16 September 2026 – A man (24) has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for tampering and damaging essential infrastructure in De Aar, Northern Cape. Justine Van Wyk was sentenced by the De Aar Regional Court on Monday after being found guilty in connection with an incident in which he was allegedly caught tampering with an electrical kiosk box.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe incident occurred at about 4.35am on 21 June 2026, when police received a complaint about an unknown man allegedly tampering with a kiosk electrical box in Piet Moos Street. Litabe said when police officers arrived, they found Van Wyk near the electrical box and arrested him after he attempted to flee.
“The police recovered equipment allegedly used in the offence, along with a large roll of copper cable. The case was assigned to Detective Sergeant Shawn Moses of the De Aar Organised Crime Investigations, who conducted the investigation and built the case that was presented before court.
“Moses also opposed Van Wyk’s bail application, resulting in him remaining in custody until his conviction and sentencing. The court subsequently sentenced Van Wyk to 10 years direct imprisonment and declared him unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
The Pixley ka Seme District Polixe Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, commended Moses for his dedication, commitment and professionalism throughout the investigation. Mtukushe said tampering with essential infrastructure has become a major concern for them, as these crimes have far-reaching consequences and contribute to the loss of lives, jobs, livelihoods and essential services.
“We would continue targeting those involved in damaging essential infrastructure and stealing copper cable, as part of efforts to safeguard critical services and infrastructure across the province,” he said.
Picture: Some of the drugs seized by the police/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
16 September 2026 – Two suspects have been arrested and dagga worth more than R74 000 seized during separate intelligence-driven operations in Vioolsdrift and Pella, Northern Cape. The operations were conducted on 11 September 2026, after police received a tip-off about suspected drug dealing in the two areas.
The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said in Vioolsdrift, members of the SAPS K9 Unit in Springbok and Vioolsdrift SAPS acted on a tip-off about suspected drug dealing at a residence in Rooiwal at about 7.15am. Magerman said the police seized dagga with an estimated street value of R7 000 and an undisclosed amount of cash suspected to be proceeds from illicit drug sales.
“A 38-year-old man was arrested for dealing in dagga and appeared in the local Magistrate’s Court. Later that morning, at about 10:30am, police acted on information from community members regarding suspected drug dealing in Pella. A 33-year-old woman was arrested and dagga worth approximately R67 715.30 was seized, along with identity documents and bank cards.
“The woman faces charges of dealing in dagga and contravening the National Credit Act and has appeared in court. The Namakwa District Management commended the members involved and thanked the community members who provided information that assisted the operations,” he said.
Magerman further said these successes reaffirm the commitment of the police in the Namakwa district to dismantling the drug trade, disrupting the supply of illicit substances and bringing those involved in the distribution of drugs to justice. He added that the district said the operations form part of its efforts to use intelligence, operational capabilities and community information to identify and target people involved in the illicit drug trade.
“The police issued a stern warning to those involved in drug dealing, saying there is no safe haven for the illicit drug trade in the Namakwa District. We will continue to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks through intelligence-driven policing and decisive law enforcement action,” said Magerman.
He said the SAPS also call on communities to continue working with police by providing information that could assist in removing drugs from the streets.
Setshwantsho: Molatofadiwa wa petelelo, Monnapula Madienyane
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
15 Lwetse 2026 – Sepodisi sa mono Taung se boloditse letsholo-patlo morago ga go ngwega ga molatofadiwa wa petelelo e leng Monnapula Madienyane (38). Go begwa fa Madienyane a ngwegile morago ga go tlhagelela ka boripana kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mabapi le petelelo mo letsatsing la maabane.
Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are Madienyane o ne a ntshiwa kwa kgotlhatshekelo ke batlhankela ba sepodisi morago ga go tlhagelela mabapi le petelelo. Van Rooyen are go begwa fa Madienyane a ne a tshaba.
