244 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

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Picture: Police busy with stop and search during Operation Shanela/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

9 June 2025- The police in Northern Cape said high density multi-disciplinary operation, Operation Shanela, remains steadfast and intentional in its quest to stabilize crime in high crime areas throughout the province. The police said a week long operations in the province, has netted 244 persons for various crimes including murder, attempted murder, rape, assault GBH, dealing in drugs and illegal dealing in liquor.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson,

Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien said detectives also executed tracing operations during which 63 wanted suspects were apprehended for evading arrests or failing to honour court appearances. Gamieldien said compliance inspections at numerous liquor outlets, second-hand dealers, recyclers, informal business establishments, hostels and unlicensed liquor outlets were conducted.

“Disruptive actions included roadblocks, VCPs, intensified blue light patrols, high visibility actions at shopping malls and complexes. Large volumes of alcoholic beverages were seized, while homebrewed concoctions were destroyed during compliance inspections at illegal liquor outlets.

“Drugs were also seized during stop and searches as well raids at identified locations. This week also seen numerous social crime prevention initiatives and programmes conducted at schools as part of the Child Protection Week campaign,” she said.

Gamieldien further said police convened community meetings to encourage collaboration between law enforcement and the community to prevent and combat crime. She added that, illicit cigarettes were also seized during a joint operation on 6 June 2025, in Rosedale amounting to almost R1.8 million.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola and the Northern Cape MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Limakatso Koloi, together with stakeholders and departments hosted a very successful Crime Indaba in Mothibistad. Otola cited that, Operation Shanela will continue to promote better relationships between law enforcement and the community.

“We encourage cooperation and collaboration in crime prevention efforts. We highly appreciate and commend the support and assistance of all external stakeholders in this collective fight against crime,” she said.

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Bopaganang Secondary School principal back in court

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Picture: Bopaganang Secondary School principal, Boitumelo Cynthia Gopane

By AGISANANG SCUFF

9 June 2025- A corruption case against Bopaganang Secondary School principal, Boitumelo Cynthia Gopane (56) in Vryburg, will resume at Vryburg Magistrate’s Court today. Gopane was arrested by the members of the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation on 30 May 2025, for alleged corruption.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said Gopane’s arrest follows an investigation into allegations of soliciting gratification from a complainant in exchange for a contract teacher post. Mathebula said it is alleged that in June 2024, the suspect promised the complainant a contract teaching post on condition that the complainant pays her R30 000.

“The complainant allegedly paid the suspect R25 000 and another R5 500 at a later stage. The complainant was subsequently hired. Following an investigation, the suspect was apprehended and charged with two counts of corruption.

“She briefly appeared in the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on 2 June 2025. Gopane made an urgent bail application in the North West High Court on 1 June 2025. She was subsequently released on R2000 bail and her matter was postponed to 9 June 2025,” he said.

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Kgetsi ya polao ya kwa Majaneng e boela kwa kgotlhatshekelo

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Setshwantsho: Monna o bolaile tsala ya gagwe ka thipa

Ka KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

9 Seetebosigo 2025- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le monna (35) wa kwa motseng wa Majaneng, gaufi le Taung, e tla boela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno. Motseothata Nelson Seoleseng, yo o kwa ntlo-lefitshwaneng, o latofadiwa ka go tlhaba tsala ya gagwe, Mosimanegape Adam van Wyk (31) ka thiba go fitlhelela a tlhokafala.

Tiragalo e, e diragetse dikgwedi di le mmalwa kwa motseng wa Majaneng. Go begwa fa Seoleseng ga mmogo le moswi, ba ne ba le mmogo, mme ba ile ba ya kwa gabo molatofadiwa ko ba fitlhetseng morwa rragwe molatofadiwa ana le lekgarebe la gagwe.

Mongwe wa bo maratahelele wa tlhalosa: “Go begwa fa go ile ga runya kgakgauthano ya mafoko ma gareng ga molatofadiwa le monnawe. Sebakwa sa kgakgauthano ke gore, molatofadiwa one a botsa monnawe gore goreng a tlisa lekgarebe kwa gagabo.

