Picture: A firearm and drugs seized by police/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
22 April 2025- A Nigerian man, Augustin Chukwudi Anokwuru (48), briefly appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court facing charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, as well as possession of drugs. Anokwuru was arrested by the Rustenburg based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in collaboration with Phokeng and Stilfontein K9, Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) and Rustenburg Tactical Response Team (TRT), during a disruptive operation at his guesthouse in Rustenburg on 16 April 2025.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said it is alleged that, during the operation in which a search was conducted, a revolver with rounds and two pistols, live ammunition, pellet gun and small sachets containing cocaine and hard rock were found. Malwetse said the drugs were estimated to the value of R45 000.
“Anokwuru briefly appeared before court and the matter was postponed to 29 April 2025, for formal bail application,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Brigadier Georgia Moos and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the arrest and commended the investigation and prosecution team for their commitment in the fight against drugs and unlawful firearms.
Picture: NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine to open its doors in 2028/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
22 April 2025- The North West University (NWU) said it is proud to announce that its soon-to-be-established medical school will be honorifically named the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine. This decision was taken in consultation with – and received the approval of – the Archbishop Desmond Tutu IP Trust.
The official naming ceremony took place at the Capital on the Park Hotel in Sandton on 22 April 2025. The name was unveiled by the NWU Chancellor, Dr Anna Mokgokong, the Chairperson of NWU Council, Bert Sorgdrager, NWU vice-chancellor and principal, Prof Bismark Tyobeka and the Chairperson of the Archbishop Desmond Tutu IP Trust, Dr Mamphela Ramphele.
The illustrious ceremony was further graced by the presence of the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, as well as various bishops of the Anglican Church. Ramphele reminded those in attendance of Archbishop Tutu’s early wish to become a doctor before receiving a higher calling, stating that it is fitting that Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s name will now live on in every graduate of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine.
She also spoke of his unwavering commitment to the spirit of ubuntu.
“It is the obligation of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine to live up to the values of ubuntu, and it is the responsibility of its students to meet the high standards that Desmond Tutu would have approved of,” said Ramphele.
Mokgosi reflected on Tutu’s role as a moral compass during the liberation struggle.
“His teachings must continue to galvanise and guide us to be solution-driven citizens,” he said.
Sorgdrager said the decision to name the medical school in honour of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate was made not only to recognise Tutu’s lifelong contributions to the country, but also to create an enduring connection between his legacy and the values, character and graduate attributes the university seeks to instil in future graduates of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine.
“Tutu espoused core values that guided his life and work. Central to his philosophy was the belief in every individual’s intrinsic worth and dignity, irrespective of race, creed, or background.
“His commitment to human rights and equality was deeply rooted in the principle of ubuntu, which emphasises interconnectedness, compassion, and the idea that ‘I am because we are,’ he said.
Sorgdrager said Tutu championed non-violence as a means of achieving social and political change, drawing inspiration from his faith. He said Tutu’s approach to conflict resolution and reconciliation was grounded in the belief that forgiveness and understanding could overcome deep-seated divisions.
Mokgokong said the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine will be the 11th medical school in South Africa. She said the project is a collaborative effort between the NWU, the North West Department of Health, and private sector stakeholders.
“One of its main aims is to address the severe shortage of healthcare practitioners in the province, while providing a base for the growth of the country’s medical expertise.
“South Africa’s current doctor-to-patient ratio, which stands at approximately 0.31 doctors per 1000 people, and a nurse-to-patient ratio of about 4.59 nurses per 1000,” said Mokgokong.
She noted that these, among other urgent healthcare challenges, are what the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine aims to address.
“We are not merely building a school of bricks and mortar, we are laying the foundation for something much greater and more enduring. Today we open doors that will never close. Doors of opportunity, healing, compassion, and transformation.
“That is also why we have chosen the name of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He was not only a man of faith and moral courage, but also a fierce advocate for justice, equality, and human dignity,” said Mokgokong.
Meanwhile, the first intake of students for the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine is scheduled for 2028.
22 April 2025- Easter operations in the Northern Cape commenced on a high note with simultaneous multi-disciplinary roadblocks conducted across all five districts of the province. In the Frances Baard District, a roadblock was conducted at the N12 Weighbridge in Kimberley.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said this operation was led by the Northern Cape MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Limakatso Koloi, the acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga and the Frances Baard District Commissioner, Major General Charlotte Makgari.
“The primary objective of these roadblocks was to promote road safety, encourage responsible driving behaviour, particularly avoiding alcohol consumption while driving and ensure compliance with traffic laws and road safety regulations.
“Various units of the South African Police Service (SAPS), in collaboration with stakeholders from the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, the Department of Home Affairs, and local Traffic Departments, conducted the operations to enhance safety on all national roads leading into and out of the province,” he said.
