Daily Archives: July 22, 2026

Jacobs mulls her inspiring journey in police

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Picture: Namakwa Highway Patrol Unit member, Sergeant Brisela Jacobs/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

22 July 2026 – The police in Namakwa continue to recognise and celebrate the dedication, resilience and invaluable contribution of women in policing. Sergeant Brisela Jacobs of the Namakwa Highway Patrol Unit shared her inspiring journey within the SAPS, reflecting on her beginnings as a Reservist in 2006, before officially joining the Service as a student in 2013.

Jacobs’ commitment to serving and protecting communities has seen her progress to the Namakwa Highway Patrol Unit, where she currently serves as an Advanced Driver. Her responsibilities include conducting highway patrols, performing vehicle checks and contributing to road safety and crime prevention initiatives along the N7 and N14 routes within the Namakwa District.

“I am passionate about my role and the aspects of highway policing inspires me the most. This gives me an opportunity to serve communities with skill, precision, professionalism and commitment, while contributing to safer roads and ensuring the safety and security of road users across the district.

“As a woman in uniform, I would also like to use the platform to deliver a powerful message to women by encouraging them to recognise their worth and to speak out against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF),” she said.

Jacobs further said women are valuable, precious and they should know that storms do not come to break, but to build them. She added that they should break away from domestic violence, GBVF and break the silence.

“So, I would like to encourage women in the SAPS to conduct themselves responsibly on social media platforms and to remain mindful of the principles and professional standards prescribed by SAPS directives, which provides guidance on professional conduct and communication within the SAPS.

“One of the Namakwa Highway Patrol Unit’s successes involves the tracing of a stolen vehicle through the use of an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) scanner. The incident demonstrated the value of technology in supporting intelligence-driven policing and enhancing the ability of police officials to detect and respond to criminal activity,” said Jacobs.

She applauded her colleagues in the Namakwa Highway Patrol Unit for their continued teamwork, dedication and commitment to policing. Jacobs also acknowledged the leadership and guidance of the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, whose support continues to contribute towards strengthening effective policing and service delivery throughout the district.

Meanwhile, Andrews said: “The SAPS in Namakwa remains committed to recognising the contribution of women in policing and empowering its members to serve communities with integrity, professionalism and dedication.”

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SAPS warns public against online shopping scams

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

22 July 2026 – The police in Northern Cape are urging members of the public to exercise extreme caution when conducting online transactions following a number of reported online shopping scams, particularly in Upington in the ZF Mgcawu District. The police have received several complaints from unsuspecting community members, who were allegedly defrauded after responding to advertisements for various products posted on social media platforms and other online channels.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said in the reported cases, victims were lured into transferring money for goods advertised online. Shemane said, however, after making payment, the purchased products were never delivered.

“In some instances, the collection addresses provided by the alleged sellers were found to be fictitious or non-existent. SAPS is concerned about the increasing prevalence of online scams and is calling on the public to remain vigilant and to exercise caution when responding to online advertisements, particularly those offering goods at prices that appear too good to be true.

“The members of the public are advised to verify the legitimacy of online sellers before making any payments. Avoid transferring money to unknown individuals without first confirming the authenticity of the seller and the advertised product,” he said.

Shemane further said the public should be cautious of sellers who insist on immediate payment or provide suspicious collection or delivery arrangements. He added that they should verify physical addresses and contact details provided by online sellers.

“Where possible, use secure and reputable online shopping platforms that offer buyer protection. Contact their bank immediately if they suspect that they have fallen victim to an online scam. SAPS further urges members of the public to remain cautious when engaging in online or telephonic communications.

“If in doubt, contact your bank or the police directly for assistance and advice. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious activities to their nearest police station, contact the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, or submit a report via the MySAPS App,” he said.

Shemane said in cases involving extortion, members of the public can contact the National Extortion Hotline on 0800 911 011. He said the SAPS appeals to communities to remain vigilant and to share information about suspected scams with family members, friends and other community members to prevent others from falling victim to these criminal activities.

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Two men jailed for attempted murder

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

22 July 2026 – Two men from Tsineng village, near Kuruman were sentenced to 12 years imprisonment each by the Kuruman Regional Court for attempted murder. This comes after the accused, Tiisetso Tlhaole (25) and Tlhophang Batsamai (33) brutally assaulted Khumoetsile Aubrey Malekanyo (37) on 28 October 2023.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said a diligent investigative work of Detective Sergeant Khumoetsile Setlhauno of the Batlharos Detective Service led to the successful conviction and sentencing. Litabe said the matter was reported to the police after the victim was admitted to hospital with severe head injuries on the day of the incident.

“The police registered a case of attempted murder and pursued all available leads, which subsequently linked both accused to the attack. The investigation revealed that the two men assaulted the victim by striking him on the head with a rock, leaving him with serious injuries.

