Daily Archives: January 18, 2026

Four suspects nabbed for unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

18 January 2026- The police in Assen in collaboration with local farmers have arrested four suspects in connection with the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. The police said the arrests were effected on Saturday midday, 17 January 2026, after the members of Assen SAPS responded to a complaint at Kameeldrift on the R511 road.

The North West police spokesperson, Constable Thuto Bobelo said it is alleged that four suspects travelling in a white Hyundai i10 were stopped by the members of the local farming community. Bobelo said upon arrival at the scene, the police found four suspects lying on the ground under the supervision of a group of farmers.

“A search of the vehicle was conducted, during which police recovered a pistol with a magazine and several rounds of ammunition, for which no lawful ownership could be established. Cash and nine cellular phones were also seized.

“The preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects may be linked to an earlier robbery involving a police officer in Northam. All four suspects were arrested and are expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 19 January 2026, facing charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as robbery,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the cooperation of the farming community and reiterated the commitment of the South African Police Service (SAPS) to combat serious and violent crime in the province.

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DA welcomes classification of National Disaster following devastating floods

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Picture: DA welcomes classification of National Disaster following devastating floods

By BAKANG MOKOTO

18 January 2026- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said at this stage, the unfolding disaster has been “classified” as a National Disaster, but has not (yet) been “declared”  as a National Disaster. The DA said classification has the effect of formally designating the National Executive as the coordinating authority and strengthens intergovernmental cooperation in responding to this calamity.

DA Limpopo spokesperson on Disaster Management and Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Lindy Wilson said they welcome the classification of the unfolding disaster in Limpopo — and other affected provinces — as a national disaster, following severe weather experienced since late December 2025. Wilson said the heavy rainfall and flooding have tragically resulted in loss of life, widespread damage to property, infrastructure and the environment, and serious disruptions to basic services, particularly in the Mopani and Vhembe Districts.

“The magnitude of the devastation is such that it cannot be effectively managed by provincial and municipal governments alone, and requires a coordinated, whole-of-government response. We therefore welcome the classification, which formally designates the National Executive as the coordinating authority and strengthens intergovernmental cooperation in responding to this calamity.

“While the worst of the severe weather appears to be nearing an end and floodwaters begin to recede, urgent attention must now turn to strengthening humanitarian assistance, assessing the full extent of damage and losses, restoring essential services, and repairing and rebuilding infrastructure — particularly that which supports humanitarian relief, service delivery, and critical supply-chain and economic activity,” she said.

Wilson further said the consequences of this disaster — human, social and economic — will be felt for a long time to come. She added that they thank all those in government — across provincial and municipal structures, as well as the SAPS and SANDF — and in civil society, including individuals and organisations, who came together and who continue to work tirelessly in response to the many emergencies that unfolded and in ongoing humanitarian efforts.

“Among them are countless selfless heroes and heroines whose commitment and courage have made a real difference,” said Wilson.

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DA condemns ANC incitement that endangered learners and deepened racial tensions

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By KEDIBONE MOLATSI

18 January 2026- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Witzenberg said it strongly condemns the ‘irresponsible’ and ‘dangerous’ conduct of an ANC public representative in Witzenberg, who on Friday, deliberately incited members of the Nduli community to stage a protest, directly placing the lives and safety of learners from Vredebes at risk. The DA said this incident occurred while children were en route to school, using scholar transport and resulted in heightened racial tensions and a scuffle between members of the Vredebes and Nduli communities.

The DA Constituency Head in Witzenberg, Wendy Kaizer-Philander said at no point should political opportunism be allowed to compromise the constitutional rights of children — particularly their right to safety and access to education. Kaizer-Philander said this escalation follows a sustained and misleading narrative advanced by the ANC, which has sought to politicise school infrastructure development in Witzenberg and deliberately distort the facts surrounding the proposed primary school in Vredebes.

“The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has been clear. The new school will serve the broader community, including learners from both Vredebes and Nduli. IsiXhosa will be offered as a Language of Teaching and Learning at the school. While construction is phased, the WCED has committed to urgent assessments and interim interventions to address immediate needs at Nduli Primary School.

“Despite these facts, the ANC has persisted in inflaming community anxieties, redirecting legitimate concerns into political mobilisation, and — most alarmingly — allowing this conduct to escalate into actions that endangered children,” she said.

