Daily Archives: March 16, 2026

Three alleged drug peddlers nabbed  

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Picture: Drugs confiscated by the police/Supplied 

By AGISANANG SCUFF

16 March 2026 – A joint operation between Operation Vala Umgodi and the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit aimed at intensifying efforts in combatting and addressing drug related crimes secured the arrest of drug peddlers in Frances Baard District on 13 March 2026. During the execution of the operation, the police received a tip-off regarding alleged suspected drug dealing activities taking place at an identified premises in Club 2000 in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said a cordon and search operation in response to intelligence information received was subsequently conducted. Shemane said the police raided the identified premises and drugs worth an estimated value of R101 430 and cash believed to be the proceeds of drug sales were discovered, leading to the arrest of a man (38) for dealing in drugs.

“Additional information received led to the arrest of a woman (23) for dealing in drugs, after police seized and confiscated a significant number of drugs with an estimated value of R1 497 at an identified alleged suspected drug smuggling premises in Galeshewe.

“Continued stop and search actions in Galeshewe led to the arrest of two suspects aged 22 and 42, who were found without necessary valid documentation permitting them to be in the country,” he said.

Shemane further said the proliferation of drugs remains a priority for SAPS and will be rigorously police. He added that the community members are encouraged to report any criminality to their nearest police stations or alternatively call the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS App.

“All information received will be treated confidentially,” said Shemane.

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Three suspects nabbed for tampering with essential infrastructure

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Picture: Three suspects nabbed for tempering with essential infrastructure/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

16 March 2026 – The determination and commitment of members attached to Operation Vala Umgodi led to the arrest of three suspects who were caught red-handed tampering with essential infrastructure. This comes after the police followed up on intelligence-driven information and conducted a waylay operation on the N8 road between Kimberley and Griekwastad on 13 March 2026.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said during the operation, three suspects aged between 28 and 39, were apprehended while allegedly tampering with essential infrastructure. Shemane said the police confiscated equipment and tools believed to have been used in the commission of the crime.

“Addressing crimes related to essential infrastructure remains a priority for the police in the Northern Cape. The police recognise the critical role that essential infrastructure plays in the provision of basic services.

“Incidents involving damage to essential infrastructure pose serious risks to public safety and may negatively impact electricity supply, water and sanitation services, communication networks, and transportation systems,” he said.

He further said tampering with, damaging, or destroying essential infrastructure, as well as the receiving or possession of suspected stolen property associated with such infrastructure, constitutes a criminal offence. Shemane added that the precautionary measures such as installation of physical deterrents like fences, impact-resistant barriers, and secure locks and doors can be implemented to help curb crimes related to essential infrastructure.

“Ensure adequate lighting inside and outside the property. Remove vandalism and repair any damaged items as soon as possible. Install video surveillance systems and consider employing registered security service providers to safeguard premises.

“The public is urged to reject and report stolen goods. Purchasing goods obtained through illegal means encourages criminals to continue their unlawful activities. Community members can assist SAPS in apprehending perpetrators and buyers of stolen goods by reporting stolen goods, informing the police about illegal second-hand goods dealers or recyclers, reporting incidents of copper cable theft and providing information about criminal activities and the whereabouts of suspects,” he said.

Shemane said the members of the public are encouraged to report any suspected stolen goods, acts of infrastructure theft, suspicious individuals, or unscrupulous dealers to their nearest police station. He said information can also be provided anonymously by contacting the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or by using the MySAPS App.

“All information received will be treated with the strictest confidentiality,” said Shemane.

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Dagga worth R136 000 confiscated

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Picture: Dagga confiscated by police/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

16 March 2025 – A collective group consisting of members of Frances Baard District Illicit Mining Task Team followed up on intelligence information regarding the alleged sale of drugs at a premises in John Daka Phase One, Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley on 14 March 2026. The police operationalised the information and the identified location was raided.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said during the search and seizure actions, a significant amount of dagga with an estimated value of R136 491 was seized. Shemane said the suspect (37) was arrested for possession of dagga and is expected to appear in court soon.

“The police remain relentless in efforts to remove drugs off the streets and appreciate the support and assistance of community members for providing vital information through SAPS Crime Stop Number 08600 10111 or by alternatively using the MySAPS App which resulted in the positive success.11111qq`qqq

“All information received is treated with the strictest confidentiality,” he said.

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A man nabbed for possession of unpolished diamonds

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Picture: A man nabbed for possession of unpolished diamonds/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

16 March 2026 – The multi-disciplinary team of Operation Vala Umgodi enhanced efforts to curb illegal mining activities in the Namakwa on 14 March 2026. During police actions, a man was stopped and searched at a mining hotspot area and unpolished diamonds were found in his possession.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said a suspect (32) was subsequently arrested for being in possession of unpolished diamonds. Shemane said in addition, the police executed a search at a targeted premises in Kleinsee, which led to the arrest of two suspects aged 30 and 40 for dealing in drugs.

