Picture: Law enforcement agents inspecting tuckshops for compliance/Supplied
By STAFF REPORTER
3 June 2026- Twenty one undocumented individuals were arrested during a multi-disciplinary compliance inspection operation that was conducted across the Greater Kimberley area on 2 June 2026. The SAPS from Kimberley, Galeshewe, Kagisho and Roodepan, as well as representatives from the Department of Home Affairs, Department of Labour, Sol Plaatje Municipality Environmental Health Practitioners, Peace Officers, and the Northern Cape Liquor Board, were part of the operation.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Dikeledi Gopane said operation aimed to ensure compliance with applicable legislation by local businesses, with particular focus on tuckshops and other business establishments operating within the area. Gopane said several business premises were inspected during the operation.
“As a result of non-compliance with municipal health regulations and other legislative requirements, 12 tuckshops were closed by the relevant authorities.
“Officials from the Department of Labour identified various labour-related transgressions and subsequently issued compliance notices to business owners, requiring corrective action within the prescribed timeframes,” she said.
Gopane further said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between law enforcement agencies and government stakeholders in promoting regulatory compliance, safeguarding public health and addressing illegal activities within the greater Kimberley area.
Picture: Ipelegeng Community Patrollers outside Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court
By STAFF REPORTER
2 June 2026 – Four men (two South African and two Nigerian nationals) briefly appeared in the Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court on 1 June 2026, in separate drug-related cases that have drawn strong reactions from Ipelegeng community.
Outside the court, members of the Ipelegeng Community Patrollers, joined by the South African Communist Party, the Economic Freedom Fighters, and local residents in a peaceful gathering in support of anti-drug efforts. Community members say drug activity continues to harm families and young people, and they are demanding stronger action from the justice system.
The EFF voiced support for the Community Patrollers, praising their role in helping fight crime at grassroots level.
In court, two South African accused, Sello Lekgetho (33) and Kgotla Ditira (38), faced charges of possession of suspected drugs. They were arrested in Ipelegeng on 23 May 2026 during crime prevention operations. Both made brief appearances and were remanded in custody. Lekgetho returns on 8 June 2026, while Ditira is expected back on 9 June 2026.
In a separate case, Nigerian nationals Aloysious Ukokwa and Israel Ugwazi, already in custody since March 2026, appeared on drug-related allegations. Their matter has been postponed to 23 June 2026 for a bail ruling.
Picture: A missing boy, Tumelo Bennet Mabunda/Supplied
By STAFF REPORTER
2 June 2026 – The police in Mahikeng request the community’s assistance in locating missing Tumelo Bennet Mabunda (17) from Kagiso Township, Krugersdorp. Mabunda was last seen on 2 May 2026 at Bophelong Christian Centre, Mahikeng.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said a search commenced and extensive investigations were conducted around Mahikeng and surrounding areas without any positive results. Skalkie said at the time of his disappearance, he was wearing blue jacket, grey T-shirt, and black pants.
“He is brown in complexion, with a slender built body, tall and is bald headed. The police request anyone who may have information regarding Manunda’s whereabouts to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Saeed Lahri on 060 228 7572 or (018) 397 5310.
“Alternatively, call your local police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,” she said.
Picture: Suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
2 June 2026 – As part of ongoing efforts to stamp the authority of the state, weekly high-density Operation Shanela actions conducted between 25 and 31 May 2026, resulted in the arrest of 586 suspects for various offences across the province. The multi-disciplinary operations focused on stop-and-search actions, roadblocks, Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), high visibility patrols, including foot patrols, tracing of wanted suspects, as well as inspections at 192 liquor outlets and 54 second-hand goods premises.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the arrested suspects include 14 for murder, 31 for robbery, 38 for rape, 182 for assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), 84 for common assault, 20 for burglary at business and residential premises. Myburgh said this includes 7 for illegal possession of firearms and/or ammunition, 42 for contravention of the Immigration Act, 21 for illegal dealing in liquor, 6 for dealing in drugs, 62 for possession of drugs and 41 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“Out of the 586 suspects, 307 were circulated wanted suspects, who were traced and apprehended by detectives after being linked to crimes through forensic DNA and other investigative leads.
