Picture: The suspect arrested for triple murder/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE 27 August 2026 – The acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has once again expressed her appreciation to communities across the country, as well as members of the media and social media users, for their assistance in the swift apprehension of James Mohajane (41). Mohajane was the subject of an intensive manhunt after he was identified as the alleged perpetrator in the brutal murders of his girlfriend, Moipone Lefoka, her sister, Esther Lefoka and Esther’s boyfriend, Tshepo Molekwa.
The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the three victims were allegedly hacked to death with a spade at a house in Moeka Vuma, near Makapanstad in the North West over the weekend. Mathe said less than 12 hours after SAPS issued a public alert and circulated Mohajane’s photograph, the community of Moeka Vuma stood up and played a critical role in bringing the suspect to police.
“SAPS can confirm that at approximately 9am this morning, members of the Moeka Vuma community handed Mohajane over to the police,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has commended the community for its vigilance and cooperation, emphasising that community participation remains a critical component in preventing and solving serious and violent crimes.
“Once again, our communities have demonstrated that they are an important partner in the fight against crime.
“The swift response by the community of Moeka Vuma, together with the assistance of the media and social media users who shared the suspect’s photograph, has contributed significantly to bringing this wanted suspect into police custody,” she said.
Dimpane further thanked everyone who played a role. She added that just last week, members of the community in Klerksdorp assisted police in apprehending a wanted boyfriend who had been on the run after allegedly killing his girlfriend in a backroom in Soweto.
“I would also like to commend the investigators and police members involved for working tirelessly to ensure that wanted suspects are brought to justice,” concluded Dimpane. taungdailynews@gmail.com
27 August 2026 – Today, the South African Police Service (SAPS) introduces Warrant Officer Gloria Vatiswa Nontshokweni (46), the acting unit commander of Makhanda Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in the Eastern Cape. Nontshokweni’s career kicked off in 2008 as a constable at Kensington Police Station’s Community Service Centre (CSC).
Known for taking down quality statements, the Station Commander recommended that she become an investigator and two years later she joined the Cape Town Central Detective Service. Investigating cases involving women and children lies near Warrant Officer Nontshokweni’s heart.
“I give all the cases assigned to me my best. But it gives me great pleasure when my investigations lead me to trace and arrest perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
In 2013, I joined the Motherwell FCS Unit in the Eastern Cape as an investigator. Now at Makhanda FCS Unit, I wear both the hats of acting unit commander and investigator,” she said.
Nontshokweni further said she always makes it her mission to ensure victims receive services of the highest standard. She added that being an FCS investigator gives her an opportunity to serve the country with dignity, honour and pride.
A recent success includes the sentencing of convicted serial rapist Anele Mabheka Lati to six life terms of imprisonment on 27 March 2026, by the Makhanda High Court. Lati was found guilty of multiple counts of rape, sexual assault and attempted rape.
He targeted boys between 2022 and 2023, the youngest of whom was 8 years-old at the time. Nontshokweni identified a similar modus operandi across several case dockets and began connecting the dots.
The Eastern Cape police spokesperson, Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said Lati’s victims were playing with groups of friends when he approached them. Gatana said he would ask a victim to accompany him to get something to eat before luring them to a dumping site, where he sexually assaulted them.
“Nontshokweni takes pride in the outcome of this case and keeps the young victims motivated throughout court proceedings. She also took them to psychologists for counselling. An avid long-distance runner, Nontshokweni prioritises her physical and mental wellbeing, recognising that staying fit and resilient is essential to remaining operationally ready and performing at her best in a demanding profession.
“She is armed with a Bachelor of Policing Practices degree at Stadio and a Diploma in Policing at Tshwane University of Technology. Nontshokweni embodies the values of a woman in policing, who is leading the SAPS Reset Agenda. She serves as a role model of perseverance, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to justice,” she said.
Picture: The acting Minister of Police, Prof Firoz Cachalia
By BAKANG MOKOTO
27 August 2026 – The acting Minister of Police, Prof Firoz Cachalia, the Deputy Ministers of Police, Cassel Mathale and Dr Polly Boshielo, together with the acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, will present the quarterly crime statistics, reflecting on crimes that occurred during the first quarter of the 2026/2027 financial year (April 2026 – June 2026).
The event will take place at GCIS Auditorium, Tshedimosetso House, corner Francis Baard and Festival streets in Hatfield on Friday at 12pm.
Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi and Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
27 August 2026 – In a continued effort to accelerate the delivery of services to communities across the province, the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi will on Friday, be joined by the Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele in his capacity as the National District Development Model (DDM) Champion for Ngaka Modiri Molema District to lead the delivery of integrated services in Mahikeng Local Municipality.
The joint Accelerated Service Delivery Programme – Thuntsha Lerole and DDM Open Service Delivery Day will bring together all spheres of government and strategic partners to deliver coordinated services.
Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said this collaborative approach will strengthen and complement the district and local municipalities’ ongoing service delivery efforts, thereby ensuring that communities have improved access to government services. Tatai said the residents of Moshawana, Signal Hill, Setumo Park, Seremane View, Molelwane, Lonely Park, Top Village and Matsatseng in Slurry, are set to benefit from a range of social services to be provided by various government institutions and strategic partners on the day.
“The leadership will conduct an oversight visit to the district funded Water Supply MIG project to assess progress in its implementation. The project is aimed at improving access to a reliable water supply for residents of Molelwane, Signal Hill and Lonely Park.
“Other service delivery activities will include potholes patching, the distribution of garden tools, compliance inspections of local businesses, the clearing of illegal dumping sites, and other interventions aimed at addressing the immediate needs of communities,” he said.
Tatai further said Thuntsha Lerole is a flagship provincial programme aimed at accelerating service delivery, strengthening direct engagement with communities, and monitoring the implementation of infrastructure and social development projects. He added that this approach is aligned with the objectives of the District Development Model (DDM), an operational model that seeks to strengthen intergovernmental relations by enabling all spheres of government to plan, budget and implement programmes jointly, thereby maximising impact through the “One District, One Plan and One Budget” approach.
“Mokgosi and Gungubele will be accompanied by Members of the Executive Council (MECs) and the leadership of the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality and Mahikeng Local Municipality for a joint programme that will be held at Lonely Park Multipurpose Centre, Mahikeng on Friday starting from 8am,” concluded Tatai.
27 August 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration called for stronger accountability and improved affordability at the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS). GEMS briefed the committee on its performance from January to June this year, as well as strategies to address fraud and waste in its operations.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Jan de Villiers said the meeting was important because, although GEMS is not funded from the fiscus, it is funded through member and employer contributions. De Villiers said since it was established through an Act of Parliament, the committee has an oversight responsibility over the Scheme.
“The meeting followed concerns previously raised by the committee about fraud-related claims and affordability issues. The committee is also on record for its concern about the impact of waste on GEMS’ financial sustainability and ability to provide affordable healthcare to public servants and their dependents.
“Committee members raised a number of concerns. They asked about the payment of public servants who were acting as trustees and whether they are doing so with the requisite approvals for paid work outside the public service,” he said.
De Villiers further said some members were particularly concerned about double-dipping. He added that the committee noted GEMS’ strategies to prevent, detect and recover losses from fraud and waste.
“The scheme reported that 3 062 instances were detected in 2025, while remediation and recoveries amounted to R257 million. Members stressed that fraud should be clearly distinguished from waste, abuse and error so that suspected criminal conduct can be referred to the relevant law enforcement authorities for investigation.
“The committee also examined GEMS’ contribution increases, hospital-centred benefit design and claims management, among other things. Members stressed that cost containment must not become a barrier to members accessing necessary healthcare,” said de Villiers.
He said members also welcomed a proposal by the Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration, Pinky Kekana, that a joint meeting be called of the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration, the Portfolio Committee on Health and the Standing Committee on Finance to further interrogate governance matters in GEMS. De Villiers said the committee supported the proposal, adding that organised labour and the Council for Medical Schemes must also be invited.
“We reiterate that the committee’s focus is to ensure that GEMS fulfils its purpose of providing accessible and affordable healthcare to public servants,” he said.
Picture: Firearms seized by the police during the operation/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
27 August 2026 – The police in Mothotlung, supported by Brits Crime Intelligence and the Brits Tactical Response Team (TRT), arrested a suspect (59) and seized several unlicensed firearms and live ammunition during an intelligence-driven operation conducted on 25 August 2026. The operation followed a tip-off regarding individuals allegedly terrorising communities in and around the Mothotlung area and suspected of being in possession of illegal firearms.
The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said the investigation led the police to Extension 2, Mothotlung, where a suspect was located driving a bakkie. Morake said the vehicle was stopped and searched, resulting in the discovery of a 9mm CZ pistol and 15 rounds of live ammunition.
“The suspect could not produce a valid licence for the firearm and was immediately arrested. The police then proceeded to the suspect’s residential address in Mothotlung, where a further search resulted in the seizure of two pistols, one rifle, one shotgun and various rounds of live ammunition, including rifle and handgun ammunition.
“The police are conducting further investigations to establish the ownership of the firearms and ammunition and to determine whether they may be linked to other criminal activities. The suspect is facing charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition in terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000),” she said.
Morake further said the suspect is expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 27 August 2026.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, commended the police involved in the operation. Adams said the seizure of the unlicensed firearms and ammunition cannot merely be regarded as a job well done, as the ballistic analysis and possible linking of the firearms to other crime scenes is eagerly anticipated.
