A man nabbed for harbouring creep of tortoises

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Picture: Tortoises seized by the police during raid/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

30 December 2025- The multidisciplinary high-density Shanela 2 Safer Festive Season Operation which seeks to intensify the fight against crime, yielded positive results when numerous suspects were arrested in the Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2.

The operations, which were simultaneously and jointly conducted by members from Mogwase, Sun City, Mabeskraal, Dwarsberg Police Stations, as well as the Rustenburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, targeted among others, businesses trading illegally and in counterfeit goods, enforcement of the Firearms Control Act (Act 60 of 2000) and Road Traffic Management Corporation Act (Act 20 of 1999) as well as tracing of wanted suspects.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said during the operation, 145 vehicles were stopped and searched together with 215 occupants. Tselanyane said a total of 49 traffic fines to the value of R26 400 were issued to drivers.

“Additionally, 20 suspects were arrested for crimes such as assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH) and common, rape and malicious damage to property.

“Moreover, firearms compliance inspections led to the registration of two cases for contravention of Section 120(8)(a) of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (failure to store firearms in prescribed safe / strong room) and one illegal immigrant was apprehended for contravention of section 49 of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act 13 of 2002),” he said.

Tselanyane further said as if that was not enough, the police received a tip-off regarding someone who was harbouring a creep of tortoises and operationalised it. He added that, upon arrival at the suspect’s address, the police found tortoises and arrested the suspect (55), for possession of protected species.

“All arrested suspects are expected to appear soon before various courts,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, applauded the police for a sterling job and continued commitment of ensuring the safety of our communities.

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A possession of suspected stolen livestock case postponed

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Picture: The suspected stolen goats/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

30 December 2015- A possession of suspected stolen livestock case against the accused, Tebogo Kelokilwe (32), has been postponed to 6 January 2026 by the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court, for a bail application. Kelokilwe was arrested by Vryburg Visible Policing members on 27 December 2025, for possession of suspected stolen livestock.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the vigilant police officers were on routine patrol duties on the N14 (Kuruman / Vryburg) road when they stopped a suspicious white Toyota Hilux bakkie. Mokgwabone said in the process of questioning the accused, the police lifted the bakkie’s back green cover and found 19 goats worth R30 000.

“Kelokilwe was subsequently placed under arrest after failing to account for the stock. The vehicle, 19 goats and three cell phones were confiscated,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General ( Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the police for their attentiveness that led to the arrest and the recovery.

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Molapisi sends condolences to the Booi family following the death of their child

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Picture: The deceased, Onalenna Booi/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

30 December 2025- North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi has sent his heartfelt condolences to the Booi family following the death of their child, Onalenna Booi (19). Onalenna passed away after undergoing the customary initiation at Dithakong village, in Mahikeng.

Molapisi said it is alleged that he was forcefully initiated and collapsed during the pass-out ceremony last weekend. He added that, Onalenna was certified dead at the home of the initiation principal.

“A case has been opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and no arrests have been made at this stage. We appeal for a speedy investigation to establish the cause of Onalenna’s death and to determine if all regulations as per the Customary Initiation Act of 2021 were followed.

“We send our deepest condolences to the Booi family and wish them strength during this difficult period. We also appeal to the SAPS to speedily investigate the circumstances that led to his tragic death,” he said.

Molapisi further said if the postmortem results indicate foul play, those responsible must be arrested immediately and face prosecution. He added that, where possible, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) must impose a harsher sentence so that this serves as a deterrent to those who want to contaminate our sacred cultural practices.

“The death of Onalenna brings the total number of initiates who have died during this Summer Initiation Season to three. To date, the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) has shut down seven illegal initiation schools and rescued 68 initiates.

“SAPS has effected six arrests, with all suspects charged with contravening Section 33 of the Customary Initiation Act of 2021. The pass-out of initiates began two weeks ago and will continue until all initiation schools close on 9 January 2026,” said Molapisi.

