allegedly found in possession of mandrax tablets and methamphetamine with an estimated value of R123 000 was arrested,” she said.
Masegela further said in addition, the police also confiscated cellphones and a scale believed to be used in the commission of crime. She added that, in an unrelated incident, the police in Keimoes closed down an illegal liquor outlet and seized liquor amounting to R15 000.
“An elderly man was charged for Contravention of the Northern Cape Liquor Act. The relentlessness actions by the members to eradicate drugs and other related crimes were commended by the District Commissioner of ZFM, Major General Monica Sebili, who urged the community to continue reporting illicit drug dealing.
“The police will continue tighten grip and continue unabatedly to minimize the space for criminal activity in the ZFM District,” said Masegela.
Picture: The police conducting stop and search campaign/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
23 June 2025- More than 218 suspects were arrested in Northern Cape for various crimes during the concerted efforts of Operation Shanela II, which is a weekly multi-disciplinary, high-density crime-combatting initiative. The police said the operation will continue to drive an integrated and strategic national response to criminal activities across the Northern Cape.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Sergio Kock said the latest phase of the operation ran from 16 until 22 June 2025 and focused primarily on reducing contact and violent crimes in identified hotspot areas. Kock said the policing actions were executed during this period, which included vehicle checkpoints (VCPs), stop-and-search operations, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, and activities targeting drug and contraband smuggling.
“Across the province, numerous VCPs and roadblocks resulted in 2,799 vehicles and 4,707 individuals being stopped and searched. Compliance inspections were conducted at second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, recycling centers, private security companies, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses.
“This includes farms and mining operations. As part of broader community safety efforts, SAPS, together the Community Policing structures, representatives from the Department of Education, as well as other structures and NGO’s in support of the Safer Schools Programme visited several schools in the districts as a form of creating awareness with regard to crime trends, especially child protection,” said Kock.
He further said in line with Youth Month, SAPS and its partners also hosted various events under the theme: “Skills for the Changing World – Empowering Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation.” Kock added that, operational successes recorded during the week included arrests for murder, attempted murder, rape, robbery,
assault, burglary, malicious damage to property,
drug dealing and possession,
driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and
harboring of undocumented foreign nationals.
“Detectives executed tracing operations to focus on the apprehension of wanted suspects.
“The police further confiscated large quantities of alcoholic beverages, illicit drugs, non-ferrous metals, and cash suspected to be proceeds of criminal activity,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, reaffirmed that Operation Shanela II represents a strategic realignment of resources and expertise.
“Our objective is to mitigate the impact of crime on public safety and economic growth, creating a secure environment that fosters domestic prosperity and attracts international investment,” she stated,” she said.
The Guardian 