Monthly Archives: October 2026

Five suspects arrested with drugs worth R350 000

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

30 October 2026 – The Provincial Organised Crime Investigation team and Provincial Crime Intelligence in North West, successful took down an operation conducted under Project Dubula, which resulted in the arrest of five suspects and the seizure of drugs with an estimated street value of more than R350 000. The operation was conducted in the early hours of Wednesday, 28 October 2026, at approximately 6am, following an investigation initiated in August 2024 into four identified targets suspected of involvement in drug dealing.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said during the operation, the police executed four warrants of arrest and four search-and-seizure warrants against the identified targets. Skalkie said the operation resulted in the arrest and detention of five suspects, including an additional suspect identified during the investigation in Khuma Township, near Stilfontein and Klerksdorp.

“The suspects aged between 21 and 45, are facing various drug-related charges, including dealing in drugs and possession of drugs. The operation yielded significant results with drugs including crystal methamphetamine, Mandrax and kat recovered or linked to the cases under investigation. One of the suspects, Ifegdu Chinedu (35), also known as “Mike”, was arrested in connection with three drug-related cases registered in Klerksdorp.

“Furthermore, he also violated parole conditions as he was found guilty and convicted twice in the past for drug-related charges. He was remanded in custody after his appearance before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 29 October 2026,” she said.

Skalkie further said the case was postponed until 12 November 2026. She added that the drugs involved in these three cases have an estimated value of R47 500 and a street value of R250 000.

“The remaining suspects were arrested in connection with cases registered in Khuma. The investigation also led to the identification and arrest of an additional suspect for alleged possession of drugs. The four other suspects appeared before the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on 29 October 2026.

“The accused, Papikio Piet Mofokeng (45), who also has three pending cases against him, was remanded in custody until 13 November 2026, for a formal bail application. Mamosese Anna Hlahane (35) was granted bail of R2000 and her case was remanded to 13 November 2026,” said Skalkie.

She said Mohau Moyikwa (21) was granted bail of R1000 and the next court appearance will be on 16 November 2026. Skalkie said Gerrie Petrus Moyikwa (45) was remanded in custody until 13 November 2026.

“As part of the ongoing investigation, the police are pursuing further operational measures, including the seizure of two vehicles belonging to the accused persons. Three properties linked to the accused persons have also been identified as part of the investigation,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, applauded the police involved in the operation, emphasising that the SAPS remains committed to dismantling drug-dealing networks and disrupting the supply of illegal substances in communities across the province. Adams said drug dealing fuels other forms of crime, undermines the safety of the communities and exposes young people to the devastating consequences of substance abuse.

“The success of Project Dubula demonstrates our determination to identify, investigate and bring those suspected of participating in these criminal activities before the courts. We further urge community members to continue working with the police by providing information about suspected drug dealing activities.

“Such information can be shared with the police or anonymously through the SAPS Crime Stop line on 08600 10111 or the MySAPS App,” he said.

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A man sentenced to 19 years imprisonment for killing his own father

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By STAFF REPORTER

30 October 2026 – A man (26) was sentenced to 19 years imprisonment by the Stilfontein Regional Court for killing his own father (65). The incident occurred on 15 February 2025, at approximately 4:30am at a local church in Stilfontein.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said the priest reportedly received a telephone call from neighbours informing him that the deceased had allegedly been attacked by his son, Samuel Xaba. Skalkie said the victim was reportedly assaulted multiple times on the face and head with a piece of wood.

“In an attempt to escape the attack and seek assistance, he ran outside but collapsed near the gate, where he succumbed to his injuries. The neighbours alerted the priest, who subsequently notified the police about the incident. The accused fled the scene following the attack. However, the police acted swiftly and managed to trace and arrest him later that morning,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, welcomed the sentence and mentioned that the murder of a family member is a tragic and devastating incident that leaves families and communities traumatised. Adams commended Detective Sergeant Thekisa Johannes Masoane for the investigative work done as well as the state prosecutor, Chris Kok who contributed to ensuring that the accused was brought to justice.

