27 February 2026- The police in Upington are requesting the assistance of the public in locating a missing woman, Charlotte von Wielligh (43), who was last seen on 21 February 2026, in Upington before she reportedly left for Danielskuil, where she packed some clothes and left in her white Mazda 3, with registration number CLT 536 NC.
The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Omphile Masegela said family lost contact with her soon after that, her phone is unreachable and they have been trying to locate her unsuccessfully. Masegela said anyone with information that can assist in locating von Wielligh can contact the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Roos on 082 495 4615 or 054 337 3400 or alternatively report on mySAPS App.
“The public is urged to report missing persons as soon as possible. No waiting period applies when reporting a missing person,” she said.
Picture: Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong officially opened the McDougalls Bay Public Ablution facility in Port Nolloth/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
27 February 2026- The Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong officially opened the McDougalls Bay Public Ablution facility in Port Nolloth. Makatong said the facility valued at R390 000 and constructed over two financial years, was delivered through the Northern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works EPWP Grant, a program specifically designed to combine service delivery with meaningful job creation in communities that need it most.
“Today, we are celebrating not only a new piece of community infrastructure, but the determination and skill of the local Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) participants who built it with their own hands.
“We must never speak about infrastructure without speaking about people. Every rand of EPWP investment is a statement that infrastructure development and job creation are not separate goals, they are one and the same,” she said.
Makatong further said during the construction of the facility, a total of 19 work opportunities were created through the program. She added that, in a demonstration of true community ownership, the bricks used in the construction were manufactured by EPWP participants themselves at the municipal brick yard.
“The EPWP, led by the Northern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works, is a national program that provides temporary employment and training to unemployed and unskilled workers, giving participants an income, transferable skills, and restored dignity.
“In the Richtersveld Local Municipality alone, 124 employees and participants have been placed through the EPWP grant from July 2025 to date. The McDougalls Bay public ablution facility has been designed with full inclusivity at its core,” said Makatong.
She said it caters for males and females, people living with disabilities and members of the LGBTQI+ community. Makatong called on the community to take ownership of the facility, noting that it represents more than a government project.
“It is a product of community voices and patient advocacy. This facility belongs to you. It is a product of your voices and your patience, and I ask that you protect it, maintain it, and take pride in it as a community asset.
“The opening of the facility forms part of a broader EPWP investment in the Richtersveld that also includes the cleaning of the municipal CBD, fencing and paving of the municipal parking area, and brick manufacturing at the municipal brick yard,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Richtersveld Local Municipality mayor, Cornell Knoph said: “The facility will serve tourists and visitors who come to this stretch of the Northern Cape coastline, ensuring they are welcomed by dignified, functional and accessible amenities.”
27 February 2026- Widespread, persistent water and sanitation challenges continue to rock the clinic in Mothanthanyane village, near Taung. It is alleged that the clinic was forced to partially close due to severe, chronic water shortages that are crippling health service delivery and compromising hygiene.
One of the employees at the clinic who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said the crisis is exacerbated by failing infrastructure, poor maintenance and lack of electricity. She said it has been three months since they experienced this contrasting issue.
“Patients had to be returned back home due to lack of water within the facility. The facility has been without running water for over three months, leading to severe sanitation issues and frustration among staff and patients.
“We have reported this matter to the North West Department of Health, but we continue to face service delivery, maintenance, and equipment issues,” said our source.
The North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said it is aware of water and electricity issues at the clinic. Lekgethwane said they can also confirm that the provision of water is the responsibility of Magalies Water.
“At the same time, the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) is responsible for providing the community with water on an emergency basis. However, the department upon realizing that there was no water provision at Mothanthanyaneng village, procured a water tank as an emergency relief for consumption by staff and patients.
“The borehole at the clinic will be serviced to ensure that it supplies water when Magalies Water is not supplying water. The maintenance team of artisans was dispatched to Monthanthanyaneng clinic to resolve the electricity supply issue,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi during his State of the Province (SOPA) said, Operation Bulela Metsi remains a critical initiative to fast-track and bolster their efforts of ensuring equitable access to this precious resource. Mokgosi said to date, they have spent close to R300m for water and sanitation
projects in Maquassi Hills and the villages of Segakwaneng, Manamakgotheng, Pahalane, Makoshong in Moretele Local Municipality as well as Kokomeng, Khudutlou, Molelema and Longaneng in the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM).