“The police confiscated money believed to be proceeds of crime, dagga and liquor. The Vala Umgodi Team displayed a zero-tolerance approach towards addressing the scourge of illegal mining and other related crimes in the Namakwa District.

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Ramaphosa addresses inaugural National Transport Conference

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Picture: RSA President, Cyril Ramaphosa

16 March 2026 – President Cyril Ramaphosa will this morning address the inaugural National Transport Conference at Gallagher Estate in Midrand.

The conference, held under the theme: ‘Transport: The Driver for Growth, Job Creation, Inclusivity and Sustainability’, will bring together decision-makers, investors and innovators to deliberate on building a sustainable transport system that supports economic growth and job creation.

The Presidency said the gathering will provide a platform for stakeholders across government, business and civil society to engage on the future of the transport sector and its role in driving development.

“Given the role of transport as a facilitator of economic growth and an enabler of social development, the conference will tackle the sector’s most pressing issues. These include modernising failing passenger rail systems and resolving port and freight bottlenecks,” The Presidency said. 

Other key issues on the agenda include improving road safety, addressing infrastructure backlogs and meeting climate and sustainability targets.

The conference also aims to set a shared vision for the future of transport in South Africa and mobilise collaboration across different sectors and spheres of government.

It will further contribute to the implementation of the priorities of the Department of Transport while enabling knowledge sharing between government, the private sector, the transport industry and academia.

Expected outcomes include strengthened partnerships across the transport sector, commitments to advance key transport priorities and the adoption of evidence-based solutions to improve transport systems.

Participants include officials from national, provincial and local government, State-owned companies, transport operators and industry bodies, as well as financial institutions, academics, commuter organisations and civil society groups.

Representatives from Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries and international transport stakeholders are also expected to attend. – SAnews.gov.za

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Preparations for fierce ANC regional conference in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region underway

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Picture: ANC logo

By REGINALD KANYANE  

16 March 2026- The much-anticipated 9th ANC regional conference in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region is set to take place at Lysko Primary School near Vryburg on 27 until 29 March 2026. The ANC Regional Task Team coordinator, Walter Mabogola has sent an invitation notice to various ANC structures informing them about the elective conference.

“This notice serves to invite the above-mentioned leadership, voting delegates at branch and regional level and staff members to participate in the 9th ANC regional conference, which will be held at Lykso Primary School during the weekend of the 27th to 29th of March 2026.

“Further take note that the pre-registration will take place on 17 March 2026. Both the voting and non-voting delegates are urgently requested to submit their photos with their full personal details to the office of the RTT coordinator not later than 16 March 2026, for pre-registration purposes,” he said.

Mabogola further said the final registration will take place on 26 March 2026, for accreditation purposes. He added that all branch secretaries are expected to attend pre-registration sessions for confirmation of branch delegates.

The former chairperson of ANC Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, Motseokae Maje, who is now the RTT chairperson, is expected to contest for the regional chairperson position again. However, there is a fierce contest for that position from the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, who has also entered the race.

Mabogola, who is the former regional secretary, is contesting for that position again.

Meanwhile, the fierce contestation and at times, violent chaos have characterized this conference, reflecting deep internal divisions, factionalism and struggles for control over party machinery and resources. M26 and N12 factions are expected to go head-to-head for various positions that will ultimately be useful during the 10th ANC provincial conference in North West that will take place in a few months’ time.  

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232 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela II

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Picture: A man arrested for during Operation Shanela II/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

16 March 2026 – The unwavering commitment of the police in the Northern Cape was evident during the implementation of Operation Shanela II across all five districts in the province, which resulted in the arrest of 232 suspects. Conducted from 9 until 15 March 2026, the operation consisted of ongoing intelligence-driven actions aimed at combating crime in identified hotspots.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the coordinated operations were led by the Deputy Provincial Commissioners, District Commissioners, Provincial Heads and senior officers, in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies. Ehlers said during the operation, numerous premises were searched, while a total of 7 085 individuals and 3 318 vehicles were also searched.

“Operational activities included stop-and-search actions, high-visibility patrols, vehicle checkpoints (VCPs) and roadblocks. Multi-disciplinary Illicit Mining Task teams also took part in intelligence driven actions with the focus on illicit mining, drug related crimes and tampering with essential infrastructure.

“Detectives conducted tracing operations that resulted in the arrest of wanted suspects who had been evading law enforcement for various offences,” she said.

