Suspects arrested during intelligence-driven operation  

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Picture: Some of the suspects nabbed during Operation Vala Umgodi/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

Nineteen suspects were arrested for illegal mining. The police allegedly received a tip-off and arrested 10 Zimbabwean nationals aged between 24 and 42, six South Africans aged between 19 and 33 and three Lesotho nationals aged between 27 and 36. 

They were arrested during a joint multi-disciplinary team of Operation Vala Umgodi after it conducted intelligence-driven operations in Port Nolloth on 20 April 2024.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the suspects were also arrested for illegal dealing in drugs. Shemane said the dagga with an estimated street value of R75 000 and money suspected to be proceeds of crime, were confiscated. 

“The police also confiscated bags with possible diamond bearing gravel, generators, jack hammers, and other suspected mining equipment and tools used for illegal mining activities. 

“The police received intelligence-driven information regarding illicit mining activities and other related crimes taking place at identified areas in Port Nolloth. All arrested suspects are expected to appear in court soon,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the police for their continued efforts in the fight against illicit mining and related crimes in the Namakwa District. 

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A man jailed for killing his girlfriend

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

A man who killed his girlfriend, has been sentenced to 38 years imprisonment by the Northern Cape High Court. 

On the evening of Wednesday (7 June 2023) at around 9pm, the police in Modderrivier, received a complaint regarding a shooting incident.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said, upon arrival at the scene, two adults were found lying on the ground, both with gunshot wounds. Pilane said they were both transported to the hospital, where the victim succumbed to her injuries.

“The court heard that the accused, Andries Mano Buffel (47), stole his brother’s firearm, which he used to shoot his girlfriend before turning the gun on himself. However, he survived and arrested. The investigating officer successfully opposed bail.

“The accused was found guilty and was sentenced to 22 years imprisonment for murder, 8 years for unlawful possession of a firearm, 5 years for unlawful possession of ammunition, and 3 years for theft. All sentencing will run concurrently,” she said. 

Pilane said the Buffel was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General, Koliswa Otola said: “The police management welcomes the conviction and praised Detective Constable Vuyani Links for his thorough investigation.”

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Seven suspects nabbed in Pampierstad for alleged possession of drugs, firearms 

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Picture: (Police Tape)

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the police confiscated drugs with an estimated value of R11 580 and money believed to be the proceeds of crime.

“The multi-disciplinary team of Operation Vala Umgodi led disruptive operations in Pampierstad. The police received a tip-off regarding drugs, firearms, and suspicious activities taking place at certain identified premises in Pampierstad.

“All arrested suspects are expected to appear in the Pampierstad Magistrate’s Court soon,” said Shemane. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the police’s hard work and thanked community members for working together with the police in the fight against drugs in the district. 

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Help the hospital to trace the family of the unknown patient 

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Picture: The unknown patient at Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital Complex/Facebook  

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The management of Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital Complex is requesting the public to assist them in tracing the family of the unknown patient, currently admitted at the Tshepong Hospital in ward 6.

According to the hospital on its official Facebook Page, the unknown patient who is suspected to be between the ages of 25 and 30, was admitted on 20 February 2024. It is alleged that he was brought to the hospital by EMRS with a history of confusion and a crush injury. 

“He speaks Sepedi and Tshivenda. He also mentioned driving a truck in Limpopo during the examination. The community members, who might have information that will assist in locating the family of the unknown man are requested to contact Tshepong Hospital Ward 6 on 018 406 3195 or 018 406 3194. 

“Your assistance in this regard will be highly appreciated.”

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More than 800 suspects nabbed for various crimes during Operation Shanela 

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

More than 800 suspects have been arrested for various crimes during a weekly high density operation, Operation Shanela, which was conducted between 18 and 21 April 2024. The suspects were arrested amongst others, for rape, murder, assault Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), malicious damage to property, burglary residential and business premises. 

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Amanda Funani said this includes possession of drugs, theft out of/from motor vehicles and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

Funani further said of the 843 arrested suspects, 335 were wanted for contact crimes like murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to do GBH, assault common, house robbery and business robbery, while 363 were held during detectives’ suspect raiding operations.   

“In addition, 59 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing. The arrests were effected through execution of several actions, which included stop and searches, road blocks, vehicle check points, visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises. 

“The action includes raids at the second-hand goods dealers, tracing of wanted suspects and many others.  The operations also culminated in the confiscation of a variety of drugs, dangerous weapons, 13 cell phones, copper cables, six live rounds of ammunition, three firearms, liquor and three vehicles,” she said. 

Funani added that during the operations, 13 illegal liquor outlets or shebeens were shut down. 

She said in Mahikeng, a cordon and search operation was conducted at the Bradford Park Taxi Rank on 19 April 2024, where 42 suspects were apprehended for possession of drugs, selling liquor without licences, possession of dangerous weapon, possession of illicit cigarettes, possession of suspected stolen property, assault GBH, assault common, rape, malicious damage to property and burglary business and residential.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended all the units and other role players. Kwena reiterated that those who commit crimes will not be spared.

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SIU to investigate maladministration and corruption at the Department of Water and Sanitation 

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) said it is investigating allegations of serious maladministration in the Department of Water and Sanitation in quest to recover any financial losses suffered by the state or the department. This comes after the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa has signed Proclamation 164 of 2024, authorization. 

SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago said the Proclamation 164 of 2024 authorises the SIU to probe serious maladministration in connection with the affairs of the department, including the causes of such maladministration, arising from the procurement of, or contracting for goods, works or services concerning the “Drop the Block” project and the contract entered into in respect thereof between the department and Sedibeng Water on 21 April 2016. 

