342 perpetrators arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela II

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Picture: Some of the drugs confiscated during the raid/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

1 December 2025- As the country observes 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, the Northern Cape police bolstered efforts to address Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), contact crimes and other related serious and violent crimes during the execution of Operation Shanela 2. The police said the senior managers both at Provincial and District level, led the high density operations in collaboration with relevant stakeholders from 24 until 30 November 2025.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said all law enforcement agencies implemented a robust crime prevention approach to curb crime across all five districts through intelligence driven and targeted disruptive actions. Ehlers said actions included stop and search actions, Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), roadblocks and high visibility patrols. 

“Elevated traffic volumes were addressed during these initiatives resulting in the issuing of numerous fines for the contravention of traffic laws, as well as the arrest of seven perpetrators for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Road safety is one of the critical focus areas during the execution of safer festive season operations to ensure the safety of all motorists, passengers and pedestrians.

“A total of 9450 individuals and 4862 vehicles were stopped and thoroughly searched, including the searching of numerous premises. Compliance inspections were conducted at numerous second-hand dealers and liquor premises as well as formal and informal businesses, farms and scrapyards.  These inspections led to the closing of 16 unlicensed liquor premises for non-compliance violations,” she said.

Ehlers further said measures were intensified at shopping centres and malls to address the increase in retail activity during the discount shopping period to clamp down on ATM-related crimes, shoplifting, theft and robberies. She added that 342 perpetrators were arrested for various crimes including drug related offences, burglary, murder, rape, attempted murder, and assault GBH. 

“Detectives conducted over 200 tracing operations to track down and apprehend offenders, who have been evading the law for an array of offences. During the execution of the operations, police confiscated a substantial amount of alcohol, drugs and dangerous weapons as well as illicit tobacco products.

“Ongoing community engagements and awareness programmes focusing on prevailing crime tendencies were held in conjunction with community policing structures and government departments. The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children that commenced on 25 November 2025, was marked through several awareness campaigns throughout the province,” said Ehlers. 

She said the provincial launch was led by the Office of Premier in the Northern Cape and attended by the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliwa Otola in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District. Ehlers said the Northern Cape SAPS will continue to conduct intensified operations across the province to restore stability and combat criminal activities in identified hotspot areas in collaboration with stakeholders and the community.

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Five illegal miners jailed in separate cases

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

1 December 2025- Siphelele Mlangeni (26) and Bennett Mendi (42) were sentenced to R20 000 fine or six (6) years imprisonment by the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 26 November 2025, after they were found guilty of illegal mining and contravention of Immigration Act. The accused were arrested in August 2024 by members of the Vala Umgodi Task Team after they were caught mining chrome illegally in Witrantje village, near Sun City.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said following their arrest, they made several court appearances until they entered into a plea bargain with the state. Mathebula said they were found guilty of illegal mining and were sentenced to R20 000 fine or six years imprisonment, half of which is suspended for five years on condition that they are not convicted of illegal mining during the period of suspension.

“The court ordered them to pay an amount of R10 000 each on or before 3 December 2025. Meanwhile, on 26 November 2025, another three accused were sentenced on a separate matter to six years imprisonment for illegal mining and contravention of Immigration Act.

“Learnmore Mtapwa (27), Moses Maharabe (27) and Caiphus Moyo (40), were arrested by members of the Vala Umgodi Task Team in June 2024 in Tlhatlhaganyane village, near Sun City. It is reported that the accused were caught mining chrome without permits. They were apprehended and charged with illegal mining and contravention of Immigration,” he said.

Mathebula further said the accused made several court appearances until they entered into a plea bargain with the state. He said they were sentenced to 6 years imprisonment for illegal mining and half of which is suspended for five years on condition that they are not convicted of the same offence during the period of suspension.

“They were sentenced to two years imprisonment for contravention of Immigration Act, which is suspended for five years on condition that they are not convicted of the same offence during the period of suspension. The accused were declared unfit to possess a firearm and that they must be deported after serving their sentences,” said Mathebula.

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Decomposed body found along Lichtenburg/Mahikeng road identified

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Picture: A body discovered next to the road/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

1 December 2025- The family of an unknown woman who was found dead next to Lichtenburg/Mahikeng road near Kapsteel road on 18 November 2025, at around 2pm, came forward and identified her as Tsholofelo Lisa Kgotleng (25) from Bakerville. This comes after the police requested the public to assist them in identifying a decomposed body of Kgotleng, who was wearing a black T-shirt and black trousers (military style).

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said: “Kindly take note that family members came forward after reading about the unidentified body on Facebook and positively identified the woman as Tsholofelo Elisa Kgotleng (25) from Bakerville. Police investigations are continuing with regard to the cause of her death.

“The South African Police Service appreciates the communities’ assistance. Keep following our social media pages to stay informed.”

