26 August 2025- Two accused persons aged 33, briefly appeared before the Ga-rankuwa Magistrate’s Court on charges of business robbery and extortion. The accused court appearance stems from their arrests on Sunday morning, 24 August 2025, following investigations into the reported case of business robbery.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the reports suggest that the suspects entered a tuck shop owned by a foreign national at around 7pm on 23 August 2025, at Extension 2, Mothotlung village, outside Brits and accused the owner of selling liquor. Mokgwabone said one of the suspects allegedly demanded money from the tuck shop owner.
“The pair then took various food items and cold drinks worth R650 and fled from the scene. The incident was reported to the police and that led to the arrest of the suspects after being linked to the crimes,” he said.
In reacting to the incident, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Asaneng said: “The South African Police Service would like to send a strong message and warning with these arrests that lawlessness, vigilantism and extortion by anyone will be dealt with decisively regardless of who is involved.
“The SAPS recognises and encourages communities to be part of their local Community Policing Forums (CPFs) and not unlawful extra judicial structures such as Operation Dudula, which seek to usurp the work of the police and to undermine the authority of the state.”
Asaneng said while the constitution of the Republic recognises and guarantees freedom of association and the right to protest, it must be equally clear that these rights are not extended to vigilante or criminal groupings and gangs whose main objective is to promote anarchy, insurrection and to undermine the rule of law.
26 August 2025- The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) on Tuesday called for intensified efforts to rid the South African Police Service (SAPS) of elements involved in crime. This follows the arrest of three Mpumalanga officers aged between 32 and 35 allegedly involved in the death of a motorist following a multiple-vehicle accident in Embalenhle.
According to police, when the officers arrived at the scene on 17 August 2025, one of the motorists involved in the accident fled on foot. The officers gave chase and, after catching him, allegedly threw stones at him. The injured man was later transported to the hospital by ambulance, where he died several hours later.
The arrests followed an intensive investigation led by both Saps Detectives and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
The call by SAUCIC representing affiliated Federations of Charismatic, Evangelical Outreach Mission Ministries and Pentecostal Churches also followed Monday’s death of a 54-year-old Pienaar Detective who died following a dramatic attempted robbery and shootout with police in Belfast on Friday night.
Three of the detective’s accomplices were reportedly arrested after a high-speed car chase and a shootout with members of the Anti-Hijacking Task team that ended when the getaway vehicle, Nissan Go, crashed into a tree on Bhekumuzi Masango Drive. Two firearms and ammunition were recovered at the scene.
SAUCIC President Cardinal Archbishop Dr Modiri Patrick Shole mentioned that ridding the police service of those who are running with the hares and hunting with the hounds will restore the confidence of communities in policing.
“The cancer of corruption and the war against violent organised crime which is claiming the lives of law-abiding citizens and police officers must first be won within SAPS before it can be won in communities.
“Nothing less than a major clean-up of the network of greed and its criminal syndicates will restore the credibility and integrity of the SAPS. We call on the Provincial SAPS Management in the province to be urgently stabilised for effective policing,” he said.
Shole further said this including strengthening of partnership with business, churches, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, crime prevention structures and communities. He added that lifting the protracted suspension of the Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela in compliance with the High Court orders will be in the interest of policing in the province.
Shole called on the Acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia’s intervention to resolve the lawfare impasse between Manamela and National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola.
26 August 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Xola Nqola said he has noted with concern the announcement of the delay in the proceedings of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System. Nqola said the commission, headed by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, previously announced it will start its hearings on 1 September, but today it became apparent that the commission is not ready to proceed on that day.
“It is especially concerning that the delay seems to be due to public servants not executing their responsibilities. This commission is of utmost importance to restore credibility for the country.
“This follows the media briefing by Justice and Constitutional Development Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi today, where she admitted that “certain issues could’ve been avoided” by administrators in the Department of Justice in relation to the delays in ensuring the Madlanga Commission had the necessary resources to start on 1 September 2025,” he said.
