Picture: Three Mozambicans nabbed for being in possession of hijacked vehicle and explosives/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
6 January 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Combating Unit deployed in the Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 (Rustenburg), acting on intelligence-driven information, has arrested three Mozambican nationals, aged 19, 30 and 36, at Snake Park Informal Settlement, near Rustenburg on 5 January 2026.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said initially, two of the suspects were arrested after they were found in possession of a motor vehicle that had been hijacked in Bokamoso Informal Settlement in Rustenburg during December 2025. Myburgh said initial investigations led the police to another address in the area, where a third suspect was apprehended.
“Furthermore, he was found in possession of explosives. The suspects are expected to appear before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 7 January 2026, on charges of possession of a hijacked motor vehicle and possession of explosives. Investigations are ongoing, and further charges may be added as the case develops,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo welcomed the swift and decisive action taken by police in the district to disrupt serious and violent criminal conduct. Naidoo emphasized that this arrest and recovery of a hijacked vehicle and explosives demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing.
“The police remain steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all communities within the province,” he said.
6 January 2026- The Deputy Ministers of Police, Cassel Mathale and Dr Polly Boshielo alongside the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng and the acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, as well as the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, will on Tuesday and Wednesday lead crime prevention ministerial imbizo in the North West.
The imbizo aims at creating a platform for effective interaction between police, provincial leadership and communities to address Gender-based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and other crimes prevalent in the area in efforts to find lasting solutions and interventions to ensure safety and security. The event will take place at Mmabatho Civic Centre in Mahikeng at 11am.
On Wednesday, the event will take place at Ben Marais Hall in Rustenburg at 10am.
Picture: Two pit bull dogs attacked and killed a tenant/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
5 January 2026 – A man (39) has succumbed to his injuries after allegedly being attacked by two pit bull dogs. The incident occurred in Vryburg on 1 January 2026.
This comes after the police received a report of an inquest from Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital in Vryburg.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said upon arrival, the police were directed to a surgical ward, where they found a man lying on a bed with no signs of life. Tselanyane said the deceased sustained wounds and scratches on both his hands and legs, after allegedly being bitten by pit bull dogs.
“He was transported to the hospital by Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) on 1 January 2026 at around 2:30am and he passed away on Friday evening, 2 January 2026. The circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under investigation.
“The deceased is believed to be a Pakistani national, who was allegedly renting a room or was a tenant at the address where the dogs attacked him. Preliminary investigations revealed that this was not the first incident in which the pit bull dogs allegedly attacked tenants at the premises and there is a pending case that is due to be heard before the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court in February 2026,” he said.
Tselanyane further said the pit bull dogs were euthanized on 3 January 2026, after consultation with the owner. He added that no arrests have been made at this stage and an inquest is being investigated.
Picture: Former Orlando Pirates Defender, Lucas Tlhomelang
By OBAKENG MAJE
5 January 2026- Former Orlando Pirates FC defender, Lucas Tlhomelang passed away at the age 49. According to information, Tlhomelang died at hospital in Klerksdorp after a long illness on 4 January 2025.
Tlhomelang who was affectionately known as Lukaround, was born and bred in Huhudi Township, near Vryburg and his family later relocated to Pudumoe village, near Taung. He played for Jomo Cosmos FC, Orlando Pirates FC, Bloemfontein Celtic FC and Mpumalanga Black Aces FC.
Picture: The North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane
By AGISANANG SCUFF
5 January 2026- The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane said she has noted the significant and growing economic impact generated by the ANC’s January 8th Statement Celebration taking place at Moruleng Stadium, near Rustenburg on 10 January 2026.
Speaking on the sidelines of preparations, Lenkopane welcomed the economic opportunities created by the event.
“I am encouraged by the tangible economic activities already being generated by the ANC January 8th Statement Celebration in our province. This event goes far beyond politics — it unlocks meaningful opportunities for the local traders, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), accommodation providers, transport operators and businesses across the tourism value chain, particularly as the sector continues to recover from the effects of COVID-19.
“We invited tourists to experience the beauty of the province parallel to the celebration. We invite visitors not only to attend the celebrations, but to experience the full tourism offering of the North West, including destinations such as the Pilanesberg and other cultural and leisure attractions,” she said.
Lenkopane further said as they open the province for business, they call on all visitors and residents to respect and protect their wildlife, including rhinos, pangolins, tortoises, and all protected species and to help keep their environment clean. She added environmental protection and responsible tourism are key to attracting investment, sustaining jobs and securing long-term economic growth.
“A dedicated, multi-stakeholder task team has been appointed, led by the North West Parks and Tourism entity, to consolidate, coordinate and oversee all tourism activities related to the ANC January 8th Statement Celebration.
This structure has been put in place to ensure orderly coordination, compliance, and accountability and to decisively prevent and respond to fraudulent activities.
“The department has noted with serious concern and disappointment that certain individuals and groups are attempting to exploit this event through scams and unlawful practices. The department wishes to state unequivocally that it is working around the clock to identify, address, and eliminate such activities, while protecting visitors, service providers and local communities,” said Lenkopane.