“An additional R1.9 billion has been set aside for ongoing bulk water supply projects in Madibeng, Ratlou, Mahikeng and Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipalities,” he said.
North West MEC for Education and ANC deputy provincial secretary, Viol Motsumi
By OBAKENG MAJE
27 February 2026- The dissections within the ANC in North West continue to deepen. This came to the bow on Thursday morning during State of the Province (SOPA) in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) in Mahikeng.
The North West MEC for Education and ANC deputy provincial secretary, Viola Motsumi was allegedly caught with her ‘pants’ down during the proceedings. Motsumi was allegedly heard in a conversation with the Deputy Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Collen Maine on how much detestation she has towards the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, who is also the ANC deputy provincial chairperson.
In the video that only depicts Motsumi’s alleged voice said: “Where were you when s/he abused me and now you come and talk about unity? I am saying over my dead body. Where were you when hitmen were looking for me and appeared in the newspapers?
“Where were you when I was written letters? Now, you see that your project is not working, you coming with unity issue? I told her/him that s/he must never ever bring that topic up because it makes me emotional. You should never ever open that discussion again and you can go and tell Lazzy that I hate him.”
“Why didn’t you tell him about unity when he removed Collen from the list?”
According to our highly-placed source within the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), after realising that her microphone was on all along and she might have been recorded, Motsumi allegedly approached NWPL Secretary, advocate Lutendo Netshitumbu and asked him to remove the live streaming video on the North West Provincial Legislature’s official Facebook Page.
They allegedly went to the Communications and Technical teams of the North West Provincial Legislature’s cubicle, where the proceedings were live streamed and instructed the service provider to delete the purported video and restart recording the proceedings again. The service provider allegedly did not delete the video.
However, the video was finally deleted after going back and forth. The edited video of the SOPA proceedings was only uploaded again on the North West Provincial Legislature’s official Facebook Page on Friday around 1pm without the alleged part, where Motsumi was heard declaring her hatred towards Mokgosi.
The Secretary at the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Adv Lutendo Netshitumbu denied any wrongdoings. Netshitumbu said the North West Provincial Legislature’s responsibility in respect of SOPA is to facilitate the sitting of the House and to ensure that proceedings are broadcast live to guarantee public access and transparency.
“I categorically denies any allegation that I instructed the Communications or Technical teams to delete or edit the live-streamed video. The Legislature does not edit official House proceedings.
“Any technical interruption, temporary removal, or platform-related issue concerning the live stream does not equate to manipulation of content. The official recording of the proceedings remains an authentic reflection of the sitting as it unfolded,” he said.
Netshitumbu further said allegations relating to the conduct, statements, or political positions of individuals mentioned in the enquiry do not fall within the mandate of the Legislature to pronounce upon and should be referred to the relevant individuals or organisations. He added that the NWPL remains committed to transparency, institutional integrity and the faithful broadcasting of its proceedings.
Motsumi refused to comment on the matter.
“But you are out of order Baks! No comment! As a brother and sister, you should understand better,” she said.
The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said: “The Premier is not aware of the purported video and shall not comment on its contents.”
The ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping has not responded to these allegations yet.
Meanwhile, one of the ANC members in the province alleged the North West MECs who are aligned to the ANC provincial chairperson, Nono Maloyi slate that is affectionately known as N12, continues to defy Mokgosi’s instructions and regard him as weak.
“You will remember that Mokgosi is contesting for the ANC provincial chairperson position and his campaign is gaining momentum. So, those who are aligned to the Maloyi slate, will do anything to derail him.
“There is a belief that Mokgosi is afraid to recall them because they are aligned with Maloyi. So, indeed ANC in North West continues to grapple with deep-seated internal divisions, which are actively shaping the landscape ahead of the much-anticipated ANC Provincial Elective Conference.”
