9 April 2025- The South African Under 17 coach, Vela Khumalo said it is a mission accomplished after his team qualified for the FIFA World Cup. The South African U17 men’s national team has qualified for the FIFA U17 World Cup to be held in Qatar from 3–27 November 2025.
Khumalo’s side achieved the feat after they finished as runners-up to Group B winners Burkina Faso at the CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) currently underway in Morocco. The South Africans lost their final Group B match 0-2 to Burkina Faso on Sunday night, but the result had no bearing on the final standings as they qualified for the World Cup and the quarterfinals of AFCON.
Khumalo said he was elated for his players after their achievement.
“Let me take this opportunity to thank each and every South African who rallied behind us. This is a great moment and a big achievement. I made it clear that more than anything else we wanted to qualify for the World Cup, so it is mission accomplished.
“I am very excited and delighted, despite this last result (the defeat to Burkina Faso), where I think we still played well. We did not convert our chances and we need to be a little bit more aggressive and direct. I’m excited, happy, so happy for the boys, and happy for myself,” he said.
Khumalo further said they are now looking forward to seeing where their journey in the U17 AFCON takes them without the pressure of qualifying for the World Cup weighing on their shoulders.
Picture: A Cash-in-Transit vehicle blown by criminals/Facebook
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
9 April 2025 – Police have launched a manhunt following a Cash-in-Transit heist that occurred on Monday evening, 7 April 2025. It is alleged that a Cash-in-Transit van with two security officers inside was traveling on the N4 road, near Majakaneng, at around 6pm.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the van was allegedly blocked by a number of vehicles. Myburgh said according to information received, an unconfirmed number of heavily armed suspects emerged and started firing shots at the cash van that came to a halt.
“The crew was overpowered, and their firearms were stolen. During the shooting, one of the security guards was injured and sustained a gunshot wound to his abdomen.
“Furthermore, the suspects used explosives to blow up the cash van and took an undisclosed amount of cash. They fled the scene in three vehicles, which included a Mercedes Benz, Toyota Fortuner, and a Toyota Hilux,” she said.
Myburgh further said the injured security guard was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment. She added that no arrests were made, and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) is investigating the matter.
“The public is advised to report crime at your nearest police station or anonymously through the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS application. Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the extortion hotline on 080 091 1011,” said Myburgh.
Setshwantsho-papiso: Lesea le latlhetswe kwa kwaring
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
9 Moranang 2025- Sepodisi sa Taung se batlisisa kgetsi ya morago ga loso. Se se tla morago ga dipego tsa gore lekgarebe la kwa motseng wa Ditshilong, gaufi le Taung, le latofadiwe ka go latlhela lesea la gagwe kwa kwaring.
Go ya ka dipego, lekgarebe le, ga la itekanela sentle mo tlhogo. Go begwa fa lekgarebe le, le bonwe le ebela le mebila ya Ditshilong a sa apara a tshotse lesea, mme a itsaya ditshwantsho sa motsikinyego pele ga tiragalo e.
Bangwe ba bo maratahelele ba tlhalosa fa se se ba makaditse, gonne lekgarebe le, e ntse ele motho sentle fela o a itekanetseng.
“Rona jaaka baagi re makaditswe ke tiragalo e. Mo letsatsing la maabane, re utlwile gotwe lekgarebe le, le tswa go latlhela ngwana o monyinyane kwa kwaring. Se re se tlhaloganyang ke gore, mmagwe ke ene a sa itekanelang mo tlhaloganyong eseng ene,” mongwe wa bo maratahelele wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, go begwa fa lekgarebe le, le amogetswe kwa bookelong jwa sedika jwa Taung go lekola seemo sa gagwe sa tlhaloganyo pele ga sepodisi se ka tsaya tshwetso ya go ka bula kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le ene kgotsa jang.
9 April 2025- South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldier, Peace Mashile (35) to 20 years imprisonment by the Port Nolloth Regional Court for rape. This comes Mashile, who was on duty at the night of the incident, raped a girl (15), who is the daughter of his superior.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the victim was residing at the base with her mother, who was also a soldier and the superior of the accused, based at the Alexander Bay at the Inggreas Avenue Army Base. Senokoatsane said the accused and the victim knew each other, as both resided on the same army base.
