30 August 2026 – The Kimberley Serious and Violent Crimes Unit is appealing to members of the public for information that could assist in the investigation into a house robbery in Herlear, Kimberley. The police said on 9 August 2026, at approximately 8am, an elderly couple both aged 80, were allegedly attacked and robbed at their residence by two armed suspects.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the suspects who were wearing balaclavas to conceal their identities, reportedly pointed at the couple with a firearm and robbed them of two cell phones and a bag containing various bank and other cards. Shemane said during the incident, the male victim was assaulted with the firearm and sustained an injury to his head after being struck with the back of the magazine.
“The suspects also fired a shot inside the house before fleeing the scene on foot. The Kimberley Serious and Violent Crimes Unit is urging anyone who may have information that could assist in identifying and apprehending the suspects to come forward.
“The information can be provided directly to the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Immanuel Jeffries on 082 302 0407 or reported to the nearest police station. Members of the public can also contact SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or make use of the MySAPS App,” he said.
Shemane further said all information received will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
30 August 2026 – A man (50) sentenced to 30 years imprisonment for robbery and rape. This comes after a traumatic incident that occurred on 29 November 2018, when a victim (34) was asleep at her residence in Warrenton with her husband and their daughter (2).
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the family was awakened by two armed assailants, one of whom was wearing a balaclava and demanded money from the victim’s husband. Shemane said the assailants assaulted him and subjected him to electric shocks using a wire.
“The victim’s husband was then taken to another bedroom, where the couple’s twin daughters were sleeping. Their hands and feet were tied, while the other suspect proceeded to remove valuable items from the house, including a television set and other household possessions.
“Ernest Khoza, who was one of the assailants, forced the victim, who was still carrying her daughter (2) into the main bedroom. He instructed her to put the child down, after which he raped her in the presence of her young daughter,” he said.
Shemane further said the two suspects subsequently fled the scene, and the victim managed to free her husband and daughters before reporting the incident to the police. He added that the case was assigned to Detective Sergeant Desmond Modise of the Provincial Organised Crime Investigating Unit for investigation.
“Through diligent investigative work, the two suspects were traced and arrested in Barkly West on 26 February 2019. One of the suspects was positively identified by the victim and was subsequently prosecuted.
“The second accused could not be linked to the offence and was acquitted. Detective Sergeant Desmond Modise was commended for his professionalism, dedication and commitment throughout the investigation. His efforts in tracing and apprehending the accused ultimately contributed to securing a conviction and a lengthy prison sentence for the heinous crimes committed,” said Shemane.
He said the Frances Baard District management welcomes the conviction and sentencing of Khoza for house robbery and rape. Shemane said Khoza was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for house robbery and 15 years for rape.
“The sentences will run concurrently with a 5 years sentence previously imposed, resulting in an effective sentence of 25 years’ direct imprisonment,” he said.
Picture: One suspect arrested for dealing in drugs/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
30 August 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Namakwa District remains relentless in its efforts to combat drug-related crimes and disrupt the illicit trade in narcotics. Through sustained, intelligence-driven operations, the police continue to target individuals involved in the possession, dealing and distribution of drugs within communities across the district.
Recent operations conducted between 26 and 27 August 2026, resulted in the arrest of five suspects on separate occasions with various illicit drugs confiscated. On 26 August 2026 at approximately 4:40pm, the police conducted a stop-and-search operation along the road between Kuboes and Baken.
Namakwa District Police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Charles Magerman said during the operation, two suspects aged 22 and 23, were arrested for dealing in dagga. Magerman said the police confiscated dagga with an estimated street value of R1 200.
“Earlier that day, at approximately 9am, the police in Steinkopf executed a search warrant at a premises in Bergweg. Upon arrival, the police observed a suspect discarding a mandrax tablet onto the floor. A thorough search of the room was conducted, resulting in the discovery of additional mandrax tablets.
“A suspect (37) was subsequently arrested for dealing in drugs. On 27 August 2026, the members of the Public Order Police (POPS), Springbok, were travelling to Komaggas when they observed a person along the road. With his consent, the man was searched, resulting in the discovery of mandrax tablets valued at approximately R300,” he said.
Magerman further said the suspect (31) was arrested for possession of illicit drugs. He added that later the same day, while conducting patrols in Komaggas, POPS members observed another person standing in front of a closed shop.
“The man was searched and found in possession of Tik (crystal methamphetamine). The suspect (42) was arrested for possession of drugs. The police in Nababeep received intelligence regarding a taxi travelling from Cape Town towards Springbok. Acting swiftly on the information, the members intercepted the vehicle at approximately 11:30am on 27 August 2026.