“The court found both accused guilty of attempted murder and sentenced each of them to twelve years imprisonment of which four years were suspended for five years on condition that they are not convicted of attempted murder or a similar offence committed during the period of suspension,” he said.

Litabe further said they were also declared unfit to possess firearms. He added that the accused will each serve an effective eight years imprisonment.

Meanwhile, the acting John Taolo Gaetsewe District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, welcomed the sentence and commended Setlhauno for his dedication and outstanding investigative work, which ensured that justice was served.

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A man jailed for raping three minors

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

22 July 2026 – A man (69) was sentenced to 20 years by the Kuruman Regional Court for multiple rapes. The accused raped three girls aged 6 and 8 on 12 June 2026.  

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said Detective Constable Beauty Majola of Kuruman Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, ensured that justice was served for three young children. Litabe said a girl (6) was returning from a weekend visit to her aunt in Kuruman when she complained of pain and discomfort after she bathed.

“The child’s mother enquired from her sister as to what transpired during the visit. The child then revealed that they were playing in the street on 12 June 2022 in the afternoon when the accused called them to his shack.

“Upon entering the shack, the accused instructed them to remove their clothes and sexually assaulted them. At a later stage, he called a girl (6) again and raped her for the second time. The matter was subsequently reported to the police and the accused was arrested,” he said.

Litabe further said the accused briefly appeared in court on several occasions. He added that he was eventually convicted and sentenced.

“The court found him guilty on three counts of rape and sentenced him to 20 years imprisonment for each count. The sentences will run concurrently and the accused will serve an effective 20 years imprisonment,” said Litabe.

Meanwhile, the acting John Taolo Gaetsewe District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, commended the investigating officer for her sterling investigation and ensuring that justice was served for the three minor victims.

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SAPS in Northern Cape dissipates bribery WhatsApp messages  

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

22 July 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape has noted with concern a WhatsApp message currently circulating on various social media platforms, which seeks to implicate the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga in an alleged demand for payment in connection with a criminal case docket. The Office of the Provincial Commissioner wishes to place it on record that the allegations contained in the circulating message are false and without any factual basis.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien said Ngubelanga has not demanded or solicited any payment in exchange for the handling, withdrawal or any other action relating to a case docket. Gamieldien said the SAPS Northern Cape strongly condemns the dissemination of false and misleading information aimed at tarnishing the reputation and integrity of senior police officials and undermining public confidence in the South African Police Service (SAPS).

“The members of the public are urged to exercise caution and refrain from forwarding or sharing unverified messages on social media platforms. The circulation of false information can cause unnecessary alarm and may have serious consequences for individuals who are falsely implicated.

“The SAPS Northern Cape further emphasises that any allegation of corruption, extortion or criminal conduct involving a police official should be reported through the appropriate law-enforcement channels, where such allegations can be properly investigated,” she said.

Gamieldien further said the SAPS remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and accountability in the execution of its constitutional mandate. She added that any person with credible information relating to alleged criminal conduct is encouraged to approach the relevant authorities rather than resorting to the circulation of unverified allegations on social media.

“The SAPS Northern Cape will not be distracted by attempts to undermine the credibility of the organisation or its members through the dissemination of malicious and unsubstantiated information.

“The public is further advised that appropriate steps will be considered against persons responsible for creating and circulating defamatory content, where there is sufficient evidence to do so,” said Gamieldien.

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DA: “Ramaphosa kicks Iran investigation for touch”

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Picture: SANDF participating in Exercise Will for Peace 2026 

By REGINALD KANYANE

22 July 2026 – The Democratic Alliance (DA) alleged that the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa’s promised investigation into the alleged failure to stop Iran from participating in Exercise Will for Peace 2026 has stalled. The DA said although Ramaphosa ordered that the investigation be completed within one month, he has confirmed that he has still not received the report, which is now only expected within six months.

However, DA Member of Parliament (MP) and spokesperson on Defence and Military Veterans, Chris Hattingh said no reason has been given for the delay. Hattingh said in January 2026, the Minister of Defence announced a Board of Inquiry and undertook that it would report within one week, but it never did.

“The investigation was then removed from the Ministry and transferred to the Presidency. On 26 February 2026, the Presidency stated that the matter had been taken over to ensure an independent and timeous investigation into the alleged failure to implement the President’s instruction regarding Iran’s participation.

“The panel was directed to report within one calendar month, subject only to an extension on compelling cause shown. This is no longer merely about a naval exercise. It is about the constitutional principle of civilian control over the military,” he said.

Hattingh further said Section 202 of the Constitution vests supreme command of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in the President. He added that if his instruction was ignored, South Africans deserve to know.