“The accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, following his sentencing on Friday,” he said.

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Monna o atlholetswe botshelo jotlhe kwa kgolegelong morago ga go betelela mokapelo wa gagwe wa maloba makgetlho a le mabedi

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Ka STAFF REPORTER

30 Diphalane 2026 – Monna (28) o atlholetswe botshelo jotlhe kwa kgolegelong ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Molopo morago ga go betelela lekgarebe (22) la gagwe la pele matlhetlho a le mabedi. Go begwa fa ka di 26 Diphalane 2024, Olebogeng Nyaqela le motswasetlhabelo ba ne ba kopana kwa lefelong la bojalwa kwa motseng wa bone. 

Sebueledi sa bosetshaba sa bosekisi mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Lindiwe Mabasa are ka nako eo, ba ne ba setse ba fedisitse kamano ya bone ya dingwaga di le supa. Mabasa are moragonyana, ba ne ba palama sejanaga sa tsala ya ga Nyaqela, e e neng ya ba folosa gaufi le magae a bone ka gonne ba ne ba nna mo mafelong a a bapileng.

“Go na le gore Nyaqela a letle motswasetlhabelo go ya kwa gabo, o ne a mo goga a mo isa kwa ntlong ya gagwe kwa a neng a mo betelela teng. Motswasetlhabelo o ne a kgona go tshaba, mme a ya go kopa thuso kwa kliniking e e gaufi a sa apara diaparo.

“Ka nako ya tsheko, mmueledi wa puso, Kefentse Diseko, o ne a tlhalosa gore Nyaqela o ne a dirisa botlhatswa tshepo e e neng e le teng ka ntlha ya kamano ya bone ya pele. Motswasetlhabelo o ne a mo tshepile, ebile a lebeletse gore o tla fitlha kwa gabo a babalesegile,” Mabasa wa tlhalosa.

Mabasa are Nyaqela o ne a ganetsa ditatofatso tseo, a re tlhakanelodikobo e diragetse ka tumalano. Mabasa are le fa go ntse jalo, lekgotlha le ne la gana tlhaloso ya gagwe, gonne le fitlhetse bosupi jwa motswasetlhabelo bo dumalana ebile bo ikanyega. 

“Lekgotla le ne la swetsa ka gore motswasetlhabelo o supile molato wa gagwe ntle le pelaelo epe e e utlwalang. Mo nakong yotlhe ya tsheko, motswasetlhabelo o ne a newa tshegetso ya maikutlo le ya loago ke Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC). 

“Modiredi wa Thuso ya Batlhaselwa, Nkhensani Baloyi, o ne a mo thusa go netefatsa gore o ipaakanyeditse sentle mo maikutlong le gore o bona tshegetso ka nako ya fa kgetsi e ntse e sekwa. Morago ga go bonwa molato wa petelelo makgetlho a le mabedi, Nyaqela o ne a atlholelwa botshelo jotlhe kwa kgolegelong,” ga rialo Mabasa. 

Mabasa are gape lekgotla le ne la itsise fa Nyaqela a sa tshwanela go nna le sethunya ka fa molaong, mme la laela gore leina la gagwe le tsenngwe mo Rejisetareng ya Bosetšhaba ya Badiraphoso ba Melato ya Tlhakanelodikobo. Mabasa are bothati jwa bosetšhaba jwa botšhotšhisi (NPA), bo amogetse katlholo eno, bo gatelela botlhokwa jwa go tsaya dikgato tse di gagametseng kgatlhanong le tirisodikgoka ya bong le go netefatsa gore badiraphoso ba ikarabela ka ditiro tsa bone.

“Katlholo eno e bontsha gore tsamaiso ya bosiamisi jwa bosenyi e tsaya ka masisi dikgetsi tsa tirisodikgoka ya bong le dipolao tsa basadi (GBVF), segolobogolo tirisodikgoka ya tlhakanelodikobo e e dirwang mo dikamanong tsa baratani.