“We acknowledged the commitment and diligence of SAPS members in ridding communities of illegal firearms and urged the public to continue providing information to the police,” he added.
27 August 2026 –A man was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Zeerust Regional Court for rape. On 27 July 2024, the victim’s mother left her children, together with the children of a friend at the residence she shared with the accused, Sunnyboy Manyako before accompanying him to a local tavern.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Lindiwe Mabasa said while at the tavern, the victim’s mother’s friend enquired about the whereabouts of her children and subsequently went to the residence to fetch them. Mabasa said the evidence before the court revealed that Manyako later left the tavern and returned to the residence, where he found the victim awake with her sibling.
“He proceeded to rape the child before leaving the residence again. Later that evening, the victim’s mother returned home and enquired about the whereabouts of Manyako. The victim then disclosed the rape to her mother.
“The mother searched for the accused, found him in the street, and returned with him to the residence, where the victim repeated her account in his presence. Manyako subsequently assaulted the victim’s mother,” she said.
Mabasa further said she fled to her parental home for safety and the matter was reported to the authorities. She added that this led to the accused’s arrest and prosecution.
“During sentencing proceedings, state prosecutor Kagiso Modibedi urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, emphasising the gravity of sexual offences against children and the need for courts to send a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated.
“In agreeing with the state’s submissions, the court found that the accused had breached the trust placed in him. The victim had been left at his residence, a place where she should have been safe and protected. Instead, the accused exploited that trust and subjected her to a horrific sexual assault,” said Mabasa.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentence, stating that it appropriately reflects the seriousness of the offence and the devastating impact that sexual violence has on children and their families. Makhari also acknowledged the valuable support provided by the Thuthuzela Care Centre, which assistance helped ensure that the victim received the necessary care and support throughout the prosecution process.
“The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of sexual offences against children are held accountable and that victims receive the support and protection they need throughout the criminal justice process,” she said.
27 August 2026 – The Department of Employment and Labour inspections of higher education institutions has found that in the financial year 2025–2026 for the period covering (April–March) these were found to be non-compliant with the Employment Equity Act (EEA) – indicating that compliance risk is likely understated, not overstated, by current inspection coverage. The department briefly appeared before the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education in Cape Town to brief and update it regarding the monitoring of compliance by South African universities with the Employment Services Act, 2014, and the Employment Equity Act and other relevant legislation, specifically in relation to the appointment of foreign nationals.
The inspections happened during the transition period following the coming into effect of the new EE Act of 2022 and the setting of five-year sectoral targets.
The acting Chief Director of Department of Employment and Labour’s Statutory and Advocacy Services, Advocate Michael Msiza said the department completed 1 948 inspections, 181 were found to be compliant and in 1 767 of inspections were found non-compliant. Msiza said the department has allowed the institutions to prepare themselves to put systems in place to implement and monitor their EE Plans.
“Soon, we will be cracking the whip to ensure compliance with the laws of the country. The department was appearing before the committee alongside the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) on updates regarding investigations in the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system, including the issuance of study and work permits, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and Department of Home Affairs on the issuance of work and study visas within the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector, as well as progress on the development of the Critical Skills List.
“Elaborating on the performance of the institutions of higher education, we warned that overall, at the rate these institutions were implementing transformation, this country may not be transformed,” he said.
Msiza further said institutions of higher education are centres of excellence, skills development, research and scholarship and talent identification. He added that, therefore, there is no excuse that they do not have qualified candidates within.
Msiza said the question that needs to be asked is what is really happening in these institutions? He singled out the University of Cape Town and Witwatersrand as problematic.
“We have identified allegations of another area of growing concern, where academic personnel were being appointed without interviews,” said Msiza.
The Department’s Inspector General Aggy Moiloa said the department will be focusing its inspection energies on the accommodation provided to students in relation to compliance with Occupational Health and Safety.
Director of Employment Equity in the Department, Dr Ntsoaki Mamashela, said the rise in the number of foreign nationals at institutions of higher learning, especially at senior and top levels, is worrying.
“Given the high level of unemployment, one wonders what skills foreign nationals are bringing that do not exist in South Africa. Universities produce graduates, but they seem not able to absorb their own products.
“We cannot fail in our statutory obligation and hide behind internationalisation,” she expressed concern.
Meanwhile, the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) has obtained a proclamation to investigate illegality in the obtaining of study visas. It said in its submission that it was not against the policy of internationalisation, however “it cannot be a free for all”. The SIU said that there can never be a justification why an institution will hire a foreign national when there is a South African.
“Processes must be followed. Universities cannot break the law and claim internationalisation. In some institutions, we feel the law has been broken,” said SIU.
SIU disclosed that foreign nationals obtain study visas on the strength of submitting fraudulent documents, and this was done in collusion with officials from education institutions and the Department of Home Affairs.
