2 September 2026 – A man (37) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment or alternative fine of R100 000 by the Mogwase Regional Court for attempted murder. On 7 April 2024, at Tweelagte, the accused, Henry Tsamai and the victim, were drinking with other people.
The Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ofentse Mokgadi said an argument ensued when Tsamai stated that the victim had assaulted him in 2015. Mokgadi said the court heard evidence that the accused attacked the victim and later returned from a house armed with an axe and a tonfa.
“During the altercation, the victim struck the accused with a beer bottle. The accused then got into his vehicle, started the vehicle and deliberately drove over the victim. The victim sustained serious injuries, including a fractured left leg, broken ribs and an eye injury.
“The court further made no order in terms of Section 103(1) of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act 60 of 2000). The accused was fined R100 000, or alternatively to 10 years imprisonment with half of the sentence suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of assault or attempted murder committed during the period of suspension,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 District Commissioner, Brigadier Mamotsamai Ntoagae, commended Detective Sergeant Modise Sehunoe and all the role players involved in the investigation and prosecution of the matter for their dedication and commitment in ensuring that the accused was brought to justice. Ntoagae welcomed the sentence and reaffirmed SAPS’ commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes are held accountable.
2 September 2026 – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the sentencing of a man (28) from Sesalong village to an effective 20 years imprisonment for the rape of a woman (95). The Limpopo High Court sitting in Polokwane sentenced the accused to 20 years imprisonment for rape and a further eight years imprisonment for housebreaking with intent to rape.
The NPA regional spokesperson in Limpopo, Mashudu Malabi said the court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 20 years imprisonment. Malabi said in addition, the court ordered that the accused’s name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders and that his identity be withheld to protect the victim and prevent secondary victimisation.
“The accused pleaded guilty in terms of Section 112 of the Criminal Procedure Act and admitted that he knew the victim as the grandmother of his friend. The court heard that on 4 October 2025, the accused went to the victim’s homestead in Sesalong village looking for his friend.
“After finding the doors unlocked, he entered the house where the elderly woman was alone. He informed the victim that he wanted to have sexual intercourse with her. When she refused, he overpowered and raped her twice before fleeing the scene,” she said.
Malabi further said the accused was apprehended by community members the following day and handed over to the police. She added that the DNA evidence subsequently linked him positively to the offence.
In aggravation of sentence, state prosecutor advocate Lerato Mohlaka, handed in a Victim Impact Statement facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Morongwe Moifo. Mohlaka said the statement revealed the profound emotional impact of the crime on the victim.
“The victim felt humiliated, disgraced and deeply disrespected, particularly because she regarded the accused as a great-grandchild. During consultations with the prosecution team, the victim expressed that the attack had profoundly affected her outlook on life and dignity.
“The state argued that the accused’s reliance on intoxication, youthfulness and remorse should not be regarded as substantial and compelling circumstances. The prosecution urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, emphasising that elderly persons are among the most vulnerable members of society and deserve the full protection of the law,” she said.
Welcoming the sentence, the Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, Advocate Ivy Thenga said this sentence affirms the NPA’s unwavering commitment to securing justice for victims of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), particularly the most vulnerable members of our society. Thenga said crimes of this nature violate the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of victims and cannot be tolerated.
“We would like to commend Mohlaka, the investigating officer and all stakeholders involved in the successful prosecution of the matter. The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to combating Gender-Based Violence and Femicide and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions,” she said.
Picture: Pitso Mosimane announced as new Bafana Bafana coach/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
2 September 2026 – The South African Football Association (SAFA) has confirmed the highly decorated Pitso Mosimane as the new Bafana Bafana coach. The revered Mosimane – who has won multiple titles during an illustrious career – replaces Belgian Hugo Broos, who stepped down on 31 July 2026, after five years at the helm weeks after leading the South African senior men’s national team to the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The three-time CAF Champions League-winning coach (he has won continental football’s biggest club title with Mamelodi Sundowns and twice with Egyptian side Al Ahly) will be joined by Kabelo Rangoaga and Musi Matlaba on the technical team. More announcements will be made in the coming days as Bafana Bafana starts to take shape.
SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan welcomed Mosimane back to SAFA House as he began his journey as the Bafana Bafana coach.
“For South African football and for our national team, Bafana Bafana, there are three major competitions that we will face. The first is the Africa Cup of Nations. The second, CAF will introduce a new competition called the African Nations League,” the SAFA President said.
“The old CHAN tournament will now be scrapped, but in its place, there will be a competition called the Nations League, which is a major competition and will be run over two years. We hope that we make a bid to host the final of the Nations League,” he said.
Jordaan said then finally in 2030, is the major objective for SAFA and that is the 2030 World Cup which will be held in Portugal, Spain and Morocco. He further said it’s the second time that there will be a World Cup competition on the African continent (the first was in 2010 in South Africa) and it will of course be a huge honour for us as previous hosts to participate in Africa’s second World Cup.
“Those are the main areas of focus and where we want Bafana Bafana to go. Then you of course have the COSAFA Cup which is in our view an opportunity for the next level of players to graduate into international competitions,” he added.
Mosimane: “We may come from different places, speak different languages, support rival clubs and have different aspirations or arguments, but when that national anthem plays, those differences fall away.
“And when Bafana Bafana takes to the field, we have an opportunity to make those words in the anthem, to make them real – One South Africa, behind one team. I want to thank the President (Dr Jordaan) and the leadership of SAFA for entrusting me with this big task and responsibility.”
He said he also wants to acknowledge Coach Hugo Broos, his technical team and more importantly the players who have travelled the journey with him. Mosimane said the team has made important strides and given South Africa the reason to believe again.
“We need to believe again. In doing so, it has set a new benchmark for Bafana Bafana, and we know where the benchmark is. My responsibility is to build on that foundation, to take the team forward and raise the standard even further,” he said.
Broos congratulated his successor following the confirmation of Mosimane’s appointment.
“President, congratulations to the new Bafana Bafana coach. I wish the coach and SAFA all the luck and success in the next few months,” he said from Belgium.
SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao said: “We believe that your achievements speak for themselves. You are without exaggeration one of the most successful coaches South Africa has ever produced. Your remarkable success in the PSL, in Egypt, in Saudi Arabia and everywhere you have gone, they speak for themselves.
“We are delighted to have you back home. The work starts now because we have an important AFCON campaign ahead of us and our preparations start immediately. Actually, as soon as yesterday.”
Mosimane has hit the ground running as Bafana Bafana open their CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027 account when they host Guinea in a home qualifier on 26 September 2026. The venue will be announced in the coming days.
The South African senior men’s national team will then travel to face Eritrea away on 30 September 2026. The next AFCON tournament takes place from 19 June to 17 July 2027, and will be held in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
The coach will announce a preliminary squad in the coming days as he quickly familiarises himself with his new surroundings.
2 Lwetse 2026 – Go begwa fa badiri ba kliniki ya Manthe, gaufi le Taung, ba ile ba tlhaselwa le go shupiwa ka sethunya ke monna mongwe ka letsatsi la Lamatlhatso. Go begwa fa go ile ga tsoga kgakgauthano magareng ga baratani bangwe, mme lekau le ne la teketa lekgarebe la gagwe.
Go begwa fa lekgarebe le, ga mmogo le ba lelapa la gagwe, ba ne ba leba kwa kliniking ya selegae go ya go mo bonela kalafi. Go begwa fa monna o, a ne a sala lekgarebe le morago go ya teng kwa kliniking eo.
Go begwa fa a ile a fitlha a ntsha sethunya le go shupa badiri ba kliniki eo.
