29 September 2026 – The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) is set to convene a high-level roundtable in Gqeberha on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, to strengthen governance, accountability and service delivery in Eastern Cape municipalities. The engagement, held in partnership with Nelson Mandela University’s Raymond Mhlaba Centre for Governance and Leadership, will bring together representatives from government, academia, business, civil society and development partners. SALGA spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said the roundtable aimed to translate policy discussions, research and community experiences into practical solutions that improve municipal performance. “The roundtable seeks to strengthen collaboration among key stakeholders and ensure that policy, partnerships and performance translate into measurable improvements in service delivery for communities,” Modiba said. Held under the theme “Connecting Policy, Partnerships and Performance: A Roundtable on Governance and Service Delivery in Eastern Cape Municipalities,” the engagement will focus on addressing persistent governance and service-delivery challenges. Discussions will cover leadership, governance and accountability; municipal finance, infrastructure and sustainable service delivery; integrated planning, spatial transformation and local economic development; community participation and inclusive local government; as well as disaster risk reduction and climate resilience. SALGA said collaboration was essential as the current local-government term approached its conclusion, with the aim of clarifying institutional responsibilities, strengthening accountability and building practical partnerships. The roundtable will take place at The Capital Boardwalk Hotel, Boardwalk Mall, Entrance 4, Marine Drive, Summerstrand, Gqeberha, from 08:00 to 15:00. Media representatives have been invited to attend the engagement. Interview requests and confirmations can be directed to Motalatale Modiba at 072 515 3022 or mmodiba@salga.org.za, or Sandiswa Pholo at 084 888 9514 or spholo@salga.org.za.
29 September 2026 – Three additional accused have been joined in an alleged R11 million deceased estates fraud and money laundering case involving the administration of 15 deceased estates in Limpopo.
Rirzhaku Tibana (30), Jabulani Nephtal Maluleke (43) and Risima Jeje Trading Enterprise (Pty) Ltd appeared briefly before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court, where they were joined as co-accused with Charlotte Tibana and Peter Nonyane Gagashe.
The five accused are collectively facing 101 charges, including fraud, theft and money laundering.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the charges stem from allegations that approximately R11 million was unlawfully withdrawn and laundered from estate accounts belonging to various deceased persons. The State alleges that Charlotte Tibana, who was appointed as executor of 15 deceased estates, registered some of her properties in the name of her younger sibling, Rirzhaku Tibana, to conceal the proceeds of alleged criminal activities.
She is also accused of transferring funds into the business account of Risima Jeje Trading Enterprise (Pty) Ltd.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Limpopo, Mashudu Malabi said the investigation revealed allegations of continued criminal activity despite the accused being aware of the investigation.
“The State alleges that despite becoming aware as early as 2024 that she was under investigation, Charlotte Tibana continued to commit further offences, including some allegedly committed as recently as July 2026,” said Malabi.
The accused were arrested between 14 August 2026 and 27 September 2026 following an extensive investigation into the alleged unlawful withdrawal and laundering of funds from deceased estates. The State further alleges that approximately R1.65 million of the proceeds was used to purchase a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 from a dealership in Pretoria.
Peter Nonyane Gagashe is also alleged to have used part of the proceeds to make stokvel contributions and construct a residential property.
In a separate estate matter valued at R4 245 762.04, the State alleges that only R1.47 million was paid to the deceased’s children, while the remaining funds were unlawfully misappropriated.
It is further alleged that Charlotte Tibana and one of the accused used the business account of Risima Jeje Trading Enterprise to launder the proceeds.
The matter was postponed to 2 October 2026 for a bail application. All the accused remain in custody.
29 September 2026 – Forum for South Africa (FORUM4SA) has called for urgent government intervention to investigate alleged financial transactions involving informal businesses, including spaza shops, amid concerns that billions of rand may be leaving the country through unregistered channels. In a statement issued on 28 September 2026, the organisation said a report examining migrant communities and the informal economy in Tshwane had raised concerns about the movement of money generated through informal businesses.
FORUM4SA national leader Tebogo Mashilompane said the alleged financial outflows highlighted the need for stronger regulation, accountability and enforcement of financial laws.
“South Africa cannot afford an informal economy that operates outside the law while local communities struggle with unemployment and poverty,” Mashilompane said.
The organisation expressed concern that some foreign-owned informal businesses allegedly operate without creating meaningful employment opportunities for South Africans, while potentially contributing to unemployment and the outflow of money from the economy. FORUM4SA also raised concerns about reports that some spaza shops in rural communities charge additional fees for airtime purchases and cash withdrawals.
According to the organisation, residents in some rural areas have limited access to ATMs and rely on local shops for essential financial services. The organisation called on government to strengthen the regulation and monitoring of informal businesses, investigate alleged illegal financial transactions and enforce laws prohibiting unlawful additional charges on airtime and cash withdrawals.
