Cope condemns Minister of Police’s interference into police operations

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Picture: acting Minister of Police, Prof Firoz Cachalia

By OBAKENG MAJE

30 August 2025- The Congress of the People (COPE) said it strongly condemns the recent actions of acting Minister of Police, Prof Firoz Cachalia, who has accused the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola of “jumping the gun” regarding the work of the Political Killings Task Team and the release of 121 investigative dockets.

Cope said Cachalia has further indicated that these matters should not proceed outside of the upcoming Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and has now demanded a report from Masemola on the task team’s work.

Cope acting General Secretary, Erick Mohlapamaswi said they view these actions as a serious overreach of ministerial authority and a troubling interference in the operational independence of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

“The acting Minister of Police is now interfering with the work of the National Police Commissioner. The duties of the Commissioner are, in the main, the operational and managerial control of the police service, in accordance with national policy.

“The Minister’s role is to determine policing policy and provide oversight, not to direct investigations or intervene in operational matters. The National Commissioner is fully within his rights to determine where and how dockets are administered and investigated,” he said.

Mohlapamaswi further said Cachalia must stay within his lane.     He added that as Cope, question why Cachalia is so concerned about the release of these 121 dockets.

“What is in these dockets that make ministers so visibly unsettled? Why is the Acting Minister attempting to delay or derail investigations that fall squarely within the Commissioner’s operational mandate?

“The establishment of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry does not suspend the work of the Political Killings Task Team, nor has the task team been disbanded by the Commissioner,” said Mohlapamaswi.

He said therefore, its investigations must continue without political interference, and arrests must proceed where warranted, even as the Commission conducts its own parallel inquiry. Mohlapamaswi said this situation raises a disturbing question.

“Was Cachalia appointed to stall or obstruct the investigations into the 121 political killings dockets?

“We call on Cachalia to refrain from overstepping his authority and to allow the SAPS to carry out its constitutional and legal duties without political pressure or manipulation,” he said.

Mohlapamaswi said the victims of political violence, and the South African public, deserve justice, not delay.

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Services to be restored in Douglas

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Picture: Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

30 August 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said the oversight inspections conducted in Douglas with its Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo, shone the spotlight on the government’s failure to ensure dignified services to the communities of Bucklands, Selfbou and New Park. The DA said all three of these communities have been forgotten and do not have access to clean, piped water or proper sanitation facilities.

The DA Constituency Head of Diamond South and Member of Parliament (MP), Dr Delmaine Christians said in Mandelaplaas in Bucklands, a borehole that is serving 60 shanties, is not working. Christians said residents make use of untreated canal water, which is not according to South African National Standards (SANS).

“This is unsafe and places residents at risk of illness. We appreciate Seitlholo’s commitment to ensure that the borehole is reconnected. This will go a long way to restoring residents’ water rights.

“In Selfbou and New Park in Riemvasmaak, residents are dependent on Jo-Jo tanks erected by the DA, for water. Tragically, one of these Jo-Jo tanks, which were still full of water, was purposefully pushed off its stand during the past week, causing it to shatter,” she said.

 Christians further said the DA condemns the sabotage of water infrastructure that will rob people of access to water. She added that they have donated an additional Jo-Jo tank to both Selfbou and New Park.

“We will also continue to seek cooperation from the municipality to enable us to lay a water pipeline from the Jo-Jos, to expand access to water.

“That these areas are also without any kind of toilet facilities, and that people use the bush to relieve themselves, is a gross service failure and violation of people’s constitutional rights,” said Christians.

She said they will continue to put pressure on all three spheres of government, to ensure that addressing this sanitation shortfall is prioritised. Christians said the government must be held accountable for ensuring that basic services are delivered to all communities.

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NWU strengthens support for postgraduate studies

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

30 August 2025- The North West University (NWU) said it is pleased with the overwhelming response to the announcement by its principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka, regarding the financial support for qualifying postgraduate students (honours, master’s, and doctoral).

The university said this intervention is crucial in ensuring that it plays its part towards the country’s research and development agenda and contributes towards the achievement of the objectives of the national development plan.

Tyobeka said: “Postgraduate studies, and research and innovation, especially in critical areas of the economy are key ingredients of innovation that leads to economic development and growth, as well as the creation and broadening of entrepreneurship and employment opportunities. 

“We are determined to enhance our support for qualifying postgraduate students who have the potential to contribute meaningfully to the national system of innovation.” 

He further said they do this because they acknowledge that postgraduate students and researchers are their hope and promise for a better South Africa and a progressive and industrialised economic region whose knowledge and expertise benefit key economic instruments such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA.)

Tyobeka added that their resolve to remain a traditional university requires that they increase and maintain a higher percentage of postgraduate students.

“We are grateful to our partners in both the public and private sectors for their continued support that makes interventions like this possible.

“The application criteria and guidelines are going through the necessary approval processes and will be shared with all relevant stakeholders very soon,” he said.