“During the operations, police confiscated various drugs, tobacco products, liquor, dangerous weapons, two firearms, ammunition, and one vehicle. An unannounced Operation Shanela was conducted on Friday and Saturday nights, 29 and 30 May 2026 in Mahikeng and Lomanyaneng,” she said.
Myburgh further the operational team comprised members from the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Tactical Response Team (TRT), liquor and Second-Hand Goods (FLASH) Unit, Crime Intelligence: Overt Operations, Mahikeng Communications and Home Affairs, leading to the arrest of 15 undocumented persons, mostly Malawian citizens.
She added that one employee was fined R1500 for employing an illegal immigrant, while another suspect (20) was arrested for possession of suspected illegal goods in contravention of Section 80(1)(a) of the Customs and Excise Act, Act 91 of 1964.
“The police seized cigarettes valued at close to R10 000. One suspect was arrested for possession of drugs, while another person was fined for selling liquor without a license,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the police for their continued efforts and said that Operation Shanela continuous to deliver tangible results in the fight against crime. Naidoo commended the teams for their cooperation in ensuring a safer environment for all in the province.
2 June 2026 – The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo has commended law enforcement agencies and regulatory partners for the successful execution of coordinated illicit goods operations conducted between 25 and 30 May 2026 in Rustenburg, Brits, Marikana and Hartbeespoort Dam. Naidoo said the intelligence-driven operations formed part of ongoing efforts to combat the proliferation of counterfeit and illicit goods, protect consumers from potentially harmful products, and safeguard the country’s economy from criminal activities linked to illicit trade.
He further said the operations were conducted through a collaborative approach involving the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, Customs, SARS Tactical Analysis and Investigation Unit, Public Order Policing (POP) Rustenburg, Anti-Gang Unit, Phokeng K9 Unit, TRT Brits, Hartbeespoort Dam K9 Unit, North West Provincial Commercial Crime Unit, Brand Protectors, and the National Regulator for Consumer Specifications (NRCS). Naidoo added that during the operations, authorities seized a wide range of suspected counterfeit and illicit products, including branded clothing, sports apparel, sneakers, toys, cosmetics, high-end fashion accessories, medication, and various consumable goods.
“A total of 178 825 items were seized with an estimated value of approximately R219 402 199. In addition, the NRCS confiscated 12 009 non-compliant items, including canned and frozen meat and fish products, consumables, electronics, and small household appliances, with an estimated value of R102 137 270.
“Law enforcement officials also seized cash amounting to R118 400 during the operations. A criminal case was registered in terms of the Medicines and Related Substances Act following the discovery of unregistered medication. Investigations are ongoing and no arrests have been effected at this stage,” he said.
Naidoo said furthermore, illicit alcohol with an estimated value of R127 000 was seized, while counterfeit alcohol valued at R18 500 was also confiscated. He praised the dedication and cooperation demonstrated by all participating agencies and stakeholders, noting that the success of the operation underscores the importance of an integrated law enforcement approach in addressing organised crime and illicit trade.
“The seizure of counterfeit, illicit and non-compliant goods send a strong message that law enforcement agencies remain committed to protecting consumers, legitimate businesses and the economy from criminal activities.
“The police will continue to intensify operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks involved in the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of illicit goods in the province,” said Naidoo.
2 June 2026 – The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said in just under two weeks’ time, Bafana Bafana will participate in the opening match in this year’s FIFA World Cup against Mexico. Ramaphosa said Bafana Bafana carry with them the best wishes of more than 62 million South Africans who will be cheering them on at every stage of the tournament.
He further said they are taking part in the World Cup for the first time since South Africa hosted the event in 2010. Ramaphosa added that at a send-off dinner hosted by the Presidency last week, they congratulated the team going to the World Cup.
