DA calls on Minister Motshekga to convene Defence Industry Lekgotla

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Picture: SANDF soldiers

By REGINALD KANYANE

2 June 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said South Africa’s defence industry is in steep decline, suffering from years of neglect, poor leadership, and broken promises. The DA alleged that at the centre of this crisis is the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga’s continued failure to take action, including her inability to deliver on a long-promised South African Defence Industry (SADI) Lekgotla.

The DA Spokesperson on Defence & Military Veterans, Chris Hattingh, who is also a Member of Parliament (MP) said, the Lekgotla that was first proposed under former Minister, Thandi Modise, was meant to provide a path forward for the struggling sector. Hattingh said despite formal commitments, including a written parliamentary assurance that it would be convened by 31 March 2025, no progress has been made.

“The deadline has passed without any explanation, update, or new date. This silence is indefensible. Parliamentary replies now cite vague reasons like the “non-availability of stakeholders” and “factors beyond control.”

“These excuses dodge responsibility and show a shocking lack of urgency from the Minister tasked with protecting a sector critical to national security and economic growth,” he said.

Hattingh further said South Africa’s defence industry has been in decline for years. He added that revenue fell from R19.5 billion in 2016 to R12.5 billion in 2020.

“Exports have halved. Research and development has ground to a halt. Skilled professionals are leaving the industry. These are not just statistics, but they represent lost jobs, stalled innovation, and a weakening of our sovereign capability.

“Motshekga met with defence leaders in August 2024 and again promised the Lekgotla would be held by March 2025. That promise, like so many before it, has been abandoned,” said Hattingh.

He said while the Secretary for Defence now scrambles to salvage the process behind closed doors, the lack of ministerial leadership sends a chilling message to local industry, workers and global partners. Hattingh said the longer this continues, the greater the damage to the defence sector, job creation, and national security.

“We demand that Motshekga immediately break her silence, provide a public update, publish a binding date for the Lekgotla and take full responsibility for the leadership vacuum in her department,” he said.

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Committee mourns the death of IFP MP, Petros Sithole

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Picture: IFP Member of Parliament, Petros Sithole

By OBAKENG MAJE

2 June 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements said it has learned with shock the senseless and brutal killing of Khethamabala Petros Sithole, a member of the committee. The committee said the senseless killing of Sithole is a reminder of the violent society people live in.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Nocks Seabi said there is a need for urgent action to combat violent crime in the country. Seabi said this one act has robbed them of a dedicated member, who had the interests of the people at heart.

“We call on law enforcement agencies to act with urgency in investigating the incident and to bring perpetrators to book. A vicious criminality that has struck a cold debilitating blow on the hearts of the Sithole family and friends, his political party the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), parliament and the country as a whole, demand urgent investigation that will lead to conviction.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Sithole family and to the committee. May they find solace in the knowledge that Sithole gave his life to serving the people,” he said.

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A man gets a suspended sentence for raping a minor

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By REGINALD KANYANE

1 June 2025- A man (50) from Keimoes was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment by the Kakamas Regional Court for rape. On 9 September 2022, the victim was sitting with her friends and the accused, Ronald van Wyk consuming alcohol.

The ZF Mgcawu District Police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said the accused requested the victim to accompany him to a bottle store to buy more alcohol. Masegela said on their return, the accused took a turn into a gravel route where he switched off the vehicle and forcefully raped her.

“After the incident he dropped off the victim where her friends were and drove away. She reported the incident to her boyfriend and the police were alerted. The accused was subsequently arrested was found guilty on sexual assault.

“He was sentenced to 5 years of imprisonment on 23 May 2025. The sentence is suspended for a period of five years on condition that he is not convicted of sexual assault committed during the period of suspension.

“He was further declared unfit to possess a firearm and unsuitable to work with children,” she said.

Meanwhile, the ZFM District Police Commissioner, Major General Monica Sebili, applauded the excellent investigation by Sergeant Tsholofelo Mohutsiwa attached to Kakamas Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit and cited that no impunity will be granted to sex offenders.

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A man sentenced to 18 years imprisonment for rape

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By OBAKENG MAJE

1 June 2025- A man (32) was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment by the Postmasburg Regional Court for rape. On 23 May 2024, a woman (29) and her friends were at a local drinking establishment when the accused approached them, offered to buy them alcohol and suggested that they go and drink at his place.

The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said they all went together to the accused’s place and slept on one bed. Masegela said during the night, the accused, Velile Sannie, started to touch the victim and when she resisted, he assaulted her with a belt.

“The victim succumbed to the accused, who then raped her. She reported the incident to the police the following day and the accused was subsequently arrested.

“Sannie was convicted for rape and sentenced to 18 years imprisonment and was declared and unfit to possess a firearm and his name will be entered in the National Register of sex offenders,” she said.

Masegela further said the collaboration between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is appreciated and welcomed in this joint quest to serve justice. She added that the FCS detectives remain committed and dedicated in ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice.

“The meticulous investigation by Constable Boitshepo Bele attached to the Family Violence Child Protection in Sexual Offences Unit in Postmasburg was lauded by the District Commissioner of ZF Mgcawu, Major General Monica Sebili for the lengthy sentence in justice of a rape victim,” said Masegela.

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Alleged card scamming suspect arrested   

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Picture: A man arrested by the police for alleged fraud and theft/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

1 June 2025- A man (61) was arrested by two Kuruman Highway Patrol members for alleged fraud and theft on Sunday. It was reported that the suspect allegedly defrauded unsuspecting victims at various ATMs in Kuruman on 31 May 2025.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said his alleged criminal actions came to an end on 1 June 2025, as he was arrested for alleged theft at a business establishment in Kuruman. Shemane said further police investigations led to the discovery and seizure of bank cards, cash, clothes and a cell phone that was found in possession of the suspect.

“The suspect is expected to appear in the Kuruman Magistrate’s Court soon. Anyone who might have fallen victim to card scamming is urged to visit Kuruman SAPS and report the crime,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting John Taolo Gaetsewe District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, applauded Warrant Officer Jan Burger and Sergeant Veliswa Mnguni for their vigilance and speedy response, which led to apprehension of the suspect and the confiscations made.

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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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