“They would see each other almost daily when the victim went to and from school, as she also frequently played around the army base. The accused was posted as the guard at the gate of the Base.
“The victim called the accused, Uncle Peace. On the fateful night of the incident, 9 December 2019, the accused climbed through the bedroom window of the bedroom in which the victim was sleeping. There was a hole in the window, which made entry into the bedroom accessible,” he said.
Senokoatsane further said the victim woke up when she felt the cold hands of the accused touching her. He added that, when she opened her eyes, she saw the accused on top of her.
“She tried to scream, but the accused covered her mouth with his hand. When the victim tried to remove his hand, the accused choked her until she could no longer resist.
“The accused proceeded to rape the victim who was sleeping next to her cousin on the same bed. After raping the victim, the accused told her to remain quiet and left the room through the window which he had used to gain entry,” said Senokoatsane.
He said the victim saw the accused outside her room and went to the toilet, where she saw blood on the tissue when she wiped herself. Senokoatsane said the victim went back to her room and saw that the accused was still lingering outside her room.
“She ran to her mother’s room, woke her up and informed her about what happened. The victim also explained to her mother what the accused was wearing when he raped her.
“The mother of the victim thought that she was having a nightmare when the cousin indicated that she did not feel anything, while she was sleeping next to the victim,” he said.
Senokoatsane said the mother let the victim sleep next to her until morning. He said in the morning, the victim reiterated what she said the previous night about the accused raping her.
“The mother of the victim left for work and met the accused on her way. She asked the accused to accompany her to his room without divulging as to why. In his room, the complainant asked the accused what clothes he was wearing the previous night.
“The accused indicated that he was wearing the same clothes he was currently wearing. However, the mother of the victim found the same clothes that were described by her daughter in the room of the accused,” said Senokoatsane.
He said the mother reported the matter and the SANDF officials wanted to deal with the matter internally, but the mother of the victim insisted that the case be reported to the police. Senokoatsane said the case was diligently investigated by Sergeant Shaun Brandt from the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in Port Nolloth.
“The DNA evidence recovered from the victim’s clothing conclusively linked the accused to the offence. At the commencement of the trial, the accused pleaded not guilty and attempted to advance a fabricated defence, which was rejected by the court following a thorough and credible prosecution.
“The accused was also linked to the crime through forensic evidence, as DNA was obtained from the sanitary product the victim was wearing,” he said.
In aggravation of sentence, state prosecutor advocate Basil Kock, argued that the accused, who was in a position of trust, not only violated the dignity of the victim, but also betrayed the trust of her family, his employer and the broader society.
Kock said the social worker who compiled the victim impact report testified to the extensive emotional, physical, psychological and developmental trauma suffered by the child.
“The report detailed that the child’s school performance declined, and she experienced anxiety, sleep disturbances, and fear. She no longer felt safe in her home and community.
“The trauma further affected the entire family, prompting the mother to resign from her post and relocate to Pretoria,” said Kock.
Senokoatsane said although the state submitted that no substantial or compelling circumstances existed to deviate from the prescribed sentence of life imprisonment, the court found that there were substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence, and the accused was sentenced to 20 years of direct imprisonment. He said the court further ordered that the accused’s name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.
“He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, and he was further declared unfit to work with or have access to children.
“The NPA commends the victim for her bravery, her mother for her unwavering pursuit of justice, and the prosecutorial and investigative teams for their outstanding work,” said Senokoatsane.
He said the NPA reaffirms its commitment to the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the protection of vulnerable groups, particularly children. Senokoatsane said all cases of sexual violence encroach on the rights to dignity and privacy of the victims as enshrined in the constitution, hence the NPA aggressively prosecutes these cases.
9 April 2025 – The African champions, Banyana Banyana, clawed their way back from a goal down to beat a determined Malawi 2-1 in an international friendly match played at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Tuesday. Malawian player, Vanessa Chikupira, stunned the small but passionate home crowd when she beat Banyana Banyana goalkeeper, Kaylin Swart to open the scoring in the 58th minute.
