Daily Archives: February 14, 2026

Two people nabbed for faking kidnappings

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

14 February 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the North West said it has noted with serious concern two recent kidnapping-related cases reported in the Bojanala Platinum District, which have since been found to be either staged or linked to criminal conduct by the so-called victims themselves. The police said the swift intelligence-driven operations led to significant breakthroughs in both matters.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said in the first incident, reported in Marikana, Sizeka Mankantshu (41), allegedly staged her own kidnapping with the assistance of an accomplice, Morris “Sgubu” Radiete (41), a Lesotho national. Myburgh said the investigation, conducted through coordinated efforts involving crime intelligence, Detectives and Cyber Crime Intelligence collection, revealed that the alleged victim was never kidnapped.

“Instead, she conspired with the male suspect to extort money from her husband. Evidence further confirmed that she had been hiding at the residences of the accomplice and his girlfriend. Cellular phones previously reported stolen in a robbery case were recovered during the operation.

“Both suspects were arrested and charged with defeating the ends of justice, extortion and illegal immigration (in respect of the male suspect). The duo appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 12 February 2026 and were remanded in custody until 19 February 2026, for a formal bail application,” she said.

Myburgh further said investigations established that the possible motive behind the staged kidnapping was financial distress, as the woman was reportedly heavily indebted and unable to repay various creditors. She added that in a separate incident reported in Rustenburg on 10 February 2026, a woman (36) was allegedly kidnapped at Rustenburg Mall and a ransom demanded from her family.

“A multidisciplinary intelligence-led operation traced the victim to Bokamoso Settlement, where she was found unharmed on 12 February 2026. Further investigation revealed that she had allegedly defrauded several jobseekers from areas, including Boitekong, Ikemeleng and Bokamoso by falsely promising them employment at a local mine and charging between R2000 and R3500 per person.

“The two women, Gomotsegang Litsietsa (28) and Nolitha Nong (54) were arrested on 12 February 2026, and charged with kidnapping after it was established that they had kept the victim at a residence in Bokamoso, while demanding repayment of the money owed. They appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 13 February 2026, and was released on bail of R2000 each. Their next court appearance will be on 9 April 2026,” said Myburgh.

She said the alleged victim, Chahane Tsholofelo (36), was subsequently arrested and charged with fraud and theft under false pretences. Myburgh said she also appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 13 February 2026, and was granted R1500 bail.

“Her next court appearance will be on 18 March 2026,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Naidoo, has strongly condemned the abuse of police resources through false reporting and staged crimes. Naidoo emphasised that the staging of kidnappings and the opening of false criminal cases is a serious offence.

“Such actions divert critical police resources from genuine victims of violent crime and place unnecessary strain on investigative teams. We warn that individuals found to have deliberately misled law enforcement will face the full might of the law.

“Community members are urged to report disputes and suspected fraud through lawful channels instead of resorting to criminal conduct. Lastly, we would like to indicate that the police remain committed to ensuring that perpetrators of crime—whether reporting false cases, committing fraud, or unlawfully detaining others—are brought to book,” he said.

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Three learners at President Mangope Technical School suspended amid bullying allegations

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Picture: Two female learners seen assaulting a boy learner at President Mangope Technical School in Tlhabane/Screengrab  

By REGINALD KANYANE

14 February 2026- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she condemn in the strongest terms the incident of bullying, which allegedly happened at President Mangope Technical School in Tlhabane Township, near Rustenburg. Motsumi said the video is currently circulating on various social media platforms.

She further said it is reported that the incident occurred at school during the break on Thursday, 12 February 2026. Motsumi added that it is reported that during the school break at the class of the Grade 9C, two girl learners locked themselves up inside the classroom with one boy learner.

“The video circulating on social media shows two girls assaulting a boy learner inside the classroom. It is further reported that another learner unlocked the door for the boy learner to escape and for other learners to gain access to the fighting learners.

“They eventually broke up the fight, two perpetrators and the victim were taken to the principal’s office. The school management resolved by suspending all three learners involved in the fight. The learners will be subjected to a school disciplinary process,” she said.

Motsumi insisted that incidents of fighting or bullying are not tolerated in schools. She condemned in the strongest terms the incident of bullying or fighting that allegedly happened at the school.

“Fighting among learners is totally not allowed in our schools. Any learner found to have violated the rights of other learners will face the full might of the law. At the beginning of the year, the school management outlines the non-negotiable to the learners.

