Picture: The police in Northern Capeduring SOPA/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
6 March 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) in together with other law enforcement agencies and private security, said they ensured the safety of all guests and attendees at the Northern Cape State of the Province Address (SOPA), that was held at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre in Kimberley on 6 March 2025.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, his entourage and other distinguished guests, were formally welcomed by a procession consisting of the SAPS Provincial Band, the Drill Platoon and the Mounted Unit. Ehlers said law enforcement agencies led by the SAPS, were mobilised to heighten police visibility in order to prevent and combat any form of opportunistic crimes before, during and post the address.
“The multi-disciplinary deployment of law enforcement and a zero-tolerance approach ensured the absence of any serious incidents and disruptions,” she said.
6 March 2025- A male nurse from Duduza, who allegedly raped a boy (17) and sexual assaulted a man (19), was denied bail by the Nigel Magistrate’s Court. It is alleged that in August 2023, the boy was admitted at Springs Netcare Private Hospital for a medical procedure, where he met the accused who was employed as a nurse.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said, during his stay at the hospital, it is alleged that the accused made advances towards the boy. Mahanjana said the boy was later discharged from the hospital because his medical aid was depleted, and he was unable to continue with his stay at the hospital.
“However, the accused allegedly promised to continue caring for the boy and bring him medication at his home until he fully recovered. After the boy was discharged from the hospital, it is alleged that the accused would visit him at his home and bring him medication.
“When it was time for him to leave, he would ask the boy to accompany him in his car and drive with him to a nearby veld, where he would sexually assault him. On two occasions, while at the veld in his car, the accused allegedly raped the boy,” she said.
Mahanjana further said this was discovered when community members, who would jog at the veld, noticed the accused car parked with him and different boys on different occasions. She added that, on 12 February 2025, the community members confronted the accused, asking him what he was doing with different boys.
“The community members then called the police. The boy and the accused were then taken to the police station, where he was arrested. At the police station, the boy reported what was happening.
“While at the police station, another boy came forward and reported that he, too, was sexually assaulted by the accused. In court, the accused asked to be released on bail because he needed to work to support his child,” said Mahanjana.
She said the accused told the court that he was in a love relationship with the boy (17). Mahanjana said the prosecutor, Tumelo Madisha, opposed the application, arguing that the nurse exploited the boy’s vulnerable situation stemming from his inability to afford ongoing medical care.
“Madisha told the court that the accused was a flight risk because he failed to provide an alternative address,” she said.
Meanwhile, Magistrate Rakesh Chitradow, agreed with the state that the accused was a flight risk and he said he did not find any exceptional circumstances warranting his release on bail. Chitradow said, therefore, bail was denied and the case was postponed to 31 March 2025, for further investigations.
6 March 2025- The police in Hopetown are investigating a culpable homicide after the body of an unknown man was discovered on the R369 road during the early hours of the morning on 5 March 2025, approximately 53km between Hopetown and Petrusville. The deceased person is approximately 30 years old, and preliminary investigations indicate that he may have been involved in a hit-and-run accident.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the deceased was wearing a light green golf T-shirt with blue jeans and a black jersey with black Nike tekkies. Shemane said he had a black backpack with him, which contained a 1.5 liter empty Coke bottle and an empty lunchbox.
“No identification was found on him. He could not understand English or Afrikaans and passed away on the scene. The police do not have any information regarding his identity and therefore request the assistance of the public in identifying the deceased.
“Anyone with information regarding the accident is urged to visit Hopetown SAPS or contact Detective Warrant Officer Phillip Kleynhans at 082 924 6186 or call Crime Stop number, on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS App. All information received will be treated confidentially,” he said.
Picture: Police patrolling the mining dumps/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
6 March 2025- Five suspects were arrested separately for various offenses during Operation Vala Umgodi. A foreign national (27), was arrested for dealing in drugs in Greenpoint, near Kimberley.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the suspect will be processed by the Department of Home Affairs. Sam said another suspect (55), was arrested in Lerato Park, for possession of drugs.
“The team further arrested three suspects aged 30, 40 and 47 respectively, at the Otties Koppies Mining Dumps for illegal mining, as well as tresspassing. Drugs including dagga, mandrax and tik as well as several mining implements were confiscated during these operations.