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1325 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela II

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Picture: Some of the drugs seized by the police/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

29 December 2025- The police in North West and other law enforcement agencies have apprehended 1325 suspects for different crimes between 22 and 28 December 2025, during weekly high density Shanela 2 Safer Festive Season operations conducted across the province. The police said the suspects were arrested for different crimes, including murder, rape, assault with the intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, dealing in drugs, dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, among others.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said out of the 1325 arrested suspects, 344 were arrested by the Detectives as being on the circulated wanted suspects’ lists. Mokgwabone said the operations also addressed identified crime generators through Joint Law Enforcement compliance inspections to enforce the provisions of the Liquor and Second-Hand Goods Acts.

“As a result, 28 unlicensed liquor outlets were closed and large quantities of liquor were confiscated. In addition, the operations led to the confiscation of eight firearms, 84 rounds of ammunition, 17 cell phones, three vehicles, a variety of drugs, dangerous weapons, fireworks, and tobacco products.

“In Sun City, in the Bojanala Sub-District 2, five suspects aged between 25 and 37, were on 27 December 2025, arrested at different addresses in Ledig village, near Sun City, for possession of drugs. The suspects were arrested during an intelligence-driven multidisciplinary operation. During the arrests, the police confiscated drugs such as mandrax, rock, crystal meth, nyaope and khat, with an estimated street value of R10 500,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said in addition, the team confiscated R18 000 cash believed to be the proceeds of crime. He added that the suspects are expected to appear in the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court for possession of drugs.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, applauded all law enforcement agencies members for arresting the suspects as part of ensuring the wellbeing and safety of their communities during the Christmas holidays.

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Bafana Bafana bracing for a tough match

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Picture: Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos

By OBAKENG MAJE

29 December 2025- Bafana Bafana are bracing for a tough match when they face Zimbabwe in a crunch final Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group B encounter on 29 December 2025. The COSAFA neighbours will face off in a match that will most likely determine who finishes runners-up in the group and also confirm passage to the Last 16 stage of this continental competition.

While the two teams have faced each other several times over the years, this will be the first time that they meet in an AFCON tournament. South African senior men’s national team coach Hugo Broos said they expect a tough match against a team they have played against several times during the four years he has been at the helm.

“It’s not the first time we play against Zimbabwe and in the four years I have been a coach in South Africa, Zimbabwe have been in our group in the qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup. So, we know them very well.

“They know us very well too and they would like to win against us. We felt that already in the previous matches. So again, it will be tough tomorrow, and we have to achieve our best level to get a good result,” said Broos.

Nkosinathi Sibisi further said they know that a victory will also be good motivation going into the next round. Sibisi added that, for them, they are really looking forward to playing the game and hopefully getting a result.

Bafana Bafana beat Angola 2-1 in Marrakech in their opening match of the tournament a week ago and then suffered a 0-1 defeat to Egypt in Agadir in a dramatic second outing that has been the subject of furious debates around the world since Friday.

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A learner dies after being forced into initiation school

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Picture: Grade 12 learner, Onalenna Booi who died at initiation school/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

29 December 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said they were shocked and devastated to learn about the death of Onalenna Booi (19), a Grade 12 learner from Tiego Tawana Secondary School in Dithakong East Village, near Mahikeng. Motsumi alleged that Booi died after he was forcefully taken to an initiation school after finishing the writing of his matric examinations in late November 2025.

She further said it is reported that the family did not know about Booi’s whereabouts and they reported it to the police. Motsumi added that it was reported that the family found the deceased’s body on 26 December 2025.

“On behalf of the North West Department of Education, I hereby wish to convey my sincerest condolences to the entire family and the school community of Tiego Tawana Secondary School. It is really sad to receive such news while we, as a country, are waiting for the results of the Class of 2025.

