Picture: A body of a woman found buried in a shallow grave
By BAKANG MOKOTO
2 October 2026 – A body of a woman 31) found buried in a shallow grave inside a shack at Lerato Park in Roodepan. The police have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of the body.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said a body was discovered on 30 September 2026, at approximately 4:30pm. According to Ehlers, the deceased was reportedly last seen during July 2026.
“A concerned family member reported her missing at Roodepan SAPS on 26 September 2026, prompting police to open a missing person enquiry and begin investigations.
“The family member returned to the shack on 29 September 2026, but found the dwelling locked. She returned the following day accompanied by a community member and opened the door.
“They noticed that the ground inside the shack appeared loose and subsequently discovered the shallow grave containing the woman’s body,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers, expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the discovery and called on investigators to establish the events leading to the woman’s death.
“We are deeply concerned by this tragic discovery and urge our detectives to leave no stone unturned in establishing the circumstances surrounding the death of the deceased.
“We also appeal to anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation to come forward and share it with the police,” she said.
Ehlers further said no arrests have been made at this stage. She said the police investigations are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the murder and to identify those responsible.
“Members of the public with information that could assist the investigation are urged to contact the police,” said Ehlers.
Picture: Some of drugs confiscated by the police/Supplied
By STAFF REPORTER
2 October 2026 – The police in the Namakwa District has arrested eight suspects in connection with drug-related offences during intelligence-driven operations conducted across the district within a 24-hour period. The arrests formed part of Operation Shanela II and were carried out from Brandvlei to Steinkopf following information received from members of the community.
According to Namakwa District Communications Officer, Captain Ivan Magerman, the arrests demonstrate the importance of cooperation between the police and communities in combating the illicit drug trade. Magerman said the Namakwa District Management commends the communities for providing valuable information that enables police to identify and disrupt drug-related activities.
“These arrests demonstrate that intelligence-driven operations, supported by community cooperation, can make a meaningful impact in addressing drug-related offences.
“The first arrest was made in Brandvlei at approximately 2pm on 30 September 2026, when the police conducting stop-and-search operations allegedly found drugs in the possession of a man (25).
“At around 5:10pm, the Namakwa District Task Team followed up on a tip-off about alleged drug dealing at a premises in Vaalhoek 2, Okiep. A search of the premises resulted in the seizure of drugs and the arrest of a man (18),” he said.
Magerman further said another man (28) was arrested at approximately 7:15pm in Main Road, Okiep, after the police allegedly found him in possession of drugs. He added that in Nababeep, members of SAPS Nababeep Shift C executed a search-and-seizure warrant at a premises in Bostraat.
“Drugs were seized and a man (68) and a woman (37), were arrested for allegedly dealing in drugs. In a separate operation in School Street, Nababeep, the Namakwa District Task Team and Nababeep SAPS followed up on information about alleged drug dealing near a tuck shop.
“A man (24) was arrested after drugs and cash believed to be the proceeds of crime were allegedly found in his possession,” said Magerman.
Meanwhile, he said Springbok Public Order Police arrested a man 31) in Spoorweg Street, Steinkopf, after he was allegedly found in possession of drugs. Magerman said at approximately 11:45pm, the Namakwa District Task Team and Nababeep SAPS followed up on further information regarding alleged drug-related activities, resulting in the arrest of a man (39) for possession of drugs.
“The eight suspects are expected to appear in the relevant Magistrate’s Courts in the Namakwa District on charges relating to the possession and dealing in drugs.
“SAPS would continue with intelligence-driven operations to disrupt the illicit drug trade. SAPS will continue to intensify operations aimed at dismantling the illicit drug trade and holding those involved in drug-related activities accountable,” he said.
Magerman said they urge community members to continue sharing information with the police so that together they can address criminal activities in our communities. He said members of the public can report suspected criminal activities to Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or contact their nearest police station.
2 October 2026 – President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for greater investment in teachers and stronger support for educators, adding that better educational outcomes depend on creating the conditions in which teachers can focus on teaching.