Shemane further said five District Commissioners in all the regions coordinated and executed similar police actions, involving vehicle inspections, enforcement of traffic laws, and distribution of road safety pamphlets during public engagements. He added that these operations followed high-impact crime prevention actions, including visible policing, foot patrols, and visits to liquor outlets, shopping centres and malls, especially as their high volumes of shoppers and visitors.
“Koloi urged motorists to drive safely and assured the public of a high visible law enforcement presence throughout the Easter weekend and beyond to safeguard communities.
“Ngubelanga emphasized a zero-tolerance approach towards crime, particularly gender-based violence and femicide, and driving under the influence of alcohol as well as all categories of crime,” said Shemane.
He reaffirmed SAPS’s unwavering commitment to ensuring public safety throughout the Easter period and beyond.
22 April 2025– The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Joy Maimela said she has noted with deep sadness the death of a 13-year-old learner in the Free State, who allegedly took her own life after being bullied by a classmate. Maimela said it was immensely saddening that the young learner decided to take her life.
She further said, according to media reports, Mbali Mlaba, a grade 7 learner at Vulindlela Primary School in the Free State, was repeatedly bullied by a classmate, who accused her of cheating during a class test. Maimela added that, it is alleged in the media reports that Mbali’s mother found a note detailing the reasons behind Mhlaba’s decision to take her life.
“According to the reports, Mbali expressed fear of her classmate who had assaulted and bullied her in the previous term. Mbali had even requested to be transferred to another school in the reports.
“I am outraged by this incident, especially since South African schools should have an anti-bullying policy, and all learners should be made aware of this and the consequences for not adhering to it,” she said.
Maimela said policies should be enforced. She said if schools still operate without the Code of Conduct or any anti-bullying policy, such policy should be implemented urgently.
“We call on education authorities across the country to curb bullying in all its forms in schools and ensure that its perpetrators are dealt with harshly and removed from schools.
“It is flabbergasting to hear about acts of bullying in South Africa, particularly in schools, at a time when the country is celebrating 30 years of constitutional democracy and human rights,” said Maimela.
She said the committee called on law enforcement authorities to leave no stone unturned to get to the bottom of Mbali’s death. Maimela also urged parents and communities to take responsibility for the safety of learners at schools by educating children to respect each other.
“Let’s teach our children the culture of human rights and respect for each other and to refrain from all forms of violence as bullying is violence.
“The committee extends its heartfelt condolences to the Mlaba family, Mbali’s friends and the entire Vulindlela Primary School. May Mbali’s soul rest in eternal peace,” she said.
Picture: Three corpses were allegedly stolen from a funeral parlour/Generic
By BAKANG MOKOTO
22 April 2025- The police in Northern Cape is offering a R100 000 reward to any individual, who can assist with the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator/s and the recovery of the bodies. This comes after three corpses were stolen at a local mortuary in Kuruman last month.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the detectives from Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit are still tirelessly investigating the theft of three corpses, two men and one female infant from a funeral parlour in Kuruman on 17 March 2025 at approximately 1:30am. Ehlers said a reward of R100 000 is offered by the South African Police Service (SAPS) to any individual who can assist with the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator or perpetrators and the recovery of the bodies.
“All information will be handled confidentially and can be relayed to Colonel Corrie Coghlan at 071 686 0020 and Sergeant Luvuyo Poni at 063 257 2939 or the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or alternatively via the MySAPS App,” she said.
Picture: SANDF truck and bakkie involved in a car accident
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
22 April 2025- The Siyathemba SAPS are investigating a culpable homicide case following an accident involving a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) bus and a Mine Bakkie on the R380 road on 17 April 2025, at approximately 6:40pm. The driver (38) of the bakkie was declared dead on the scene by paramedics and a passenger was transported by ambulance to Postmasburg Hospital with serious injuries.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said all the South African National Defence Force members, who were on the bus did not sustain any injuries but were treated for shock. Shemane said anyone who may have information regarding the accident can contact Siyathemba Detectives, Warrant Officer Lebogang Toyane on 082 454 3746 or Siyathemba SAPS on 087 630 1000.
“The investigation is continuing and all information received will be treated confidentially,” he said.
Picture: Some of drugs and money confiscated by police/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
22 April 2025- The multi-disciplinary team deployed under Operation Vala Umgodi arrested two suspects aged 29 and 57 respectively, and seized a substantial amount of mandrax tablets in Kimberley on 19 April 2025. This comes after the police received a tip-off regarding drugs allegedly in transit in a taxi during the execution of crime prevention patrols in Kimberley.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police operationalised the information and intercepted the taxi in question before it reached the taxi rank. Sam said they allegedly found mandrax tablets valued at approximately R40 000 and cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime.
