SAUCIC calls for a probe over allegations levelled against Minister of Police, NPA and MPs

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Picture: The Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu

By REGINALD KANYANE

7 July 2025- The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) on Monday appealed for calm as it reflected on the damning interference allegations levelled by the Kwazulu Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi against Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, the National Deputy Commissioner for Crime Intelligence, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, the National Prosecution Agency (NPA), Members of Parliament (MPs) and other officials.

SANCIC has expressed confidence that the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa will immediately on his return from the BRICS Summit in Brazil, expedite the establishment of an independent judicial body to speedily investigate the allegations. 

SAUCIC President Cardinal Archbishop Dr Modiri Patrick Shole said, while they respect and appreciate the work that Mkhwanazi has been doing to combat violent crime in KwaZulu-Natal, they are convinced that he should have followed prescribed South African Police Service (SAPS) processes, protocols and procedures laid down in the Criminal Procedure Act, as well adhered to the SAPS Code of Conduct in dealing with the issues at hand. Shole further pointed out that the ‘court of public opinion’ that Mkhwanazi chose, undermined fundamental principles that underpin the rule of law such as the right of accused persons to be assumed innocent until proven guilty in a properly constituted court of law.

“The court of public opinion is like a kangaroo court, which does not afford the accused persons the dignity as well as their right to adequately respond to allegations levelled against them in the spirit of Audi alterum partem.

“Whatever provincial dynamics should not supersede accountability nor compromise law enforcement that must guarantee the safety and protection of citizens. This is not a moment for populism, cheap politicking and grandstanding,” he said.

Shole added that escalating this issue to Parliament will not serve the course of justice, but simply provide political parties with yet another item to jostle for relevance in order to play to the public gallery while matters of national security are at stake. He said whatever preliminary investigation to be instituted should not exceed a month.

“The country cannot afford to be destabilised by those who wish to plunge it into chaos for the benefit of criminal syndicates and political opportunists that are working tirelessly to spark civil unrest for another July insurrection,” Shole underscored. 

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Serori se se tsamaisang borotho se tshwerwe poo

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Setshwantsho-papiso- Serori se se tsamaisang borotho

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

7 Phukwi 2025- Badiri ba bakery ba le babedi ba dingwaga di le 29 le 32 ba tshwerwe poo. Go begwa fa badiri ba, ba ne ba tsamaisa borotho kwa mabenkeleng a farologanong go ralala Taung.

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are, go begwa fa badiri ba ba ile ba tshwarwa poo kwa motseng wa Modutung, gaufi le Taung mo letsatsing la Lamatlhatso. Van Rooyen are go begwa fa badiri ba, ba ile ba kgorogelwa ke banna ba le bane ba ba neng ba rwele dithiba-matlho.

“Go begwa fa badiri ba, ba ile ba shupiwa ka sethunya, mme ba pateletswa go tsena kwa morago ga serori se. Badiri ba, ba ile ba thopiwa ka dikgoka. Go begwa fa banna ba, ba ile ba kgweetsa serori se sa borotho go leba kwa nageng kwa motseng wa Granspan. Badiri ba, ba bega fa ba ile ba tseelwa madi a seatleng le megala ya letheka pele ga ba ka puagangwa.

“Go begwa fa banna bao, ba ile ba innaya naga, mme ba tlogela badiri ba ba gaeletswe kwa morago ga serori. Go begwa fa badiri ba, ba ile ba thusiwa ke bafeti-ka-tsela. Ga gona ope o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.

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Monna wa kwa Mokassa 2 o nyeletse

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

7 Phukwi 2025- Monna wa dingwaga di le 19, wa kwa motseng wa Mokassa 2, gaufi le Taung o nyeletse. Go begwa fa Paballo Chapman a ile a nyelela fa kgwedi ya Phukwi ene e tlhola matsatsi a le 4.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa va Rooyen are Chapman one a apere tracksuit ya mmala wa botala jwa legodimo le bosweu, di tekkie tse dintsho tsa Addidas le tlhoro e pududu.

“Ga re belaele fa go ka tswa go na le botsukunape mo kgannyeng e. Re ikuela go mongwe le mongwe o a ka tswang a na le kitso ka go nyelela ga monna o, a ka letsetsa sepodisi go ka neelana ka pegelo,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.

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Lack of water at Hester Malan Hospital becomes health and safety hazard to patients and staff

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Picture: A lack of water and growing mounds of unwashed linen, gowns and scrubs/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE  

7 July 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it demands action to restore water to Hester Malan Hospital in Douglas. The DA said as the Hester Malan Hospital in Douglas enters its second month with no water, they demand answers and action from the Northern Cape MEC for Health, Maruping Lekwene.

