By BAKANG MOKOTO

17 August 2026 – The accused, Lucas Mmakgathi (49), who was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment by the Madikwe Regional Court following his conviction for the murder of his son (2). On 4 May 2024, Mmakgathi requested permission from the child’s mother to spend time with the child in town.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson North West, Lindiwe Mabasa said trusting his intentions, she agreed. Mabasa said, however, the accused carried out a calculated and deceptive plan by taking the child to a nearby bush instead, where he used his shoelace to strangle the child to death.

“He was arrested the following day. During sentencing proceedings, state prosecutor, Zola Mpayipheli, argued that the accused’s actions demonstrated extreme cruelty, hatred, barbarity, and a complete disregard for human life.

“The state emphasised that the accused had deprived the child of his most fundamental constitutional right, namely the right to life,” she said.

Mabasa further said in his guilty plea, the accused told the court that he became angry after the child’s mother informed him that he was not the biological father of the child. She added that he claimed that feelings of hatred and anger prompted him to commit the offence.

“The court further heard that the accused watched as the child took his final breath. This testimony left members of the deceased’s family and those present in court visibly distressed and emotional.

“Following his testimony, the accused was referred for mental evaluation, which found him fit to stand trial. The state submitted that the accused’s guilty plea should not be viewed as genuine remorse, but rather as an attempt to secure a lesser sentence,” said Mabasa.

He said the prosecution further highlighted the seriousness and prevalence of crimes committed against women and children and urged the court to impose a sentence that reflected the gravity of the offence. Mabasa said the court agreed with the state’s submissions and found that the accused posed a danger to society.

“In imposing sentence, the court remarked that the accused should be removed from society for a considerable period. While taking the guilty plea into account, the court sentenced him to 25 years’ direct imprisonment and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

“In terms of Section 299A of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, the accused will not be considered for parole unless the prescribed communication has been made with the victim’s family and their views have been considered,” he said.

Commenting on the outcome, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended the swift response of the South African Police Service (SAPS), as well as the efforts of the prosecutor and the court in ensuring that justice was served.

“This sentence reflects the seriousness with which our courts regard violent crimes against children. The successful prosecution of this matter demonstrates the commitment of the criminal justice system to protecting vulnerable members of society and ensuring accountability for those who commit such horrific acts.

“The NPA continues to prosecute hundreds of matters involving domestic violence, gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), and crimes against children across the country,” Makhari.

She said NPA remains committed to ensuring that perpetrators who violate the rights, dignity and safety of women, children and other vulnerable persons are held accountable and face the full consequences of the law.

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

17 August 2026 – The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), Madoda Sambatha will officially launch seven agricultural value-adding and market access facilities across the province as part of the department’s continued efforts to support farmers and grow the agricultural sector. Sambatha said the facilities located in Mogogelo, Bloemhof, Taung, Kgomo-Kgomo, Tlhatlhaganyane and two in Mahikeng, are aimed at improving agricultural production, supporting agro-processing and creating better market opportunities for smallholder, emerging and commercial farmers.

He further said the project includes five vegetable pack-houses, one Lucerne pack-house and one red meat abattoir. Sambatha added that these facilities will help address a lack of processing, storage and marketing infrastructure, which has often limited farmers’ ability to grow their businesses.

“The vegetable pack-houses will offer services such as grading, sorting, washing, packaging and storage. The Lucerne pack-house will provide baling, packaging and storage services, while the abattoir will assist livestock farmers with slaughtering and meat processing.

“The facilities are expected to boost local economic development by creating employment opportunities and supporting business growth in rural communities,” he said.

Sambatha said with improved infrastructure and better access to markets, farmers will be able to increase production, expand their operations and create more jobs. He said the department believes these investments will strengthen the agricultural value chain, support the commercialisation of emerging farmers and contribute to the growth of the provincial economy.

“The launch will be at MOR Farming in Bloemhof at 9am,” said Sambatha.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

14 August 2026 – The police in the Namakwa District continues to intensify efforts to combat the illegal trade in drugs and protect communities from the devastating effects of substance abuse. On Wednesday, the members of SAPS Brandvlei acted swiftly on a tip-off regarding a vehicle allegedly transporting dagga in the Brandvlei area.

