Illegal mining prevalent in North West and Gauteng

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Picture: Illegal miners nabbed during raid/Generic  

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

14 October 2024– The Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources has applauded a temporarily arranged joint operation that dispelled approximately 6 500 people, who participate in illegal mining and illicit business activities at Van Ryan illegal mining site in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.

The joint operation between the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and MI7 National Group Private Security, was set up for the committee’s visit. As part of its week-long oversight visit to North West and Gauteng, the committee conducted a walk-about at Van Ryan illegal mining site to gain an appreciation of the extent of illegal activities taking place there.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Mikateko Mahlaule said the committee was deeply shocked to witness what looked like a fully-flagged settlement, with holes to access underground shafts, as well as shelters under which illegally mined ore is processed and where illegal shebeens and restaurants operate.

“Furthermore, the committee was dismayed to learn that since the core business of the area is illegal mining, those people operating secondary businesses, such as catering, shebeens and sex work, pay rent to unknown kingpins. Another secondary business is security.

“In October 2023, illegal miners were cleared from the site on the orders of President Cyril Ramaphosa after the SANDF were deployed there in “Operation Prosper”. Full-scale illegal activities resumed after six months at the end of the SANDF’s deployment period in April this year,” he said.

Mahlaule further said on Friday, a joint operation between the SANDF, SAPS and MI7 National Group Security, moved into the area and dispelled everyone again. He added that against this backdrop, the committee calls for sustainable measures to be put in place to prevent illegal activities permanently.

“Such measures have been put in place before at other sites, such as the Benoni Driving Range Racetrack, which used to be a hotspot for illegal mining.

“The committee will develop an oversight report with recommendations for adoption by the National Assembly,” said Mahlaule.

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Scholar honoured with prestigious Jan H Marais Prize

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Picture: The North West University (NWU) Afrikaans Scholar, Prof Wannie Carstens/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE  

14 October 2024- The North West University (NWU) Afrikaans Scholar, Prof Wannie Carstens, has been honoured with the Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns (the South African Academy of Science and Arts) Jan H Marais Prize for his outstanding academic work in Afrikaans.

The prestigious prize ceremony took place at Webersburg farm in Stellenbosch. During the event, Carstens delivered a thought-provoking talk on the infrastructure of Afrikaans and proposed the continuation of Afrikaans as a scientific language. He further envisaged a Centre for the Study of Afrikaans to aid in this regard.

Carstens said the presence of his children and their spouses added a personal touch to the memorable occasion.

“I missed out on a lot while I was busy with Afrikaans at various levels, even after my retirement. I have been involved in writing and co-editing five books since my formal retirement. So, I am glad that my family could be there.

“I am still amazed at being recognised by my peers. To be the first former permanent staff member from the NWU to receive this honour is a privilege. It’s almost unimaginable to think that I am the first among so many people with expertise in Afrikaans in various disciplines at the university. I hope this helps to showcase the NWU as a university where excellence in Afrikaans is still valued,” said he said.

Since joining the NWU’s predecessor, the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education in 1991, Carstens has made significant contributions to Afrikaans linguistics by authoring and editing various books. After his retirement at the end of 2017, he continued on his academic journey and is still involved at the NWU as an extraordinary professor.

“My commitment to Afrikaans linguistics became evident when I started studying at Stellenbosch University, where I shifted my focus to Afrikaans as my primary area of study.

“My academic journey culminated in numerous accolades and milestones, including the completion of my DLitt degree and the publication of several impactful books that have significantly contributed to the field of Afrikaans linguistics,” he said.

Carstens played a pivotal role in academia by shaping the next generation of scholars and fostering excellence in the study of Afrikaans. His leadership and tenure have left an indelible mark on the academic landscape, inspiring countless scholars to pursue scholarly endeavours in Afrikaans.

“I have made significant contributions to Afrikaans linguistics as an author, co-author, editor, and co-editor of various books. I initiated and co-edited most of the books, recognising a need for more literature in the field.

“My own books have also filled significant gaps in certain sub-disciplines, introducing new and breakthrough ideas. This was evident when I co-published an extensive book on an aspect of the history of Afrikaans,” said Carstens.

