Picture: Counterfeit Victor Reinz Reinzosil products worth R200 000 seized/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
29 October 2026 – Members of the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation and Serious Organised Crime Investigation seized counterfeit goods valued at R200 000 during a search and seizure operation conducted in Rustenburg on 28 October 2026. The operation follows a tip-off regarding a certain house in Rustenburg, where suspected counterfeit Victor Reinz Reinzosil products are being sold.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said the police operationalised the information and raided the house leading to a seizure of sixteen boxes of counterfeit Victor Reinz Reinzosil products. Mathebula said no arrests have been made at this stage and investigation is underway.
Picture: Prof Brian Harvey and Prof. Stanislav Gobec who lead the respective research groups at the NWU and the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
29 October 2026 – For millions of people living with depression, finding the right treatment can be a long and difficult journey. Some medicines fail to ease symptoms, while others have side effects.
Now, researchers at the North West University (NWU) and the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia are testing a new compound that could offer another way to treat the illness. Early laboratory results show that the compound may work as well as some leading antidepressants.
Prof Brian Harvey, who represents the research team said depression remains a major health concern because available treatments do not work for everyone. Harvey said, however, it may also address other problems that current treatments do not always address.
“Unlike existing antidepressants, the compound targets different pathways in the brain to help control mood, stress and the way people respond to rewards. The findings offer hope for better treatment options, especially for patients who do not respond well to current medicines. However, the research is still at an early stage, and scientists must conduct more tests before they can study the compound in humans.
“Depression is a complex condition, plagued by poor response to current treatments, side effects and a high risk of relapse and treatment resistance. Depression involves several brain pathways. Current medicines may not target all of them, especially those that regulate concentration, motivation and the ability to experience pleasure, leaving some patients with enduring symptoms that are hard to treat,” he said.
Harvey further said the early findings of the research are encouraging, but researchers still need to establish how safe and effective the compound could be. He added that the compound has reached technology readiness level 4.
“This means researchers have tested it in laboratory and preclinical studies, but it is not yet ready for use in patients. The next phase will focus on improving the compound’s formulation, studying how the body processes it and testing its safety. These steps will help researchers decide whether the research can move towards early clinical trials.
“The NWU and the University of Ljubljana have also filed a joint international patent application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty, resulting in a positive International Search Report,” said Harvey.
Senior Specialist in Commercialisation at the NWU’s Technology Transfer and Innovation Support (TTIS) team, Ntiyiso Shabangu said the project shows how university research could help address real health challenges. Shabangu said this innovation presents an exciting opportunity to explore a new approach in an area where there is a need for improved treatment options.
“Working with industry partners will help the researchers develop and test the compound further. Specifically, the two universities are seeking pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners to support the next stages of research. This could entail licensing or joint development.
“Although the compound is still far from becoming an approved medicine, the research could open a new path towards treating depression, particularly for people who have found little relief from existing treatments,” he said.
29 October 2026 – The police in the North West welcomes the sentencing of Pheko Andries Thebehali (35) to 15 years imprisonment for the murder of a woman (34). The accused was sentenced by the Mmabatho High Court on 27 October 2026, after being found guilty of murder.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said the court further declared him unfit to possess a firearm. Skalkie said the incident occurred on 28 June 2024, when the deceased was reportedly at a tavern in Bodibe Village, near Mahikeng, accompanied by her friends.
“During the evening, the accused arrived and engaged in conversation with her. The two were later seen leaving the tavern together in the accused’s Volkswagen Caddy. This was the last time the deceased was seen alive. On 29 June 2024, the deceased’s family reported her missing at Sannieshof Police Station after she failed to return home and could not be located.
“On 2 July 2024, her body was discovered in bushes at Vetpan Farm in Lichtenburg by a truck driver travelling to the farm. The driver alerted his employer, who contacted the police. Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) personnel declared the woman dead at the scene and a murder investigation was initiated,” she said.
Skalkie further said the accused was linked to the murder through the investigation, which included the collection and forensic analysis of DNA samples from both the accused and the deceased. She added that the forensic results subsequently confirmed a DNA match.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams said the conviction and sentence demonstrate the importance of thorough investigations, effective collaboration and the use of forensic evidence in solving serious crimes. Adams said they commend Detective Warrant Officer Itumeleng Mashabe and the entire investigation team for their persistence in following every available lead and ensuring that the accused was brought before the court to answer for his actions.