It also urged authorities to prioritise employment opportunities for South Africans, support locally owned businesses and improve access to banking services, particularly in rural communities.
Mashilompane said economic activity should benefit South Africa and its people, calling for accountability, effective law enforcement and an economic environment that creates opportunities for South Africans.
Meanwhile, the allegations regarding financial outflows and unlawful charges have not been independently verified in the statement.
29 September 2026 – The North West Department of Health has clarified the circumstances surrounding the R28 million payment to MIB Infrastructure Development for professional services related to the planned upgrading and modernisation of General De La Rey Hospital in Lichtenburg. The department said the payment related to professional services rendered during the project’s planning and design stages, following a revised infrastructure plan that retained the existing hospital, instead of replacing it with a new facility.
North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari said the appointments of Bagale Consulting and MIB Infrastructure Development were linked to different hospital development plans. Lehari said these were not simply two appointments for exactly the same project.
“Bagale’s appointment related to the proposed new Lichtenburg Hospital, while MIB’s appointment related to the subsequent decision to retain and upgrade the existing General De La Rey Hospital.
“The process dates back to 2008, when the Department of Public Works appointed Bagale Consulting to plan, design and oversee the construction of a proposed new Lichtenburg Hospital. The original plan was to replace General De La Rey Hospital and Thusong Hospital with a single district hospital,” he said.
Lehari further said, however, following the closure of Thusong Hospital, communities in Itsoseng and Sheila raised concerns about access to the proposed facility, which would have been approximately 40 km away. He added that the department subsequently revised its infrastructure plan to include upgrading Itsoseng Community Health Centre into a district hospital and retaining and modernising General De La Rey Hospital.
“MIB Infrastructure Development was then appointed to provide professional services for the existing hospital’s upgrade. The department acknowledged that approximately R28 million was paid to MIB for professional services associated with the planned hospital upgrade.
“The initial project brief was to upgrade the facility to approximately 120 beds, including support and auxiliary services. The professional team progressed with planning and design up to Stage 3,” said Lehari.
He said following engagements with the National Department of Health, the proposed capacity was reduced from approximately 120 beds to 81 beds. Lehari said the change required the professional team to revise the concept design and return to Stage 2 before realigning the Stage 3 documentation.
“No additional invoice was submitted for the redesign and rework resulting from the revised project brief. The approximately R28 million should not be characterised as payment merely for inception and concept-viability services.
“It relates to professional services rendered during the course of the project under the original and subsequently revised project requirements. We would continue reconciling payments against the contract, deliverables, certifications and work performed, adding that recovery measures would be pursued if improper or excessive payments were established,” he said.
Lehari said the dispute over the appointments was taken to the High Court, which declared MIB’s appointment unlawful and set it aside, while confirming the validity and enforceability of Bagale Consulting’s appointment for the proposed new Lichtenburg Hospital. He said the court also found that architect Tafadzwa Mtisi’s professional registration certificate had expired by the tender closing date, making the bid technically non-responsive in that respect.
“This finding must be distinguished from the separate allegation that Mtisi’s credentials were used without his knowledge or consent, which still requires verification. The department would not prejudge allegations, but would investigate credible evidence and take appropriate action where wrongdoing was established.
Hospital project to proceed.
“Following the termination of MIB’s appointment and the court ruling, it was engaging Bagale Consulting on taking forward the General De La Rey Hospital upgrade from the stage at which MIB’s involvement ended,” said Lehari.
He said the process would be conducted within the applicable legal, contractual and procurement framework. Lehari said they would explore preserving and adapting professional designs developed for the proposed new Lichtenburg Hospital for future hospital developments, subject to the necessary approvals.
“The department remained committed to ensuring that public resources were protected and that communities in Lichtenburg, Itsoseng, Sheila and surrounding areas ultimately received accessible and sustainable hospital infrastructure,” he said.
29 September 2026 – Many patients have raised concerns regarding shortages of medication in various healthcare facilities across the North West. It is alleged that the healthcare facilities are grappling with shortage of medication and that has a negative impact on their health.
One of the patients who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said: “I am a diabetic patient and recently visited a local clinic. However, I was told that I could not get any medication because the clinic was out -of-stock. Remember, medication shortages cause delayed treatments, increased health risks and higher financial costs for patients.”
“Patients often miss doses, postpone treatments, or go without critical therapies entirely, which can cause diseases to worsen or lead to treatment failure. So, I urge the North West Department of Health to fix this before it is too late,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari said they would like to assure patients that intermittent medicine supply constraints affecting some facilities and medicines are being actively addressed through provincial and national interventions. Lehari said his department issued the clarification amid growing public concern about the availability of medicines, particularly chronic medication, following reports of patients struggling to access their prescribed treatment.
