Daily Archives: February 22, 2026

Residents workshopped on currency-related matters

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Picture: Community members workshopped on currency-related issues/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

22 February 2026 – The Community Police Forum (CPF) and its sub-structures, small businesses, and community members, were workshopped by members of the Reserve Bank on currency-related matters. This initiative was spearheaded by the Reserve Bank of South Africa and facilitated by Phenyo Marumo and his team.

The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said Currency Management Department of the South African Reserve Bank proactively selected three towns in the Namakwa region as part of a deliberate outreach initiative, recognising that these communities had no direct involvement with the institution. Magerman said the intervention was aimed at ensuring proactive awareness and education on banknotes and coins is provided before being exposed and subjected to criminal activities.

“Given the geographical distance of areas such as Steinkopf, Springbok and Port Nolloth and the limited access to first-hand information due to geographical constraints, the on-site activation enabled the SARB to extend its reach and engage with a broader audience across the Northern Cape.

“Participants were also reminded that 10c, 20c and 50c coins remain legal tender and must be accepted for transactions. The sessions concluded with a practical demonstration of the look, feel, tilt method, empowering the audience to authenticate banknotes using visible and tactile security features, without the need for specialised equipment such as UV lights,” he said.

Magerman further said this hands-on approach equipped communities with the knowledge. He added that, this will also bring confidence to them, transact with confidence and identify genuine currency to safeguard themselves against counterfeit currency.

Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, extended his gratitude to the team from the Reserve Bank for their invaluable contribution towards educating local communities about counterfeit currency and to prevent them from falling victim to such related crimes.

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A man for being in possession of tortoise

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Picture: A tortoise seized by the police/Supplied

By STAFF REPORTER

22 February 2026 – On 20 February 2026, a man (58) from Brandvlei, found himself on the wrong side of the law after he was found in possession of a protected tortoise, which he allegedly intended to sell. Acting on a tip-off, the police swiftly operationalised the information and proceeded to a street in Brandvlei, where the suspect was located.

The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the man was found in possession of a tortoise and was unable to produce the required permit authorising him to keep the protected animal. Magerman said the suspect was subsequently arrested and charged under the Nature Conservation Act for the illegal possession of a protected animal.

Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, reminded the public that the possession, trade, or transportation of protected wildlife without the necessary permits is a serious criminal offence. Andrews said they are also urged to report such incidents to the nearest police station or to contact the SAPS Crime Stop line on 08600 10111 or utilise the MySaps app.

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Hit and run claims a life

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

22 February 2026 – The police in Nababeep are requesting the public to assist with information following a fatal hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of an unidentified man in the early hours of Saturday, 21 February 2026, at approximately 5:25am. The police responded to a complaint of an unknown person lying unresponsive in the middle of the Goodhouse road in Concordia. Upon arrival of the police , an unknown man was discovered with injuries.

The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the medical personnel declared him dead on the scene. Magerman said the preliminary investigations confirmed that the victim had been struck by a motor vehicle and the driver allegedly fled the scene.

“The victim was found in possession of one pair of beige veldskoene with dark brown shoe laces, which may assist in identifying him. Nababeep police are investigating a culpable homicide case.

“The investigating officer, Sergeant Enrico Cloete of the Nababeep Detective Branch can be contacted on 076 110 3174 or the SAPS Crime Stop line on 08600 10111 or via the MySaps app,” he said.

Magerman further said the police are requesting any person who can assist in identifying the deceased based on the information provided or has information on the vehicle that was involved in the accident to contact Cloete. He added that all information will be treated confidentially.

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A man nabbed for theft of cables

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Picture: A suspect nabbed for theft of cables/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

22 February 2026- A man (24) was arrested for theft of cables during the persistent efforts of Olifantshoek Detectives and Visible Policing units, together with Provincial Proactive Policing. The incident resulted in a water outage in the town for nearly three weeks.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said on 21 February 2026, the police was executing duties under Operation Shanela 2, when they successfully traced and apprehended the suspect. Ehlers said he is expected to appear in Olifantshoek Magistrate’s Court on a charge of tampering with and damaging essential infrastructure.

“The safeguarding of essential infrastructure remains a priority for the SAPS in the Northern Cape. The police have reiterated their commitment to bringing the full might of the law against perpetrators of such crimes,” she said.

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Two suspects nabbed for possession of drugs

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Picture: One of the suspects nabbed for possession of drugs/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

22 February 2026- Two suspects aged 33 and 35 were arrested for possession of drugs on separate occasions. This comes after the police received a tip-off regarding suspected drug outlets in Delportshoop on 21 February 2026.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said an integrated team comprising members of the Frances Baard District Illicit Mining Task Team, together with Frances Baard District Crime Intelligence, Kimberley Tactical Response Team (TRT) and Kimberley Public Order Police (POP) operationalised the information. Shemane said the police confiscated crystal meth (tik), dagga, and a substantial amount of cash.

“A suspect was arrested for dealing in drugs. The police then proceeded to the second identified address, where a suspect (35), was arrested after being found in possession of mandrax tablets and dagga.

“Drugs with an estimated street value of R5000 were seized. The police also confiscated a cellphone and cash believed to be proceeds of crime,” he said.

Shemane further said as part of ongoing operations, members also conducted patrols as well as stop-and-search actions in Mataleng, Barkly West, during the African National Congress (ANC) Frances Baard District January 8 celebration. He added that the operations will continue unabated in the fight against illicit mining and related crimes.

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A taxi driver nabbed for possession of dagga

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Picture: Dagga seized by the police during raid/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

22 February 2026 – A foreign national (26) was arrested near the Vioolsdrif Border in the Northern Cape on the evening of Friday, 20 February 2026, after being found in possession of hydroponic dagga valued at approximately R90 000. The arrest followed a random police search conducted on a taxi travelling from Cape Town to Namibia.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said during the search, the police discovered the illicit substance concealed inside the spare wheel compartment of the vehicle. Litabe said upon questioning, the taxi driver failed to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the contraband.

“As a result, the suspect was arrested and charged with dealing in dagga. The suspect is expected to appear in the Vioolsdrift Magistrate’s Court on 23 February 2026,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commander, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, commended the police for their swift response and vigilance, which led to the successful arrest.

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