“We also acknowledge the role played by the state prosecutor, advocate Ferdinand Tlatsane in presenting the evidence before the court. We hope this outcome will bring some measure of comfort to the family of the deceased,” he said.
Setshwantsho: Mokgwa wa thekenoloji wa go bolaya mofero
Ka KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
28 Diphalane 2026 – Balemi mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima ba rotloediwa go dirisa mekgwa ya temothuo e e tsweletseng pele le go ikamanya le diphetogo tsa maemo a bosa, fa Lefapha la Temothuo le Tlhabololo ya Metseselegae la Bokone Bophirima le tlhoma semmuso paka ya go jala.
Tiragalo eno, e e neng e tshwerwe kwa polaseng ya ga Lolwane kwa Ditsobotla ka fa tlase ga setlhogo se se reng: “Go nonofa ka go ikamanya le diphetogo – Go keteka thobo fa go ipaakanngwa go simolola paka e ntšha,” e ne e tlhomile mogopolo mo go tlameleng balemi ka kitso ya tiriso le tshedimosetso e e botlhokwa ya temothuo go ba thusa go ipaakanyetsa paka e ntšha, mo gare ga diphetogo tsa maemo a bosa le maemo a a fetogang a mmaraka.
Mokaedi wa Lefapha la Temothuo le Tlhabololo ya Metseselegae mono Bokone Bophirima, Bothoboile Pule are lenaneo le ne le akaretsa dipontsho tsa ditiro tsa temothuo le dipuisano tsa go abelana ka tshedimosetso e e amanang le tebelelo ya mmaraka wa temothuo, temothuo e e sireletsang mmu, tiragalo ya maemo a bosa ya El Niño le ponelopele ya maemo a bosa ya paka e e tlang. Pule are ditiragalo tseno di ne di ikaelela go thusa balemi go tokafatsa thulaganyo ya bone ya tlhagiso, go ipaakanyetsa dikgwetlho tse di ka bakwang ke diphetogo tsa maemo a bosa le go tsaya ditshwetso tse di nang le kitso malebana le tlhagiso le papatso ya dikuno tsa bone.
“Re gatelela botlhokwa jwa go ikamanya le diphetogo tsa maemo a bosa le go dirisa tshedimosetso e e ikanyegang ya temothuo go tsweletsa tlhagiso. Balemi ba tshwanetse go lemoga gore go nonofa go simolola ka go ipaakanya le go ikemisetsa go ikamanya le diphetogo.
“Fa re keteka thobo, gape re tshwanetse go leba kwa pele mme re itlame ka kitso le bokgoni jwa tiriso jo bo tlhokegang go lebana le diphetogo tsa maemo a bosa, go sireletsa metswedi ya rona le go tsweletsa tlhagiso,” Pule wa tlhalosa.
Pule are ka go dirisa mekgwa e e maleba ya temothuo le go bona tshedimosetso e e ikanyegang ya temothuo, re ka nonotsha tshireletsego ya dijo le go aga lekala la temothuo le le kgonang go itshokela dikgwetlho mo Bokone Bophirima. Pule are puisano ka temothuo e e sireletsang mmu, e ne ya tlhalosa mekgwa ya temothuo e e tshegetsang boitekanelo jwa mmu, e tokafatsang bokgoni jwa mmu jwa go boloka bongola le go rotloetsa tlhagiso ya nako e telele.
“Mekgwa eno e botlhokwa thata fa balemi ba ntse ba lebane le diphetogo tsa maemo a bosa tse di ka amang tlhagiso ya temothuo. Ditherisano ka El Niño le ponelopele ya maemo a bosa ya paka e e tlang le tsone di gateletse botlhokwa jwa go nna mo dinakong ka tshedimosetso ya maemo a bosa a a solofetsweng.
“Tshedimosetso ya maemo a bosa e e fitlhelelwang ka nako le kgakololo ya temothuo di ka thusa balemi go rulaganya nako ya go jala, go laola dikotsi le go tsaya ditshwetso tse di siameng mo dikgatong tsotlhe tsa tlhagiso,” ga rialo Pule.