He further said the challenges could not be attributed to a single factor or solely to the provincial health department, pointing to disruptions across the pharmaceutical supply chain. Lehari added that factors contributing to supply pressures include manufacturing disruptions, shortages of raw materials, increased international demand, transport delays, rising freight and logistics costs, regulatory interventions and changes to pharmaceutical procurement contracts.
“The national HP09-2026SD Solid Dosage Forms contract also contains non-awarded items. Of the items considered, 243 were awarded while 41 were not awarded. A supplementary tender has been advertised and is scheduled to close on 28 September 2026, to address outstanding supply requirements.
“Regulatory enforcement action involving WRAPSA has also had wider implications across pharmaceutical contracts and potentially affects 79 contracted items, according to the department. The National Department of Health has established mechanisms including the Improved Medicine Availability Team and the national medicine “Hot List” to monitor shortages, identify their causes and track remedial action,” he said.
Lehari said at provincial level, they are monitoring stock levels, facility requirements and outstanding orders while working with the Medical Depot, suppliers and the National Department of Health on redistribution, alternative sourcing and clinically appropriate therapeutic alternatives. He stressed that a temporary shortage of a particular medicine does not necessarily mean that a patient will be left without treatment.
“Where an approved supplier, brand or pack size is unavailable, healthcare professionals may, where clinically appropriate, dispense an equivalent medicine containing the same active ingredient and strength or use an approved therapeutic alternative.
“Patients have been urged not to stop taking chronic medication or change their treatment without consulting a healthcare professional. The medicine continuity was particularly important for patients living with conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, HIV and epilepsy,” said Lehari.
He also highlighted the Central Chronic Medicines Dispensing and Distribution programme, which allows stable patients receiving chronic treatment to collect medicines from designated collection points closer to their homes or workplaces. Lehari said his department acknowledged statements alleging that patients were routinely being turned away from health facilities because of medicine shortages.
“Individual patient experiences should not be dismissed and cases where patients could not obtain prescribed medication should be investigated. However, broad claims about provincial medicine availability should be distinguished from verified stock data and the specific circumstances of individual medicines, facilities and periods.
“Medicine availability is dynamic. A facility could temporarily run out of a particular product, while another approved manufacturer’s product or clinically appropriate alternative remained available elsewhere in the system,” he said.
Lehari said the department was strengthening stock visibility and management to identify emerging shortages earlier and ensure available medicines were distributed according to patient need.
Picture: The deceased, Katlego Segwai and Omphile Mokoto
By OBAKENG MAJE
29 September 2026 – The police in Taung are probing two murder cases of Katlego Segwai (26) and Omphile Mokoto, who were reported missing after being allegedly abducted by community members in Extension 7, Taung a few months ago. The two men were found dead two weeks apart.
The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said Segwai was allegedly abducted together with his friend, Mokoto, after the two men were accused by community members of breaking into a property. Van Rooyen said the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the two men are under investigation.
“It is alleged that the two men were caught breaking in and community members decided to take matters into their own hands. The bodies of both young men were found separately in two different locations.
“Mokoto’s body was reportedly discovered about a month ago in an open field in Maphoitsile village, near Taung. Segwai, who had been reported missing, was found dead after two weeks. We can confirm that we are aware of the matter, however, no arrests have been made at this stage,” she said.
Van Rooyen further said the investigations continue. She added that the cases currently remain registered as inquests and that the charges have yet to be amended.
“We can also confirm that police records do not indicate that a theft or related criminal case had previously been opened against Segwai and Mokoto. The police warned that mob justice can seriously interfere with criminal investigations, particularly when community members become reluctant to provide information to investigators.
“Community members are encouraged to report crimes to the police and allow justice to run its course. The police are continuing with investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the two men and to identify those responsible,” said van Rooyen.
29 September 2026 – The police in North West arrested 1964 suspects during a two-week Operation Shanela 2 crime-fighting operation conducted across the province. The multidisciplinary operation ran from 14 to 26 September 2026, and included stop-and-search operations, roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, high-visibility patrols at crime hotspots and suspect raids.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said the operation demonstrated the commitment of law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to combating crime across the province. Skalkie said The Operation Shanela 2 continues to intensify the fight against crime through multidisciplinary and coordinated operations across the province.
Skalkie further said the police inspected 284 liquor outlets during the operation, resulting in 13 unlicensed liquor premises being closed. She added a total of 898 premises, 3687 people and 1374 vehicles were also searched.
“Detectives arrested 669 suspects during suspect-raiding operations, while others were arrested for a range of serious and other offences. Among the arrests were 13 suspects for murder, nine for rape, three for attempted murder, 22 for aggravated robbery, 13 for business robbery and two for house robbery.
“The police also arrested 194 suspects for assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), 129 for common assault, 39 for business burglary and 33 for residential burglary. A further 181 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, 56 for malicious damage to property and 154 undocumented migrants for contravening the Immigration Act,” she said.