Nqola further said she went on to announce that she has placed the department’s Director-General, Advocate Doc Mashabane, and Deputy-Director-General responsible for Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Jabu Hlatshwayo, on immediate suspension pending a full investigation and disciplinary process. He added that this is because of the failures and lapses on the system and also not being able to do due diligence in ensuring that the commission starts on time.
Nqola said it is regrettable that these public servants have not done their work to ensure this process starts on time. He said they call on the Minister to closely monitor the progress to ensure the work of the commission commences speedily.
26 August 2025- A Chief Director at the Northern Cape Department of Education Curriculum Management Unit, Gobonamang Doris Sibiya (59), a former Director of Tshela Bophelo Wellness Solution, Tshegofatso Kenabatho Gopane (44) and an entity, Tshela Bophelo Wellness Solution, were arrested earlier this morning by the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation team facing charges of corruption, fraud and money laundering.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said it is alleged that during May 2020, the department awarded a tender to Tshela Bophelo Wellness Solution to conduct Covid-19 orientation and training with ongoing support of 554 schools in Head Office and five District Offices in and around Kimberley for an amount exceeding R6.5 million.
Mnisi said Sibiya allegedly submitted a motivation for the company to be awarded the contract in accordance with the single service provider method as per department’s Supply Chain Management policy, whereas the company did not possess/meet the unique requirements.
“Investigation further revealed that Sibiya accepted an amount of R10 000 from Gopane without any declaration. Accused were granted R10 000 bail each and the case was postponed to 17 September 2025,” she said.
26 August 2025- The Provincial Management of the Northern Cape inclusive of the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Corporate Services, Major General (Dr) Mphuthi, the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar and the Provincial Head for Pro- Active Policing, Brigadier Irene Kopeledi with their entourage led the election of the interim Provincial Community Police Board on 26 August 2025, in Upington.
The five District Chairpersons, Secretaries, and Public Relation Officials formed were part of the meeting, which aimed at restructuring the Provincial Policing Board.
Pastor James Malgas opened the program with devotion and prayer, and the purpose of the meeting was outlined by the Provincial Head of Policing, Brigadier Kopeledi.
The keynote speaker, Major General Besnaar, addressed the meeting on previous challenges and the expectation for the new structure to rebuild the relationship between the SAPS and CPF.
He further cited that the relationship must be maintained for the benefit of the community to ensure that the mandate of the SAPS and the CPF is fulfilled.
Treasurer- Ms Dorothy Langfred (Pixley Ka Seme District)
PRO-Mr Hilton Appollis (JTG District)
The interim board was congratulated by the provincial management, and Major General(Dr) Mphuthi took the opportunity to welcome the structure on behalf of the Provincial Commissioner.
The structure will serve until the next Annual General meeting.
26 August 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said StatsSA’s survey shows a worsening crime crisis, with sexual offences nearly tripling since 2020/21. The DA said SAPS failure, corruption and weak intelligence leave communities unsafe and mistrustful.
DA Spokesperson on Police and Member of Parliament (MP), Lisa Schickerling calls for urgent SAPS reform, devolution of powers, and stronger community policing. Schickerling said today’s report by Statistics South Africa, the “Victims of Crime” survey, shows that South Africans are under increasing siege from violent crime.
“The DA condemns SAPS’ ongoing failure to provide effective policing. Concerning increases can be seen in serious crimes such as sexual offences, where instances have spiked from 25,000 cases in 2020/21 to a shocking 73,000 cases in 2024/25.
“The report by StatsSA demonstrates a national crime crisis, including that only 36.1% of South Africans feel safe walking alone at night in their own communities. An estimated 983 000 households were victims of housebreaking in the past year,” she said.
Schickerling further said nearly 846 000 people fell victim to theft of personal property. She added that the communities remain under siege due to violent crimes such as murder, assault, robbery, rape and sexual offences, with many cases going unreported due to deep mistrust of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“The recent shootings on the Cape Flats are a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform within SAPS. They highlight not only the scale of violence but also the glaring lack of crime intelligence capacity within the national police service.
