One Billion Housing Project On Track 

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Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for COGHSTA, Bentley Vass on oversight visits/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE 

11 March 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass, has embarked on oversight visits in Perth and Heuningvlei, where the One Billion Rand Housing Project will commence. The project was launched by the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa in January 2024. 

Vass who was accompanied by the executive mayor of the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, Pulane Mogatle-Thoane, the District Municipality Speaker, Ephraim Aiseng, the Joe Morolong Local Municipality mayor, Dineo Leutlwetse-Tshabalala, Kgosikgolo Hastings Jantjie and Kgosikgolo Pule Bareki, and several councillors, also had community engagement with the housing beneficiaries in Heuningvlei.

“We briefed the delegation on the housing project for the JTG District and its progress. Over 500 houses will be built in Joe Morolong Municipality as part of the One Billion Rand Housing Project to address the housing backlog in the JTG District.

“This provided us with a first-hand opportunity to observe the progress in the JTG District and to engage with the contractors responsible for the area. The successful visit was concluded with a community meeting, where we engaged 200 housing beneficiaries at the Heuningvlei Community Hall,” he said.

Vass further said as the Northern Cape Provincial Government (NCPG, they intend to expedite the One Billion Rand Housing Project and ensure that the beneficiaries receive their quality houses sooner. He added that, to this end, they receive a weekly progress report, and the Human Settlements team is working closely with the contractors to ensure adherence to the project timelines.

“A follow-up meeting between COGHSTA, the Traditional Council, and the District and Local Municipality, will take place to address some of the challenges highlighted by members of the community, including beneficiary administration and job opportunities and sub-contracting issues.

“Following the briefing, we handed over two houses to Albert Mothobi and Selita Nkgari’s family in Churchhill. These two families were assisted after news reports on the dire state of their mud houses,” said Vass.

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Seothaeng o tlhalositswe jaaka motho oneng a le bonolo  

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Setshwantsho: Moswi Archbald Seothaeng

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

11 Mopitlwe 2025- Modulasetilo wa setlhopha sa Indomitable Lions FC sa kwa motsesetoropong wa Pudimoe, gaufi le Taung, Archibald Aotlotlwe Seothaeng (50), o fitlhilwe kwa dirapeng tsa baswi kwa motseng wa Dryharts, mono Taung ka Lamatlhatso. Seothaeng o neetswe phitlho ya manobonobo, o kailwe jaaka motho o neng a le boikobo, bonolo, ebile a rata thuto. 

Batla phitlhong ba ne ba tlile ka bontsi jo bo thibang letsatsi go tla go felegetse Seothaeng. 

Mokatisi wa setlhopa sa Indomitable Lions FC, Olebogeng Kalabatane are ba simolotse go dira le Seothaeng ka 2021, fa ba ne ba aga setlhopa sa seo. Kalabatane are Seothaeng, one a le botlhale, mme ba fitlheletse dilo di le dintsi thata motlase ga tsamaiso ya gagwe. 

“Bontsi jwa nako, re kopane le mathata mme Seothaeng one a dumela mo go baleng. One a itse melao ya kgwele ya dinao. One o tla bona seo fa go na le dikgogakgogano. Gape, Seothaeng one a dumela mo go tsweleleng pele. 

“Seothaeng o thusitse setlhopa ka keteledi-pele ya gagwe e manontlhotlho. Se se utlwisang botlhoko ke gore, ga nke re itse nako ya loso ke leng. Gona le dilo di le dintsi tse oneng a batlile go di direla setlhopa mo ngwageng o,” Kalabatane wa tlhalosa. 

Mokhuduthamaga kwa LGSETA, Inneeleng Molete, o tlhalositse Seothaeng jaaka motho oneng a rata tiro ya gagwe. Molete are LGSETA tiro ya bona ke go rotloetsa basha le go bula ditshono tsa ditiro le dithuto. 

“Kgang ya rona ke go bula ditshono, mme re dira gore go nne le kgolagano magareng ga dimasepala tsotlhe go ralala naga. Re thusa bana ba dikobo dikhutsane gore ba bone madi a go tsweletsa dithuto tsa bone kwa di unibesiti tse di farologaneng.

“Karolo eo, e tshamikilwe ke Seothaeng mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima. Boeteledipele jwa gagwe ene ele jo bo namatshang,” Molete wa tlhalosa. 

Modiri-mmogo wa maloba wa ga Seothaeng kwa Lefapheng La Badiri, Paul Motshweneng are Seothaeng o dirile jaaka Employment Officer kwa lefapheng la bone, mme one a le bonolo. Motshweneng are Seothaeng o iponetse dikgele di le mmalwa jaaka modiri o gaisitseng wa ngwaga. 

Kgabagare, morwadia Seothaeng, Kganya, o tlhalositse rragwe jaaka motho oneng a dula a ba rotloetsa thata gore ba tseye dithuto tsa bone tsia. Kganya are bat la dula ba mogopola ka dinako tsotlhe.

