Picture: Drugs confiscated during the operation/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
18 December 2025- A woman (29) was arrested for possession of suspected mandrax tablets. This comes after the members of the Kimberley Crime Prevention and Task Teams, who were conducting routine patrols in the Samaria area, stopped and searched two women.
The Kimberley Police spokesperson, Sergeant Dikeledi Gopane said in a separate incident, the Kimberley Crime Prevention Unit was performing duties in the Beaconsfield area when they apprehended a man (21) who was found in possession of suspected mandrax tablets and dagga. Gopane said both suspects were arrested for possession of suspected drugs and are expected to appear at the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court soon.
“Drug related crimes remain a key priority for SAPS and efforts will be bolstered during the festive season to police these crimes,” she said.
Picture: Northern Cape MEC Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
18 December 2025- As part of the Northern Cape’s 1 Billion Rand Housing Project launched in January 2024, the Northern Cape MEC Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass, handed over 10 of 29 houses to some of the beneficiaries of the Concordia 29 Housing Project, in the Nama-Khoi Local Municipality, in the Namakwa District. Vass was accompanied by the Executive Mayor of the Namakwa District, Mervin Cloete, and other local councillors from the District.
He further said these houses form part of the province’s broader commitment to accelerate housing delivery and improve the living conditions of communities across the Northern Cape by providing quality, dignified, and sustainable human settlements. Vass added that they are making rapid progress despite a slow start at the initial stages of this project.
“We are intolerant of non-performing contractors, as demonstrated by the recent termination of six contractors in four districts. In the past five weeks, we have delivered a total of 100 houses to beneficiaries as we continue to speed up progress. In the next two months, we anticipate delivering 310 more houses, and for the first phase of this project to be concluded by November 2026.
“We also planted trees at the houses of the beneficiaries as part of the greening and beautification of the project sites. The department ensures that completed houses are handed over immediately to prevent vandalism and enable families to occupy their homes without delay,” he said.
Several of the other beneficiaries expressed joy and gratitude upon receiving their keys, acknowledging how these new homes would change their lives and the lives of their families.
Meanwhile, one of the happy beneficiaries, Lezaan Witbooi said: “I am over the moon that I finally received the keys to my own house from our government and that this comes just a few days before Christmas. My four dependants and I are now having a proper house that we can call home, and that provides us with security and comfort.’’
Picture: The police during Festive Season Operations/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
18 December 2025- As part of the Festive Season Operations and ongoing efforts to eradicate illicit mining, a multi-disciplinary operation led by the Namakwa District Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, was conducted in the Namakwa District on 16 December 2025. Early morning clean-up operations were executed simultaneously in Kleinzee, Nuttabooi, and Bontekoe.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the operation involved multi-disciplinary teams comprising various SAPS units from the district and provincial components, supported by the Department of Home Affairs (Immigration), the Border Management Authority, and the National Prosecuting Authority. Ehlers said the joint efforts focused on addressing illicit mining activities and the presence of undocumented foreign nationals.
“During the operation, 11 undocumented foreign nationals were apprehended and handed over to Immigration officials for further processing. Tools and equipment believed to have been used in the commission of illicit mining activities were also confiscated.
“Phase two of the operation focused on targeted raids at identified premises in Port Nolloth, conducted in collaboration with Crime Intelligence. Crime Intelligence-driven and targeted disruptive operations will continue unabated across the province during the festive season and beyond to curb illicit mining and related criminal activities,” she said.
18 December 2025- The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie said he has received with great sadness the news of the passing of Lusanda Dumke, one of South Africa’s most respected and influential women’s rugby players. McKenzie said Dumke served her country with distinction, earning 33 Test caps for the Springbok Women and captaining the national side.
He further said she was also a central figure in the rise of the Bulls Daisies, leading them to three successive Women’s Premier Division titles and becoming a symbol of excellence and resilience in the women’s game.
McKenzie added that Dumke will be remembered as a leader who carried the hopes of her teammates and the pride of her nation every time she stepped on to the field.
“She represented courage, discipline and an unbreakable competitive spirit. We acknowledge that women’s rugby had seen major growth and development during the period that Dumke had dedicated herself to the sport. Her passing, following a battle with a rare form of gastric cancer, had greatly impoverished the rugby community.
“Dumke was a role model whose journey inspired young women across South Africa to believe in their place in rugby and in sport more broadly.
“Her passing is a devastating loss to the rugby community and to the country. We honour her contribution, her leadership, and the doors she opened for future generations,” he said.
McKenzie said they extend their heartfelt condolences to Dumke’s family, friends, teammates, coaches and supporters. He said may Dumke’s legacy continue to uplift and inspire South African sport.
