Monthly Archives: February 2026

VIP protection Officers accused of murder granted bail

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Picture: Two VIP Protection Officers, Thabang Eugene Sohole and Michael Makampe

By STAFF REPORTER

9 February 2026- The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court has granted R20 000 bail each to two VIP Protection Officers, Thabang Eugene Sohole (41) and Michael Makampe (42) assigned to the Madibeng Local Municipality mayor, Douglas Maimane. Sohole and Makampe are facing charges of murder, defeating the ends of justice and operating a vehicle with blue identification lamps on an unauthorised vehicle on a public road.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that on 28 January 2026, at approximately 8pm, the deceased and his wife, both members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), were travelling along Eskia Mphahlele Drive towards the R80 when they were flagged down by a dark BMW SUV fitted with flashing blue lights. Mahanjana said the couple then turned onto the R80 towards Mabopane, where they were allegedly forced to pull over on the side of the road.

“It is alleged that Sohole and Makampe exited the BMW, one of them armed with an R5 rifle and approached the couple’s vehicle. The deceased was seated in the passenger seat, while his wife was the driver.

“The two allegedly questioned the couple about a missing rear number plate before returning to their vehicle. The deceased then followed them to check their identification and establish whether they were police officials with lawful authority to stop and question them,” she said.

Mahanjana further said as he approached the BMW, he was allegedly shot in the head and died at the scene. She added that a few hours later, the two accused handed themselves over at the Hercules Police Station, claiming that they were victims of an attempted hijacking and that a shooting had occurred on the R80.

“In court the state prosecutor, Chris Maruma opposed their release on bail because the two might try to influence the state witnesses and might interfere with investigations.

“However, magistrate Mphahlele found that exceptional circumstances existed warranting the accused persons’ release on bail,” said Mahanjana.

She said furthermore, Mphahlele ordered that the two should not contact directly or indirectly the state witnesses. Mahanjana said the matter was postponed to 9 April 2026, for further investigations.

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Six men nabbed for attempted murder, attempted house robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

9 February 2026- Six suspects aged between 35 and 67, were arrested in connection with attempted murder, attempted house robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition following a violent attack on a farm in the Swartruggens policing area. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, 3 February 2026 at a farm in the Lindleyspoort area, Swartruggens.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said it is alleged that a group of armed suspects gained access to the farmhouse and confronted the occupants, a husband (43), his wife (43) and their two sons aged 14 and 13, while they were asleep. Myburgh said the suspects demanded cash and during the incident, shots were fired.

“The complainant sustained slight injuries, while defending himself and his family. No property was stolen. The farmer’ wife took her two sons and fled to her parents-in-law, who is staying a short distance away, to get help.

“A coordinated and intelligence-driven operation involving Swartruggens Detectives, Visible Policing, Crime Intelligence, the K9 unit, Local Criminal Record Centre (Forensics), local farmers, the Community Police Forum (CPF) and the farm neighbourhood watch, led to the swift tracing and arrest of the first two suspects.

“Drone technology was utilised during search operations, resulting in the arrest of these two suspects, who were hiding in nearby bushes. Information indicating the vehicle utilised in the commission of the crime were followed up, leading to the arrest of a third suspect close to Boons,” she said.

Myburgh further said more suspects were traced to Koster, where a firearm and ammunition believed to have been used during the commission of the crime was recovered and will be subjected to forensic analysis. She added that on 4 February 2026, the last suspect was traced to Carletonville and arrested.

“Five accused, Buti Joseph Seqele (47) , Nkosinathi Thembinkosi Mduli (41), Jankie Nnebe (44) from Mozambique, Locus Samuel Masiane (46) and Sibusiso Vusi Tembe (35), briefly appeared before the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court on 5 February 2026, and the matter was postponed to 11 February 2026.

