Daily Archives: April 27, 2026

36 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela II

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Picture: 36 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela II/Supplied 

By STAFF REPORTER

26 April 2026 – With the guidance of the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, Operation Shanela 2 continued on 25 April 2026, into the early hours of Sunday morning, 26 April 2026, to combat illegal activities in Potchefstroom. The police said the area of concern, Walter Sisulu Street, within a section of the CBD known as the Wandelaan, was revisited again as an identified hotspot of illegal immigrants and numerous crimes.

The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said the operation resulted in the arrest of 36 illegal immigrants, both males and females. Morake said two Nigerian men were taken in on enquiry by the Department of Home Affairs to verify their status.

“Stop and search operations were conducted in and around Potchefstroom area for drugs and unlicensed firearms and ammunition. In two separate incidents in Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom, a Lesotho national (35), was arrested for allegedly being found in possession of possible illegal substances (Mandrax) to the street value of more than R700.

“Furthermore, a replica firearm, magazine and a weighing scale was seized and the man was also charged for being an illegal immigrant as his passport expired. A man (25) was arrested for possession of suspected illegal substances (Crystal Meth) to the estimated street value of close to R2000,” she said.

Morake further said the multi-disciplinary operation was successfully conducted by members from various units, including the North West Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Potchefstroom Public Order Policing (POP) and Provincial Communications.

Meanwhile, Naidoo expressed his appreciation towards the members involved for their dedication and cooperation in protecting communities. He 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,” said Naidoo.

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Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management to Convene NTI Inquiry Engagements with Stakeholders

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Picture: The Chairperson of North West Legislature Portfolio Committee on COSATMA, Freddy Sonakile

By BAKANG MOKOTO

27 April 2026 – The Chairperson of North West Legislature Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management (COSATMA), Freddy Sonakile, will convene a three-day engagement session with key stakeholders as part of its ongoing inquiry into the affairs of the North West Transport Investment (NTI) SOC Ltd. Sonakile said the meeting will take place at NWPL Committee Room 2 from 28 – 30 April 2026 at 8am.

“Since October 2024, the committee has been conducting a comprehensive fact-finding process into governance, financial, and operational challenges affecting NTI. This includes matters relating to the business rescue process, contractual obligations, financial management, and decisions taken by various role players.

“The upcoming engagements form part of the final phase of the inquiry and will include appearances by identified stakeholders, affected parties, and relevant entities. These sessions aim to provide a platform for submissions, clarification of outstanding issues, and to ensure that all relevant persons are afforded an opportunity to be heard before the committee concludes its work,” he said.

Sonakile further said the outcomes of these engagements will inform the committee’s final report and recommendations to the North West Provincial Legislature on interventions required to address the challenges at NTI and strengthen oversight, accountability, and service delivery within the transport sector.

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Ad Hoc Committee on Mkhwanazi allegations to meet on housekeeping matters

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Picture: Soviet Lekganyane

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI  

27 April 2026 – The Ad Hoc Committee to investigate allegations made by the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is expected to meet tomorrow evening to discuss housekeeping matters, including correspondence from the Busisiwe Mkhwebane Foundation, Sarah-Jane Trent, as well as access to the Inspector-General of Intelligence’s report. The committee will also be presented with a draft report on its work thus far.

According to the chairperson of the committee, Soviet Lekganyane, the meeting will be held on the virtual platforms and YouTube. Lekganyane said the committee documents can be found on: https://www.parliament.gov.za/ad-hoc-committee-gen-mkhwanazis-allegations.

“The meeting will be held on Virtual Platform/YouTube on Tuesday at 5pm. Parliamentary committees are open to the media and the public. Journalists wishing to cover these meetings (including receiving links to virtual meetings) should send their cell phone numbers to Mlindi Mpindi on email mmpindi@parliament.gov.za for inclusion in the Parliamentary Communications Services WhatsApp Group, where such information is shared.

“Journalists must send these requests using their official email addresses (no private emails). Members of the public may follow sittings live on Parliament TV (DStv Channel 408), via live stream on Parliament YouTube channel and Twitter page on the links below,” he said.

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SCOPA focuses on municipal audit outcomes

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Picture: Embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality

By REGINALD KANYANE

27 April 2026 – The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) said it will strengthen its oversight on municipalities this week, by receiving several briefings from the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) on the latest audit outcomes of municipalities and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) on investigations. The briefings mark the beginning of SCOPA’s second term program for this year, with municipalities identified as a key priority until the third term.

SCOPA chairperson Songezo Zibi said on 28 April 2026, the AGSA will brief SCOPA on the 2024/25 municipal audit outcomes that will cover four metros. Zibi said the briefings will focus on municipalities such as Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality and eTthekwini Metropolitan Municipality.

“On Wednesday, the SIU will brief the committee on both completed and ongoing investigations at municipalities such as Masilonyana Local Municipality, Mahikeng Local Municipality, Ditsobotla Local Municipality, Matlosana Local Municipality

JB Marks Local Municipality, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality,”

“This includes Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, Umsunduzi Local Municipality and Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality,” he said.

Zibi further said the briefings will be followed by oversight engagements and deliberations with the respective municipalities on issues arising from the AGSA and SIU briefings.

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Armed robbery leaves two people dead

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Picture: Sergio “Search” Gomes and his wife, Marlene “Ma-Totobola” Gomes/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

27 April 2026 – A dedicated task team has been deployed following a double murder and business robbery case reported in Mahikeng. The police said this decisive intervention follows a complaint received by police regarding a shooting incident in Golfview on the night of Friday, 24 April 2026.

The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said upon arrival at the scene, the police observed bloodstains on the pavement and discovered the body of a female, Marlene “Ma-Totobola” Gomes lying on the ground. Morake said the preliminary investigations revealed that her husband, Sergio “Search” Gomes had also been shot and had already been transported to hospital.

“Both victims were allegedly being shot by unknown suspects. Later that same night, the husband succumbed to his injuries at hospital. It is reported that the couple rushed from their main residence after being alerted that their son was being robbed at their business.

“Upon entering the business premises, located not far from the house, they encountered the suspects at the entrance. According to one of the robbery victims, six unknown suspects wearing masks and armed with firearms had entered the premises while they were inside the lounge,” she said.

Morake further said the suspects allegedly forced the victims to lie on the floor, threatened and assaulted them. She added that they then proceeded to rob them of several cell phones, an undisclosed amount of cash, a laptop, and the keys to a Ford Ranger, which was later used as a getaway vehicle.

“On Saturday morning, 25 April 2026, the stolen Ford Ranger was recovered abandoned in Magogoe village. Some of the stolen cell phones were also found discarded in the veld in the same area,” said Morake.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Rayno Naidoo has since assigned the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit to continue with investigations and to track down those responsible. Naidoo said the police investigations are ongoing and no arrests have been made at this stage.

“Members of the public who may have information that could assist the police investigation are urged to contact Lieutenant Colonel Kotu on 079 897 1801, their nearest police station, or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be submitted via the MySAPS App on smartphones,” he said.

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