Picture: Advocate Adrian Carl Mopp appointed as new NPA’s Director of Public Prosecutions/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
14 September 2026 – Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has welcomed the appointment of Advocate Adrian Carl Mopp as the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for the Western Cape Division.
The appointment was made by President Cyril Ramaphosa and follows a consultation process with the Minister and the NPA Head Advocate Andy Mothibi, in accordance with the National Prosecuting Authority Act, 1998 (Act No. 32 of 1998).
“Advocate Mopp brings more than 30 years of legal and prosecutorial experience to the position. He has served as Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions in the Western Cape since 2009 and previously held senior positions in the Directorate of Special Operations and the Asset Forfeiture Unit. These include serving as Regional Head of the Directorate of Special Operations in the Western Cape from 2004 to 2009.
“Admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa in 1993, Advocate Mopp has extensive experience in complex criminal prosecutions, including organised crime, serious violent crime, drug trafficking, and public transport violence. He has also contributed to national prosecutorial planning and institutional reform initiatives,” the department said in a statement on Monday.
Furthermore, Mopp holds advanced qualifications in law, criminal justice, criminology and international studies, including a Master of Philosophy in Law and a Master of Laws in Criminal Justice and Criminology.
“Minister Kubayi wishes Advocate Mopp well as he assumes this important responsibility.
“The appointment strengthens leadership within the National Prosecuting Authority and supports the continued delivery of independent and effective prosecution services in the Western Cape,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
14 September 2026 — The police have vowed to intensify investigations into the deaths of women in Gauteng and ensure that those responsible are identified, traced and brought to justice. This comes after the discovery of a fifth body in Gauteng, as investigations into several cases involving the deaths of women in the Kempton Park area continue.
The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the police would leave no stone unturned in establishing the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Mathe said SAPS will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that those responsible for the murders of women in Gauteng are identified, traced and brought to justice.
“The police have also expressed condolences to the family of Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, (38), whose body was positively identified by her family at the Germiston mortuary.
“The SAPS was deeply saddened by the loss and assured the Moselakgomo family that investigators would work to establish exactly what happened to Elizabeth. We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Elizabeth during this extremely painful time,” she said.
Mathe further said the loss of a loved one under such circumstances is devastating and they assured the family that the SAPS will do everything within its powers to establish exactly what happened to Elizabeth and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
“A multidisciplinary team comprising detectives and specialised policing resources has been directed to intensify the investigations.
“The team is working around the clock to establish the circumstances surrounding each death, analyse available evidence, identify possible links between the cases and pursue all leads that could assist in bringing the investigations to a successful conclusion,” said Mathe.
She said the police remained committed to protecting women and ensuring that perpetrators of violence against women face justice. Mathe said they will not rest until they have established the truth.
“Where there is evidence linking individuals to these crimes, we will pursue them relentlessly and ensure that they face the full might of the law.
“SAPS confirmed that one suspect has been arrested in connection with the discovery of the first body in July 2026. The suspect remains in custody, while investigations continue,” said Mathe.
14 September 2026 – The police in the Northern Cape arrested 201 suspects for various serious offences during intensified Operation Shanela II operations conducted across the province from 7 until 13 September 2026. The high-density, multi-disciplinary operations were conducted across all five districts in collaboration with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Department of Home Affairs, Department of Health, Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, Department of Social Development, Department of Small Business Development, as well as other government departments and law enforcement agencies.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said as part of the intensified crime prevention and enforcement operations, 7 223 persons and 3 126 vehicles were stopped and searched. Litabe said compliance inspections were also conducted at licensed liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, formal and informal businesses, mines, government institutions and other identified establishments.
“A total of 37 unlicensed liquor outlets were closed for various non-compliance violations. The operations resulted in arrests for a range of serious offences, including possession of drugs and illegal firearms, illegal dealing in liquor, dealing in drugs, murder, business and residential robbery and assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH).
“This includes common assault, attempted murder, malicious damage to property, burglary at business and residential premises, contraventions of the Immigration Act, as well as other serious crimes,” he said.
Litabe further said the police and participating law enforcement partners also confiscated thousands of litres of liquor, cellular phones, copper cables, dangerous weapons, drugs and dagga, as well as one vehicle during the operations.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended SAPS members and all participating departments and law enforcement agencies for their commitment and continued support in strengthening the fight against crime. Otola added that sustained, high-density and multidisciplinary operations remain a critical component of the SAPS Reset Agenda, particularly in strengthening police visibility, disrupting criminal networks and reclaiming communities from criminal elements.
