Daily Archives: January 12, 2026

Heartfelt messages of condolences continue to pour in after the death of Bishop Daniel Matebesi

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Picture: The late Bishop Daniel Matebesi/Supplied  

By AGISANANG SCUFF

12 January 2026- SACMIC mourns the loss of its founding President, Bishop Daniel Matebesi (66), a revered spiritual leader, community builder and President of the South African Christian Ministers Council. Matebesi was a dedicated and passionate servant of both God and people, living out principles of servanthood.

The (SACMIC) spokesperson, Daniel April said Matebesi fostered unity among religious leaders and strengthened communities by uniting ministers of the Gospel through SACMIC, promoting safer, more prosperous and self-aware communities. April said he served as a Bishop of the Independent Congregational Church of Southern Africa, guiding with wisdom and compassion.

“As SACMIC President, he promoted interfaith collaboration, uniting clergy from all denominations to speak and act together for community empowerment. He openly opposed Gender Based Violence through organisation-led programs advocating for change and equality. Matebesi served in SAMIFRA, NICSA, IOTI, UCSA, State President’s Interfaith Forum, GBV Forum, NW PACF, North West Crime Prevention Programme for SAPS, and many more.

“He served as a Preacher on Motsweding FM for 41 years from 1985 to 2026. His influence extended beyond religious circles, contributing to national dialogues on human rights, dignity, and reconciliation. His legacy, rich and multi-faceted, is rooted in faith, conviction, service, and courage. He dedicated his life to improving the lives of those around him, the Body of Christ, and the nation of South Africa,” he said.

April further said SACMIC expresses its deepest condolences to the Matebesi family, ICCSA, Motsweding FM, and all those connected to him. He added that they comfort the mourners with Psalm 116:15 from the Davidic Psalms.

Meanwhile, the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) Provincial Convenor, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said Matebesi who had founded the Fountain of Hope Newspaper and the Independent Congregational Church of Southern Africa (ICCSA), presented the popular Rorisang Sunday religious programme as well as midday food for thought, “Seikokotlelo” and daily devotions on SABC’s Motsweding FM died in the early hours of Friday at his home in Lotlhakane after a short illness.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the demise of Matebesi whose untimely death has robbed our communities of a community builder, a social justice advocate, a servant leader, theologian of unshakable faith as well as Kingdom builder who sought to reposition the church for relevance and impactful ministry to address social ills.

“Matebesi had served MRM from its formation in the province and was nominated to the Provincial Interim committee, serving briefly as a member of the Programmes & Campaigns Sub Committees after the provincial structure was resuscitated in December 2022,” he said.

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Learners with no space are encouraged to visit Local Education Offices

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi

By BAKANG MOKOTO

12 January 2026- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said her department encourages all parents and guardians who are still looking for space for their children to visit the Local Education Offices (LEOs) in their areas where they reside. Motsumi said her department has established Education Hubs specifically to assist parents and guardians who did not get space for learners.

She further said the Education Hubs will assist with the placement of learners into different schools. Motsumi added that the issue of parents not getting their children to school has come to the attention of the department.

“The constitution of the Republic of South Africa emphasizes that every child has a right to education. During the reopening of schools every learner should be in school. I take this time again to encourage parents and guardians to visit Education Hubs in the Local Education Offices (LEOs).

“I have instructed that these hubs should ensure that all learners are placed in schools. Again, l wants to caution parents and guardians that schools of choice cannot be provided at this time. Now it is very late for parents to demand schools of choice,” she said.

Motsumi said they are going to place learners where there is space not far from their place of stay. She said they are requesting for co-operation from parents and guardians in order for teaching and learning to start on the first day of the reopening of schools.

“For more information on the placement of learners, parents and guardians should call the District Directors. In Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, they can call Mojakhumo Dithejane on 072 616 4368, N. Seokolo in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District on 082 884 6423, E. Lesetedi on 082 356 0503 in Ngaka Modiri Molema District.

“They can also call Dr L. Ntwape on 076 927 2667 in Bojanala District,” said Motsumi.

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Action SA deploys Kodisang as its MPL in North West Provincial Legislature after Mangope’s resignation

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Picture: Action SA deploys Masego Dorcas Kodisang as its new MPL/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

12 January 2026- The Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature, Dr Desbo Mohono has welcomed Masego Dorcas Kodisang as the new Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL). This comes after the swearing-in of Kodisang after the resignation of Kwena Mangope as the Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) representing the Action South Africa (Action SA). 