“Two suspects were detained and fined for riotous behaviour and contravening the Road Traffic Management Act. The Northern Cape multi-disciplinary Operation Vala Umgodi team tasked to combat illicit mining activities, will continue to execute these actions,” he said.
Sam further said these suspects will appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court soon. He added that, if community members see something, they should say something.
“Report illegal mining to the SAPS Crime Stop 08600 10111,” said Sam.
6 March 2025- A man (18) was sentenced to five years imprisonment (suspended for five years) by the Kakamas Magistrate’s Court for statutory rape. In October 2024, a concerned mother reported a case of statutory rape to Kakamas SAPS upon discovery that, the accused had sexual relations with her minor daughter.
The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sgt Omphile Masegela said the accused was charged by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit, and investigations revealed that the accused had a sexual relationship with the girl (14), while aware of her age.
“The management in the ZFM District welcomed the sentencing and applauded the commendable investigation by Constable Chatel Beukes of Kakamas FCS Unit and Prosecutor Twane,” said Masegela.
South Africa requires upwards of R440 billion in the next 10 years to expand its transmission infrastructure, says Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.
Addressing the Africa Energy Indaba in Cape Town on Tuesday, the Minister said the country’s transmission development plans have identified the need to modernise and expand the grid for 14 000 kilometres in the next 10 years.
“This is going to require an enormous amount of investment. The fiscus won’t be able to carry that. The Eskom balance sheet is not sufficient, so it is important to find bespoke financing instruments to make this possible,” the Minister said.
He called on financial actors to actively take steps to significantly lower the cost of borrowing for the investment of the continent’s development, climate resilience and clean energy transition initiatives.
“We expect the increase in electricity trade volumes to grow by about 300% by 2040 and by that time, the projection is that Africa’s population will be at about two billion people from the current 1.5 billion. For us to be able to achieve this level of ambition, there are huge investments that are required.
“One of the studies done by some of the… organisations suggests that Africa will need upwards of R2.6 trillion in investments in the energy sector by 2040. The pool of financing is enormous. Even if you had to consolidate the balance sheet of the continent, I don’t think we are going to get anywhere near raising this money.
“That is why it is important that we are able to design a financing instrument for us to be able to achieve this level of ambition,” Ramokgopa said.
He expressed support for a single electricity market on the continent, as advocated for by the the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
“We think that the ambitions of achieving a single electricity market on the continent is not far-fetched .For us to have universal access by 2063, as advocated for in Agenda 2063, which makes a point that we can achieve that through regional integration… there has to be significant investment on interconnectivity,” the Minister said.
With South Africa hosting the Group of Twenty (G20) Presidency, Ramokgopa outlined the G20 technical energy group priorities, which include energy security and forging reliable and affordable access; achieving just, affordable and inclusive energy transitions, as well as African connectivity and energy pools.
These priorities were canvassed through the platform of the African Union.
According to Ramokgopa, 43% of the total population in Africa does not have access to electricity.
“This is a big issue. Before you can talk about transitioning, people need to have access to whatever form of electricity, irrespective of the fuel sources.
“As a country and the continent, we bear the responsibility to ensure that we are able to provide this access in a manner that doesn’t degrade the environment and keep to our obligations to ensure that we reduce the greenhouse gas emissions, although we contribute less than 2.5% of the CO2 emissions. Going into the future, gas will still be part of the mix on the continent,” the Minister said.
Focus on just transition
South Africa’s G20 Presidency will elevate the issue of just, affordable and inclusive energy transitions.
“That is important because we are of the opinion that there is no single transition. Any transition should take into account the unique circumstances of individual countries, and the pace and scale that they can afford.
“We will be meeting with the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) and are hoping that the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) will be release to the public soon. The plan will explain how we see the transitions unfold in the country,” Ramokgopa said.
South Africa’s G20 Presidency is the fourth consecutive emerging market Presidency, and it is also the first African Presidency.
It commenced on 1 December 2024 and all engagements are being held under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”.
The year-long deliberations will culminate in a G20 Leaders’ Summit in November 2025.
The G20 was established to tackle pressing global economic and financial issues. Together, G20 members account for around 85% of global GDP and 75% of international trade.
It comprises 19 countries and two regional bodies, namely the European Union and the African Union.