To their credit, the Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s national team never dropped their heads and were rewarded when second half substitute Hildah Magaia scored the equaliser in the 75th minute. Then Player of the Match, Amogelang Motau, delivered a moment of magic when she scored a long-range scorcher of a free kick in the 85th minute to seal the match for the South Africans.
Banyana Banyana coach, Dr Desiree Ellis said she thinks it was fantastic. Ellis said they needed to celebrate players, who have given long service to the country.
“We need to celebrate that and it was a significant day,” she said.
The hard-fought result at a wet and windy Lucas Moripe summed up the occasion on an afternoon that saw Nompumelelo Nyandeni, who earned her 150th and final cap for South Africa, becoming the third most capped Banyana Banyana player in history, behind Noko Matlou and Janine van Wyk. Nyandeni’s journey with the national team began at the age of 15, and her send-off was a celebration of nearly two decades of excellence.
“I was excited to represent my country for the last time. I’m also happy that my teammates fought for me by winning the game and having a proper send-off,” said Nyandeni after the match.
The emotional farewell to Nyandeni marked the end of an era, but also highlighted the depth and promise of the team’s next generation.
Swart also marked a personal milestone by earning her 50th cap for Banyana Banyana, adding to the celebratory atmosphere as fans and players honoured the contributions of two key figures in South African women’s football.
Meanwhile, the SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan congratulated both Nyandeni and Matlou, who is also heading to the sunset after playing her last match for the national team on Saturday, for their contribution to women’s football in South Africa.
“Their place in history is confirmed and no one can ever take that away from them. Their contribution to the game, both here at home and on the continent, is enormous and their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
“With back-to-back wins against a strong Malawi side, Banyana Banyana continue to build momentum ahead of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and the FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers,” he said.
8 April 2025- The police in Northern Cape said as they are in the Easter Holiday period, they will focus on intelligence driven and high visibility during police actions throughout the province. The police said a multi-disciplinary approach will be adopted in an effort to stabilise and reduce crime in all hot spot areas.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said Operation Shanela coupled with Operation Paseka, has tightened its grip on crime in the province by apprehending and arresting 275 persons throughout the five districts from 31 March 2025 until 6 April 2025. Kock said the multi-disciplinary teams inspected numerous unlicensed outlets for non-compliance to ensure perpetrators face the full might of the law.
“Through 13 088 high visibility actions, vehicle and foot patrols and stop and search actions, 2911 vehicles and 5755 persons were stopped and searched at vehicle check points (VCPs) and roadblocks conducted across the province.
“Suspects were arrested for illegal dealing in liquor, burglaries at residential and business premises, malicious damage to property, assaults, robberies, dealing in drugs, and possession of dangerous weapons and stock theft to mention a few,” he said.
Kock further said Detectives also conducted tracing operations in search of wanted suspects who failed to make court appearances or for whom warrants of arrests were issued. He added that, compliance inspections were conducted at numerous second-hand dealers and liquor premises as well as formal and informal businesses, farms, scrapyards.
“During the execution of the operations, police confiscated counterfeit goods, dangerous weapons, firearms and ammunition, alcoholic beverages, drugs and cash. Stolen goats were also recovered as well as a vehicle stolen in Franschoek in the Western Cape.
“Various community engagements and outreach programmes were held in conjunction with community policing structures and government departments in all 5 districts,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General, Koliswa Otola appreciated the collaboration between departments in conjunction with community structures in the execution of the operations and thanked the public for their continued efforts in the fight against crime. Otola reiterated that no one will be left behind, especially as we are in the Easter period.
8 April 2025- Following the opening of the fifth sluice gate at the Vaal Dam, the Vaal River system has now entered a flood stage. In addition, the South African Weather Service has issued a Yellow Level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across parts of the Northern Cape.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said in light of these developments, the South African Police Service in the Northern Cape urges all motorists to exercise caution and adhere to the safety guidelines when travelling in inclement weather. Ehlers said drivers should reduce speed and increase following distance to allow for adequate reaction time in case of sudden stops or changing road conditions.
She further said they should use headlights at all times to enhance visibility and ensure their vehicles are visible to others. Ehlers added that they should also ensure that, windshield wipers are functioning properly to maintain clear visibility.
“Avoid puddles and standing water, which may conceal potholes. Be cautious of large vehicles that may reduce your visibility due to spray. Stay alert and avoid distractions. If necessary, pull over safely.