“The last accused, Zolile Nicholas Nkomane (67) appeared before the Swartruggens Magistrate’ Court on 6 February 2026. He was also remanded in court until 11 February 2026,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the swift response and cooperation between police and the farming community. Naidoo said attacks in rural areas remain a serious concern and police will continue to prioritise rural safety through visible policing, intelligence-led operations and strong partnerships with farming communities.

“We would like to warn criminals that the police will respond decisively and those who threaten the safety of rural residents, will be hunted down and brought to justice,” he said.

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Two men nabbed for possession of suspected stolen meat

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Picture: Carcass of two cows found in a vehicle/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

9 February 2026- Two suspects aged 35 and 37, were arrested for alleged possession of suspected stolen property and stock theft. On Thursday afternoon, 5 February 2025, police officers on patrol, spotted a group of community members at a garage in Tweelaagte village, near Mabeskraal.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said upon enquiries, it was determined that the community apprehended two suspects whose vehicle, a Ford Fiesta, was stopped and searched, leading to the discovery of meat in their possession. Myburgh said the suspects could not give proper account of the meat in their possession and the duo were handed over to police, unharmed, who immediately arrested them.

“Initial investigations done by Madikwe Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit, led to the identification of the owner of the slaughtered cow through it’s brandmark. The owner of this Brahman Cow reported that between 21 January and 5 February 2026, his cattle were allegedly grazing around Letlhakeng village in Mabeskraal and after returning to their kraal, two Brahman cattle were missing.

“The duo will appear before the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 9 February 2026, on charges for possession of suspected stolen property and stock theft,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, thanked the community and the police for their collaboration that resulted in the arrest of the duo. Naidoo said the police will continue to work hard to ensure that criminals are put behind bars.

“We further urge the farmers to brand mark their livestock in accordance with the Animal Identification Act, 2002 (Act No. 6 of 2002). This is of huge assistance to identify owners of stock theft found as in this case,” he said.

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Two men to appear in court for murder

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By REGINALD KANYANE

9 February 2026- Two murder suspects aged 25 and 34 are expected to appear before Mahikeng Magistrate’s Court today for the alleged murder of Kgotso Mogale Rasebitsi (30). It is alleged that the Mahikeng Public Order Police (POP) officers were on patrol in Mosiane View on Saturday morning, when they were informed of a fight taking place.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the police officers responded swiftly and found men sitting under a tree on the c/o Kubu and Mosese Streets. Myburgh said upon further investigation at a nearby shack, police noticed blood on the floor, which led to the discovery of the body of Rasebitsi.

“He was found lying inside the shack with numerous stab wounds and declared dead on the scene by Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS).

“Extensive investigations linked the two men who were sitting under the tree to the murder and they were subsequently arrested. The suspects are expected to appear before the Mahikeng Magistrate’s Court on 9 February 2026, on a charge of murder,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, has commended the hard work of the police following the arrest of the suspects.

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Banna ba le babedi ba tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go bolaya lepodisi

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

9 Tlhakole 2026- Lepodisi le le neng le se mo tirong le bolailwe ka go tlhabiwa ka sengwe se se bogale kwa motsesetoropong wa Utlwanang, gaufi le Christiana ka Lamatlhatso. Go begwa fa Sarasanta Christopher Lechuti (47) a ne a iketlile le mongwe wa lelapa fa mongwe wa batho ba ba neng ba itisitse kwa lefelong le le rekisang nnotagi a ne a raga lebotlolo la gagwe le le neng le tsentse nnotagi.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh are go ile ga tsoga kgaruru magareng ga banna ba. Myburgh are Lechuti o ile a tlhabiwa ka sengwe se se bogale, mme a tabogisediwa kwa kliniking ya selegae.

“Fela, o ile a tlhokafala moragonyana. Sepodisi se ile sa bolotsa letsholo-patlo la diura di le 72 go batlana le babelaelwa. Mmelaela wa dingwaga di le 46 o ile a tshwarwa ka Lamatlhatso bosigo morago ga go ineela kwa sepodisi.

