Picture: Illegal foreign national nabbed during roadblock/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
11 April 2026 – A foreign national (39) was arrested during a continued Operation Paseka in the Namakwa District. The police said the suspect was arrested , SAPS members arrested during a roadblock operation conducted on the N7 at Bulletrap on 10 April 2026.
The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said during the static roadblock, vehicles were stopped and searched which subsequently led to arrest of the suspect who was found travelling in a taxi. Magerman said he failed to produce a valid passport or any proof of legal residency in the Republic of South Africa (RSA).
“The suspect was subsequently arrested for contravening the Immigration Act and will be detained until he appears in court. The police reassure the communities of the Namakwa District that they are committed to upholding the law and maintaining the safety and security of all residents.
“The community is urged to be the eyes and ears of the police and to report all criminal activities,” he said.
11 April 2026 – The FNB NWU Eagles are ready to step up in the Varsity Cup final against the FNB UP-Tuks in a rivalry battle on Monday 13 April in Tshwane. Coach Burger van der Westhuizen’s side dominated FNB Maties at the Fanie du Toit Sportsgrounds to secure their place in the highly anticipated final.
With preparations in place ahead of the final showdown, the Eagles are hoping to repeat their 2023 Varsity Cup Success, but they have a tough row to hoe. Road to the finals
The Purple Army have enjoyed success since their opening fixture against FNB CUT in Bloemfontein, playing champagne rugby and maintaining a positive squad vibe.
NWU Eagles have won six games, one short of their rivals UP-Tuks. FNB UJ handed the Eagles their first loss of their 2026 Varsity Cup campaign in Johannesburg, while their second defeat came at the hands of FNB Maties in Stellenbosch.
Yet, UP-Tuks’ only defeat came in their round five fixture against the Eagles at the Fanie du Toit Sportsgrounds on 16 March 2026, where their powerful unbeaten run was broken. The Eagles’ only win in Pretoria came in 2023, when they secured a narrow 26–22 victory over Tuks.
“They are a very good team, very physical. It will truly take something special to beat them at their home ground,” said Burger, suggesting that the Eagles are confident of causing an upset in the Jacaranda City.
According to Van der Westhuizen, the Eagles believed they can reach the final thanks to their impressive second-half performance against UCT Ikeys, which saw them come from behind to clinch a 56–53 victory in Potchefstroom.
Head-to-head
Historically, UP-Tuks have dominated, but in recent seasons the Eagles have caught up, winning three of their last four encounters, including the dramatic 30–22 victory in March 2026. The final is expected to be decided by moments that often make the difference in tight games.
Lifting the varsity Cup trophy would mean a great deal for coach Burger and the team.
“It would mean everything,” he said. “Not just for the team, but for the entire town and the NWU community across all three campuses. It would be something truly special for the boys, for their journeys ahead in professional rugby, and for their families and loved ones.”
11 April 2026 – The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said it welcomes the recent ranking by Bank of America placing South Africa at the top of its regional equity market assessment. GCIS said this recognition represents a strong vote of confidence in South Africa as an attractive and competitive investment destination.
GCIS acting spokesperson, Nomonde Mnukwa said this endorsement by a leading global financial institution reflects the underlying resilience and sophistication of South Africa’s financial system. Mnukwa said despite a challenging global environment, their financial markets continue to demonstrate stability, depth and strong regulatory oversight, reinforcing South Africa’s position as a trusted hub for investment on the African continent.
“This ranking serves as further evidence that the economic reforms undertaken by government are yielding positive results. Ongoing efforts to stabilise energy supply, improve logistics, and strengthen fiscal management are contributing to renewed investor confidence and improved market performance.
“We are also encouraged by the recent investment commitments totalling R889,8 billion announced through the 6th South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC), which signal growing domestic and international confidence in the country’s economic trajectory,” she said.
Mnukwa further said these commitments underscore the tangible progress being made to unlock growth and create an enabling environment for investment. She added that government calls on investors, both local and international, to take note of these positive developments and to partner with South Africa in driving inclusive economic growth.
“There are significant opportunities across key sectors of our economy, and we remain committed to ensuring policy certainty, structural reform, and a conducive business environment.
“South Africa is open for business, and this latest recognition affirms that the country remains a compelling destination for investment,” said Mnukwa.
The Guardian 