SIU freezes property linked to the late actor, Presley Chweneyagae

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Picture: The late actor, Presley Chweneyagae

By OBAKENG MAJE

25 December 2025- The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has obtained a preservation order from the Special Tribunal to freeze a residential property in Hesteapark, Pretoria, linked to the late actor, Presley Chweneyagae, his spouse and several other respondents in a National Lotteries Commission (NLC) corruption case.

SIU said the order, handed down by Judge M Victor on 18 December 2025, is directed against Charlaine Christinah Chweneyagae, in her personal capacity and as Executrix of her late husband’s estate, as well as Alfred Muzwakhe Sigudla, the Southern African Youth Movement NPO, Domestic Baboon (Pty) Ltd and others.

SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago said: “The order prohibits any sale, transfer, lease, encumbrance, or disposal of a home in Pretoria, Gauteng, pending the finalisation of civil proceedings to be instituted by the SIU within 60 court days.

“The property is alleged to have been purchased with approximately R889 000 diverted from a R15 million NLC grant meant for youth arts programmes.” 

Kganyago further said the SIU’s investigation found that the grant was approved for the Southern African Youth Movement NPO, represented by Sigudla — and subsequently channelled through Domestic Baboon (Pty) Ltd, a company solely owned by the late Presley Chweneyagae to acquire the private residence. He added that the primary mission of the SIU is to recover proceeds from beneficiaries of NLC grant funding who are involved in unlawful activities, thereby restoring the state’s financial losses.

“Authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa through Proclamation R32 of 2020, the SIU is dedicated to investigating allegations of corruption and maladministration within the NLC and to recovering financial losses incurred by the state.

“The order from the Special Tribunal represents an important step in the SIU’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption and ensure accountability and transparency in the management of public funds,” said Kganyago.

He said the SIU is empowered to initiate civil proceedings in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to address any wrongdoing it identifies, in accordance with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996. Kganyago said any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during investigations will be forwarded to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further legal action.

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Parents urged to monitor behaviour of ‘non-progressive’ learners

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Picture: Grade 12 learners during NSC final examinations/Generic

By AGISANANG SCUFF

25 December 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi has appealed to parents and guardians to closely monitor the behaviour of learners who did not progress to the next grade in the 2025 academic year. Motsumi said schools across the province have issued progress reports to learners from Grade R to Grade 11.

She further said while many learners were promoted to the next grade, some did not meet the requirements for progression. Motsumi emphasised the importance of parental support and guidance during this festive period, noting that learners who did not pass may experience emotional distress, frustration or behavioural changes.

“I take this moment to plead with all parents and guardians of those learners, who did not progress to the next grade. I am pleading with them to closely monitor the behaviour of those children because some did not accept the outcome of the results.

“This denial of accepting the results sometimes leads to emotional depression. Sometimes such children tend to behave differently due to such pressure,” she added.

Motsumi advised parents and guardians, whenever they see an unusual behaviour, they should urgently seek help from faith‑based leaders and anyone who can help them. She is expected to release the matric results on 13 January 2026.

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A Saulsville tavern shooting case postponed  

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Picture: An accused in Saulsville tavern shooting/Facebook

By BAKANG MOKOTO

25 December 2025- A man (32) from Limpopo appeared at the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court over Saulsville tavern shooting. He is facing charges of 12 counts of murder and 13 counts of attempted murder.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that in the early hours of 6 December 2025, at approximately 4am, the accused was at a tavern in Saulsville Hostel, where him and his two accomplices allegedly shot and killed twelve people and attempted to kill thirteen others. Mahanjana said after an intensive investigation by the police, the accused was arrested on 22 December 2025, in Polokwane, Limpopo Province, while he was already in custody for an unrelated matter.

“In court, the matter was postponed to 31 December 2025, for bail investigations,” she said.

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20 excavators, two delivery vehicles and two trucks confiscated during illegal mining operation

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Picture: 20 excavators, two delivery vehicles and two trucks confiscated during illegal mining operation/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 December 2025 – As part of clamping down on the illicit economy, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, led a multidisciplinary illegal mining operation on a farm in Kroondal, outside Rustenburg. The operation was executed by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), District and Rustenburg Visible Policing, Crime Intelligence, Public Order Police (POP), Provincial Detectives, Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) and Glencore Mine officials. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said although the suspects fled into the bushes and evaded arrest, the police confiscated equipment used in illegal mining, which included 20 excavators, two light delivery vehicles and two trucks. Mokgwabone said investigations into the illegal mining activities in the area and others in the province are underway.