“I am confident that the South African Police Service (SAPS) will be able to get to the bottom of this matter and that those responsible will be found and brought to justice. We will ensure that the family, learners and teachers are provided with psychosocial support during this difficult period,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Tiego Tawana Secondary School principal, Pogiso Tshipo highlighted that he was expecting a bachelor from this learner. Tshipo said as the school principal for this learner, he is extremely devastated by the sad news.

“I was expecting a bachelor pass from this learner because I know that he was one of the hard-working group of learners. I remember that I spoke to him around September 2025 and he promised to do well in his examinations.

“He was naughty just like all other learners, but when he started Grade 12, his behaviour drastically changed. You could see that this was a learner who was hungry and determined to perform well in his Grade 12 class,” he said.

Tshipo said they had 59 Grade 12 learners, now next year, he will be releasing the results to only 58 learners. He said he does not even know how they are going to handle this process as the school.

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Four suspects nabbed for possession of drugs

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Picture: The drugs confiscated during the raid/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

28 December 2025 – A crime intelligence-driven operation by the Crime Combating Operational team resulted in the arrest of four suspects including a female, for possession of drugs and possession of suspected stolen goods. The suspects were arrested after the police searched their places in Meriting New Stands, Seraleng and Ramochana in the policing area of Boitekong on Thursday morning, 25 December 2025.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the first three suspects were found in possession of drugs that included mandrax, dagga, crystal meth, and rock, all with estimated street value of R15 000. Mokgwabone said the team also confiscated R860 cash believed to be the proceeds of crime.

“The fourth suspect was arrested after being found in possession of suspected stolen cell phones. The suspects with ages between 37 and 52 are expected to appear in the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court in Tlhabane on 29 December 2025, for possession of drugs and possession of suspected stolen goods.

“Meanwhile, based on information received from members of the community, the Shanela 2 Safer Festive Season operation conducted in Vryburg was extended to Ipelegeng Township, outside Schweizer Reneke, where several identified addresses were raided by the combined Anti-Gang and Drug Task Team of the Provincial Office,” he said. 

Mokgwabone further said a suspect was arrested with a quantity of drugs, drug paraphernalia and cash. He added that at one of the identified addresses, the suspects fled, leaving behind a quantity of drugs, which was confiscated.

“The suspect is expected to appear in the Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court on 29 December 2025, for possession of drugs,” said Mokgwabone.

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‘Hosting the military forces of Iran and Russia is not neutral’

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Picture: Russian Armed Forces

By REGINALD KANYANE  

28 December 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said the media confirmations that Iranian naval vessels are en route to South Africa to participate in the Mosi III naval exercise alongside Russia make it increasingly difficult for the government to maintain that South Africa is genuinely pursuing a policy of non-alignment. The DA said hosting the military forces of Iran and Russia is not neutral.

DA Spokesperson on Defence and Military Veterans, Chris Hattingh, who is also Member of Parliament (MP), said these are sanctioned states involved in active conflicts and serious human rights abuses. Hattingh said allowing them to conduct military exercises in South African waters sends a clear political signal, whether the government admits it or not.

“South Africa’s policy of non-alignment is being hollowed out. What begins as quiet military cooperation slips into secrecy and ends in open alignment. It reflects a deliberate willingness to accept alignment with authoritarian states, while hiding behind the language of non-alignment to avoid accountability.

“When military actions no longer match its diplomatic claims, non-alignment ceases to be neutrality and becomes a quiet and calculated drift away from democratic partners. This concern is heightened by recent public statements from Iran’s president describing his country as being in a state of war with the United States and Western powers, making South Africa’s decision to host Iranian naval forces deeply concerning,” he said.

Hattingh further said at the same time, South Africa’s defence relationships with democratic countries are weakening. He added that joint military exercises with the United States have been cancelled, US participation in the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition failed and diplomatic tensions are increasing.

“These outcomes are the predictable result of confused foreign policy and poor political judgement. While South Africa recently voted against Russia at the United Nations, a single vote counts for little when it is contradicted by continued military cooperation with Russia and Iran, carried out with limited transparency and minimal parliamentary oversight.

