30 August 2025- Two suspects aged between 35 and 37 were arrested by the Kathu based Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team on 29 August 2025, for dealing in drugs. This comes after the Hawks received a tip-off regarding men allegedly selling drugs around Siyathemba, in Kathu, near Kuruman.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape. Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said a search and seizure warrant was obtained and and operationalised. Mnisi said a house in Voelvanger Street, Siyathemba, Kathu, was searched.
“During the search, one transparent plastic bag containing mandrax, crystal meth (tik) and cat were found in the dustbin weighing 0.454 grams with an estimated street value of R67 904, small scales, small bantex and an undisclosed amount of cash were also seized.
“Both accused are expected to make a brief appearance before Kathu Magistrate’s Court on 1 September 2025,” she said.
Picture: The North West University (NWU) principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka
By BAKANG MOKOTO
6 August 2025- The North West University (NWU) said it will continue with its ongoing concerted efforts to position science as a force for inclusive growth and opportunity. The university visited the Thabo Moorosi Multi-Purpose Hall in Mothibistad, near Kuruman, during its third annual Science Day on 6 August 2025.
The North West University (NWU) principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka who addressed learners, educators and community members, said the background of individuals should not determine their future. Tyobeka urged learners to come up with innovative ways.
“You are not too young to invent. You are not too rural to innovate. And you are certainly not too poor to dream big. The event was held under the national theme: Science, Technology and Innovation are for Everyone”.
“The event brought science out of the laboratory and into the community. The outreach initiative aimed to expose learners in under-resourced communities to science careers and innovation tools,” he said.
Tyobeka further said they are not just building a smarter nation, but building a fairer one. He added that they need a nation where science does not speak to people, but with them.
“We are not just building a smarter nation. We are building a fairer one. We need a nation where science does not speak to people, but with them. Supported by Anglo American’s Kumba Iron Ore, the Science Day featured robotics demonstrations, science exhibitions and career conversations between scientists and school learners.
“The event forms part of NWU’s broader effort to build inclusive education ecosystems and inspire the next generation of scientists. Citing national economic data, there is a necessity for the urgency of the initiative,” said Tyobeka.
He said South Africa’s unemployment rate is around 32.6% and the bottom 40% of the population earns only 11.5% of the national income. Tyobeka said the situation is not good, but they must continue to work harder to address these problems.
“The innovation should not be limited to urban centres only. “A learner in Kathu, Kuruman, or Kimberley is no less curious than their peers in Cape Town or Cambridge. But access to scientific tools, mentorship, and exposure makes a world of difference.
“We call for science policy to reflect the voices of marginalised communities. Real progress means making sure every child, no matter where they come from, has a fair shot at success,” he said.
A man (36) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Mothibistad Regional Court for raping a woman (19). On 27 October 2018 at about 1pm, the victim and the accused, Phenyo Kolwane, were drinking at a friend’s house in Dikweng village, near Kuruman.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said Kolwane and the victim then left with his car to buy beers. He said the accused stopped and raped the victim in a veld.
“Kolwane was arrested on 28 October 2018, and was sentenced on 8 May 2024 to 10 years imprisonment of which two years is suspended for five. He was also declared unfit to carry a firearm and his name was registered with the National Register for Sex offenders,” said Kock.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended Const Tholakele Majola from the Kuruman Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit for the meticulous investigation, which led to the imprisonment of the perpetrator. Otola said detectives in the province will remain steadfast in their quest to bring Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) perpetrators to justice.
A man (32) was sentenced to 28 years imprisonment by the Kuruman Regional Court for armed robbery. During the afternoon of 17 February 2022, a shop owner in Wyk 10, near Kuruman, was approached by four men, who pretended to be customers.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Mearapelo Pilane said, the accused pointed a firearm at the shop owner and robbed him of money, cell phones and cigarettes. Pilane said they took him to his bedroom to look for more money.
“The victim managed to call for help from his neighbours, who responded and assisted him. The three other suspects fled the scene with the money and stolen items from the shop, while another one, Keorapetse Kgaje, was cornered.
“The police were called and Kgaje was subsequently arrested. Sergeant Eunice Ngono and Constable Mpumelelo Maruping of Northern Cape Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit, tirelessly investigated the matter and ensured that the accused was brought to book,” she said.
Pilane further said Kgaje received 12 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances,10 years for illegal possession of a firearm and 6 years for illegal possession of ammunition. She added that the accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
“The sentences will run concurrently. The public is urged to participate in the RATE OUR SERVICE online survey regarding the conduct of the investigators,” said Pilane.
The Guardian 