“Batlhankela ba sepodisi ba lephata la VISPOL, ba dipitsi ga mmogo le ba dintsha kwa Vryburg, ba ile ba bolotsa letsholo-patlo. Go fitlha ga jaana, Madienyane o setse a tsene ka lenga la seloko.
“Ga re belaele fa a ka tswa a thusitswe go ngwega,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
14 September 2026 – The Bophuthatswana Civil Movement (BCM) conveys its deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo (38), following the identification of her remains by her family at Germiston Mortuary, together with the tragic loss of four other women. The movement said it extends its sincere sympathy to the Moselakgomo family, relatives, friends and all those who knew and loved Elizabeth.
Bophuthatswana Civil Movement president, Kagiso Monyadiwa said may the bereaved families find strength, courage and comfort during this devastating and painful period of grief. Monyadiwa said they strongly condemn the senseless killing of women and children.
“Such acts of violence are barbaric and have no place in a democratic, peaceful and caring society. The continued loss of innocent lives is deeply concerning and demands urgent and decisive action from all relevant authorities.
“We call upon the government and all law-enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts to eradicate violence against women and children from our communities. We further appeal to the law-enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into this matter and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice without fear, favour or prejudice.
“Every life is precious and every family has the right to live in safety, dignity and peace. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Moselakgomo family and all the affected families during this difficult and painful time,” he said.
Monyadiwa further said may the soul of Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, together with the souls of the other women who lost their lives rest in eternal peace.
14 September 2026 – A man (43) was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment by the Zeerust Regional Court for rape. This comes after the accused, Amogelang Motsiane raped the niece of his girlfriend.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Lindiwe Mabasa said the incident occurred on 28 April 2020, when the victim’s aunt left her in the care of Motsiane, while she went shopping. Mabasa said during the aunt’s absence, Motsiane sexually violated and raped the child.
“The victim later confided in her cousin and disclosed what had happened to her. The matter was subsequently reported to her aunt upon her return. When confronted about the allegations, Motsiane assaulted the victim for disclosing the abuse.
“A criminal case was subsequently opened, and Motsiane was arrested. He remained in custody throughout the proceedings until the finalisation of the matter,” she said.
During sentencing proceedings, the state prosecutor, Kagiso Modibedi urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment. While acknowledging the seriousness of the offence, the court found that substantial and compelling circumstances existed to justify a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence and ultimately sentenced Motsiane to 30 years imprisonment.
Mabasa further said the NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable members of society and ensuring that perpetrators of sexual offences are held accountable. She added that through continued expansion of Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) across the country, victims of sexual offences have access to victim-centred, multidisciplinary services aimed at restoring dignity, promoting recovery and supporting access to justice.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentence, describing it as a strong affirmation of the criminal justice system’s commitment to protecting children. Makhari said the NPA will continue to pursue justice without fear, favour or prejudice and ensure that those who prey on vulnerable children are held accountable for their actions.
“Children deserve to be protected and the criminal justice system must send a clear message that sexual offences against them will not be tolerated,” she said.
14 Lwetse 2026 – Mosadi o go neng go begwa fa a timetse, e leng Margareth Nobakhethwa Nkosi (63), o bonwe. Sepodisi se tlhalositse fa Nkosi a bonwe ka letsatsi la Tshipi ntle le dikgobalo kwa Hebron.
Go begwa fa Nkosi a ne a bonwa la bofelo ke tsala ya gagwe ka di 18 Phatwe 2026, fa a ne a ile kwa lebenkeleng.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Saresanta Kelebogile Morake, are sepodisi se ne sa bolotsa letsholo-patlo, mme go ne ga se nne le nko e tswang lemina. Morake are ka nako ya fa Nkosi a timela, one a apere borokgwe jo bontsho le jeresi e khibidu.
“Re ne ra kopa baagi ba ba ka tswang ba na le tshedimosetso ka ga Nkosi gore ba e fetisetse kwa mapodiseng. Jaanong re ka netefatsa fa Nkosi a bonwe,” Morake wa tlhalosa.
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.
