Picture: Suspected stolen goats seized by the police/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
26 January 2026 – The police in North West said safety and security of rural and farming communities remain a top priority. The police said this was proven on 22 January 2026 at approximately 00:30, when vigilant members of Phokeng SAPS were conducting routine crime prevention patrols along the R556 road and noticed a suspicious Ford Ranger bakkie.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said the vehicle was stopped at the Sun City – Luka four-way stop. Tselanyane said the driver was the sole occupant of the vehicle and upon searching the bakkie, police discovered 26 goats loaded at the back.
“The driver (39) failed to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the ownership or origin of the goats and was subsequently arrested. The suspect was charged with possession of suspected stolen goats and is expected to appear before the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court in Tlhabane on 26 January 2026.
“The goats were found without any tattoo marks and the ownership still needs to be determined,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the police for their vigilance. Naidoo further urged livestock owners to brand mark and/or tattoo their animals as it is compulsory to mark their livestock according to the Animal Identification Act (Act 6 of 2002).
“This will also assist police with investigations and enable the speedy identification of rightful owners,” he added.
26 January 2026- The Republic of South Africa (RSA), Cyril Ramaphosa said as they enter a new year, the momentum of their economic recovery is gathering pace. Ramaphosa said in the last months of 2025, they saw a number of indicators that their collective efforts to rebuild their economy are bearing fruit.
He further said the economy has posted four consecutive quarters of growth. Ramaphosa added that there has been a steady reduction in unemployment, while recent data released by Statistics South Africa shows that levels of poverty and inequality have declined considerably.
“Confidence in our economy is rising, the stock exchange has been performing well and the average inflation rate is the lowest in two decades. Late last year, South Africa exited the Financial Action Task Force grey list, which is an important signal of institutional improvement and a boost to investor confidence.
“We have also seen a sovereign credit ratings upgrade, reflecting strengthened fiscal credibility. While these signs of progress are encouraging, there is no time to rest. The difference between a temporary lift in growth and sustained shift in our economic trajectory lies in expanding investment,” he said.
Ramaphosa said a strengthening currency and rising commodity prices, they have wind in their sails. He said now, they must steer their ship towards greater prosperity for all South Africans.
“Last week, at its first meeting of the year, the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC) made clear proposals on how to achieve this goal. A body of respected local and international economists, academics and practitioners, the council provides strategic and evidence-based advice on policy decisions that promote economic stability, growth and inclusivity.
“The council said that government should translate recent positive developments into enduring growth by simultaneously boosting public infrastructure spending and lowering the cost of doing business,” said Ramaphosa.
He said increasing infrastructure investment is not simply about spending more. Ramaphosa said it is about delivering projects that reduce the cost of doing business, unlock growth and create jobs.
“Council members expressed strong support for the ongoing programme of structural transformation in key sectors such as electricity, logistics and water. These interventions, which have brought an end to load-shedding and improved rail and port performance, aim to enable competition, improve the efficiency of network industries and reduce costs across the economy.
“Our electricity reforms are critical to this effort. A competitive electricity market is essential to bringing down the cost of electricity. And lower electricity prices are critical for both inclusive growth and social development,” he said.
Ramaphosa said similarly, improving logistics performance in rail, ports and freight corridors remains essential to exports, industrialisation and job creation. He said in addition to boosting private investment, they need to achieve higher levels of public investment in infrastructure.
“Over the last few years, we have laid a solid foundation for investment by streamlining the regulations that have held back infrastructure projects, making it easier to pursue public-private partnerships, and establishing strong institutions such as Infrastructure South Africa and the Infrastructure Fund.
“We have committed more than R1 trillion of public funds for infrastructure projects over the next three years. We need to build on this foundation by strengthening our state-owned enterprises and enabling them to invest at much higher levels,” said Ramaphosa.
He said they must do all of this at a time when the international environment is increasingly volatile and uncertain. Ramaphosa said a global growth is expected to remain subdued over the medium term and many countries are facing heightened trade and geopolitical tensions.
“This underscores the need for South Africa to sharpen its competitiveness and expand markets, particularly on the African continent. We must capitalise on the positive momentum of recent months by building strong partnerships, strengthening delivery, and closing the gap between policy intent and implementation.
“Only if our own institutions are strong can we compete and remain responsive in a rapidly changing world. During the course of this year, we need to double down on our efforts to grow investment and create jobs,” he said.
