21 April 2026 – Two accused, Alam Kuruneri (35) and Nelson Ngwenya (32) briefly appeared in the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 20 and 21 April 2026, respectively, on charges of contravention of the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964. It is alleged that on 17 April 2026, members of Mabeskraal SAPS spotted a white truck with two occupants and stopped it.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Nkosinathi Ndlovu said a passenger reportedly fled on foot soon after the truck had stopped. Ndlovu said it is reported that the police requested the driver to open at the back of the truck.
“Upon searching the truck, the police reportedly found fully packed 239 boxes of different types of cigarettes concealed in garbage plastics. The recovered cigarettes are estimated at the value at R2.5 million.
“The driver failed to give proper explanation to the police about the recovered cigarettes. He was subsequently placed under arrest for possession of illicit cigarettes,” he said.
Ndlovu further said an investigation conducted by Rustenburg-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation led to the arrest of the second suspect, who had fled on foot on 17 April 2026. He added that both accused appeared in court and their matter was postponed to 28 April 2026, for formal bail application.
Meanwhile, the North West Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major General Nombuso Khoza, commended the team for ensuring that the accused are brought to justice.
21 April 2026 – On 16 April 2026, at approximately 10pm, the South African Police Service (SAPS) divers recovered the body of an unidentified man near Ifafi Aquatic Club in Hartbeespoort Dam. According to the initial report, the SAPS divers were following up on information received regarding an individual who allegedly drowned on 12 April 2026.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said during the search operation, the body of an unidentified man, estimated to be approximately 20, was discovered. Skalkie said the deceased was wearing black trousers.
“An inquest docket has been opened and investigations are ongoing. Members of the community who may have information that could assist in identifying the deceased are urged to contact the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Abinaar Mohlaki of the Hartbeespoort Dam Detectives, on 082 492 3994.
“The SAPS urges the public to treat all open water sources as potentially dangerous and to prioritise safety at all times,” she said.
Picture: Suspected stolen goats confiscated by the police/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
21 April 2026 – The two accused who were arrested for possession of suspected stolen livestock, briefly appeared before the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court on 20 April 2026. One of the accused (20), could not be linked to the commission of the offence and she was released. It is alleged that she was hitch-hiking at the time of the incident.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said the driver of the vehicle, Mamapele Mahlaba Mpewa (40), a Lesotho national, was formally charged with possession of suspected stolen livestock. Skalkie said Mpewa was remanded in custody until 28 April 2026, for a formal bail application.
“The livestock was positively identified by the rightful owner through a registered brand mark. Investigations into the matter are ongoing,” she said.
21 APRIL 2026 – The accused, Rasephei Peter Ramathiki (49) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Mogwase Regional Court for burglary at a residential premises with the intent to kill and attempted murder. The court heard evidence that Mathapelo Maphosa (33), was in a relationship with Ramathiki, but the relationship ended because she (the girlfriend) was constantly and physically abused by her boyfriend (Ramathiki).
The North West police spokesperson, Kelebogile Morake said on 19 May 2025, in Mogwase, while the victim was at home with her siblings, the accused, who was armed with an axe, broke into their home. Morake said Maratiki then proceeded to hit the victim with it.
“She pretended to be dead. Her siblings, who witnessed the assault, ran to neighbours to get help, whilst the accused fled the scene. Thereafter, the victim was rushed to a local hospital for medical treatment and the incident was reported to the police.
“The police responded quickly and initial investigations led to the arrest of Ramathiki later the same day. The accused appeared before court, was denied bail and remanded in custody until his conviction on 20 April 2026,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Jacob Thabo Ngwenya, and all role players involved for their dedication and professionalism in securing the conviction and sentence. Naidoo said the police continue to prioritise the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) as it is a profound violation of human rights and a threat to the safety and dignity of the community.
21 APRIL 2026 – A suspect (20) linked to burglary at a business premises was arrested by the police in Lichtenburg. On 16 April 2026, a business owner was allegedly informed by a security company that there was a break-in at his business premises.
The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said upon arrival, he noticed that a glass door was broken and engine oil and jumper cables were missing. Morake said the value of the stolen property and damages are estimated to R5000.
“The police received a tip-off on Saturday afternoon, 18 April 2026, and it was operationalised by members at Lichtenburg Crime Prevention Unit. The police made a significant breakthrough after tracing the suspect who was found in town, allegedly trying to sell engine oil.
“He was arrested and a variety of property was recovered in his possession that he could not account for. The accused, Thabo Isaac Motlhatlhedi briefly appeared before the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court on 20 April 2026, and was remanded in custody for further investigations until 8 June 2026,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the members of Mahikeng Crime Intelligence and Lichtenburg Crime Prevention Unit for their collaboration that lead to this arrest and confiscation. Naidoo said the police will continue to work hard to ensure that perpetrators are put behind bars.
Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for COGHSTA, Bentley Vass
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
21 April 2026 – The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass met with the provincial, regional and local leadership of the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) led by the provincial chairperson, London Solomons. Vass said the meeting requested by SAMWU was cordial and conducted with mutual respect.
