^{By OBAKENG MAJE}

^{13 November 2026 – Five suspects aged between 22 and 41 have been arrested for possession of drugs during an Operation Shanela II roadblock conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Hartswater on 13 November 2026. The arrests formed part of the ongoing high-density Safer Festive Season Operations aimed at combating crime and ensuring the safety of communities.}

^{According to Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane, the operation involved members of Hartswater SAPS, Hartswater Highway Patrol and the K9 Unit, who stopped a white Isuzu double-cab bakkie. Shemane said a search of the vehicle and its five occupants led to the discovery of dagga, Mandrax tablets and crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as tik, with an estimated street value of R5 000.}

^{“The vehicle was also confiscated as it was allegedly used in the commission of a crime. All five occupants were arrested and charged with possession of drugs. They are expected to appear in court soon.}

^{“The police remained committed to eradicating drug-related crime in communities through sustained high-density operations, targeted interventions and partnerships with community members,” he said.}

^{Shemane further said SAPS would continue intensifying efforts to disrupt drug trafficking and ensure that those involved in drug-related offences are brought to justice.}

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^{By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI}

^{11 November 2016 – The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has announced the recall of 738 Volvo EX30 and EX30 Cross Country vehicles following concerns about a potential safety risk involving the front seat head cushion reinforcement. The recall affects certain 2024 to 2027 model-year vehicles sold across South Africa.}

^{According to the NCC spokesperson, Phetho Ntaba, Volvo Car South Africa (Pty) Ltd informed the commission that the affected vehicles have a defect involving the reinforcement of the front seat head cushion. Ntaba said the supplier warned that under specific conditions and in the event of a sufficiently severe collision, the front seat head cushion could pose a risk of injury to occupants.}

^{“We advise consumers who own the affected vehicles to contact their preferred Volvo dealership to arrange an appointment for the necessary recall work to be carried out.}

^{“Consumers seeking further information or clarification about the recall can contact the National Consumer Commission via email at ProductRecall@thencc.org.za,” she said.}

^{Ntaba further urged affected vehicle owners to take the necessary steps to ensure that their vehicles undergo the recall process.}

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

11 November 2026 – The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber said his department has delivered on its target of expanding Smart ID replacement services to over 750 bank branches — more than four months ahead of schedule. Schreiber said when the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) launched its new digital partnership with the banking sector on 9 March 2026, as part of the Minister’s Home Affairs @ home reform agenda, it set itself the ambitious target of scaling this ground-breaking new service to 750 branches by the end of the 2026/27 financial year.

“Just eight months later, and more than four months ahead of schedule, this target has already been surpassed, with 753 bank branches now delivering access to Smart IDs in communities that were historically excluded from this critical Home Affairs service. 

“More than one million South Africans across the length and breadth of the country have already benefited from this new digital service channel,” he said.

Schreiber further said at the start of the current administration, only 214 Home Affairs offices nationwide were equipped to process Smart ID applications. He said addition of 753 participating bank branches over the past eight months has expanded the department’s Smart ID footprint to 967 locations, an increase of over 350% in just 246 days.

“This service requires no prior booking, paperwork or queues. Citizens can simply walk into a participating branch of ABSA, Capitec, First National Bank or Standard Bank, where applications are processed through secure biometric technology in just five minutes.

“More banks and more services are set to be added to the project shortly. This expansion in access across all communities also supports the department’s roadmap to phase out the fraud-prone green ID book, which serves as a key pull factor for illegal immigration and identity theft, in favour of the more secure Smart ID Card, strengthening the security and integrity of South Africa’s identification system,” said Schreiber .

He said eight months ago, they set themselves what many regarded as an extremely ambitious target of delivering Smart ID services to 750 bank branches by the end of March 2027. Schreiber said today, they have not only achieved that target but exceeded it with more than four months to spare.

“An increase in access of over 350% in just 246 days is the fastest service expansion [the department’s history]. We can now say with confidence that the days of standing in a long queue just to apply for a replacement Smart ID are fast coming to an end. 