Tyobeka said in the meantime, prospective postgraduate students are encouraged to apply before 31 October 2025, at https://applynow.nwu.ac.za/OnlineApplication/. Please click here https://studies.nwu.ac.za/postgraduate-studies for more information regarding our postgraduate studies. He said enquiries regarding the application process can be sent to WhatsApp: +27 (0) 60 070 2606, SMS: 31750 or studies@nwu.ac.za for assistance.

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DA mourns the passing of UIM President, Neil de Beer

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Picture: United Independent Movement (UIM) following the passing of its President, Neil de Beer.

By BAKANG MOKOTO

30 August 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) leader and Member of Parliament (MP), John Steenhuisen said on behalf of the DA, he would like to extend his deepest condolences to the United Independent Movement (UIM) following the passing of its President, Neil de Beer.

“In Neil de Beer’s passing, South Africa has lost a powerful voice for change. With his uncompromising and often confrontational style, he upset many, but he also spoke for many.

“His convictions and fearless personality made him a force to be reckoned with and a valuable partner to the Multi-Party Charter. For his role in bringing the Charter about, the DA will remember him fondly,” he said.

Steenhuisen further said their condolences and prayers go out to his loved ones. He added that in life, de Beer was a man of restless energy.

“May he now find eternal rest,” said Steenhuisen.

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Mahumapelo to hold colloquium on G20 expectation

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Picture: The chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Supra Mahumapelo

By AGISANANG SCUFF

30 August 2025 – The chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Supra Mahumapelo will jointly with the Southern African Liaison Office (SALO), hold a virtual media briefing on the Colloquium on the people’s expectations of South Africa’s G20 Presidency: A Conversation with non – State Actors.

Mahumapelo said through this Colloquium, the committee and SALO seek to establish stakeholder expectations regarding South Africa’s G20 Presidency and the various engagement groups, including the Y20, C20, W20, T20, and B20.

“A diverse range of stakeholders will be invited with an emphasis on ensuring representation from across all nine provinces and from a broad spectrum of sectors: civil society including grassroots, faith-based, youth, women, and LGBTQI organisations and individuals, organised labour, the private sector, academia, and others.

“The aim is to ensure inclusivity and that no one is left behind in the unfolding processes towards the G20 summit,” he said.

Meanwhile, the briefing will be held virtually on 1 September 2025 from 12:00 – 13:00.

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Municipalities urged to submit AFS on time

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

29 August 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass said he is making a final and urgent call to all 31 municipalities in the province to submit their Annual Financial Statements (AFS) and Annual Performance Reports (APRs) to the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) by 31 August 2025. Vass said municipalities that have completed their reports are encouraged to submit early and not wait for the last minute.

He further said this critical deadline is in line with the national Operation Clean Audits (OCA) plan, and its successful implementation in the Northern Cape is a key priority for the provincial government. Vass added that the submission of these documents is not merely a procedural requirement, but a fundamental cornerstone of good governance, accountability, and financial transparency.

“We are calling on all our municipalities to act with a sense of urgency and responsibility. Submitting the AFS and APRs on time is crucial for the AGSA to conduct their audits in a timely and efficient manner.

“This process is essential for us to assess the financial health and performance of our municipalities and to ensure that public funds are being managed effectively for the benefit of our communities,” he said.

Vass also cautioned that failure to meet this deadline will have serious consequences, including council having to request the speaker to investigate and implement consequences. He said non-compliance will result in the municipality being reported to the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature, Parliament and delaying the audit process of the AG.

“It will also hinder our collective efforts to achieve clean audits across the province, which is a key objective of the provincial administration and a non-negotiable part of our commitment to the people of the Northern Cape.

“The department’s commitment to supporting municipalities in this process and acknowledged the efforts of those who have already submitted their reports,” said Vass.

He urged those who have not yet submitted to finalise their preparations and submit their documents without delay.

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14 illegal immigrants nabbed

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Picture: Some of the illegal immigrants nabbed/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

29 August 2025- A two-day joint operation conducted in collaboration with the Vala Umgodi Task Team, the Border Management Authority and Namakwa district personnel, SAPS components and the Free State SAPS Airwing, has intensified its efforts to curb illegal mining activities in the district.

On 25 August 2025, actions were executed in the Nuttabooi Informal Settlement area during which two undocumented foreign nationals aged 25 and 27, were arrested. This includes a man (50) in Port Nolloth.

The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said rapid searches and patrols alongside the Orange river, which is believed to be the area where immigrants cross the river from Oranje Oewer on the Namibian side into Vioolsdrift on the South African Border.

Magerman said during these patrols, members of the Kimberley Mounted Unit were also utilised to augment the teams deployed and conducted patrols in the target areas. 

“The Free State SAPS Airwing assisted and participated in the operations, providing air support to the ground forces. Fourteen undocumented foreign nationals, comprising five females and twelve males, were arrested in the area on 26 August 2025.

“They were processed and detained. In total, 17 arrested persons are expected to appear in the Port Nolloth Magistrate’s Court soon,” he said.