“Ene ya re fa e ya matsogong, tsala ya molatofadiwa, van Wyk, one a leka go tsiriganya. Fela go begwa fa molatofadiwa a ne a mo tsogela kgatlhanong, mme a mo tsatsanka ka thipa. Go ya ka dipego, moswi one a rwalelwa kwa bookelong jwa sedika jwa Taung, fela one a balelelwa le badimo mo letsatsing le le latelang.”

Go begwa fa kgetsi ya polao ene ya bulwa, mme mmelaelwa one a tshwarwa.

Kgabagage, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are, kgetsi ya polao e butswe. Kgetsi e ne ya busediwa morago go fitlha 9 Seetebosigo 2025, fa dipaltisiso di tsweletse.   

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Ipelegeng murder case back in court

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Picture: The deceased, Onalenna Mafane

By REGINALD KANYANE

9 June 2025- A case of assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), malicious damage to property and murder against three accused, Reginald Sepoko Moeme (30), Tumelo Ernest Riberry Bart (26) and Otlotleng Berry Kagisho Segole (28), will resume today in the Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court. Moeme, Bart and Segole, were arrested following the outbreak of violent confrontations apparently between two local rival groups known as TRT allegedly operating from the Ahmed Kathrada Section and the Hawks Patrollers from Extension 8, in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke. 

The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said in response to this violence which posed a serious threat to peace and stability in Ipelegeng Township, he immediately directed the acting Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Commissioner, Brigadier Tshelo Tlotleng, to activate the Joint Operational Command Centre (JOC). Asaneng said the JOC was constituted by among others, local ward councillors, Community Police Forum (CPF), local businesses, taxi associations, different government departments such as the Department of Education, Health and Traffic to ensure that the situation is dealt with speedily and without further escalation of unrest and tension.

“In order to speedily respond to this public unrest, Tlotleng has further issued a stern warning to those involved and  instructed that those responsible for incitement of  public violence that have seen throngs of mostly youth from these rival groupings running amok in Ipelegeng, be identified, tracked and arrested.

“Unfortunately this senseless anarchy and violence has resulted in the brutal death of Onalenna Mafane (19). Mafane was allegedly found lying dead with stab wounds in the chest on Tuesday evening, 20 May 2025, along the Amalia/Schweizer-Reneke road,” he said.

Asaneng further said the reports of local residents, neighbours, friends and fellow residents, including adults brandishing and attacking one another with an assortment of dangerous weapons points to a serious disintegration of the social fabric and moral decay within Ipelegeng.

He added that, the public violence in Ipelegeng is not a spontaneous occurrence, but the result of a long primed ticking time-bomb which happened under the watch of parents and community leaders.

“Surely the signs have been there for local community leaders and parents, who should have acted swiftly and decisively. This violent confrontation involving mostly young persons could have been averted,” said Asaneng.

He said they have deployed a large contingent of police units that include Public Order Police (POP), Provincial Anti-Gang, Tactical Response Team (TRT), Mounted Unit and K9 to normalise the situation and to prevent damage to public and private property, loss of lives, injuries and the escalation of violence that may result in the disruption of day-to-day activities, which include schooling, public transport, businesses, health and emergency services.

Meanwhile, Moeme is facing four cases including two of assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), malicious damage to property and a murder. Bart and Segole are both linked to a house robbery case.

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A probe into Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality inferno

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Picture: The Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality offices up in flames/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

9 June 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi to immediately commission a comprehensive forensic investigation into the burning of the Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality offices in Christiana. The municipal offices went up in flames on Saturday night and the cause of the fire is still unknown.

The DA spokesperson on SCOPA in the North West Provincial Legislature, Freddy Sonakile asked when governance burns, who benefits? Sonakile said they call for an urgent probe into the Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality inferno.