The source said the party remains plagued by factional battles, with significant power struggles between key leaders. The source said there is a coup against Mokgosi hence the establishment of the Ad Hoc Committee in the North West Provincial Legislature.
“In 2024, Mokgosi appointed Ndlela Kunene as the acting Head of Department (HOD) for Education, but Motsumi defied his orders and preferred to retain Maropene Seshibe in the position. This created dual acting appointments for the same role.
“Again, a few weeks ago, there was another power struggle between Mokgosi and North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng over the suspension of the Head of Department, Dr Hans Kekana.”
The source said a few months ago, the North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane has also dragged Mokgosi to court over the control of R798m North West Development Corporation (NWDC) project.
Picture: A bloody knife found at the crime scene/Generic
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
27 February 2026- A man (38) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Potchefstroom Regional Court for several serious charges, including attempted murder, assault, housebreaking with intent to commit an offence, and contravention of the Domestic Violence Act. The accused, Gouws Galetlhobogwe’s conviction stems from a violent incident that occurred on 24 November 2024, at Matlwang village.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the court heard that the accused and the complainant (34) had previously been in a relationship, which had ended three months prior to the incident. Gunya said in the early hours, Galetlhobogwe unlawfully broke into the complainant’s home, proceeded to her bedroom and stabbed her multiple times.
“When the complainant’s grandmother (90), attempted to intervene, the accused pushed her, causing her to fall to the ground. He continued stabbing the complainant until she went silent, before fleeing the scene. The accused was arrested two days later and remained in custody after being denied bail.
“During court proceedings, Galetlhobogwe pleaded guilty to all charges,” he said.
In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor Thandi Ntoyi, emphasised the gravity of the offences, particularly the attempted murder within a domestic relationship and the abuse of an elderly person, both of which involve vulnerable groups. Ntoyi urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentences, namely life imprisonment for attempted murder and five years imprisonment for the abuse of an older person.
“The court concurred and imposed the life sentence for attempted murder, two years imprisonment for Contravention of the Domestic Violence Act, four years imprisonment for housebreaking with intent to commit an offence and four years imprisonment for assault.
“All sentences are to run concurrently with the life sentence. The court further ordered that the accused’s name be entered into the Register for Abuse of Older Persons,” he said.
Welcoming the sentence, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended Ntoyi, the investigating officer, and all stakeholders involved in securing the conviction. Makhari said these sentences underscore the National Prosecuting Authority’s unwavering commitment to fighting crime, upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for victims of violent crime.
Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng
By REGINALD KANYANE
27 February 2026- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said he would like to inform all scholar transport operators that the outstanding payments are being processed and payments are imminent. Morweng said his department also wishes to implore operators to ensure that their details are updated to avoid further delay in processing payments.
He further said his department has in the past experienced system delays and system failures due to factors such as outdated operator information, incomplete or not fully compliant with invoices and defunct tax details. Morweng added that this has inadvertently led to delays in processing payments, which not only adversely affect operators but also causes avoidable system congestion.
“To avoid delays, operators are hereby kindly requested to further ensure that their banking details are correct and tax directives are complied with. The department wishes to sincerely express gratitude to operators for continued cooperation in ensuring smooth and efficient provision of scholar transport in the province,” he said.
Picture: Police seized firearms during the raid/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
27 February 2026 – The police in Klipgat have demonstrated that dedication to service delivery contributes to safer communities. The police said in the early hours of 22 February 2026, a house robbery occurred in Madibeng Hills, near Klipgat.
The North West police spokesperson, Constable Thuto Bobelo said three unknown suspects armed with firearms, robbed a family of items valued at more than R190 000 before fleeing the scene. Bobelo said no injuries were reported during the incident.
“Items stolen during the robbery include amongst others a Polo TSI motor vehicle, a 9mm pistol with two magazines and several rounds of ammunition, a Wi-Fi router, sneakers (tekkies), and cell phones.