Addressing the 26th National Teaching Awards at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Ekurhuleni on Thursday, President Ramaphosa said teachers are central to transforming the education system and developing the country.
“If we want better educational outcomes, we must invest in better teaching. We must attract talented young people into the profession. We must support new teachers as they enter the classroom. And we must enable experienced teachers to continue developing their skills,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President said teaching must be restored to its rightful place as one of the most respected professions in society while government must provide safe and suitable school infrastructure, reduce unnecessary administrative burdens, strengthen professional development and ensure teachers receive the support they need throughout their careers.
Overcrowding, the protection of teaching time and acting firmly against violence, intimidation and disruption in schools were other important issues needing attention.
Teachers can change lives
Reflecting on his own schooling, President Ramaphosa recalled a teacher who had the greatest influence on his life – his former school principal, Mr Ntsandeni.
He said that as a learner, he was inquisitive and often challenged his teachers because he wanted to understand what he was being taught.
However, some of his teachers believed he should be expelled from school.
“My school principal, Mr Ntsandeni, thought differently. He saw something in me that others did not see. He intervened and protected me from being expelled,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa said Mr Ntsandeni understood that curiosity should not be punished but guided and encouraged, adding that the principal did more than keep me in school.
“He gave me the opportunity to continue learning, to develop and to become the person I am today,” he said.
The President said he would have wanted to present Mr Ntsandeni with a National Teaching Award had he still been alive.
“…not only for what he did for me, but for understanding what lies at the heart of teaching: seeing the promise in a young person and giving that promise the opportunity to flourish. That is what great teachers do,” he said.
Focus on learning outcomes
President Ramaphosa said the ultimate purpose of educational excellence was to improve the life chances of every learner.
He identified foundational literacy and numeracy as among the country’s foremost national priorities, warning that children who cannot read with understanding in the early years face greater difficulty throughout their education.
“The true measure of our progress is the child who learns to read for meaning, the young person who masters mathematics and science and the learner who leaves school with knowledge, confidence, dignity and real opportunities,” he said.
He called on every teacher, principal, district and education department to remain focused on improving learning outcomes.
The President also urged the education system to ensure that good practices are shared across provinces and schools.
Technology cannot replace teachers
President Ramaphosa said the rapid development of artificial intelligence and other digital technologies was changing how people work, communicate and learn and presented both opportunities and risks for education.
He said technology could give teachers access to new resources, assist with lesson preparation and support learners with different needs.
However, learners also needed to be equipped to distinguish knowledge from misinformation, think independently and use technology responsibly, safely and ethically.
“Artificial intelligence may be able to provide an answer, but a teacher helps a learner understand the question. Technology can transmit information, but it cannot replace the encouragement, discipline, empathy and human connection that a good teacher provides. The teacher remains essential.”
School safety
The President also called on educators and the wider education community to help address gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), saying schools have a role to play in preventing violence before it happens.
President Ramaphosa said schools must not tolerate sexual harassment, abuse or exploitation by teachers, staff members or fellow learners.
He said education should help young people understand respect, dignity, equality and consent, while equipping them to resolve conflict without violence and build healthy interpersonal relationships.
“We must teach boys and young men that strength is not demonstrated through domination or abuse, but through respect, responsibility and self-control,” he said.
He called for stronger age-appropriate life-skills education from early childhood development through to high school, supported by teachers, parents, religious and traditional leaders, relatives and community elders.
Honouring educators
The National Teaching Awards were launched in 2000 by the late Minister of Education, Professor Kader Asmal, to acknowledge, appreciate and celebrate excellence in teaching.
President Ramaphosa said it was therefore fitting that educators who had devoted decades of their lives to developing South Africa’s children and communities were recognised through the Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award.
The President said the awards demonstrate that excellence can be found across different phases of education, subjects and school communities.
More than 133 teachers participated in the national adjudication process in Gauteng earlier this month, with finalists recognised across various categories including Excellence in Grade R Teaching and Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (FET).
