Daily Archives: July 24, 2026

‘Weekend Special’ abuser jailed for 10 years

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 July 2026 – A man (36) dubbed the “Weekend Special” was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court for assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). The victim (27), who was in a domestic relationship with the accused, endured repeated physical abuse particularly over the weekends.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the latest incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, 1 January 2026, when the victim was socialising at a business establishment in Rietvale, Ritchie. Shename said the accused arrived at the premises, forcibly removed and assaulted her, before dragging her to their residence, where the assault continued.

“The victim managed to escape and sought refuge at her parents’ home. She subsequently reported the matter to the police and opened a case of assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). The accused was subsequently traced and arrested.

“He appeared in court, where He was denied bail. He remained in custody until the conclusion of the case on 21 July 2026. The successful prosecution was made possible through the diligent investigation conducted by Detective Constable Dieter Esterhuizen of the Modderrivier Detective Service, whose meticulous work ensured that the violent offender was brought to justice and held accountable for his actions,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Frances Baard District Police Commissioner, Major General Charlotte Makgari, commended Detective Constable Esterhuizen for his dedication and commitment to the investigation. Makgari reiterated that the South African Police Service (SAPS) remains resolute in its efforts to prevent, combat and investigate crimes against women and children and to ensure that perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and domestic abuse face the full might of the law.

“This sentence sends a strong message that perpetrators of violence against women will be pursued and held accountable for their actions. Victims of domestic violence should not suffer in silence. The SAPS remains committed to supporting victims, thoroughly investigating reported cases and working with the criminal justice system to ensure that justice is served,” she said.

Makgari further said the SAPS encourages victims of domestic violence and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) to report incidents to the police and seek assistance. She added that communities are also urged to work with the police by reporting suspected acts of violence and abuse.

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Former boyfriend sentenced to six months imprisonment for assault

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 July 2026 – A man (33) from Kathu, near Kuruman was sentenced to six months imprisonment for assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and malicious damage to property by the Kathu Regional Court. This comes after the accused, Frederick Byliefeldt attacked his former girlfriend (29).

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the incident took place on 20 April 2024. Litabe said the court heard that during an altercation with the mother of his children, Byliefeldt drove his vehicle through the gate of the victim’s residence, while she and her children were standing nearby.

“When the victim refused to open the gate, the accused deliberately rammed through it, causing extensive damage and the gate collapsing onto the victim, resulting in head injuries. A case of assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) was registered at Kathu Police Station, leading to the arrest of the accused.

“The investigation was conducted by Detective Warrant Officer Boikanyo Pilane of the Kathu Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. Following numerous court appearances, the accused was convicted on one count of assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and one count of malicious damage to property,” he said.

Litabe further said Byliefeldt was sentenced to three months for assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and the sentence was wholly suspended for five years. He added that on malicious damage to property offence, he was sentenced to three months imprisonment or a fine of R2000, wholly suspended for five years.

Meanwhile, the acting John Taolo Gaetsewe District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, welcomed the conviction and sentence. Baloyi expressed the hope that the sentence will serve as a deterrent to perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).

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Learners encouraged to contribute to safer South Africa

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Picture: Learners awarded certificate/Supplied 

By AGISANANG SCUFF

24 July 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in collaboration with the Safer South Africa Foundation, the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD), the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), The Banking Association South Africa, StarSaver and POPCRU, hosted a certificate award ceremony for learners who successfully completed the Safer South Africa Foundation Communities and Justice Programme. The ceremony took place at Vuyolwethu High School in Kimberley on 23 July 2026 and was attended by learners from Vuyolwethu High School and Floors No. 2 High School, educators, parents and various stakeholders.

Also in attendance was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Safer South Africa Foundation, retired national Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Riah Phiyega, who outlined the purpose and significance of the event. Phiyega emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in raising and supporting children, reiterating the principle that it takes a village to raise a child and that every child is the responsibility of the broader community.

“I would like to convey a message of support on behalf of POPCRU, a founding partner of the Safer South Africa Foundation. It is important to have collaborative efforts in empowering young people and strengthening crime prevention initiatives within communities,” she said.

The Northern Cape Department of Basic Education representative, Brenda Babuseng encouraged learners to make positive choices and to become part of the solution rather than contributing to the problem. Babuseng further emphasised that the values promoted through the programme are aligned with the vision of creating safer schools that are caring, inclusive and character-building environments.

“The programme also seeks to prevent bullying, discourage substance abuse and combat vandalism, while promoting responsible citizenship among learners. As part of the second phase of the programme, learners from Vuyolwethu High School and Floors No. 2 High School shared testimonies about their experiences and reflected on the positive impact of the programme, as well as the values and life lessons they gained through their participation,” she added.

Meanwhile, learners were presented with Crime Prevention Programme certificates, commemorative T-shirts and goodie bags in recognition of their successful completion of the programme. The South African Police Service (SAPS) commends all stakeholders involved in the programme for their commitment to empowering young people and strengthening partnerships aimed at preventing crime and building safer, more resilient communities.

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