Author: Malebogo Putu
BOTLOKWA, CAPRICORN DISTRICT – In a significant operation to combat crime and restore public safety, police have detained four individuals linked to a spate of robberies in the Botlokwa area. The suspects were arrested on Tuesday, 24 September 2024, during a coordinated intelligence-driven operation. According to Police Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the gang, whose members range in age from 19 to 44, is accused of instilling fear in the community by committing armed robberies near shopping centers and gas stations. Utilizing knives to intimidate their victims, they have been a persistent threat to locals frequenting these areas. A meticulous investigation by…
In a significant blow to illegal mining operations, four individuals were apprehended by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Mopani District. Tawurai Muranda, Sinbarashe Moyo, Syton Muzemba, and Eric Mudau faced the Lulekani Magistrate’s Court on charges of illegal mining and violations of the Immigration Act. The suspects, whose ages range from 28 to 33, will remain in custody pending further investigation until 25 October 2024. This arrest is part of “Operation Vala Umgodi,” a concerted effort by SAPS, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and other stakeholders to curtail the rampant illegal mining activities plaguing the…
In a harrowing case that has shocked the community, the Madadeni Regional Court has sentenced a 28-year-old man to life imprisonment for the rape of his 70-year-old grandmother. The sentence was handed down on Monday, 23 September 2024. According to Police Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo, the incident occurred on 09 August 2023, when the elderly woman, residing in Blaaubosch, Osizweni, was approached by her grandson who asked her to open the gate for him. Unaware of his intentions, she let him in. Later that night, as she went to her bedroom to sleep, her grandson followed her and committed the heinous…
POTCHEFSTROOM – The ongoing battle against rural crime saw significant progress as police arrested eight suspects in two separate incidents. According to Police Colonel Adéle Myburgh, the first incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, 19 July 2024. Police received information about a suspicious vehicle on the N14 road between Ventersdorp and Carletonville. The Klerkskraal police, assisted by the Potchefstroom Flying Squad, intercepted two taxi vehicles and arrested six suspects, aged between 23 and 45. The suspects were unable to account for 30 sheep and 18 goats found inside the two taxis. The six will appear before the Ventersdorp…
Limpopo, Northern Cape – In a series of significant operations, South African police have successfully dismantled drug laboratories, apprehended suspects involved in serious crimes, and removed substantial quantities of illicit substances from the streets. Drug Lab Bust in Limpopo On July 19, 2024, the Minister of Police, Mr. Senzo Mchunu, lauded the remarkable arrests made following the discovery of a large-scale drug laboratory in Groblersdal. This operation, led by the Limpopo Hawks and supported by the Limpopo SAPS, resulted in the arrest of four suspects, including the farm owner and two Mexican nationals. The joint effort by the Limpopo Serious…
Kimberley – Three suspects were arrested on charges of dealing in and transporting drugs, defeating the ends of justice, and attempted murder after a police chase on the N7 near Steinkopf on July 19, 2024. Members from Springbok Public Order Police, who were conducting routine crime prevention duties, received information regarding a vehicle with three suspects believed to be transporting drugs from Okiep to Port Nolloth. They immediately acted on the information and spotted the vehicle at approximately 23:30. They cordoned off the road in an attempt to stop the vehicle. However, the driver sped off when he saw the…
The Moses Kotane Local Municipality (MKLM) is set to observe Mandela Day with a series of impactful community projects aimed at honoring the legacy of the late Nelson Mandela. Under the direction of Mayor Councillor Nketu Nkotswe and with participation from EXCO members, the municipality has planned the following initiatives: Water Project In collaboration with Old Mutual Insurance, MKLM will inaugurate a water borehole project at Mokhine Primary Schools in Lerome. The project, themed “one village at a time,” aims to supply water for rural schools’ gardens and greening efforts. This initiative is scheduled for Friday, 19 July 2024. Education…
Cllr Suzan Nthangeni was elected unopposed as the new Executive Mayor of Bojanala Platinum District Municipality. Her election comes after the municipality has been without a substantive Executive Mayor for over a year. The absence of a permanent political leader led to Cllr Victoria Makhaula being elected as an interim Executive Mayor. Nthangeni’s election marks the end of this transitional period. Cllr Nthangeni, who is no stranger to governance, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She previously served as a Councillor at Madibeng Local Municipality and as a Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) at Bojanala Platinum…
The Operation Shanela initiative, which involves community participation and private business collaboration, continues to make significant strides in combating crime through a multidisciplinary approach. Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli reported that the operation’s tactics—stop and search, roadblocks, intensive patrols in identified hotspots, and increased visibility—have led to the arrest and detention of 785 suspects. Among those arrested were 37 individuals for drug possession, nine for rape, 20 for murder, and 19 for attempted murder. Additionally, 24 suspects were detained for possessing dangerous weapons. The fight against illegal mining saw 164 undocumented people taken into custody. Eight suspects were arrested for illegal firearm…
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, has sounded a stark alarm over Nigeria’s recent decision to significantly increase food imports, cautioning that it could spell disaster for the country’s agriculture sector. The Nigerian government, led by Agriculture Minister Abubakar Kyari, recently announced a 150-day suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes on key food imports including maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas. This move, aimed at mitigating short-term food price increases, has sparked concerns about its long-term implications for Nigeria’s agricultural self-sufficiency. Speaking at a gathering of Anglican Church leaders in Abuja, Dr. Adesina condemned the…