Monthly Archives: July 2026

Former financial administrator nabbed for R4.6m fraud remanded in custody

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By STAFF REPORTER

6 July 2026 – Former financial administrator (43) at Kathu High School, who was arrested for fraud, forgery and uttering, remanded in custody until 7 July 2026, for formal bail application. The accused, Maria Jessica Kuhn was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team working together with their counterparts from Serious Organised Crime on 2 July 2026, at her place of residence in Kathu, near Kuruman.

The Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said Kuhn who previously served as a financial administrator at Kathu High School, is accused of embezzling school funds to the tune of R4.6 million rands. Thebe said the modus operandi included creating separate private banking accounts, where school funds were diverted.

“Financial discrepancies were identified in October 2025, when an audit detected irregularities in the school’s financial records. The stolen funds included normal school fees and donor amounts, which are used to pay School Governing Body (SGB) teacher’s salaries.

“The Directorate’s investigation revealed that the accused created fictitious invoices purporting to be legitimate school suppliers and authorised payments which went to her private account and for her benefit. Allegations are, the accused further paid herself overtime, despite the school’s policy prohibiting such payments,” he said.

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Soliciting of bribes from illegal immigrants disputed

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By OBAKENG MAJE

6 July 2026 – The management of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the North West has noted the circulation of a social media video containing allegations relating to the Station Commander of Cyferskuil and the policing of undocumented migrants within the Cyferskuil policing area. The SAPS wishes to categorically reject the false and unsubstantiated allegation that the Station Commander is collecting money from undocumented migrants as a “protection fee”.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said at this stage, there is no information or evidence available to substantiate these claims. Skalkie said regarding the events referred to in the video, the Station Commander addressed members of the community in the presence of a local councillor after concerns were raised about intended actions against undocumented migrants.

“During the engagement, the Station Commander appealed to community members to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and not to conduct house-to-house actions aimed at forcibly removing undocumented migrants. The community accepted this appeal and no such action took place.

“SAPS also wishes to clarify that the allegation that a truck transported and offloaded undocumented migrants into areas within the Cyferskuil policing precinct is false. No such incident has been reported or verified,” she said.

Skalkie further said, there was no incident reported that indicated that undocumented migrants voluntarily left the area.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, urges members of the public to refrain from sharing unverified information on social media, as the dissemination of false information can create unnecessary panic, damage reputations and undermine public confidence in law enforcement. Naidoo encourages anyone with credible information regarding criminal conduct or corruption to report it through the appropriate official channels so that it can be investigated.

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Monna o tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo mabapi le polao

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Ka REGINALD KANYANE

6 Phukwi 2026 – Monna wa dingwaga di le 25 o solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Brits mabapi le polao. Go begwa fa monna o, a ile a thuntsa le go bolaya monna wa dingwaga di 51 mme a latlhela setopo sa gagwe kwa mmileng kwa motseng wa Letlhakaneng, gaufi le Letlhabile.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Captain Majang Skalkie are tiragalo e, e diragetse fa kgwedi ya Seetebosigo e tlhola matsatsi a le masome a le mararo ka ura ya 10:30 bosigo. Skalkie are baletamotse ba ba neng ba tlhokometse motse wa bone, ba ile ba bona sejanaga sa modiro wa Volkswagen Polo se ema kwa mmileng le go latlhela setopo sa monna mongwe kwa mmileng o.

“Go begwa fa setopo sa monna o sa itsiweng se ne sa latlhelwa mo thoko ga tsela pele ga sejanaga seo se inaya naga. Baletamotse ba, bai le ba letsetsa sepodisi. Moswi o fitlhetswe ka dintho tsa go thuntshiwa. Batlhankedi ba potlako ba ile ba bilediwa kwa lefelong la tiragalo, mme ba tlhalosa fa monna o a setse a tlhokafetse,” Skalkie wa tlhalosa.

Skalkie are kgetsi ya polao e ile ya bulwa, mme go ile ga bolodiwa dipatlisiso. Skalkie are sepodisi se ile sa dirisa ikwadiso ya sejanaga seo go batlana le mmelaelwa.