“We further acknowledge the invaluable contribution of communities, whose cooperation and information remain critical to the success of policing operations and the prevention and detection of crime. The successful outcomes of these operations demonstrate our unwavering commitment to intensifying the fight against crime and ensuring that our communities are safe and feel safe.
“We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement and government partners, as well as our communities, to disrupt criminality and ensure that justice prevails,” she said.
Otola said the Northern Cape SAPS will continue to conduct intelligence-driven and high-density operations throughout the province, targeting identified crime hotspots, wanted suspects and establishments that facilitate criminal activities.
Picture: SANDF members along with Botswana Police during patrol/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
14 September 2026 — The police in the Northern Cape in partnership with the Botswana Police Service and other law enforcement agencies, has intensified operations aimed at curbing cross-border crime along the RSA/Botswana border. The joint operation, running from 13 to 16 September 2026, focuses on disrupting stock theft, the movement of stolen vehicles, illicit firearms and ammunition, drug-related offences and the movement of undocumented persons.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien said the operation involves SAPS units including Border Policing, Crime Intelligence, Visible Policing, Public Order Policing, the Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit and the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit. Gamieldien said the operation is supported by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Border Management Authority (BMA), SANParks and SARS Customs.
“The operation has already recorded several successes in the Van Zylsrus, Witdraai and Severn policing areas. The joint operation demonstrates the importance of integrated law enforcement and close cooperation between South African and Botswana authorities in addressing criminal activities along our shared border.
“Two men were arrested for allegedly dealing in dagga in Witdraai and Severn. Police seized dagga with a combined estimated street value of approximately R5 400, as well as cash believed to be the proceeds of illicit drug sales,” she said.
Gamieldien further said authorities also issued eight traffic fines worth R4 100 for various violations, while three undocumented persons were detained for contravening immigration legislation. She added that four Vehicle Check Points (VCPs) resulted in 410 vehicles and 839 people being searched, while four border patrols were conducted to increase police visibility and detect illegal activities.
“During patrols between the Gemsbok Port of Entry and Middelputs Port of Entry, officials discovered damage to sections of the border fence. Although the fence had reportedly been repaired by BMA officials before the operation, patrol teams found that wires had again been untied and broken at several points.
“The officials also observed clear truck tracks crossing between Botswana and South Africa. The information was handed over to the Botswana Police Service for further investigation, as the vehicle and people allegedly involved are believed to be Botswana nationals,” said Gamieldien.
She said further damage was discovered in sections of the fence concealed from the main road. Gamieldien said authorities are investigating the circumstances, including the possibility of livestock smuggling, particularly amid Foot-and-Mouth Disease restrictions affecting livestock movement, slaughtering and trade in Botswana.
She urged communities living along the border to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. Gamieldien said they are appealing to border communities to report suspicious movements and activities, especially the illegal movement of livestock, vehicles, firearms, drugs and undocumented persons.
“Community cooperation remains critical in preventing and disrupting cross-border crime. Compliance inspections were also conducted at five tuckshops, eight liquor stores, nine farms, three taverns and one shebeen.
“The inspections form part of efforts to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and identify activities that may facilitate criminality in border communities. The SAPS Northern Cape and its law enforcement partners will continue conducting patrols and monitoring vulnerable sections of the border to prevent the illegal movement of people, livestock, vehicles and other illicit commodities,” she said.
14 September 2026 – The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Virginia Tlhapi together with the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, led the 2026 Commemoration Ceremony in honour of Constable Gift Mota (25), a South African Police Service (SAPS) fallen hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in February 2026, while pursuing a suspect.
The event held at Police Commemoration Memorial Site, Westpol Square in Potchefstroom, was attended by men and women in blue across all ranks, including his colleagues, alongside Constable Gift Mota’s family. In her address, Tlhapi acknowledged the profound sacrifices made by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), who have lost their lives both on and off duty.
“The police officers are constantly exposed to victimisation and the dangers of living among the very criminals they pursue daily. As such, it is our collective responsibility to protect our police officers. Government must strengthen legislation to ensure the protection and safety of law enforcement officers.
