Monthly Archives: March 2026

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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Deployment of SANDF will respond to widespread crime

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Picture: SANDF deployed to assist police in combating crime

By OBAKENG MAJE

16 March 2026- The national police commissioner, General Fannie Masemola said the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) represent an important milestone in the strengthening of their collective national response to crime and serious violence in the country. Masemola said during the joint briefing that National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) met not merely to announce an operational deployment, but to reaffirm a fundamental principle, that the authority of the state will always prevail over criminality, intimidation and lawlessness.

He further said South Africans have rightly expressed deep concern about the levels of violent crime, the activities of organised criminal syndicates, and safety concerns in some communities. Masemola added that these concerns are legitimate and as the leadership of the JCPS cluster departments, they have taken the responsibility to respond decisively, strategically and with the full capability of the state.

“It is in this context that president Cyril Ramaphosa during the State of the Nation Address (SOPA), directed that the government intensify its fight against organised crime and strengthen cooperation between the security cluster departments.

“In his recent response to oral questions in Parliament, the president further emphasised that the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in cooperation with the South African Police Service (SAPS), forms part of a broader national effort to confront organised criminal networks, deal with

crime, stabilise affected communities and restore public confidence in law enforcement,” said Masemola.

He said NATJOINTS guided by this directive, Ramaphosa has authorised the deployment of the SANDF in cooperation with the SAPS under Operation Prosper. Masemola said this deployment spans a period of 13 months, with over 2000 members of the SANDF deployed across the country.

“The intervention will focus on the hotpots areas which includes and not limited to, Free State, Gauteng, North West, Western Cape and the Eastern Cape — areas that have been identified through intelligence and crime analysis as being significantly affected by criminal activity.

“The purpose of this intervention is to provide space to the SAPS to deal with both street crime and to disrupt, disable and dismantle organised crime groupings through a coordinated operational framework where the SANDF and SAPS will work together to stabilise crime-affected areas and restore the rule of law in communities where criminal networks have sought to undermine the authority of the state,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chief of SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya shared the same sentiments. Maphwanya said South Africa today faces complex organised-crime threats that extend beyond conventional criminal activity.

“In the Free State, Gauteng and North West, sophisticated illicit mining criminal groups continue to exploit abandoned and active mining infrastructure, generating enormous illicit financial flows, fuelling violence between gangs and rival groups, damaging essential infrastructure and contributing to environmental degradation.

“At the same time, gang-related violence in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Gauteng continues to drive high levels of murder, extortion, drug trafficking and illegal firearm proliferation, devastating communities and trapping many young people in cycles of violence. These criminal dynamics are not isolated. They are interconnected and often linked to illegal migration, illicit firearms trafficking, corruption networks and attacks on essential infrastructure,” he said.

Maphwanya said the scale, sophistication and persistence of these criminal activities have resulted in this extraordinary and integrated response by the government. He said this is precisely what this joint deployment seeks to achieve.

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Fines issued for contraventions of the Liquor Act

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Picture: Police conducting stop and search/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

15 March 2026 – The members of various Provincial Components in the Northern Cape, supported by the John Taolo Gaetsewe District and surrounding stations under the command of the Provincial Head for Proactive Policing, Brigadier Irene Kopeledi, conducted crime prevention operations in Kathu, Kuruman and Mothibistad between 13 and 15 March 2026.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said operations formed part of the weekly Operation Shanela II and comprised of members Proactive Policing, Firearms, Liquor and Second-Hand Goods Unit, Corporate Communication and Liaison, SAPS Airwing, Northern Cape Provincial Gambling and Liquor Board and Kuruman Public Order Police.

“Provincial Operational Command Centre (POCC), Siyathemba, Kuruman, Batlharos, Deben, Olifantshoek and Siyathemba Police Stations and Traffic Police from the Gamagara Local Municipality.

“Operational activities included blue-light patrols, stop-and-search operations, as well as compliance inspections at liquor outlets and food establishments. Fines amounting to R4 500 were issued for contraventions of the Liquor Act, while additional fines amounting to R1 600-00 were issued to motorists who violated traffic regulations,” said Litabe.

