July 2026 – The police in Mmakau are investigating cases of ATM bombing, murder and attempted murder following an incident that occurred outside a local pub, which was closed for business during the early hours of Wednesday, 8 July 2026. At approximately 1:50am, the police received a tip-off about an ATM bombing in progress at the premises.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said upon arrival, the police found two security guards aged 62 and 51, at the scene. Myburgh said a security guard (62) was declared dead at the scene by Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS), while a 51-year-old security guard was rushed to a local hospital, where he is receiving treatment for serious injuries.
“The preliminary investigations revealed that the ATM was allegedly damaged by an explosion. However, the suspects were unsuccessful in accessing the cash. It is alleged that the security guards responded to the incident and were shot at by the suspects. Further investigations indicate that six unknown suspects, wearing balaclavas and face masks and armed with firearms, fled the scene on foot after the incident.
“No arrests have been made at this stage, and police investigations are continuing. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is urged to contact Warrant Officer Thomas Kgalegi on 079 490 9353, the nearest police station or the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111,” she said.
Myburgh further said anonymous tip-offs can also be submitted via the MySAPS App. She said all information received will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
Picture: A man arrested during Operation Shanela II/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
9 July 2026 – The police in the North West continue to conduct unannounced Operation Shanela 2, focusing on the apprehension of illegal migrants, high-density patrols and compliance inspections at second-hand goods dealers and liquor outlets. On Wednesday evening, 8 July 2026, a multi-disciplinary team comprising the Potchefstroom Police Station, Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Potchefstroom Crime Prevention Unit, Public Order Policing (POP), Provincial Corporate Communication and Liaison Services and the Department of Home Affairs, conducted operations at identified crime hotspots within the Potchefstroom Central Business District (CBD).
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the operation resulted in the apprehension of 21 illegal migrants, mostly Malawian citizens, who were charged with contravening the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002). Myburgh said in addition, a man (27) was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.
“He will appear before the Potchefstroom Magistrates’ Court on 10 July 2026,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the police and all stakeholders involved for their commitment and coordinated efforts. Naidoo said Operation Shanela 2 remains one of the key crimes combatting initiatives aimed at preventing and addressing criminality through high police visibility and intelligence driven operations.
“The police will continue to work closely with other law enforcement partners to enforce the law without fear or favour, strengthen the authority of the state and ensure that those who violate the Law are brought to justice.
“We request communities to continue working with the police by reporting criminal activities,” he said.
Picture: Unbranded cattle seized during acution/Generic
By BAKANG MOKOTO
9 July 2026 – The police in Ngaka Modiri Molema District are appealing to members of the farming community and livestock owners in and around Lichtenburg, Sannieshof and neighbouring villages to come forward if they have lost cattle, but did not report the matter to the police. During ongoing investigations into stock theft-related cases and enquiries, the police recovered a number of cattle that are currently being kept at the Lichtenburg Animal Pound.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said unfortunately, the animals do not have identifiable brand markings, making it difficult to determine their rightful owners. Myburgh said the recovered cattle are linked to five cattle that were sold at an auction in Lichtenburg on 8 May 2026, and were subsequently seized for further investigation.
“Four cattle were sold at the Lichtenburg Feedlot on 29 May 2026, and were subsequently seized. In Sannieshof, four cattle were also sold at the Lichtenburg Feedlot on 29 May 2026, and were seized as part of the ongoing enquiry.
“The police suspect the cattle may originate from Mofufutso, Siyone, Kraaipan, Setlagole, Middleton A, B and C, Madibogo and Shaleng. Members of the public, particularly farmers and livestock owners from these areas who have lost cattle, but have not reported the matter, are urged to contact Lieutenant Colonel Modiri Cedric Mokgethi on 082 661 4302 or Constable Joseph Ngoloba Mojela on 076 510 8261/54 from the Sannieshof Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit,” she said.
Myburgh further said owners should be prepared to provide proof of ownership, including any distinguishing features, photographs, purchase records or other relevant documentation that may assist in confirming ownership.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo emphasised that the cooperation of the farming community is essential in ensuring that the recovered livestock are reunited with their rightful owners and in supporting ongoing investigations into stock theft. Naidoo added that, once more he requests farmers of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, equines (horses) and ostriches to ensure that their animals are branded in accordance with the Animal Identification Act, Act No. 6 of 2002.
Picture: A security guard shot during attempted robbery/Generic
By STAFF REPORTER
9 July 2026 – Two men appeared before Pretoria Magistrate’s Court for attempted murder, attempted robbery with aggravating circumstances, and possession of ammunition. It is alleged that on 7 July 2026, a security officer was collecting cash from a gambling establishment in Silverton when accosted by the accused, Jabulani Mthombeni (47) and Billy Tshepiso Malope (52).