The grouping plays a critical role in influencing global policy making and fostering global economic stability. – SAnews.gov.za
6 March 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi will on Friday, lead the rollout of Accelerated Service Delivery Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded Programme in Matloding village, near Mahikeng. The roll out of Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded activities in Matloding comes after the pronouncement by Mokgosi in his recent State of the Province Address (SOPA) that the Matloding Cultural Village is expected to be completed by the end of next month.
Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said to give impetus to this announcement, Mokgosi will on Friday conduct an oversight visit to the cultural village, to monitor progress in this regard. Tatai said this visit underscores the commitment to completing the project on time, which aims to enhance cultural heritage and tourism in the region.
“In recognition of the challenges faced by young people in the area, Mokgosi will also lead the handing over of livestock and vegetables packages linked to the Presidential Employment Stimulus Phase 3, to nine local beneficiaries. The packages include animal feed and medication, fertilizers, water tanks and garden tools.
“Additionally, utensils for the National School Nutrition Programme will be delivered to Mothusi Marumoloa Secondary School, while fresh vegetables will be donated to the Matloding Community Nutrition Development Centre, benefiting the Masamane and Matloding areas. Integrated health services will be provided on-site, offering a range of essential health interventions aimed at improving residents’ overall well-being,” he said.
Tatai further said, assistive devices, including six wheelchairs and five walking frames, will be issued to identified beneficiaries during the feedback session. He added that road maintenance and improvement activities will also be carried out to enhance road safety and infrastructure.
“Planned activities include the blading of Road Z455 from D414 through Matloding to Logageng, as well as potholes patching on D414 from Seweding to Matloding. Maintenance work will also be done on roads D979 and D970 covering the stretch from Setlagole N18 through Mosita to P183/1 Matloding, benefiting various villages along the route. “Potholes patching and blading of the Logageng internal roads in Ward 4 will also be performed. As part of encouraging a cleaner environment and proper waste management in rural areas, a campaign will be held to address illegal dumping in Moshawane, Logageng and Matloding villages,” said Tatai.
He said these initiatives aim to improve the overall condition of the roads and maintain a cleaner, safer environment for all residents in the affected areas. Tatai said Mokgosi will be joined by Members of Executive Council (MECs), District and Local Municipality Executive Mayors and the local traditional leadership.
Picture: One of the alleged corrupt policemen arrested/Generic
By BAKANG MOKOTO
6 March 2025- Four policemen who were arrested for allegedly aiding underground kingpin, Neo Tsoaeli, who also known as Tiger, briefly appeared in Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. The accused persons, Jack Motlhabya (37), Menzi Shabalala (38), Ntuthuko Dladla (40) and Samkelo Mbotho (38), are facing charges of defeating the ends of justice and aiding and abetting a detainee to escape.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said it is alleged that on 15 January 2025, several illegal miners were rescued and brought to the surface at a mine shaft in Stilfontein. Gunya said they were arrested by members of SAPS posted to perform duties on the Vala Umgodi Operations.
“A person known as “Tiger” was identified by several illegal miners as the person who was in charge, whilst they were underground. Tiger escaped on the same day, and the Anti-Corruption Unit launched an investigation which led to the arrest of the four officials.
“On 31 January 2025, four SAPS members attached to the National Intervention Unit, were arrested for defeating the ends of justice and aiding and abetting a detainee to escape,” he said.
Gunya further said they appeared in the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on the same day and were released on R1000 bail each. He added that their bail has been extended until 29 May 2025, for further investigations.
6 March 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Northern Cape said it expects the Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul to focus attentively on growing jobs and the economy during his State of the Province Address (SOPA) today. The DA’s provincial leader, Harold McGluwa, who is also a Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in Northern Cape Provincial Legislature said, they want to see more outcomes of the State-Owned Construction Company that Saul announced at the start of his first term in 2019.
McGluwa said it must turn the entire province into a large scale construction site. He further said Saul must break the silence on the State-Owned Mining company to stop illegal mining costing the province millions in lost revenue.
“Ongoing late payments to SMMEs must be curbed from harming small businesses because they cause critical services like health to suffer when suppliers hold back on medicine deliveries and the repair of service vehicles gets put on ice.
“We hope that growing water crises across our towns will be announced as a provincial priority. We welcome the R2,5 billion investment into Sol Plaatje’s water infrastructure and want to see it transform the capital city of Kimberley into a building site of its own, ending the Kimberley water crisis once and for all,” he said.
