DA condemns burning of NC Urban TVET offices over NSFAS payment failures

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Picture: NCTVET College

By BAKANG MOKOTO

6 June 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it condemned the burning of the offices of the Northern Cape Urban Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College offices in Kimberley. This week, the college was allegedly torched by protesting students over the delays in receiving their National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) allowances.

Students who have been unable to pay rent or study fees due to NSFAS’ failures are being put in an impossible position – but burning and breaking TVET College offices and campuses will never solve the problems NSFAS has created. The DA condemns the destruction of property.

The DA Deputy Spokesperson on Higher Education and Member of Parliament (MP), Desiree van der Walt said burning of TVET offices will only further hamper the students’ end goal. Van der Walt said students demonstrated their frustration and delays, while NSFAS tries to complete their “reconciliation process” – which became necessary after the switch from direct payment partners back to NSFAS – is now boiling over.

She further said NSFAS must rapidly complete this process in such a way that causes no suffering to vulnerable students. Van der Walt added that payment cannot be withheld any longer.

“We will submit parliamentary questions to NSFAS to find out how many students have been affected by the Scheme’s reconciliation process. This will include what NSFAS is doing to ensure that students do not become destitute, suffer hunger, or have to interrupt their academic year due to its failures,” she said.

In April 2025, NSFAS urged students who have received R10 800 designated for accommodation allowances to settle their outstanding payments with their landlords as soon as possible. NSFAS said full remittances of the payments made to students have already been provided to the respective institutions.

“Students are encouraged to submit the appropriate proof of payment to their respective college Financial Aid Officers. It is important to note that failure to comply may result in eviction or deductions from future allowances.

“This call from NSFAS comes in response to a misunderstanding regarding the student allowance payment of R13,800 made to students on April 4, 2025, of which R10,800 has been allocated specifically for accommodation purposes.”

NSFAS said it obtains a comprehensive list of students who have applied for accommodation through solution partners (SPs). It said this list is then verified by the institution to confirm whether students qualify for NSFAS-accredited accommodation or transport.

“Unfortunately, some students who received direct payments were not included in this global list and were not confirmed by the institution in a timely manner as eligible for accommodation, which led to allowances being disbursed to these students.

“In light of this situation, NSFAS, effective 10 April 2025, requests that institutions promptly inform students residing in NSFAS-accredited accommodation—who have received these funds intended for housing—to settle their outstanding payments with their landlords.”

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Two SAPS members to represent Suzuki Griquas Rugby team

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By REGINALD KANYANE

5 June 2025- The police in Northern Cape said they celebrate youth month under the theme: “Skills for the changing world- Empowering Youth for meaningful economic participation.” The police said they have the honour and privilege of congratulating two of their female members for their outstanding achievement in the sporting arena.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said Constable Leilani Blom and Constable Nicolene Visser, who was recently selected to join the Senior Female Suzuki Griquas Rugby team that will be competing against teams on a professional level. Kock said the team was recently announced and they are super proud of the two ladies in Blue.

“Constable Leilani Blom (28) started her SAPS career at a remote mining police station in Aggeneys, seven years ago. Three years later, she was transferred to Springbok Public Order Policing unit, where she is currently serving diligently.

“She started playing female rugby in 2023, for a club called the Namakwa Diamonds and made the Senior Griqua squad for the first time, that same year,” he said.

Blom said: “I serve my country with passion, courage and honour and will have that same focus when I run out on the rugby field to represent the Senior Suzuki Griquas for a second time in two years.”

Visser joined the SAPS and was stationed at Roodepan SAPS Visible Policing in Kimberley in 2024. She plays female rugby for Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley and was also selected to play for the Griquas for the first time in 2022.

“I put in 100% pride and dignity into her work as woman in Blue and is characterised by her never-ending energy and consistent joy. You do not have to be big and strong to make a difference.

“You just have to be willing to do your part and play/work as a team. I will implement these skills when I represent the Senior Females Suzuki Griquas Rugby team this year,” she said.

Meanwhile, both young ladies have also been selected for the Northern Cape SAPS Female Rugby team that will be competing at the SAPS National Rugby Championship in Gauteng during July 2025.

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Four nabbed after ‘intending’ to buy pangolin worth R250 000

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Picture: A pangolin

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

6 June 2025- Four accused aged between 25 and 36, briefly appeared before the Kuruman Magistrate’s Court facing charges of contravention of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004 on 6 June 2025.

Refilwe Ejang (36), Bafenyi Baganeng (25), Rapelang Namusi (32) and Pogisho Motlhabane,  were arrested on 5 June 2025, during a multi-disciplinary approach by Kathu based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, Upington Cluster, Highway Patrol, Kuruman Public Order Policing (POP), as well as the Kuruman Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC).

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said they received a tip-off about a person within the John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) cluster intending to sell a pangolin. Mnisi said a sting operation was conducted with the accused at Oasis Casino, Kuruman.

“Four targets arrived in a white VW Golf 1 and met with the agent. Target produced one live adult female pangolin and agreement was made for R250 000, for the sale of the pangolin.