He said he wants to be regarded as an academic entrepreneur, who is always willing to investigate new ways of looking at language from an Afrikaans perspective. As a first-year student in 1971, and now approximately 55 years later, it is extraordinary to see how Carstens’s life has revolved around this language.

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Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le Molale e buseditswe morago

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Setshwantsho: Molatofadiwa wa polao, Simon Molale/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

14 Diphalane 2024- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le lekawana la kwa motseng wa Lokgabeng, gaufi le Taung, e buseditswe morago go fitlha ka di 5 Ngwanatsele 2024. Simon Molale (22), o a latofadiwang ka go tlhaba le go bolaya lekgarebe la gagwe, Tshepiso Medichane (19), o tla nama a letile kwa ntlo-lefitshwana morago ga go ganelwa ka beile ke kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung.

Go begwa fa Molale a ne a tlhabakaka Medichane le go mo bolaya, mme one a tshaba kwa lefelong la tiragalo fa a bona batho.

Fela, go begwa fa ba lelapa la gagwe ba ne ba mo tshwara le go mo isa kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Taung di ura morago ga tiragalo e.  

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are Molale one a tshwarwa le go latofadiwa ka polao ya ga Medichane.

“Ke nnete molatofadiwa mo kgetsing e ya polao o tshwerwe. Molatofadiwa one a isiwa kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi ke ba lelapa la gagwe.

“One a na le dikgobalo, mme o ile a amogelwa kwa bookelong jwa selegae. Molatofadiwa o lebagane le kgetsi ya polao, mme thipa e e dirisitsweng go bolaya moswi ene ya fitlhelwa kwa lefelong la tiragalo.”

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More than R11m of illicit cigarettes and counterfeit goods seized

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Picture: Some of items seized during raids/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

14 October 2024- The police in the Frances Baard District said they will continue to reinforce efforts to curb the sale of illicit and counterfeit goods. The Frances Baard District Crime-Intelligence unit embarked on   inter-departmental operations dubbed Operation Isolate in Kimberley and Operation Cape in Hartswater from 8 until 10 October 2024.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the Frances Baard District Crime-Intelligence unit, Hartswater Crime Intelligence, Provincial Organised Crime, Kimberley Public Order Police (POP), Kimberley K9 Unit, Provincial Corporate Communication and Liaison.

Shemane further said this includes external role-players including the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs National Rapid Response Team, Sol Plaatje Municipality Security Unit, Department of Home Affairs (Immigration) and the Intellectual Property Brands Attorneys and Counterfeit Investigations from Pretoria, executed the multi-disciplinary operation in Kimberley, Hartswater, Pampierstad and Barkly West.

“The Department of Home Affairs Immigration arrested 9 undocumented persons aged between 20 and 45, who shall be processed by the department.

“Section 22 search and seizure warrants were executed at identified targeted warehouses, business premises, and storage facilities, leading to the confiscation of illicit cigarettes with an estimated value of R7 851 796, counterfeit goods with an estimated value of R3 860, and expired medicines with an estimated value of R1,2 million,” he added.  

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the collaborative efforts between the different departmental entities in the fight against crime and ensured communities that these operations will continue unabatedly.

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Fireworks are expected during Bafana Bafana game against Congo Brazzaville

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Picture: Bafana Bafana players during 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier match against Congo Brazzaville 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

14 October 2024- Fireworks are expected during Bafana Bafana’s return match on Tuesday in Congo Brazzaville. This comes after Broos’ charges walloped Congo Brazzaville 5-0 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape on Friday night during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos said he was a happy man after his charges responded to his call and beat Congo Brazzaville 5-0. Broos said he is happy that Bafana Bafana moved a step closer to qualifying for the continental tournament, to be held in Morocco next year.

“A brace from Teboho Mokoena in the 12th and 27th minutes, Bathusi Aubaas (37th), Lyle Foster (52nd) and substitute Iqraam Rayners (78th) sealed the match for the home side. I think that it was amazing, the way we started the game, the way we played football.

“This was something that I always wanted to see from this team, and we did it also in the AFCON (in the beginning of the year in Côte d’Ivoire),” he said.