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A boy sentenced to 16 years imprisonment for raping three boys

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By REGINALD KANYANE

1 December 2025- The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo welcomed recent sentences handed down to rapists in the province between October and November 2025, as the province continues to deal decisively with sexual offenders. Naidoo said in one of the sentences, two life terms and additional 48 years imprisonment were handed down to Elias Thejane (39) by the Klerksdorp Sexual Offences Regional Court for raping three women in Kanana Township, near Orkney between December 2012 and October 2014.

He further said following a lengthy and extensive investigation by the Provincial Serial and Electronic Crime Investigation (SECI) unit, the convict was arrested on 9 October 2015. Naidoo added that despite being released on bail, he was re-arrested and sentenced on a separate case of burglary and two counts of rape.

“The crimes were committed in Bothaville in the Free State Province. In Vryburg, Jeffrey Dikgwatle (26 ) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court after raping a woman (24), who was on her way home after attending a party in Huhudi Township, near Vryburg on Saturday night, 6 July 2019.

“Dikgwatle overpowered the victim, threatened her with a knife and dragged her to his shack, where he ultimately raped her several times. In Mahikeng, a suspect (15), on 28 April 2024, raped two boys aged 10 and 9. They were playing in Top Village when he grabbed both boys, dragged them outside the village, tied them up and took turns on raping them at the Zeerust Bridge.

“A passerby appeared and the suspect fled, leaving two boys behind. They managed to untie themselves and reported the matter to their parents. In another separate incident reported on 25 September 2024, the same suspect raped a boy (11),” he said.

Naidoo said the victim’s mother noticed that her son was in pain. He said the victim confirmed that he was on his way to Golfview when the suspect met him on the road, took him to a nearby bridge, then assaulted, strangled and raped him.

“The boy, now 16 years-old, was sentenced to 16 years imprisonment by the Mmabatho Child Justice Court. Three more accused persons were sentenced to a combined 47 years imprisonment. The crimes were committed in Ikageng, Setlagole and Letlhabile between May 2015 and March 2025.

“It is worth noting that all the accused persons were declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000. In addition, the courts instructed that their names be included in the National Register for sexual offenders,” said Naidoo.

He commended the investigating officers, prosecutors and all other role players for their collaborative efforts that led to securing of these sentences, which he said will send a strong message that sexual offences will not be tolerated. Naidoo said as part of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, the South African Police (SAPS) in the province in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders, continues with community outreach programmes, as well as  operations to ensure that those commit Gender Based Violence related offences are brought to book.

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A mother and son nabbed for alleged murder

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By OBAKENG MAJE

1 December 2025- Two accused, Lesego Batweng (43) and Onkabetse Batweng (22), briefly appeared before the Zeerust Magistrate’s Court on 28 November 2025, for the alleged murder of Mmapula Nyanto (44). Lesego and her son, Onkabetse were remanded in custody until 2 December 2025.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the accused persons’ court appearance emanated from an incident wherein Nyanto was allegedly undressed and assaulted after being accused of witchcraft. Myburgh said the incident occurred on Monday morning, 24 November 2025, in Dinokana village, near Lehurutshe.

“After the ordeal, Nyanto was taken to a nearby health centre, where she was declared dead a short while later. Meticulous investigation conducted by the Lehurutshe Detectives led to the identification of the two suspects, who were arrested shortly after the incident,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, applauded the Lehurutshe Detectives for working hard to ensure that the suspects are arrested. Naidoo warned that taking the law into one’s hands is unlawful, unacceptable, and cannot be tolerated.

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Monna o tlhokafetse kwa Cokonyane morago ga go wa mo terekereng ya mophato

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

30 Ngwanatsele 2025- Monna wa dingwaga di le 80 o tlhokafetse morago ga go gatiwa ke terekere e ba neng ba e palame kwa tseleng ya D210 kwa Sloja kwa motseng wa Cokonyane, gaufi le Taung, mo letsatsing la maabane. Go begwa fa terekere eo, e ne e pegile batho ba ba neng ba ya kwa mophatong.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono sedikeng wa Dr Ruth Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer, Tryphosa van Rooyen are go begwa fa mokgweetsi wa terekere eo, a ile a emisiwa le go itsisiwa fa a gatile motho. Van Rooyen are go bontsha fa mopalami o wa terekere, a ile a wa mo go yone, mme a gatiwa ke leotwana la kwa morago.

“Go butswe kgetsi ya polao ntle le maikaelelo, mme ga gona ope o tshwerweng. Moswi o ile a netefadiwa ke morwadie gore ke mang,” van Rooyen.

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A woman nabbed for two counts of attempted murder  

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By REGINALD KANYANE

29 November 2025 – A woman (45), who is accused of two counts of attempted murder and another two of assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). The accused, Ester Gabaiphiwe Motaung briefly appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 25 and 26 November 2025.  

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said Motaung’s court appearance stems from an incident that was reported early on Wednesday evening, 19 November 2025. Myburgh said it is alleged that four women aged between 25 and 50, were sitting outside their home in Letlhakaneng village, near Letlhabile, when approached by four unknown men, who called one of the ladies aged 35, to show her something.