President Ramaphosa also highlighted the Minister’s Special Award, #MyTeacher, which allows learners to nominate teachers who have made a difference in their lives. He also congratulated all finalists and nominees, saying reaching the national adjudication stage was itself recognition of their contribution.
Teachers and the legacy of 1976
As South Africa marks the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, President Ramaphosa also reflected on the role teachers played during apartheid.
He said while the courage of the young people who rejected the Bantu Education system was rightly remembered, the contribution of teachers who provided guidance, knowledge and leadership during repression should also be recognised.
“We remember the teachers who were imprisoned, tortured, banned, exiled or killed for their role in the struggle. They understood that teaching is never only about what happens in a textbook. It is also about the values by which we live and the society we seek to build,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa said teachers continued to be looked upon for guidance, leadership and moral courage in democratic South Africa.
“South Africa’s future is being shaped in our classrooms. It is being shaped in the mind of every child who learns to read. It is being shaped in the confidence of every learner who discovers their ability. And it is being shaped by every teacher who refuses to give up on a child,” he said.
The President congratulated the award recipients and thanked educators for their contribution to the country.
This year’s awards were held under the theme: “Uniting for Excellence: Elevating Achievement, Empowering Educators to Shape South Africa’s Future.” – SAnews.gov.za
Picture: Some of the drugs seized by the police/Supplied
By STAFF REPORTER
2 October 2026 – Four men have been arrested for possession of drugs during ongoing stop-and-search operations in Springbok, Nababeep and Okiep in the Namakwa District. The police said the operations were part of sustained efforts to combat the illicit drug trade and substance abuse.
The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the police in the Namakwa District continue to intensify its efforts to combat the illicit drug trade and substance abuse through sustained crime prevention operations and stop-and-search activities. Magerman said on Monday night, members of the Delta and Alpha Platoons stopped and searched a man (52) from Durban along Voortrekker Street in Springbok.
“The police allegedly found tablets suspected to contain heroin, with an estimated street value of R1 250, resulting in his arrest for possession of drugs. The following afternoon, SAPS members conducting stop-and-search operations in Nababeep arrested a man (41), who was allegedly found in possession of drugs.
“Two further arrests were made in Okiep later that evening, including a man (33), after both suspects were allegedly found in possession of drugs. All four suspects are expected to appear in court on the respective charges,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, commended police members for their vigilance and efforts to disrupt the drug trade. Andrews said the police also appealed to communities to report suspected drug dealing, trafficking and other criminal activities.
“Information from the public could assist in preventing and combating crime and protecting vulnerable members of the community, particularly young people, from the harmful effects of substance abuse,” he said.
2 October 2026 – A seasoned detective’s investigations into two separate rape cases have resulted in two men being convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court. Warrant Officer Daniel Satisfied of the Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit investigated both cases, which dated back to 2019 and 2020.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said his work reflected the “diligence, tenacity and meticulous investigative work” that ultimately secured the convictions. Ehlers said in the first case, a woman (31) was socialising at a tavern in Lerato Park, Roodepan in May 2019, when she was approached by an acquaintance and two other men.
“She later left with the men to visit another tavern, but during the journey she refused a sexual proposition from the acquaintance, who allegedly assaulted her before pushing her from a moving vehicle.
“The woman regained consciousness the following morning and realised she had been sexually assaulted. Forensic evidence linked a 38-year-old man to the offence in February 2023, after which he was traced and arrested in Barkly West before being convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment,” she said.
Ehlers further said in the second case, a woman (26) was returning home from a tavern in Soul City, Galeshewe Township in Kimberley in September 2020, when she was accosted by an unknown man wearing a balaclava and allegedly raped in a nearby veld. She added that forensic evidence linked a man (26) to that offence in 2025.