The Belgian mentor further said on Friday, it was really fantastic. He added that they experienced many goals, five goals, good football, modern football, forward football and high rhythm in the game.

“It shows again what a group of players I have. A group of players I’m very proud of. I have said it also already before, but those guys know when they have to perform.

“We had a little decompression in September, and we talked about it. And then you see the reaction today. Those guys wanted to make a statement, and they made a statement with good football. But it’s only three points and next Tuesday, we have another game,” said Broos.

He said those five goals don’t count, so they have to prepare themselves.

Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana travelled to Congo Brazzaville on Sunday ahead of the return match on 15 October 2024.

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More than 390 suspects nabbed for various crimes in Northern Cape

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Picture: Some of items confiscated by the police during raid/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

14 October 2024- More than 390 suspects were arrested for various offences across the Northern Cape during Operation Shanela. The actions and police activities executed during the operations included vehicle check points (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, drugs and other commodities smuggling.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said several vehicle check points (VCPs) and roadblocks, were conducted across the province during which a total of 2013 vehicles and 4243 persons were stopped and searched.

Sam said numerous compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, as well as farms were executed. He further said operational successes achieved, included the arrest of 113 suspects for attempted murder, assault, burglary, illegal dealing in liquor, malicious damage to property, driving under the influence of alcohol, robbery, rape, possession of dangerous weapons, dealing in and possession of drugs, stock theft and other crimes.

“Operation Shanela remains steadfast in its objective to reduce contact and violent crimes, as well as all other categories of crime. The weekly multidisciplinary high density operation which commenced on 7 until 13 October 2024, executed in the five districts.

“This resulted in the arrest of 390 suspects and the confiscation of numerous items. The police in an endeavour to address the root causes of crime conducted awareness campaigns in Lime Acres, Marydale and Galeshewe, targeting learners at schools and commuters at roadblocks,” said Sam.

He added that 177 wanted suspects were traced and brought to book by detectives for evading court appearances and contravention of court orders. Sam said the police confiscated large volumes of alcoholic beverages, drugs, dangerous weapons, vehicles, copper and cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, expressed her gratitude to all law enforcement agencies for the collective efforts and actions executed during this period. Otola indicated that through robust community participation and support, the police’s actions and efforts will be strengthened and reinforced.

“We highly-appreciate their efforts in fighting crime together,” she said.

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Two people died in a car accident

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By REGINALD KANYANE

14 October 2024- Two people died in a car accident on the Okiep/Nababeep road on 12 October 2024. The police preliminary investigations indicate that, the driver of a Toyota Avanza vehicle that was ferrying four High School learners from a rugby match in Nababeep, lost control of the vehicle causing the death of one occupant on the scene.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the driver later succumbed to his injuries in the Springbok Hospital. Sam said the other three occupants are still in a critical, but stable condition in hospital.

“The police are investigating the circumstances that led to this tragic loss of life. The culpable homicide investigations are continuing,” he said.

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Kgetsi ya polao e buseditswe morago

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Setshwantsho: Monna o latofadiwang ka go boalya lekau la mokapelo wa lone wa maloba, Olebile Jan Sereetsi

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

14 Diphalane 2024- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le monna wa kwa kgaolong ya Marikana kwa motse-setoropong wa Utlwanang kwa Christiana, Olebile Jan Sereetsi (40), e buseditswe morago go fitlha ka di 19 Ngwanatsele 2024, mme dipatlisiso mo kgetsing di tsweletse. 

Sereetsi o latofadiwang ka go bolaya mokapelo wa lekgarebe la gagwe la maloba. Go begwa fa ka di 26 Lwetse 2024, molatofadiwa a ile a leba kwa ntlung ya mokapelo wa gagwe wa maloba, mme a mo fitlhela a na le lekau la gagwe, Charlie Kati (31), mme go ile ga runya kgotlhang.

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani, go begwa fa Sereetsi a ile a tlhaba Kati ka thipa, mme a mo gogela kwa sekgweng se se gaufi. 

“Go begwa fa Sereetsi, a ile a kgabetlhelela moswi ka go mo kgaola maoto le go mo segolola serwe sa gagwe sa senna. Go begwa fa Sereetsi, a ile a latlhela dikarolo dingwe tsa mmele mo molapong, ga mmogo le setopo sa moswi.

