Daily Archives: July 1, 2026

Police continue to be on high alert

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Picture: Police during March and March protests/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

1 July 2026 – The police in the Northern Cape remain on high alert and continue to monitor developments following peaceful marches held across the province’s five districts in relation to anti-illegal immigration operations. Law enforcement agencies, including the SAPS and other relevant stakeholders, remain operationally prepared and have maintained an increased presence through enhanced visibility and sustained deployments to ensure the safety and security of communities.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien said while the majority of activities proceeded peacefully, the police confirm that several arrests have been made in connection with incidents of looting, attempted looting, illegal immigrants and business robbery and related unlawful activities reported during the course of the operations. Gamieldien said those arrested will be processed in accordance with the law and will face the necessary legal procedures.

“The SAPS Northern Cape reiterates that the right to peaceful protest is protected. However, criminal conduct, including looting, damage to property, and any acts that threaten the safety of communities, will not be tolerated.

“The members of the public are urged to remain calm, cooperate with law enforcement officials and report any suspicious or unlawful activities to the SAPS,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola cited that the Justice and Security cluster stakeholders will continue with high-density operations, monitoring of hotspots and coordinated deployments with all relevant law enforcement partners to maintain peace and stability across the province.

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83 illegal immigrants nabbed for contravention of immigration laws  

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By REGINALD KANYANE

1 July 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) together with its law enforcement partners, remains deployed in full force across the North West as authorities continue to monitor and respond to incidents linked to today’s protest action. The police said between 6am and 6pm, on 30 June 2026, a total of 83 undocumented migrants were arrested, while 17 suspects were arrested for looting and public violence-related offences reported in Pudimoe and Letlhabile.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said SAPS members, supported by law enforcement partners, remain on high alert and continue to respond to every incident of violence and criminality to ensure stability, maintain public order and safeguard communities across the province. Myburgh said the situation remains under control with deployments continuing at identified hotspots and other strategic locations.

“The police will continue to act decisively against anyone involved in criminal conduct, violence, intimidation, looting or damage to property,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo said the PROVJOC (Provincial Joint Operational Centre) remains fully activated and operational. Naidoo said that essential services, businesses, ports of entry and economic activities continue to operate normally, while police members remain deployed to ensure the safety and security of all residents.

“We would like to thank the members of the public for their cooperation and urged them to remain calm and continue with their normal daily activities. Communities are encouraged to report any criminal activity or threats to their nearest police station, anonymously through the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or via the MySAPS App on their smartphones,” she said.

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North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi applauds protesters for ‘good behaviour’

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Picture: Protesters in Itsoseng Township, near Lichtenburg

By OBAKENG MAJE

1 July 2026 – The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has welcomed the report from the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS), confirming that public order and peace prevailed across the province during marches held on 30 June 2026, in support of the national campaign against irregular migrants. Mokgosi commended the marches organisers and participants for conducting themselves peacefully and responsibly, with looting and public violence related offences reported only in Pudimoe in Taung and Letlhabile.

He further said 17 suspects linked to these unlawful activities were arrested. Mokgosi also thanked the SAPS members supported by the law enforcement partners for their coordinated efforts in maintaining a visible presence throughout the day and for ensuring the safety of communities and businesses across the province.

“Acknowledging the memoranda handed over to authorities by some communities during these marches, including from Itsoseng Township, near Lichtenburg and Zeerust, we committed to ensure that the concerns raised by the communities are given due consideration and responded to.

“According to the PROVJOINTS, out of the approximately 40 locations identified as potential hotspots for the marches across the province, only 13 recorded protest activities. We urge communities to continue conducting themselves in an orderly and lawful manner beyond today,” he added.

Mokgosi said communities are further urged to refrain from any acts of abuse, intimidation or vigilantism directed at irregular migrants and to allow the relevant government authorities to address such cases through the relevant processes.

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