“She will always be remembered in the hearts of all the women and girls she has inspired,” said McKenzie.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Buffalo City Constituency Leader and Member of Provincial Leader (MPL), Leander Kruger said: “They mourn the passing of Springbok Women’s rugby player and Mdantsane trailblazer, Dumke, who lost her battle with cancer at the age of 28. South Africa has lost an exceptional athlete, a leader, and a source of inspiration to countless young people, particularly young women who saw in Dumke as a powerful example of what dedication, resilience, and belief can achieve.
“Dumke’s journey from Mdantsane to representing South Africa in the green and gold was one of exceptional determination, resilience, and courage. Her impact extended far beyond the rugby field. She was a role model rooted in her community, never forgetting where she came from, and always carrying herself with humility and grace.”
18 December 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said an urgent situation involving a young South African artist stranded in Guangzhou, China, has been brought to their attention, raising serious concerns about his immediate safety, accommodation, and ability to return home. The DA said Austin Hendricks, an emerging artist from Nelson Mandela Bay, travelled to China after being offered what was presented as a three-month opportunity.
DA NMB mayoral candidate, Retief Odendaal said upon arrival, promised documentation and contractual arrangements failed to materialise. Odendaal said he has since been informed by hotel management that he must vacate his accommodation, while efforts to contact the liaison and agency involved have been unsuccessful.
“With no local support and no funds to secure alternative accommodation or return travel, he faces the very real risk of being left on the streets in a foreign country. The DA has acted swiftly to address this matter with the urgency it requires, ensuring his safe departure and return to South Africa, with arrangements now focused on securing immediate travel from China.
“In parallel, as mayoral candidate, I have been able to mobilise financial assistance to cover the costs associated with return travel so that Austin can return safely. Support has been confirmed from party structures and additional assistance has been coordinated to ensure that Hendricks can return home without further delay,” he said.
Odendaal further said this intervention is about safeguarding a young person who pursued an opportunity in good faith and now finds himself exposed and vulnerable far from home. He added that ensuring his safety, dignity and return is the immediate priority and every reasonable step is being taken to achieve that outcome.
“This incident serves as a caution to individuals, particularly young artists, to exercise due diligence when accepting overseas opportunities, including verifying contracts, accommodation arrangements, and return travel before departure. Families are encouraged to seek independent confirmation and professional advice where possible to avoid similar situations.
“We will also be lodging a formal complaint with the appropriate authorities against the company involved to ensure that the circumstances surrounding this matter are thoroughly investigated. The DA remains committed to leadership that acts decisively when residents of Nelson Mandela Bay are in distress, whether at home or abroad,” said Odendaal.
He said the people of this city deserve leadership that responds with compassion, accountability, and practical action when it matters most.
Picture: The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
18 December 2025- The creative and cultural industry in the North West recently received a much-needed shot in the arm, with the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR) approving funding for 59 projects to be staged between 16 December 2025 and 20 March 2026.
The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi said the film sector is also set to benefit, with her department having issued a call for proposals in December 2025. Tlhapi said by the closing date on 8 December 2025, 38 proposals had been submitted.
“Adjudication is underway and the department has also scheduled another round of calls for proposals in both the film sector and cultural industry in February 2026. Film makers and creatives from across the province are encouraged to apply.
“These projects are in line with the department’s mandate to help create jobs and enhance the creative and cultural sector in the province. They also focus on capacity building, with a strong focus on women, youth and persons with disabilities,” she said.
Tlhapi further said she foresee a hive of activity in the sector, maintaining the momentum of the success of the Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music Festival. She added that they are pleased that they will be able to help lessen the burden on artists who have been struggling.
“Owing to the pressure on the economy, the sector has been under- funded for a long period of time, which has had a direct impact on the livelihood of the artists. To help the cause of artists, the department has initiated various business cases to the Treasury and other sources for an increase in budget.
“On 28 November 2025, during the budget adjustment by Provincial Treasury, the department received funding with a clear instruction to assist artists and filmmakers. The department considered all proposals that had been submitted previously. We then decided to support initiatives ranging in time from December 2025 – March 2026,” said Tlhapi.
Picture: The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Supra Mahumapelo
By REGINALD KANYANE
18 December 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Supra Mahumapelo has congratulated India on taking over the BRICS Presidency from Brazil for 2026. Mahumapelo said the Presidency was officially handed over by Brazil to India this week in a symbolic gesture.
He further said the 18th BRICS Summit will be hosted by India in 2026, bringing together the 11 member states to discuss key issues and shape the group’s future agenda. Mahumapelo added that the priorities for 2026 are structured around four pillars such as resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability.
“India’s Presidency will also focus on reforming global governance institutions, promoting multi-polarity, and strengthening South-South cooperation. We are confident in the success of the upcoming India Presidency and we wish them well in the year ahead.
“We also thank the President of Brazil for his leadership and accomplishments in the strides that have been made in ensuring that the BRICS member countries are strengthened economically, politically and socially this year,” he said.