“It is not the first time that public infrastructure has gone up in flames in Lekwa-Teemane. Over the years, the municipality has seen fires consume critical facilities, including the town hall, a clinic, and a hospital.

“The pattern is deeply troubling and demands urgent scrutiny. This latest fire comes just days after the municipality appeared before the North West Provincial Legislature’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA), where members expressed outrage at the municipality’s disclaimed audit opinion,” he said.

Sonakile further said this includes the lack of proper supporting documentation. He added that the timing of this fire raises serious concerns and cannot be ignored.

“Facts must be confronted. The committee itself was unequivocal. Destroying or failing to safeguard public records is a criminal offence under the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa Act.

“The forensic investigation must establish the whereabouts and responsibilities of municipal security personnel at the time of the fire. Whether the municipal offices and their contents were insured and whether this incident may be linked to a deliberate attempt to destroy evidence relevant to financial mismanagement or maladministration,” said Sonakile.

He said in addition, they call on law enforcement authorities to urgently open and pursue a criminal case of arson and for both investigations to be concluded without delay, with findings made fully public. Sonakile said they are determined to uncover the truth.

“The people of Lekwa-Teemane deserve transparency, accountability and justice, not ashes where governance should stand,” he said.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said: “At this stage, enquiry has been registered regarding the incident and investigations are underway.”

*Meanwhile, the Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality mayor, Sebang Motlhabi was not available for comment as his phone rang unanswered. His response will be incorporated in the article when received.

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Health crisis at Bophelong Hospital

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Picture: Bophelo Hospital in Mahikeng

By OBAKENG MAJE

9 June 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in North West said it has formally written to the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, demanding a full investigation and immediate intervention regarding the state of healthcare services at Bophelong Hospital in Mahikeng. This comes after allegations that there is a health crisis at the hospital.

The DA councillor in Tswaing Local Municipality, Kagiso Magwejane said patients were allegedly left unattended for over a month. Magwejane said these patients have been admitted for extended periods.

“Some for over a month without receiving the critical surgical procedures urgently required. Patients admitted with fractures are being subjected to repeated surgical postponements without proper consultation or reasonable explanation.

“In one instance, surgery was postponed five consecutive times, with the latest cancellation occurring on 23 May 2025. Like many others, patients have to fast from 10pm the previous night in preparation for the procedure, only to be informed on the morning of the surgery about the cancellation due to a shortage of available nurses for the theatre,” he said.

Magwejane further said this is not an isolated case as several patients have shared similar ordeals. He added that some have been discharged without being operated on and told they will only be called back once the theatre becomes available—an alarming practice that poses a serious risk to their health and recovery.

“This situation is not only emotionally distressing, but also medically dangerous. Patients are suffering unnecessarily, while their conditions worsen.

“It is clear that Bophelong Hospital is struggling with severe staff shortages, poor planning, and a breakdown of internal systems. This points to a broader crisis in our provincial healthcare system—one that is failing the very people it is meant to serve,” said Magwejane.

He said they were calling for urgent action. Magwejane said they will also engage with Hendriette Huyssteen, the DA’s Provincial Spokesperson on Health, to urgently conduct an oversight visit to Bophelong Hospital.

“Our communities deserve better. The health and dignity of our people cannot be compromised any longer,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tshegofatso Mothibedi who admitted that there is a shortage of nurses at the hospital said, the department is finalizing the process to recruit nurses to stabilise the operating theatre by 30 June 2025. Mothibedi said they will increase theatre operational time and number of operating theatres over weekends.

“Yes, some surgeries have been postponed multiple times over the past month due to shortage of staff. Not all surgeries could be performed hence some postponement.

“This is due to the retirements as well as resignations for greener pastures and unexpected sick leaves,” he said.

Mothibedi said an average of 45 operations scheduled for April and May 2025, were cancelled. He said if operations are not an emergency, the waiting time is plus minus 6 weeks.

“Recruitment of nursing staff and increasing theatre times to manage the backlog. It is not standard procedure for patients to be released without being operated on, however, emergency cases are prioritized within the hospital.

