7 August 2026 – The North West University (NWU) will officially unveil the NWU Football Club playing kit and the announcement of its inaugural squad ahead of the 2026/27 Motsepe Foundation Championship season. The event marks a historic milestone following the university’s promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship, which is South Africa’s second-tier professional football league.
The NWU Football Club spokesperson, Oscar Mosiane said as the club enters a new era of professional football, it will officially compete under the name NWU Football Club, representing the university at the highest level of its football journey. Mosiane said the launch will showcase the official 2026/27 playing kit and introduce the players, who will make history as the first squad to represent NWU Football Club in the professional ranks.
“The unveiling underscores the university’s commitment to developing football excellence while integrating high-performance sport with academic achievement and student development.
“It also reinforces NWU’s strategic vision of establishing the university as a leading force in South African football and strengthening its national sporting brand.
“The occasion will be attended by the university’s leadership, including the principal and vice-chancellor, Professor Bismark Tyobeka, members of the University Management Committee (UMC), the Board of the NWU Soccer Institute, strategic partners, sponsors, alumni, staff, students, supporters and members of the media,” said Mosiane.
He said the event will take place at the North West University (Mafikeng campus) on14 August 2026, at 10am.
7 August 2026 – The Gauteng Local Division of the High Court, Johannesburg, convicted Michael Lomas and Hudson Kgomoeswana after reaching a plea and sentence agreement with the NPA’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) in terms of Sec105A of the Criminal Procedure Act, wherein they pleaded guilty to 34 charges of corruption. Lomas was convicted on 34 charges of corruption relating to payments made between February 2015 and April 2017, amounting to over R2.6 million from his personal account into a company owned by one of the accused.
The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the charges also relate to 24 rental payments for an apartment in Midrand, amounting to over R396 000, which benefited two former senior Eskom employees. Mamothame said this gratification was aimed at influencing the two to award a contract to a company Lomas was working for, Tubular Constructions Projects.
“Following considerations on several factors that include the age and health of the accused, his remorse for participating in corrupt acts, the aggravating circumstances of the case, mitigating circumstances of the case, as well as the interests of the complainant, Eskom Holdings, Lomas was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment, which will be suspended for a period of 5 years.
“The conditions are that he should not be convicted for fraud, theft and/or the contravention of PRECCA. He will further provide the state with evidence against some of the accused in the main case,” he said.
Mamothame further said the NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) has rejected the proposed confiscation of R6m against the value of his assets, as it views the amount as not being reflective of the proportions of the money that was lost to the state through his criminal acts. He added that further engagements between AFU and Lomas’ attorneys are underway in an attempt to reach a settlement.
Meanwhile, Mamothame said Kgomoeswana also pleaded guilty to one count of corruption in the contravention of PRECCA, 18 counts of money laundering and 15 counts of the Contravention of the Tax Act. He said the charges relate to payments of over R6 million allegedly paid to a former Eskom senior employee as gratification from Tubular Group of companies, through Babinatlou Business Services, owned by Kgomoeswana.
“Kgomoeswane retained the amount of R757 000, for making available his accounts to facilitate corrupt payments. Following certain factors being considered, which include the seriousness of the charges, the remorse expressed by the accused, the interests of the complainants, SARS and Eskom Holdings, he was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment on the corruption and money laundering charges of which with 10 years are suspended for a period of 5 years, provided he doesn’t commit similar offences during the suspension period.
“He was further sentenced to 5 years imprisonment on 15 counts of the contravention of the Tax Administration Act for evading tax. This sentence will run concurrently with the 5 years sentence relating to the corruption and money laundering charges,” said Mamothame.
He said the accused has consented to the NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) to confiscate his assets valued at over R2.4 million. Mamothame said he will also provide the state with evidence on his participation in commissioning of the offence.
“The two together with other accused were facing multiple counts of corruption linked to the R1.4 billion that was meant for the upgrade of Eskom’s Kusile power station in Mpumalanga between 2014 and 2017.
“Lomas was successfully extradited from the United Kingdom in September 2024, where he was joined with the other accused,” he said.
Meanwhile, the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), advocate Andy Mothibi, commended the collaboration between the NPA’s IDAC, AFU, SARS, DPCI and Eskom, which resulted in the conviction of the two accused. Mothibi further called on all law enforcement agencies to strengthen their unity in the fight against all forms of criminality. Mothibi said the case against Frans Hlakudi and Abram Masango is expected back in court on 7 August 2026 for trial.
7 August 2026 – A man (52) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Molopo Regional Court for rape. On 13 November 2015, the accused, Xolile Ntshontsho raped a girl (8) after she was sent by her grandmother to return a wheelbarrow to a neighbour.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Lindiwe Mabasa said Ntshontsho grabbed the victim and took her to nearby bushes, where he raped her. Mabasa said the child immediately reported the incident to her mother, who notified the police.
“A case was opened, and the accused was arrested on the same day. The trial commenced on 21 June 2016. The state prosecutor, Kefentse Diseko presented compelling evidence, including the first report, DNA evidence and the J88 medico-legal report.
“Following his initial court appearance, the accused absconded, prompting the court to issue a warrant for his arrest. He remained at large for almost 10 years before being re-arrested on 26 March 2026,” she said.
Mabasa further said when the matter resumed on 3 August 2026, Ntshontsho admitted to the offence. She added that he was subsequently convicted on the strength of both the state’s evidence and his admissions.
