30 March 2026 – The police in Bojanala Sub-District 1 conducted a successful Operation Paseka on 28 March 2026, targeting drunk and driving, public disorder and crime prevention in the Cyferskuil and Klipgat policing areas. The police said the operation, which was executed between 2pm and 10pm, resulted in the arrest of seven suspects for drunken driving.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Anne Magakoe said in addition, three suspects were charged for drinking liquor in public, while one suspect was charged for public indecency. Magakoe said during the operation, police also searched 35 vehicles and 50 individuals, while intensifying patrols in identified crime hotspot areas.
“The police remain committed to intensifying operations aimed at ensuring safer communities, particularly through the removal of intoxicated drivers from the roads,” she said.
30 March 2026- The police in Bojanala District continues to record strong operational successes following coordinated crime-fighting operations conducted between 22 and 29 March 2026, across Rustenburg, Koster, Boitekong, Phokeng, Tlhabane, Dwarsberg and Swartruggens policing areas. The police said operations resulted in multiple arrests for serious and priority crimes, including murder (3), unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition (1), assault GBH (1), bribery (1), and sexual offences (13).
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Anne Magakoe said the police also recorded 12 arrests for drug-related crimes, 10 for drunken driving, 15 for liquor-related offences, 19 for contravention of the Immigration Act, 28 for public drinking, 3 for public indecency, 11 theft-related crimes and 1 for possession of suspected stolen property. Magakoe said 2 suspects were nabbed for trespassing, 1 possession of housebreaking implements, 2 for contravention of the Road Traffic Act (1), and offences in terms of the Animal Identification Act.
“In addition, roadblock operations contributed to the overall success, with 371 vehicles stopped, 39 warrants of arrest executed, three vehicles impounded, and traffic fines to the value of R36 850 issued,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the police for their dedication and commitment in removing criminals and enforcing the law. Nadioo said the police remain committed to intensifying operations to ensure safer communities across the province.
“The public is encouraged to report crime via the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS App,” he said.
Picture: A cow affected by foot and mouth disease/Generic
By STAFF REPORTER
30 March 2026 – The Democratic Alliance (DA) said as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) continues to spread across Gauteng, farmers are losing their livestock, which is affecting food security. The DA is calling on Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, to empower provincial mayors to establish local FMD command structures aligned with provincial efforts.
DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Agriculture and Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in Gauteng, Bronwynn Engelbrecht said Local Government should actively support roadblocks and livestock movement enforcement. Engelbrecht said the municipal property should be monitored and controlled.
“We call on Lesufi’s government to engage directly with farmers and affected communities and participate in a coordinated, province-wide response strategy. While farmers face uncertainty, rising losses and mounting pressure, those entrusted with local governance are not adequately empowered and involved in containing FMD, which is deeply concerning.
“In stark contrast, District Mayors in the DA-led Western Cape are playing a central and decisive role in combating FMD. Clear strategies have been rolled out to monitor and regulate livestock movement,” she said.
Engelbrecht further said mayors are working alongside law enforcement to enforce biosecurity measures and also participating in joint operational command structures such as the war room established by the Western Cape Government. She added that as part of the Premier’s Coordinating Forum, Western Cape Local Government leaders can provide continuous feedback across all spheres of government and engage directly with farmers and communities to raise awareness.
“This coordinated approach ensures that no level of government operates in isolation and that accountability is maintained at every level.
“Unfortunately for Gauteng residents and farmers, there is no evidence of local government coordinating livestock movement control, no visible municipal enforcement of biosecurity measures, no structured local government participation in a joint command centre and no consistent communication with affected farming communities,” said Engelbrecht.
She said this is alarming given that communal and peri-urban grazing areas account for a significant portion of outbreaks, placing direct responsibility on municipalities to act. Engelbrecht said municipalities are not bystanders in this crisis.
“Under the Animal Diseases Act, they have a clear duty to prevent the spread of controlled diseases, particularly on municipal land and communal land.
“As Lesufi’s lack of direction and leadership, Gauteng’s mayors have not been able to exercise oversight, reinforce compliance, nor take visible responsibility for protecting local agricultural systems,” she said.
Engelbrecht said without active involvement of municipalities, Gauteng’s response remains disjointed, reactive, and ineffective. She said this undermines enforcement, weakens communication and allows the disease to continue spreading unchecked.
“The DA-led Western Cape has demonstrated that a coordinated approach is essential in fighting the spread of FMD. Gauteng must learn from the Western Cape to end this crisis.
“At a time when farmers are fighting to protect their livelihoods, and consumers face rising food insecurity, the cooperation between all spheres of government is not optional but essential,” said Engelbrecht.
The Guardian 