“During the search, suspected dagga with an estimated street value of R1250 was discovered and a suspect was arrested for possession of drugs. All arrested suspects are expected to appear in the respective courts soon,” said Magerman.
He said these operations form part of the ongoing efforts by SAPS Namakwa to dismantle the illicit drug trade and prevent narcotics from reaching communities. Magerman said the district continues to employ intelligence-led policing, targeted stop-and-search operations, patrols and searches to identify and disrupt criminal activities.
“The operations further support the SAPS Reset Agenda, which places emphasis on strengthening policing, improving operational effectiveness, enhancing accountability and responsiveness, and ensuring that police resources are directed towards addressing the most pressing crime threats faced by communities,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, commended the police involved in the operations for their vigilance and commitment to disrupting the illegal drug trade.
“These successful operations demonstrate that our members remain vigilant and committed to keeping drugs out of our communities. We will continue to use intelligence-driven policing and focused operations to identify those who deal in and distribute illegal substances.
“Our message to drug dealers and other criminals is clear. There is no place for you in Namakwa. We will continue to disrupt your criminal activities and bring those responsible before the courts,” said Andrews.
He said the police in Namakwa further call on community members to continue working with the police by providing information about suspected drug dealing and other criminal activities. He said information can be reported to the police or anonymously through the appropriate SAPS crime reporting channels.
30 August 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape continues to intensify its crime-fighting efforts in support of the SAPS Reset Agenda. The agenda places renewed emphasis on professional policing, enhanced operational effectiveness, intelligence-led crime prevention, improved investigations, strengthened community partnerships and decisive action against criminality.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said these intensified policing interventions follow the recent release of the Quarter 1 Crime Statistics for the 2026/2027 financial year, covering the period from 1 April to 30 June 2026. Ehlers said the statistics provide important indicators of the crime challenges facing the Northern Cape and reinforce the need for targeted, sustained and intelligence-led interventions across identified crime hotspots and areas of concern.
“In response, the Northern Cape SAPS continues to mobilise available resources through Operation Shanela II, including disruptive operations led by senior officers under Operation Basadi. These efforts are conducted in collaboration with community structures, other law enforcement agencies, government departments and key stakeholders.
“From 24 to 30 August 2026, intelligence-led operations conducted throughout the province resulted in the arrest of 391 suspects for various offences. The operations were specifically aimed at disrupting criminal networks, preventing crime and enhancing police visibility in communities,” she said.
Ehlers further said interventions included stop-and-search operations, Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), roadblocks and high-visibility patrols. She added that during these operations, a total of 11 453 individuals and 4747 vehicles were stopped and searched.
“The police also intensified efforts to locate and apprehend wanted suspects who had been evading arrest or failing to appear in court. Detective-led tracing operations resulted in the apprehension of 204 wanted suspects, contributing to the Reset Agenda’s objective of strengthening the criminal justice value chain and ensuring that offenders are brought before the courts.
“The Northern Cape SAPS continues to prioritise crimes that have a direct and significant impact on communities. Drug-related crime remains a key operational priority with 95 suspects arrested for drug-related offences during the reporting period,” said Ehlers.
She said substantial quantities of drugs were also confiscated during the operations. Ehlers said contact-related crimes, including murder, rape, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common assault, continue to receive focused attention.
“A total of 78 suspects were arrested in connection with contact-related offences. These interventions are informed by crime intelligence and the analysis of crime patterns and trends identified through the Quarter 1 crime statistics.
“The approach is aimed not only at responding to crimes after they occur, but also at proactively disrupting the conditions, individuals and networks that facilitate criminal activity. As part of the integrated policing approach, compliance inspections were conducted in collaboration with relevant authorities at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, recycling facilities, firearm dealerships, and formal and informal businesses,” said Ehlers.
She said these interventions resulted in the closure of 26 unlicensed liquor outlets found to be operating in contravention of applicable legislation and regulations. Ehlers said during stop-and-search and other disruptive operations, the police also confiscated alcohol and dangerous weapons, thereby removing potential instruments of violence from communities.
“The SAPS recognises the role that alcohol abuse, substance abuse and the availability of dangerous weapons can play in fuelling contact-related and other serious crimes. Consequently, these areas remain integral to the province’s crime-prevention and enforcement strategy.
“The Reset Agenda also recognises that sustainable crime reduction cannot be achieved by the police alone. The Northern Cape SAPS therefore continues to strengthen partnerships with Community Policing Forums, community structures, traditional and local leadership, government departments, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders,” she said.
