11 May 2025– Five suspects were arrested in connection with illegal mining and drug-related activities. The suspects were arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said on 10 May 2025, the police received a tipoff regarding drug dealing at the Samaria Informal Settlement, near Ikapa Mine. Sam said the information was swiftly operationalised.
“Three suspects aged between 26 and 30, were arrested after police discovered mandrax tablets and cash believed to be proceeds of criminal activity at their premises. Continued efforts on 11 May 2025, led to the arrest of two additional suspects aged 38 and 42, for illegal mining at the Colville Old Mine.
“Numerous fines were also issued for violations of the Road Traffic Management Act during vehicle check points (VCPs) and stop-and-search operations conducted in both the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts,” he said.
Sam further said all arrested suspects are expected to appear in court soon. He added that Operation Vala Umgodi continues its relentless efforts to combat illegal mining activities across the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts in the Northern Cape.
“The operation remains a key initiative in asserting the authority of the state and curbing illegal mining and related crimes in the province. See something? SAY something. Report illegal mining to SAPS Crime Stop: 08600 10111 or MySAPS App,”said Sam.
11 May 2025– The South African Football Association (SAFA) said the alleged disinformation and coordinated attempt to effect regime change at the organisation continues with claims now that the SAFA president, Dr Danny Jordaan was paid more than R10 million from the association without the knowledge and approval of the National Executive Committee (NEC) in 2020. SAFA said these allegations are malicious and mischievous and quite frankly, laughable.
SAFA CEO, Lydia Monyepao said it is inconceivable that the basis of this latest smear emanates from someone who accessed the SAFA financial system illegally, misinterpreted the reports they generated and leaked it to third parties in a bid to generate this false narrative. Monyepao said the report that was obtained illegally relates to all payments made to Jordaan since 2007, and covers a period of 18 years during which time he held various positions in SAFA as CEO until 2008, CEO of the World Cup Bid Up until 2006 and CEO of the FIFA World Cup from 2006 until 2011.
“It also includes SAFA meeting allowances and honorariums, which were paid to all NEC members over a period exceeding 13 years. The Honorarium and NEC meeting allowance paid to all NEC members, separation payments between SAFA and President when he returned from deployment from the 2010 FIFA World Cup LOC
“Bonus paid to the Three Musketeers (Dr Danny Jordaan, Dr Irvin Khoza and Dr Molefi Oliphant) for securing the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which is a substantial portion of the amount that is being bandied about,” said Moneypao.
She further said this also includes payments from CAF, which are paid into the SAFA account for transfer to Jordaan. Monyepao added that these payments are made via the association’s bank accounts.
“All the payments made to the President over this period were properly authorized. All the above were also properly approved by the NEC at the time. Finally, this is part of the ongoing campaign directed at the SAFA President with a view of effecting regime change.
“We did provide this explanation to the Sunday newspaper that continues to peddle misinformation, and it is no surprise that the journalist deliberately ignored our full response,” she said.
10 May 2025- Two suspects aged 37 and 39 respectively, were arrested for alleged stock-theft. This comes after the multi-disciplinary team received a tip-off and conducted a tactical operation at the identified plot, resulting in the arrest of the suspects.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said 13 cattle with an estimated value of R130 000 believed to be stolen, were recovered at the scene. Shemane said the South African Police Service (SAPS) members in the ZF Mgcawu District, acted on information regarding suspected criminal activities involving livestock on grazing land, near Upington on the evening of Thursday, 8 May 2025, at approximately 21:30.
“The intelligence was operationalised with the assistance of specialised SAPS units, including the Upington Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (STESU), Upington Rural Safety, and the Upington Highway Patrol. The rightful owners of the livestock are currently unknown.
“The police are urging the public to come forward, if they may be missing cattle to report to their nearest police station and claim the livestock. They must however be in a position to have proof of ownership,” he said.
Shemane further said livestock owners are once again reminded to brand-mark their animals for easier identification and to assist in curbing stock theft. He added that, anyone with information that could assist in identifying the owners is requested to contact the Upington Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit at 079 529 3930 / 082 454 4849 / 054 337 3460/1, or alternatively the SAPS Crime Stop number at 08600 10111.
“The MySAPS App may also be used. All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality,” said Shemane.
Meanwhile, the ZF Mgcawu District Commissioner, Major General Monica Sebili, commended the SAPS team for their dedication and consistent efforts in combating crime.
10 May 2025- The police in Kenhardt are requesting the assistance of the public in locating Carl Ferus (24), who was last seen on 24 April 2025, at his residence at 1191 Brussel Street, Kenhardt. The police said unfortunately, it is unknown what he was wearing at the time of his disappearance.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said anyone with information that can assist in locating Ferus can contact the Investigating Officer Sergeant Andrew Hendriks st 082 495 4762 or the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app. Shemane said all information received will be treated confidentially.
“The public is reminded that there is no waiting period for reporting a missing person,” he said.