“Each and every learner is made aware of their rights and the consequences of violating these rights. The School Governing Body (SGB) of the school is expected to invite the learners and their parents to a disciplinary hearing, which is scheduled to take place at the school between 16 -18 February 2026,” said Motsumi.

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Drugs and cash confiscated from foreign nationals  

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Picture: Dagga and cash confiscated by police/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

14 February 2026 – On Friday night, two foreign nationals aged 29 from Nigeria and Swaziland respectively, were arrested for possession of suspected illegal substance, including dagga, crystal meth and khat with an estimated street value of R9 600, as well as the confiscation of cash in Wolmaranstad. This comes after residents raised concerns regarding drug-related activities and crime in the area.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the suspects were nabbed Wolmaranstad and Tswelelang Township. Myburgh said the Nigerian suspect was out on R1000 bail for a similar offence at the time of his arrest.

“In a separate incident, a man (36) was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. A R2000 fine was issued to a woman (68) for selling liquor without a valid licence or permit at Tswelelang Township. A R1 000 fine was issued to a Nigerian man (68) for failing to produce a certificate authorising the sale of second-hand goods.

“During stop-and-search operations, dangerous weapons were seized. Various licensed liquor outlets in and around Wolmaranstad were also inspected to verify compliance with liquor licensing regulations. The operation was successfully conducted by members from various units, including the North West Provincial Firearms, Liquor and Second Hand Goods (FLASH), Anti-Gang Unit, Potchefstroom Public Order Policing (POP), Crime Intelligence, and the North West Provincial Tracking Team,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the community for providing valuable information that led to the success of the operation. Naidoo appreciated the courage and cooperation of community members who continue to work closely with the police.

“Crime can only be effectively addressed when communities and law enforcement stand united. Operations such as Shanela will continue to ensure that those involved in criminal activities are brought to book, and to restore a sense of safety in our communities,” he said.

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NDPP lambasts MKP member amid brazenly attempted to barge into NPA office

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By STAFF REPORTER

14 February 2026- The National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), advocate Andy Mothibi said it has seen a video that is circulating widely on social media, of an alleged Mkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP) member who brazenly attempted to barge into the NPA head office, apparently looking for a senior official of the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU).

Mothibi said in the video recorded outside the NPA building, he uttered threats designed to intimidate the AFU senior financial investigator for doing his work.

He said the MKP member further threatened to bring a mob to block access to the NPA head office for 14 days or until money is released to “the women of South Africa”. Mothibi added that the NDPP strongly condemns this behaviour and views the tactic as not only unlawful, as it is an attempt to interfere in the work of the NPA, but also as an attack on the rule of law.

“The background to the matter is that two preservation orders to the total amount of over R4 million (R4 193 968.77) were granted by the Pretoria High Court to the AFU in 2024, related to the Growsave Stokvel. The Preservation Orders were in respect of funds held in various bank accounts in the name of Women Against Poverty and Hunger (Pty) Ltd (WAPH) and others.

“The first order was granted on 30 September 2024 for an amount of R4 057 259.00 and the second was granted on 16 October 2024 for R136 709.77. Subsequently, the Pretoria AFU was granted a Forfeiture Order of R136 709.77, including interest accrued by the Pretoria High Court on 19 June 2025,” he said.

Mothibi said on 26 November 2025, the court delivered a judgment setting aside the initial preservation order of R4 057259.00 and directing the release of the frozen accounts. He said the NDPP disputes both the correctness and the legality of that judgment and has filed an application for leave to appeal against the judgment.

“At this stage, the matter is far from concluded, as there are two interlocutory applications pending, namely the application for leave to appeal and an application in terms of section 18(1) read with 18(3) of Superior Courts Act, to determine whether the order directing the release of the frozen accounts should be suspended, pending an appeal.

“AFU received information from the National Consumer Commission (NCC) that WAPH (and/or members associated with it) invited members of the public, via various online media platforms including Facebook, to invest a once-off amount of R300 and receive monthly groceries for 12 months. The R300 payment entitles members to 10kg bags of flour, mealie meal, and rice, as well as a 2-litre cooking oil and 2kg sugar,” said Mothibi.