“Without a functional intelligence unit that can anticipate, prevent, and disrupt criminal activity, communities remain exposed, and SAPS is left reacting to crises instead of preventing them. Crime prevention strategies remain reactive instead of proactive, leaving communities exposed to repeat victimisation,” said Schickerling.
She said this survey done by StatsSA has delivered a picture of the lived experiences of the victims/survivors of crime, whereas South Africa receives data-centric reports from the SAPS on a quarterly basis that reflect the documented cases or criminal complaints opened at SAPS stations. Schickerling said the StatsSA survey may paint a more accurate picture of the real impact of crime, because it does not go through the filter of the SAPS self-reporting.
“A significant reporting issue in the quarterly crime statistics released by the SAPS themselves, is that they fail to report on crimes specifically targeting women and children. In effect the SAPS crime stats ignore GBV.
“SAPS remains under-resourced, undertrained and compromised by cadre deployment and corruption. The bold reform which the South African Police Service needs includes devolving policing powers to capable provincial and local governments who understand their communities’ needs,” said Schickerling.
She said this is becoming increasingly essential, and the DA recognises the fight that the province of the Western Cape and the City of Cape Town are mounting to see devolution of policing. Schickerling said for SAPS to improve, it is high time that there is effective and hands-on management of Policing at the national level to deliver professionalisation of SAPS by ending cadre deployment and appointing skilled officers based on merit.
“Modernisation of policing through the use of technology, data-driven crime prevention and increased visible policing. Strengthening of Community Policing Forums (CPFs) to rebuild public trust and cooperation with law enforcement.
“South Africans deserve the freedom to walk safely in their streets, raise their children without fear and live their lives without the constant threat of crime. Only a capable state with professional, community-focused policing can restore safety and rebuild trust,” said Schickerling.
26 August 2025- The Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture said it will launch renowned writer Sabata Mpho Mokae’s powerful Setswana novel, Lefatshe ke la Badimo. The department said the launch will take place at Sol Plaatje University, Auditorium 2, Humanities and Heritage Studies Building, Central Campus at 4:15pm.
The Northern Cape MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture, Octavious Mangaliso Matika is expected to deliver a keynote address. Matika said this book launch forms part of the International Language Conference hosted by SPU from 27–29 August 2025 under the theme: “Intellectualisation of African Languages in the Digital Age.”
“Join us in celebrating a cultural milestone and honouring a remarkable contribution to Setswana literature,” he said.
26 August 2025- The Kimberley SAPS hosted a Women’s Month closing church service under the theme: “Empowered by Faith, United in Purpose.” The event was held on 25 August 2025 at the Kimberley Police Station Gymnasium, and attended by representatives from various government departments, including Provincial Traffic, Sol Plaatje Municipal Traffic, and the Department of Home Affairs.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Dikeledi Gopane said the programme was honoured with the presence of Frances Baard District Commissioner, Major General Charlotte Makgari, and Kimberley Station Commander, Brigadier Nicholas Mtongana.
Gopane said the Programme Director, Warrant Officer Kelebogile Khabeni from Employee Health and Wellness, encouraged women to remain prayerful and to speak out against Gender-Based Violence (GBVF) and Femicide, reminding them to always make use of available support services.
“The opening prayer was delivered by Sergeant Vuyelwa Rammokho, followed by Colonel Keamogetse Makobo, who welcomed guests and outlined the purpose of the day. She emphasized the importance of women taking action and honouring the contributions of others by standing firm against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
“Chaplain Nozingaze Geco delivered a message of support, citing Isaiah 43:17-19, and reminded women not to be held back by the past but to move forward together in unity. Pastor Ramasedi expanded on the theme: “Empowered by Faith, United in Purpose,” reminding women of the divine strength within them and encouraging them to remain steadfast in prayer,” she said.