Pule are lefapha le tlhalositse gore setlhogo sa paka ya go jala se gatelela botlhokwa jwa gore balemi ba se ka ba lebelela fela thobo ya ga jaana, mme ba ipaakanyetse le dipaka tse di latelang tsa tlhagiso. Pule are ka go amogela mekgwa ya temothuo e e akaretsang go ikamanya le maemo a bosa, balemi ba ka tokafatsa bokgoni jwa bone jwa go itshokela dikgwetlho tse di amanang le maemo a bosa, fa ka fa letlhakoreng le lengwe ba tsenya letsogo mo tlhabololong ya temothuo e e tswelelang pele le mo tshireletsegong ya dijo mo porofenseng.
“Tiragalo eno gape e ne ya akaretsa dipontsho tsa tiriso ya thekenoloji le mekgwa ya temothuo, go akaretsa go gaswa ga dibolayamefero ka difofane le go lekalekanya metšhini ya go jala.
“Pontsho ya go lekalekanya metšhini ya go jala e ne ya tlamela balemi ka kitso ya tiriso ya go tlhoma le go baakanya metšhini eno ka tshwanelo, go netefatsa gore dipeo di bewa sentle mo mmung, gore go nne le dikgala tse di maleba fa gare ga dipeo le gore dijalo di simolole go gola sentle,” ga rialo Pule.
Pule are fa go ntse jalo, pontsho ya go gaswa ga dibolayamefero ka difofane e ne ya bontsha mekgwa e e ka thusang balemi go laola mefero ka tshwanelo mo pakeng ya go jala. Are lefapha le rotloeditse balemi go dirisa ditirelo tse di leng teng tsa kgakololo ya temothuo, go nna ba sala morago tshedimosetso ya maemo a bosa a paka e e tlang le go amogela mekgwa e e maleba ya temothuo go tokafatsa tlhagiso le go netefatsa gore lekala la temothuo mo Bokone Bophirima le tswelela go nna le mosola mo nakong e telele.
“Balemi ba gakolotswe go dira gore go ipaakanya, go tsaya ditshwetso tse di ikaegileng ka tshedimosetso le go laola metswedi ya tlholego ka kelotlhoko e nne dilo tse di tlang pele fa ba simolola paka e ntšha ya go jala,” Pule wa tlhalosa.
Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Virginia Tlhapi during consultative engagement/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
28 October 2026 – The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Virginia Tlhapi has established a technical task team to address an escalating taxi dispute in Rustenburg involving different taxi associations and alleged illegal operators on the Tlhabane-Rustenburg route. The decision follows a stakeholder engagement meeting convened by Tlhapi to find a lasting solution to the dispute, which has reportedly spread to other local routes serving shopping malls in Rustenburg.
According to the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, the matter was first reported in 2023. The department said interventions were subsequently undertaken through the North West Public Transport Intervention Team (NWPTIT), which developed resolutions aimed at addressing the dispute.
“However, the department indicated that the resolutions appeared not to have been implemented by the affected stakeholders, contributing to the continued escalation of tensions.
“Following presentations by stakeholders during the meeting, we resolved to establish a technical committee comprising representatives of all affected parties to address the technical and operational issues underlying the dispute,” she said.
Tlhapi further said the committee will be led by the department’s Head of Department, Dr Hans Kekana and is expected to present a turnaround strategy to her within two weeks. She expressed appreciation to the taxi associations for participating in the engagement and emphasised the importance of respecting the law.
“We, the department, are the custodians of transport and law enforcement; therefore, we can never allow any lawlessness in our province.
“We warn that uncontrolled taxi operations could have serious consequences for commuters who rely on public transport to reach their destinations daily,” said Tlhapi.
She added that uncontrolled taxi operation in the province will disadvantage the innocent commuters who are fully reliant on these operations to reach their destinations on a daily basis. Tlhapi said her department’s intervention aims to resolve the operational challenges contributing to the dispute, restore stability on the affected routes and protect commuters who depend on public transport services.
Picture: A standoff between SAPS personnel and security guards from Reagoma Security Services
By OBAKENG MAJE
28 October 2026 – Service delivery was interrupted after defiant security guards from Reagoma Security Services locked and chained the main entrances to the at Mini-Garona Building in Vryburg over alleged unpaid salaries, non-registration for provident funds and UIF on Monday. The police were forced to fire rubber bullets to disperse striking security guards.