Ehlers further said compliance inspections were carried out at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, recycling facilities, firearm dealerships, informal businesses, mines and farms to ensure adherence to relevant legislation. She added that as a result, 14 unlicensed liquor outlets were shut down due to non-compliance and violation of various regulations.

“In total, 232 suspects were arrested for offences including drug-related crimes, illegal liquor trading, robbery, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and burglary.

“Large quantities of alcohol and drugs as well as dangerous weapons were confiscated during the operations. The police, together with Community Policing Structures (CPS) and various government departments, continue to conduct awareness campaigns addressing gender-based violence, contact crimes, drug and alcohol abuse, youth safety and other priority trends,” she said.

Ehlers said the provincial and district management welcomed the successful results of the operation and commended the collaborative efforts with other departments and the community. She said efforts will be intensified during the Easter holiday season to ensure that all inhabitants and visitors are safe.

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A man nabbed for possession of firearm and ammunition

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Picture: A firearm and ammunition confiscated/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

16 March 2026- The Crime Combating Team that consists of the Provincial Anti -Gang Unit, Provincial Tracking Team, Crime Intelligence (CI) Provincial Overt Operations, CI Provincial Counter Narcotic, K9 Hartbeespoortdam and Klerksdorp Tactical Response Team (TRT) on 11 and 12 March 2026, were deployed for illicit mining operations. This resulted in the arrest of a man (39) for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition, which was reported stolen in Brits during 2024, dealing in drugs and possession of suspected illegal substances.

The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said items such as 9mm firearm, a magazine containing ammunition, dagga to the estimated street value of R1000, nyaope to the estimated street value of R84 400 and crystal meth to the estimated street value of R13 200 were confiscated. Morake said he will appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 16 March 2026.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, expressed his appreciation towards the members involved for their dedication in protecting communities. Naidoo said that their commitment to excellence and professionalism reflects positively on the South African Police Service (SAPS) and he assured the public that police will remain vigilant and steadfast in bringing criminals to justice.

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Lesotho man set alight for allegedly stealing cattle

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Picture: A man being set alight by community members/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

16 March 2026 –The police in Mooinooi are investigating cases of murder and kidnapping following an alleged incident in which a Lesotho national (35) was killed after being set alight. The police said on Thursday night, 12 March 2026, the police received a complaint that a person had been murdered at the Khlamtwna Informal Settlement.

The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said the police attended the scene and met a woman who identified herself as the deceased’s girlfriend. Morake said she indicated that she had received information that her boyfriend had been murdered and left in nearby bushes.

“Upon arrival at the scene, police noticed flames, indicating that something was burning. A naked male body was found lying on the ground with both hands tied behind his back and the body was set alight.

“During preliminary investigations, the deceased girlfriend indicated that the victim had allegedly been forcefully apprehended by a group of unknown community members, after being accused of stealing their cattle,” she said.

 Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, strongly condemned the incident and warned community members against taking the law into their own hands. Naidoo urged residents to report suspected criminal activities to the police so that such matters can be dealt with through proper legal processes.

“The police investigations are continuing and no arrests have been made at this stage. Anyone who may have information that can assist police in their investigations, is urged to contact the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Aaron Khunou on 076 565 8576, their nearest police station or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,” she said.

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Three foreigners nabbed for various crimes

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By REGINALD KANYANE

16 March 2026- The Crime Combating Team, compromising the Provincial Anti -Gang Unit, Provincial Tracking Team, Crime Intelligence (CI) Provincial Overt Operations, and the Klerksdorp Tactical Response Team (TRT) was deployed on 9 March 2026 to conduct operations targeting illicit mining activities. The police said during the operation, a man (44) from Mozambique, who was wanted by the police, was re-arrested in the Bapong Informal Settlement.

The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said the suspect had previously escaped from lawful custody on 17 February 2026, after being arrested for Contravention of Immigration Act at Mooinooi SAPS. Morake said he is now facing additional charges for escaping from lawful custody.

“In a separate incident at Hartebeespoortdam, three men were arrested on 9 March 2026, for possession of suspected illegal substances and contravention of the Immigration Act. A man (24) from Malawi was found in possession of crystal meth with an estimated street value of R7800.

 “Another man (28) from Malawi was found in possession of nyaope, crystal meth, and mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R7670. A MAN (28) from Lesotho was found in possession of nyaope, crystal meth and mandrax tablets to the estimated street value of R6 600,” she said.

 She further said in Brits, a man (41) was found in possession of nyaope and crystal meth to the estimated street value of R10 200.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, expressed his appreciation to the members involved for their dedication to protecting communities. Naidoo added that their commitment to excellence and professionalism reflects positively on the South African Police Service (SAPS).

“We would like to assure the public that police will remain vigilant and steadfast in bringing criminals to justice,” he said.

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