“Mmelaelwa o ile a tshwarwa fa kgwedi ya Phukwi e tlhola matsatsi a le mabedi. Dipatlisiso tse di tseneletseng, di dirile gore sepodisi se fitlhelele madi a motswasetlhabelo mo tlase ga setulo mo sejanageng sa mmelaelwa ga mmogo le sethunya sa AK-47.

“Sepodisi se ile sa thopa sethunya seo sa AK-47 ga mmogo le sethunya ya pistol go tswa go mmelaelwa. Ga jaana, dithunya tseo, di ile go lekolwa gore a ga di amege mo bosinying jo bongwe gape. Dipatlisiso tsa go sa le gale di shupa fa polao e ka tswa e golaganngwa le dikgogakgogano mabapi le madi,” Skalkie wa tlhalosa.

Are mmelaelwa o solofetswe go tlhagelela ka boripana kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Brits mo letsatsing la gompieno mabapi le polao.  

Kgabagare, mokomishinara wa sepodisi wa nakwana mono Bokone Bophirima, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, o kgadile ka bogale polao e e setlhogo e, le go akgola babatlisisi ba kgetsi ka ntlheng ya matsetseleko a ba a dirileng mo kgetsing e.

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Three men arrested for stock theft to apply for bail

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Picture: Three men nabbed for stock theft/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

6 July 2026 – Three men were arrested for stock theft in a coordinated efforts. On 27 June 2026, a stock theft case was registered at Potchefstroom Police Station after a livestock owner reported the theft of 25 head of cattle.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said a multi-disciplinary operation comprising members of the Potchefstroom Public Order Police (POP), Potchefstroom Flying Squad, Potchefstroom Crime Intelligence, Potchefstroom Stock Theft Unit, together with local farmers, was immediately activated. Skalkie said the operation yielded positive results when three men, identified as Santo Ponya (47), Moeti Peter Mosia (43), and Samuel Nhlapo (34), were arrested along the N12 road near Potchefstroom.

“The suspects were found in possession of 16 head of cattle, which were positively identified by the lawful owner as part of the stolen livestock. The trio appeared before the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 29 June 2026, on charges of stock theft and possession of suspected stolen livestock.

“They were remanded in custody until 6 July 2026 for a bail application,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the police and all stakeholders involved for their swift response. Naidoo said the excellent collaboration between the police and the farming community, led to the successful arrest of the suspects.

“I would like to emphasise that rural safety remains a priority as it contributes directly to the country’s economy and the South African Police Service (SAPS) remains committed to combating stock theft and ensuring the safety and security of rural communities,” he said.

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A Nigerian man nabbed for dealing in drugs

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Picture: The drugs allegedly seized from the suspect/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

6 July 2026 – A Nigerian (35) was arrested by the police in Potchefstroom on 3 July 2026, for allegedly dealing in drugs. This comes after the police received a tip-off regarding suspected drugs concealed in an alley behind a local bakery.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie, said the police immediately operationalised the information they received. Skalkie said through further investigation, the police followed up on additional leads, which led them to a flat, where the suspect had allegedly been seen.

“The suspect was searched and the police allegedly found drugs, as well as an undisclosed amount of cash in his possession. He was immediately arrested for allegedly dealing in drugs.

“The suspect is expected to appear before the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 6 July 2026, on a charge of dealing in drugs,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, condemned the sale and distribution of illegal drugs, describing them as a serious threat to the safety and well-being of communities.

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Nine Lesotho nationals arrested in connection with double murder

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By STAFF REPORTER

6 July 2026 – An intelligence-led operation conducted by Rustenburg Crime Intelligence, with support from Sun City and Phokeng Visible Policing, resulted in the arrest of nine Lesotho migrants in connection with two alleged murders that took place at an illegal mining site in Witrantjie, near Sun City on 4 July 2026. The suspects are also believed to be irregular migrants.

The North West police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ofentse Mokgadi said this follows a tip-off to police about suspects traveling from Witrantjie to Rustenburg. Mokgadi said a white Toyota Quantum was stopped around 6:45am on the R565 road between Boshoek and Phokeng, where seven men and two women were detained.