He said members would receive these items once a month for 12 months, provided the R300 payment was made. Mothibi said a price comparison with different retailers revealed that the total value of these items amounts to R441.87 per month, meaning that WAPH promised groceries worth R5 302.44 for a once-off payment of R300.

“In addition, members were encouraged to recruit new members and could earn cash rewards; for example, recruiting 10 members could yield R1 000. The investigation determined that WAPH conducted a multiplication scheme, prohibited under section 43(3)(2)(a) of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). The NCC calculated that the effective interest rate offered was 1,667.47%, exceeding the repo rate by more than 20%.

“Furthermore, WAPH is not a licensed financial services provider, in contravention of section 7 of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act 37 of 2002 (FAIS Act); and is not licensed to receive deposits from the public, thereby violating the Banks Act,” he said.

Mothibi said the primary objective of these legislative provisions is to protect the public from unscrupulous operators and to prevent them from losing their hard-earned money. He said WAPH is considered such an operator.

“The AFU therefore contends that the funds in the preserved bank accounts constitute proceeds of unlawful activities. It is important for the public to understand that the AFU does not preserve assets randomly. Assets are preserved only when believed to be proceeds of unlawful activities or instrumentalities of offences listed in Schedule 1 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA).

“The AFU submits that WAPH contravened multiple pieces of legislation, thereby placing the public’s money at risk. While asset recovery processes are an important part of the government’s strategy to effectively deal with corruption, they also play a role in protecting unwitting victims of such unlawful money making or investment schemes,” said Mothibi.

He said WAHP and its organisers have not litigated their opposition to AFU asset recovery proceedings in a professional and fair manner, prompting the AFU to complain to the AJP of Gauteng Pretoria Division. Lately they have now resorted to threatening both the AFU and police officials involved in the matter. Mothibi said the intimidation and threats are serious and call for urgent action and a criminal case has been registered with the police.

“The NDPP urges anyone who may have legal issues to raise to do so appropriately by following available legal avenues,” he said.

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Fix Northern Cape healthcare on the frontlines, not in reports

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

14 February 2026- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Northern Cape said healthcare cannot be fixed from behind a desk and if health governance is reduced to chasing targets instead of addressing realities in clinics and hospitals, patients will continue to suffer. The DA said this is a warning following this week’s legislature oversight meeting on the Northern Cape Department of Health’s Annual Report, where the newly appointed Head of Department, Oupa Phiri, expressed confidence that performance target achievements will increase from 51% to 70% under his leadership.

DA Northern Cape Provincial Leader and Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Isak Fritz said health is about people and frontline services that save lives. Fritz said the urgent interventions required to stabilise this department cannot be found in improved reporting metrics, but in tangible reforms.

“Appointing and retaining additional healthcare professionals to fill the 1 719 critical occupation posts across the establishment, including the 367 vacancies at Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital, must take priority. The thousands of surgery backlogs, with at least a year-long waiting time, must be attended to.

“Emergency Medical Services must be strengthened and modernised to ensure that there are more than double the 60 operational ambulances available to service our vast province. Repairing infrastructure, like broken air conditioner units, and ensuring availability of necessary equipment and medical and pharmaceutical supplies, by facilitating timeous payment to service providers and suppliers, is also non-negotiable,” he said.

Fritz further said at the same time, the department must address financial controls to ensure that money is astutely managed to enable the above and so that not another cent is mismanaged, lost or stolen. He added that this requires the will to address internal audit recommendations, of which only 19 out of 235 were implemented in the previous financial year.

“It also requires boldness to truly prioritise health necessities above administrative nice-to-haves. With provincial healthcare on its knees, getting this right is what really matters now. The DA will continue to monitor access to healthcare in communities and hold the department accountable at every level.

“The people of the Northern Cape do not need better statistics, they need doctors at their bedsides, ambulances at their doors, medicine on the shelves, and a health system that works,” said Fritz.

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One Province for One Future!

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Picture: DA leader, John Steenhuisen

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

14 February 2026- The Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, John Steenhuisen said it is a privilege to be with you today in Mbombela and on Valentine’s Day. Steenhuisen  said it’s especially fitting that they are gathered here on the day, which celebrates the commitment of love, because it’s an opportunity to celebrate the love we have for this party, this province and the important role that both play in South Africa.

He further said the kind of love that recognises the importance of this incredible province. Steenhuisen added that the historic source of South Africa’s energy and where many of their vast natural resources and heritage are held.