“She was accompanied by her mother and two friends, when suddenly a jug container was produced and a liquid substance poured over the victim. The ladies, all standing close to her, were also affected. Following the incident, the ladies experienced excessive burning, whilst the suspects walked away from them.

“Emergency and Medical Services (EMS) were contacted and all four women were rushed to a local hospital. A victim (35) and her mother are still admitted to hospital, whilst two other victims were released after receiving treatment,” she said.

Myburgh further said extensive investigation by the Letlhabile Detectives, led to the identification of the suspect who was arrested. She added that the police investigations are continuing and it is suspected the incident is linked to a love triangle.

Motaung was remanded in custody until 1 December 2025.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, congratulated the Letlhabile Detectives for working around the clock to ensure that the suspect is arrested. 

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Kaizer Chiefs FC ready for redemption against Zamalek FC

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Picture: Kaizer Chiefs FC players during training/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

29 November 2025- Kaizer Chiefs return to familiar ground on Saturday afternoon looking to reignite their CAF Confederation Cup campaign when they welcome African giants, Zamalek SC, to the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. It is a heavyweight Group D encounter that comes with both challenge and opportunity.

The Glamour Boys returned back on home soil after a narrow 2–1 defeat to Al Masry in Egypt last weekend, a result that left the team disappointed, but far from discouraged.

Meanwhile, Zamalek began their group campaign on a winning note, overcoming ZESCO United of Zambia in Cairo. For Amakhosi, the clash represents a chance to respond immediately, to reset their campaign.

Head coach Cedric Kaze believes their trip to Egypt offered enough encouragement to fuel confidence going into the Zamalek clash, despite the setback on the scoreboard.

“We didn’t start as well as we would have loved to in the previous game, but we still have five games to play,” said Kaze at the CAF press conference ahead of the match. Even though we lost, there were moments where we were good at what we wanted to do.

“We are very confident about tomorrow’s game. These are the matches that everyone wants to play, against big teams like Zamalek and it’s a good way for us to redeem ourselves,” he said.

Kaze pointed to key lessons from the Al Masry encounter, particularly in crucial moments at both ends of the pitch.

“Everything comes with experience in how you manage a game. The second goal we conceded from a set-piece was unfortunate, and due to a technical mistake. We were good before that, but it taught us that we must be more clinical and more focused in both boxes. It’s a lesson we have taken forward,” said Kaze.

Forward Khanyisa Mayo echoed the positive mood inside the camp, highlighting both the intensity and the prestige of competing in African club football.

“It’s a different ball game when it comes to CAF competitions,” said Mayo. “North African teams are very physical compared to South African teams, but we are up for the test. The mood in the camp is high and we are expecting a very beautiful game,” he said.

Mayo, who brings his own experience of continental football, emphasised the responsibility and pride that comes with representing the Club on the African stage.

“Playing in CAF competitions comes with huge responsibility. As a player, you want to see yourself playing in CAF every season and it’s a great platform for both the team and the players. It’s not easy, but playing in our own backyard will be better because we will have our supporters with us,” said Mayo.

With the match returning to home soil, the players will once again lean heavily on the backing of their passionate supporters, drawing energy from the stands to secure the win.

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ANC in North West host its Provincial General Council in Potchefstroom  

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By KEDIBONE MOALETSI

29 November 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) in the North West will host its Provincial General Council (PGC) from 29 to 30 November 2025. The party said the PGC is a key organisational platform to assess political, organisational and governance work of the movement and to consolidate unity, renewal and organisational effectiveness.

The ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping said the event will take place at Banquet Hall in Potchefstroom at 9am.

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BEEI phase V contacts extended in North West

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

29 November 2025- The North West Department of Education is pleased to announce that the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) Phase V contracts have been extended to 31 December 2025.  The department said the extension follows approval by the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) of the request submitted by the North West Department of Education in August 2025.

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the new date replaces the previously scheduled termination on 30 November 2025. Motsumi said as a result, Education Assistants and General Assistants will work a full six‑months term, in line with practices in other provinces.

“The extension to 31 December 2025 ensures that the North West province receives the full six-month implementation period as originally envisaged. The extension does not result in any additional financial implications beyond the already approved BEEI Phase V budget. The implementation remains within the duration and parameters of the Multipart Funding Agreement (MFA).

“The Department of Basic Education will continue ensuring strict adherence to governance, compliance, and reporting requirements during the extended period. We welcome and appreciate the good news. On behalf of the entire department, I wish to welcome and appreciate this great news,” she said.

Motsumi further said this news will provide significant financial relief to the families of their youth, especially during the festive season. She added that their contribution to their schools is immeasurable and benefits both educators and learners.

“I wish to thank the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL), the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and the Department of Basic Education for supporting the province. This clearly shows that this government is for the people, by the people; it listens to their concerns and responds accordingly.

“Since 2020, the BEEI has demonstrated the transformative impact of coordinated government action. Across all phases, the programme has delivered significant youth employment opportunities, supported learning in thousands of schools, and broadened access to economic participation for young people,” said Motsumi.

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