“He was traced and arrested in February 2025 before the Kimberley Regional Court convicted him of rape and imposed a life sentence,” said Ehlers.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, welcomed the sentences and praised Satisfied for his persistence. Otola said investigators remained committed to pursuing cases regardless of how much time has passed since an offence was committed.
“Survivors of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) must be treated with dignity and respect, while SAPS would continue strengthening its response through professional investigations and victim-centred policing,” she said.
2 October 2026 – As geopolitical pressures drive up household costs, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy says government is advancing an integrated transport system designed to make public transport safer and more affordable.
“This year has been a difficult one for households, bus and taxi operators, and the broader freight and logistics industry. Our geopolitical environment is not of our choosing. Its impact on supply chains, trade routes and the fuel price is there for all to see. From our side, we are doing everything in our power to make public transport more affordable,” the Minister said.
Speaking at the launch of Transport Month, which is observed in the month of October, Creecy said the recovery of passenger rail services by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) is providing commuters with an alternative mode of transport.
Creecy said PRASA had recovered 35 of its 40 priority passenger rail lines over the past two years, most recently restoring part of the Midway–Lenz route.
“PRASA passenger trips rose from 10 million in 2020/21, after the pandemic, to an audited figure of 101 million at the end of the 2025/26 financial year.
“On average, a Prasa passenger pays between R12 and R15 for a return trip at peak hours, depending on the distance travelled,” the Minister said.
This year, PRASA will continue refurbishing tracks, signalling systems and stations to accommodate more passengers and provide services that are more frequent and punctual.
“The integration of passenger and road transport systems is central to improving affordability and safety for commuters. Bus and minibus taxis remain central to our transport system.
“We are in the process of reforming our public transport grant system into a unified support model available on selected routes to bus and taxi operators alike. Our reform is guided by foundational principles including integration, sustainability, fairness, safety and commuter affordability. Consultation continues with all affected parties to develop a workable model,” the Minister said.
The Department of Transport is also working with the taxi industry to reform and formalise the sector through the following measures:
Repurposing the taxi recapitalisation grant and reducing risk in the industry so that operators can buy more affordable vehicles with lower repayments; and
Formalising and right-sizing the industry through pilot Transport Operating Companies – one in each province – to test new management and investment models.
Creecy launched Transport Month under the theme: “Building a safe, sustainable, reliable and affordable transport system”, marking 21 years since the inaugural October Transport Month in 2005.
Rail and ports
Last week, Cabinet supported the establishment of the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) as a stand-alone, state-owned company, underscoring the central role of rail and port reform in government’s transport agenda.
The separation is intended to improve the operational performance, infrastructure reliability and competitiveness of South Africa’s freight and logistics system.
“As an independent company, TNPA will be able to use its revenue to invest in port infrastructure and equipment, thereby accelerating the journey, which has already seen three of South Africa’s ports tagged as most improved in a recent World Bank study,” Creecy said.
According to Creecy, the separation will be guided by several principles, including fair compensation for Transnet based on an independent valuation of TNPA, long-term financial sustainability, and the equitable allocation of liabilities between the Transnet Group and TNPA.
Other principles include protecting workers, jobs and customers; preserving strategic state ownership and control of national ports infrastructure; and improving the investment capacity and infrastructure development of both TNPA and Transnet.
Cabinet also approved a TNPA investigation into the feasibility of bringing in a minority equity partner from one of the country’s development finance institutions (DFIs).
Creecy said the 2022 White Paper on National Rail Policy and the 2023 National Freight Logistics Roadmap are beginning to deliver results.
The policies aim to attract private-sector funding for infrastructure development and reposition rail as the country’s transport backbone.
“In March, the Department approved eleven private Train Operating Companies (TOCs) to use the state-owned national rail network, bringing private expertise and capital into operations. Operations are due to begin in April 2027.
“In July, the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager published a second Network Statement, creating the necessary certainty to ensure the TOCs can secure rolling stock, staff and capital,” the Minister said.
Approved for public comment earlier this year, the Draft National Rail Master Plan sets out a vision for an interoperable, regulated and well-maintained state-owned railway network that will form the backbone of an integrated system for moving people and goods.