“Mmelaelwa (32) wa bobedi o ile a tshwarwa ka masa a letsatsi la Tshipi. Banna ba, ba solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Christiana mo letsatsing la gompieno,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.

Myburgh are Lechuti e ne e le karolo ya babatlisisi kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Christiana. Myburgh are kgetsi e, e tla batlisisiwa ke ba lephata la sepodisi la The Hawks.

Kgabagare, mokomishinara wa sepodisi wa nama o sa tshwere mo Bokone Bophirima, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo o rometse molaetsa wa matshidiso go ba lelapa le masika a moswi. Naidoo are o utlwisitswe botlhoko ka go latlhegelwa ke leloko la sepodisi ka mokgwa o botlhoko o.

“Seno se tlile go ama thata thebolo ya ditirelo. Re akgola babatlisisi ba ba kgonneng go tshwara babelaelwa. Seno se tla tlisa tshiamiso go ba lelapa.

“Baagi ba kopiwa go letsetsa sepodisi go 08600 10111 kgotsa ba ka dirisa App mo MySAPS. Baagi ba ka letsetsa nomoro ya 080 091 1011 fa ba batla go tsenya ngongora mabapi le dikgetsi tsa go batla madi ka pateletso go batho,” Naidoo wa tlhalosa.

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A power struggle between North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi and MEC Wessel Morweng amid HOD, Dr Hans Kekana’s suspension

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng and Head of Department, Dr Hans Kekana

By OBAKENG MAJE

6 February 2026- A power struggle has rear its ugly head within the North West Provincial Government (NWPG). This comes after the defiant North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng has suspended his Head of Department (HOD), Dr Hans Kekana.

Morweng suspended Kekana after accusing him of failing to implement airports issues among other things. However, this caused a scrimmage between Morweng and the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi. On 4 February 2026, Mokgosi allegedly overruled Morweng’s decision and wrote a letter to Kekana instructing him to go back to work. 

He alleged that Morweng had no powers to suspend Kekana.

 
“I am in receipt of correspondence from the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessel Morweng dated 3 February 2026, purportedly suspending you from work. Kindly take notice that the career incidents of all Head of Departments is vested exclusively in the Premier as stipulated in Section 12 of the Public Service Act, 1994 this power entails the appointment, suspension, discipline and transfers or secondment of HODs.

“Accordingly, the MEC has no power or duty to suspend you from work. Given the legislative power, you are directed to report for duty as the MEC is not empowered in law to suspend or put you through a disciplinary process in the absence of such power having been delegated to him,” he said in the letter.

However, The Guardian Newspaper understands that Morweng wrote another letter late at night on 5 February 2026, informing Mokgosi that his decision to suspend Kekana stands. Morweng said in exclusive interviews with The Guardian Newspaper that he has reported the matter to the ANC provincial leadership for intervention.

“Look, even the ANC Provincial Chairperson, Nono Maloyi, was very clear that as the organisation, we need to be forthright in implementation of what we promised our people. When there are some challenges, it is not the Head of the Department (HOD), who must account to the people. The politicians such as mayors, MECs and Premier are held accountable because those are public representatives.

“These are the individuals who the people cast their votes for to become their leaders. What we should ask ourselves is, what is that the politicians do in the institutions, if there is no service delivery. So, that is why I opted to take that decision to place Kekana on precautionary leave pending investigation. Kekana is suspended for failure to implement the airports, which is a thorny issue,” he said.

Morweng further said the people of Bokone Bophirima are complaining about the non-implementation of airports. He added that, since he was appointed as MEC from 2024 until now, they are unable to resolve the issue of the airports.

“There is interest everywhere and I am inundated with calls regarding the refurbishment of airports. The project can create millions of jobs in the province. However, you will tell me that we must just sit and become a business as usual?