Picture: The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
10 May 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, welcomes the announcement of the initiation of discussions between the Ministers of Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) on how the DPWI can better support the police. Cameron said the initiation of interactions on a ministerial level is critical as it positively responds to recommendations by the portfolio committee that the DPWI provides enhanced support to SAPS.
He further said this was based on the deplorable conditions that members are exposed to at station level, which negatively impacts the overall morale and appetite to combat crime. Cameron added that, is cognisant of fiscal challenges currently facing all government departments, but remains of the view that there are low-hanging fruits that the DPWI can address to improve working conditions of SAPS.
“For example, the issue of maintenance is crucial and the removal of bureaucratic impediments that delay implementation should be resolved. Also, we highlighted the need for better project management in development projects for police stations.
“For example, it is unacceptable that building a police station takes 12 years, similar to the delays experienced in Vuwani, Limpopo. While we acknowledged the meeting as instructive, we emphasised that what is needed is the actual implementation of resolutions that arise out of the engagement,” said Cameron.
He said the implementation has always been a drawback in South Africa and they hope that this engagement will lead to faster implementation of interventions. Camerona said the committee will await tangible and actionable plans on how the DPWI will improve its services to the SAPS to enable the committee to monitor implementation.
Picture: ANC Chief Whip,Motlalepula Rosho after her graduation at the NWU (Mahikeng Campus)
By REGINALD KANYANE
10 May 2025-The African National Congress (ANC) Caucus in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) on Friday, congratulated its Chief Whip, Motlalepula Ziphorah Rosho, who earlier in the day obtained a Masters Degree in Communication from the North West University (NWU) at a graduation ceremony held at the NWU Mahikeng Campus Great Hall.
Rosho who held an Honours Degree in Communication prior her graduation for the Masters’ Degree whose dissertation is titled “Examining Stakeholder Perception- A participatory Development Communication Study on the Establishment of JB Marks Local Municipality” is a journalist by profession having attained her first journalism Diploma through Birman Business College.
She also has a leadership Diploma from UNISA and a Postgraduate Diploma on Leadership and African studies from the University of Johannesburg. Rosho’s communication skills were honed when she served the ANC Department of Information and Publicity (DIP) as a Media Organiser for the first 1994 democratic elections.
She also had a stint as an investigative journalist and unleashed her potential when she volunteered her services for the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) between 1992-1993. Rosho had also worked as a media organiser for the then Western Transvaal and Northern Cape ANC Regions, as well as served as a member of SANCO’s subcommittee on Media Relations.
Rosho among others, also served as Media Liaison Officer for the MEC for Agriculture, Conservation, Environment and Tourism, senior manager in various Directorates of management, i.e. Provincial Growth and Development Strategy and Human Resource Development Director before her election as a public representative in 2009.
She had served as Deputy Speaker and Chairperson of the Public Accounts Portfolio Committee of the NWPL (2009-2010), MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism from 2012-2014, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development as well as Chairperson of the Local Government & Human Settlements Portfolio Committee and subsequently served as MEC for the same portfolio for six months.
Though the workaholic Rosho served as MEC for Provincial Treasury in the 6th administration for a full term, her community activism including passion for development, good governance, accountability and communication remain unquenched. Rosho also served SANCO as Head of its Media and Communications Sub Committee during her tenure as a Member of its National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Working Committee (NWC).
Hers has indeed been a lifelong journey of learning and selfless contribution hence the ANC caucus applauds the milestone she has achieved as an inspiration that should be celebrated as part of her quest to study while also serving and contributing solutions to the development challenges facing North West communities. Rosho’s resolve to overcome a gruelling and tight work schedule to achieve this academic milestone was not a small feat.
10 May 2025 – Neo Maema will captain the South African side that will face Malawi in a crucial African Nations Championship (CHAN) second leg qualifier at Loftus Stadium on Sunday.
Kickoff is at 3pm.
Maema missed the first leg in Lilongwe due to club commitments and Kwanda Mngonyama captained the team in his absence. Malawi beat coach Molefi Ntseki’s side 1-0 courtesy of a late 88th-minute goal by Zeliat Nkhoma and the South Africans will be looking to reverse the result if they are to qualify for the CHAN.
Ntseki confirmed that he is reverting back to Maema, who captained the team in the previous CHAN qualifying round when the South Africans beat Egypt 4-2 on aggregate, including an impressive away 3-1 victory in Ismailia.
“In the previous camp (against Egypt in March), Maema was voted as captain of the team. The captain for the Malawi match is in the camp, but the captain is back. As of now, Maema is the team captain.
“Kwanda was given the armband for the match against Malawi and he is fully aware of the change. When SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan came to visit the team in camp this week, the captain had to address the President and everybody,” he said.
Ntseki further said they will be going back to Maema as the captain of the team and then have Kwanda as his deputy. He added that Maema was happy to be back in the fold and he said he would do his utmost to help the team reverse the first leg result and clinch qualification to the CHAN tournament.