The Namakwa District Police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Charles Magerman said the police operationalised the information and spotted a white Toyota Tazz in Burger Street, Brandvlei. Magerman said a search of the vehicle was conducted, resulting in the discovery of several ziplock bags containing skunk dagga, with an estimated street value of R67 500.

“Three suspects aged between 28 and 46, were arrested and are facing charges of dealing in dagga.

“The suspects are expected to appear in the Calvinia Magistrate’s Court in due course,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Namakwa DistrictPolice Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, commended the police for their swift and decisive response to the information received. Andrews also expressed his appreciation to the community for providing information that enables the police to disrupt the illegal drug trade.

“Drug dealers have no place to hide in our communities. We will continue to act on information received and ensure that those who profit from the illegal drug trade are brought before the courts.

“We urge community members to continue working with the police by reporting suspicious activities,” he said.

Andrews further said the police in the Namakwa District remains committed to preventing and combating drug-related crimes and calls on members of the public to continue providing information to the police.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

14 August 2026 – An intelligence-driven operation targeting drug dealing and other criminal activities in the Pudimoe policing precinct has resulted in the arrest of a suspect and the seizure of suspected drugs, and cash. The operation was conducted on 12 August 2026, by the police in Pudimoe in collaboration with the District Crime Prevention members and Pudimoe Crime Intelligence, following the execution of a search warrant.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Anne Magakoe said the accused, Thapelo Duncan (43), also known as “Bendo” Mothupi, was arrested after police allegedly found him in possession of multiple drug sachets as well as cash. Magakoe said Mothupi, who was allegedly on parole at the time of his arrest, has previously been arrested and convicted in connection with drug-related offences.

“He was convicted in October 2024 and sentenced to two years imprisonment. Mothupi appeared before the Taung Magistrate’s Court on 13 August 2026, on the drug-related charges.

“The matter was remanded to 20 August 2026, for a legal aid application and he remains in custody,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, welcomed the arrest and commended the police involved in the arrest of Mothupi for their intelligence-driven approach and collaborative efforts to disrupt drug dealing and other criminal activities. Adams reiterated that SAPS will continue targeting drug dealers, repeat offenders and criminal networks that threaten the safety and well-being of communities.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

14 August 2026 – A man (41) was arrested for alleged dealing in drugs and contravention of the Immigration Act. This comes after the vigilant actions of a police officer in Kimberley.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the arrest forms part of the South African Police Service’s continued efforts to disrupt the proliferation and distribution of illicit drugs, which fuel other forms of criminality and pose a serious threat to the safety and wellbeing of communities. Litabe said on 12 August 2026, a member attached to Provincial Operational Response Services was conducting policing duties in Warren Street, De Beers in Kimberley when he became suspicious of the activities of two men travelling in a vehicle.

“The police officer approached the vehicle as it was about to drive past and identified himself. With the occupants’ permission, a search of the vehicle was conducted.

“During the search, the police officer allegedly discovered packets containing suspected cocaine and khat, with an estimated street value of R1500, concealed inside the vehicle,” he said.

Litabe said the further search was conducted and allegedly resulted in the discovery of cash suspected to be the proceeds of illicit drug dealing. He added that a suspect was immediately arrested and charged with alleged dealing in drugs.

“He was also charged with contravening the Immigration Act after he allegedly failed to produce valid identification and immigration documentation when requested to do so.

“The vehicle was seized as it was allegedly used in the commission of the offence,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Frances Baard District Police Commissioner, Major General Gabathata Makgari, commended the police for his alertness and vigilance, which resulted in the disruption of the alleged distribution of illicit drugs. Makgari said the proliferation of illicit drugs remains a serious concern, as the availability and distribution of drugs can contribute to substance abuse, violence and other forms of criminality within communities.

“This arrest demonstrates the importance of vigilant policing and proactive interventions aimed at disrupting the drug supply chain.

“The Northern Cape SAPS remains resolute in its commitment to combating the trafficking and dealing in illicit drugs,” she said.

Makgari said the operations, intelligence-driven investigations and targeted interventions will continue to be intensified to identify and dismantle networks involved in the distribution of drugs and to prevent these substances from reaching vulnerable members of our communities.

“The suspect is expected to appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court soon,” she said.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

14 August 2026 – The police in the Northern Cape in partnership with AVBOB, used the airwaves of Radio Teemaneng Stereo this morning to raise awareness against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).