The DA spokesperson on Health and a Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in Northern Cape, Isak Fritz said they conducted an oversight inspection to the hospital on 28 June 2025, after receiving complaints about a lack of water and growing mounds of unwashed linen, gowns and scrubs. Fritz said the hospital has become a health and safety hazard to patients and staff because infection controls measures cannot be fully implemented.

“In addition to the risk posed by contaminated laundry, patients also cannot properly clean themselves, having to rely on containers of cold water as temperatures plummet. Doctors and nurses cannot adequately wash their hands, risking cross contamination.

“Wards, bathrooms and public waiting areas cannot be adequately sanitized. The situation also poses a critical threat to kitchen hygiene and food preparation,” he said.

Fritz further said despite visiting the hospital, he has not managed to establish the underlying cause of the water shortage, as staff at the hospital refused to speak to him. He added that, the direct calls made from the hospital to Northern Cape for Health, Maruping Lekwene, as well as the acting Health Head of Department (HOD), Mxolisi Mlatha, and the Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, also remain unanswered.

“The DA condemns the pitiful response to the water crisis at Hester Malan Hospital by operational management and political leadership. By ignoring this serious failure, they are also neglecting to stand up for the sick people of this province.

“I will make my dissatisfaction known to the HOD, MEC and Premier, in writing. I will also raise my misgivings about the health department’s commitment towards quality health care at next week’s budget meeting, insisting on an explanation and a definite turn-around time for the restoration of water to the facility,” said Fritz.

He said Lekwene, Mlatha and Saul can snub them, but they will not silence them in their fight for better healthcare.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Department of Health spokesperson, Lebogang Mahaja failed to respond to The Guardian Newspaper’s media inquiry even though he promised to do so a week ago.

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Gomora United FC crowned 2024/25 ABC Motsepe League Champions

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Picture: The Gomora United FC players in celebratory mood/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

7 July 2025 – Gomora United won the 2024/25 ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs after beating The Bees 2-1 at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Sunday afternoon. Xola Mosiea opened the scoring in the 21st minute and Moses Mokasi increased the lead to 2-0 in the 51st minute to put Gomora in command of the match.

Lebogang Lingela pulled one back for The Bees in the 83rd minute to ensure a frantic finish to the game. The two finalists, Gomora and The Bees, and third-place finishers Midlands Wanderers, have all gained promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship at the conclusion of the ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs on Sunday.

Gomora walked away with R1250 000, the glittering trophy and gold medals, while The Bees will pocket R600 000 and silver.

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A ‘drunk’ cop while on duty under scrutiny

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Picture: A cop who is believed to be a Station Commander at Bethanie Police Station is accused of being drunk while on duty/Screengrab

By OBAKENG MAJE

7 July 2025- The South African Police Services (SAPS) in North West said it has seen a video that is widely circulated on the TikTok social media platform, which shows a group of people accusing a police officer who is believed to be the Station Commander of Bethanie Police Station of reeking of alcohol and being under the influence of liquor while in uniform and on duty.

The acting North West Commissioner, Major General PatrickAsaneng said that ill-discipline and intemperate behaviour by members shall not be tolerated. Asaneng said they view the video including the allegations in a very serious light and has instructed the District Commissioner to immediately investigate the allegations, which if indeed true amounts not only to serious misconduct, but also a criminal offence.

“These allegations cannot and should not be taken lightly as they are damaging to the integrity and professional image of the SAPS further contributing to the trust deficit between the police and the community.

“It is therefore important that such allegations be investigated expeditiously, which will require the cooperation of all the witnesses. Preliminary investigation indicates that the people who can assist in expediting this investigation are two members of the Patriotic Alliance and Operation Dudula who came from Gauteng to support the group in Bethanie,” he said.

Asaneng further said efforts have been made by talking to locals to obtain evidence and it has been indicated that the two are the best placed to help unravel the allegations against the police officer. He added that, the SAPS is therefore, calling upon the two to urgently contact the District Commissioner or the Provincial Corporate Communication & Liaison to assist in this investigation.

“It is equally important to point out that this matter shall be investigated without fear, favour or prejudice. The two possible witnesses are further advised that making and publicising information of such a serious nature without reporting it to the relevant authorities may result in them being charged for defeating or obstructing the course of justice.

“It is a criminal offence to obstruct, interfere or hinder the police in the execution of their duties including maliciously circulating false or defamatory statements,” said Asaneng.

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25 initiates rescued from illegal initiation

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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.

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North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua calls on senior managers to put ‘shoulders to the wheel’

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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.

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Ramaphosa to take action after explosive corruption allegations levelled against Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu and SAPS top brass

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

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.

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236 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

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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.

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