“Transnet’s 2025/26 results show rail volumes of about 167.9 million tonnes against a target of 180.6 million tonnes—progress towards our goal of 250 million tonnes a year on the Transnet network by the end of the political term,” the Minister said.
Creecy explained that increasing rail tonnage will require significant investment from both the state and the private sector.
Through the Budget Facility for Infrastructure, R16.8 billion in public investment has already been approved and is being deployed across the coal and iron ore lines and port infrastructure. Applications for a further R23.6 billion are being developed.
“On Monday 12 October we will invite you to the Northern Cape to view current rail upgrades to the iron ore line during the annual “shut”.
“Private-sector investment in the rail and port infrastructure is being facilitated through projects currently in the market for the Ngqura Manganese Export Corridor, Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal, and later this year the container corridor between Gauteng and Durban,” the Ministers said. –SAnews.gov.za
Picture: Northern Cape MEC for Health, Nontobeko Vilakazi
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
2 October 2026 – The Northern Cape Department of Health has recorded 767 laboratory-confirmed measles cases since October 2025, prompting intensified surveillance, contact tracing and vaccination campaigns across affected districts. The department said the continued rise in cases had placed it on high alert as it worked with districts to strengthen the response.
THE Northern Cape MEC for Health, Nontobeko Vilakazi said the outbreak has revealed a concerning immunity gap in the province, particularly among children who are either not fully vaccinated or have never received the measles or measles/rubella vaccine. Vilakazi said the highest numbers reported by the department are in the ZF Mgcawu and John Taolo Gaetsewe Districts, with 303 and 282 cases respectively.
“Frances Baard has recorded 156 cases, while Pixley ka Seme has reported 27. The second-dose Measles/Rubella immunisation coverage remains below 70% in all affected districts. The low coverage had contributed to the increase in cases, including infections among some people who had previously been vaccinated and some adults.
“In John Taolo Gaetsewe, targeted vaccination campaigns involving close contacts at schools have resulted in more than 4 700 people being vaccinated. Inter-facility immunisation has also started, with measles-rubella booster doses being offered to people of all ages regardless of their previous vaccination history,” she said.
Vilakazi further said in ZF Mgcawu, the outbreak previously affecting Postmasburg had ended after 42 days without a new case. She added that attention has now shifted to Upington in the Dawid Kruiper Municipality, where 204 cases have been reported and Kai! Garib Municipality, which has recorded 37 cases.
“Pixley ka Seme, which has recorded 27 cases from Griekwastad in the Siyancuma Local Municipality, has also completed its outbreak period after 42 days without a laboratory-confirmed case. More than 444 asymptomatic close contacts in the municipality have been vaccinated.
“Frances Baard remains on high alert, with health teams conducting immediate contact tracing and vaccinating close contacts. Health facilities have also been instructed to isolate suspected cases and vaccinate close contacts immediately,” said Vilakazi.
She said people infected with measles should isolate at home for at least seven days to prevent further transmission. Vilakazi said suspected cases are treated symptomatically and provided with Vitamin A supplements to reduce the risk of complications.
“We must close the immunity gap in our communities and prevent further spread of the highly contagious diseases, particularly measles and rubella. We urge parents and guardians to ensure children are vaccinated and to cooperate with health teams conducting school and community campaigns,” she concluded.
Picture: Some of beneficiaries receive title deeds
By REGINALD KANYANE
2 October 2026 – The Northern Cape Provincial Government (NCPG) has handed over title deeds to beneficiaries in Paballelo, Upington, as part of its #TitleDeedsFridays campaign, which it says is aimed at addressing the province’s title deed backlog. The Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul and Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, MEC Lebogang Motlhaping, handed over the documents at the Michael Bongela Community Hall in the Dawid Kruiper Local Municipality.