“Go begwa fa lekgarebe la moswi, le ile la lotlegela sepodisi ka se se diragetseng, mme a bega fa lekau la gagwe le timetse. Seo, se ile sa lebisa kwa sepodising go ka batlana le moswi,” Funani wa tlhalosa.

Funani are mongwe wa baagi one a loma sepodisi tsebe gore o bone Sereetsi a kgorometsa kereibaye, mme a lebile kwa molapong. Funani are, lekala la sepodisi le le sapang, le ile la bidiwa le go batlana le setopo sa ga Kati kwa molapong.

“Sepodisi se ile sa bona serwe sa moswi sa senna, ga mmogo le dikarolo dingwe tsa mmele di latlhetswe mo molapong,” Funani wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, Mokomishinara wa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, o kgadile tiragalo e ka bogale. Kwena are batho ba ithute go rarabolola dikgotlhang tsa bone ntle le ntwa.

“Re rata go akgola sepodisi go ka tshwara molatofadiwa ka bonako. Re kgala tiragalo e ka bogale,” Kwena wa tlhalosa.

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An attempted murder and murder case against former Meat Brother’s Pub owner, Tshwaro Mangwegape transferred to Taung Regional Court

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Picture: The former owner of the Meat Brother’s Pub, Tshwaro Mangwegape 

By OBAKENG MAJE

14 October 2024- An attempted murder and murder case against former Meat Brother’s Pub owner, Tshwaro Mangwegape (41), has been transferred to the Taung Regional Court. Mangwegape, who is out on a R5000 bail, is accused of shooting and killing the NWU Soccer Institute player, Undivile “Vilo” Mdi (28) and injuring his friend, Aobakwe Ernest Kokwe (33).

On 17 December 2023, Mdi and Kokwe were amongst patrons who visited the Meat Brother’s Pub that was full to capacity. It is alleged that the security guards refused entry to patrons who did not have Identification Documents (IDs) and that led to a stampede.

Mdi and Kokowe allegedly tried to gain entry forcefully, but Mangwegape pulled out a gun and shot them. Mdi was fatally shot, while his friend was rushed to the hospital with terrible gunshot wounds.

The state also highlighted that the ballistic test results have also arrived and it is ready to go to trial. The case has been postponed until 21 January 2025.

Meanwhile, the ANCYL spokesperson in North West,

Molebang Mohlomi said in a statement that, they condemn violence meted against patrons at the Meat Brother’s Pub. Mohlomi said it is alleged that security guards and bouncers unleashed live ammunition towards unarmed civilians, who were trying to gain access to the establishment.

“This barbaric behaviour bothers public safety. This shows how business owners lack respect for their clients. A clinical approach to review licences of public places must be applied to ensure those who are bestowed with the responsibility to protect patrons are PSIRA compliant.

“We have sent our heartfelt condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones. Equally so, we call upon law enforcement agencies to speedily resolve this brutish crime,” he said.

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More than 1000 suspects nabbed for various crimes during Operation Shanela

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By REGINALD KANYANE

14 October 2024– More than 1000 suspects across North West, were arrested for various offences during Operation Shanela. The police in the province in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies arrested 1 258 suspects between 7 and 13 October 2024.

 The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspects were among others, arrested for murder, rape, attempted murder, assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common. Mokgwabone said this includes dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, burglaries at business and residential premises and driving under the influence of alcohol.

“In addition, 81 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials. Of the 1 258 arrests, 421 were for wanted and circulated suspects brought to book during detectives’ suspect raiding operations.

“The operations also led to searching of 262 premises, 2 490 persons and 835 vehicles. Moreover, 385 licensed liquor premises and second-hand goods dealers were visited for compliance inspections,” he said.

Mokgwabone said the operation further resulted in the confiscation of liquor, 120 explosives (fireworks), 10 ammunition, five cell phones, 13 dangerous weapons, a variety of drugs and three vehicles.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the police and other law enforcement officials for their relentless efforts to ensure the safety and security of the communities.  

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