227 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

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Picture: One of the suspects nabbed by the police/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

1 June 2025- More than 227 suspects were arrested for various crimes across Northern Cape. The suspects were arrested during the on-going multi-disciplinary, intelligence-driven Operation Shanela.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the police arrested a multitude of suspects during police actions conducted from 26 May until 1 June 2025, across five districts in the province. Shemane said the provincial components, districts and stations, executed joint operations during this period to strengthen the local policing capacity at stations.

“During vehicle check points and roadblocks conducted, 6534 persons were searched with 3100 vehicles stopped. The multi-disciplinary teams arrested 277 suspects and the detectives traced and arrested wanted suspects who evaded court appearances.

“The suspects were arrested for crimes, including contravening the firearms control act, illegal possession of firearms, illegal possession of explosives, contact crimes, property-related crimes and drugs-related crimes, which are self-initiated actions by the police,” he said.

Shemane further said illicit mining operations were also conducted in the Greater Kimberley area on 26 and 27 May 2025, focusing on dismantling illegal mining activities in the Frances Baard District under the auspices of Operation Vala Umgodi. He added that compliance inspections were conducted at numerous second-hand goods dealers, firearm dealers, informal businesses and liquor outlets, which also resulted in the closure of 5th unlicensed liquor outlets.

“During the disruptive actions, police confiscated drugs, dangerous weapons, a significant amount of liquor, and copper cables. Stations also conducted awareness campaigns in conjunction with Community Policing Structures and external stakeholders in support of child protection month.

“Various schools across the five districts were visited during which SAPS members engaged with learners,” said Shemane.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, re-assured communities that the police would continue to stamp down the authority of the state during these operations. Otola said those who commit or intend to commit crime will be arrested and face the full might of the law.

“The collaboration with external stakeholders is appreciated and commended and exemplifies partnership policing,” she said.

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School principal nabbed for alleged corruption over a teaching post

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Picture: A school principal nabbed by the Hawks/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

1 June 2025- A school principal (56) to appear in Vryburg Magistrate’s Court for alleged corruption on Monday. This comes after the school principal was allegedly arrested by the members of the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation on Friday.

According to the Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula, the suspect was arrested following 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 the later stage. The complainant was subsequently hired. Following an investigation, the suspect was apprehended and charged with two counts of corruption.

“She will appear in the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on 2 June 2025,” said Mathebula.

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A man sentenced to five years imprisonment for rape

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Picture: A man sentenced to five years imprisonment for rape/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

1 June 2025- A man (18) was sentenced to five years imprisonment for rape. On 22 October 20221, a girl (15) who was intoxicated, came back from a school function and found no one at home.

The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said the girl went looking for her brother at a local residence. Masegela said, however, she could not find him and she was offered a room to sleep in by one of her brother’s friends.

“Her brother woke her up during the night, but she was surprised to see that she was naked. She fell into sleep again and the next morning, she woke up and realised that she had been raped.

“She also had flashbacks of what transpired during the night. She confronted the accused (18) about it. He admitted that they had sex without her consent,” she said.

Masegela further said the victim then reported the matter to the police and a rape case was registered. She added that the accused, was found guilty of rape by the Postmasburg Regional Court on 26 May 2025, and sentenced to five years imprisonment.

“The meticulous investigation by Constable Keamogetswe Besson attached to Kakamas Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit and state prosecutor, Kenneth Motsatse, was applauded by the management in the district in ensuring that justice was served for the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) victim.

“The SAPS in the ZFM District welcomed the sentence,” said Masegela.

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Committee condemns killing of primary school learners

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

28 May 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Land Reform and Rural Development, Mangaqa Mncwango said he has noted with deep sadness the incident in which a KwaZulu-Natal farmer is alleged to have killed three primary school learners, who were walking to school.

Mncwango said the suspect allegedly tried to buy the relatives’ silence through cheap groceries and R20 000. He further said he condemns the incident in the strongest possible terms and called for accountability and consequences for the convicted perpetrator.

“A comprehensive investigation that will leave no stone unturned should follow when gross violation of human lives occurs. This is not a matter to play politics around. Whether it was racially motivated or not, law enforcement needed to hold the perpetrator accountable for his actions.