“Football is defined by camaraderie, teamwork and sportsmanship. The efforts of all the players in qualifying for the tournament deserve credit and recognition. I call on all South Africans to rally behind our team and show their support. Let us wear the team colours and fly the flag.
“It has been a long and difficult journey to transform the fortunes of Bafana Bafana. Credit must go to the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the South African Football Association (SAFA), the leagues, clubs and sponsors for their commitment to developing local football over many years,” he said.
Ramaphosa said the coach and the players deserve their collective recognition. He said efforts are ongoing to professionalise the sport, develop new talent and promote football as a recreational activity for youth in communities across the country.
“Bafana Bafana will be ambassadors for our country and what we stand for. The diversity of the squad and technical team is a reminder to the world that we are a united nation of many races, languages and cultures.
“We are a land of opportunity where a young person born into difficult circumstances is able to represent their country at the highest level of international sport. The transformation of sport in South Africa is a reflection of the values of respect, tolerance, fairness and inclusivity that underpin our constitutional order,” said Ramphosa.
He said as they know from experience, sport has a tremendous capacity to unite people across the barriers of geography, race, gender and class. Ramaphosa said they remember the iconic moment at the 1995 Rugby World Cup final when President Nelson Mandela walked onto the field wearing a Springbok jersey to congratulate Bokke.
“That moment has been immortalised in writings, memoirs and film. It captured the spirit of the times, when South Africa’s democracy was barely a year old. The country was energised by the team’s victory, but more so by what it represented to a new nation that was emerging from a deeply divided past.
“As I told the Bafana Bafana squad last week, the people of South Africa expect them to bring the trophy home. Yet regardless of how Bafana Bafana fare in the tournament, their participation is as rich with meaning as the 1995 Rugby World Cup,” he said.
Ramaphosa said much like the national squad, the country has emerged from a prolonged period of difficulty and now looks to the future with hope. He said their democracy has matured and is flourishing.
“Our Constitution has been the supreme law of the land for three decades and we have embarked on a National Dialogue to chart a new course for our country. We are seeing the signs of an economic recovery and growing confidence in our economic prospects.
“So, as we cheer our team on from the stands, at fan zones and in our homes, we should also cheer ourselves on as a country. We should celebrate how far we have come in building a united, non-racial, non-sexist and democratic South Africa,” said Ramaphosa.
He said like Bafana Bafana, they should keep working and striving until they have achieved a country in which all their people can thrive. Ramaphosa said for 90 minutes, as they play for the country, they will not be divided by language, race, province, club or circumstance.
“For 90 minutes, as they play, we will simply be South Africans standing together behind our national team and behind our flag. One Team. One Nation. Behind Bafana. Behind South Africa.
“United by our Flag, inspired by our Team. 62 million cheering voices. One Dream,” he said.
2 June 2026 – A plant long used in traditional medicine is now at the centre of research that could shape future cancer treatment options in South Africa and beyond. Researchers at the North West University (NWU) are investigating the anti-cancer potential of Lessertia frutescens, commonly known as cancer bush after laboratory studies showed activity against several forms of cancer, including drug-resistant small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer.
According to Prof Chrisna Gouws, a research professor in the Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences in the Faculty of Health Sciences, the research team tested extracts from the indigenous plant on cultured human cancer cells and more advanced laboratory-grown “mini-tumours” known as spheroids. Gouws said lessertia frutescens has shown significant anticancer activity against several different cancer types in their research.
“The findings became more important when the team observed activity in cancers that no longer respond to conventional treatment. What is very interesting and exciting is the apparent activity in drug-resistant cancers such as resistant small cell lung cancer, where known chemotherapies have limited to no activity.
“This provides us with new avenues to investigate for treatment options to treat cancers currently considered incurable. The research team said another factor attracting attention is the plant’s long standing use in traditional medicine and its safety profile,” she said.