Kaizer-Philander further said education is not a political bargaining chip, and children are not instruments of political agitation. He added that public representatives are entrusted with a duty to act transparently, honestly and in the best interests of the community.

“Inciting unrest, misrepresenting facts and placing anyone in harm’s way is a fundamental betrayal of that responsibility. The DA further calls on the SAPS to fulfil its constitutional mandate to serve and protect. The safety of learners must be prioritised, and any acts of incitement, intimidation or public disorder must be properly investigated and addressed without fear or favour.

“We call on all residents, who witnessed the incitement or intimidation of learners, to report it to the police. Parents are urged to remain calm, to rely on verified information, and not to allow their children’s futures to be jeopardised by reckless political behaviour,” said Kaizer-Philander.

He said they remain unwavering in its support for the WCED and will continue to work constructively to ensure that every child has access to safe, inclusive and quality education.

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DA calls urgent Parliament debate over SANDF’s apparent defiance of Ramaphosa order on Iranian warships

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Picture: The soldiers participating in Exercise Will for Peace 2026

By REGINALD KANYANE

18 January 2026- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said Iranian warships took part despite reports of a presidential order to exclude them. The DA said conflicting South African National Defence Force (SANDF) statements raise concerns that civilian authority was ignored.

DA spokesperson on Defence & Military Veterans and Member of Parliament (MP), Chris Hattingh said they call for an urgent parliamentary debate to enforce accountability. Hattingh said what is now unfolding around Exercise Will for Peace 2026 looks less like confusion and more like defiance within the SANDF.

“Despite credible reports that President Cyril Ramaphosa, as Commander-in-Chief, instructed that Iranian warships be excluded from the exercise, Iranian vessels nevertheless took part. This was followed by contradictory explanations, deleted SANDF communications, and a shifting official story that continues to change as more facts emerge.

“That is not normal nor is it acceptable. And it cannot be brushed aside. The situation is made worse by the Chief of the Navy, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, publicly hailing Iran’s participation, only for events to unfold in a manner that appeared to defy a reported presidential instruction,” he said.

Hattingh further said when senior officers publicly signal one direction and events on the ground follow that direction, parliament is entitled to ask a hard question: “Was lawful civilian authority ignored?” He added that this is not a technical or procedural dispute.

“It goes to the heart of how our democracy works. In South Africa, the military is subordinate to elected civilian leadership. If orders from the Commander-in-Chief can be sidestepped, diluted, or quietly ignored, then civilian oversight becomes meaningless.

“The Minister announced a Board of Inquiry only after the exercise had concluded. That cannot put Parliament on hold. Boards of Inquiry are internal processes that often drag on for years behind closed doors. Accountability cannot wait,” said Hattingh.

He said that is why the DA has called for an urgent parliamentary debate. Hattingh said South Africans deserve immediate answers.

“Who gave the final approval? Whose instructions were followed? And why did senior SANDF leadership appear to act in defiance of a presidential directive? If this reflects a wider culture of insubordination at senior command level, including the Chief of the SANDF and the Chief of the Navy, it must be confronted now.

“The SANDF cannot be allowed to operate with parallel lines of authority. The DA will pursue full parliamentary accountability, insist on consequences where authority was defied, and defend the principle that the military remains firmly under civilian control,” he said.

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Two suspects to appear in court for alleged stock-theft

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Picture: Suspects nabbed for stock-theft/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

18 January 2026- The police in Kanana Township in Orkney, supported by the Provincial Crime Intelligence Overt Team, Provincial Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management and the Stilfontein Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit successfully arrested two suspects on Saturday in connection with a case of stock-theft reported in the area.

The North West police spokesperson, Constable Thuto Bobelo said the preliminary investigations revealed that crime intelligence received a tip-off regarding the whereabouts of suspects linked to the theft of eight cattle in Kanana.Bobelo said acting on this tip-off, the police traced the suspects and found them in possession of eight cattle that they could not account for.

“The suspects were immediately arrested and will be charged with possession of suspected stolen livestock. In addition, the suspects failed to provide valid identification documents and will therefore face further charges for contravention of the Immigration Act.

“Both suspects, aged 36, are expected to appear before the Orkney Magistrate’s Court on 19 January 2026,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the police for their commendable efforts in tracing and arresting the suspects. Naidoo reminded all livestock owners of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs that, it is compulsory to mark their livestock according to the Animal Identification Act (Act 6 of 2002).

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