Skalkie said the operation also resulted in arrests for illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives, as well as drug-related offences and illegal liquor and cigarette dealing.
The police confiscated various drugs, tobacco products and liquor, together with five handguns, two rifles and seven vehicles.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, welcomed the results and commended the multidisciplinary teams and other crime-fighting stakeholders involved in the operation. Adams said the police would continue conducting coordinated operations to disrupt criminal activities and apprehend suspects across the province.
29 September 2026 – Aman (26) was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment by the Ganyesa Regional Court for rape. The accused, Thapelo Sesipi briefly appeared before the Ganyesa Regional Court on 23 September 2026, where he was convicted of rape in connection with an incident that occurred on 7 July 2020.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said the case came to light after the victim’s sister found Sesipi on a bed with the girl (12). Skalkie said the matter was reported to Bray Police Station, where a case of rape was registered for investigation.
“The accused was positively linked to the offence through DNA evidence and subsequently admitted guilt. According to the police, the victim’s sister left the residence to seek assistance. When she returned, Sesipi had left the scene. The child then told her sister that he had raped her.
“The matter was investigated by Detective Sergeant Itumeleng Serapelwane of the Morokweng Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS). In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered that Sesipi’s particulars be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders,” she said.
Skalkie further said he was also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.
The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, commended Serapelwane for the handling of the investigation, as well as the prosecution team and the victim for her patience and bravery throughout the proceedings. Adams said the sentence demonstrated the commitment of the police and justice system to holding perpetrators of sexual offences against children accountable.
29 September 2026 – A man (27) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Molopo Regional Court for raping a girl (14) in Magogoe village, near Mahikeng. The sentence follows an incident on 6 March 2022, when the victim was walking home from a friend’s house at around 6:30pm.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said according to the evidence presented in court, the victim encountered an unknown man who followed her and instructed her not to look back. Skalkie said he allegedly pushed her into nearby bushes, forced her to undress and raped her before instructing her to go home and not tell anyone.
“The victim immediately reported the incident to her mother upon arriving home and the police were contacted. She was subsequently taken to a Thuthuzela Care Centre for medical examination. The suspect was identified as Thabang Setlhabela through DNA evidence during the investigation.
“In 2024, the investigating officer, Sergeant Tshepiso Herbert Makunye of the Mmabatho Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, received the forensic DNA results which positively linked Setlhabela to the reported rape,” she said.
Skalkie further said Setlhabela was subsequently traced and arrested. She added that the court ordered that his particulars be entered into the Sexual Offences Register and declared him unfit to possess a firearm in terms of the Firearms Control Act, Act 60 of 2000.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, welcomed the life sentence and said it demonstrated the seriousness with which sexual offences and the protection of vulnerable members of society are treated. Adams commended Makunye for his diligent investigation and for gathering the evidence that resulted in the matter being brought before court.
“The successful conclusion of the case also highlighted the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and the courts in securing justice for victims of sexual offences,” he said.
29 September 2026 – Two men sentenced to 30 years imprisonment for killing a man in a revenge attack linked to traditional initiation-related activities in Centane, Eastern Cape. The accused, Baxolile Makisi (25) and Luzuko Khephe (31), were sentenced for the murder of Mandiselo Tyityi, who was attacked on 18 November 2023 at Centuli Township, in Centane.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Eastern Cape, Luxolo Tyali said the evidence presented in court indicated that the incident stemmed from an earlier altercation in which Tyityi had assaulted the two men, while attempting to stop them from disrupting a ceremony marking the beginning of the initiation season. Tyali said a week later, the accused ambushed Tyityi during another traditional ceremony in full view of community members.
“They stripped him and repeatedly assaulted him with wooden sticks until he succumbed to his injuries. The bystanders, including Makisi’s father, attempted to intervene but were threatened with violence. Community members eventually managed to stop the attack, but Tyityi had already died.
“The police were called to the scene and the two men were arrested. During the trial, the state prosecutor, Siyabonga Manase presented evidence from four eyewitnesses who had attended the ceremony. Although both accused admitted being at the scene, they denied the charges and claimed that other individuals had assaulted the deceased,” he said.
Tyali further said the court rejected their version of events. He added that in aggravation of sentence, the state argued that violence associated with initiation-related activities remained prevalent in Centane and surrounding areas, stressing the need for courts to impose serious consequences to deter similar offences.
“The court agreed with the state’ submissions. The sentence sends a strong message against revenge attacks and violent crime. This sentence sends a strong message that acts of revenge and mob-style violence have no place in our communities. The NPA remains committed to ensuring that perpetrators of serious violent crimes are held accountable and that justice is delivered for victims and their families.
“The NPA reiterated its commitment to combating violent crime and ensuring that victims and their families receive justice through the criminal justice system,” said Tyali.