“If it was not, the President should say so unequivocally. The basic command-and-control facts should have been established within days, not months. Instead, Parliament still does not know who authorised Iran’s participation, why the President’s instruction was allegedly not implemented or who is accountable.

“The DA will pursue this matter until South Africans know what happened, who was responsible and what corrective action has been taken. The authority of the Commander-in-Chief is not negotiable, civilian control of the military is not optional and accountability cannot be delayed indefinitely,” said Hattingh.

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‘Withholding of funding is not only a false solution, but it also punishes the poor’

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Picture: Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana

By OBAKENG MAJE

22 July 2026 – The Alternative Information and Development Centre (AIDC) has lambasted the National Treasury’s decision to temporarily withhold the July 2026 local government equitable share (LGES) transfers to 69 municipalities. AIDC said more than a quarter of South Africa’s 257 municipalities have been affected by the decision and this will be pretentious towards service delivery.

AIDC spokesperson, Busi Mtabane said National Treasury cited “persistent and serious non-compliance” with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA). Mtabane further said roughly R13.5 billion of the R110 billion 2026/27 LGES envelope was affected.

She further said since then, NT has begun releasing funds to municipalities that met its conditions, while continuing to withhold funds to others. Mtabane added that while it is necessary and urgent to address financial mismanagement and corruption, AIDC argues that this is not the only reason for financial challenges faced by the majority of municipalities in the country.

“Underlying the financial problems is an unsustainable and irrational financing model that is based on the assumption that municipalities can generate 90% of their own income. Overwhelmingly, this is meant to be achieved through service charges and tariffs. This arises from the adoption of the full cost recovery model.

“Nowhere has the full cost recovery model delivered affordable, reliable, universal basic services for the poor. Everywhere it has been applied at scale, it has produced exactly the pattern now visible in South African local government such as rising arrears, disconnections, deteriorating infrastructure and a widening gap between well-resourced and poor municipalities,” said Mtabane.

She said while not unusual, the problem of the full cost recovery model is magnified in a country defined by mass unemployment and entrenched inequality. Mtabane said raising sufficient revenue in this context is a guaranteed impossibility.

“The outcome is that most municipalities find themselves with very little funding to cover operational expenses. In such cases, withholding of funding is not only a false solution, but it also punishes the poor.

“As a result of the withholding of the equitable share transfers, many households will not receive the free basic services that they are dependent on. Furthermore, in the long term the measures taken by NT will not result in a fundamental change to the unsustainable financial situation that municipalities find themselves in,” she said.

However, the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana has defended his department’s decision. Godongwana said they have temporarily withheld the equitable share transfers to selected municipalities to instill fiscal discipline and ensure that public money is properly managed.

“We doing this to ensure that unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure (UIFWE) is addressed and municipal officials and office-bearers are held accountable where required by law.

“The decision follows persistent and serious non-compliance with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and its supporting regulations, despite support provided by the National Treasury through guidance, engagement, and formal or informal communication,” he said.

Godongwana said the selected municipalities are Buffalo City, Nelson Mandela Bay, Makana, Sundays River Valley, Inxuba Yethemba, Port St Johns in Eastern Cape, Mangaung, Letsemeng, Kopanong, Mohokare, Xhariep District Municipality, Masilonyana, Tokologo, Matjhabeng, Nala, Dihlabeng, Nketoana, Maluti-a-Phofung, Phumelela, Mantsopa, Ngwathe, Mafube in Free state.

He said this includes City of Johannesburg, Emfuleni, Lesedi, Sedibeng District Municipality, Merafong City and Rand West City in Gauteng and iMpendle, uMzinyathi District Municipality, Newcastle, eMadlangeni, Amajuba District Municipality, AbaQulusi, uMkhanyakude District Municipality in Kwazulu Natal.

“Affected municipalities in Limpopo are Mopani District Municipality, Musina, Thabazimbi, Modimolle-Mookgopong, Fetakgomo Tubatse and Victor Khanye, Emakhazeni, Nkomazi in Mpumalanga.

“In Northern Cape, Kamiesberg, Khâi-Ma, Ubuntu, Umsobomvu, Emthanjeni, Renosterberg, Thembelihle, Siyathemba, !Kai !Garib, Magareng, Phokwane municipalities were affected, while Madibeng, Kgetlengrivier, Tswaing, Mafikeng, Ditsobotla, Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Naledi, Mamusa, Dr Ruth Segomotsi, Mompati District Municipality, City of Matlosana, Maquassi Hills, JB Marks in North West were affected.

Godongwana said in Western Cape, Theewaterskloof, Laingsburg, and Beaufort West are affected. He said the municipalities have been given sufficient notice in writing and urged to take measures to change their financial management positions ahead of the withholding of funds.

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