Ramaphosa said they must seize the momentum they built and translate this into long-term gains for their economy. He said in the coming days, cabinet will hold its annual Lekgotla to outline the actions that will be taken across government and with social partners to achieve these goals.
“Through these actions, by working together, we will ensure that the progress we’ve seen in the last year will have an impact on the lives of South Africans this year,” said Ramaphosa.
26 January 2026- The police in the Northern Cape conducted high-density operations under the banner Operation Shanela 2 from 19 to 25 January 2026. The police said these coordinated operations resulted in the arrest of 818 suspects for various criminal offences across the province.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said these operations comprised the searching of persons, vehicles and premises. Litabe said the conducting of patrols, inspections at licensed liquor outlets, the closure of illegal liquor outlets, the tracing and arrest of wanted suspects.
“The activities were well coordinated and led by senior management at provincial, district and station level. The police worked in close collaboration with key stakeholders, including the national traffic police, the Department of Health, the Department of Home Affairs and other law-enforcement partners.
“During the operations, the police searched 184 premises, 16 415 persons, and 7 366 vehicles. In addition, wanted suspects were traced and arrested by detectives for various serious crimes,” he said.
Litabe further said inspections were conducted at licensed liquor premises, second-hand goods dealers, non-official firearm institutions, official firearm institutions, business premises, informal businesses, farms and mines. He added that as part of the operations, the police confiscated large volumes litres of alcohol, dangerous weapons, drugs including dagga and dagga plants, crystal meth and mandrax tablets.
“Numerous items were recovered, and an undisclosed amount of cash suspected to be the proceeds of crime was seized.
“The SAPS, together with its partners, will continue to enforce the law and assert the authority of the state through simultaneous, intelligence-driven operations across all five districts of the Northern Cape,” said Litabe.
Meanwhile, the management of the South African Police Service in the Northern Cape appreciated all stakeholders for their ongoing support and participation in all crime prevention operations and looks forward to strengthening and sustaining these collaborative efforts in future operations.
26 January 2026- The police in Witbank are investigating a case of murder and attempted murder of Eskom employees that occurred on 21 January 2026, at around 5pm. According to the police, the incident occurred at Corner of R547 and D455 road, Riestspruit near Witbank .
Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said upon arrival at the scene, the police found paramedics and a silver bakkie parked in the middle of the road. Ndubane said in the bakkie, there was a man on the driver’s seat bleeding and the vehicle was having bullets holes all around.
“The paramedics where busy with a female passenger who was also shot and was taken to hospital for further medical attention.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the duo were coming from work to their home. The deceased, Bongani Madonsela (39) and the female victim, both are Eskom employees.
“The deceased was shot on the upper body and 15 cartridges were found on the scene. The police are appealing to members of the public for assistance in tracing and arresting the suspects,” he said.
Ndubane further said anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Desmond Kgwedi on 076 509 6073, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or submit information via MYSAPS App. He added that all information will be treated as confidential, and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
Meanwhile, the acting Mpumalanga Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has condemned this barbaric act and extended his condolences to the bereaved family and also appeal to the community members to come forward with information so that those wrongdoers are brought into books
By OBAKENG MAJE 26 January 2026- The Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) at the Matlosana Local Municipality and a former ANCYL leader (36), has been arrested for alleged drunken driving, resisting arrest, assault on traffic official and malicious damage to property.
It is alleged that on 24 January 2026 at around 6:30am, the traffic officials were busy with routine patrols when they spotted a black sedan vehicle in Leask Street driving while facing the oncoming traffic. It is alleged that, the female traffic official stopped and approached the driver who appeared to be under the influence of liquor.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said furthermore, upon interviewing the suspect for his actions and informed of his arrest by the officials, he became aggressive and started to attack the female officials. Tselanyane said it was then that the male officials then tried to intervene and resistance escalated up until the police were called and the suspect was restrained.
“In due process the female official sustained an injury on her left hand. It is alleged that, while on the way to the health facility to draw blood samples, the suspect hit and broke the window of the traffic vehicle. The suspect was eventually taken to Stilfontein Health Centre to draw blood and resistance continued and ultimately taken to the Stilfontein Police Station and the blood sample was ultimately taken from him.
“The suspect will face the drunken driving, resisting arrest, assault on traffic official and malicious damage to property. He is detained and is expected to appear before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on Monday,” he said. taungdailynews@gmail.com
Picture: The Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee, Nathan Oliphant
By REGINALD KANYANE
26 January 2026- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate allegations made by the Mayor of Naledi Local Municipality, Clifton J Groep, against the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi will resume its hearings from 26 to 31 January 2026.
