Picture: Missing Oratile Calvin Mokgethi and Ketshepamang Sebothe/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
23 January 2026 – The police in Ottoshoop request the community’s assistance in locating Oratile Calvin Mokgethi (25) and Ketshepamang Sebothe (26), both from Maruping village, near Ottoshoop. The police said Mokgethi and Sebothe were last seen by family members on Sunday evening, 14 December 2025, when they were allegedly taken from their home by four unknown men.
The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said following the incident, a case of kidnapping was opened with Ottoshoop Police Station. Morake said a search was conducted in and around the area.
“However, no positive results have been obtained thus far. At the time of their disappearance, Mokgethi was wearing a blue and white vest with long blue track pants and pink and white sleepers. He has a slender build body, weighs about 70kg, 1.5m tall and has long black hair.
“Sebothe was wearing black jeans, yellow reflector jacket and green Ellesse tekkies/sneakers. He has a medium built body, weighs about 70kg, 1.5m tall and has short black hair,” she said.
Meanwhile, Morake said the police appeal to anyone who may have information regarding the whereabouts of the missing men to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Tumelo Molatlhegi on 082 373 9830. She said alternatively, information can be reported to the nearest police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
“Anonymous tip-offs may also be communicated via the MySAPS App on a smartphone. Extortion related incidents can be reported on the Extortion Hotline on 080 091 1011,” said Morake.
23 January 2026 – The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo appeals to parents, guardians and all members of the community who use dams, rivers, lakes, bridges and swimming pools for crossing and recreational purposes to exercise extreme caution. Naidoo said this warning follows an incident in which two teenage girls drowned in a river at Moshana village, in Motswedi.
“It is alleged that on 21 January 2026, at approximately 4:45pm, police were alerted to a drowning incident at the village. Upon arrival, police were informed that three girls and two boys went swimming in the river. After jumping into the water, two of the girls struggled to swim out.
“Furthermore, the two boys managed to rescue one girl and then went to the village to seek assistance. The police were subsequently notified and divers were called to the scene. On 22 January 2026, at around 10:15am, the bodies of the two girls aged 15 and 17 respectively, were retrieved from the river,” he said.
Naidoo further said an inquest docket was opened at the Motswedi Police Station. He added that members of the public should be extra vigilant and urged them to avoid using rivers as recreational facilities, particularly during the rainy season.
“We emphasize that many people underestimate the speed and force of moving water, which can cover large areas around rivers, and that attempting to swim in such conditions can result in immediate drowning,” said Naidoo.
23 January 2026- The police in Northern Cape said the excessive consumption of alcohol is considered as the main generator or the root cause of contact crimes, include the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) related crimes, sexual assaults, rape, murder, attempted murder, assault GBH and assault common. The police said hence the policing of contact crimes and other related crimes associated with excessive alcohol consumption remains a priority for them.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said crime pattern and crime threat analysis has indicated that these crimes are prevalent during the weekends, when there is a high consumption of alcohol. Shemane said against this backdrop, communities are urged to adhere to and implement the following safety hints to prevent falling victim any form of contact crimes.
“Stay alert – awareness is your best defence. Always leave venues with friends wherever possible. Never go to the bathroom alone, always use a buddy system at public venues. Never accept drinks or lifts from strangers. Always stay in well-lit areas and never walk alone in secluded areas.
“Travel as if you know where you are going. Take the most direct route and try to stay within areas where other people are around. Trust your instincts – if you think something is wrong then act on it. Avoid flashing valuable items as it attracts criminals for robbery and sexual assault,” he said.
Shemane further said they should not carry weapons when they attending social gatherings. He added that they should ensure that they have their keys available when they reach their home or car.
“Keep money for transport and plan in advance – the expense is worth it. Carry a personal alarm and use it when necessary. If you are a victim, get help immediately. Make as much noise as you can to alert people when you in trouble.
“If you have been attacked, do not shower or change your clothes as it may destroy evidence. Always give the police all the details you have about the area and suspect if you are a victim of crime. Drink responsibly and refrain from excessive alcohol consumption– you need to give a clear account of what happened,” said Shemane.
He said they should never leave their drink unattended as it could be tampered with, leaving them to be victims of date rape. Shemane said that they should stay alert and safe.
“Do not physically intervene in fights – you could get hurt yourself, rather call police. If it is safe to do so, take a photograph or video on your mobile phone. Remember, that the police are likely to need your phone as evidence. Record details of times, number plates, descriptions and so on.
“If you do not have a pen with you, leave a voicemail message on your cell phone or write a draft text message. Immediately get out of any abusive relationship and contact family or police. Always have an emergency contact on speed dial,” he said.
Shemane said if they see something, they should say something. He encouraged them to call their nearest police station or the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 when they find themselves in a dangerous situation.
“Call Stop Gender Violence Helpline 0800 150 150 or report GBVF crime to the MySAPS app,” said Shemane.
23 January 2026 – The Gatvol Lobby Group leader, Mpho Sefularo calls for the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi’ intervention regarding the admissions and students accommodation at the North West University (NWU). According To Sefularo who wrote a letter on his Facebook page account, dedicated to Mokgosi, alleges that there is a growing perception among communities that local students are being unfairly excluded due to business interests linked to accommodation and recruitment processes.
He further said this situation is creating deep frustration among parents and residents. Sefularo added that, if left unattended, it carries a real risk of community unrest, as people feel their children’s right to education is being deliberately undermined.
“We must also be clear that students from outside the province—many of whom are poor and vulnerable—are not the problem and must be protected. They are innocent beneficiaries of a system whose fairness is now being questioned.