Gouws further said an important consideration is that this plant has a long history of use and is considered non-toxic and safe for use. She added that its anticancer activity comes without the significant side-effects known to occur with most standard chemotherapies.
“Researchers also found that the plant may support other systems in the body during treatment. Lessertia has known boosting effects for the digestive and immune systems and it can have mood-enhancing activities as well.
“It may therefore not only target the cancer, but positively impact the patient as a whole at the same time. The team is now studying the plant’s phytochemicals to identify the molecules responsible for the anticancer activity and understand how they work,” said Gouws.
She said although many molecules have been identified and shown to contribute to the anticancer activity of the plant, the mechanism of action remains mostly unclear. Gouws said they are therefore delving deeper now to try and understand how and why this plant works.
“The next phase of the study will include animal model testing later this year to confirm safety and efficacy before future clinical trials can be considered. At the same time, the researchers are developing a complementary medicine product that may be available in pharmacies by 2027.
“The project could also create economic opportunities. Chemotherapy can be very expensive and inaccessible in rural areas. A new plant-based treatment will be much more cost-effective and may be more accessible because it can be manufactured locally,” said Gouws.
She said an increase in demand for the plant material will also create economic opportunities through farming.
(Note: Prof Chrisna Gouws leads the strategic project for Human-Based New Approach Methodologies for Biomedical Research. She holds a PhD in biochemistry and has more than 15 years’ experience in utilising cell culture-based models for human health and disease research, including developing new complex in vitro models for applications in drug research, including traditional medicinal remedies and plant materials for cancer treatment.
She is the founder and executive committee chair for the Society for Advanced Cell Culture Modelling for Africa, a board member of International Microphysiological Systems Society, and co-editor of the NAM Journal)
Picture: The newly-elected chairperson of Impeachment Committee, Makashule Gana
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
2 June 2026 – The Impeachment Committee on the Section 89 Enquiry met on Monday to elect its chairperson. The committee nominated two members for the position of the chairperson, Dr Lehlohonolo Mahlatsi and Makashule Gana.
The Parliament spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo said following a vote by committee members, Gana secured the support of 19 members, while Mahlatsi received 12 votes. Mothapo said the election marks the formal start of the committee’s work.
“As chairperson, Gana will lead the committee as it carries out its responsibilities under Section 89 of the Constitution. The committee will now turn its attention to determining its programme of work and the next steps in the enquiry process.
“Details of future meetings and activities will be communicated in due course,” he said.
2 Seetebosigo 2026 – Monnamogolo wa dingwaga di 84 o ikgwageditse kwa motseng wa Mokassa, gaufi le Taung. Go begwa fa tiragalo e, e diragetse ka Lamatlhatso.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are sepodisi se butse kgetsi ya morago ga loso.
“Sepodisi se a itse ka tiragalo e, mme go butswe kgetsi ya morago ga loso,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
2 June 2026- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she is delighted with the successful and smooth progress of the 2026 May/June National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations in the province. These examinations officially commenced on 25 May 2026 and have progressed without any major disruptions at all centers.
Motsumi further said a total of 294 examination centers are registered across the province to fully administer the 2026 NSC May/ June examinations. She applauded the teachers, invigilators, exam officials and support staff for their commitment and dedication in ensuring that matric candidates are adequately prepared and examination processes are efficiently conducted.
“The commitment and dedication displayed by our teachers and support has been very key in assuring that learners are provided with the best possible opportunity to succeed in their examinations.
“We remain calm and confident that our candidates will continue to perform well throughout the May/June examination period,” added Motsumi.
She confirmed that the department’s full support for the examinations being conducted. Motsumi said candidates in the province completed the curriculum coverage on schedule and participated in extensive revision programmes, which were conducted in weekend camps and preparatory assessments during the second quarter of the 2026 academic year.
“To date, there are no irregularities that have been reported that could jeopardise the credibility and integrity of the examinations. The department is pleased with the smooth running of the examinations thus far and sends best wishes to all candidates as they proceed with their examinations,” she said.
The Guardian 