“So, we convey our message of condolences to the family, noting that Mota died a hero in the service of the people of the North West. The depth of his family pain cannot be measured, nor can the void left by his passing, ever truly be filled,” she said.
Tlhapi further said such a loss leaves a wound that time may only soften, but never fully heal. She added that no amount of tribute or pension can compensate for the loss of their son and he can never be forgotten.
Tlhapi said Mota who was attached to the Visible Policing Crime Prevention Unit in Phokeng Police Station, died this year in February, while with his colleagues were chasing a suspect allegedly linked to cases of robbery and burglary at Masosobane and Raffredy Sections. She said it is reported that the suspect ran into the nearby dam and during the pursuit, Mota entered the water, where he subsequently disappeared from sight, whilst swimming behind the suspect and his body was later recovered by the SAPS diving unit.
“We continue to call on communities across the province to work with the police in the fight against crime. Our cooperation and partnership across government, citizens and the private sector must be intensified because the government alone cannot combat criminal syndicates taking place in every corner of our townships and villages.
“Communities must cooperate in providing information and identifying criminals that cause chaos and disruptions in our respective residential areas,” pleaded Tlhapi.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Adams, implored the police to continue serving the communities of the North West with pride and dignity in honour of the late Mota, who originates from Ermelo in Mpumalanga and he was transferred to Phokeng in November 2025.
14 September 2026 – The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said over this past weekend, they were in New Delhi, India for the 18th BRICS Summit, an event that cemented the pivotal role of the group in building a more inclusive global economy and world order. Ramaphosa said at the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg in 2023, it was decided to expand the group beyond Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
He further said in addition to these five countries, BRICS now includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Ramaphosa added that together, these countries account for around half of the world’s population and around a quarter of global trade.
“For South Africa, BRICS is an important platform for building political and economic ties that benefit our country and people. Through BRICS, we can help to build a fairer multilateral world order governed by international law with the United Nations at its centre.
“Through our BRICS membership, we have deepened practical cooperation in fields such as science and technology, research, education and skills development. We have led people-to-people exchange through bodies like the BRICS Youth Council, BRICS Think Tanks Council, the BRICS Network University and others,” he said.
Ramaphosa said while BRICS Summits may seem far removed from the daily lives of South Africans, the country gains a lot from its membership of the group. He said it is an important forum for investment and trade.
“More than a fifth of South Africa’s trade is with BRICS countries. As a shareholder in the New Development Bank – also known as the BRICS Bank – South Africa has been able to access development finance to support major energy, water and transportation infrastructure investments.
“Through the BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement, South Africa is able to access a pool of $100 billion in currency reserves in the case of a liquidity crisis. We also benefit from BRICS cooperation across areas such as health, science, agriculture and skills development,” said Ramaphosa.
He said cooperation between BRICS countries extends beyond government. Ramaphosa said a number of sectors of society participate in BRICS activities, most notably the private sector.
“While in New Delhi, we took part in the BRICS Business Forum, where heads of state, ministers and business leaders discussed how to deepen trade and investment between our countries. We used the opportunity of being in India to strengthen links between South African and Indian business.
“We already have strong ties. India is South Africa’s fourth largest trading partner. More than 150 Indian companies have invested over $10 billion in our country, creating employment for over 18 000 South Africans. A number of leading South African firms like Naspers, FirstRand Bank, Sanlam and Momentum also have significant investments in India,” he said.
Ramaphosa said building on these links, they convened the South Africa-India CEOs Roundtable with leaders from some of India’s leading firms and a number of South African companies. He said they also held a number of meetings with individual Indian companies that either want to expand existing interests in South Africa or explore new opportunities.
“The Indian companies commended South Africa for the structural transformation that is underway in the energy, logistics, telecommunications and water sectors, and the reforms being undertaken in visas, public digital infrastructure and other areas.
“We highlighted various opportunities for investment and partnership in areas such as green industrialisation, critical minerals and beneficiation, infrastructure, agriculture and the digital economy. South Africa and India have complementary resources and capabilities that when combined can create great value for both countries,” said Ramaphosa.
He said for example, India’s strengths in pharmaceuticals and health technology can support their ambition to expand the local production of medicines and vaccines. Ramaphosa said it has capabilities in information technology, financial technology and digital public infrastructure that can support the modernisation of our own systems and services.