He further said they discussed the ongoing challenges at the embattled Sol Plaatje Local Municipality and how these challenges may have a direct impact on the workers. Vass added that he also clarified his moral and constitutional responsibilities and his concerns about the state of the municipality.
“SAMWU noted the Section 139 (1)(a) directives issued to the municipality in March 2026. They said they do not seek to interfere with the constitutional obligations of the MEC as the Executive Authority, and any decisions I may take to stabilise the municipality.
“Section 154 of the Constitution mandates national and provincial governments to support, strengthen, and capacitate municipalities to perform their functions effectively. I will will meet with other stakeholders and community interest groups operating within the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality in the coming few days,” he said.
21 April 2026 – A collaboration between Hawks’ Priority Crime Specialised Investigation (PCSI) and National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) resulted in a significant achievement, securing forfeiture orders worth more than R1.2 million. The orders were granted by the Northern Cape High Court sitting in Kimberley on 20 April 2026.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said during May 2024, police in Postmasburg sought a suspect who was alleged to be stealing minibus taxis. Mnisi said the suspect was spotted and apprehended whilst dropping off school kids at Postmasburg and the vehicle was seized.
“The motor vehicle, which is worth R153 950 was forfeited to the state after court granted final forfeiture order on 20 April 2026. Another forfeiture order was granted for a white Opel Corsa worth R59 900.
“The vehicle was seized for transporting a stolen goat. The forfeiture order for the vehicle was granted as an instrumentality in the commission of crime,” she said.
Mnisi further said the police stationed at De Aar, seized a Mazda worth R37 900. She added that information was received regarding a vehicle transporting copper cables.
“The police pursued the vehicle and it was stopped. During inspection of the vehicle, police recovered copper cables weighing 579.5 kilograms. A forfeiture order was granted for the vehicle.
“During September 2024, members of Upington Border Police received information regarding a white Hino Truck traveling along the N14 near Upington allegedly distributing commercially branded gas bottles to consumers illegally,” said Mnisi.
She said the police observed the vehicle near Upington and pulled it over. Mnisi said during the search, they found the truck and trailer fully loaded with gas bottles.
“The driver was immediately arrested and vehicle seized. Forfeiture order was granted for the truck, trailer and gas bottles valued at R555 190.
“In another significant achievement, information was received by members of Serious Organised Crime about two properties purchased in Kuruman with illegal proceeds that was generated from the illegal drug dealings. Estimated value for both properties amount to R 1 276 000,” she said.
Mnisi said forfeiture order was granted for both properties since they were utilised as instruments to commit these offences.
Meanwhile, the acting Provincial Head of the Hawks in Northern Cape, Brigadier De-wit Botha, congratulated the team for their exceptional work and dedication. Botha said their efforts were recognised as pivotal in achieving key objectives and making significant progress within the organisation.
21 April 2026 – The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court has postponed the case against Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to 13 May 2026, for the finalisation of consultations and for him to give instructions to his attorney. The court granted the state its request to have Matlala detained at Kgosi Mampuru until consultations are completed.
The IDAC spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said Matlala would be joined by 15 others who are facing charges of corruption, fraud and the Contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). Mamothame said the charges relate to the alleged irregular awarding of a contract to Medicare 24, a company owned by Matlala, valued at approximately R228 million.
Picture: The North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi
By OBAKENG MAJE
20 April 2026 – The North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) continues to make progress on the expenditure and implementation of the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) with notable achievements recorded in infrastructure delivery across the province. The province has received a total MIG allocation of R2.19 billion, and the total annual allocation has been transferred to municipalities.
The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said in the March expenditure report for the 2025/26 financial year, municipalities have collectively spent R1.3 billion, translating to 64% expenditure of the total allocation. Molapisi said he remains impressed about the expenditure performance of municipalities.
“The expenditure reflects ongoing investments in critical infrastructure such as water and sanitation, roads, stormwater systems, waste management, and community social facilities, which remain central to improving service delivery and the quality of life for residents across the province
“The progress recorded demonstrates that municipalities are increasingly improving their capacity to deliver critical infrastructure. We remain on course to ensure 100% expenditure of funds allocated after achieving 99% last financial year,” he said.
Molapisi further said several municipalities have demonstrated strong performance in infrastructure spending and project implementation, particularly in districts such as Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, where expenditure reached 82% of allocated funds, signalling improved planning and execution capacity. He added that six municipalities have been allocated additional funds in the financial year to further implement infrastructure projects in their localities.
“They are KgetlengRivier Local Municipality with R15 million, Maquassi Hills with R16 million, Ditsobotla received R37 million, Ratlou received R17 million, Lekwa Teemane received R12 million, Greater Taung received R19 million and the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality received R50 million.
“Some municipalities have lost portions of their allocation to other municipalities due to slow performance. In situations where problems persist, swift action is required to protect public monies,” said Molapisi.