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Tshegofatso Makhudu said as the security guard was walking towards a company vehicle in the parking area carrying the money, the accused allegedly opened fire on him in an apparent robbery attempt. Makhudu said during the exchange of gunfire, the security officer managed to run back to the cash office with the money.
“The suspects fled the scene before police arrived. The injured security officer was transported to the hospital for medical treatment. Following reports of the shooting, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) launched an investigation and traced the suspects to Nellmapius.
“Upon arrival at Malope’s residence, police searched, located him, and placed him under arrest. During the operation, Mthombeni was found hiding at a nearby residence, a few houses away and was also arrested. The matter was postponed to 13 July 2026 for bail investigations,” she said.
Makhudu further said the NPA remains committed to working with law enforcement agencies to ensure that perpetrators of violent crimes are brought before the courts and held accountable.
9 July 2026 – The Ad Hoc Committee established by the North West Provincial Legislature to investigate allegations made by the Mayor of Naledi Local Municipality, Clifton Groep, against the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has concluded its work and formally adopted its final report. The report will now be submitted to the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) Speaker, Dr Desbo Mohono for tabling before the House in accordance with the Rules of the Legislature.
The Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee, Nathan Oliphant said as the report has not yet been tabled before the House, they will not comment on its contents, findings or recommendations. Oliphant said these will be considered by the House through the prescribed parliamentary processes.
“Further communication regarding the tabling of the report will be issued in due course,” he said.
It is alleged that the findings of the report found Mokgosi guilty of perjury and the committee set to refer the matter to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
However, Mokgosi through his lawyers, has allegedly written a letter to the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) speaker, Dr Desbo Mohono threatening to approach the North West High Court for an urgent order reviewing and setting the report aside in the event that the Speaker authorises the release, tabling or publication of this purported final report, which he maintains is fundamentally flawed and contrary to the interests of justice. He said he has recently become aware of social media reports indicating that the Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate allegations of attempted tampering with the recruitment report, has finalised its findings.
“Regrettably, various social media platforms have gone as far as publishing the purported outcome of this investigation. This information has not been officially communicated and is completely unknown to me, despite my dual status as both accused party and a material witness in these proceedings.
“These same media outlets have further published reports stating that the Ad Hoc Committee was left without sitting commissioners due to en masse resignation prior to the finalization of the process. It is highly regrettable and deeply prejudicial that confidential, detrimental information concerning a formal legislative inquiry is systematically leaked to the media houses before being disclosed to the affected parties,” said Mokgosi.
He further maintains the firm position that this investigation cannot be lawfully or properly concluded while critical, material and substantive issues remain unresolved. Mokgosi added that the current process represents a severe breach of the principles of administrative justice and procedural fairness.
“Consequently, I formally request that Mohono urgently furnish me with the Ad Hoc Committee’s written responses to the witnesses’ submissions. Furthermore, I hereby demand the immediate production of the official, signed resolution passed by the committee members, which purportedly adopted the final report for submission to the legislature.
“I request an explanation as to how the final report was finalised in the absence of oral evidence from key witnesses, like Nono Maloyi and Dr Ben Bole. My subsequent requests to compel the testimony of the aforementioned witnesses were disregarded by both the Ad Hoc Committee and Parliament,” said Mokgosi.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Chriastiaan Steyl said: “The Ad Hoc Committee conducted its work in line with the Terms of Reference established by a House Resolution. All processes were fair and transparent as per the Terms of Reference of the Ad Hoc Committee. All written and oral testimonies were made public and/or publicly broadcasted.
“No formal letters of resignation were tabled by the Speaker, neither have letters of resignation been received by the Ad Hoc Committee Chairperson. All business of the Ad Hoc Committee was conducted as per the Terms of Reference of its establishment and in line with the Legislature’s Standing Rules and Order.”
9 Jul 2026- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa has extended the final report deadline of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into criminality, political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system. The commission will submit its report on 16 November 2026, instead of 31 August, as anticipated originally.
Ramaphosa spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said the extension granted by the president sets an evidence deadline of 2 October 2026, and a reporting deadline of 16 November 2026, to enable the commission to close off topics it has opened up in the course of hearings to date. Mangwenya said the extension allows the commission to hear evidence on all of the matters listed in its terms of reference.
“Without an extension, the commission will have to leave large parts of its work unfinished. Ramaphosa once again expresses his deepest appreciation for the work conducted by commission, as well as for the manner in which law enforcement agencies are following up testimony emerging from commission hearings,” he said.
The Guardian 