Daily Archives: November 4, 2026

Seven firearms stolen during house robbery in Broederstroom

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

4 November 2026 – Hartbeespoortdam police are investigating a house robbery in which three armed suspects allegedly robbed an elderly couple of seven licensed firearms, ammunition, electronic equipment and other valuables at their home in Broederstroom. The incident occurred on Sunday night, 1 November 2026, when three unidentified men allegedly gained entry into the residence through an unlocked wooden sliding door.

According to North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake, the suspects wearing face masks, demanded money from the couple aged 66 and 58, claiming that they knew one of the occupants operated a kiosk at a nearby resort. Morake said the suspects allegedly gained access to a safe and stole seven firearms of different calibres, together with ammunition.

“All the firearms were reportedly licensed in the male victim’s name, who is also said to operate an anti-poaching school. The suspects further allegedly stole two cellphones, a laptop, cash and other personal belongings before fleeing the scene.

“During the robbery, the male victim sustained minor injuries. He reportedly sought medical attention after being threatened and allegedly having hot water poured on him by the suspects in an attempt to force him to provide information,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, condemned the incident and urged residents to remain vigilant and prioritise their safety.

“It is concerning that criminals continue to target vulnerable members of our communities in the comfort of their homes. We strongly condemn such acts of violence and intimidation.

“We urge community members to strengthen their home security measures and work closely with the police by reporting any suspicious activities. We will continue to intensify efforts to ensure that those responsible for these criminal acts are brought to book,” he said.

A case of house robbery has been opened and investigations are underway. No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information that could assist police investigations is urged to contact the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Gregory Kwadi of Hartbeespoortdam SAPS Detectives, on 082 373 9636.

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Phahlane’s R54 million fraud and corruption trial postponed to 9 November

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Picture: Former acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Khomotso Phahlane

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

4 November 2026 – The fraud and corruption trial involving former acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Khomotso Phahlane and five co-accused has been postponed to 9 November 2026, by the Gauteng High Court sitting in Pretoria. The postponement was necessitated by the ongoing Local Government Elections, allowing the electoral process to be concluded and giving some of the accused, who reside outside Gauteng, an opportunity to exercise their right to vote.

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said Phahlane, Lieutenant-Colonel Godfrey Mahwayi, Major-General Maanda Obert Nemutandzhela, Major-General Mankosana Agnes Makhele and businessmen Inbanathan Kistiah and Avendra Naidoo face charges of fraud, corruption, theft and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). Mamothame said charges relate to two contracts valued at approximately R54 million, which allegedly involved irregular procurement processes within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

“One of the contracts concerns the alleged irregular procurement of software known as RIPJAR, which was intended for use during the October 2015 #FeesMustFall student protests at universities.

“The second contract relates to the alleged irregular procurement of communication-encryption software known as Daedalus,” he said.

Mamothame further said software was allegedly used to encrypt telephone calls and erase cellphone records and messages at a time when Phahlane was under investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). He added that the investigation involved the controversial police blue-light tender and other alleged procurement irregularities during his tenure as acting National Police Commissioner.

“The trial is expected to commence on 9 November 2026,” said Mamothame.

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North West Media Awards partners with Maboe Tours and Safaris for transport and accommodation

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Picture: Maboe Tours and Safaris vehicles/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

4 November 2026 – The North West Media Awards (NWMA) has welcomed Maboe Tours and Safaris as its Official Transport and Accommodation Partner for the 2026 awards ceremony, scheduled to take place on 10 December 2026, at the Sun City Resort Superbowl. The partnership is aimed at enhancing the experience of nominees, invited guests, sponsors and other distinguished attendees by providing convenient, comfortable and luxurious transportation to the prestigious event.

Maboe Tours and Safaris will provide shuttle services to transport guests from Maboe Accommodation in Ledig, various Sun City hotels and the Sun City main gate to the awards venue and red-carpet reception. The company will use its luxury vehicles to ensure that guests enjoy a comfortable journey and receive the red-carpet treatment even before arriving at the ceremony.

NWMA Founder, Ananias Ndlovu welcomed the partnership, saying the involvement of Maboe Tours and Safaris would contribute significantly to creating a memorable experience for guests.

“We are delighted to welcome Maboe Tours and Safaris as our Official Transport and Accommodation Partner.

“The North West Media Awards is about celebrating excellence, recognising talent and creating memorable experiences,” he said.

Ndlovu further said their partners play an important role in delivering a world-class event. He added that the Maboe Tours and Safaris will ensure that their invited guests arrive at the red carpet in style, comfort and luxury.

“We want every guest to feel special from the moment they begin their journey to Sun City. The partnership highlights the importance of collaboration between the tourism, hospitality and media industries in promoting the North West Province as a destination of choice.

“Maboe Tours and Safaris is a 100% Black-owned tourism, hospitality and transportation business based next to Sun City in the North West Province,” said Ndlovu.

He said the company offers a range of services, including airport transfers, shuttle services, special-hire transportation, cultural and historical tours, safari experiences and accommodation. Ndlovu said the shuttle services cater to guest houses, bed-and-breakfast establishments, lodges and hotels, providing transportation to destinations within a 350-kilometre radius of Rustenburg.

“The company also provides airport transfers to O.R. Tambo International Airport, Lanseria Airport and Pilanesberg Airport, as well as transportation to Sun City, Tshwane and Johannesburg.

“In addition, Maboe Tours and Safaris offers special-hire transportation to destinations across South Africa and neighbouring countries, with services tailored to individual and organisational needs,” he said.

Ndlovu said the accommodation facility has approximately 24 rooms, offering standard, family and six-sleeper options. He said breakfast, lunch and dinner are also available on request.

The company says its operations are guided by a commitment to safety, reliability, professionalism and customer satisfaction.

Meanwhile, the 2026 North West Media Awards will feature 18 categories, recognising excellence in journalism, broadcasting, digital media, photography and other media-related disciplines. The annual awards bring together media practitioners, government representatives, business leaders, sponsors and other stakeholders to celebrate the contribution of the media industry in the province.

The ceremony will take place on 10 December 2026 at the Sun City Resort Superbowl.

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Cachalia assures South Africans of election security as special voting concludes

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Picture: The acting Minister of Police, Prof Firoz Cachalia

By OBAKENG MAJE

4 November 2026 – The acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia has assured South Africans that the police are taking all necessary measures to ensure a safe and secure environment for voters as the country prepares for the 2026 Local Government Elections. Cachalia made the assurance during a visit to the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa’s (IEC) National Operations Centre at Gallagher Convention Centre on 3 November 2026.

He was accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Police, Dr Polly Boshielo and the Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel. The delegation met with IEC Commissioners, who briefed them on the progress of the two-day special voting process and the operational arrangements ahead of the main voting day on Wednesday, 4 November.

Cachalia acknowledged that several incidents had been reported in different parts of the country during the special voting process. He confirmed that police had made arrests in connection with reported incidents.

Cachalia warned that lawlessness and any conduct that threatens the integrity of the electoral process would not be tolerated.

“The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) continues to coordinate security operations and strengthen preparedness to ensure that all necessary measures are in place for voting day.

“The Ministry of Police, working together with the IEC and other relevant stakeholders, was committed to supporting the delivery of free, fair and peaceful elections,” he said.

Cachalia reiterated that the South African Police Service (SAPS) would enforce the law impartially and decisively to ensure that all eligible South Africans could exercise their democratic right to vote in a safe and secure environment.

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