AVBOB Area Manager, Gezelle Lottering said the programme provides support to survivors of GBVF-related crimes. Lottering said the initiative represents AVBOB’s contribution as a private-sector partner working alongside key stakeholders, including SAPS, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), civil society organisations and communities to strengthen the collective response to GBVF.

“We recognise that addressing GBVF cannot be achieved by one organisation alone. It requires partnerships, coordinated services and practical support for survivors.

“This is why AVBOB is investing in a programme that goes beyond awareness and focuses on providing meaningful support to those affected,” she said.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson,Colonel Cherelle Ehlers commended AVBOB for its continued partnership with SAPS and acknowledged the generous donation of comfort packs and warm blankets. Ehlers said these items will be distributed across all five districts of the Northern Cape and made available at Victim-Friendly Facilities at police stations to assist victims of crime.

“It is important of the victims and survivors to break the silence and report GBVF-related crimes to the police.

“So, we encourage communities to support victims and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice, while creating safer environments for women and children,” she said.

Ehlers further said the two organisations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their partnership and ensuring that efforts to combat GBVF continue beyond Women’s Month.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

13 August 2026 – The Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) on Wednesday called on the City of Matlosana and Ditsobotla Local Municipalities to move beyond corrective plans and demonstrate measurable improvement in governance, financial management and service delivery. This call follows a joint oversight engagement with the two North West municipalities to assess their progress on matters the committees have previously raised through parliamentary oversight, audit findings and investigations.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on COGTA, Dr Zweli Mkhize said both municipalities were among the 69 municipalities whose July 2026 equitable share transfers were temporarily withheld by National Treasury as part of measures to enforce financial discipline. Mkhize said Parliament’s focus is now on whether corrective measures are producing results.

“What we now require is a report that demonstrates the impact of all the actions that are being taken. The committees acknowledged the efforts of the Matlosana Local Municipality to act on the concerns they raised previously, but stressed that the municipality must now show that interventions are improving conditions in communities.

“The committees directed the municipality’s leadership to provide them with updated and properly reconciled information on outstanding creditor obligations and payment arrangements with Eskom and Midvaal Water,” he said.

Mkhize further said this report must also outline the interest charges on the outstanding debt and whether debt-relief arrangements are making a difference. He added that the committees also want to see evidence of improvement in revenue collection and the resolution of unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure (UIFWE), procurement and contract management.

“The leadership of Matlosana must further provide a report on sewage and water pollution, road maintenance and other service-delivery concerns, as well as outstanding discrepancies relating to infrastructure projects.

“The committees stated that they want to see actions taken against officials or politicians implicated in wrongdoing. Another area of concern for the committees was Matlosana’s reliance on consultants,” said Mkhize.

He indicated that the committees would like to receive from Matlosana a valid strategy to develop its internal capacity as opposed to outsourcing services that fall under the purview of Matlosana’s administration. Mkhize said the 2024/25 municipal audit outcomes indicated that 225 of 257 municipalities used consultants to prepare their financial statements at a total cost of approximately R1.6 billion.

“Ditsobotla has received disclaimer audit opinions for over ten years and is now subject to a national intervention in accordance with Section 139(7) due to ongoing failures related to governance, financial instability and failure to deliver services.

“The municipality is required to submit to Parliament a time-bound financial recovery plan, a programme to end the disclaimer audit outcome, an analysis of its debtor’s book and a clearly defined programme to process and reduce the UIFWE,” he said.

Mkhize said the analysis submitted by the municipality is expected to identify which funds are recoverable and irrecoverable. He said it must also explain how revenue collection will be enhanced.

“The committees directed the municipality to provide a consolidated report on all investigations into allegations of impropriety, including procurement irregularities, which are currently being investigated.

“The report should indicate which cases have been referred for prosecution or to the Special Investigating Unit for investigation, their status as well as all the disciplinary actions that have been taken so far. The committees agreed that the municipalities must share reports every quarter to all the relevant national, provincial and executive structures tasked with local government,” said Mkhize.

He said this will enable all oversight structures to monitor the corrective programmes and their compliance with set performance indicators. Mkhize said no municipality can turn around on its own.