“There is so much more still to come as we continue to expand our digital partnership … At a time when people have often complained that government falls short of its promises, Home Affairs is demonstrating that government is not only able to deliver on its commitments, but that it can, through the embrace of innovation and fundamental reform, exceed all expectations,” he said.

Schreiber said through the department’s commitment to delivering world-class digital public infrastructure for the people of South Africa, they are including millions of previously excluded citizens in critical Home Affairs services at a scale and pace never seen before. He said every day, they continue to accelerate their work to entirely redesign and rebuild Home Affairs for the modern age, anchored in their ceaseless quest to deliver dignity for all.

“South Africans can find their nearest participating bank branch by visiting myhomeaffairsonline.dha.gov.za,” said Schreiber.

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Picture: The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber

^{By STAFF REPORTER}

^{11 November 2026 – The Chairperson of South African Local Government Association (SALGA) in North West, Khumalo Molefe has called on municipal managers and councillors to ensure that legislative provisions and transitional guidelines are consistently applied during the transition to the incoming term of local government. Molefe said it was important for municipalities to understand and correctly implement the provisions of Section 26 of the Municipal Structures Act, particularly those relating to councillors’ terms of office, continuity of municipal governance and the responsibilities of incumbent political office bearers.}

^{He emphasised that municipal administrations must handle the transition in accordance with the law and avoid inconsistent practices that could unfairly affect councillors. Molefe also raised concerns about administrative practices involving the return of municipal vehicles and financial deductions during the transition period. Molefe also urged Municipal Managers to uphold professionalism, respect the applicable legal framework and ensure that councillors are treated fairly and consistently.}

^{“As SALGA in North West, we stress that the transition to a new municipal term should be managed through proper administrative processes, with due regard for the rights and responsibilities of outgoing councillors and the continuity of municipal operations.}

^{“So, we on all municipal stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the relevant legislation and transitional guidelines to prevent unnecessary disputes and ensure a smooth handover of municipal governance,” he said.}

^{Molefe said he has made his full message available in both Setswana and English to guide municipalities and councillors through the transition process.}

^{taungdailynews@gmail.com}

^{By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI}

^{11 November 2026 – A man was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court for murder. This comes Eugene Makomane (22), killed a man in Ritchie, Northern Cape.}

^{The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the incident occurred on 2 March 2024, at a taxi rank in Ritchie, where the deceased was gambling with other people in the company of his girlfriend when Makomane approached him and confronted him about a previous incident in which he had allegedly been stabbed by a friend of the deceased. Senokoatsane said when the deceased ignored him and asked him to leave him alone, Makomane allegedly became enraged, pulled out a knife and stabbed him once in the back of the neck.}

^{“Despite the victim falling to the ground, Makomane continued stabbing him twice in the back before fleeing the scene. He was later arrested after being identified by witnesses.}

^{“During the trial, Makomane pleaded not guilty and raised self-defence as his argument. However, the state, led by Prosecutor Mothelesi Katlego Thothela, presented evidence from three witnesses, including the deceased’s girlfriend and a minor witness, as well as a post-mortem report and chain evidence,” he said.}

^{Senokoatsane further said Makomane also testified in his own defence. Je added the court found the state witnesses’ evidence clear, satisfactory and mutually corroborative on material aspects of the incident, concluding that the state had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.}

^{“His self-defence argument was rejected after the court found his version false, particularly because his account changed during cross-examination. During sentencing proceedings, the state presented a Victim Impact Statement compiled by Court Preparation Officer Lindokuhle Sikhakhane, detailing the psychological trauma suffered by the deceased’s family and the impact of his death on his minor children.}

^{“Thothela argued that Makomane had been the aggressor and continued attacking the deceased even after he had fallen and was defenceless. He further told the court that the accused had violated the deceased’s right to life and deprived his young children of a loving father and breadwinner,” said Senokoatsane.}

^{He said the state argued that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances justifying a departure from the prescribed minimum sentence and requested 15 years imprisonment. Senokoatsane said the court agreed with the state’s submissions and sentenced Makomane to 15 years behind bars.}

^{“He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. The conviction and sentence demonstrated the criminal justice system’s response to violent crime, emphasising that the consequences of taking a life extend beyond the victim and leave families, particularly young children, to endure lasting emotional and social hardships.}