“NPA e tswelela go itlama go sekisa ka matlhagatlhaga melato ya tlhakanelodikobo le ya GBVF, go netefatsa gore badiraphoso ba ikarabela fa batswasetlhabelo bone ba bona tshegetso e e maleba mo tsamaisong yotlhe ya bosiamisi jwa bosenyi,” ga rialo Mabasa.

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Mixed results for SA U15 squad on penultimate day of the World Cup

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Picture: Under 15 World Cup team/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

30 October 2026 – The South African U15 Boys National team experienced mixed results on the penultimate of the inaugural FIFA U15 Boys World Cup and Festival currently underway in Baku, Azerbaijan. On Thursday morning, the South African juniors defeated Malaysia 5-1 to set a clash against Ivory Coast in the afternoon.

But things did not go according to plan in the second fixture as they went down 4-3 in a very tight encounter. The result means head coach Selekedi Mogale’s charges will now face Niger in their last match of the tournament, playing for position 43 or 44 in the youth competition.

The fixture against the West Africans will kick off at 7am SA Time.

The last day of the FIFA U15 Boys World Cup and Festival will also see several finals taking place, from Tier A – which will produce the winner of the tournament – all the way to Tier F with teams playing for positions. Spain and the Czech Republic will battle it out for the honours of being crowned the first ever U15 Boys World Cup champions.

The event has been running from 24 October and will conclude on 30 October 2026 after close to 1000 matches played in a 8v8 format for a 20min duration each half.

FIFA U15 Boys World Cup and Festival Finals:

Tier A:

Czech Republic vs Spain

4pm SA Time

Tier B:

Argentina vs Portugal

13h00 SA Time

Tier C:

Tunisia vs Belarus

11h30 SA Time

Tier D:

Canada vs Tajikistan

10h00 SA Time

Tier E:

Central African Republic vs Bangladesh

08h30 SA Time

Tier F:

New Zealand vs Ethiopia

07h00 SA Time

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Men and boys urged to champion a fight against GBV

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Picture: Social Development’s Specialist Social Services acting Chief Director Hessie Wiessie opens men and boys dialogue in Ganyesa

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

30 October 2026 – Men and boys have been urged to become positive role models in their families and communities, promote responsible manhood and take a firm stand against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). The call was made during a Men and Boys Dialogue held at Ganyesa Community Hall in Ganyesa, where participants engaged in discussions aimed at addressing social challenges affecting men and boys and encouraging positive behavioural change.

The dialogue which was organised by North West Department of Social Development on Thursday, covered a range of issues, including positive masculinity and responsible manhood, fatherhood and mentorship, HIV and AIDS prevention, teenage pregnancy prevention, healthy lifestyles, positive male influence and the prevention of GBV. 

Leading the dialogue, the acting Chief Director for Specialist Social Services, Hessie Wiessie said the North West Department of Social Development continued to invest in the lives of boys and young men through its Men and Boys Championing Change programmes. Wiessie said these are social and behaviour change programmes aimed at addressing and eradicating Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), HIV and AIDS, and other social ills affecting communities. 

“During the current financial year, the department had funded non-profit organisations (NPOs) to conduct dialogues that address challenges faced by men, including healthy living, responsible fatherhood and gender-based violence.

“Too often, cases of GBV reported in the media involve men and boys as perpetrators. We cannot afford to remain silent while these challenges continue to affect our families and communities. It is time for us to educate one another, take responsibility for our actions and instil good morals in the boy child,” she said.

Wiessie emphasised that raising boys to become responsible men required the collective involvement of families, communities and other stakeholders. She said men in particular, were encouraged to lead by example, guide young boys and create safe spaces where they could learn about respect, accountability and healthy relationships.

“One of the expected outcomes of the dialogue was to see more men becoming positive role models and influencers in their communities, including taking an active interest in mentoring boys and guiding them towards responsible adulthood. Mentorship was essential in helping boys develop positive values, make informed decisions and understand their role in preventing violence and promoting the well-being of others.