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Eight suspects nabbed for dealing in drugs

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

10 March 2025- Eight suspects aged between 27 and 42, were arrested contravention of the Immigration Act, dealing in and possession of drugs, resisting arrest, assault on a police official, defeating the ends of justice and robbery with a weapon. The suspects were arrested during Northern Cape multi-disciplinary Operation Vala Umgodi team, tasked to combat illicit mining activities.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the operation was executed from 6 March 2025, in the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts, respectively. Sam said the police from the Kimberley and Kleinsee Venue Operations Centres (VOC), executed disruptive activities, including vehicle check points (VCPs), stop and searches, as well as crime prevention patrols in and around the mining areas and communities.

“Shift B of the Kimberley VOC while patrolling,& received information of drug dealing at a house in Galeshewe, Ramatshela Street. They verified and operationalised the information and found Mandrax tablets, Crystal Meth and Khat, with a total value of approximately R3180, as well as R8 780 cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime.

“The team further arrested 3 assailants who robbed a member of the public not far from were they searched the drug house. All suspects will appear in their respective Courts of Kimberley and Port Nolloth soon,” he said.

Sam further said numerous traffic violation fines were issued at several VCPs in Frances Baard and Namakwa. He added that, the combat teams will intensify its efforts by squeezing the space for illegal miners to operate.

“If you see something, say something. Report illegal mining to the SAPS Crime Stop 08600 10111,” said Sam.

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A man sentenced to six years imprisonment for fraud and theft of motor vehicle

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By OBAKENG MAJE

10 March 2025- A man (50) was sentenced to six years imprisonment for fraud and theft of a motor vehicle. In November 2020, the accused, Hanro Pietersen, visited the complainant at Riverside Farm, near Plooysburg.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said Pietersen informed the complainant that he was a mechanic and would be able to fix his Nissan X trail vehicle, which is valued at R70 000. Shemane said the victim paid the accused R15 000 to do the repairs on the vehicle and Pietersen then towed the vehicle to Kimberley.

“The accused took the vehicle papers with him and informed the complaint that he was taking the papers in case the police stopped him along the road. Instead, the accused went to the Kimberley Traffic Department and forged the signature of the complainant and put the vehicle on his name.

“After the accused repaired the vehicle, he then sold it to a person in Roodepan in Kimberley. It then came to the attention of the owner that the vehicle has been sold,” he said.

Shemane further said the complainant approached the police and a case of theft of motor vehicle and fraud was registered. He added that, the police recovered the vehicle and arrested the accused.

“On 5 March 2025, the Kimberley Regional Court convicted and sentenced him to six years imprisonment, and he was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” said Shemane.

Meanwhile, the District Commissioner of Pixley Ka Seme, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, commended the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Samuel Witbooi of De Aar Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit in securing the conviction and bringing the perpetrator to justice.

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Have you seen a missing patient, Elias Lumkwana?

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Picture: A missing patient, Elias Lumkwana/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

10 March 2025- The Kimberley SAPS Serious and Violent Crimes unit are requesting the assistance of the public in locating missing Elias Lumkwana (55). The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said Lunkwana is originally from Colesberg and was admitted to the Robert Sobukwe Mangaliso Hospital in Kimberley, 4 March 2025.

“A family member went to visit the following day, but could not find him at the hospital and reported him missing on 6 March 2025, at the Kimberley SAPS.

“Anyone with information can contact Detective Sergeant Moagi Mokatsane on 083 314 3855 or call SAPS crime stop on 08600 10111 or utilize the MySaps App,” he said.

Kock said the public is reminded that there is no waiting period to report a missing person.

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‘Promotion comes with responsibility’

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Picture: Some police officers promoted/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

10 March 2015- The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General, Koliswa Otola conferred ranks to the newly promoted officers and members of the SAPS at the Provincial Headquarters during an Extended Provincial Crime Combatting Forum Management meeting in Kimberley on Monday.

Otola was joined by the Deputy Provincial Commissioner of Policing, Major General Keagekae Besnaar, Deputy Provincial Commissioner of Crime Detection, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga and the District Commissioner of Frances Baard, Major General Gabathata Makgari.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said in attendance, were the Provincial Heads of various components, while the other four District Commissioners with their respective stations linked via the virtual platform. Litabe sais the newly promoted officers, whose appointment date is 1 March 2025, included Colonel Itumeleng Pudule (The new Provincial Head of Employee Health and Wellness Services),

Lieutenant Colonel Mosimaneotsile Letsapa, the new Station Commander of Kathu,

Lieutenant Colonel Bakang Kgwadi, the new Station Commander of Keimoes.

“These members, Captain Tebogo Oliphant (Plooysburg), Captain Aloycia-Motlatsi (Hondeklipbaai), Captain Xolani Ralarala (Vanwyksvlei), Captain Renard Setlhabi (Onseepkans), Captain Anel Thiro (Marydale), Captain Melvin Wales (Phillipstown), Captain Frank Witbooi (Olifantshoek), Captain Silulami Nomyayi (Fraserburg) and Captain Johannes Bekker (Aggenys), were appointed to the rank of Captain as new Station Commanders.

“Prior to conferring the ranks, Otola invited the new appointees into the EPCCF meeting so that they could catch a glimpse of what she expects from the station commanders,” he said.