“As the Easter Weekend approaches, the SAPS remains dedicated to safeguarding the well-being of all residents and visitors across the province. We urge all road users to remain vigilant, drive responsibly, and prioritise safety at all times,” she said.
8 April 2025- The South African Police Service in Barkly West is currently investigating three separate motor vehicle accidents that occurred within a 24-hour period on the R31 road, near Barkly West, which resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Sergio Kock said first accident took place on 6 April 2025, at 16:35, approximately 5km outside Barkly West, near Pniel.
Kock said an Isuzu mini-truck reportedly overturned and came to a halt off the roadway.
“Both occupants sustained serious injuries and were transported to hospital for medical treatment. A case of reckless and negligent driving has been registered.
“Roughly an hour later, at around 17:30, a second collision occurred on the R31 near Gong-Gong, where it is alleged that an Audi and a BMW were attempting to overtake when they collided with a truck,” he said.
Kock further said a truck overturned and came to a standstill on its side in the middle of the road. He added that vehicle had a single occupant.
“Tragically, the driver of the Audi was declared deceased on the scene. The drivers of the BMW and the truck sustained injuries and were taken to hospital. The road was closed to traffic until approximately 3am on 7 April 2025.
“A culpable homicide investigation is underway by Barkly West SAPS. The third incident occurred early this morning, 7 April 2025, at about 05:30, approximately 15km, outside Barkly West on the R31,” he said.
Kock said a stationary truck, which had reportedly broken down on the roadside, was struck by another truck. He said the driver of the stationary vehicle was outside the truck at the time.
“The driver and passenger of the second truck sustained serious injuries and were taken to hospital for medical treatment. A case of reckless and negligent driving has been registered. The road was reopened at approximately 09:30 this morning.
“The police urge all motorists with any information related to these incidents to contact Barkly West SAPS Detectives at 082 458 9670,” said Kock.
He said motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution when travelling in wet weather conditions. Kock said they should refrain from speeding and ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on any journey.
8 April 2025- A man (32) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Upington Regional Court for killing his own brother. On 21 May 2024, the two brothers, Jan Rooi (33) and Willem Rooi (32), were involved in an altercation at home in Raaswater during which Jan was fatally stabbed by his brother.
The ZF Mgcwawu Police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said the police were alerted and the case was assigned to Sergeant Vuyani Silingile of Upington Detective Branch. Masegela said the accused, Willem Rooi, was arrested later that day and brought before court.
“The accused’s brother was convicted for murder and he was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment. The investigating officer and NPA, were lauded for the teamwork and prompt investigation, which secured a lengthy sentence for a Domestic Violence related case,” he said.
8 April 2025- ANC calls on all patriotic and freedom-loving South Africans to take to heart the critical tasks before them to defend the hard-won gains of the freedom to deepen the democracy and unite in the face of adversity. The party said as the country commemorates a Freedom Month, it was in this spirit of vigilance and renewal that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the African National Congress convened at Chief Albert Luthuli House on 7 April 2025, to process pressing national developments, evolving geopolitical conditions, and the intensifying contradictions emerging within the Government of National Unity (GNU).
The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said the NWC’s deliberations represent the ANC’s collective reflection on the current state of governance, the recent budget impasse and the complex global forces shaping the democratic transition. Bhengu-Motsiri said safeguarding the NDR in conditions of strategic setback.
“The NWC reaffirmed the NEC’s characterisation of the 2024 electoral outcomes as a strategic setback. While we acknowledge the decline in electoral support, the ANC remains the largest political force in the country.
“The moment demands principled clarity and tactical sensitivity to preserve access to state power, continue advancing the NDR and rebuild trust with our people—especially the primary motive forces of our revolution,” she said.
Bhengu-Motsiri further said the NWC considered four tactical options in the post-election context, assuming opposition, entering a grand coalition, establishing a minority government with confidence-and-supply arrangements, or constructing a GNU. She added that, excluded the opposition benches as they would have compromised the transformation trajectory of the state.
“We instead opted for an inclusive GNU—a unity of opposites—designed to hold the centre, safeguard the state power, and regain public confidence. On the contradictions within the GNU.