Picture: One of the hijacked buildings in Johannesburg CBD
By GEORGE KAPINGIRI
18 December 2025- The culture of hijacked buildings in South Africa has become extremely scary. As a Congolese person, I am proud to be Congolese.
I have lived my entire life in South Africa, but I will never shed my Congolese identity for a South African one. I love being Congolese more than anything.
Because I was raised here, I used to generalize that South Africans were jealous of foreign nationals, especially African foreign nationals. I would often say that whenever South Africans wanted to blame someone for the misfortunes and problems in their country, the most convenient scapegoat was their African brothers and sisters.
In recent years, however, as I have paid closer attention to politics and the environment where I live, I have realized that South Africans are not xenophobic. These people are literally fighting for their own country. According to available data, 80% of the hijacked or semi‑hijacked buildings in the Johannesburg CBD… what I call “town”… are illegally occupied.
Their owners are present, but cannot assist them, and the buildings are being hijacked by foreign nationals. Most of these foreign nationals come from Central, West, or East Africa, and some from Southern Africa. It is a strange situation.
Why would someone come to another country, hijack a property that does not belong to them and then sublet it? Some buildings in town house up to a thousand people because of this subletting culture.
For me, I no longer see South Africans as xenophobic. I once viewed them that way, but in recent years I have begun to understand that they are not xenophobic at all.
This “hijacked” culture is breeding grounds for human trafficking and illegal trade of goods and people. It is not simply a matter of giving South Africans a reason to be angry; we should not blame them.
One thing is certain, if South Africa were to die today, you as a foreign national, could leave. South Africans cannot leave. This is their home and there is nowhere else for them to go. You can go back where can they go?
So let us not blame South Africans and call them xenophobic. Let them fight for their country.
At least they have the courage to fight for their country, unlike many of us who are in their country because we lack the courage to fight for our own.
(Note: Mr George Kapingiri shared this in his personal capacity and The Guardian Newspaper and its associates do not agree nor disagree with the content of this letter. So, whatever is written in this letter remains the views of the author and does not represent The Guardian Newspaper in anyway)
18 December 2025- The police in Northern Cape said safer festive season operations are in full swing across the Namakwa District as they intensify efforts to combat crime and enhance public safety. The police said on 17 December 2025, disruptive operations were led by the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, together with the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar and the Namakwa District Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said a multi-disciplinary roadblock was conducted at the N7 weighbridge in Springbok, during which 138 vehicles and 320 individuals were stopped and searched. Ehlers said traffic fines amounting to R1300 were issued for various violations.
“These operations were followed by a crime intelligence-driven intervention after information was operationalised regarding suspected drug dealing at premises in Concordia. A search warrant was obtained and executed, resulting in the seizure of hydro dagga with an estimated street value of R125 785.10, as well as a substantial amount of cash believed to be the proceeds of criminal activities.
“A man (37) was arrested in connection with dealing in drugs. Disruptive operations will continue in identified hotspot areas to address priority crimes during the festive season and beyond,” she said.
17 December 2025 – Three suspects aged between 29 and 30 were arrested following a hijacking and robbery incident involving a Botswana national (65). The suspects were arrested on 15 December 2025, just after 5pm in Potchefstroom after a tip-off regarding a hijacking and a coordinated operation was activated by Crime Intelligence, the Flying Squad of Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, the Provincial Drug Task Team, as well as various private security companies.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said according to reports, the incident was reported earlier on the same day at approximately at 10am, when the victim was travelling along the road between Nooitgedacht and Mooifontein, near Mahikeng in her vehicle, a Toyota Yaris. Myburgh said the victim was allegedly accosted by three suspects travelling in a white vehicle, which blocked the road and forced her to stop.
“The suspects reportedly pointed her with a firearm and threatened her with a knife, compelling her to get into their vehicle. She was subsequently driven to Itsoseng and Mahikeng, where she was forcefully taken to various Automatic Teller Machines (ATM’s) and coerced into withdrawing money from her bank account.
“After the withdrawals, the victim was abandoned in Mahikeng. Her cellphones were also stolen during the ordeal,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Naidoo, commended the swift and effective collaboration between the various law enforcement units and private security companies, stating that such teamwork remains critical in combating serious and violent crime.
Naidoo said the arrest of these suspects demonstrates the commitment by police in ensuring that criminals are brought to book and that communities, including visitors to the North West, are protected.
“The police will not tolerate acts of violence and intimidation on the roads, especially during the festive season, when more travellers are expected.
“The suspects are expected to appear before the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on 18 December 2025, facing charges related to hijacking, robbery, kidnapping and possession of stolen property,” he said.
Naidoo said the minor will be dealt with in terms of the Child Justice Act.
The Guardian 