27 August 2026 – The Registrar of Labour Relations has noted the recent judgement of the Labour Court concerning the Public Servants Association (PSA). The RLR said while it has the utmost respect for the Labour Court and the judicial process, it respectfully disagrees with the judgement, both on the legal principles applied and on the factual findings made.
The Department of Labour and Employment national spokesperson, Teboho Thejane said their concerns are based on some considerations. Thejane said the Registrar is of the view that the Labour Court did not adequately give effect to the findings and legal reasoning of the Labour Appeal Court (LAC), which are binding on the Labour Court.
“The Registrar maintains that the Labour Court does not have the authority to disregard or depart from the ratio decidendi and findings of the LAC. The Labour Appeal Court expressly found that the PSA’s contention that the PSA and PSA NPC operate as one and the same entity overlooks the fundamental legal principle that a company is a separate juristic entity from a trade union.
“The LAC held that a trade union is an association of employees whose principal purpose is to regulate relations between employees and employers, as contemplated in section 95 of the Labour Relations Act (LRA),” he said.
Thejane further said the court further clarified that, in terms of the applicable statutory framework, the affairs of a non-profit company are managed by a board of directors, whereas a trade union is led by office bearers as envisaged by the LRA. He added that the LAC further found that the PSA had failed to submit audited financial statements of the trade union as required by section 96(1)(b) of the LRA and agreed with the Registrar’s position that the current board of directors of the PSA NPC are not office bearers as contemplated by the Act.
“The Registrar presented substantial evidence before the Labour Court demonstrating that the PSA continues to be managed by a board of directors and a general manager rather than office bearers as required by the LRA.
“The Labour Court did not set aside the Registrar’s notice of intention to cancel registration but merely suspended its operation pending the outcome of the appeal,” said Thejane.
He said the Registrar is of the view that the court failed to properly consider the uncontested evidence demonstrating that the PSA continues to be governed through a board of directors and a general manager, contrary to the requirements of the LRA. Thejane said it is important to clarify that the Registrar has not cancelled the registration of the PSA.
“The Registrar merely issued a notice of intention to cancel registration in accordance with the provisions of the Labour Relations Act. The suggestion that the Registrar adopted a “high-handed” approach is not supported by the evidence.
“The Labour Appeal Court recognised that the Registrar engaged with the PSA on these matters, including a meeting held on 08 February 2022. In addition, evidence was presented that the Registrar wrote to the PSA on 19 April 2022 regarding the compliance concerns,” he said.
Thejane said while the PSA disputed receipt of the correspondence, no response was received. He said for more than three years, the compliance concerns raised by the Registrar have remained unresolved.
“Consequently, allegations that the Registrar acted maliciously are unfounded and unsupported by the evidence presented before the courts. Such assertions unjustifiably impugn the integrity and character of the Registrar.
“The Registrar notes that the Labour Court accepted that the PSA NPC had locus standi to bring the application and characterised the Registrar’s concerns as “petty.” The Registrar respectfully disagrees with this finding. The Labour Relations Act recognises office bearers, and not boards of directors, as those authorised to lead and act on behalf of a trade union,” said Thejane.
He said the legal position was confirmed by the Labour Appeal Court. Thejane said the Registrar further disagrees with the Labour Court’s conclusion that there was no proper analysis of the relevant issues or that the Registrar had adopted a predetermined position concerning the PSA.
“The appeal process remains underway and is expected to be heard in due course. The Registrar is currently consulting on the broader implications of the Labour Court judgement, particularly in light of concerns that the judgement may have the unintended effect of condoning non-compliance with key provisions of the Labour Relations Act governing the registration, governance and accountability of trade unions.
“The Registrar of Labour Relations remains committed to upholding the Constitution, the Labour Relations Act, and the rule of law. The office will continue to execute its statutory mandate objectively, fairly and without fear, favour or prejudice, while respecting the independence of the courts and the judicial process,” he said.
Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Dr Desbo Mohono
By REGINALD KANYANE
27 August 2026 – The North West Department of Education will host the Provincial 2026 National Teaching Awards ceremony on 28 August 2026. The primary objective of the NTAs is to honour exceptional teachers who show extraordinary dedication, often under challenging conditions and highlight their vital role in advancing inclusive, quality education across South Africa.
The North West MEC for Education, Dr Desbo Mohono said the awards promote best practices in schools and provide an opportunity to acknowledge all outstanding teachers for their continued excellence in service within the province. Mohono highlighted that teachers are the backbone of the education system.
“Teachers are the backbone of our education system. They play a vital role in shaping young minds, nurturing dreams and empowering the next generation to create a brighter and better future. Through their unwavering dedication and commitment to educating our children, they make a lasting difference in their lives. Teachers deserve our deepest respect, gratitude and appreciation.
“The event is scheduled to take place at Mmabatho Convention Centre in Mahikeng on Friday at 9am,” she said.
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