Author Archives: The Guardian

A suspect arrested for dealing in dagga

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Picture: Dagga worth over R11 000 confiscated/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

28 August 2026 – A man was arrested by the members of the John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) Highway Patrol and Kuruman K9 Unit for dealing in dagga following the successful operationalisation of s tip-off regarding a suspicious parcel being transported to Kuruman through a courier company.

On 27 August 2026, the police received a tip-off regarding a suspicious package that had been transported to a PAXI agency in Kuruman. The police immediately operationalised the information and tracked the package to the local business.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien said the police maintained an operational presence and waited for the intended recipient to collect the package. Gamieldien said at approximately 2:10pm, the suspect entered the store and collected the parcel.

“He was approached by the police members and requested to open the package for inspection. A search of the package resulted in the discovery of 2.275 kilograms of dagga with an estimated street value of R11 350.

“The suspect was immediately arrested and is facing a charge of dealing in dagga. He is expected to appear in the relevant court soon,” she said.

Gamieldien said this successful operation demonstrates the importance of community participation and the sharing of information with the police. She said the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Management commends the community members who provided the intelligence that enabled the police to act swiftly and prevent the illegal distribution of drugs within our communities.

“The operation is also aligned with the SAPS Reset Agenda, which calls for a renewed focus on professional policing, strengthened community partnerships, intelligence-driven operations and decisive action against crime.

“Through effective collaboration between the community and the police, SAPS continues to disrupt criminal activities and ensure that those involved in the illicit drug trade are brought to book,” said Gamieldien.

She further said the SAPS encourages members of the public to continue providing information about suspected criminal activities to their local police stations or through the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111. Gamieldien added that information can also be provided anonymously.

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Fraudster sentenced to 11 years imprisonment

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

28 August 2026 – A fraudster, Nokwana Chirtobel Memezi (56) has been sentenced to 11 years imprisonment by the Molopo Commercial Court on charges of fraud and contravention of Section 49(1) of the relevant Act of 2002.

On 1 March 2022, a complainant intended to purchase 50 cattle. An amount of R790 625 was deposited into a bank account after the seller provided the complainant with an invoice and banking details.

The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said it was subsequently discovered that the seller’s bank account had been compromised and that the money had instead been deposited into an account belonging to the accused. Morake said following a thorough investigation, the accused was found guilty on both counts.

“Memezi was sentenced to five years imprisonment for fraud, six years for contravention of Section 49 (1) of which three years were suspended for five years on condition that the accused is not convicted of unlawful interception of communication committed during the period of suspension.

“The two sentences will run concurrently,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, commended the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Senyane Setona and senior state advocate for Specialised Commercial Crimes Unit, Theo Moetaesi for their diligent and meticulous investigation, which contributed to securing the conviction.

“This conviction demonstrates the importance of thorough investigations and the commitment of our members to ensuring that perpetrators of fraud and other serious commercial crimes are brought before the courts,” he said.

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The Hawks and NPA receive Preservation Order worth R5m linked to theft of platinum

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By REGINALD KANYANE

28 August 2026 – The Hawks’ Priority Crime Specialised Investigation and the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) secured a preservation order valued at R5 million linked to a theft of platinum in Rustenburg. The preservation order granted by the North West High Court, emanates from a case in which six suspects were arrested in Rustenburg and Brits by members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in August 2024, for alleged dealing in platinum and possession of platinum valued at R350 million.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said: “Their arrest followed a lengthy investigation after a tip-off received about alleged theft of platinum from a mine in Rustenburg and was then transported to Brits.

“The preservation order include a portion of land in Rustenburg and 20 vehicles belonging to one of the suspects.”

Meanwhile, the North West Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation and the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari have commended the efforts of the Hawks’ Priority Crime Specialised Investigation and National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit in securing the preservation order.

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PGM-bearing material worth over R3m seized

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Picture: PGM-bearing material seized by the police/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

28 August 2026 – Three suspects were arrested by the police in Rustenburg in collaboration with the Operation Prosper team during an intelligence-driven operation targeting suspected illegal buyers and receivers of Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) originating from an illegal mining site at Nkaneng. The police said the operation was conducted on 26 August 2026, following a tip-off regarding a suspected receiver of PGM-bearing material operating in the Rustenburg area.