“We have to do it together. Parliament will not measure progress in terms of plans drawn up or the number of meetings convened but in terms of achievements on the ground.

“In the case of Matlosana, this means revenue collection must be improved, UIFW expenditure must be brought under control and there must be visible improvements in services such as water, sanitation and roads,” he said.

Mkhize said as for Ditsobotla, it means improved governance as well as turnaround in financial management, by sanctioning those found guilty of wrongdoing and finally putting an end to the disclaimer audit.

The Chairperson of SCOPA, Songezo Zibi agreed and said that the joint oversight should ensure that findings and investigations lead to action. Zibi said this joint oversight must ensure that they close the loop between audit findings, investigations and consequence management.

“We cannot in future continue to have poor audit findings and our communities suffering with no action being taken. The committees will be looking into this matter, and we expect to see improvement in audit findings, internal control systems and service delivery.

“The committees will track these commitments and we expect measurable improvement in audit outcomes, financial controls and service delivery,” he said.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

12 August 2026 – A man (24) was sentenced by the Upington Regional Court for contravening Section 3, read with Sections 1 and 2, of the Dangerous Weapons Act, 2013 (Act 15 of 2013), relating to the possession of a dangerous weapon. The accused, MarkWell Basson was sentenced to three years imprisonment for the unlawful possession of a dangerous weapon, namely a knife.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the conviction stems from an incident on 19 July 2025, when Constable Desiree Plaatjies (33), attached to the Upington Crime Prevention Unit, encountered the accused in Upington during a stop-and-search operation and found him in possession of a knife. Shemane said Plaatjies presented evidence before the court that was found to be credible, reliable and consistent in all material respects.

“The court described her as an honest witness whose evidence remained unshaken during cross-examination. Her testimony contributed significantly to securing the conviction. The sentence is regarded as a landmark ruling in the ZF Mgcawu District, as it is believed to be the first instance in which an accused has received a sentence of imprisonment for the possession of a dangerous weapon in the district.

“Historically, similar cases have often been withdrawn due to evidentiary challenges. The state prosecutor, Amisha Isaacs, commended Plaatjies for her conduct and performance during the trial,” he said.

Isaacs further said having personally observed her conduct and performance in court, she is satisfied that Plaatjies possesses the qualities expected of an effective police official.

“She demonstrates sound knowledge of her duties, honesty, accountability, professionalism and respect for the judicial process. These qualities will undoubtedly serve her well in a position of greater responsibility.

“The exemplary conduct, legal aptitude and thorough trial preparation demonstrated by Plaatjies reflect the high professional standards expected of members of the South African Police Service (SAPS),” said Isaacs.

She said her performance not only contributed to a precedent-setting conviction in the ZF Mgcawu District, but also demonstrates her potential for greater responsibility and leadership within the organisation. Isaacs said the conviction further underscores the seriousness with which the criminal justice system views the unlawful possession of dangerous weapons.

“It reinforces the objectives of deterrence, crime prevention, rehabilitation and the protection of communities. The unlawful possession of dangerous weapons poses a significant threat to public safety, as such weapons can be used to commit acts of violence, intimidation and other serious offences,” she said.

Meanwhile, the ZF Mgcawu District Police Commissioner, Major General Monica Sebili, echoed the prosecutor’s commendation and welcomed the sentence, stating that it sends a strong message to individuals who unlawfully possess dangerous weapons.

“This sentence serves as a deterrent to individuals who may unlawfully possess dangerous weapons, reinforces respect for the rule of law and promotes public confidence in the criminal justice system.

“It further contributes to the prevention of violent crime by holding offenders accountable and demonstrating that the unlawful possession of dangerous weapons will not be tolerated,” she said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

11 August 2026 – The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi will on 12 August 2026, brief the media on progress made and the impact of the province’s service delivery programme, with a focus on the implementation of key pronouncements made during the State of the Province Address (SOPA) and the Budget Speeches of various provincial departments.

The briefing will highlight key interventions undertaken to accelerate service delivery, create employment opportunities, particularly for young people and efforts to contribute to the growth and development of the provincial economy.

Mokgosi will also announce changes to the provincial Executive Council. The event will take place at North West Provincial Disaster Management in Mahikeng at 11am.

According to our highly-placed source, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi and North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, might be amongst MECs who will get the boot from Mokgosi.

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