“The DA will demand full transparency on all military exercises involving sanctioned states, insist on urgent parliamentary oversight of the SANDF’s international engagements, and hold President Cyril Ramaphosa accountable to restore proper civilian control over defence policy,” said Hattingh.

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DA calls on the City of Tshwane to prioritise electricity infrastructure

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Picture: Tshwane sub-station burned/Generic

By AGISANANG SCUFF

28 December 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Tshwane said it is concerned that the current state of the City’s electrical grid has reached a breaking point. The DA said a dangerous combination of aging infrastructure, inadequate safety measures, and targeted criminal activity is leaving their communities in the dark and at risk.

DA Tshwane Spokesperson for Utilities, Themba Fosi said this festive season, two substations in the City of Tshwane have burned down, leaving communities in the dark. Fosi said first, it was the Olievenhoutbosch Substation in Centurion and yesterday, the Koedoespoort Substation in the Moot.

“In recent months, we have seen an alarming surge in substation fires across the metro. These are not merely technical glitches; they are catastrophic failures that result in prolonged blackouts, damaging local businesses and compromising the safety of residential neighborhoods.

“Each fire further weakens an already strained electricity grid, leading to a “domino effect” of infrastructure instability. Investigations into these incidents have over time revealed a systemic failure in preventative maintenance,” he said.

Fosi further said many of their substations lack modern fire suppression systems, functional smoke detection, or even basic physical firebreaks. He added that without these essential protections, a small electrical fault, which should be contained, rapidly escalates into a total infrastructure loss.

“Just a few days ago, Olievenhoutbosch Substation was engulfed by fire due to cable theft. Before being removed from government, the DA, under the leadership of Mayor Cilliers Brink, budgeted for the needed protection for substations to prevent fires.

“There was also a budget and plan to move the City’s protection of physical assets away from static security guarding to technological early detection mechanisms linked to armed response,” said Fosi.

He alleged that the ANC took the first opportunity to re-allocate these funds to water tankers and security companies linked to the Deputy Executive Mayor. Fosi said it is now the time that the ANC government prioritises the residents of Tshwane and stabilises the electricity grid above their patronage networks.

“The DA will be writing to the City Manager to demand immediately assess fire protection systems at all major substations and install automated suppression technology.

The municipality must implement 24 hour remote monitoring at high-risk sites to deter theft and vandalism.

“Establish a dedicated task force to track and prosecute those responsible for destroying City infrastructure. The residents of this City have reached the limit of their patience, and the DA will continue to stand with them until solutions are found,” he said.

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Parliament mourns the death of Dr Renee Thompson

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Picture: Dr Renee Thompson

By AGISANANG SCUFF

28 December 2025 – The National Assembly (NA) said it has learned with deep sadness at the passing of Dr Renee Thompson, a respected intellectual, activist and longstanding friend of Parliament. The NA said Thompson participated in various parliamentary programmes over the years and maintained a deep and principled interest in the constitutional and legislative work of Parliament and its role in improving the material conditions of the people of South Africa.

The Parliament spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo said her engagement with the institution was informed by a strong understanding of parliamentary processes and a commitment to democratic accountability. Mothapo said having previously served within the caucus of the majority party, Thompson brought to her work a strong grounding in parliamentary research, communications and drafting.

“She was widely regarded as a sharp thinker with a deep well of institutional knowledge, able to engage complex parliamentary issues with clarity, rigour and purpose. Her contributions reflected both technical competence and a principled commitment to public service.

“Beyond her formal roles, Thompson remained a thoughtful interlocutor on parliamentary and constitutional matters, consistently advocating for a Parliament that is responsive, ethical and centred on the lived realities of the people it serves,” he said.

Mothapo further said Thompson’s intellectual curiosity, courage of conviction and generosity of spirit enriched the democratic discourse around Parliament’s work. He added that the Presiding Officers extend their sincere condolences to Dr Thompson’s family, friends and colleagues.

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