“In aggravation of sentence, the state argued that life imprisonment was appropriate, emphasising the complainant’s young age and the fact that the accused had preyed on a vulnerable child. In delivering the sentence, the court held that, as an older adult, the accused had a duty to protect the child rather than violate her.
“The court further accepted that the state had presented a strong case and found that the accused’s admissions did not diminish the seriousness of the offence. Although the court found substantial and compelling circumstances justifying a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence, it sentenced the accused to 15 years imprisonment,” she said.
Mabasa said the court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm and to work with children in terms of the Children’s Act. She said in addition, it ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders in terms of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentence, saying it sends a clear message that those who prey on women, children and other vulnerable members of society will be brought to justice, regardless of how long they evade the legal process.
“The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to prosecuting sexual offences and ensuring that victims receive justice while their dignity is restored through the criminal justice system,” said Makhari.
Picture: Five accused persons arrested for murder/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
7 August 2026- Five accused persons, Julius Doctor Mkhwanazi (50), a businessman Cobus Janse van Rensburg (42), a former EMPD official, Adrian Norman Mackenzie (43) and two former SAPS police officials, Bhekokwakhe Sibande (36) and Keisha- Leigh Stols (40), briefly appeared at the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court. They are all facing a charge of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and defeating the administration of justice.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that on 14 April 2022, the five accused assaulted and killed Emmanuel Mbense at his place of residence because they suspected that he had stolen copper staff at a warehouse. Mahanjana said after killing and robbing the deceased of his property and cash in the amount of approximately R500 000, they allegedly disposed of his body by dumping it at Spaarwater Dam.
“The matter was postponed to 13 August 2026 to allow the state an opportunity to consider several applications brought by some of the accused persons’ legal representatives,” she said.
7 August 2026 – The accused, Alinah Machobane (35) and Vusimuzi Machobane (46), who are a married couple, briefly appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 6 August 2026, facing charges of fraud. The couple was arrested on 6 August 2026, by members of the Klerksdorp-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said their arrest emanates from an investigation into misappropriation of funds claimed from Covid-19 Temporary Employee/Employer Relief Scheme. Mathebula said it is reported that the accused, as directors of Klerksdorp Youth Club, applied for UIF Covid-19 TERS on behalf of their employees for the period of 27 March 2020 to 30 April 2021.
“Their application was reportedly approved and they received over R358 000. An investigation by the serious commercial crime investigation revealed the accused claimed for 16 people who were not employees of their company.
“Following an investigation, the duo was apprehended and charged with fraud. They appeared in court and were granted R5000 bail each. Their matter was postponed to 14 August 2026, for first appearance at the Specialised Commercial Crime Court sitting in Klerksdorp,” he said.
7 August 2026 – South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Themba Matlou said every month, millions of women receive social grants that enable them to provide food, education, healthcare and dignity for their families. Matlou, who held CEO Media Engagement at Marang Hotel in Rustenburg on Thursday, said women remain the largest recipients of social grants, particularly Child Support Grants and Older Persons Grants, making them central to South Africa’s social protection system.
He further said beyond social assistance, SASSA continues to support government programmes aimed at empowering women through financial inclusion, improved access to services, digital transformation and partnerships with other institutions that promote economic participation and self-reliance. Matlou added that women’s empowerment remains at the heart of building resilient families and stronger communities.
“This year marks a historic milestone. SASSA celebrates 20 years since its establishment in 2006 as a Schedule 3A Public Entity for the National Department of Social Development. Twenty years ago, the government made a bold decision to establish a single national agency responsible for administering social assistance.
“That decision transformed South Africa’s fragmented grant administration into one of the largest and most comprehensive social protection systems in the developing world. During its first years, the focused on integrating provincial grant systems into one national system establishing nine regional offices, transferring around 6 000 grant administration staff from provincial governments,” he said.
Matlou said they have improved grant payment systems and service delivery mechanisms. He said today, SASSA administers social grants to approximately 19 million permanent grant beneficiaries every month.
“Behind every grant payment is a child who is able to attend school, an elderly person who can buy medication or a person living with disability who can live with greater dignity. These grants are not simply financial transfers. They represent government’s constitutional commitment to protect the most vulnerable members of society.
“Over the past two decades, SASSA has undergone significant reforms. We have strengthened governance. We have improved payment systems. We have expanded digital services. We have enhanced financial controls. We have invested in stronger verification processes,” said Matlou.
He said SASSA has modernised payment systems and expanded access channels to provide beneficiaries with greater convenience, security and choice. Matlou said key interventions include migration from cash-based payments to electronic payment systems, increased use of bank accounts and digital payment channels.
“This includes electronic queue management systems, mobile and digital service channels and modernisation of call centres. We continue to improve accessibility for rural communities through outreach programmes and partnerships with various stakeholders.
“Importantly, we are building an organisation that is more responsive, transparent and accountable to the people we serve. Our vision for the future is clear. We want a modern SASSA that offers services that are accessible, secure and citizen-centred,” he said.
Matlou said they want to ensure there are biometrics and eKYC in place to strengthen identity authentication, fraud prevention and real-time verification. He said they have also implemented mobile, online, chatbot and call-centre modernisation to extend access beyond traditional office boundaries.
“Automated means testing, external data integration and legacy-system migration support and end-to-end digital processing. The future SASSA will increasingly rely on technology to improve service delivery, while ensuring that no beneficiary is left behind.
“Beneficiaries should spend less time standing in queues and more time living productive lives. Our modernisation programme focuses on expanding digital service channels, improving online application processes, strengthening electronic verification systems and integrating information systems with other government institutions,” said Matlou.
The Guardian 