“As soon as the transaction was concluded, the accused were immediately apprehended and detained at the Kuruman Police Station cells pending their first court appearance,” she said.

Mnisi further said the case against four accused has been postponed to 11 June 2025, for formal bail application.

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Committee on Electricity calls for urgency in addressing “Gas Cliff” facing South Africa

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By REGINALD KANYANE

6 June 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy received a briefing on Wednesday from the Central Energy Fund (CEF), the South African Oil and Gas Association (SAOGA), SASOL and Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) Gas Industry and gas exploitation in the country, on ways to address the “gas cliff” that faces South Africa. The committee emphasised the need for urgent and coordinated action to mitigate the challenge of the impending “gas cliff” that faces South Africa.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Nonkosi Mvana said the “gas cliff” refers to the expected decline in natural gas supply from Mozambique’s Pande and Temane fields by 2028. Mvana said the fields currently provide a significant portion of South Africa’s natural gas needs.

“The looming supply shortage poses serious risks to the country’s energy security, industrial output, and broader economic competitiveness. The committee heard from the stakeholders, among other things, the need to accelerate development of domestic and regional gas resources to supplement declining Mozambican supply.

“This includes challenges with the regulatory environment and policy uncertainty hampering investment in gas infrastructure, and the importance of aligning gas-to-power projects with LNG import plans to create an integrated gas supply solution,” she said.

Mvana said the stakeholders emphasised the requirement for Public-Private Partnerships and innovative financing models to fund critical midstream and downstream gas infrastructure. She said the CEF, which is the entity of the Department of Electricity and Energy outlined its strategic initiatives to secure long-term gas off-takers for LNG importation projects, as well as its financial strategy to fund these capital-intensive undertakings without exacerbating the national debt burden.

“On the one hand, SASOL discussed their plans to utilise methane-rich gas as a bridge solution until LNG becomes available, while also highlighting the technical and pricing implications for industrial users, on the other hand.

“The Industrial Gas Users Association stressed the urgency of the situation, noting that they have a six to nine month window to put the necessary measures in place to avoid the “gas cliff,” said Mvana.

She said the Gas Users Association proposed the creation of a gas aggregator model and public-private partnership structures to facilitate infrastructure development and unlock private sector investment. Mvana said the committee highlighted the importance of time as the country has less than six years to put the necessary measures in place before the “gas cliff” materialises.

“The committee said it will closely monitor progress and will continue engaging with all stakeholders to ensure a coordinated national response,” she said.

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Bafana Bafana ready to face Tanzania

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Picture: Bafana Bafana players

By OBAKENG MAJE

6 June 2025- Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos says he’s happy with what he’s seen of the newcomers in the camp in Polokwane this week as the South African senior men’s team prepares to wrap up preparations ahead of Friday’s international friendly match against Tanzania at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. Kick-off is at 19h30.

With Broos electing not to select Mamelodi Sundowns players as they prepare to travel to the United States of America to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup this month, the national team coach preferred to use the opportunity to have a look at several new faces.

“I’m very happy with what I saw in the past few days of this new and young group of players, and not only what I saw on the pitch but also outside the pitch.

“It was a little bit quiet in the first few days, but I think this is totally normal. There are many new players with the national team, they know each other as opponents but it’s always different when you are in the same team,” he said.

Broos further said the players see each other from the moment they wake up till the moment they go to sleep, so it was a little bit quiet. He added that the last few days everything was the way it should be.

“On the pitch at training, I see a very motivated group, a group that is aware of the opportunity they have got to play for the national team and a group that also knows that with the opportunity they have got now, they have to try and grab it with both hands,” said Broos.

The Bafana Bafana coach also announced that Fawaaz Basadien will captain the team against Tanzania, and then Nkosinathi Sibisi will take over the armband against Mozambique on Tuesday next week.

“For me, I think I did not expect it to come so soon. But at the same time, it is an honour and a privilege to be captain of the national team. I mean, it is one of the things you dream about while growing up as a footballer.

“Like I said, I did not expect it to come as soon as it came, but I am ready and prepared to help the young players in the team. When I first came to the national team, there were guys who helped me,” said Basadien.

He said he is willing to do the same with the younger players in the team. Basadien said the last time they played here in Polokwane, they played in a packed stadium, so they expect the same today and hopefully the turnout will be exactly like it was the last time we played here.

Meanwhile, tickets are available at Ticketpro on the link below: Ticketpro – South Africa vs Tanzania – 6th of June 2025.

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A man arrested for fraud and impersonating a police officer

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By REGINALD KANYANE

5 June 2025- The accused, Thabo Enoch Theletsane (41), briefly appeared at the Hatfield Magistrate’s Court. Theletsane is facing a charge of fraud and impersonating a police official.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that on 25 October 2024, while the accused was out on parole after serving a sentence on fraud charges. Mahanjana said he allegedly called a prominent businessman with a WhatsApp number that had a profile picture of the former National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya.