The committee said the continuation of the hearings follows the conclusion of the initial round of witness testimonies held in November 2025 and the extension of its mandate until 31 March 2026, to allow sufficient time for the completion of its work.
The Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee, Nathan Oliphant said the hearings will resume with the continuation of testimony by Thabo Appolus, former Director: Corporate Services at the Naledi Local Municipality. Oliphant said Adv Pule Seleka, SC will continue to lead evidence.
“The hearings will take place at Sun City Convention Centre from 9am daily. We reaffirm that the committee continues to execute its work in a manner that is fair, transparent and consistent with the principles of natural justice and the Legislature’s constitutional oversight responsibilities, and that it will not pre-empt the outcome of its deliberations.
“Members of the public and interested stakeholders are encouraged to access the Ad Hoc Committee webpage for more information on the work of the Committee:
Picture: North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi
By OBAKENG MAJE
26 January 2026- The North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is at a brink of achieving 100% expenditure of the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), which has given many communities, especially rural villages a facelift across the province. The department said such projects included the installation of high mast lights, construction of paved roads as well as water supply and sanitation projects.
The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said through intensive support programmes to municipalities, the department has moved from 90% MIG expenditure in the 2022/2023 financial year, to 97% in 2023/2024 and 99% in 2024/2025 financial year. Molapisi said the province has been allocated R2.2 Billion.
“51% of the total allocation has been spent half-way in the financial year (Dec 2025), cementing the expectation that the remaining (49%) allocation will be duly spend between January and June 2026.
“The department is aiming for 100% expenditure, by leaving no allocation that is meant to service and ensure development in communities across the province,” he said.
Molapisi has further expressed satisfaction in the expenditure pattern, saying its time department ensure 100% expenditure for the benefit of our rural communities. He added that quarterly district MIG sessions that were held with municipalities, have assisted to unblock challenges encountered during project initiation and implementation.
“We believe each cent earmarked for the MIG projects will be spent to ensure infrastructure development and transform the living conditions in our communities.
“Municipalities in the province are also on the right trajectory to work towards better financial governance and better audit outcomes,” said Molapisi.
He said Moses Kotane, JB Marks and Greater Taung Local Municipalities have improved from qualified to unqualified audit opinion, Ratlou Local Municipality improved from disclaimer to qualified audit outcome, Mamusa moved from adverse to qualified and Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality moved from disclaimer to adverse audit outcome.
Molapisi said even though the department, working together with other stakeholders worked towards better audit outcomes, the progress is welcomed while more efforts are being made to achieve better.
“A special focus will be given to Bojanala Platinum, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipalities as well as Moretele Local Municipality, which have been receiving unqualified audit opinion, to assist them to achieve clean audit opinion.
“Even though several milestones have been achieved, it’s time to show that we take audit outcomes seriously. We must now move to an era of submitting quality financial statements that should positively impact audit outcomes,” said Molapisi.
He said they are working hard together with Provincial Treasury as part of supporting and strengthening the capacity of municipalities to ensure improved financial management, which should translate into improved positive audit opinions. Molapisi said the department is also continuing to make notable progress through the effective utilisation of the Municipal Performance Assessment Tool (MPAT), a management diagnostic instrument developed to assess the quality of management practices within municipalities.
“Since the inception of the Municipal Turnaround Strategy, several municipalities were increasingly demonstrating improved performance on targeted areas, by proactively identifying management weaknesses through early warning signs before it escalated into audit queries or service-delivery challenges.
“Such areas included Putting People First, Delivering Basic Services, Good Governance, Sound Financial Management, Building Capable Local Government and Local Economic Development,” he said.
Molapisi said as per the MPAT score for 2023/24, Bojanala Platinum District Municipality was leading at 83%, followed by Dr Kenneth Kaunda at 82%, and Moretele Local Municipality at 77%. He said the progress was achieved through the implementation of a dashboard monitoring system, which has enabled the department to track performance trends, support corrective actions, and implement targeted interventions in collaboration with municipalities.
“We believe that an intensified oversight and support will continue to improve the performance of all municipalities. MPAT is consistently focusing on critical management systems, which had historically been the root cause of poor audit outcomes, governance instability, and poor service delivery.
“Municipalities that were scoring low under MPAT, were identified and this triggered turnaround interventions, intensified support, and closer monitoring by the department” said Molapisi.
The Guardian 