The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said the intelligence indicated that the suspect, who is allegedly based in Pretoria, had employed a buyer to receive PGM material in bulk. Morake said further intelligence identified a stockpile of PGM-bearing material at an address in the Rustenburg area, as well as vehicles allegedly involved in transporting the material from the Nkaneng illegal mining site.

“The intelligence-driven team identified a white Nissan NP300 with Gauteng registration travelling along the R24 road. The vehicle was followed to an identified address, where three suspects were found in possession of PGM-bearing material, with additional material still inside the vehicle.

“The suspects were requested to produce the required permit or authorisation for the material in their possession but failed to do so,” she said.

Morake further said they were subsequently arrested for possession of unwrought precious metals without the relevant licence or authority or in excess of the prescribed mass. She added that the police seized the Nissan NP300 and three 10kg sacks containing PGM-bearing material with an estimated value of R130 000.

“A further stockpile of PGM-bearing material, estimated at approximately R3 million, remains at the identified premises under police guard pending further processing.

“The cellphones allegedly belonging to the receiver and suspected ring leader were also obtained from the suspects for further profiling and investigation,” said Morake.

She said the investigation continues and further arrests cannot be ruled out. Morake said the three suspects aged between 25 to 39, are facing charges of for possession of PGM-bearing material.

“They remain in police custody and are expected to appear before the Rustenburg Magistrate Court on 28 August 2026,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams said this operation demonstrates the importance of intelligence-driven policing and their continued commitment to disrupting the criminal networks that support illegal mining activities. Adams said they will not only focus on those operating at illegal mining sites, but will also pursue the individuals who facilitate, finance, transport and receive unlawfully obtained precious metals.

“Our message is clear, those who profit from illegal mining and the associated criminal activities will be pursued and brought before the courts,” he said.

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A man accused of triple murder arrested

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Picture: The suspect arrested for triple murder/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE
27 August 2026 – The acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has once again expressed her appreciation to communities across the country, as well as members of the media and social media users, for their assistance in the swift apprehension of James Mohajane (41). Mohajane was the subject of an intensive manhunt after he was identified as the alleged perpetrator in the brutal murders of his girlfriend, Moipone Lefoka, her sister, Esther Lefoka and Esther’s boyfriend, Tshepo Molekwa.

The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the three victims were allegedly hacked to death with a spade at a house in Moeka Vuma, near Makapanstad in the North West over the weekend. Mathe said less than 12 hours after SAPS issued a public alert and circulated Mohajane’s photograph, the community of Moeka Vuma stood up and played a critical role in bringing the suspect to police.

“SAPS can confirm that at approximately 9am this morning, members of the Moeka Vuma community handed Mohajane over to the police,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has commended the community for its vigilance and cooperation, emphasising that community participation remains a critical component in preventing and solving serious and violent crimes.

“Once again, our communities have demonstrated that they are an important partner in the fight against crime.

“The swift response by the community of Moeka Vuma, together with the assistance of the media and social media users who shared the suspect’s photograph, has contributed significantly to bringing this wanted suspect into police custody,” she said.

Dimpane further thanked everyone who played a role. She added that just last week, members of the community in Klerksdorp assisted police in apprehending a wanted boyfriend who had been on the run after allegedly killing his girlfriend in a backroom in Soweto.

“I would also like to commend the investigators and police members involved for working tirelessly to ensure that wanted suspects are brought to justice,” concluded Dimpane.
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Warrant Officer Gloria Vatiswa Nontshokweni unshakable will dealing with GBVF

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Picture: Warrant Officer Gloria Vatiswa Nontshokweni/Supplied 

By AGISANANG SCUFF

27 August 2026 – Today, the South African Police Service (SAPS) introduces Warrant Officer Gloria Vatiswa Nontshokweni (46), the acting unit commander of Makhanda Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in the Eastern Cape. Nontshokweni’s career kicked off in 2008 as a constable at Kensington Police Station’s Community Service Centre (CSC).