“Initial investigations have allegedly linked three of the suspects to the fatal stabbing of a Lesotho man reported on 3 July 2026. In what is believed to be a retaliation attack, another Lesotho man was shot dead, with his body found in a mining pit with multiple gunshot wounds on Saturday morning, 4 July 2026, also in Witrantjie.

“The remaining six individuals will be processed by the Department of Home Affairs to verify their immigration status,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 Police Commissioner, Brigadier Mamotsamai Ntoagae, praised the arrests and commended the police for their quick response. Mamotsamai stated that the arrests demonstrate the police’s dedication to fighting illegal mining and related violent crimes.

“The police will continue to pursue all those involved and ensure they are brought to justice. Investigations are ongoing and further arrests are possible,” she said.

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Monna o bolailwe ka go thuntshiwa mono Taung

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Setshwantsho: Moswi, James Chipeta o thuntsitswe

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

5 Phukwi 2026 – Monna wa dingwaga di le 48 o thuntsitswe le go bolawa mono Taung. Go begwa moswi, James Chipeta a ne a kgorogelwa ke banna ba le bararo ba ba sa itsiweng ba ba neng ba rwele bomamatlhwana fa a ne a tsamaya le mosadi wa gagwe gaufi le seporo sa terena magareng ga toropo ya Taung le motse wa Matolong ka Labotlhano bosigo.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Mokaptein Majang Skalkie are go begwa fa banna ba, ba ne ba tlhasela bobedi jo. Skalkie o bega fa Chipeta a ile a leka go iphemela kgatlhanong le banna ba, mme mongwe wa babelaelwa, o ne a ntsha sethunya le go mo thuntsha.

“Sepodisi se ile sa bilediwa kwa lefelong la tiragalo, mme ba ile ba fitlhela moswi ka dintho tsa go thuntshiwa. Moswi o ile a tlhalosiwa fa a tlhokafetse.

“Ga gona ope o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana. Fela sepodisi se boloditse dipatlisiso. Sepodisi se ikuela go mongwe le mongwe o a ka thusang ka tshedimosetso e e tla lebisang kwa go tshwarweng ga babelaelwa go ka ikgolaganya le mobatlisisi wa kgetsi, Detective Sergeant Tebogo Monchwe, mo dinomoreng tsa mogala tsa 082 469 0332, kgotsa a ka letsetsa sepodisi go SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111,” Skalkie wa tlhalosa.

Skalkie are moneela tshedimosetso fa a batla go nna tlhokaina, a ka dira jalo go MySAPS mobile application.

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Monna o thudilwe ke sejanaga gaufi le RnR mono Taung

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Setshwantsho: Monnapula Klaas Mosalaesi

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

4 Phukwi 2026 – Monna wa dingwaga di le 39 wa kwa motseng wa Nommer 1, mono Taung, o tlhokafetse morago ga go thulwa ke sejanaga mo mmileng wa R372 o golaganyang Taung le Reivilo. Go begwa fa tiragalo e, e le ya Lamatlhatso o o fetileng, mme e diragetse gaufi le lefelo la borobasogo la RnR.

Go begwa fa moswi, Monnapula Klaas Mosalaesi a ne a tswa phitlhong kwa motseng wa Buxton fa kotsi e ne e direga. Go ya ka dipego, Mosalaesi o ne a thulwa ke sejanaga, mme a gatakakiwa ke tse dingwe tse di neng di sa mo bone.

Go begwa fa sepodisi le badiri ba potlako, ba ile ba bilediwa kwa lefelong la tiragalo. Ba lekala la forensiki ba ile ba tsaya setopo sa ga Mosalaesi, mme ba se isa kwa mmoshareng kwa Vryburg.

Go begwa fa ba lelapa la gagwe ba ile ba bula kgetsi ya motho o timetseng morago ga gore Mosalaesi a se boele gae. Fela, go begwa fa ba ne ba itsisiwe go sa le gale mo bekeng eno ka loso la morwa wa bone.

Mosalaesi o tla fitlhwa ka 11 Phukwi 2026, kwa motseng wa Nommer 1, mono Taung.