Meanwhile, in her congratulatory message, Otola indicated that with the new rank comes new responsibilities and accountability. She said before they make her proud, they must make themselves proud.

“We also urged them to take command of their respective offices and not be intimidated by any person.” She said.

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The police are looking for a person of interest

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Picture: The police are looking for person of interest/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

10 March 2025- The Galeshewe Police Serious and Violent Crimes Unit requests the assistance of the public in tracing a person of interest in solving a business robbery case that occurred in Barkly Road in Galeshewe on 4 February 2025. The police said the preliminary investigations indicate that the person of interest depicted in the picture, allegedly involved in the robbery and fled the scene.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said: “Anyone with information is urged to contact the Investigating Officer Detective Sergeant Chrisna Von Wielliegh at 082 469 0547 or make use of SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or make use of the MySAPS App to send a tip-off.

“All information will be treated confidentially.”

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DA: “The dismissal of former Northern Cape Roads and Public Works CFO a first step in combating corruption”

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Picture: Former Northern Cape Roads and Public Works CFO, Bradley Slingers

By REGINALD KANYANE

10 March 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Northern Cape said the dismissal of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Northern Cape Roads and Public Works, Bradley Slingers, must be the first step in combating corruption. Slingers (58), was arrested on 16 November 2023, after a roadblock, near Shell Ultra City on the N12 road in Kimberley.

This comes after he was allegedly found with a large sum of cash in his vehicle. A search of Slingers uncovered R200,000 in his possession, as well as three additional bags containing a total of over R679 000 in cash.

According to The Star newspaper, it appeared that the Hawks have been investigating National Department of Public Works officials for some time, and the roadblock was set up to clamp into the corruption syndicate happening at the DPWI. The newspaper said sources close to the situation have revealed that DPWI senior officials across the country take “cash gifts” from service providers in exchange of large tenders and projects, a scourge mostly prevalent in Gauteng, KZN and the Northern Cape.

The Hawks are believed to have been on Slingers’ tail for some months leading up to the arrest. At the arrest Slingers could not answer where he got the cash.

The DA Northern Cape Provincial Leader, Harold McGluwa, who is also a Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in Northern Cape said, the DA’s pressure has led to confirmation from the Department of Roads and Public Works that they have dismissed Slingers, following the outcome of an internal disciplinary hearing. McGluwa said this is only the first step in fighting corruption in the provincial government and must extend to other departments.

“The DA expects the Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, to make an example of the Slingers case and urgently lead a process to ensure that internal disciplinary processes are initiated against all officials whose fate has been left to the courts alone to determine. Departments also have a critical responsibility to enforce accountability and to punish wrongdoing, and they should be acted against when they fail to do so.

“The DA will monitor developments in relation to instituting efficient disciplinary processes within departments. We will also probe the delayed implementation of the dismissal of Slingers by the department. It cannot be that department’s only action when a scandal hits the media,” he said.

McGluwa further said they appreciate that the Slingers case remains under investigation by law enforcement agencies. He added that, they hope that the investigation is finalized soon and that it leads to Slingers’ prosecution by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works spokesperson, Zandile Luphahla said: “We can confirm the dismissal of its former CFO after he was found guilty of misconduct, which brought the department into disrepute. The Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong, has received a letter from the former CFO’s attorney.

“While the contents of the letter remain confidential, the Makatong is applying her mind and will respond accordingly.”

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Zimbabwean man arrested for unlawfully being in possession of explosives

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Picture: The explosives seized by the police/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

10 March 2025- Zimbabwean man (21) was arrested for unlawful possession of explosives during an intelligence-led operation in Klerksdorp. The police said this was part of combating illegal mining and other crimes.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the suspect, who allegedly tried to flee after becoming aware of the police, was arrested in the bushes near a shopping mall by members of the National Intervention Unit (NIU). Myburgh said inside his vehicle, police allegedly found a variety of explosives, including capped fuses, 30 blasting cartridges and 50m of detonating cord.

“Initial investigations indicated that the explosives are used to commit cash in transit heists, explode Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) as well as utilisation in illegal mining activities. The suspect will appear before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on Monday, on charges of unlawful possession of explosives,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, applauded all members involved in the multi-disciplinary operation for their diligence that resulted in bringing the suspect to book. Asaneng said the public is advised to report crime, including through the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS application anonymously.

“Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 080 091 1011,” he said.

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Former financial administrator sentenced to 23 years imprisonment for theft

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

10 March 2025- The accused, Angelique Loubsher (53), who was facing 135 counts of theft, was found guilty by the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court. Loubsher was working as a Financial Administrator at a company selling cleaning materials, had over a period of 10 months (from 3 January 2021 to 23 October 2021) stealing money belonging to her employer, instead of depositing it into the employer’s bank account.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said she was sentenced to just more than 23 years imprisonment, suspended on condition that she pays the whole amount of R285 842.46, back to her now former employer. Myburgh said Loubsher was also put under correctional supervision for a period of five years.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, congratulated the Potchefstroom Detectives for recently achieving excellent sentences. Asaneng commended the Investigating Officers and prosecution for leaving no stone unturned to secure the sentence.

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