Kganyago further said “Almost Empty Outdoor” campaign and the appointment of Sedibeng Water as the implementing agent in an allegedly irregular manner for the provision of generic services in 2016 and the “War on Leaks” programme, includes the alleged irregular appointments of and payments to Rand Water and the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority

for the period 2015 to 2018/2019.

“The SIU will also investigate any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure incurred by the department or the state. The scope of the investigation also covers any unlawful or improper conduct by department officials or employees, the applicable suppliers or service providers, or any other person or entity which has caused or may cause serious harm to the interests of the public.

“Furthermore, the investigation will also establish whether there was any unlawful appropriation or expenditure of public money. The proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that took place between 1 January 2015 and 19 April 2024,” he said.

Kganyago added that the date of the publication of the proclamation or before 1 January 2015 and after the date of the proclamation that are relevant to, connected with, and incidental to the matters or involve the same persons, entities or contracts investigated.

He said in addition to investigating maladministration, malpractice, corruption and fraud, the SIU will identify system failures and make systematic recommendations to improve measures to prevent future losses.

“In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU will refer any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers during its investigations to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.

“The SIU is empowered by the SIU Act to institute a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigation caused by acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration,” said Kganyago.

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Drugs worth R275 000 seized, two Somalians arrested 

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Picture: The drugs worth R275 000 seized by the police/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE 

Two Somalians aged 38 and 42 were arrested for allegedly being in possession of drugs on 20 April 2024. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said the suspects were allegedly arrested by the Northern Cape Provincial Organised Crime Investigations Unit and the Colesberg Highway Patrol after they received a tip-off. 

Kock further said the investigation led the police to Kraaifontein in the Western Cape. He added that, with the assistance of the Western Cape Organised Crime Investigations Narcotics Unit, the two suspects were arrested with boxes of khat worth R275 000. 

“The suspects will appear in the Kraaifontein Magistrate’s Court soon. The police encourage the community to participate in the “RATE OUR SERVICE” QR code online survey and assist the police in improving our service to the public,” said Kock. 

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Three men who allegedly stole 40 cattle remanded in custody 

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Picture: Some of the cattle allegedly stolen/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE 

In a continuous effort to address stock theft, three suspects aged 30, 31 and 45, were remanded in custody until 26 April 2024. Aobakwe Kenewang, Lebogang Dithejane and Mosimanegape Bogatsu briefly appeared before the Sannieshof Magistrate’s Court for stock theft on 19 April 2024.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said, the accused were arrested on 16 April 2024, after being linked with the theft of 40 cattle that were allegedly stolen at a farm, near Delareyville. 

“The cattle were stolen on Monday night (15 April 2024), after the accused allegedly gained entry through the gate of the kraal. It is alleged that the herdsman noticed on Tuesday morning that some of the cattle were stolen and informed his employer. 

“The farmer and his employees followed the foot trails of the livestock, which led them to a farm next to Setlagole village, where the suspects had put the cattle without the owner’s knowledge,” said Funani.

She further said the suspects allegedly called the owner of the farm where they had put the stolen cattle and informed him that they were on their way to collect the livestock. Funani added that, as a result, the police were called and pounced on the suspects. 

“The police recovered the cattle worth R400 000 and handed them over to the lawful owner,” she said. 

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, praised Sannieshof Stock Theft Unit for their quick response, which led to the recovery of the livestock and the arrest of the suspects.

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Tosca Primary School near Ganyesa torched  

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Picture: The Tosca Primary School, near Ganyesa torched/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said her department is dismayed by the burning of seven classrooms of Tosca Primary School in Tosca village, near Ganyesa. Motsumi said the incident allegedly took place on19 April 2024.

“It is reported that on 16 April 2024, the Department of Labour closed a block of three classrooms, alleging that the conditions were not in good standard for teaching and learning. Later the community came to close the entire school.

“It is further alleged that on the day of the incident around 11am, a group of people entered the school premises and burnt down seven classrooms, school furniture, school files, and textbooks and damaged the Grade R equipment,” she said.

Motsumi further said they condemn the incident in the strongest terms. She added that this is extremely sad and disturbing. 

“It is disturbing that there are still communities in this province, who vent their anger by burning school properties. A school is a centre of knowledge for the community. Really, how do we expect learners to acquire information when we burn schools?

“Already learners have lost five days of learning and teaching. We have lost all the records of learners due to this horrible incident. As a department, we condemn this incident in the strongest terms and call for the immediate arrest of all those behind this fire,” said Motsumi. 

She said on 21 April 2024, the department dispatched a team of officials led by the acting Superintendent General, Maropene Seshibe to meet with leaders in the area to discuss a possible solution. Motsumi said the department committed that mobile classrooms will be delivered on 22 April 2024, in order to assist with teaching and learning.

“A team of counsellors from the department has been put on standby to counsel learners and teachers as soon as teaching and learning resumes,” she said.

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Two men sentenced to a combined 38 years for raping a minor

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By OBAKENG MAJE

Two men aged 28 and 21 respectively, have been sentenced to 38 years by the Calvania Regional Court for raping a minor (14) in Calvania. On 6 November 2022 at around 10pm, the girl was on her way home from a tuckshop when she met the two men.

Janere Rossouw (28) and Randall Snyders(21) were accompanied the girl and later dragged her into a nearby veld, where they took turns raping her. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said the suspects were arrested on the same day and remained in custody until they were sentenced.

“Both the accused pleaded guilty on 19 April 2024. Rossouw was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment of which 5 years is suspended for 5 years. Snyders was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment, of which 6 years is suspended for five years,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the Detective Warrant Officer, David Matthys of the Calvinia Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for his meticulous investigation that led to the outstanding GBVF sentences.

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