He further said several liquor outlets in the areas visited were closed after failing to comply with requirements and conditions stipulated in their trading licences by the Liquor Board. Litabe added that upon conclusion of the operations, Kopeledi expressed her appreciation to all members and officials who participated in ensuring the success of the operations.

“These disruptive actions will continue unabated throughout the province,” he said.

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Additional Foot and Mouth Disease cases reported  

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Picture: Foot and Mouth Disease surge in North West

By BAKANG MOKOTO

14 March 2026 – The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said it wishes to alert communities, farmers and stakeholders to a further rise in Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) cases across the province. The department said as of 6 March 2026, three additional cases have been confirmed, bringing the total number of infections from 158 to 179.

The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha said the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality remains the most affected, with 58 cases, followed by Bojanala Platinum District with 53, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District with 35, and Ngaka Modiri Molema District with 33. Sambatha said this surge in cases signals the relentless advance of the disease and the urgent need for a united response, with government, farmers, and communities joining forces to defend the livestock sector, the backbone of the regional economy.

“Of the 100 000 doses of the Biogenesis Bago FMD Virus Vaccine received in late February, a total of 53,110 animals have already been vaccinated. Vaccination efforts are intensifying, and in the coming weeks, more animals are expected to be vaccinated as another batch of vaccines arrives.

“We call on the farming community to strengthen biosecurity measures by enforcing strict controls on the movement of people, vehicles, and equipment in and out of farms, and by ensuring the responsible movement of livestock. “Strong biosecurity remains our first line of defence. This disease does not move on its own, but people and animals spread it,” he said.

Sambatha further said he therefore appealed to the farmers to work with Veterinary Services to control movements of animals within and out of the province and to report any suspicious cases of FMD immediately. He added that farmers are urged to report suspected cases to their local State Veterinarians, Private Veterinarians, Animal Health Technicians, or Extension Officers for swift investigation and control measures.

“Early reporting is critical to curb the spread of outbreaks and prevent further losses in the livestock industry. By acting quickly and responsibly, communities can help contain the outbreak and protect the agricultural economy, food security, and rural livelihoods.

“The department assures all communities, whether in high-risk districts or smaller villages, that vaccines will reach them. As the vaccination campaign gains momentum, additional consignments of FMD vaccines are expected in the near future,” said Sambatha.

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Eskom marks 300 days without loadshedding

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Picture: Eskom power station

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

14 Mar 2026 – Eskom said South Africa has now reached 300 consecutive days without loadshedding, achieved at midnight on 12 March 2026, a significant milestone underscoring the continued recovery and strengthening of Eskom’s generation fleet anchored on the Generation Recovery Plan. Eskom said this achievement reflects the sustained upward trajectory in plant performance, supported by an Energy Availability Factor (EAF) that is consistently above 65%, currently at 65.85% for the financial year to date (1 April 2025 to 12 March 2026), demonstrating the sustained progress in Eskom’s turnaround strategy.

The power utility said notably, the generation fleet has also achieved or exceeded the 70% EAF milestone on 83 occasions so far over this timeframe. It said a 53% decrease in average unplanned outages has been recorded.

“Between 6 and 12 March 2026, average unplanned outages were recorded at 7 224MW showing a notable improvement from the 15 382MW experienced during the same week last year, a reduction of 8 158 MW. This underlines the ongoing gains in reliability across the fleet.

“Over the same period, the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF), reflecting unplanned outages, was at 14.85%, representing a reduction of 17.22% compared to the 32.07% recorded during the same period last year,” said Eskom.

During the same period, Eskom’s Planned Capacity Loss Factor (PCLF)—which reflects planned maintenance—averaged 13.81%, up from 10.21% in the previous financial year, as part of efforts to ensure environmental compliance, improve reliability, and support long‑term sustainability. It added that 5 861MW is currently in cold reserve due to excess capacity.

“For the financial year to date (1 April 2025 to 12 March 2026), diesel expenditure is R8.58 billion lower than during the same period last year, a 57.35% reduction year on year. Over the past week, diesel usage contributed 10.08GWh of electricity to the grid at a cost of R59.70 million, resulting in a weekly load factor of 1.76%.

“The use of diesel this week was due to statutory grid code testing and to meet the reserve requirements, as specified in the South Africa Grid Code. Year‑to‑date, diesel expenditure remains consistently below budget and is expected to remain below budget through to the end of the financial year,” said Eskom.