Fela sebueledi sa mokhuduthamaga wa Lefapha la Boitekanelo, Sello Lehari, e leng Tshegofatso Mothibedi, o ganeditse dipego tseno. Mothibedi are ee, ke nnete go nnile le tiragalo ya gore monna mongwe a latele lekgarebe la gagwe kwa kliniking, fela ga gona kwa a ntshitseng sethunya gone.
“Go begwa fa go nnile le ntwa magareng ga baratani ba kwa lelapeng la bone. Monna o, o ile a latela mosadi yo kwa kliniking ya selegae kwa a neng a ile go bona thuso ya kalafi gone morago ga go itemogela dikgobalo.
“Monna o, o ile a leka go tsena ka dikago tsa kliniki ka kgang, fela batlhankedi ba tshireletso ba ile ba mo thibela. Go ile ga tsoga ntwa ya mafoko magareng ga monna o le ba lelapa la mosadi o. Jaanong ga se nnete gore badiri ba rona ba ile ba shupiwa ka sethunya,” Mothibedi wa tlhalosa.
2 September 2026 – A man (22) was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the Carnarvon Regional Court for raping his mother (42) at their home in Vosburg on 23 November 2025. The conviction and sentence follow a thorough investigation conducted by Detective Constable Leevirne Nathalie Raaf of the Carnarvon Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, after the case was allocated to her for further investigation.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said during the court proceedings, it emerged that while the victim was asleep, she felt someone on top of her and realised that the perpetrator was her own son. Litabe said she screamed and questioned him about his actions, prompting the accused to immediately get off her.
“The victim woke her husband, whereafter the accused suddenly got up and fled from the house. The matter was subsequently reported to the police and an investigation was launched. The accused was later arrested after DNA analysis results linked him to the incident.
“He appeared in court on several occasions, during which Raaf successfully opposed his bail application. On 28 August 2026, the Carnarvon Regional Court found the accused guilty of rape and sentenced him to 20 years imprisonment,” he said.
Litabe further said the court ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
Meanwhile, the Pixley ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, commended Raaf for her dedication and meticulous investigative work, which contributed to securing the successful conviction and lengthy sentence. Mtukushe said the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape remains committed to implementing its Reset Agenda, which seeks to improve the effectiveness of policing, strengthen the investigation and detection of crime, and ensure that everyone in the province is and feels safe in their homes and communities.
“The combating of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) remains a focused area for the SAPS and efforts will continue unabated beyond Women’s Month,” he said.
2 September 2026 – The Republic of South Africa president, Cyril Ramaphosa said like him, many South Africans carry memories of the place of Volkswagen cars in their lives. Ramaphosa, who delivered a keynote address at in Kariega, where Volkwagen was celebrating 75 years of manufacturing in South Africa, said this brand is so woven into their culture that they sometimes have to remind themselves that VW is not a South African vehicle.
He further said as Volkswagen itself says: “It is a German brand, with a South African heart.” Ramaphosa added that on the 31st of August 1951, the first Volkswagen Beetle rolled off the production line in what was then Uitenhage.
“That moment marked the beginning of what would become the largest German investment in Southern Africa. This plant is the oldest Volkswagen manufacturing facility outside Europe. It is today the only plant in the world that manufactures the Volkswagen Polo, and the sole exporter of the Polo to Europe and the Asia‑Pacific.
“Every Polo you see outside South Africa was built right here. Close to five million vehicles have been built here – the Beetle, the Kombi, the Golf, the Jetta, the Citi Golf, the Polo and the Polo Vivo. These vehicles have been built for South Africa and for the world,” he said.
Ramaphosa said this is a remarkable achievement. He said Volkswagen has never been content simply to do business in South Africa.
“It has sought to become part of the fabric of our nation. At the height of apartheid, when it was neither easy nor popular to do so, Volkswagen was the first company in this industry to recognise black trade unions and to employ black artisans.