According to Saul, the campaign is intended to help verified beneficiaries move from being occupants of properties to registered owners with security of tenure. He further said the latest handover followed the distribution of keys to beneficiaries at the Dakotaweg and Jurgenskamp Housing Projects in Upington.
“#TitleDeedsFridays is a direct initiative aimed at eradicating the provincial title deed backlog. Ten conveyancing firms have been appointed to assist with processing and registering title deeds across the province. The move was intended to expedite this critical process and eliminate delays in conveyancing.
“The appointment of the conveyancing firms would help families receive their ownership documents “swiftly and efficiently. It also described the latest handover as evidence of its stated commitment to continued service delivery in the province,” added Saul.
He said the campaign forms part of its broader effort to provide beneficiaries with formal proof of property ownership and security of tenure.
2 October 2026 – The Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum (BMIACF) will host its quarterly anti-corruption campaign at OR Tambo International Airport on Friday.
The BMIACF is chaired by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and seeks to proactively root out corruption from South Africa’s ports of entry.
The Border Management Authority Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, together with the SIU Head, Leonard Lekgetho, and Home Affairs Director General, Tommy Makhode, together with representatives from other government institutions, will lead the campaign.
“The leaders will demonstrate their commitment to fighting corruption by publicly signing a pledge to take a firm stand against corruption, while also calling on officials at this port of entry to emulate their lead,” the Border Management Authority (BMA) said in a statement.
On the day, incarcerated offenders who have been sentenced on charges of fraud and corruption related activities will share the human and financial cost of engaging in corrupt activities.
In addition, the Hawks will share details on how the entity is cracking down on corruption at ports of entry, while also sharing conviction statistics. – SAnews.gov.za
2 October 2026- The Sol Plaatje University (SPU) Women’s Rugby made history on 25 September 2026 after being crowned national First Division champions at the Betway Women’s Club Championship in Alberton. Organised by the South African Rugby Union (SA Rugby), the championship featured eight teams competing in the First Division, with the winner determined by the tournament standings.
SPU finished at the top after recording three victories to claim its first national Betway First Division title.
The championship campaign was led by Head Coach Alvero Baartman, with assistant coach, Khanya Kama, Team Manager Theo Ngqwala and Strength and Conditioning Coach Mandolene Norman forming part of the team’s management structure. SPU began its campaign with a 19–7 victory over the University of Limpopo.
Maserati Bangaza, Jennielee van Nel and Nonkosi Ngema scored tries, while Juanine Jacobs added two conversions. Bangaza was named Player of the Match.
The team followed this with a narrow 15–14 win over Titans. Bangaza scored one try, while Van Nel crossed the try line twice. Evelyn Maile was named Player of the Match for her performance at flanker.
Head Coach Alvero Baartman said the SPU sealed the championship with a 17–12 victory over Nelspruit. Baartman said Bangaza scored two tries and Jaen-Mari Owies added another, while Jacobs was named Player of the Match.
“The three victories placed SPU at the summit of the First Division standings and secured the university its first national title in the competition. SPU’s success was further highlighted by the selection of three of its players for the Betway Dream Team. Jacobs, Bangaza and Maile were recognised among the championship’s top performers in their respective positions.
“Jacobs is enrolled in the BA General programme, Bangaza is studying towards a Bachelor of Education, while Maile is pursuing a BCom in Accounting. Their selection highlights the depth of talent within SPU’s women’s rugby programme and the university’s ability to combine sporting achievement with academic development,” he said.
Baartman further said the national triumph follows a successful provincial campaign in which SPU Women’s Rugby won the inaugural AVBOB Griquas Women’s Rugby Super League. He added that the victory earned the team an opportunity to compete against the country’s leading First Division sides at the Betway Women’s Club Championship.
“The national title marks another milestone in SPU’s development of high-performance sport and its commitment to creating opportunities for student-athletes to excel both academically and on the sporting field,” said Baartman.
Meanwhile, SPU congratulated the players, coaches, management and support team on the historic achievement, which further strengthens the university’s growing sporting profile on the national stage.