Gopane further said Chaplain Volgraaft shared adevotion from 2 Corinthians 4:8, highlighting the message of “Crushing Produces Capacity,” and how challenges strengthen one’s ability to become an influencer.
She added that in her address, Major General Makgari encouraged women to always recognize their worth, reminding them that “a strong woman stands up for herself, but a stronger woman stands up for others.
“She urged unity among women as a source of strength. The event concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by Kimberley Head of Detectives, Colonel Nadia Kika,” said Gopane.
26 August 2025- The police in Northern Cape said business robberies pose serious risks to business owners, employees, customers and their assets. The police said the violent nature of such crimes can result in permanent injuries, severe damage, and even fatalities.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane urges business owners to adopt precautionary measures to reduce the risk of business robberies. Shemane said they should verify the identity of all visitors, including those conducting deliveries or repairs.
“Be mindful of what is discussed in the presence of staff and customers. Report suspicious persons or behaviour to the police immediately. When hiring employees, request a valid identity document and keep a copy on record. Conduct thorough reference checks and request police clearance certificates.
“Ensure that contractors also verify the identities and backgrounds of their employees. Install a reliable alarm system and ensure it is regularly maintained. Connect the alarm system to an armed response service. Install static panic buttons in strategic areas such as cash offices and strong rooms,” he said.
Shemane further said business owners should provide portable panic buttons to management staff and ensure they are carried at all times. He added that they should also test panic buttons weekly to ensure functionality.
“Vary store opening and closing times. Use different routes when travelling to and from the store. Avoid opening or closing the store alone. Assign someone with a panic button to monitor the opening and closing process from a safe distance.
“Ensure adequate lighting at all entry and exit points. Keep cash and valuables in a safe or bank. Use a properly reinforced drop safe. Never keep the keys to the drop safe together or on the premises simultaneously,” said Shemane.
He said business owners should remove excess cash from tills throughout the day and deposit it into the drop safe. Shemane said they should avoid doing a full cash-up at the end of the trading day.
“In the event of a robbery at a business, warehouse, factory, or shopping centre, staff and customer behaviour can play a crucial role in reducing the risk of violence and injury. Information regarding criminal activities can be reported to Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App.
“The SAPS in the Northern Cape remains committed to creating a safe and secure environment for all communities,” he said.
26 August 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Northern Cape said it is probing the Northern Cape Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison renewed bus contract with the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) amidst alleged irregularities and roadworthiness concerns. The DA said tensions between the Modderrivier Taxi Association and SANTACO, resulted in the suspension of bus services last week.
DA Northern Cape Spokesperson for Transport, Safety and Liaison and Member of provincial Legislature (MPL), Reinette Liebenberg said this left commuters travelling from Ritchie and Modderrivier to Kimberley stranded. Liebenberg said the Modderrivier Taxi Association demanded that the buses believed to have been found unroadworthy, be re-examined. She said three out of four buses failed roadworthy tests due to faulty brakes, during a roadblock operation conducted by traffic officials.
“The Modderrivier Taxi Association has also raised suspicions of contractual irregularities and price fixing between SANTACO and the department. These allegations cannot be left untested, particularly as the department admitted in its 2025/2026 Annual Performance Plan that none of the province’s bus contracts were awarded through a tender process.
“The department also admitted that the persistent lack of tendered contracts has resulted in the operators being inefficient and rendering poor quality services,” said Liebenberg.
She further said the DA has submitted written questions to the department. Liebenberg added that they must provide them with the conditions of the contracts entered into with all subsidised bus operators and supply proof that all buses were compliant and roadworthy when the contracts were awarded.
“The department must also respond to allegations of price fixing and provide copies of the pricing structure and tender documents, to determine if services were fairly and transparently quoted, without bias.
“The department’s assurance that a competitive bidding process will be followed before the expiration of the current two-year contract in 2026, is also not good enough, and must be urgently reprioritized,” said Liebenberg.
She said the DA will not allow the safety of commuters, who are reliant on government subsidized public transport services, to be compromised through corruption and mismanagement.
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