“Those found not to be of emergency by nature would be discharged following stabilization and will be booked for an elective surgery. Those that need emergency operations that cannot be done internally are referred to other hospitals within the province,” said Mothibedi.

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Acting North West Premier congratulates 2025 Comrade Marathon winner, Tete Dijana

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Picture: The 2025 Comrade Marathon winner, Tete Dijana

By REGINALD KANYANE

8 June 2025- The acting North West Premier, Kenetswe Mosenogi has congratulated Tete Dijana on his remarkable victory at the 2025 Comrades Marathon. This comes after Dijana secured his third Comrades Marathon title for the third time.

Dijana won the title back in 2022 and 2023.

Mosenogi said Dijana has once again made the North West province proud. She further said, notably, the North West province dominated the top finishers, with five athletes placing in the top ten, Tete Dijana (1st), Edward Mothibi (4th), Joseph Manyedi (5th) and Gordon Lesetedi (9th). Mosenogi added the province has shown recent dominance in the Comrades Marathon, with several athletes consistently achieving top honours.

“We congratulate Tete Dijana, Edward Mothibi, Joseph Manyedi and Gordon Lesetedi for proudly putting the North West province on the map with their outstanding performances at this year’s Comrades Marathon.

“This impressive success extends beyond the Comrades, with other provincial athletes excelling in major events such as the Two Oceans Marathon, won by Onalenna Khonkhobe in 2024,” she said.

Mosenogi said the North West Provincial Government remains committed to supporting athletes across various disciplines, and these victories reflect the positive outcomes of their ongoing investment in sports development. She said plans are underway to honour this champion as well as all participants with a heroes’ welcome soon.

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Committee directs Alexkor to meet with aggrieved mining contractors

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Picture: Mine workers on duty/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

8 June 2025- The Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources said it has directed Alexkor to meet with aggrieved mining contractors to find a solution to the ongoing disputes and report back to the committee. On Sunday, the committee met with the contractors in Alexander Bay in the Northern Cape during its three-day oversight visit to Alexkor.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Mikateko Mahlaule said, Gavin Graythorne, who petitioned the Speaker of the National Assembly to investigate corruption allegations at Alexkor, was also present in the meeting. Mahlaule said after the meeting, the committee inspected some dilapidated community infrastructure in Alexander Bay and called on Alexkor to speed up the process of handing over the town to the Richtersveld Local Municipality, which must take over service delivery.

He further said on Saturday, the committee met with the Richtersveld Local Municipality in Port Nolloth and community members in Sanddrift village. Mikateko added that, although the municipality told the committee about its good working relationship with Alexkor, the Richtersveld community members had nothing positive to say about the company.

“They complained about Alexkor’s failure to implement most of the directives from the Deeds of Settlement, including the provision of a clinic. Mining operations at Alexkor are handled through a Pooling and Sharing Joint Venture (PSJV) between Alexkor and Richtersveld Mining Company (RMC).

“Alexkor owns 51% of the mine, and RMC owns 49%. However, both companies have equal representation on the PSJV Board. RMC is a subsidiary of Richtersveld Investment Holding, which was established by the Richtersveld Community Property Association after successfully claiming the land where the Alexkor mine is located,” he said.

Mikateko said the committee will provide feedback to Didiza on the steps it took to process the petition as it was referred to it.

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11 suspects nabbed during Operation Vala Umgodi

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Picture: Some of the suspects arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

June 2025- Eleven suspects aged between 29 and 44 were arrested at illegal mining hot-spots in the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts during Operation Vala Umgodi. The police said the disruptive actions were conducted by the multi-disciplinary pro-active and combat teams deployed from 3 until 6 June 2025 in the Kimberley and Kleinzee area.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said during the operations, members received a tip-off about suspected illegal miners hiding at a Game Reserve Farm, near Koingnaas. Pilane said the police operationalised the information and nine men were arrested.