“As government, we keep on promising people a better life. The root causes of our failure in the main, but not in all aspects, are administrators. Hence I have arrived at that decision to suspend Kekana. The technicalities of whether I have powers or not, I have expressed them in my communication with the Premier, including the organisation,” said Morweng.

He said the relevant prescriptions, including the MEC’s handbook will tell you about relevant policies. Morweng said the MEC’s handbook provides him with necessary powers to act in this regard.

“My decision was informed by lack of service delivery. Amongst other things, there is the issue of the airports, collapse of the scholar transport and projects that are on the brink of collapse,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said: “The Premier is still processing the matter and he’ll pronounce himself at the right time.”

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Setopo sa lekgarebe se bonwe kwa molapong

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Setshwantsho: Setopo sa lekgarebe se bonwe kwa molapong

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

4 Tlhakole 2026- Sepodisi sa Taung se batlisisa kgetsi ya polao. Se, se tla morago ga gore setopo sa lekgarebe le go belaelwang le le dingwaga tse di magareng ga 25 le 30, se bonwe kwa molapong kwa motseng wa Matolong, gaufi le Taung mo letsatsing la maabane.

Go belaelwa fa setopo se, se ne se na le dintho tsa go teketiwa, mme se tlile se gogotswe ke metsi. Go begwa fa se ile sa thibelwa ke borogo.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are go begwa fa setopo se, se bonwe ke mofeti-ka-tsela, mme o ile a itsise sepodisi. Van Rooyen are go fitlha ga jaana, ga go itsiwe gore setopo seo ke sa ga mang.

“Dipholo tsa morago ga loso di tla supa gore loso la lekgarebe le, le ka tswa le tlhodilwe ke eng. Go bontsha fa moswi a teketilwe go utlwala pele ga a ka bolawa,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.

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Concerns amid increase in contact crime

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By REGINALD KANYANE

4 February 2026- The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape has expressed serious concern regarding the increase in contact crimes, including attempted murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), and rape. The police said the members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and to exercise caution at all times, both in public spaces and within residential areas, in order to reduce the risk of becoming victims of crime.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane urged community members to apply safety measures such as avoiding walking alone in dark or isolated areas. Pilane said they should also avoid the company of unfamiliar individuals.

“Do not accept lifts from strangers. Inform family members or trusted persons of your whereabouts at all times. Walk in well-lit and busy streets, and move in groups where possible. Avoid unnecessary confrontations at all costs. Remain alert and ensure that you have access to emergency contact numbers.

“Trust your instincts and act promptly when sensing danger. Members of the public are further encouraged to report any suspicious activities or incidents of abuse and to break the silence on Gender-Based Violence. Working together with communities remains critical in the fight against crime,” he said.

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NUMSA spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola resigns after death threats

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Picture: NUMSA spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

4 February 2026- The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola has tendered her resignation citing death threats. On 27 January 2026, Hlubi-Majola was to join NUMSA General Secretary, Irvin Jim as part of her work in Parliamentary in Cape Town, where Jim was to make a presentation to the Parliamentary Committee of Trade, Industry and Competition on the implementation of the South African Automotive Master Plan with stakeholders.

Jim said before Hlubi-Majola could join him in parliament from the hotel where she was staying, she received a message from an unknown number informing her that she should be careful as there were people following her who knew all her movements and were paid to kill her. He said Hlubi-Majola then sent a message to him, stating that she was no longer going to join him in Parliament and that she had already booked a return flight and would be leaving Cape Town.

“I asked what was happening and whether she had the number of the person who had sent the threatening message to her. She responded later in the day with a message in which she apologised for not coming back on time as she had been on a plane returning back to Johannesburg. She then forwarded a screenshot of the message from this unknown person.

“The following day, at approximately 8:30am, Hlubi-Majola sent her letter of resignation to the NUMSA General Secretary resigning from the union as the national spokesperson,” he said.