“In South Africa, it is not in the nature of the law to classify, define or name accused persons before they are held to account, and we plead for the same in this matter. There is a suspected perpetrator and there are deceased victims,” added Mncwango.

He called on the South African Police Service’s management to act in haste and in an appropriate manner when these incidents occur. Mncwango said they do not want this crime to be mischaracterized and therefore compromise investigations.

“This is a criminal conduct, purely punishable by law. The committee sends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased children and their friends at school. We are with the bereaved families during this very difficult time of grief and wish them all the strength. May the souls of these children rest in eternal peace,” he said.

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A man sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for rape

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Picture: A man sentenced to 15 year for rape

By BAKANG MOKOTO

28 May 2025- A man (33) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Port Nolloth Regional Court for rape. On 6 November 2022, the victim helped the accused with gravel and thereafter smoked mandrax.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the accused then sexually assaulted her without her consent. Magerman said the victim screamed for help and was assisted.

“The police were informed and that led to the subsequent arrest of the accused by members of the Port Nolloth SAPS. The accused was found guilty of rape and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Port Nolloth Regional Court in Springbok.

“His name will be recorded in the National Register Sex Offenders and was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, commended the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Yolande Goedeman and the state prosecutor, Basil Kock for their collaboration in ensuring that justice was served to the victim. Adrews said this serves as a clear message that Gender-Base Violence and Femicide (GBVF) is a national priority and will not be tolerated.

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South African actor, Presley Chweneyagae was a true trailblazer

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Picture: South African actor, Presley Chweneyagae

By OBAKENG MAJE

28 May 2025- The ANC Chief Whip in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Motlalepula Rosho on Wednesday, described South African actor, Presley Chweneyagae’s death as a monumental loss that has robbed the world of an actor who was the crown jewel of brilliance and excellence associated with the Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sport Foundation. Rosho said that the award winning actor has left an indelible mark on South Africa’s creative landscape.

“We are deeply saddened by the untimely death of the humble but confident gentle giant who represented the best that the North West had produced, mentored by the likes of the late artistic genius and acclaimed playwright Walter Chakela.

“Chweneyagae’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of aspirant South Africans actors. As the ANC Caucus in the NWPL, wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Chweneyagae family, his colleagues, and the countless fans whose lives he touched through his art,” she said.

Rosho further said Chweneyagae, whose illustrious career spanned decades, captivated audiences nationwide with his transformative performances, most notably as the unforgettable Cobra in the ground-breaking soap opera, The River, died on Tuesday at the age of 40.  She added that, his masterful portrayals resonated deeply with South Africans from all walks of life, transcending cultural and generational boundaries.

“Through his characters, he became a trusted presence in millions of homes, bringing both entertainment and profound social commentary to our screens. Chweneyagae’s dedication to his craft elevated South African storytelling on both national and international stages, adding that his excellent work and contribution embodied the power of arts to unite, educate, and inspire.

“His extraordinary talent also graced other acclaimed productions, including Tsotsi, which won the Academy Award for Foreign Language Film at the 78th Academy Awards,” said Rosho.

She underscored that the ANC Caucus acknowledges Chweneyagae’s contributions not only as a performer, but as a cultural ambassador who helped shape South Africa’s post-apartheid identity through authentic storytelling and representation. Rosho said Chweneyagae’s latest films include More Than Just a Game, State of Violence, and Africa United.

“He also performed in a play about Solomon Mahlangu, a former MK cadre who was hanged at the age of 22 cementing his status as one of South Africa’s most versatile and compelling performers,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Caucus Leader in the North West Provincial Legislature, Freddy Sonakile described Chweneyagae as a trailblazer. Sonakile said they extend their heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Presley Chweneyagae, who tragically passed away in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

“His untimely death marks the end of an era for a true trailblazer in the arts. Chweneyagae’s remarkable journey, filled with resilience and talent, will continue to inspire generations.

“Cobrezzy featured in numerous television productions, including The River, where he earned his beloved nickname. In 2005, he took the lead role in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi, which won Best Foreign Film at the Academy Awards. His exceptional work not only entertained but also uplifted and gave hope to countless young artists,” he said.

Sonakile said Chweneyagae was full of life, humble, and passionate about his craft. He said Cobrizi’s passing cuts through the heart like a sword, leaving a void in the creative community and beyond.