Mohono said the Action SA nominated Kodisang as the next candidate to fill the casual vacancy. She further said in terms of Section 107 of the Constitution, before a MPL begins to perform his or her functions in the Legislature, he or she must swear or affirm faithfulness to the Republic and obedience to the Constitution in accordance with Schedule 2 of the Constitution.

“Kodisang who holds a B.A Honours in Business Management and is a former PR Councillor at Moretele Local Municipality and a former Chairperson of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee since 2021. Kodisang will benefit the legislature on its three mandates of oversight, law making and public participation work.

“We welcome her as our member who will assist on the work of the legislature, including within our committees’ work and overall performance of the institution in the 7th Provincial Legislature,” she said.

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Drugs worth R16m confiscated, two suspects nabbed  

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Picture: Drugs worth R16.4 million confiscated/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

12 January 2026- Swift cooperation between the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Free State and Northern Cape provinces has led to the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of a substantial quantity of drugs. On 9 January 2026, police in the Free State alerted their counterparts in the Pixley ka Seme District in the Northern Cape about suspected drug trafficking along the N9 road, near Colesberg.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said at approximately 2:55pm, a multi-disciplinary team comprising members from Colesberg SAPS, Kuyasa SAPS, Highway Patrol, and Detectives operationalised the information and successfully intercepted the identified vehicle on the N9 road, approximately 10km, outside Colesberg in the direction of Noupoort. Ehlers said the gold Toyota Fortuner was stopped and searched, resulting in the seizure of mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R16.4 million.

“Two suspects aged 46 and 59 were arrested on charges of dealing in drugs. In addition, a firearm, ammunition, and the vehicle believed to have been used in the commission of the crime were confiscated,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Pixley ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, commended the police for their swift response and for removing dangerous drugs from the streets. Mtukushe further assured the community that the police will continue to enforce a zero-tolerance approach towards drug trafficking, particularly along national routes.

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Two suspects nabbed for being in possession of sheep carcasses

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Picture: Sheep carcasses seized by the police/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

12 January 2026- Two men aged between 28 and 36 were arrested for suspected theft of livestock by the vigilance and swift response of the police in Philipstown. On 11 January 2026, the police received a tip-off regarding two individuals who were reportedly seen selling meat in the vicinity of Lukhanyisweni, Philipstown.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said information was followed up and the two suspects were found to be in possession of sheep carcasses and were not able to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding ownership of the meat. Pilane said they were both arrested and charged for stock theft and are expected to appear to the Philipstown Magistrate’s Court soon.

“The investigation continues. The SAPS in Pixley Ka Seme District, encourages members of the public to refrain from buying meat from unauthorized sellers. Suspicious criminal behaviour should be reported through the MYSAPS App, or 08600 10111 crime stop number,” he said.

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Police warn motorists to be vigilante on N14 road near Kagung

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Picture: The construction signs on N14 road in Kagung village, near Kuruman/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

12 January 2026- The police in Mothibistad urge motorists who intend traveling either during the early hours of the morning or late at night to be alert and vigilant. This warning comes after an incident during the early hours of Saturday, 10 January 2026 at approximately 3am.

The Vispol Commander, Captain Nomvuyo Makoloi said while the police were conducting Blue Light Patrol along the N14 road in Kagung village, near Kuruman, they encountered road construction signs placed in the road suspected to have been set up by alleged criminals. Makoloi said the signs and equipment erected resembled a stop-and-go point and is intended to have motorists stop at the so-called stop-and-go after which the occupants are attacked with stones and robbed of their belongings.

“The police immediately removed the obstruction and reopened the road. However, no suspects were found at the scene. The police are urging the public to be alert and vigilant and exercise caution, especially during late-night and early-morning travels and report any suspicious road blockages or activities immediately to the relevant authorities.

“At this time, no incidents have been officially reported,” she said.

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A man nabbed for assaulting his girlfriend and selling drugs

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Picture: Some of bank cards and IDs confiscated/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

12 January 2026- A man (30) was arrested in Fraserburg following swift action by police who were conducting visible policing actions during the early hours on 10 January 2026. The police were approached by a complainant at approximately 3:30am, who alleged that her boyfriend had assaulted her and was allegedly selling drugs at a residence in Asla, Fraserburg.