Ehlers said during the reporting period, several community outreach programmes and awareness campaigns were conducted as part of Women’s Month activities. She said these initiatives focused on raising awareness of crime prevention, Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), strengthening community participation and encouraging members of the public to work with the police to create safer communities.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, emphasises that the release of the Quarter 1 crime statistics should not be viewed solely as a reflection of crime levels, but also as a tool for refining policing interventions and ensuring that resources and operational activities are directed towards areas and crimes requiring the greatest attention. Otola said the Northern Cape SAPS remains committed to implementing the SAPS Reset Agenda through disciplined, visible, intelligence-led and community-centred policing.
“The organisation will continue to strengthen its crime-prevention, investigation, forensic and victim-support capabilities while ensuring that perpetrators are pursued relentlessly and brought before the courts.
“The Reset Agenda requires us to remain agile, accountable and responsive to the crime challenges identified through our crime statistics. We will continue to strengthen our operational footprint, disrupt criminal activities and work with our communities and partners to create safer communities throughout the Northern Cape,” she said.
Otola said the Northern Cape SAPS further calls on communities to continue providing information about criminal activities and wanted suspects through the appropriate SAPS channels. She said community intelligence remains an essential component of effective policing and information supplied by members of the public enables police to conduct targeted and intelligence-led operations.
“The Northern Cape SAPS remains resolute in its commitment to Reset, Refocus and Reinforce its policing approach, ensuring that crime-fighting efforts remain focused, professional, intelligence-led and responsive to the needs of the people of the province,” said Otola.
Picture: Some of drugs that were confiscated by the police/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
30 August 2026 – A man (31) was arrested by the police in Namakwa for drug dealing and illegal liquor trading on 28 August 2026. The suspect was arrested during intelligence-driven operations.
The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the incident took place in Hondeklip Bay. Magerman said the police seized drugs worth approximately R1 200 and suspected proceeds of dealing.
“In a separate incident, the police in Sutherland seized illegal liquor valued at approximately R16 290 and tik at an illegal liquor outlet. A suspect was arrested and released on a warning to appear in court. In Nieuwoudtville, the police seized illegal liquor worth approximately R2 310 at an illegal shebeen.
“A man (37) was arrested and released on a warning for selling liquor without a licence. On 29 August 2026, the police in Fraserburg arrested a man (29) after finding mandrax tablets and R2 268 suspected to be proceeds of drug dealing. He is expected to appear in the Fraserburg Magistrate’s Court,” he said.
Magerman further said Operation Shanela II also included patrols, roadblocks, stop-and-search operations and compliance inspections across the district. He added that they commend the police for their efforts and urged the public to report suspected criminal activity.
“Namakwa SAPS will continue working with communities and stakeholders to combat drugs, illegal liquor outlets and other crime,” said Magerman.
Picture: The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Virginia Tlhapi
By REGINALD KANYANE
28 August 2026 – The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Virginia Tlhapi will address learners during the Provincial Road Safety Schools Debate as part of the Department’s activities of the Thuntsha Lerole Service Delivery Programme. The annual Road Safety Schools Debate provides learners from different schools across the Province with an opportunity to take to the podium and robustly deliberate on ways to improve and enhance road safety in the province and the country at large.
Tlhapi said the aim of this initiative is to educate learners and instill a culture of road safety, as well as awareness of traffic rules, through learners’ active participation in the debate. She said in this way, the department is making a deliberate effort to address the underlying challenges relating to road safety.
“The Department of Community Safety and Transport Management in partnership with the Road Traffic Management Cooperation (RTMC) and in collaboration with the Department of Education, continues to conduct the Road Safety Schools Debate Project annually.
“The project is one of the National flagship programmes implemented by all Provinces and culminates in the National Road Safety Debate hosted by the Department of Transport,” said Tlhapi.
She further said the competition starts at district level as a buildup progressing to the provincial level and ultimately to the national competition .
“I will address the learners and present awards in recognition of learners’ participation and achievements in the competition.
“This year’s Provincial Road Safety Schools Debate Project will be held at the North West Provincial Legislature Chamber today at 9am,” she said.
Picture: Witrand Specialised Hospital in Potchefstroom
By REGINALD KANYANE
28 August 2026 – The North West Department of Health is under fire after a patient who went missing from the Witrand Specialised Hospital in Potchefstroom, found dead. The patient allegedly went missing from the facility in the early hours of Wednesday, 26 August 2026.
The deceased was a well-known patient of Witrand Specialised Hospital who had been admitted to the facility since 22 June 2023, and was receiving care in Female Ward 3.
The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari said according to the hospital management, during the early morning bathing routine in Ward 3, personnel noticed that the patient was no longer in the ward. Lehari said the staff immediately searched the various blocks within the hospital premises and alerted security personnel after establishing that the patient could not be located.
“An immediate search was conducted in and around the hospital premises, but the patient could not be found. The search continued until hospital management was informed that a person matching the description of the missing patient had been found lying along Promosa Road next to the graveyard.