“Democrats, this has been an especially difficult start to the year for everyone in the Democratic Alliance in Mpumalanga. The untimely passing of our Provincial Director, Sarbhera Amod, just six weeks ago is still raw and painful for us all. Day in and out, Sarbie served with excellence, professionalism and humanity.

“She was a courageous leader with a brilliant operational mind. She is sorely missed today, as she will always be. My sincere condolences go to her family: Thelma, Sharlton and Dennis. Democrats, the President mentioned the contribution of women to our democracy, during the State of the Nation Address on Thursday, I must emphasise that if we truly love this province, and our country, then we must confront one of a gravest moral crises facing us: the scourge of femicide,” he said.

Steenhuisen said no society can call itself free while women live in fear. He said combating violence against women and children must be a relentless national priority, enforced through effective, devolved policing in capable provinces, functioning courts and communities that refuse to look away.

“This province is also reeling from a state of disaster caused by massive flooding, the likes of which we haven’t seen for years here. It reminds us of the awesome power of nature, and the need to build climate resilient infrastructure to serve all the people here, and to protect the precious nature of this province.

“The work which Sarbie, and all of our public representatives’ professional staff and activists in this province, have been doing is worth continuing, even when that fight is hard,” said Steenhuisen.

He said one of the great strengths of the Democratic Alliance (DA) is that they practise what they preach. Steenhuisen said they hold elective congresses like this one, which are open, competitive, democratic, because we believe leadership must be earned.

“And it is precisely because of this culture of accountability that we have achieved so much over the past six years. As I said two weeks ago in Durban, when many people had written the DA’s political obituary, we chose a different path.

“In 2019, the headlines read: “Death of the DA.” That was what we inherited, and what we all had to build from. But together (through hard work, discipline, and belief) we did. Today, we stand as a party in national government, actually changing the course of South Africa’s history, according to our values as a party,” he said.

Steenhuisen said that none of that would have been possible without voters (ordinary South Africans) choosing delivery over excuses. He said even the President has acknowledged it that there the DA governs, things work better.

“If that still sounds abstract, look at the facts. South Africa is off the FATF grey list. IDs are being delivered through banks. We have record matric results, connectivity is expanding. Economic growth has grown, compared to the pre-GNU period. Though our economic gains are still green shoots, they are there and they must be nurtured because there is a lot more to be done.

“But friends, Mpumalanga knows better than most that national progress means nothing if provinces and municipalities are broken. Mpumalanga is a province of extraordinary importance to South Africa. It is home to our energy heartland, our forestry sector, our coal and mineral resources, and precious water catchment areas, from which much of South Africa drinks,” said Steenhuisen.

He said yet, for too long, this province has been held back by corruption, state capture, and governance collapse. Steenhuisen said during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday night, the President acknowledged the progress being made through the Government of National Unity: stabilising the economy, restoring investor confidence, and driving reform in key departments, most of which are DA led.

“I said after the speech, and I maintain, that most of the DA’s priorities, which have been relentlessly driving for years, were now highlighted. It shows the good work that the DA is doing in national government and the significant influence we are making.

“But where it fell short was on one critical issue: a clear, broad-based policy solution to lift millions of poor South Africans (especially black South Africans) out of poverty in a sustainable way,” he said.

Steenhuisen said for too long, empowerment policy in its current format has enriched a connected few, rather than expanding opportunity to the many. He said if they are serious about inclusive growth in provinces like Mpumalanga, they must move beyond narrow enrichment and focus on policies that create jobs, expand ownership widely and unlock real economic participation for all.

“The DA has tabled a solution. It’s called the Economic inclusion for all bill, and we are fighting for it to succeed in Parliament. The promise of a better South Africa, built on better choices, is within reach, here in Mpumalanga, and across the country. At a local level, the DA has shown that where it governs, it does so competently and efficiently.

“Unlocking the potential of Provinces like Mpumalanga depends on getting municipalities working again. That requires us offering the voters of this province a credible political alternative to the status quo, at local government level,” said Steenhuisen.

He said he is proud to say that the DA in Mpumalanga is ready to govern. Steenhuisen said it is great to see such confidence in the current leadership.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank your Leader and Chairperson for their commitment, dedication and courage. Leading is a calling, and I sense there are great things in store for this province. For those positions that are contested, I have every confidence that this delegation will select the best, strongest and most courageous members to take this province to new heights.