Magerman further reiterated that Operation Vala Umgodi remains a priority intervention implemented to curb and dismantle illegal mining of sand and minerals, which causes environmental damage and threatens the infrastructure. He added that the targeted operations also address broader crimes such as possession of illegal or unlicensed firearms, drug trafficking and smuggling of commodities across the borders, not only in the Namakwa area.

“The operations also focuses on Contravention of the Immigration Laws and the trafficking of counterfeit goods and illicit cigarettes and by curtailing illegal mining, Vala Umgodi seeks to safeguard the economy, the infrastructure and the environment,” said Magerman.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga also participated and supported the teams during the operation on 26 August 2025.

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A man nabbed for possession of dagga and alcohol

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Picture: Dagga seized by the police/Supllied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

29 August 2025- A man (29) was arrested for possession of dagga and alcohol. The suspect was charged with selling liquor without a licence and dealing in drugs.

The Namakwa police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the estimated value of the confiscated items is R2940. Magerman said at approximately 1:40pm on 27 August 2025, the police executed a search warrant in Sanddrift after receiving a tip-off.

“The police reaffirmed the District’s commitment to combating illegal liquor sales and drug-related crimes and encouraged residents to continue reporting suspicious activities to ensure safer communities.

“The suspect was released on warning and is expected to appear in court soon,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews has commended members of the South African Police Service in Alexander Bay for their professionalism and dedication following the successful execution of a search warrant that resulted in the closure of an illegal shebeen and the arrest of a suspect on drug-related charges.

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21 illegal immigrants nabbed

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Picture: Illegal immigrants nabbed/Supplied 







By REGINALD KANYANE





29 August 2025- A 52-YEAR-OLD man was arrested for dealing in drugs. This comes after the police confiscated a large quantity of suspected Mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of over R7000 and an undisclosed amount of cash.





The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said the suspect was arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi on 28 August 2025. According to Pilane, the operation that was executed, was supported by various provincial components, including the Police Emergency Service, Tactical Response Team, Kimberley, Galeshewe, Kagisho and Roodepan Police Stations, as well as the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality Traffic Department and the Department of Home Affairs.





“These joint efforts were aimed at strengthening law enforcement visibility and maintaining law and order. Crime prevention measures executed during the operation included Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), stop-and-searches and high-visibility patrols.





“The focus areas were illegal mining, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and compliance with South African immigration laws,” he said.





Pilane further said the Northern Cape Provincial Women’s Network and Men for Change also joined the operation, distributing safety tips and raising awareness among motorists and passengers at the VCPs. He said during the operation, intelligence led policing resulted in several targeted raids at houses suspected of drug dealing.





“In addition, significant quantities of dagga were seized, and an enquiry has been opened. Earlier in the week, Operation Vala Umgodi members acted on information regarding drug dealing activities at Bella Street and Dingaan Hostels in Galeshewe.





“Two suspects aged 36 and 54, were arrested and charged with dealing in drugs after suspected tik and cash were recovered,” said Pilane.





He said a total of 21 individuals aged between 18 and 46, were arrested for contravening immigration laws at construction sites in New Park and Belgravia in Kimberley, following a tip-off about undocumented workers. Pilane said employers were fined for violations of immigration legislation.





“All arrested suspects will appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court, while investigations continue,” he said.





Meanwhile, the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johny Besnaar, commended the members for their dedication and encouraged them to remain resolute in dismantling all forms of criminality in the province. Besnaar said the public is urged to report suspicious activities through the MySAPS App or the Crime Stop number 08600 10111.





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Banna ba le bararo ba tshwerwe ka dipudi di le 26
		

					
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Setshwantsho-papiso: Dipudi tse go belaelwang di utswitswe







Ka OBAKENG MAJE





29 Phatwe 2025- Banna ba le bararo ba tshwerwe mabapi le go tshola (possession) dipudi tse go belaelwang fa di utswitswe. Go begwa fa banna ba ba dingwaga di le 25, 27 ga mmogo le 33, ba tshwerwe kwa tselakgolo ya N12 kwa Klerksdorp mo letsatsing la maabane.





Se bueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are sepodisi se ile sa longwa tsebe mabapi le go tsamaisiwa ga dipudi tse 26 tse di neng di le mo sejanageng. Mokgwabone are sepodisi se ile sa lalela banna ba, mme ba emisa sejanaga sa bone.





“Sepodisi se ile sa puruputsha sejanaga seo, mme ba fitlhela dipudi di le 26 tsa boleng jwa R50 000 mo sejanageng seo. Banna ba, ba ile ba tshwarwa morago ga go tlholega go neelana ka bopaki jwa gore dipudi ke tsa bone.





“Ba tlile go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Klerksdorp ka Mosupulogo mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go tshola dipudi tse go belaelwang di utswitswe mo go bone,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.





Mokgwabone are go bonala fa dipudi tseo, di ne di isiwa kwa porofenseng ya Gauteng. Mokgwabone are sepodisi se tla sala kgetsi e morago le go upulola gore dipudi tseo ke tsa ga mang.





Kgabagare, go begwa fa dingwe tsa dipudi tseo, ele tsa kwa motseng wa Manthe, gaufi le Taung.





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