The Namakwa police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said acting on the tip-off, the police proceeded to the address. Magerman said upon arrival, the suspect attempted to flee, but was apprehended.

“A search of the premises led to the discovery of four plastic bags containing dagga with an estimated street value of R8 000, as well as one small transparent plastic bag containing a white substance suspected to be tik.

“The suspect was arrested on charges relating to drug possession and assault,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Colonel Moses Lekgwati, commended the police involved for their vigilance and professionalism.  Lekgwati reiterated that the police will not tolerate drug activities within the Namakwa District and that decisive action will continue to be taken against those who threaten the safety and well-being of communities.

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A man nabbed for cultivating cannabis

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Picture: Cannabis confiscated by the police/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

12 January 2026- A man (33) was arrested on 10 January 2026, at approximately 11:30am at Plot 202, Klipfontein, for the cultivation of cannabis (dagga) plants. Members of Relief D were conducting crime prevention duties in Klipfontein when they observed a number of dagga plants being cultivated at the residence of the suspect.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said upon approaching the property owner and conducting a further investigation, the police discovered and confiscated 28 dagga plants. Magerman said the suspect was arrested on the scene and is expected to appear before court soon on charges related to drug cultivation.

Meanwhile, the acting Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Colonel Moses Lekgwati, commended the police for their vigilance and proactive policing.

“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to keeping our communities safe. The police urge community members to report any suspicious drug-related activities to their nearest police station or contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or alternatively via the MySAPS App.

“Information received will be treated confidentially,” he said.

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973 suspects arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela 2

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Picture: The police conduct a search during Operation Shanela II/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

12 January 2026- The police said as the festive season winds down, the intensified police operations remain in place across the Northern Cape to ensure continued safety and stability through the execution of Operation Shanela 2 and Safer Festive Season operations. The police said senior managers both at provincial and district level, led the high density operations in collaboration with relevant stakeholders from 5 until 11 January 2026, which resulted in the arrest of 973 perpetrators.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the police in collaboration with law enforcement agencies implemented a comprehensive crime prevention strategy, to curb crime across all five districts through intelligence-driven and targeted disruptive actions. Ehlers said actions included stop and search actions, Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), roadblocks, and high visibility patrols.

“Focus remains on road safety, especially as travellers return home after the holiday season. Road safety actions, which remain a critical focus area, led to the arrest of five perpetrators for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“A total of 22 883 individuals and 8 883 vehicles were stopped and thoroughly searched, including the searching of numerous premises. Compliance inspections were conducted at several second-hand goods dealers and liquor premises as well as formal and informal businesses, farms and scrapyards,” she said.

Ehlers further said these inspections led to the closing of 18 unlicensed liquor premises for non-compliance violations. She added concoctions and liquor were confiscated during these actions.

“Excessive alcohol consumption remains a concern, as it often leads to the commission of contact crimes and other serious and violent crimes. Perpetrators were arrested for various crimes, including drug related offences, burglary, murder, rape, attempted murder and assault Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). 

“Detectives conducted over 20 tracing operations to track down and apprehend offenders who have been evading the law for an array of offences. During the execution of the operations, police confiscated a substantial amount of alcohol, drugs, dangerous weapons, copper cables and fireworks. This included the seizure of a consignment of mandrax tablets with an estimated value of R16.4 million on the N9 road, near Colesberg,” she said.

Ehlers said the ongoing community engagements and awareness programmes focusing on prevailing crime tendencies were held in conjunction with community policing structures and government departments. She said the police in Northern Cape will continue to conduct targeted operations across the province to restore stability and combat criminal activities in identified hotspot areas in collaboration with stakeholders and the community.

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A man nabbed for possession of tik worth R50 000

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Picture: The drugs seized by the police/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

12 January 2026- A man (41) was arrested following the seizure of methamphetamine (tik) with an estimated street value of R50 000. The arrest occurred during the early hours of Saturday, 11 January 2026 at a residence in Calvinia.

The Namakwa police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said acting on a tip-off received from the community regarding drugs allegedly being transported from Vredendal, police conducted a targeted operation. Magerman said a blue motor vehicle suspected to be conveying the illicit substances was identified and stopped.

“The vehicle was thoroughly searched resulting in the discovery of tik concealed in the vehicle. The suspect was subsequently arrested and the drugs were seized as evidence. The police remain resolute in its commitment to combating drug-related crimes in the Northern Cape and continues to act decisively on information received from the public,” he said.

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