“The incident was reported to the police, and extensive investigations were launched, yielding positive results. Collaboration between Brits Crime Intelligence, Klipgat Detectives, and the Zondi Patrol Team led to the execution of a tactical operation in the early hours of Monday, 23 February 2026,” he said.
Bobelo further said during the operation, the location of individuals of interest was traced to Midas View, Mabopane. He added that upon arrival at the identified address, police did not find the suspects linked to the house robbery.
“Instead, they found a woman (29) in possession of two pistols including several rounds of ammunition, as well as a Wi-Fi router, wedding rings, and a pair of sneakers. She was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding ownership of the items.
“Further investigation revealed that one of the pistols had its serial number filed off, while the other was identified as the firearm stolen during the Klipgat house robbery,” he said.
Bobelo said Rude Sithole (29) was immediately arrested and charged with possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, possession of suspected stolen property, and contravention of the Immigration Act. He said she appeared before the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrate’s Court on 24 February 2026, and was remanded in custody.
“The matter was postponed to 1 April 2026, for a formal bail application,” said Bobelo.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the team for their exceptional execution of a high-risk operation, highlighting their professionalism and dedication to duty. Naidoo stated that their swift and decisive actions exemplify the highest standards of service and commitment to excellence.
27 February 2026 – The police together with other law enforcement agencies ensured the safety of all guests and attendees at the Northern Cape State of the Province (SOPA) held at the Bergsig Sports Grounds in Springbok on Thursday. The Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, his entourage and other distinguished guests, were formally welcomed by a procession consisting of the SAPS Provincial Band, the Drill Platoon and the Mounted Unit.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien said all Provincial Joints structures led by the SAPS were mobilised to heighten police visibility in order to prevent and combat any form of opportunistic crimes before, during and post the address. Gamieldien said the multi-disciplinary deployment of law enforcement and a zero-tolerance approach ensured the absence of any serious incidents and disruptions.
Picture: Two suspects nabbed for robberies/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
27 February 2026- The police in Mothibistad participated in the inter-provincial roadblock operation on 26 February 2026 from 8am until 10am. The police said during the roadblock, 224 motor vehicles and 310 persons were stopped and searched, including 10 trucks.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Captain Nomvuyo Makoloi said several fines were issued for traffic violations, amounting to R5000. Makoloi said at the roadblock, the police stopped and searched a silver VW Polo with two occupants.
“Upon searching the vehicle, the police discovered a bag containing multiple cell phones, a firearm and cash. The suspects failed to provide a valid explanation for being in possession of the cell phones and the firearm, which was later identified as a toy gun.
“Further information revealed that the suspects are allegedly linked to robberies committed on 25 February 2026, in Kathu, Kuruman, Mothibistad and Vryburg,” she said.
Makoloi further said the vehicle was circulated and confirmed to be a rental from AVIS. She added that the suspects were arrested for possession of suspected stolen cell phones, unlawful possession of a firearm and armed robbery.
“The arrested two suspects aged 30 and 29,” said Makoloi.
Meanwhile, the acting John Taolo Gaetswe District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, commended all members involved for their vigilance and commitment in ensuring safer communities.
Picture: The Chairperson of the Calvinia Youth Against Crime, Grayton Klaasten and the Secretary, Shannon Le Breton/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
27 February 2026 – Continuing its efforts to combat crime via the airwaves on the Namakwa District, the Chairperson of the Calvinia Youth Against Crime, Grayton Klaasten, and the Secretary, Shannon Le Breton, appeared on the Meet and Greet segment of the Midday Magic program, hosted by radio presenter, MJ on Radio Kaboesna.
They addressed the youth of Calvinia on a number of important issues, highlighting that the Youth Against Crime structure plays a vital role in minimising crime in Calvinia. The two guests also expressed their concern about the involvement of young people in drug activities.
The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said they also spoke about their ongoing collaboration with the Calvinia police in making schools safer, and shared positive success stories that demonstrate the real impact of their work. Magerman said in addition, they extended an open invitation to the youth of Calvinia to join the Youth Against Crime structure and play their part in taking ownership of the current crime situation plaguing their communities.
The Guardian 