“Naidoo warned that the police, in collaboration with other role players, will act decisively against illegal mining to protect the legitimate economy and residents whose lives are affected by these unlawful acts,” he said.

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A man nabbed for attempted murder

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By REGINALD KANYANE

25 December 2025- A man (45) was arrested for an attempted murder of his former girlfriend in Plooysburg. According to the police, even though the accused, Gordon Marko Adams was arrested on 23 December 2025, in Kimberley, the incident took place in November 2025.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said Adams was arrested through intelligence-driven information after he was spotted in the Kimberley Central Business District (CBD) at approximately 11:30am. Litabe said his arrest follows a successful tracing operation by an operative from Crime Intelligence (CI), who saw him at a store in Kimberley and immediately alerted the Investigation Officer, Sergeant Piet Langeveld.

“The Kimberley Flying Squad, together with the Kimberley Public Order Police was alerted to assist and arrested the suspect.

“It is alleged that on 23 November 2025, a woman (20), was at her home on Kaldroom Farm when Adams allegedly arrived and followed her into another room and closed the door behind them,” he said.

Litabe said he reportedly assaulted her by hitting her in the eye with his fist before producing an okapi knife and a panga. He said this was allegedly followed by a stabbing of the victim near her right eye and hacking to her left arm.

“The suspect then fled the scene. A case of attempted murder was then registered at Plooysburg Police Station.

“Adams appeared in the Magistrate’s Court in Douglas on charges of attempted murder and his case was postponed to the 2 January 2026, in order for him to secure a legal representation,” said Litabe.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, thanked all the members who were involved for impressive collaborative work that led to the arrest of a dangerous criminal.

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Otola congratulates newly-promoted police officers

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Picture: Some of newly-promoted police officers/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

25 December 2025- The Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola and Provincial Management extend its heartfelt congratulations to all members who have been promoted with effect from 1 December 2025. Otola said these promotions are a clear recognition of dedication, discipline, professionalism and commitment to serving the people of the Northern Cape with integrity.

She further said it reflects the confidence that the organisation has in their ability to take on greater responsibility and to lead by example. Otola added that a total of 353 members were promoted across the province, including 114 constables promoted to Sergeant, 220 Sergeants promoted to Warrant Officers and 19 Warrant Officers from band B1 to band B2.

“District Commissioners and Station Commanders across all five districts conferred the ranks to the newly-promoted members. As you assume your new ranks you are encouraged to continue upholding the core values of the SAPS, to execute your duties with excellence, and to inspire those under your command.

“Your leadership will play a critical role in strengthening service delivery and enhancing community safety,” she said.

Otola said management wishes all members continued success and trust that they will rise to the challenges of their new responsibilities with pride and distinction.

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Police call on community members to be cautious during festive season

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Picture: The police during stop and search operation/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 December 2025- The police in the Northern Cape said it reaffirms itself to ensure the safety and security of all communities on the eve of Christmas. The police said the Christmas season is traditionally marked by increased travel, social gatherings, shopping activities and celebrations.

The Northern Cape spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said Christmas is a period that presents heightened risks related to crime, road accidents and alcohol abuse.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, together with Deputy Provincial Commissioners, District Commissioners and senior officers, will lead intensified visible policing and crime prevention operations across the province as part of the Safer Festive Season strategy. Otola said these measures include high-density patrols, roadblocks, stop-and-search operations, enforcement of traffic laws and joint operations with other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders.

“Special attention is being given to hotspots, shopping centres, transport hubs, entertainment areas, and residential areas. The police urge members of the public to remain vigilant and to take personal safety precautions, including securing homes.

“They should avoid carrying large sums of cash, obeying traffic regulations and refraining from drinking and driving. Parents and guardians are encouraged to closely supervise children, while communities are urged to work together and report suspicious activities,” she said.

Otola calls on all citizens to play an active role in creating a safe and peaceful festive season by cooperating with law enforcement officials and respecting the law. She said together through partnership and shared responsibilities, they can ensure that this Christmas period is celebrated safely and responsibly.