McGluwa added that corruption must be acted on, not only spoken about. He said Saul must explain the government’s response to the disciplinary recommendation that Roads and Public Works CFO, Bradley Slingers, be fired.
“Where disciplinary hearings haven’t taken place for HODs and senior management members implicated in wrongdoing, this must be corrected. Saul must also give us a report on lifestyles audits conducted with the Special Investigative Unit (SIU), as well as consequence management implemented to address uncovered irregularities.
“The Northern Cape needs hope, the repair of basic services like health and education, and movement on the Premier’s promises made over the last six years. He must focus more on selling vandalized government buildings and moving ahead with initiatives, like the mega city and convention centre, promised in Upington,” said McGluwa.
He said they anticipate that Saul will come with tangible solutions and express a genuine willingness to work together for the betterment of all the people of the province.
6 March 2025- South Africa hosted a successful first G20 Tourism Working Group meeting virtually from the Head Office of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) today. The Director General of the South African Department of Tourism, Victor Vele who chaired the first Tourism Working Group meeting which was attended by senior officials and experts in the tourism sector of the G20 countries, invited guest countries and international organisations, said delegates deliberated on and agreed to work on four priorities for the year.
Vele said they will be working on People-Centered Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Innovation to enhance Travel and Tourism Start-Ups and SMMEs, Tourism Financing and Investment to Enhance Equality and Promote Sustainable Development, Air Connectivity for Seamless Travel, and Enhanced Resilience for Inclusive, Sustainable Tourism Development. He said the meeting was the first of a series of engagements that will take place throughout the year, ahead of the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in September 2025.
Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille welcomed the delegates through a video-recorded message.
Dellie said: “South Africa is excited to welcome all G20 delegates, member states and organisations to our beautiful country and proud to host the G20 for the first time on African soil. As you convene during the first Tourism Working Group, I implore all delegates to focus on how we can use tourism to change people’s lives, communities and the world.”
Vele further said the Tourism Working Group will exchange knowledge and best practices among the member countries with a view of crafting actionable deliverables. He added that the Tourism Working Group is among the 16 working groups of the G20 during South Africa’s Presidency focusing on solidarity, equality and sustainability.
“As the first African country to preside over the G20 presidency, South Africa is utilising its term to drive a developmental agenda to benefit the African continent. Going forward, the G20 Tourism Meetings are planned in South Africa to discuss the 2nd G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting – from 11 till 13 May 2025, KwaZulu Natal Province, 3rd G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting – from 10 till 11 September 2025, Mpumalanga Province, G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting – on 12 September 2025, Mpumalanga Province.
“The G20 economies represent around 85% of the global gross domestic product (GDP), over 75% of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population. In 2023, the G20 welcomed 69% of all international tourists and accounted for 71% of tourism exports worldwide. In 2023 Tourism Direct GDP reached 3.1% of the G20 economies,” said Vele.
He said Tourism plays a critical role in the global economy and is one of the vital economic sectors contributing significantly to socio-economic development, but it remains vulnerable to natural and manmade hazards. Vele said for many countries, the tourism economy is growing faster than most other economic sectors.
“With its extensive value chain and labour absorption capacity, it is acknowledged as a tool for inclusive economic development, playing a significant role in responding to socioeconomic challenges. Tourism is an important economic sector in Africa. In 2023 the continent’s, Tourism direct gross domestic product reached 85 US billion representing 3.5% of the region’s GDP.
“This value is still below the pre-pandemic US billion 94 reached in 2019 (4.3% share). The challenges facing the African travel and tourism sector include air connectivity, limited investments, financing for tourism development, positioning and marketing, social and environmental sustainability, as well as safety and security amongst others,” he said.
He said South Africa’s tourism priorities for the 2025 G20 Presidency are aligned with the continental priorities as expressed in Agenda 2063 as well as with the core objectives contained in the UN Tourism Agenda for Africa – Tourism for Inclusive Growth, the strategic roadmap guiding the promotion of sustainable tourism development across the African continent. Vele said this meeting also appreciated South Africa’s intention to build on the efforts and successes of the last three G20 Presidencies of the Global South and to champion Africa’s developmental agenda.