“At the conclusion of the dialogue, participating men made a pledge to fight gender-based violence in their communities and committed themselves to refusing to turn a blind eye when incidents of abuse occur. The pledge reinforced the message that preventing GBV requires collective responsibility, with men and boys playing an active role in challenging harmful behaviours, supporting survivors and promoting respect and equality,” said Wiessie.

She said through its Men and Boys Championing Change programmes, the Department of Social Development continues to encourage positive masculinity, strengthen responsible fatherhood and mentorship, and mobilise men and boys to become agents of positive social change.

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ANC condemns the ‘rise’ of Islamophobia

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Picture: Muslims in South Africa

By REGINALD KANYANE

30 October 2026 – The African National Congress (ANC) said it condemns in the strongest terms the recent rise of Islamophobia in South Africa, including the hateful rhetoric directed at Muslims in public life and on social media. The party said Muslims have actively participated in the liberation movement from the days of Dr Yusuf Dadoo, Moulvi Cachalia, Rahima Moosa, Imam Abdullah Haron, Fatima Meer and Ahmed Kathrada to Dullah Omar and have helped build this nation in every sphere.

ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu said an attack on any South African because of their faith is an attack on all of them. Bhengu said the violent threats against the Muslim community pose a danger to national security, fuels hatred and create a climate of hostility as the country approaches the local government elections.

“The ANC’s commitment to non-racialism and religious freedom is the foundation of the democratic state we fought to build. The Freedom Charter declares that South Africa belongs to all who live in it and our Constitution guarantees every person equality, dignity and the right to practise their religion without fear.

“Those who stoke fear of Muslims betray these founding principles and seek to divide a nation that has paid too high a price for its unity. We are alarmed by the organised and coordinated nature of this hatred, driven by networks of bigotry that seek to import division into our democracy. The state must investigate who is behind it and who is funding it,” she said.

Bhengu further said the law enforcement agencies must investigate these threats and bring to book perpetrators. She added that they reject bigotry in all its forms, whether directed at Muslims, Jews, Christians, Hindus, African traditional believers or any other community.

“Relevant institutions, including the South African Human Rights Commission and the Equality Courts are called upon to act swiftly against hate speech and incitement, and we further call on all political and religious leaders to refuse to profit from division.

“We will continue to work with Muslim organisations and all faith communities to protect the right of every South African to live, worship and thrive in safety. South Africa is home to all its people, and the ANC will defend that promise,” concluded Bhengu.

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A school principal stabbed during altercation

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Picture: Matlhonyane Primary School/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

30 October 2026 – Kagisho Muriel Modisenyane who is a principal at Matlhonyane Primary School in Mahikeng, was allegedly stabbed by a man. The North West Department of Education said it has learnt with deep concern of a violent incident.

The acting North West MEC for Education, Kenetswe Mosenogi said the preliminary information indicates that, the suspect who is reported to be a former learner at the school, allegedly went to the school and demonstrated a bullying act to a Grade 6 learner near the school premises. Mosenogi said it is further alleged that the matter may have been linked to the suspected peddling of substances to the learner.

“The principal reportedly intervened in the incident, during which she was violently attacked and stabbed with an object. She sustained severe injuries and is currently receiving medical attention at a local private hospital. It is further alleged that, after being alerted to the incident, the police proceeded to the suspect’s home, where they found him attempting to take his own life.

“Following an unsuccessful attempt, the suspect reportedly stabbed himself. He is currently admitted to Mahikeng Provincial Hospital and is reportedly under arrest. We condemn this brutal attack in the strongest possible terms. Schools must remain safe spaces where learners and educators can teach and learn without fear of violence, intimidation or exposure to harmful substances,” she said.