“Tonight, we celebrate this proud history. We celebrate generations of Volkswagen employees who have built this company. We celebrate the suppliers, dealers, organised labour and communities that have been part of this journey,” said Ramaphosa.
He said they celebrate the contribution that Volkswagen has made to Kariega, Nelson Mandela Bay, the Eastern Cape and the South African economy. Ramaphosa said tonight is about honouring the past, celebrating today and driving tomorrow.
“It is an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the last 75 years and to look to the future. The automotive sector is one of the largest manufacturing industries in our country. It supports more than 115000 direct manufacturing jobs and more than half a million jobs across the automotive value chain.
“The industry accounts for just over 5% of our gross domestic product and reaches 155 export destinations. Vehicles manufactured by our plants reach markets across Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, Africa and many other parts of the world,” he said.
Picture: The North West MEC for Treasury, Kenetswe Mosenogi
By KEDIBONE MOALETSI
2 September 2026 – The North West MEC for Treasury, Kenetswe Mosenogi said her department marked the statutory submission of the 2025/26 Annual Financial Statements by all municipalities, shifting the province focus from year-end preparation to the credibility of financial reporting, audit responsiveness and corrective action. Mosenogi during the ceremonial handover of the Annual Financial Statements said the submission is a clear foundational value of accountability to the people of North West.
She further said they have gathered to ensure that municipalities fulfil this legal duty and submit their Annual Financial Statements to the Auditor General as prescribed in section 126 (1) of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) No. 56 of 2003. Mosenogi added that the Annual Financial Statements provides a formal account of each municipality’s financial position and performance for the year ended 30 June 2026.
“They are submitted for independent audit and enable councils, communities and oversight institutions to assess how public resources were managed. The submission follows a province-wide readiness process involving all 22 municipalities. The process examined more than anticipated compliance with the 31 August deadline.
“It sought to establish outstanding work, major reporting risks, accountable officials, corrective actions and the support required by each municipality. The support of Provincial Treasury, COGTA and SALGA has been intensified to ensure that the provincial government continues to monitor, coordinate, advise and provide technical support,” she said.
Mosenogi said this support is important, but it does not transfer the statutory accountability of the municipality to a supporting institution. She said it is expected that after submission to the Auditor General, municipalities must support the audit process.
“Municipalities must maintain a clear audit-liaison process so that requests from the Auditor-General are logged, allocated to responsible officials and answered within the required timeframes. The objective of the provincial government is to ensure that municipalities can maintain sound records, operate effective controls and prepare credible financial statements as a normal function of administration.
“We must continuously encourage municipalities to build capacity within their Budget and Treasury Offices and substantially reduce their reliance on consultants. The encouraging stance taken by Ratlou Local Municipality and others of preparing the AFS using internal resources must be encouraged and supported,” said Mosenogi.
2 September 2026 – The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) said it is authorised to investigate a R150 million tender for maintaining 28km of road at the North West Department of Public Works and Roads. This comes after the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa, signed Proclamation 340 of 2026, which authorises the SIU to investigate allegations of serious maladministration, corruption, irregular expenditure, and unlawful or improper loss of public funds at the North West Department of Public Works and Roads and recover any losses suffered by the State or the department.
The SIU spokesperson, Selby Makgotho said the investigation will focus on the procurement of, or contracting for, goods, works or services by or on behalf of the department in relation to Bid Number PWR 89/13: Special Maintenance of Road P152/1 from Setlagole to P34/4 in Delareyville, covering 58km (Phase II – 28km). Makgotho said according to the tender notice, the bid amount stood at R150 466 494,68.
“The SIU will investigate whether the procurement process, contracting and related payments were conducted in a manner that was not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable or cost-effective, contrary to applicable legislation or inconsistent with manuals.
“This will include guidelines, practice notes, circulars or instructions issued by National Treasury or the relevant Provincial Treasury, as well as the department’s own policies, procedures, prescripts, instructions or practices,” he said.