“Some of the players here don’t play much in their teams, me included, so it’s always nice before the big occasion to just put (in the work) and see how far we are as a team, so that the coaches prepare us in a proper way, so that come Sunday, we get the results.
“I mean it has been twelve years since we qualified for the competition, and as a leader of the team, it is very important that I encourage the guys and tell them it is very important for us to make it to the CHAN tournament, and it will be history with this group of players,”said Maema.
He said it is not only just about this game or qualifying, but also about putting their names in the history books, which is important for them in their careers, individually and as a team.
Tickets to Sunday’s match are available at Ticketpro and other participating outlets. Ticketpro – South Africa vs Malawi – 11 May 2025.
9 Motsheganong 2025- Sepodisi sa Taung se boloditse dipatlisiso tsa go bolaya lesea le le sa tswang go belegwa (birth concealment). Se se tla morago ga gore lesea le le sa tswang go belegwa, le bonwe le latlhetswe kwa phakeng kwa Extension 6, gaufi le Taung mo letsatsing la maabane.
Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, go begwa fa bana ba ba neng ba tshameka kwa phakeng eo, ba ile ba bona kgetsana e tsentse lesea leo, mme ba itsise bagolo ba ba neng ba feta ka tsela.
Van Rooyen are sepodisi se ile sa itsisiwe le go biletswa kwa lefelong la tiragalo.
“Kgetsi ya go bolaya lesea le eleng gone le belegwang e ile ya bulwa, mme ga go ope o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
Picture: The executive mayor of Matlosana Local Municipality, Fikile Mahlope
By REGINALD KANYANE
9 May 2025- The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) in the North West said is deeply disturbed by the latest revelations of financial misconduct in the City of Matlosana, where R4.5 million was allegedly paid to EK Construction within hours—without any verified work being done. The party said this is not an isolated incident.
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party Provincial Convenor, Alfred Motsi in North West said, it is a continuation of deep-rooted corruption, mismanagement and lawlessness under the ANC-led administration. Motsi said they have previously called for the disbandment of the Matlosana Local Municipality and the immediate arrest of executive mayor, Fikile Mahlope.
“This latest scandal confirms that the municipality is completely dysfunctional and without leadership. Despite being under mandatory provincial intervention, officials bypassed legal and financial controls and paid inflated invoices on the same day they were issued and ignored the basic requirement of verifying service delivery.
“This was done in direct violation of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), with no endorsement from the provincial representative as required,” he said.
Motsi further said Matlosana residents continue to suffer under this alleged corrupt regime, while connected service providers enrich themselves with public funds. He added that Mahlope and senior officials must be held accountable and law enforcement agencies must act swiftly.
“We reiterate our call for the immediate disbandment of the Matlosana Local Municipality, the arrest of Mahlope and all officials implicated. We call for a full forensic audit into all contracts awarded by the municipality since 2022 to date.
“This should include urgent intervention by the Hawks, SIU and National Treasury. The people of Matlosana must no longer be betrayed by the ANC’s broken promises,” said Motsi.
He said they urge residents to vote for the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP)—a movement that stands for ethical leadership, clean governance, and true service to the people. Motsi said people should let them put an end to corruption.
“Let us build a new future together,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mahlope’s response to these allegations will be incorporated into the article when received.
9 May 2025- The Harmony Gold in partnership with Ratlou Local Municipality, officially handed over a modern Computer Laboratory to Aaron Letsapa Primary School in Kraaipan village, a significant step towards enhancing educational opportunities for the local community.
Amongst guests in attendance of the official handing over was Harmony Gold management, District Director from the North West Department of Education, Eunice Lesepedi, accompanied by the Sub-District Manager, whilst the Ratlou Local Municipality mayor, Matlhomola Jafta, who was accompanied by the Senior Manager for Planning and Development, Nkhanidzeni Ntsieleni, the local councillor, Baile Mosepele and the former ward councillor, Fossy Moalusi.
The Ratlou Local Municipality mayor, Matlhomola Jafta said the mining giant has always been involved in contributing towards community empowerment and development, more especially youth and school learners as part of their Corporate Social Investment, termed Mining Communities Development.
Jafta said the newly-refurbished state-of-the-art facility is equipped with more than 20 computers, internet access and other essential technology that will enhance educational experience for learning and teaching at the school.
He further emphasized the importance of technology in education and the impact of the new lab in learning and teaching.
“This computer lab is a valuable asset not only to the school and learners, but to the community of Kraaipan and Ratlou in general. The computer lab is designed to support digital literacy and facilitate innovative teaching and learning methods.
“This project signifies what the vision and mission statement of Ratlou stands for, a performance-driven, participatory and orientated municipality. So, we plead with the community of Kraaipan to protect the facility against criminality and we applaud Harmony Gold for their contribution towards community development,” added Jafta.
Meanwhile, speaking during the event, the Regional General Manager for Harmony Gold, Raymond Ranta, indicated that the R1.5 million rand worth project, hired one contractor and had since created job opportunities for at least 13 local community members.
The Guardian 