“During the call, it is alleged that he told the businessman that his phone was hacked and he should expect a call from a certain Mokoena, a police officer from cyber-crimes.

“When the accused called the businessman as Mokoena, it is alleged that he told the complainant that his phone was hacked and he was going to clean it,” she said.

Mahanjana further said the man asked to send him the numbers of people he frequently communicates with so he can check their phones too. She added that, the complainant then sent him the numbers.

“It is alleged that the accused further requested that the complainant make a payment to him to buy a hard drive to store his information. However, the payment was not made.

“On a different occasion, it is alleged that the accused sent a message and called another complainant with the numbers provided by the businessman and told the complainant that his phone was hacked and allegedly requested the complainant to make a payment of R50 000 to buy a hard drive to store his information which the complainant paid him,” said Mahanjana.

She said after both complainants realised that they had been scammed, they reported the matter to the police on 1 November 2024, and a case docket was opened. Mahanjana said intensive investigations by police, the accused was arrested on 10 May 2025 and is remanded in custody.

“In court, the matter was postponed to 7 July 2025 for an opposed bail application, and more charges will be added,” she said.

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A man gunned down in Kuruman

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Picture: The deceased, Sydney Majola/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

5 June 2025- The police in Mothibistad are investigating a murder case after a man (36) was fatally shot at a business establishment in Magojaneng village, in Kuruman on Wednesday evening. The police said the deceased, Sydney Majola, succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the police are probing the shooting incident and as yet no arrest has been effected as yet. Shemane said anyone with information that can assist the police in the investigation and apprehension of the suspect(s) can contact Mothibistad Acting Station Commander, Captain Nomvuyo Makoloi on 082 373 9947 or Mothibistad Detective Commander, Captain Sethunya Letshwiti on 082 374 0392 or call SAPS crime stop number on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS.

“All information received will be treated confidentially,” he said.

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Rape case against Starzen postponed

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Picture: Rape accused, Kagalelo “Starzen” Setlhare

By OBAKENG MAJE

5 June 2025- A rape case against a well-known man (45) in Taung, has been postponed by the Taung Magistrate’s Court until 10 June 2025, for formal bail application. This comes after the accused, Kagalelo Setlhare, who is affectionately known as Starzen, was arrested and charged with rape.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the complainant was attending a Taung Annual Gospel Music Festival at PH Moeketsi High School a few months ago and she went outside the venue to look for her friend. Mokgwabone said Setlhare allegedly grabbed and pulled her to the nearby bushes, where he allegedly assaulted and raped her.

“Although the complainant works at the place in question, she was not on duty on the day of the incident, but attending a gospel festival. The accused appeared before the Taung Magistrate’s Court today.

“He was arrested on Tuesday and charged with rape,” he said.

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Zimbabwean man nabbed with illicit cigarettes worth R850 000

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Picture: Illicit cigarettes worth R850 000 seized by the police/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

5 June 2025- The accused, Gordon Sibanda (42) who is a Zimbabwean, is expected to make a second appearance before the Leeudoringstad Periodical Court, for bail application on 10 June 2025. Sibanda is facing a charge of illegal possession of illicit cigarettes.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Sibanda was arrested on Monday after the truck he was driving was stopped and searched by the police at the Leeudoringstad/Orkney road. Mokgwabone said the police allegedly found to be transporting 169 boxes of Chief and Remington cigarettes, all with an estimated value of R850 000.

 “The accused was immediately arrested and both the truck and the illicit cigarettes were confiscated by the police,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said this arrest is yet another breakthrough in the fight against the threat of illicit economy that impedes economic growth and violates the territorial security of the Republic of South Africa (RSA), where illicit goods are smuggled, distributed and sold in violation of customs, tax, health, safety and economic laws of South Africa.

Asaneng said it is deeply concerning that the accused and his illicit cargo were only intercepted far away from the Port of Entry, where he should have been thoroughly checked and processed.

“The  Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) must thoroughly investigate how the accused managed to enter the country with these cigarettes, which should have been detected at the border.

“If it should be found that he was either aided by corrupt officials or that there was negligent dereliction of duty, the culprits must be held to account,” he concluded.

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Police looking for suspects in a kidnapping incident

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Picture: The missing Zelne du Plessis found unharmed/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

5 May 2025- The police are investigating a car-jacking, kidnapping and robbery after Zelne du Plessis (20) went missing in Postmasburg. On 4 May 2025, at approximately 4:30pm, two men with balaclavas allegedly jumped into the victim’s vehicle when she stopped at a four way stop in the Postmasburg CBD and forced her to drive out of town.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the victim’s parents reported her missing and a search party was immediately activated. Kock said she was found at approximately 7pm on the Witsand gravel road between Postmasburg and Griekwastad.

“Zelne was found unharmed with her car. It is alleged that the vehicle ran out of petrol and the two men fled on foot with her cell phone. A search has been launched for the suspects.

“Anyone with information can call Postmasburg SAPS Detectives on 082 302 0391 or contact the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or utilize the MySaps app,” he said.

Kock further said all information will be treated confidentially. He added that the investigation continues.

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