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Mosadi o thudilwe le go bolaiwa ke sejanaga kwa Hartswater

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Setshwantsho: Mosadi o thudilweng ke sejanaga/Facebook

Ka KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 Sedimonthole 2025- Sepodisi kwa Hartswater se ikuela go baagi go ba thusa go shupa setopo sa mosadi o sa itsiweng. Se, se tla morago ga gore mosadi o, a thulwe ke sejanaga se se ileng sa tshaba kwa lefelong la tiragalo.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Kapa Bokone, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane are sepodisi se amogetse ngongora fa kgwedi ya Sedimonthole e ne e tlhola matsatsi a le 21, mme nako e le metsotso e le masome a mararo morago ga ura ya lesome bosigo. Shemane are kotsi e, e diragetse kwa mmileng wa Piet Strydom, gaufi le ER Mocwaledi Secondary School teng kwa Hartswater.

“Mosadi o, o ile a gatiwa ke sejanaga se go bontshang se tshabile kwa lefelong la tiragalo. Moswi a ka tswa a na le dingwaga di le 30, mme one a apere borokgwe jwa jeans jo bo pududu ka mmala, ga mmogo le sekipa sa mmala wa legodimo. Mosadi o, o na le di dreadlocks mo tlhogong.

“Re ikuela go mongwe le mongwe o a ka tswang a na le tshedimosetso mabapi le tiragalo e, kgotsa a ka thusa sepodisi gore se fitlhelele ba losika la moswi, a ka letsetsa mmatlisisi wa kgetsi, Detective Constable Matonyane mo nomorong ya 0832442709, kgotsa a ka letsetsa nommore ya sepodisi ya 08600 10111,” Shemane wa tlhalosa.

Shemane are tshedimosetse ngwe le ngwe e tla tsewa jaaka ya sephiri.

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Travel agent, Premila Shunmugam who is accused of fraud granted R100 000 bail

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Picture: Travel agent, Premila Shunmugam

By REGINALD KANYANE

24 December 2025- The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court has granted R100 000 bail to travel agent, Premila Shunmugam (57) of Silver Touch Events from Greenstone Hill. Shunmugam is facing 3 counts of fraud amounting to R400 000.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that in July 2025, Shunmugam used the same modus operandi to defraud multiple clients. Mahanjana said she allegedly offered to help the complainants to book luxury trips abroad through her travel agency.

“After reaching an agreement, the complainants would transfer funds to her. However, after receiving the money the accused would not render any services to the complainants and did not refund the funds. The complainants subsequently reported the matters at various police stations.

“On 8 December 2025, the accused went to Wierdabrug Police Station to provide the police with her statement and after interrogation she was arrested. During bail proceedings, the state opposed the accused’s release on bail,” she said.

Mahanjana further said the state prosecutor, Chris Maruma, submitted an affidavit from the Investigating Officer Sergeant Martin Malapela stating that Shunmugam is not a first-time offender because she has a previous conviction of fraud from the year 2006. Mahanjana added that the affidavit further stated that the accused currently has 37 dockets opened against her in Gauteng and other provinces and that after relocating to a different area, she refused to provide the police with her new address.

“However, the magistrate said that even though the accused has several dockets opened against her, she has not been charged yet and that having one previous conviction does not mean that she has a propensity to commit crime. Therefore, he found exceptional circumstances to release the accused on bail.

“The matter was postponed to 18 February 2026 for further investigations,” she said.

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Two suspects in court for possession of illegal firearms and ammunition

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Picture: Firearms confiscated by police/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

24 December 2025 – Two suspects are expected to appear in the Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court today, facing charges of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition respectively. The suspects were arrested at two separate residences during a crime intelligence-led operation by Vryburg K9 and Crime Prevention Unit members in Morokweng village, near Ganyesa in the early hours of Tuesday morning, 23 December 2025.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the first suspect (38) was found in possession of an unlicensed pistol and five rounds of ammunition. Mokgwabone said it transpired during circulation that the firearm belonged to an individual in Kokwana village, Morokweng.

“The second suspect (49) was also apprehended for possession of an unlicensed firearm (Norinco pistol) and eight rounds of ammunition. Preliminary investigation revealed that the lawful owner of the firearm is deceased and he was a resident of Pomfret, near Morokweng.

“Both firearms and ammunition have been confiscated and will be subjected to ballistic testing,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the police for a job well done and removing firearms from the wrong hands.

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