“Our endowment of critical minerals can feed India’s fast-growing renewable energy, battery and automotive value chains, while ensuring that more of the processing of these minerals happens on South African soil.
“To turn this potential into practical partnerships, we are keen to restore direct flights between South Africa and India. We also need closer working relationships between our business chambers. Looking ahead, our priority as South Africa is to continue to use our membership of BRICS to deepen bilateral cooperation and expand trade and investment ties,” he said.
Ramaphosa said through BRICS, they will continue to add their voice to the growing call from the Global South for an inclusive world order rooted in mutual respect and shared prosperity. He said they will continue to use their membership of BRICS to develop the economy and improve the lives of their people.
14 Lwetse 2026 – Lekoko la sepolotiki la Democratic Alliance (DA) mono Bokone Bophirima, le amogetse go tshwarwa gape ka bonako ga ga Edward Khomotso Madiba, yo o neng a tshaba kwa kgolegelo ya Rooigrond kwa Mahikeng. Lekoko la DA la re le batla dikarabo mabapi le go tshaba ga ga Madiba kwa kgolegelo e e sireletsegileng.
Moeteledipele wa DA mono Bokone Bophirima, Freddy Sonakile yo gape e leng leloko la Kwokwanotheo-molao, o lebogile setlhopa sa babatlisise sa bosetshaba, ditheo tsa tiragatso ya molao le botlhe ba ba nnileng le seabe mo go netefatseng gore Madiba o busediwa kwa kgolegelong.
“Re itumetse thata gore Madiba a tshwarwe gape pele ga mongwe a ka gobadiwa. Le fa go ntse jalo, go tshwarwa ga gagwe gape ga go fedise kgang. Jaaka DA, re tla leta diphitlhelelo tsa dipatlisiso tsa Lefapha la Kgopololo mabapi le maemo a a dikologileng go tshaba ga gagwe.
“Gape, re tla tswelela ka loeto la go netefatsa fa batshwarwa bas a ngwege kwa setheong sa kgopololo ya batshwarwa kwa Rooigrond. Tiragalo eno, e ka nna sesupo sa mathata a a anameng a a amanang le mafaratlhatlha a lefelo leo, ditsamaiso tsa pabalesego le botsamaisi,” Sonakile wa tlhalosa.
Sonakile are tiragalo eno e ka nna ya bontsha dikgwetlho tse di fetang mo go badiri ka bongwe fela, mme di akaretsa mafaratlhatlha, ditsamaiso tsa pabalesego, botsamaisi le seemo ka kakaretso sa lefelo leo. Sonakile are loeto lwa DA lwa tlhokomelo le botlhokwa segolo jang ka ntlha ya diphitlhelelo tsa sesheng tsa South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) tse di amanang le maemo le go dira ga mafelo a dikgolegelo mono Bokone Bophirima.
“Setšhaba se tshwanetswe ke go fiwa tlhaloso e e tletseng ya se se diragetseng le gore a go ne go na le diphoso tsa tsamaiso tse di nnileng le seabe mo go tshabeng ga ga Madiba. Setšhaba se tlhoka go itse go feta fela gore motshabi o tshwerwe gape. Se tlhoka dikarabo tsa gore go tlile jang gore a kgone go tshaba, gore ke mang yo o ikarabelang, gore a go ne go na le diphoso tsa tsamaiso, le gore go dirwa eng go netefatsa gore seno ga se kitla se diragala gape.
“Re tlile go dirisa maikarabelo a rona a tlhokomelo go bona gore dintlha tsotlhe di a tlhomamisiwa le gore diphoso di rarabololwa ka tshwanelo. Madiba o boetse mo kgolegelong. Jaanong dipotso tse di mabapi le Rooigrond di tshwanetse go arabiwa,” Sonakile o buile jalo.
11 September 2026 – The Democratic Alliance (DA) has warned the ANC-led Tswaing Local Municipality against continuing with “business as usual” amid serious allegations surrounding its acting municipal manager, Adv Lesang Cyril Lobakeng. DA said Lobakeng appeared in the Delareyville Magistrate’s Court on 4 September 2026, following an investigation by the Hawks into alleged contraventions of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).
DA Constituency Head for Tswaing Local Municipality and Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Jóhni Steenkamp said the party had already called for Lobakeng’s immediate suspension on 21 August 2026, pending investigations into allegations of financial misconduct.