According to one of striking security guards, Thabo Ward alleged that they have been in an engagement with the Reagoma Security Services management regarding unpaid Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and provident fund contributions deducted from their salaries, however, they have not received a clear response. Now, Ward calls on regulatory bodies including the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) and the Department of Employment and Labour to launch a thorough investigation into the security provider’s labour practices.
“The reason we embarked on a strike on Monday is because, the company alleges that it has registered us with UIF and provident fund, but we do not appear on the system. It has been three months since we visited the Department of Employment and Labour to check if we are registered. So, the Reagoma Security Services alleged that it has registered through South African Revenue Services (SARS), which is bizarre.
“However, we also went to SARS and it came out that it was a lie. So, the owner of Reagoma Security Services promised to furbish us with evidentiary documents during the course of the week to support his claims. The whole of security guards working for Reagoma Security Services in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District are severely affected by this,” he said.
The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) spokesperson, Brian Setswambung said this matter is handled by the North West Public Works and Roads. Setswambung said the responsible department is aware, but the dispute is between the company and the security guards related to medical aid, Unemployment Insurance Fund and leave days.
“The Reagoma Security Services was appointed by the North West Department of Public Works and Roads for a duration of 36 months. According to the departmental records, the security company was last paid on 7 October 2026, and there are no outstanding payments.
“The department’s Director for Security Services and the District Director of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District met with the security company and its employees in Vryburg on 26 October 2026, to mediate on the matter in the interest of service delivery and the issue has since been addressed,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: On Monday morning, 26 October 2026, the members of Vryburg Operational Response Services (POP) were deployed to Mini-Garona Building. It was found that security officials of Reagoma Security Services had locked the entrance to the premises and officials working at Mini-Garona Building could not access their offices.
“Members of ORS managed to engage the security guards without success and then stunt grenades were deployed to disperse them. The situation was diffused and entrances to the premises were opened. No case was opened and the Managers of Public Works and Roads will engage the Managers of the security company.”
28 October 2026 – Samuel Xaba (26) was sentenced to 19 years imprisonment for killing his own father (64) in Lofdal, near Stilfontein. Evidence presented in court revealed that the incident occurred on 14 February 2025, when Xaba arrived home after visiting a local tavern.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Lindiwe Mabasa said an argument broke out between him and his father, escalating into a physical altercation during which the two fell onto a coffee table. Mabasa said Xaba then took a broken leg of the table and repeatedly struck his father on the head.
“The assault continued outside the house, where he picked up a rock and threw it at his father’s head before fleeing the scene. He was subsequently arrested, while on his way to Stilfontein.
“During the proceedings, a victim impact statement compiled by the deceased’s wife, with the assistance of Court Preparation Officer Brenda Mothobi, outlined the devastating impact of the murder on the family,” she said.
Mabasa further said the statement detailed the wife’s struggle to cope with the loss of her husband while facing the prospect of her son serving a lengthy prison sentence. She added that despite her grief, she expressed forgiveness towards Xaba.
“In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Chris Kok highlighted the seriousness of violence committed within domestic and family settings. Kok argued that the right to life is a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution and that Xaba had unlawfully deprived his father of this right,” she said.
Mabasa further said the court also declared Xaba unfit to possess a firearm. She added that the NPA welcomed the sentence, saying it demonstrated the criminal justice system’s commitment to holding perpetrators of violent crime accountable.
“We welcome the sentence, commending all role players who contributed to the successful finalisation of the case. The outcome reaffirmed the criminal justice system’s commitment to holding perpetrators of violent crime accountable and contributing to safer communities.
“We specifically commend Detective Sergeant Tsediso Masoane of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and prosecutor Chris Kok for their roles in ensuring the successful conclusion of the case,” said Mabasa.
She said NPA reiterates that the right to life is fundamental and must be protected. Mabasa said the NPA remains committed to vigorously prosecuting perpetrators of violent crime, including violence committed within domestic and family settings, without fear, favour or prejudice, to ensure accountability and justice for victims and affected families.
28 October 2026 – A 30-year-old man, Tsepo Setloboti, has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for raping his friend’s girlfriend at a house in Boitekong, Rustenburg. The Rustenburg Regional Court handed down the sentence following Setloboti’s conviction for the rape, which occurred on 19 November 2023.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Lindiwe Mabasa, the victim was at her boyfriend’s home with her boyfriend and Setloboti when the two men left for a tavern, leaving her behind. Mabasa said Setloboti later returned from the tavern and used a key he had taken from where it had been left to gain entry to the house.