She said in line with expanding inclusive participation, the department is also actively supporting residents who wish to convert their homes into guest accommodation. Lenkopane said all such establishments will undergo proper assessment and guidance, including grading through recognised tourism grading structures, to ensure safety, quality standards and regulatory compliance.
“Furthermore, we confirm that the department and its entities have been conducting intensive oversight visits to tourism establishments across the province, including major resorts, museums and large-scale tourism facilities. These visits have included direct engagements with tourism associations and key industry stakeholders, including Sun City, as part of readiness checks and sector coordination.
“The department encourages residents and visitors to support only licensed, regulated and compliant tourism and gambling establishments, including authorised casinos and gaming outlets,” she said.
5 January 2026- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has expressed sadness at the passing of the Mma Mmutle Mothandi (104), who passed away on 30 December 2025. Last year, Mokgosi intervened on a pressing need that was identified through the Premier’s Operation Dignity Programme by building a Temporary Residential Unit and a house which had furniture for Mothandi, who was staying with her children and grandchildren.
“The family was further provided with cutlery and tools to start a fast-food business, for self-sustenance. At the time, Mothandi appreciated the intervention and believed it would outlive her and would ensure lasting dignity for her family.
“The Premier’s Operation Dignity Programme commits to ensuring that she gets a funeral service befitting her stature, tenacious character and resilience. The service will be held at Mmamokete Section, outside Zeerust on Saturday,” he said.
5 January 2026 – A Pakistani national, Ahmad Zeeshan (38) was remanded in custody following his appearance before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 30 December 2025. Zeeshan’s court appearance stems from an incident in which the accused allegedly strangled and killed a teenager, Desmonica Cloete (16).
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said it is alleged that on Sunday afternoon, 28 December 2025, Zeeshan contacted his brother and informed him that he was in trouble and needed assistance. Tselanyane said the brother went to the accused’s residence, where upon arrival, the accused pointed out the body of the deceased lying on the bedroom floor.
“It is further alleged that the accused requested his brother’s assistance and the brother initially agreed and arranged that the accused hide at his residence, while he made the necessary arrangements.
“Instead, the brother went to Jouberton Police Station to report the matter. The police officers accompanied the brother back to his residence, where the suspect was immediately arrested,” he said.
Tselanyane added that the accused was charged with murder and contravention of Section 49 of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act 13 of 2002). He said the accused was remanded in custody to secure legal representation and an interpreter and the case was postponed until 8 January 2026.
“Investigations into the matter continue,” he said.
5 January 2026- Bafana Bafana are out of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a defeat to Cameroon at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, in the Last 16 stage of the tournament on Sunday. Goals from defender Junior Tchamadeu in the 34th minute and Christian Kofane two minutes after the restart in the second half gave Cameroon the advantage before Evidence Makgopa pulled one back for the South African senior men’s national team two minutes from regulation time.
With a bit of luck, the game could have seen a different outcome had the opportunities that Bafana Bafana created during the match managed to find the back of the net.
Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos said: “We are very disappointed and sad that we have been eliminated. I think we had the right plan and everybody saw that, especially in the first half. We had three good chances in the first half, and the game could have been (over) then.”
Meanwhile, the Bafana Bafana will return to their base in Marrakech on 5 January 2025, before finally heading back home to South Africa.
5 January 2026- Moretele Local Municipality mayor, Masango George Manyike convened a special meeting to give an update on Mphebatho Troop Festival’s unfortunate lightning incident that claimed two lives and left dozens others injured. Following the meeting, Manyike paid tribute to two bereaved families who lost their children as a result of the incident.
He further said the first visit was to the Mashishi family in Lefatlheng, where they lost their daughter Kenoshi (35), a teacher at Tlhaloganyo Primary School. Manyike added that the deceased leaves behind a son (10).
“The second visit was to the Shekwambane family in Itsoseng Section in Dertig, where the family also lost their daughter, Koketso (28). We express our heartfelt condolences and commitment to support the families during this difficult time.
“We also committed to engage the North West Department of Health to request more ambulances to ensure speedy availability in cases of emergencies,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi is expected to visit the bereaved families on 5 January 2026 and the meeting will start at Mathibestad Municipality Hall at 11am and proceed to the affected families. Mokgosi accompanied by the North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari and Moretele Local Municipality mayor, George Manyike and other dignitaries will visit the families of two people killed by lightning whilst attending the Annual Mphebatho Troop Festival at Dertig Sports Ground near Mathibestad.
Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said: “Several more people were injured and have since been admitted at Mathibestad Community Health Centre for medical treatment. Mokgosi takes this opportunity to extend his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes all other affected individuals a speedy recovery.
“The visit will be preceded by checking up on survivors of this unfortunate incident.”
Picture: A body of a woman discovered in Ganyesa/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
31 December 2025- A body of a woman (62) was discovered in Ganyesa, near Vryburg. It is alleged that, the victim was taken to Ganyesa clinic for medical assistance.
The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “The victim got lost and was later found at Chiefscourt and declared dead on the scene. At present, the cause of the death is unknown and an inquest case has been opened for investigation.
The Guardian 