^{“The NPA remained committed to vigorously prosecuting perpetrators of violent crime, ensuring accountability while placing the rights and dignity of victims at the centre of the criminal justice process,” he said.}

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^{By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI}

^{11 November 2026 – The corruption trial involving former Crime Intelligence Head, Richard Mdluli and his co-accused, has been postponed to 16 November 2026, following Mdluli’s ill-health. The matter was scheduled to continue with further evidence in a trial-within-a-trial concerning the validity of search warrants issued during the investigation.}

^{The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the state has completed presenting its evidence-in-chief through its first witness, a retired investigator who previously served in the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) and the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC). Mamothame said the witness was undergoing cross-examination by the defence before proceedings in the trial-within-a-trial commenced on Monday.}

^{“Mdluli is charged alongside former South African Police Service (SAPS) Supply Chain Manager (SCM), Heine Barnard and former Chief Financial Officer Solomon Lazarus. The trio faces charges of corruption, fraud and theft relating to the alleged misuse of the SAPS Crime Intelligence secret service account between 2008 and 2012.}

^{“All three accused have pleaded not guilty to the charges. The case was postponed to 16 November 2026,” he said.}

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^{By REGINALD KANYANE}

^{11 November 2026 – An uncle has been sentenced to life imprisonment for raping his niece (12) on three separate occasions in Etwatwa, Gauteng. The incident took place between October 2019 and June 2021.}

^{The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said a man (41), sentenced by the Benoni Regional Court, which also imposed a five-year prison term for assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). Mahanjana said the court ordered that the sentences run concurrently.}

^{“He was further ordered to be placed on the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared unfit to work with children. The offences occurred while the child was living with her grandparents and older sister.}

^{“During the first incident in October 2019, the accused raped the child in an outside toilet at the family home during a wedding. He threatened to kill her, if she revealed what had happened,” she said.}

^{Mahanjana further said on two subsequent occasions, when the child was home alone while her grandmother was at work, the uncle allegedly visited the house, pushed her to the floor, raped her and assaulted her. She added thay the abuse came to light in June 2021, when the child’s older sister noticed a change in her behaviour and asked her what was wrong.}

^{“The child then disclosed the incidents to her sister, who informed their grandmother. The grandmother subsequently reported the matter to the police. Following investigations, the accused was arrested on 26 September 2022 at Boksburg Prison, where he was already serving a five-year sentence for sexual assault.}

^{“During the trial, the accused pleaded not guilty and denied raping his niece. However, the state prosecutor, Refiloe Neluonde successfully presented the state’s case through the testimony of the child, who testified with the assistance of intermediary services, as well as evidence from her sister,” said Mahanjana.}

^{During sentencing proceedings, she said the accused, through his legal representative, asked the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence, arguing that he had already spent more than three years in custody awaiting trial. Mahanjana said Neluonde opposed the application, arguing that life imprisonment was appropriate given the seriousness of the offences.}

^{“She told the court that the accused had committed the crimes while on parole in another matter and had exploited the child’s vulnerability and the trust associated with their family relationship.}

^{“Instead of protecting his niece, he abused his position of trust and repeatedly subjected her to sexual violence. She further argued that he had shown no remorse, as he continued to deny the offences and had failed to take responsibility for his actions,” she said.}

^{The acting Regional Court Magistrate, Mamelo Mafisa agreed with the state’s submissions, finding that the accused had abused the trust placed in him and demonstrated no remorse. Mafisa said no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify deviating from the prescribed minimum sentence and consequently sentenced him to life imprisonment.}

^{Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in Gauteng, Advocate Sibongile Mzinyathi, welcomed the sentence and commended the prosecutor and investigating officer, Warrant Officer Mafuko Alfred Shokwane of the Benoni Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, for their work in securing the conviction and sentence. Mzinyathi said the NPA hoped the sentence would send a strong message that sexual offences against children and other vulnerable members of society would not be tolerated and that perpetrators would be held accountable.}

^{“We urge members of the public not to be discouraged by the passage of time when reporting sexual offences, emphasising that such crimes should be reported to the police regardless of how much time has elapsed to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice,” she said.}

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