According Steenkamp, the case relates to a security contract that was initially awarded for one month at R452 000. He said the company allegedly continued providing services after the contract had expired, after which council reportedly resolved to pay more than R886 000.
“Lobakeng is accused of authorising the payment and failing to advise council that the payment would be unlawful and irregular. The allegations must still be tested through due legal process. The allegation was justified when DA raised concerns before public funds became the subject of a criminal case.
“The ANC-led administration must stop waiting for law enforcement to force its hand. Serious allegations involving senior officials require decisive action, proper investigation and accountability – not business as usual,” said Steenkamp.
He further said the DA would pursue further criminal charges, if evidence of corruption or financial misconduct was uncovered. Steenkamp added that they are finalising further matters involving alleged wrongdoing at Tswaing Local Municipality and will lay additional criminal charges with the relevant law-enforcement authorities, where the evidence warrants it.
“We also warn that no municipal official, political connection or position should place anyone above accountability. The money involved could have been used to address pressing service delivery challenges facing residents, including dry taps, deteriorating roads, failing infrastructure and unreliable basic services.
“Every rand lost through corruption, irregular expenditure or financial mismanagement is a rand that cannot be spent maintaining water infrastructure, keeping electricity networks operational or fixing roads,” he said.
Steenkamp said the DA’s Working for All Manifesto calls for municipalities to be professionally managed, public funds to be protected, procurement processes to be transparent and corruption to have consequences. He said Tswaing residents deserved to know that municipal funds were being used for the services they pay for.
“We will keep exposing wrongdoing, taking evidence to the authorities and fighting for every rand of residents’ money to be used where it belongs: delivering services to communities,” said Steenkamp.
11 September 2026 – Six households have been affected after a severe storm accompanied by strong winds struck Dipudi Village, near Ganyesa over the weekend of 5 September 2026. The storm caused significant damage to homes, with more than six households reportedly having their structures destroyed or blown away.
Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality spokesperson, Mosimaneotsile Khumalo said five families have been left destitute. Khumalo said following the incident, the ward councillor and the municipality’s Disaster Management Unit visited the village to assess the damage and inspect the affected properties.
“The preliminary assessment confirmed structural damage to houses, the loss of household belongings and the temporary displacement of affected families. No fatalities or injuries have been reported.
“The municipality had activated its disaster response processes and was working with relevant authorities to ensure that affected families receive urgent humanitarian assistance,” he said.
Khumalo further said the priority is to make sure that families who have lost their homes have access to temporary shelter, food, blankets and other essential support while longer-term assistance is arranged. He said the matter has been escalated to the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Disaster Management Centre, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the Department of Social Development.
“Assistance for the affected families includes temporary shelter, blankets, food parcels and building materials. We also appeal to community members and other stakeholders who are able to assist to coordinate their support with the Municipal Disaster Management Unit.
“This is a difficult time for the affected families, and support from the broader community can make an important difference as they recover from the damage caused by the storm,” said Khumalo.
He said the municipality will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates as more information becomes available.
11 September 2026 – Isuzu has recalled 2 586 RG19 bakkies in South Africa following concerns that a potential defect could affect the vehicles’ braking performance. The recall affects single-cab, double-cab and extended-cab RG19 models sold between 11 May and 3 July 2026.
The affected vehicles were also exported to several African countries, including Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Eswatini and Uganda. The recall relates to a potential problem with the brake pedal pivot pin, which may become loose.
The National Consumer Council (NCC) spokesperson, Pheto Ntaba said this could cause the brake pedal to move sideways when the brakes are applied, potentially preventing the driver from fully depressing the pedal. Ntaba said as a result, the vehicle’s braking performance may be affected, increasing the risk of an accident.
“We urge owners of affected vehicles to respond to the recall without delay. Vehicle owners should take this recall seriously because any defect that may affect braking performance can pose a significant safety risk.
“Affected owners should visit their nearest authorised Isuzu dealership for an inspection and the necessary repairs,” she said.
Ntaba further said inspection and replacement of the affected component will be carried out free of charge to consumers. She encouraged motorists to contact an authorised Isuzu dealership to establish whether their vehicle is included in the recall and to arrange the required remedial work.
“We would also like to remind motorists that addressing vehicle safety recalls promptly is essential to protecting drivers, passengers and other road users,” said Ntaba.
The Guardian 