“As you prepare to announce the outcome of this election, I want to wish the new office bearers every success. I think that our leaders in the province, experienced as they are, know that strong, principled leadership at the local level is the foundation of a DA that can govern, deliver, and win,” he said.

Steenhuisen said they know that the challenges faced in Mpumalanga, at local level, are much the same elsewhere in the country. He said people want clean water in their taps, electricity that stays on.

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Committee supports the Kruger National Park flood recovery

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By REGINALD KANYANE

14 February 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment on Friday commended the South African National Parks (SANParks) for the sterling and well-coordinated rescue operations conducted during the recent devastating floods within the Kruger National Park. The committee noted the professionalism displayed during the crisis and further acknowledged SANParks’ efforts to rescue both humans and wildlife using its resources.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental, Nqabisa Gantsho said while the floods caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, staff villages, utilities, and tourist facilities, the committee appreciated that no lives were lost. Gantsho said preliminary assessments estimated the damage at hundreds of millions of rands.

“For the committee, whoever, the preservation of life remains the ultimate metric of success. The committee noted that the outcome was the result of a combination of functional early warning systems, swift evacuation protocols, and the tireless and heroic efforts of park management and emergency personnel.

“The committee acknowledges that these floods place a significant strain on the park’s operational capacity. These adverse weather events also highlight the need for increased budgetary allocations and investment in infrastructure as part of South Africa’s broader strategy to adapt to escalating climate risks,” she said.

Gantsho said the committee supports the establishment of the SANParks Kruger Recovery Fund. She applauds the proactive fundraising initiatives that are already underway.

“We also note the essential work of the SANParks Honorary Rangers through the Kruger Flood 2026 Fund and the significant contributions pledged by various national and international partners. The committee appealed for transparency and the correct allocation of resources.

“It also emphasised that these Funds are the only legitimate channels authorised to receive and manage donations. We encourage individuals, local communities and the private sector to contribute generously toward this cause,” said Gantsho.

She said the Kruger National Park is far more than a conservation area. Gantsho said it is a national heritage asset, a cornerstone of their biodiversity and the economic lifeline for the communities that border it.

“The recovery of the park is therefore a shared national responsibility. By contributing to these official fundraising efforts, the public plays a vital role in the rebuilding process. Our collective goal is to ensure that Kruger National Park not only recovers its former status but also emerges stronger, safer and better prepared for future climate challenges,” she said.

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Road to Brazil begins in earnest for Sasol Banyana

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Picture: Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis

By OBAKENG MAJE

14 February 2026 – Sasol Banyana Banyana’s road to the Brazil 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup begins in earnest when they participate in this year’s 2025 COSAFA Women’s Championship. A few days ago, Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis announced a 38-member squad in preparation for an alignment camp for the COSAFA Women’s Championship and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The team went into camp on 13 February 2026, in preparation for the two tournaments to be played this year. The WAFCON is scheduled to take place in Morocco from 17-3 April 2026, while the COSAFA Women’s Championship will be held in Polokwane, South Africa, from 18 February – 1 March 2026.

Ellis said she will use the regional tournament as part of her preparations for WAFCON and a squad made up of only local-based players will assemble for camp in Johannesburg on Friday before making their way to Limpopo on Sunday. She said the overseas-based contingent is expected to start arriving from 25 February 2026, in line with the FIFA calendar window.

“The squad will be trimmed down to the required number after the COSAFA Women’s Championship before they travel to North Africa. In the regional tournament, the South African senior women’s national team was drawn in Group A alongside Malawi, Lesotho and Angola.

“The 2022 African Champions will kick off the competition with a clash against the Scorchers of Malawi on Wednesday, 18 February 2026 at the Seshego Stadium. The action will move to the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in the next two matches where the South Africans will host Angola on 21 February 2026, followed by the last group stages game against Lesotho on 24 February 2026,” said Ellis.

Kickoff for all three fixtures is at 3pm. The semi-final clashes have been scheduled for 27 February 2026.

She further said there is a third-place play-off match on 1 March at midday, which will precede the final scheduled for 3pm on the same day at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. Ellis added that in the WAFCON, Banyana Banyana will face off against the Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Tanzania.

“For the first time in the history of the competition, 16 nations will take part and the top four will qualify for the Brazil 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

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