Daily Archives: August 28, 2026

Tlhapi to address Provincial Road Safety Schools Debate

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Picture: The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Virginia Tlhapi

By REGINALD KANYANE

28 August 2026 – The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Virginia Tlhapi will address learners during the Provincial Road Safety Schools Debate as part of the Department’s activities of the Thuntsha Lerole Service Delivery Programme. The annual Road Safety Schools Debate provides learners from different schools across the Province with an opportunity to take to the podium and robustly deliberate on ways to improve and enhance road safety in the province and the country at large.

Tlhapi said the aim of this initiative is to educate learners and instill a culture of road safety, as well as awareness of traffic rules, through learners’ active participation in the debate. She said in this way, the department is making a deliberate effort to address the underlying challenges relating to road safety.

“The Department of Community Safety and Transport Management in partnership with the Road Traffic Management Cooperation (RTMC) and in collaboration with the Department of Education, continues to conduct the Road Safety Schools Debate Project annually.

“The project is one of the National flagship programmes implemented by all Provinces and culminates in the National Road Safety Debate hosted by the Department of Transport,” said Tlhapi.

She further said the competition starts at district level as a buildup progressing to the provincial level and ultimately to the national competition .

“I will address the learners and present awards in recognition of learners’ participation and achievements in the competition.

“This year’s Provincial Road Safety Schools Debate Project will be held at the North West Provincial Legislature Chamber today at 9am,” she said.

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A missing patient from Witrand Specialised Hospital found dead

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Picture: Witrand Specialised Hospital in Potchefstroom

By REGINALD KANYANE

28 August 2026 – The North West Department of Health is under fire after a patient who went missing from the Witrand Specialised Hospital in Potchefstroom, found dead. The patient allegedly went missing from the facility in the early hours of Wednesday, 26 August 2026.

The deceased was a well-known patient of Witrand Specialised Hospital who had been admitted to the facility since 22 June 2023, and was receiving care in Female Ward 3.

The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari said according to the hospital management, during the early morning bathing routine in Ward 3, personnel noticed that the patient was no longer in the ward. Lehari said the staff immediately searched the various blocks within the hospital premises and alerted security personnel after establishing that the patient could not be located.

“An immediate search was conducted in and around the hospital premises, but the patient could not be found. The search continued until hospital management was informed that a person matching the description of the missing patient had been found lying along Promosa Road next to the graveyard.

“Upon arrival at the scene, it was regrettably confirmed that the person was the missing patient. The patient’s family was immediately informed of the death,” he said.

Lehari expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“On behalf of the North West Department of Health, I wish to convey our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased during this extremely difficult time. We recognise that no words can adequately ease the pain of losing a loved one under such circumstances.

“We extend our sincere sympathy to the family and assure them that the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident will be thoroughly investigated,” said Lehari.

He further urged members of the public to allow the investigation to take its course and cautioned against speculation while the facts are being established. Lehari added that the public and all stakeholders must refrain from speculation or drawing conclusions before the investigation has been completed.

“The department takes the safety, dignity and wellbeing of patients in our care very seriously. We will carefully examine what happened, identify any shortcomings that may emerge, and take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation.

“The department has initiated an investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the patient’s abscondment and subsequent death. Further information will be communicated once the investigation has progressed sufficiently and it is appropriate to do so,” he concluded.

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Setopo sa monna o neng a nyeletse se bonwe kwa molapong

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

28 Phatwe 2026 – Setopo sa ga Kamogelo Segwai (26) o go neng ga begwa fa a nyeletse se bonwe kwa molapong wa Extenstion 7, mono Taung ka Lamatlhatso. Go begwa fa Segwai a ne a thopiwa ka dikgoka ke bangwe ba baagi kwa Extension 7, mono Taung morago ga go mo latofatsa ka bogodu.

Segwai o bonwe mo setshwantshong sa motsikinyego ga mmogo le tsala nngwe ya gagwe, Omphile Mokoto yo setopo sa gagwe se bonweng kwa masimo kwa motseng wa Maphoitsile, gaufi le Taung mo dibekeng tse tharo tse di fetileng, ba dirilwe batshwarwa-kananyo.

Go begwa fa setopo sa ga Segwai se ne se na le dintho tsa go teketiwa.

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are o setse a emetse pegelo go tswa go mmatlisisi wa kgetsi pele ga a ka arabela dipotso go tswa go The Guardian Newspaper.