Jim further said as the union leadership, having reflected on her wish to resign the union accepted her resignation and on Thursday, they sent an internal memo in the union, communicating that two other NUMSA comrades received similar threatening messages. He added that in their internal memo to the staff and the union members, the NUMSA leadership condemned the assassination threat.

“We were very clear that such threats have no place in NUMSA, and that the union was taking extraordinary measures to embark on a process to investigate the culprits behind the threats.  We were very clear that the union will not be intimidated by such threats. It is also important to state that in the internal memo condemning these cowardly threats we also informed the union that two other NUMSA comrades were subjected to these threatening messages.

“The reason why we did not mention Phakamile Hlubi-Majola by name and the other two comrades who had similar threats in the internal memo was because of security considerations and all sensitivities on matters of this nature,” said Jim.

He said, however, they have observed over the past weekend that the ‘cat is out of the bag’ as the details of her resignation were unfortunately leaked to one media house. Jim said it remains NUMSA’s position that they do not intend to discuss Hlubi-Majola’s resignation from the union with the public, especially in the media.

“We are of the view that such matters are confidential matters between herself and NUMSA as her employer. The union having reflected on her letter of resignation, took the decision to accept her resignation. We have stated that Hlubi-Majola’s resignation is a huge loss to the union.

“We expressed on behalf of the union and all Metalworkers our heartfelt gratitude for her contribution and dedicated service over the period of her employment at NUMSA. We wish her the very best in her future efforts as a journalist and a progressive activist,” he said.

Jim said it is their honest view that Phakamile Hlubi-Majola will not be lost to the working class struggle as she is a powerful mass communicator for the working class and its struggles. He said therefore, they are of the view that regardless of where she will be, they think that as NUMSA, they would still be able to identify areas of mutual benefit and cooperation in the best interest of the working class.

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Upcoming dancer ready for the bigger stage 

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Picture: A dancer and MC, Remofilwe Senwedi/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE 

3 February 2026- Even though dancing is a legitimate albeit challenging career that encompasses roles like company performers, commercial dancers for film, TV, music videos and instructors, most individuals do not regard it as a career. However, Tlapeng-born dancer, Remofilwe Senwedi (18) said she wants to turn dancing into her oyster. 

Senwedi started dancing when she was a kid. According to her, she has always been drawn to the energy and creativity of performance.

“I am a passionate performer, dancer, and MC. I am a versatile dancer with a background in Amapiano. Honestly, dancing requires intense physical training, high commitment and often involves juggling multiple jobs. What I like about it is a professional field with opportunities for growth.

Picture: A dancer and MC, Remofilwe Senwedi/Supplied

“One can work with professional dance companies, performing in musical theatre, working on cruise ships, in theme parks, or teaching at dance schools. I hope to inspire others with my passion and talent, including finding my niche within the industry,” she said. 

Senwedi further said she has been performing at various events and shared the stage with some amazing artists such as Amapiano. She added that even though many dancers work as freelancers due to inconsistency of employment within the field, she would like to see growth on her side and eventually touring the world. 

“I would also love to even have my own dancing school. Normally, most dancers have multiple jobs within the industry. Remember, a successful career requires extensive training in various genres, discipline and the ability to accept constructive criticism.

“I also MCing at various events, including music festivals, corporate functions, and dance competitions. I believe that will broaden my horizon and assist in building my portfolio. To be MC, you need confidence, charisma, and the ability to think on your feet – plus a bit of humour does not hurt,” giggles Senwedi. 

Currently, Senwedi is doing Grade 11 at Keretetse Secondary School in Tlapeng village, Taung. She also emphasised the importance of education. 

“Truly speaking, education serves as the foundational cornerstone for building a robust, equitable, and sustainable future. So, I would like to further my studies after finishing my matric. It is imperative as a woman to be well-educated, especially when embarking in the entertainment industry. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of work to be done to create equal opportunities for women in the arts, however, there is progress,” she said.

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