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Missing Manrico Strauss found in Cape Town

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Picture: The missing Manrico Strauss/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

28 May 2025- The Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews said is pleased to inform the public that Manrico Strauss, who went missing on 9 May 2025, in Nababeep, has been located in Cape Town by the Sea Point Police and has been safely reunited with his family on 27 May 2025 in Nababeep. Andrews commended the Nababeep SAPS members, Sea Point SAPS and the community at large for their collaboration in tracing Manrico Strauss.

“This successful outcome restores the trust and confidence in the South African Police Service, showcasing their dedication to serving and protecting our communities,” he said.

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Picture: The missing Manrico Strauss/Supplied

ANCWL concerned about GBV upsurge

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Picture: Deceased, Olerato Mongale/Facebook

By KEDIBONE MOLATSI

28 May 2025- The ANC Women’s League said it is deeply concerned with the highest rate in which violence is meted out against women, where men both in spousal and non-spousal relationships prey on women like vultures with no regard for human life. The ANCWL said South Africa has steadily become a murder site, which has been defined by the Gender and Health Research Unit of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), in its 20 year study, as an extreme form of Gender Based Violence (GBV).

The ANCWL Secretary-General, Nokuthula Nqaba said four surveys of the SAMRC have used the same methodology and definition of femicide over a period of 20 years since 1999, in which they concluded that four women were killed by intimate partners every day and the trend only decreased to three women in the third survey of 2009. Nqaba said, however, the fourth study which coincided with the first year of COVID-19, saw a small but significant increase in the murder of women by intimate partners.

“The SAMRC further made a provincial breakdown of its research with provinces such as the Eastern Cape and Gauteng reporting significant increases. These statistics from credible institutions which are collaborated by the South African Police Service (SAPS) are a shame and an embarrassment to a country that boasts one of the most revered constitutional democracies in the world.

“Chapter 2 of our country’s constitution guarantees the right to life as the most basic, the most fundamental and the most supreme right which human beings are entitled to, as an essential pre-requisite to the full enjoyment of all other human rights,” she said.

Nqaba further said it is therefore perturbing to witness such heinous attacks on defenceless women, which has now reached pandemic levels, yet they pride themselves with institutions which are intended to protect the rights of all citizens, particularly the vulnerable. She added that the ANC Women’s League has also noted an upsurge in violence against women from non-spousal relationships, where women are lured in social media by unknown men and courted into secluded locations.

“We thus make a call to women in general to be extra vigilant of going out with people they made acquaintance with online, and to opt for public places when going to private excursions on their first date, with lots of activity and people in case of any eventuality.

“A recent incident of Olorato Mongale from Johannesburg in Gauteng – who went out on a date with a man only known as a “John”, who drove a VW Polo fitted with a cloned number plate found to be belonging to a different vehicle – is an indication of a cruel society that has no regard for human life, especially that of a woman,” said Nqaba.

She said Olorato’s tragic killing is one of many incidents, where women are enticed by men through social media platforms, whilst the villain has dubious plans for the victim disguised as a ‘date’. Nqaba said the ANC Women’s League would like to caution women to always inform a friend, share location or family member every time they go out on a date, especially their first date with someone they have just met and make an effort to meet in public places.

“We further plead with our male counterparts for compassion and to have mercy on women, for “every seed of success in a nation, is best planted in a woman,” she said.

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39 undocumented suspects arrested in Kimberley  

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Picture: Some of the drugs seized during raids/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

28 May 2025- More than 39 undocumented persons were arrested at a construction site in De Beers and the Samaria informal illegal mining area during Operation Vala Umgodi. The suspects were undocumented foreigners of Mozambique and Lesotho nationals.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said five people were arrested for possession of drugs in Colville, Samaria Informal Settlement and Homelite. Kock said police followed up on the drug-related information and confiscated Tik, Khat and Mandrax worth more than R350 000 at the different locations.

“During random Vehicle Check Points conducted in the Greater Kimberley area, 25 traffic fines and J534s were issued amounting to R15 250, while 663 persons and 284 vehicles were stopped and searched.

“The arrested persons are between 18 and 46, and are expected to appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court soon. Some of the undocumented foreign nationals will be deported back to their countries of origin soon,” he said.