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Setshwantsho: Kamogelo Segwai/Facebook

A woman arrested after drugs worth R1800 found concealed in a diaper

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Picture: Drugs discovered in a diaper/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

28 August 2026 – A woman (27) was arrested for possession of drugs on Wednesday. This comes after the swift information sharing and effective collaboration between the Riemvasmaak and Augrabies SAPS.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the police from Riemvasmaak received a tip-off regarding a woman from Vredesvallei, who was allegedly travelling to Augrabies to purchase drugs while reportedly carrying a child. Shemane said the information was immediately shared with Augrabies SAPS and members from both police stations jointly operationalised the information.

“The suspect was apprehended in Augrabies, while on her way to catch a taxi. She was carrying a diaper bag, which was searched by the police. During the search, the police discovered dagga and tik with an estimated street value of R1 800 concealed inside a diaper.

“She was subsequently arrested and detained by Augrabies SAPS, and is expected to appear in the Augrabies Magistrates’ Court soon on a charge of possession of drugs,” he said.

Meanwhile, Shemane said the ZF Mgcawu District Management commended the police from Riemvasmaak and Augrabies SAPS for their swift response, effective information sharing and collaborative efforts in removing illicit drugs from communities. He said the police further appreciate the community for its continued cooperation and for providing valuable information that assists law enforcement agencies in combating the scourge of drugs.

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Cross-border operations yields positive results

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Picture: Police during cross-border operation/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

28 August 2026 – An inter-provincial cross border roadblock was held by the Northern Cape and Eastern Cape South African Police Service (SAPS) in partnership with the provincial traffic of the respective provinces on the N9/N10 road between Noupoort and Middleburg on 27 August 2026. The roadblock was an extension of the multi- disciplinary crime prevention initiatives held between the two provinces that share borders to curb trans-provincial crimes such as drug and human trafficking, stock theft, truck or motor vehicle hijacking and ensure adherence to the National Road Traffic Regulations.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Constable Rowan Bacela said in attendance at the roadblock were members from the Pixley Ka Seme District Youth Desk, SAPS from the Pixley Ka Seme District office, Provincial components, local SAPS members and the Northern Cape Road Safety, and the Northern Cape Gambling and Liquor Board.

Bacela said during the roadblock a total of 427 vehicles were stopped and searched, 11 fines issued for violations of road traffic regulations amounting to R13 800 and 15 firearms were inspected and verified. He said one trailer was confiscated and enquiry docket was registered for further investigation.

“The roadblock also served as an opportunity to raised awareness on road safety by issuing pamphlets to motorists and road users,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the police, all law enforcement agencies, government and community partners who participated in the operation.

“We remain committed to strengthening partnerships with our community and external stakeholders to address crime effectively and ensure the safety of all motorists and tourists visiting our province.

“SAPS will continue to conduct intelligence driven operations, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, to prevent and combat crime and to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice,” she said.

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A suspect arrested for dealing in dagga

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Picture: Dagga worth over R11 000 confiscated/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

28 August 2026 – A man was arrested by the members of the John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) Highway Patrol and Kuruman K9 Unit for dealing in dagga following the successful operationalisation of s tip-off regarding a suspicious parcel being transported to Kuruman through a courier company.

On 27 August 2026, the police received a tip-off regarding a suspicious package that had been transported to a PAXI agency in Kuruman. The police immediately operationalised the information and tracked the package to the local business.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien said the police maintained an operational presence and waited for the intended recipient to collect the package. Gamieldien said at approximately 2:10pm, the suspect entered the store and collected the parcel.

“He was approached by the police members and requested to open the package for inspection. A search of the package resulted in the discovery of 2.275 kilograms of dagga with an estimated street value of R11 350.

“The suspect was immediately arrested and is facing a charge of dealing in dagga. He is expected to appear in the relevant court soon,” she said.

Gamieldien said this successful operation demonstrates the importance of community participation and the sharing of information with the police. She said the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Management commends the community members who provided the intelligence that enabled the police to act swiftly and prevent the illegal distribution of drugs within our communities.

“The operation is also aligned with the SAPS Reset Agenda, which calls for a renewed focus on professional policing, strengthened community partnerships, intelligence-driven operations and decisive action against crime.

“Through effective collaboration between the community and the police, SAPS continues to disrupt criminal activities and ensure that those involved in the illicit drug trade are brought to book,” said Gamieldien.