Makgotho further said the investigation will further determine whether the contract was tainted by improper or unlawful conduct by officials, employees or agents of the department, service providers or any other person or entity, with the intention of corruptly or unduly benefiting themselves or another person or entity. He added that the SIU will also investigate allegations of fraud and any related unauthorised, irregular, or
fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the department or the state.
“The investigation will cover the period from 9 March 2021 to 28 August 2026, the date of publication of the Proclamation. In terms of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act No. 74 of 1996), the SIU is empowered to investigate the allegations, institute civil proceedings in the Special Tribunal or High Court and take appropriate steps to recover financial losses suffered by the state.
“The SIU Act further empowers the Unit to institute civil proceedings in its own name before the Special Tribunal or High Court to address any wrongdoing identified during its investigation arising from acts of corruption, fraud or maladministration,” said Makgotho.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua said: “We have received notice of the proclamation by Ramaphosa for the SIU to investigate its awarding of the project for the special maintenance of Road P152/1 from Setlagole and Road P34/4 in Delareyville.
“This awarding dates back to when the department was under Section 100 (1)(b) intervention of the Constitution, wherein constitutional powers were bestowed upon the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to fulfill the duties and obligations of the Accounting Officer for the Department.”
Mokua said as a result, she will engage the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure on the matter. She said, however, she commits the department’s full cooperation with the SIU during the course of the investigation as it has been doing since the enquiry started until the proclamation.
2 September 2026 – The North West Department of Health is under fire after the closure of a forensic pathology and laboratory facility at the Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital in Vryburg allegedly over safety act breaches. The alleged municipal non-compliance, occupational health and safety violations, or design standard breaches, forced the department to conduct its forensic pathology duties at Taung District Hospital, which is also non-compliant.
According to our highly-placed source, the forensic pathology and laboratory facility at Taung District Hospital, violates health and safety procedures. The source told The Guardian Newspaper that the forensic pathology and laboratory facility is situated next to paediatric and maternity wards, which is hazardous.
“The smell coming out of the forensic pathology and laboratory facility is unbearable. The area does not meet required standards to operate as a forensic pathology and laboratory facility. Again, the hospital does not have a certificate to operate, so it is in violation.
“There is no hot water as required, there are ventilation failures, biohazard risks and non-compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act. This is clear that the building failed to comply with municipal bylaws and building standards. The hospital management is aware of the flagged occupational safety non-compliance, but disregard their plea.”
The source said they demand the suspension of operations at compromised forensic and science laboratory until mandatory health screenings and structural fixes are met.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane has provided the precise status and reason for non-compliance. Lekgethwane said the department is aware of the closure of a mortuary at Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital.
“Yes, the facility was closed due to the other part of the building, which has to undergo renovations. The building is non-compliant due to renovations that are in the process. For now, the facility does not have a required certificate for compliance, but we are still in the process of acquiring it.
“The Environmental Health Practitioners are aware of this matter. The forensic pathology and laboratory facility at Taung District Hospital is partially compliant. However, it does not have a compliant certificate as we are awaiting recommended work to be completed that includes, but not limited to painting,” he said.
Lekgethwane further said the maternity and children’s wards are part of the hospital building and they are not attached to the mortuary. He added that there is hot water at the facility.
Setshwantsho: Motsamaya ka dinao o thutswe ke sejanga
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
1 Lwetse 2026 – Sepodisi sa Taung se butse kgetsi ya polao ntle le maikaelelo. Se, se tla morago ga gore motsamaya ka dinao a thulwe ke sejanaga gaufi le Taung Agricultural College mo letsatsing la maabane.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are go fitlha ga jaana, leina le dingwaga tsa moswi ga se di itsisiwe. Van Rooyen are go botsha fa moswi a ne a leka go kgabaganya tsela fa a ne a thulwa ke sejanaga.
“Dipatlisiso di a tswelela,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
The Guardian 