Mosenogi further emphasised that the safety and well-being of learners and educators remain a priority for the department, especially during this critical time when it is facing the final examinations to conclude the 2026 academic cycle. She added that any allegations of bullying, substance peddling or violence involving school communities must be treated with the utmost seriousness and addressed through the appropriate law enforcement and school safety mechanisms.

“The department wishes Modisenyane a full and speedy recovery and extends its thoughts to her family, colleagues, learners and the broader school community during this distressing time. As this is a developing matter, the department will continue to monitor developments and provide further information as verified details become available.

“The circumstances surrounding the incident remain subject to police investigation and the department urges the public to refrain from circulating unverified information,” said Mosenogi.

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Matlala and co-accused’s fraud case postponed for further financial investigations

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Picture: Vusumuzi Matlala, his wife, Tsakani Matlala and their co-accused, Claudette Masethe and Given Makofane in court/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

29 October 2026 – The fraud case against Vusumuzi Matlala (50), his wife, Tsakani Matlala (38), and their co-accused, Claudette Masethe (31) and Given Makofane (46), has been postponed to 11 February 2027, for further financial investigations.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the four accused are facing two counts of fraud, two counts of uttering and one count of forgery. Vusumuzi Matlala faces an additional charge of contravening the Identification Act.

NPA regional spokesperson for Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said the accused allegedly acted in furtherance of a common purpose to falsify documents in January 2025, to secure a lease agreement for a property in Waterkloof Heights, Pretoria, through a real estate agent.

“It is alleged that between 13 and 21 January 2025, Vusumuzi Matlala unlawfully possessed an identity document issued in the name of Vusumuzi Dlamini, which purported to associate him with the Eswatini Royal House.

“He allegedly used the document in connection with securing the lease agreement. The matter has been postponed to 11 February 2027 to allow for further financial investigations,” she said.

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A man sentenced to life imprisonment for raping former girlfriend

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By REGINALD KANYANE

29 October 2026 – A man (41) was sentenced to life imprisonment for raping his former girlfriend (53). Lehlohonolo Ramphobo was also sentenced to six months imprisonment for contravening the Immigration Act.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Lindiwe Mabasa said the sentence follows Ramphobo’s conviction on both counts by the Potchefstroom Regional Court in connection with an incident that occurred on 23 September 2026. Mabasa said on the day of the incident, the victim contacted Ramphobo to request the return of her cell phone as they were no longer in a relationship.

“Ramphobo subsequently went to the victim’s residence, allegedly under the pretext of returning her cell phone. Upon arrival, he pushed her around and accused her of having sexual intercourse with another person. He then pushed her onto a bed and raped her. He further threatened to send people to kill her, if she disclosed what had happened.

“The victim subsequently reported the rape to the authorities, leading to Ramphobo’s arrest. Ramphobo was charged with rape and contravention of the Immigration Act, as he did not have documentation authorising him to be in the country. He pleaded not guilty to both charges, but later made admissions on the immigration charge, acknowledging that he was in the country illegally,” she said.

Mabasa further said, however, he maintained that the sexual intercourse was consensual and claimed that the victim was bitter following the end of their relationship. She added that in aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor Thandi Ntoyi argued that Ramphobo had shown no remorse and had never apologised to the victim.

“She further submitted that, having been in a domestic relationship with the victim, he had occupied a position of trust. Instead of protecting her, he abused that trust by inflicting harm, causing her psychological and emotional trauma. The state urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence.

“The court agreed with the state and sentenced Ramphobo to life imprisonment for rape and six months imprisonment for contravening the Immigration Act. Both sentences are to run concurrently. The court further ordered that Ramphobo’s particulars be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders,” said Mabasa.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr Rachael Makhari welcomed the sentence, noting that Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), remain prevalent challenges both in the region and nationally. Makhari emphasised the need for joint interventions by law enforcement agencies and communities to combat this scourge.

“The NPA reiterates that rape is a serious crime that violates the dignity and bodily integrity of victims. The authority remains committed to prosecuting perpetrators of sexual offences and ensuring that victims receive justice,” she said.

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