“The GNU, by design, is complex. It requires high levels of political maturity and revolutionary discipline. We understood that it was never going to be an easy journey, considering it is made up of role-players diametrically opposed to us ideologically—but we expect discipline despite all this,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.
She said they are now deeply concerned by the conduct of the Democratic Alliance (DA), whose participation in the GNU has been marred by double-dealing, negotiating and acting in bad faith, and open disdain for transformation. Bhengu-Motsiri said while the GNU Cabinet adopted three strategic priorities aligned with the ANC’s Manifesto and endorsed, the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP), the DA has simultaneously acted as an opposition force— opposing the BELA Act, the NHI, and the Land Expropriation Amendment.
“It seeks to divide government, confuse the public and claim credit without assuming responsibility. This dishonesty undermines the very essence of collective governance. The NWC resolved that there is a need to continue to engage with all GNU partners and all political parties.
“We remain committed to the GNU as a tactical element, but its integrity cannot be compromised. In light of current developments, the NWC resolved that, we will reset a button to engage with all political parties in the GNU,” she said.
Bhengu-Motsiri said furthermore, the ANC will continue to drive consensus on key pillars of a developmental fiscal policy, equitable and redistributive tax policy, progressive management of debt and deficit levels, rationalisation of expenditure away from elite consumption toward social investment, and the institutional redesign necessary to realise a capable, ethical, and activist state. She said they will engage with allies, business and the religious sector through the South African Council of Churches, to share and also listen to their opinion about the issues they are confronting.
“We hope to reach consensus on the budget impasse within the period of 5 days after having engaged all stakeholders. As the largest party in government, we want to thank all political parties that have worked with us to pass the Fiscal Framework, both within and outside GNU.
“We remain principled and loyal on the talks about talks that we had with them, the engagements and ventilated issues in those discussions. The negotiating team has been given a broad mandate, and they will report within two weeks to the national officials and the NEC,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.
She said their mission is clear to build a democratic, non-racial, non-sexist, united and prosperous South Africa. Bhengu-Motsiri said struggle continues and the people’s movement will not retreat.
“The budget crisis was a test of leadership and character. The NWC acknowledged those political parties that rose above partisanship and placed national interest, social justice, and economic stability at the centre of the deliberations on the Fiscal Framework. Parties such as Action SA demonstrated maturity and patriotism in supporting the Framework, on the basis that alternative revenue proposals will be sought, including the replacement of the proposed VAT increase within 30 days.
“This collaboration repositions Parliament as a site of negotiation, consensus-building, and progressive change. Economic recovery: Yes to a Budget for growth and social equity. We reiterate that budgetary alternatives must prioritise the protection of the social wage, stimulate growth, and promote job creation,” she said.
Bhengu-Motsiri said at the same time, they must manage public debt and build a capable developmental state. She said the ANC’s Economic Transformation Committee, in close collaboration with the Chief Whip, will engage in the process of developing a revised revenue framework rooted in equity and developmental imperatives.
“We are committed to ensuring that fiscal consolidation does not come at the expense of the poor. The revised budgetary stance remains pro-poor, pro-growth, and anchored in the goals of the NDR. Key highlights of this progressive Fiscal Framework include, over R50 billion allocated to fund approximately 1.3 million students from poor and working-class families to access higher education and training.
“Nearly R39 billion committed to the School Nutrition Programme, which feeds over 9 million learners daily in no-fee schools. More than R250 billion remains allocated to Social Security, supporting over 18 million South Africans through old-age pensions, disability grants, and child support grants,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.
She said R33 billion is allocated to sustain the Social Relief of Distress Grant, providing monthly income support to over 8.5 million unemployed adults as part of a phased approach toward Basic Income Support. Bhengu-Motsiri said an additional R11.2 billion has been allocated to employ more doctors and nurses to strengthen frontline health services.
“The Department of Basic Education will recruit over 14,000 new teachers, particularly in under- resourced rural and township schools. The Department of Police has been allocated resources to recruit over 10,000 new police officers to strengthen community safety.
The NWC further resolved that we must protect and defend our institutions, and not leave them open to attack when they lawfully pursue their mandates. The ANC will continue to defend the constitutional integrity and independence of our democratic institutions,” she said.
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