Known for taking down quality statements, the Station Commander recommended that she become an investigator and two years later she joined the Cape Town Central Detective Service. Investigating cases involving women and children lies near Warrant Officer Nontshokweni’s heart.

“I give all the cases assigned to me my best. But it gives me great pleasure when my investigations lead me to trace and arrest perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).

In 2013, I joined the Motherwell FCS Unit in the Eastern Cape as an investigator. Now at Makhanda FCS Unit, I wear both the hats of acting unit commander and investigator,” she said.

Nontshokweni further said she always makes it her mission to ensure victims receive services of the highest standard. She added that being an FCS investigator gives her an opportunity to serve the country with dignity, honour and pride.

A recent success includes the sentencing of convicted serial rapist Anele Mabheka Lati to six life terms of imprisonment on 27 March 2026, by the Makhanda High Court. Lati was found guilty of multiple counts of rape, sexual assault and attempted rape.

He targeted boys between 2022 and 2023, the youngest of whom was 8 years-old at the time. Nontshokweni identified a similar modus operandi across several case dockets and began connecting the dots.

The Eastern Cape police spokesperson, Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said Lati’s victims were playing with groups of friends when he approached them. Gatana said he would ask a victim to accompany him to get something to eat before luring them to a dumping site, where he sexually assaulted them.

“Nontshokweni takes pride in the outcome of this case and keeps the young victims motivated throughout court proceedings. She also took them to psychologists for counselling. An avid long-distance runner, Nontshokweni prioritises her physical and mental wellbeing, recognising that staying fit and resilient is essential to remaining operationally ready and performing at her best in a demanding profession.

“She is armed with a Bachelor of Policing Practices degree at Stadio and a Diploma in Policing at Tshwane University of Technology. Nontshokweni embodies the values of a woman in policing, who is leading the SAPS Reset Agenda. She serves as a role model of perseverance, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to justice,” she said.

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SAPS to release first quarter crime statistics

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Picture: The acting Minister of Police, Prof Firoz Cachalia

By BAKANG MOKOTO

27 August 2026 – The acting Minister of Police, Prof Firoz Cachalia, the Deputy Ministers of Police, Cassel Mathale and Dr Polly Boshielo, together with the acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, will present the quarterly crime statistics, reflecting on crimes that occurred during the first quarter of the 2026/2027 financial year (April 2026 – June 2026).

The event will take place at GCIS Auditorium, Tshedimosetso House, corner Francis Baard and Festival streets in Hatfield on Friday at 12pm.

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Joint Accelerated Thuntsha Lerole and District Development Model open service delivery in Mahikeng

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi and Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele/Supplied  

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

27 August 2026 – In a continued effort to accelerate the delivery of services to communities across the province, the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi will on Friday, be joined by the Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele in his capacity as the National District Development Model (DDM) Champion for Ngaka Modiri Molema District to lead the delivery of integrated services in Mahikeng Local Municipality.

The joint Accelerated Service Delivery Programme – Thuntsha Lerole and DDM Open Service Delivery Day will bring together all spheres of government and strategic partners to deliver coordinated services.

Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said this collaborative approach will strengthen and complement the district and local municipalities’ ongoing service delivery efforts, thereby ensuring that communities have improved access to government services. Tatai said the residents of Moshawana, Signal Hill, Setumo Park, Seremane View, Molelwane, Lonely Park, Top Village and Matsatseng in Slurry, are set to benefit from a range of social services to be provided by various government institutions and strategic partners on the day.

“The leadership will conduct an oversight visit to the district funded Water Supply MIG project to assess progress in its implementation. The project is aimed at improving access to a reliable water supply for residents of Molelwane, Signal Hill and Lonely Park.

“Other service delivery activities will include potholes patching, the distribution of garden tools, compliance inspections of local businesses, the clearing of illegal dumping sites, and other interventions aimed at addressing the immediate needs of communities,” he said.