She further said the SAPS encourages members of the public to continue providing information about suspected criminal activities to their local police stations or through the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111. Gamieldien added that information can also be provided anonymously.

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Fraudster sentenced to 11 years imprisonment

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

28 August 2026 – A fraudster, Nokwana Chirtobel Memezi (56) has been sentenced to 11 years imprisonment by the Molopo Commercial Court on charges of fraud and contravention of Section 49(1) of the relevant Act of 2002.

On 1 March 2022, a complainant intended to purchase 50 cattle. An amount of R790 625 was deposited into a bank account after the seller provided the complainant with an invoice and banking details.

The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said it was subsequently discovered that the seller’s bank account had been compromised and that the money had instead been deposited into an account belonging to the accused. Morake said following a thorough investigation, the accused was found guilty on both counts.

“Memezi was sentenced to five years imprisonment for fraud, six years for contravention of Section 49 (1) of which three years were suspended for five years on condition that the accused is not convicted of unlawful interception of communication committed during the period of suspension.

“The two sentences will run concurrently,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, commended the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Senyane Setona and senior state advocate for Specialised Commercial Crimes Unit, Theo Moetaesi for their diligent and meticulous investigation, which contributed to securing the conviction.

“This conviction demonstrates the importance of thorough investigations and the commitment of our members to ensuring that perpetrators of fraud and other serious commercial crimes are brought before the courts,” he said.

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The Hawks and NPA receive Preservation Order worth R5m linked to theft of platinum

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By REGINALD KANYANE

28 August 2026 – The Hawks’ Priority Crime Specialised Investigation and the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) secured a preservation order valued at R5 million linked to a theft of platinum in Rustenburg. The preservation order granted by the North West High Court, emanates from a case in which six suspects were arrested in Rustenburg and Brits by members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in August 2024, for alleged dealing in platinum and possession of platinum valued at R350 million.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said: “Their arrest followed a lengthy investigation after a tip-off received about alleged theft of platinum from a mine in Rustenburg and was then transported to Brits.

“The preservation order include a portion of land in Rustenburg and 20 vehicles belonging to one of the suspects.”

Meanwhile, the North West Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation and the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari have commended the efforts of the Hawks’ Priority Crime Specialised Investigation and National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit in securing the preservation order.

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PGM-bearing material worth over R3m seized

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Picture: PGM-bearing material seized by the police/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

28 August 2026 – Three suspects were arrested by the police in Rustenburg in collaboration with the Operation Prosper team during an intelligence-driven operation targeting suspected illegal buyers and receivers of Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) originating from an illegal mining site at Nkaneng. The police said the operation was conducted on 26 August 2026, following a tip-off regarding a suspected receiver of PGM-bearing material operating in the Rustenburg area.

The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said the intelligence indicated that the suspect, who is allegedly based in Pretoria, had employed a buyer to receive PGM material in bulk. Morake said further intelligence identified a stockpile of PGM-bearing material at an address in the Rustenburg area, as well as vehicles allegedly involved in transporting the material from the Nkaneng illegal mining site.

“The intelligence-driven team identified a white Nissan NP300 with Gauteng registration travelling along the R24 road. The vehicle was followed to an identified address, where three suspects were found in possession of PGM-bearing material, with additional material still inside the vehicle.

“The suspects were requested to produce the required permit or authorisation for the material in their possession but failed to do so,” she said.

Morake further said they were subsequently arrested for possession of unwrought precious metals without the relevant licence or authority or in excess of the prescribed mass. She added that the police seized the Nissan NP300 and three 10kg sacks containing PGM-bearing material with an estimated value of R130 000.

“A further stockpile of PGM-bearing material, estimated at approximately R3 million, remains at the identified premises under police guard pending further processing.

“The cellphones allegedly belonging to the receiver and suspected ring leader were also obtained from the suspects for further profiling and investigation,” said Morake.

She said the investigation continues and further arrests cannot be ruled out. Morake said the three suspects aged between 25 to 39, are facing charges of for possession of PGM-bearing material.

“They remain in police custody and are expected to appear before the Rustenburg Magistrate Court on 28 August 2026,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams said this operation demonstrates the importance of intelligence-driven policing and their continued commitment to disrupting the criminal networks that support illegal mining activities. Adams said they will not only focus on those operating at illegal mining sites, but will also pursue the individuals who facilitate, finance, transport and receive unlawfully obtained precious metals.

“Our message is clear, those who profit from illegal mining and the associated criminal activities will be pursued and brought before the courts,” he said.

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