“He then raped the victim before leaving and returning to the tavern. Setloboti and the victim’s boyfriend later returned to the house. The following day, the victim reported the rape to her boyfriend, leading to Setloboti’s arrest and subsequent prosecution.
“During sentencing proceedings, prosecutor Katlego Magano presented a victim impact statement compiled by the victim with the assistance of court preparation officer Dorah Lekau,” she said.
Mabasa further said the statement outlined the emotional trauma the victim suffered as a result of the rape and its lasting effects on her well-being.
Welcoming the sentence, North West Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Rachel Makhari, said the punishment demonstrated the criminal justice system’s commitment to protecting victims of sexual violence and holding perpetrators accountable. Makhari said the authority remained committed to prosecuting perpetrators of sexual offences without fear, favour or prejudice.
“The NPA reiterates that rape is a grave violation of a person’s dignity and bodily integrity, with potentially devastating and lasting emotional and psychological consequences.
“The NPA further emphasised its commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of victims of sexual offences while ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice,” she said.
28 October 2026 – The North West controversial businessman, Suliman Carrim was granted a R100 000 bail by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court and subjected to stringent conditions in a case involving his alleged failure to appear before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. The court warned that failure to comply with the bail conditions could result in a warrant of arrest being issued and Carrim being taken into custody.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said the court will consider any failure to comply with the bail conditions as a breach. Mahanjana said a warrant of arrest may be issued and an inquiry may be conducted.
“He may also be ordered to remain in custody until the finalisation of this matter. Carrim faces a charge of contravening Section 6(1) of the Commissions Act 8 of 1947 for allegedly failing to appear before the commission after being warned to attend proceedings on 14 August 2026.
Following his alleged failure to appear, a criminal case was registered and investigated by the Commission’s Recommendations Task Team,” she said.
Mahanjana further said Carrim was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on 15 October 2026, shortly before he was due to board an international flight. She added that during the bail proceedings, the state opposed his release, arguing that he was likely to evade trial and posed a flight risk, particularly given the circumstances surrounding his arrest at the airport.
“The matter has been postponed to 8 December 2026 for the disclosure of the docket,” said Mahanjana.
28 October 2026 – A man, Zondwa Sithembiso Dzengwa (34) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Zwelitsha Regional Court for the murder of Sikhumbuzo Bobe (30). Dzengwa was convicted of killing Bobe on 4 May 2020. Dzengwa is already serving an 18-year prison sentence for the separate murder of his then-girlfriend, Babalwa Ngcakani on 17 December 2023.
According to evidence presented in court, Dzengwa’s house was broken into and several valuable household items were stolen. He conducted his own investigation and concluded that Bobe was responsible for the theft. Dzengwa subsequently searched for Bobe and even posted messages in a Facebook group called Proudly Zwelitsha in his efforts to find him.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the Eastern Cape, Luxolo Tyali said when he eventually located Bobe, Dzengwa brutally assaulted him, resulting in his death. Tyali said following a painstaking investigation and the gathering of evidence, the police charged Dzengwa with Bobe’s murder in September 2025.
“By then, he had already been sentenced to 18 years imprisonment by the Eastern Cape High Court on 2 June 2025, for the separate murder of Ngcakani. During the trial, the state presented testimony from several witnesses, together with Facebook posts made by Dzengwa.
“Although the case relied largely on circumstantial evidence, the court found that the evidence, considered as a whole, overwhelmingly established that Dzengwa had killed Bobe,” he said.
Tyali further said the court rejected Dzengwa’s denial of the murder, as well as his claim that the deceased’s family had conspired to implicate him falsely. He added that during cross-examination by senior state prosecutor, Brenhan Sam, Dzengwa also contradicted himself, undermining the credibility of his version.
Welcoming the sentence, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Samkelo Mtwana, said the right to life was sacrosanct and could not be taken away arbitrarily. Mtwana said the society had a legitimate expectation that people who committed serious crimes and took the law into their own hands would face severe consequences, particularly when their actions undermined the rule of law.
“The NPA reiterates that vigilantism is not justice. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected criminal conduct to law-enforcement authorities rather than resorting to violence or taking the law into their own hands.
“The NPA remained committed to vigorously prosecuting perpetrators of violent crime and ensuring that justice was served for victims, their families and affected communities,” he said.