“Upon arrival at the scene, it was regrettably confirmed that the person was the missing patient. The patient’s family was immediately informed of the death,” he said.
Lehari expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“On behalf of the North West Department of Health, I wish to convey our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased during this extremely difficult time. We recognise that no words can adequately ease the pain of losing a loved one under such circumstances.
“We extend our sincere sympathy to the family and assure them that the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident will be thoroughly investigated,” said Lehari.
He further urged members of the public to allow the investigation to take its course and cautioned against speculation while the facts are being established. Lehari added that the public and all stakeholders must refrain from speculation or drawing conclusions before the investigation has been completed.
“The department takes the safety, dignity and wellbeing of patients in our care very seriously. We will carefully examine what happened, identify any shortcomings that may emerge, and take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation.
“The department has initiated an investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the patient’s abscondment and subsequent death. Further information will be communicated once the investigation has progressed sufficiently and it is appropriate to do so,” he concluded.
28 Phatwe 2026 – Setopo sa ga Kamogelo Segwai (26) o go neng ga begwa fa a nyeletse se bonwe kwa molapong wa Extenstion 7, mono Taung ka Lamatlhatso. Go begwa fa Segwai a ne a thopiwa ka dikgoka ke bangwe ba baagi kwa Extension 7, mono Taung morago ga go mo latofatsa ka bogodu.
Segwai o bonwe mo setshwantshong sa motsikinyego ga mmogo le tsala nngwe ya gagwe, Omphile Mokoto yo setopo sa gagwe se bonweng kwa masimo kwa motseng wa Maphoitsile, gaufi le Taung mo dibekeng tse tharo tse di fetileng, ba dirilwe batshwarwa-kananyo.
Go begwa fa setopo sa ga Segwai se ne se na le dintho tsa go teketiwa.
Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are o setse a emetse pegelo go tswa go mmatlisisi wa kgetsi pele ga a ka arabela dipotso go tswa go The Guardian Newspaper.
28 August 2026 – A woman (27) was arrested for possession of drugs on Wednesday. This comes after the swift information sharing and effective collaboration between the Riemvasmaak and Augrabies SAPS.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the police from Riemvasmaak received a tip-off regarding a woman from Vredesvallei, who was allegedly travelling to Augrabies to purchase drugs while reportedly carrying a child. Shemane said the information was immediately shared with Augrabies SAPS and members from both police stations jointly operationalised the information.
“The suspect was apprehended in Augrabies, while on her way to catch a taxi. She was carrying a diaper bag, which was searched by the police. During the search, the police discovered dagga and tik with an estimated street value of R1 800 concealed inside a diaper.
“She was subsequently arrested and detained by Augrabies SAPS, and is expected to appear in the Augrabies Magistrates’ Court soon on a charge of possession of drugs,” he said.
Meanwhile, Shemane said the ZF Mgcawu District Management commended the police from Riemvasmaak and Augrabies SAPS for their swift response, effective information sharing and collaborative efforts in removing illicit drugs from communities. He said the police further appreciate the community for its continued cooperation and for providing valuable information that assists law enforcement agencies in combating the scourge of drugs.
Picture: Police during cross-border operation/Supplied
By AGISANANG SCUFF
28 August 2026 – An inter-provincial cross border roadblock was held by the Northern Cape and Eastern Cape South African Police Service (SAPS) in partnership with the provincial traffic of the respective provinces on the N9/N10 road between Noupoort and Middleburg on 27 August 2026. The roadblock was an extension of the multi- disciplinary crime prevention initiatives held between the two provinces that share borders to curb trans-provincial crimes such as drug and human trafficking, stock theft, truck or motor vehicle hijacking and ensure adherence to the National Road Traffic Regulations.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Constable Rowan Bacela said in attendance at the roadblock were members from the Pixley Ka Seme District Youth Desk, SAPS from the Pixley Ka Seme District office, Provincial components, local SAPS members and the Northern Cape Road Safety, and the Northern Cape Gambling and Liquor Board.
Bacela said during the roadblock a total of 427 vehicles were stopped and searched, 11 fines issued for violations of road traffic regulations amounting to R13 800 and 15 firearms were inspected and verified. He said one trailer was confiscated and enquiry docket was registered for further investigation.
“The roadblock also served as an opportunity to raised awareness on road safety by issuing pamphlets to motorists and road users,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the police, all law enforcement agencies, government and community partners who participated in the operation.
“We remain committed to strengthening partnerships with our community and external stakeholders to address crime effectively and ensure the safety of all motorists and tourists visiting our province.
“SAPS will continue to conduct intelligence driven operations, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, to prevent and combat crime and to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice,” she said.