“Premier, your urgent intervention is necessary to restore confidence, prevent social conflict and ensure that access to education is governed by fairness, transparency, and merit. Failure to act may result in avoidable tensions that could later be mischaracterized as ethnic or tribal in nature,” he said.
Sefularo said they respectfully request decisive leadership on this matter in the interest of social stability and the future of their children in the province. He said they request Mokgosi to monitor or do an investigation.
“Really, we cannot be in a situation where people from other provinces are taking our economy, jobs, houses, women, side-kicks and now they are taking what is very key to us, education. We are saying no to this one, UNIBO must stand on its own from 2027.
“White men in Potchefstroom must be stopped with their agenda of degrading the capital city and killing the Batswana tribe. North West province is not for sale anymore,” said Sefularo.
Meanwhile, the North West University (NWU) said its policies and rules are governed in accordance with the supreme law of the country – the South African Constitution and has the responsibility and accountability to ensure access and success of students. The university said as a public institution, it recruits and admits qualifying students, regardless of their origin (village/township/town/region), race, religion, or gender.
The NWU Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka said applications for admission at the NWU are free of charge for all prospective students. Tyobeka said the above principles apply to staff recruitment and employment.
“Since the release of the Grade 12 results, we have experienced an unprecedented volume of enquiries and requests regarding late applications for the 2026 academic year. Many of these enquiries originate from the Mahikeng and surrounding communities.
“We acknowledge the hope, anticipation and anxiety that accompany this important milestone in the lives of prospective students and their families. Access to higher education represents opportunity, aspiration, and a better future, and we recognise the deep emotional investment attached to these applications,” he said.
Tyobeka further said, however, it is important to reiterate the realities governing admissions at all South African public universities. He added that there are limited spaces available for universities including the NWU to admit all students.
“As communicated previously we received more than 420 000 applications for the 2026 academic year, while there are only 11 800 spaces available for first-year students across our campuses. As a result, late applications cannot be accommodated under any circumstances. To this end, we will not allow any walk-in enquiries for applications.
“The number of first-year students who can be accepted is guided by enrolment targets approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), as well as programme-specific capacity limits and subject requirements,” said Tyobeka.
He said consequently, some applicants whose results may satisfy the requirements of their preferred degrees/programmes may be unsuccessful in securing admission spaces and applicable criteria. Tyobeka said they are diligently finalising admission decisions in strict accordance with its admission policies, as approved by the NWU Council.
“This process is conducted with integrity, fairness and transparency, and is beyond reproach. We have noted allegations circulating among some interest groups/structures suggesting that preference is being given to applicants from outside the North West. These allegations are categorically false, mischievous and divisive.
“The North West constitutes the second-largest source of students across the NWU’s three campuses, and on the Mahikeng Campus in particular, students from the North West remain in the majority. As a public institution, we carry a constitutional and legal obligation to operate as a national university, serving all South Africans equally,” said Tyobeka.
He said while they appreciate the disappointment and uncertainty of unsuccessful prospective students and their parents, they must emphasise that capacity constraints are not unique to the NWU, but are a national reality across all 26 public universities. Tyobeka said in this context, the NWU has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to the harassment, intimidation or threatening of staff members, who are executing their duties with professionalism, commitment and integrity.
“Members of the public are urged to refrain from accessing offices and making demands or confronting staff about the applications. Such actions are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“We respectfully appeal to all stakeholders – students, parents, community leaders, and staff – to exercise patience and understanding while we execute the admission and registration processes,” he said.
Tyobeka said the majority of final offers have already been issued. He said applicants who remain uncertain about their admission status are strongly encouraged to verify their application status online by logging into their profile dashboard at:
“Applicants who have received provisional acceptance may also contact the NWU through the following official channels: Email: studies@nwu.ac.za
WhatsApp: +27 (0)60 070 2606
SMS line: 31750
NWU Call Centre: 0860 169 698
“Information regarding the 2027 application period will be communicated in due course. Prospective students are urged to apply within the published application window to avoid a recurrence of the current situation.
“The university remains committed to academic excellence, fairness and the responsible stewardship of opportunity, while continuing to serve students, staff, and communities with dignity and respect,” said Tyobeka.
Picture: Richard Tumahole Lentsela Primary School in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
23 January 2026- The North West Department of Education confirmed that Richard Tumahole Lentsela Primary School in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke is fully operational after its official handover on 3 December 2025. The department said the new school is now accepting learners and delivering curriculum and nutrition to the local learners from the community.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the school currently accommodated 956 learners, including Grade R. Motsumi said the school was opened to reduce overcrowding at the neighbouring primary schools.
“As a Quintile 1 school, Richard Tumahole Lentsela Primary is enrolled in the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), confirming learners receive both breakfast and lunch each school day. This support by the department targets to improve class attendance, concentration and overall learning outcomes for children from low-income households.
“Through establishing a sound governance and compliance, the school management team (SMT) has appointed a temporary School Governing Body (SGB) and finalised official registration through the Education Management Information System (EMIS),” she said.
Motsumi further said they appreciate the efforts of the school, as these steps secure the school’s administration and enable access to departmental support and reporting systems. She added that the department will carry on to monitor the school’s progress, support the establishment of a permanent SGB through democratic elections and work with stakeholders to address any operational needs.
“We further call the community members and parents to engage with school leadership to support learners’ academic and social development.
The department will continue to monitor the school’s progress, support the
establishment of a permanent SGB through democratic elections, and work with stakeholders to address any operational needs.
“Parents and community members are encouraged to engage effectively with school leadership to support learner’s academics and social development,” said Motsumi.
The Guardian 