Kock further said The Northern Cape SAPS remains relentless in its quest to eradicate drug dealing and address the ongoing illegal mining activities in the greater Kimberley area.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, together with the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar, supported by the Frances Baard District Commissioner, Provincial Heads and the Station Commander of Kimberley executed operations over two days at different locations in Kimberley. Otola said the disruptive actions commenced on 26 May 2026 and concluded on 27 May 2025.

“The objective of the operation was to dismantle the complex network of illegal mining by targeting its instruments and confiscating equipment used in illicit mining activities. Arresting and processing undocumented foreigners with those found guilty being deported back to their country of origin.

“The operations were executed involving various SAPS Provincial components, Frances Baard District personnel, specialised units, Kimberley and surrounding police stations within the district, officials from the Department Home Affairs, Traffic Department and the Vala Umgodi team currently deployed in the Frances Baard area,” she said.

Otola said the multi-disciplinary disciplinary high density operations were executed in two phases over two days, commencing on 26 May 2025 and concluding on 27 May 2025. She said the operation targeted the Samaria and Greenpoint Informal Settlements in the mining areas and construction sites, while several suspected drug houses in Beaconsfield, Colville, Newpark, the Central Business District (CBD) and Homelite were raided.

“This was the second operation focusing on the illicit mining activities and a continuation of last week’s operations in the Namakwa District. Operations of this nature will continue and the SAPS in conjunction with relevant stakeholders and communities will dismantle syndicates and or individuals who choose a life of crime.

“The SAPS will continue to enforce the law and stamp down the authority of the state to emphasise that South Africa is not a haven for criminals or organised crime. We commend all the role-players involved in the execution of the operations and appreciate their concerted efforts in restoring law and order,” said Otola.

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Committee raises alarm over social grant bank charges and accessibility

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

28 May 2025- The North West Legislature Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development has raised concerns about the growing number of social grant beneficiaries choosing to receive their payments through personal bank accounts — a decision that could erode the value of their grants due to associated bank charges. This concern was highlighted during an oversight meeting held with the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the Department of Social Development.

According to SASSA, 43,945 grant recipients have opted for direct bank payments, bypassing both the traditional SASSA Gold Cards and the newer Postbank Black Cards.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Karabo Magagane said she felt that the move to personal bank accounts could have unintended consequences. Magagane said these beneficiaries may not realize that they are losing money to transaction fees and service charges — funds that are meant to support their most basic needs.

“The meeting was called to receive an update on the ongoing migration from SASSA Gold Cards to Postbank Black Cards — a process initiated by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) following a security breach that affected the older card system.

“Beneficiaries were initially given until 31 May 2025 to transition to the new cards. However, Committee members were informed that SARB has since suspended the migration process with immediate effect. Despite this, beneficiaries still have the option to apply for payments via their own bank accounts or Postbank Black Cards,” she said.

 Magagane further said in a significant policy clarification, they were told that contrary to earlier communications, the SASSA Gold Cards will remain valid beyond the 31 May deadline, until further notice from the relevant authorities. She added that people were rushing to switch cards, some even under pressure.

“Now, they need clarity and reassurance that their current cards are still functional. You need to ensure that this is communicated widely,” said Magagane.

Adding to the logistical woes, the committee criticized the limited availability of Postbank conversion sites in the province. Currently, only 12 sites are operational across the entire North West — a number the committee described as grossly inadequate.

“Many of our elderly citizens live far from these centers and are not in a position to travel long distances just to access a card. This could be a driving factor behind the shift to personal bank accounts,” said Magagane.

In response to the challenges raised, the committee pledged continued engagement with the two State-Owned Entities (SOEs) involved in grant disbursement — SASSA under the Department of Social Development, and Postbank under the Department of Communications.

“We are committed to ensuring that no beneficiary is left behind. We will push for ongoing awareness campaigns, improved accessibility, and sustained outreach efforts so that every grant recipient understands their options and the implications of each,” she said.

The Committee is expected to meet again in a few weeks to follow up on implementation plans and progress made in addressing these critical issues.

Meanwhile, committee members also expressed alarm at additional informal costs being borne by grant recipients.

“Local tuck shops reportedly charge R10 for every R100 withdrawn — a surcharge that further reduces the amount of money recipients actually receive. This completely defeats the purpose of a social grant. A grant is supposed to alleviate poverty, not get eaten up by unnecessary charges,” said one Committee Member.

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