“Two suspects were arrested and charged for dealing in drugs. They will appear in court soon. The proliferation of drugs remains the priority of the SAPS.
“The police request the public to report criminality via the SAPS Crime Stop Number at 08600 10111 or alternatively use the MySAPS App,” he said.
Picture: Seventeen people arrested during Operation Paseka/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
22 April 2025- As the Easter Weekend celebrations came to an end, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring public safety by intensifying efforts to curb criminal activities across the province. From 14 April to 20 April 2025, the men and women in blue conducted high-impact operations across all five districts during Operation Paseka (Safer Easter Holiday Operations) coupled with Operation Shanela.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said these operations led by the five District Commissioners and senior officers, resulted in the arrest of 304 individuals for serious offences, including dealing in drugs, illegal liquor trade, robbery, attempted murder, rape, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).
Ehlers said adopting a zero-tolerance approach, SAPS worked in collaboration with various government departments, law enforcement agencies, and community structures to tackle priority crimes.
“The operations led to the confiscation of illegal drugs, alcohol, firearms and dangerous weapons. Crime prevention efforts included roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, high-visibility patrols, and stop-and-search operations.
“During these activities, 15267 individuals and 1513 vehicles were searched. Seventeen arrests were made for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” she said.
Ehlers further said compliance inspections were also carried out at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, and recycling facilities, resulting in the closure of several non-compliant liquor establishments. She added that detective teams were out in full force to trace and apprehend wanted suspects.
“With increased traffic as holidaymakers returned home, the SAPS urged all motorists to observe road safety regulations and drive responsibly.
“In the lead-up to the weekend, SAPS partnered with relevant stakeholders to conduct community outreach and awareness campaigns. These initiatives focused on Easter safety measures and highlighted key issues such as Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF),” said Ehlers.
She said big events, including drag racing, spinning, music festivals and sports tournaments, were successfully policed and monitored, ensuring the safety of attendees. Ehlers said no major incidents were reported during these gatherings.
“These targeted crime prevention efforts will continue beyond the Easter period. The SAPS encourages the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious or criminal activity through the MySAPS app or by contacting Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” she said.
22 April 2025- The ongoing focused illicit mining operations under the auspices of Operation Vala Umgodi have secured arrests and the seizure of uncut diamonds in the Namakwa District. On Monday, 21 April 2025, five men aged between 23 and 50, were arrested following the interception of a white Toyota Hilux bakkie on the R355 en route to Port Nolloth.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the vehicle was allegedly transporting illegal miners from Nuttabooi. Sam said upon searching the vehicle, police allegedly discovered unpolished diamonds and undocumented immigrants.
“The suspects were detained and face charges of possession of unpolished diamonds and contravention of immigration laws. Operation Vala Umgodi remains a strategic intervention targeting illegal mining across the Northern Cape.
“The South African Police Service (SAPS) calls on members of the public to support ongoing efforts to combat crime by reporting any suspicious or criminal activity via the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS App,” he said.
Picture: Two suspects nabbed for being in possession of drugs/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
22 April 2025- Two individuals were arrested for possession of drugs during Operation Phakisa. Thic comes after the law enforcement agencies with other stakeholders embarked on Operation Phakisa between 18 and 20 April 2025.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the targeted operations were conducted in Port Nolloth, Kleinzee, Hondeklip Bay, Groenrivier, Rooiklippies, and Alexander Bay. Ehlers said the South African Police Service (SAPS), in collaboration with officials from the Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Customs, and SANParks, executed a coordinated response to criminal activities affecting the marine environment.
“Law enforcement efforts to combat marine-related crimes remain steadfast, with continued implementation of Operation Phakisa across the coastal areas of the Namakwa District. This multi-agency operation resulted in the arrest of two individuals for drug possession and fines totalling R17 000 were issued.
“Offences included unauthorized vehicle access within coastal zones, violations of the Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996, and breaches of the Marine Living Resources Act 18 of 1998,” she said.
Ehlers further said disruptive actions carried out during the operation include stop-and-search procedures, high-visibility foot and vehicle patrols, as well as vessel inspections. She added that, in total, 320 individuals, 121 vehicles, and 34 vessels were thoroughly searched.
“Compliance inspections were also conducted at harbours, launching sites, and campgrounds to ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations,” said Ehlers.
Meanwhile, the acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, visited the operational sites and commended all involved agencies for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the province’s coastal regions. Ngubelanga urged community members to actively support law enforcement efforts by reporting any suspicious activities or marine-related crimes.
“Information can be shared anonymously via the MySAPS app or by contacting the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111,” he said.
The Guardian 