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Destitute families receive food parcels

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Picture: North West Social Development’s Head of Department, Peggy Mhlongo-Kgaboesele together with North West MEC of Health, Sello Lehari/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

3 July 2026 – The North West Department of Social Development together with the Department of Health, distributed food parcels to needy households at Matlwang village, near Potchefstroom as part of the provincial service delivery programme, Thuntsha Lerole. Thuntsha Lerole is the North West Provincial Government’s Accelerated Service Delivery Programme that showcases an ongoing commitment to fast-track service delivery and bring government services closer to communities.

The Head of Department of North West Department of Social Development, Peggy Mhlongo-Kgaboesele said through the social relief of distress programme, the department is working tirelessly to ensure that no person goes to bed hungry. Mhlongo-Kgaboesele emphasised that food parcels are being distributed to individuals, child headed households and families in dire need of assistance.

“Handing out food parcels is a short-term measure that we use to intervene in the plight of the needy. Other interventions that we are nurturing include profiling and identifying young people and equipping them with security courses and driver’s licenses.

“Other than these interventions, our department can assist indigent families to create their own food gardens in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, so that they could be self-sustainable and not continue to rely on food parcels,” she said. 

She further said the food parcels are nutritional food items such large packets of mealie meal, sugar, baked beans, salt, vegetables, rice, tea, tins of fish and bottles of cooking oil for each of the beneficiaries. Mhlongo-Kgaboesele added that they provide essential sustenance and are a critical lifeline for people living below the breadline by offering immediate relief from hunger.

“Among the 100 beneficiaries from Matlwang, Radimo, Phalakgomo and Kgapamadi villages, who received food parcels as a lifeline is Dimpho Nthongwa (22), who is an orphan and manning the day-to-day affairs of family after her parents died.

“Her younger sister matriculated last year. The two of them are unemployed and live below the breadline. Currently they depend on an electrical infrastructure and construction learnership programme to make ends meet,” said Mhlongo-Kgaboesele.

Meanwhile, Nthongwa, an aspiring electrician, said she is grateful to the department for remembering them during their time of need.

“This is a great relief to us. This is the grocery that we could not afford to buy. It will take us a long time to finish it,” she said.

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Cachalia’s anti-gangsterism plan futile

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By REGINALD KANYANE

3 July 2026 – The Democratic Alliance (DA) alleged that the acting Minister of Police, Prof Firoz Cachalia admits that no gang dismantled, despite three months of deployment. DA said Cachalia’s promise of a more targeted second phase of Operation Prosper comes with a deeply troubling admission.

DA spokesperson on Police and Member of Parliament (MP), Lisa Schickerling said after three months of deployment, not a single gang was dismantled. Schickerling further said this is despite the deployment of the SAPS and the SANDF to gang hotspots on the Cape Flats and surrounding areas at an estimated cost of R823 million over 13 months.

“Therefore, we call for intelligence-led policing and specialist gang prosecutions that lead to measurable results of catching and convicting criminals. Communities were promised restored order, disrupted criminal networks and a visible reclaiming of the state’s authority.

“Instead, residents have seen continued shootings, escalating gang violence and little meaningful change in their daily lived reality. While the DA acknowledges that Phase One may have provided limited visible policing and some temporary stabilisation, the facts show that it has failed in its central purpose of weakening organised criminal networks,” she said.

Schickerling added that Cachalia admitted in parliament that no gang was dismantled during the first phase of the operation. She said this is a damning indictment of an intervention that was sold to the public as a serious anti-gang response.

“The reality is that force presence alone does not defeat gangsterism. Without strong crime intelligence, capable detectives, coordinated prosecutors and targeted follow-through against gang leadership, criminal syndicates simply regroup and continue terrorising communities.

“The state cannot keep spending hundreds of millions on deployments that produce statistics on confiscated drugs and arrests, while gang bosses remain in place and neighbourhoods remain under siege,” said Schickerling.

She said they call on Cachalia to ensure that Phase Two is backed by real intelligence capacity, strengthened detective work, specialised anti-gang investigations and prosecutorial coordination that targets criminal leadership rather than just foot soldiers. Schickerling said residents of the Cape Flats do not need another re-announcement of government intent.

“Residents need safer streets, dismantled gangs and a police service capable of delivering lasting results,” she said.

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Picture: Prof Firoz Cachalia