It said South Africa has now experienced 301 consecutive days without an interruption in supply, with only 26 hours of loadshedding recorded in April and May 2025, during this financial year.

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Four boreholes vandalised in Schweizer Reneke

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Picture: A borehole vandalised/Generic 

By REGINALD KANYANE

14 March 2026- The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality said it notes with concern the vandalism, which has taken place at Mareesin Farm in Schweizer Reneke, where all the wires of the electric fence were damaged. The municipality said the supply pipe of the pumps of the four boreholes were destroyed on Friday.

The executive mayor of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Motseokae Maje said even though the boreholes are currently running, they would like to invite the members of the public to watch out as these criminals had managed to breach the security. Maje said should this not be addressed, reservoirs which are supplied by these boreholes are most likely to be depleted over time and resulting in a lack of water supply to businesses and households.

“We plead for your cooperation and understanding in our efforts to improve the bulk water supply infrastructure and in attending to the challenge which might have experienced. Members of the public are requested to use water sparingly and to report any water leaks that might have happened as well as vandalism in order to assist the municipality in provision and supply of clean water to all,” he said.

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‘Lekota was a giant whose life was defined by uncompromising dedication to justice’

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Picture: Deputy President, Paul Mashatile during former COPE leader, Mosiuoa Terror Lekota’s funeral

By OBAKENG MAJE

14 Mar 2026- The Deputy President, Paul Mashatile who delivered a eulogy during the funeral of former Congress of the People (COPE) leader, Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota at Old Grey Sports Club in Willows, Bloemfontein, Free State said they gather as a nation united in grief, remembrance, and gratitude to bid farewell to a towering figure of their liberation struggle and democratic state. Mashatile described Lekota as a giant whose life was defined by uncompromising dedication to justice and service to the people.

He further said Lekota’s political journey traversed the defining epochs of modern South Africa. Mashatile added that from the ideological awakening of Black Consciousness to the frontlines of the United Democratic Front, the leadership corridors of the ANC’s National Executive Committee, and ultimately the founding of the COPE.

“His life was lived in pursuit of a better South Africa, marked always by honesty, integrity, and courage. Lekota understood that leaders are transient, but the Congress as an ideal of unity and justice is eternal. He knew that the measure of a leader is not how long he holds office, but how faithfully he serves the covenant of Congress.

“From Dr A.B. Xuma’s reminder that to Congress we are loyal to the steadfast guardianship of Sisulu and Tambo, that covenant has been passed like a torch across generations. Lekota carried that torch with unyielding fidelity. He stood as proof that while names may fade from ballots, the Congress ideal remains, a beacon of unity, a compass of justice, a promise to the people,” he said.

Mashatile said Lekota understood that leadership is not command, but service. He said for him, democracy was never a distant set of rules, but was a living instrument to transform the lives of ordinary citizens.

“He dedicated himself to ensuring that the Constitution became a shield for the vulnerable and a bridge across the chasm of inequality. He remained an outspoken voice, reminding all of us that democracy requires vigilance and principled leadership.

“Lekota’s activism began in the 1970s with the South African Students’ Organisation (SASO), where he championed Black Consciousness and the liberation of oppressed communities. His imprisonment on Robben Island alongside Nelson Mandela deepened his conviction that freedom was non-negotiable,” said Mashatile.

He said from his youth, through the United Democratic Front (UDF), the infamous Treason Trial, and into Government, his journey was marked by sacrifice and service. Mashatile said as the first Premier of the Free State, Lekota stepped into a province scarred by apartheid and laid the foundations of a unified, non-racial government.

“He was instrumental in forming the provincial administration, in advocating for, and in embarking on the long journey to build a government that served all citizens. As Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces and later Minister of Defence, he carried the burdens of leadership with dignity. He envisioned a Defence Force not as an instrument of repression, but as a guardian of democracy and peace, a vision that continues to guide us today.

“In guiding the Defence Force, the former minister ensured that the instruments of war became guardians of peace, transforming them into protectors of a democracy still in its infancy. His vision was clear: that the strength of a nation lies not in its weapons, but in its ability to reconcile, to heal, and to live in harmony,” he said.

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