He said the lost portions will have an impact on the ongoing infrastructure projects implemented by the affected municipalities. Molapisi said planned completion dates will now be prolonged into the new financial year.
“These actions are not intended to penalise municipalities, but rather to improve performance. The reallocation is to ensure 100% expenditure of the grant in the province. When funds are reallocated, it is done to maximise impact and ensure that infrastructure delivery continues without delays.
“In preparation for the 2026/27 Municipal Financial Year which commences in July 2026, the department has supported municipalities through the assessment of Draft 2026/27 Implementation Plans, ensuring alignment with grant conditions, infrastructure priorities, and compliance with the Division of Revenue Act (DoRA),” he said.
Molapisi said this process is aimed at strengthening long-term infrastructure planning, addressing stalled projects, and ensuring sustainable service delivery. He said the department will convene a provincial MIG Workshop before the start of the next Municipal Financial Year to assess the State of Readiness for implementation of the MIG funded infrastructure projects.
“The aim is to ensure that municipalities finalise the appointment by end June 2026 so that construction can commence at the beginning of the financial year in July 2026,” said Molapisi.
Picture: Prof. Adeyemi Oladapo Aremu and Prof. Rasheed Adeleke were awarded South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) chairs/Supplied
By ZENOYISE JOHN
20 April 2026 – The North West University (NWU) has marked a significant academic achievement after two of its leading scholars, Prof Adeyemi Oladapo Aremu and Prof Rasheed Adeleke, were awarded prestigious research chairs under the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI). The announcement was made at a high-profile national launch hosted by the National Research Foundation (NRF), placing the two academics among a select group of researchers tasked with advancing innovation and addressing the most pressing development challenges in South Africa.
The research chairs form part of the Decadal Plan Aligned Research Chairs initiative for historically disadvantaged universities, universities of technology and emerging institutions. A total of 41 new chairs were announced as part of the broader strategy of the government to address historical inequalities in the higher-education and research landscape.
The launch brought together senior government officials, university leaders, deputy vice-chancellors and international delegates, underscoring the national importance of the programme. Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, highlighted its transformative intent. Prof. Aremu, a research professor at the NWU, is widely recognised for his expertise in indigenous knowledge systems, ethnobotany and plant biotechnology, with a focus on improving the productivity and conservation of medicinal plants and food crops.
Reflecting on the recognition, he said: “This recognition is not just a personal milestone, but a reflection of years of collaborative work aimed at improving how we understand and utilise our rich plant diversity and systems. My research focuses on unlocking the potential of medicinal plants and food crops (often underutilised and neglected) through biotechnology, ensuring that we can enhance productivity while also preserving biodiversity and associated indigenous knowledge.”
He added: “With this platform, I will be able to expand research into plant biotechnology and indigenous practices and their role in seed germination and the development of indigenous plants. More importantly, it allows us (in collaboration with indigenous knowledge holders) to translate scientific findings into practical applications that can benefit farmers, traditional medicine practitioners and the broader agricultural sector.” Prof. Adeleke, a full professor of Microbiology at the Potchefstroom Campus of the NWU, specialises in agricultural and environmental microbiology, including plant-microbe interactions and soil health.
Speaking on the achievement, he said: “This is exciting and shows that hard work pays off. It also affirms that the kind of research we are doing is relevant and making a difference.”
He added: “This will give me a bigger platform to do more and be more innovative. It allows us to strengthen collaborations, attract young researchers and build capacity in critical areas of agricultural microbiology.”
On impact, he said: “I target challenges faced by both commercial and small-scale farmers. Many of the issues they face – soil degradation, crop diseases and sustainability – can be addressed through understanding plant-microbe interactions and applying environmentally friendly solutions.”
“My focus is on sustainability and ensuring that people practise agriculture in a responsible manner. We need solutions that not only increase productivity but also protect our environment for future generations.”
NWU principal and vice-chancellor Prof. Bismark Tyobeka described the appointments as a proud institutional milestone, noting their alignment with the strategic focus of the university on agriculture and food security.
The university has invested in a state-of-the-art Living Lab for Sustainable Agriculture in Potchefstroom, with further expansion plans underway.
“Our Pienaarskraal Farm has also recently come into the national spotlight following the NWU Agriculture Farmers’ Day held on the Potchefstroom Campus. The event brought together stakeholders from across the agricultural sector. The work of these research chairs will complement the activities on our Molelwane Farm and Pienaarskraal Farm in both Mahikeng and Potchefstroom, where we have launched a joint collaborative project with the provincial government called the Agri Hub. Its objective is to capacitate farmers in the province with state-of-the-art methods in both animal and crop science, ultimately improving agricultural productivity in the region,” said Prof. Tyobeka.
He added that the NWU values the continued support of the NRF and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation in strengthening the research ecosystem in South Africa.
The SARChI programme remains a key national instrument for building research excellence, supporting postgraduate training and enhancing innovation capacity while addressing historical inequalities in higher education.
The Guardian 