“They were charged with various offences, including Contravention of Immigration laws, trespassing and possession of unpolished diamonds.

“Meanwhile, two men were arrested for Contravention of Immigration Laws when members were conducting compliance inspections and the owner was issued with a fine for employing an undocumented person in Beaconsfield in Kimberley,” he said.

Pilane further said various mining implements were confiscated at disused mine dumps in both districts. He added that the fight against illegal mining remains a priority for the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape and efforts will be intensified to dismantle these operations.

“Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious criminal activities via the MYSAPS App or the 08600 10111 crime stop number,” said Pilane.

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SADC Parliamentary Forum concludes 57th assembly

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By REGINALD KANYANE

7 June 2025 – The Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) has concluded its 57th Plenary Assembly in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe with the adoption of several key resolutions on artificial intelligence and its impact on the work of legislatures. The Assembly started on 2 June 2025, and was convened under the theme: “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Effective and Efficient Parliamentary Processes in the SADC Region: Experiences, Challenges and Opportunities.”

On Tuesday, the Speaker of the National Assembly and leader of the South African delegation, Thoko Didiza, presented South Africa’s country report, highlighting the progress made in implementing resolutions adopted at the 56th Plenary Assembly, held in December 2024 in Zambia. In her presentation, Didiza outlined South Africa’s efforts to leverage technology and innovation in building a smart, inclusive and responsive Parliament.

She further noted how Parliament mobilised, allocated and used resources to support public health, particularly regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) financing. Didiza also added that, the restoration of Parliament’s fire-damaged buildings strongly focuses on ICT modernisation, which includes improved broadcasting systems, hybrid meeting platforms and upgraded data networks.

“A key priority is replacing the data centre, which was destroyed by water damage during the 2022 fire. These efforts aim to enhance members’ effectiveness and fulfil constitutional obligations, particularly Section 59, which mandates public access and participation in the legislative process.

“The recent signing of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act into law, is a significant step toward achieving universal health coverage. It has a potential impact on access to and funding for sexual and reproductive health services and described the Act as a milestone in the journey toward comprehensive, quality healthcare for all,” she said.

Meanwhile, during the session, South Africa presented three motions to the plenary. These included one by the Chief Whip of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Kenneth Mmoiemang.

He presented a motion titled: “Strengthening cyber security in the SADC region by creating institutional capacity and viable legal frameworks to respond to the growing cyber security threats in the region.”

“This motion called for strengthened regional cyber security and urged national parliaments to align their legal frameworks with the Malabo Convention and SADC Model Laws and for Member States to establish and adequately resource cyber security institutions.

“This includes investing in digital infrastructure, especially in rural areas, expanding education and training to build cyber security skills and promoting public-private partnerships and regional collaboration to share best practices and combat cyber threats,” said Mmoiemang.

Another member of the delegation, Bonginkosi Madikizela, who is a Member of the National Assembly (NA), presented a motion on increasing efforts to prevent the spread and impact of HIV/AIDS in the SADC region. Madikizela said this motion called on member states to intensify efforts to prevent the spread and impact of HIV/AIDS.

“We urge the expedited implementation of the SADC Declaration on Accelerating Action to End AIDS by 2030, also known as the Dar es Salaam Declaration, emphasising regional coordination and accountability,” he said.

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of Parliament (MP), Veronica Mente, presented a motion on the slow implementation of the SADC Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriage and Protecting Children Already in Marriage. Mente said this motion urged SADC member parliaments to take concrete action to combat child marriage by pressing their governments to adopt and implement the SADC Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriage.

“We call on governments to assign parliamentary committees to audit existing child protection and marriage laws, identify inconsistencies, and align them with the Model Law.

“Increasing funding for programmes that prevent child marriage, support survivors, and promote access to education, healthcare, and awareness, amending relevant national laws to meet regional and international child protection standards and calling on key ministries to create coordinated, multi-sectoral implementation plans with clear timelines, measurable outcomes and accountability structures,” she said.

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