Tatai further said Thuntsha Lerole is a flagship provincial programme aimed at accelerating service delivery, strengthening direct engagement with communities, and monitoring the implementation of infrastructure and social development projects. He added that this approach is aligned with the objectives of the District Development Model (DDM), an operational model that seeks to strengthen intergovernmental relations by enabling all spheres of government to plan, budget and implement programmes jointly, thereby maximising impact through the “One District, One Plan and One Budget” approach.

“Mokgosi and Gungubele will be accompanied by Members of the Executive Council (MECs) and the leadership of the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality and Mahikeng Local Municipality for a joint programme that will be held at Lonely Park Multipurpose Centre, Mahikeng on Friday starting from 8am,” concluded Tatai.

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Committee calls a joint meeting to discuss GEMS governance concerns

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By REGINALD KANYANE

27 August 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration called for stronger accountability and improved affordability at the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS). GEMS briefed the committee on its performance from January to June this year, as well as strategies to address fraud and waste in its operations.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Jan de Villiers said the meeting was important because, although GEMS is not funded from the fiscus, it is funded through member and employer contributions. De Villiers said since it was established through an Act of Parliament, the committee has an oversight responsibility over the Scheme.

“The meeting followed concerns previously raised by the committee about fraud-related claims and affordability issues. The committee is also on record for its concern about the impact of waste on GEMS’ financial sustainability and ability to provide affordable healthcare to public servants and their dependents.

“Committee members raised a number of concerns. They asked about the payment of public servants who were acting as trustees and whether they are doing so with the requisite approvals for paid work outside the public service,” he said.

De Villiers further said some members were particularly concerned about double-dipping. He added that the committee noted GEMS’ strategies to prevent, detect and recover losses from fraud and waste.

“The scheme reported that 3 062 instances were detected in 2025, while remediation and recoveries amounted to R257 million. Members stressed that fraud should be clearly distinguished from waste, abuse and error so that suspected criminal conduct can be referred to the relevant law enforcement authorities for investigation.

“The committee also examined GEMS’ contribution increases, hospital-centred benefit design and claims management, among other things. Members stressed that cost containment must not become a barrier to members accessing necessary healthcare,” said de Villiers.

He said members also welcomed a proposal by the Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration, Pinky Kekana, that a joint meeting be called of the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration, the Portfolio Committee on Health and the Standing Committee on Finance to further interrogate governance matters in GEMS. De Villiers said the committee supported the proposal, adding that organised labour and the Council for Medical Schemes must also be invited.

“We reiterate that the committee’s focus is to ensure that GEMS fulfils its purpose of providing accessible and affordable healthcare to public servants,” he said.

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A suspect in court for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition

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Picture: Firearms seized by the police during the operation/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

27 August 2026 – The police in Mothotlung, supported by Brits Crime Intelligence and the Brits Tactical Response Team (TRT), arrested a suspect (59) and seized several unlicensed firearms and live ammunition during an intelligence-driven operation conducted on 25 August 2026. The operation followed a tip-off regarding individuals allegedly terrorising communities in and around the Mothotlung area and suspected of being in possession of illegal firearms.

The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said the investigation led the police to Extension 2, Mothotlung, where a suspect was located driving a bakkie. Morake said the vehicle was stopped and searched, resulting in the discovery of a 9mm CZ pistol and 15 rounds of live ammunition.

“The suspect could not produce a valid licence for the firearm and was immediately arrested. The police then proceeded to the suspect’s residential address in Mothotlung, where a further search resulted in the seizure of two pistols, one rifle, one shotgun and various rounds of live ammunition, including rifle and handgun ammunition.

“The police are conducting further investigations to establish the ownership of the firearms and ammunition and to determine whether they may be linked to other criminal activities. The suspect is facing charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition in terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000),” she said.

Morake further said the suspect is expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 27 August 2026.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, commended the police involved in the operation. Adams said the seizure of the unlicensed firearms and ammunition cannot merely be regarded as a job well done, as the ballistic analysis and possible linking of the firearms to other crime scenes is eagerly anticipated.

“We acknowledged the commitment and diligence of SAPS members in ridding communities of illegal firearms and urged the public to continue providing information to the police,” he added.

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