Author Archives: The Guardian

Police call on shop owners to be wary of shoplifting

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By REGINALD KANYANE

12 March 2026- The police in the Northern Cape urge business owners, employees and members of the public to work together in preventing shoplifting, that remains a prevalent property related crime that affects retail businesses, where clothing, groceries and other items are stolen. The police said it does not only lead to financial losses, but also threatens jobs and the sustainability of businesses.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the police have noted with concern the occurrence of this type of crime across all the five districts of the province. Litabe said it is for this reason that the police encourage the implementation of safety hints to reduce incidents of shoplifting.

“Retailers should ensure that shops are well lit and neatly arranged to eliminate blind spots. Install visible CCTV cameras and warning signage to deter criminal activity. Train employees to be vigilant and to identify suspicious behaviour. Limit the number of customers inside the store during peak hours where possible. Secure high-value items in locked display cabinets or behind counters.

“Conduct regular stock counts to quickly identify losses. Encourage staff to greet customers, as visibility discourages criminal intent. Employees should remain alert at all times and avoid distractions such as excessive cell phone use. Do not confront suspects aggressively; rather report suspicious activity to management or security. Immediately report shoplifting incidents to the police,” he said.

He further said the public should not support or participate in shoplifting in any form. Litabe added that they should report suspicious behaviour to store personnel or the police.

“Parents and guardians are urged to educate children about the legal consequences of shoplifting. SAPS calls on communities, business owners and consumers to form partnerships aimed at protecting businesses and promoting lawful behaviour. Anyone with information related to shoplifting incidents is encouraged to report it to their nearest police station or anonymously via the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or alternatively via the MySAPS App.

“Together, we can create safer shopping environments for all,” said Litabe.

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A man jailed after robbing a boy R200  

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By REGINALD KANYANE

12 March 2026 – A man (25) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Victoria West Regional Court for robbery with aggravating circumstances. The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on 13 August 2025, when the accused robbed a victim (12) of R200, while the child was on his way to a supermarket in Victoria West to purchase groceries.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said it is reported that the accused approached the victim and demanded money. Litabe said when the victim indicated that he did not have any money, the accused produced an Okapi knife and pressed it against the victim’s chest.

“The accused then searched the victim and took the R200 note that was intended for groceries. After committing the robbery, he instructed the victim to run and not look back. The victim complied with the instruction, but managed to observe a distinctive tattoo on the side of the suspect’s neck, which later proved to be a crucial detail in tracing the suspect.

“Upon arriving at home, the victim reported the incident to his guardian, who subsequently informed the police. A case of robbery with aggravating circumstances was registered at Victoria West Police Station and assigned to Detective Sergeant Mojalefa Mokitimi for investigation,” he said.

Litabe further said through meticulous investigative work, the detective successfully traced and arrested the suspect. He added that the accused appeared in court on several occasions until the case was finalised on 10 March 2026, when he was convicted and sentenced.

“In addition to the sentence, the accused was declared unfit to possess a firearm,” said Litabe.

Meanwhile, the Pixley ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, welcomed the sentence and commended Mokitimi for his dedication and commitment in ensuring that the accused was held accountable for his criminal actions.

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Seven suspects nabbed during Operation Vala Umgodi

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Picture: The police confiscated some items during raids/Supplied  

By AGISANANG SCUFF

12 March 2026 – High-density disruptive actions under Operation Vala Umgodi, focusing on hotspot areas linked to illegal mining activities in Kimberley, continue to intensify. As part of these efforts, a multi-disciplinary team arrested seven suspects aged between 29 and 73 on 11 March 2026.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the suspects were apprehended for illegal mining, trespassing and contravention of the Immigration Act during ongoing police operations aimed at curbing illegal mining activities in the Frances Baard District. Shemane said during the operation conducted at a mining site in Kimberley, the police discovered that the suspects did not possess valid mining permits to operate and had not been granted permission by the owner to conduct mining activities on the property.

“The suspects were subsequently arrested. The police officers attached to Operation Vala Umgodi also confiscated various tools and equipment believed to have been used in the commission of illegal mining activities. The suspects are expected to appear in court soon.

“Multi-disciplinary operations targeting illicit mining will continue, with increased police visibility aimed at stabilising and normalising affected areas, as well as reclaiming communities from illegal mining activities,” he said.

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A man nabbed for allegedly killing elderly women

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

12 March 2026 – A man (22) from Dithakong village, near Kuruman was arrested by the police in Bothitong on Tuesday, for the alleged brutal murder of elderly women aged 61 and 92. The police were informed of the incident that took place at approximately 12:00 on the same day.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said upon arrival at the scene, the police found both of the victims lying in a pool of blood with open wounds to the head and face respectively. Litabe said the 61-year-old female was declared deceased at the scene, while the elderly victim was taken to hospital, where she later succumbed due to the injuries sustained during the attack.

“The suspect is charged for two counts of murder and is expected to appear in court soon,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting John Taolo Gaetsewe District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, condemned this gruesome murder and commended the members for the swift arrest of the suspect. Baloyi said such acts of violence against women in the communities must be condemned by society and will not be tolerated in JTG and perpetrators thereof will be dealt with decisively.

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SAFA, Standard Bank announce partnership to power South African football

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Picture: SAFA, Standard Bank announce partnership to power South African football/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

12 March 2026 – The South African Football Association (SAFA) and Standard Bank have announced a landmark sponsorship that will see Africa’s largest bank by assets become an official partner, supporting Bafana Bafana, Banyana Banyana and grassroots national teams from 2026 and beyond. The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for South Africa, with Bafana Bafana set to compete on the grandest global stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026.

Former Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions Sasol Banyana Banyana are also preparing to contest the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations this year.

SAFA CEO, Lydia Monyepao said: “This partnership reflects the kind of investment that South African football needs. Standard Bank’s support will strengthen the competitiveness of our national teams and development structures as they represent our country on the continental and world stage.”

David Hodnett, CEO of Standard Bank South Africa said for Standard Bank, the sponsorship is a natural extension of our commitment to South Africa. Hodnett said football remains the most widely followed sport in South Africa, playing a unique role in uniting communities and inspiring national pride aligned to their purpose, “Africa is our home, we drive her growth”.

“Standard Bank’s partnership with SAFA builds on decades of supporting sport initiatives, from junior ranks through to national levels. Through this partnership, the bank is investing in the aspirations of a nation and its people, and that aligns squarely with our purpose of driving Africa’s growth.

“The people who fill those stadiums and paint the cities green and gold are our clients and they come from the communities we serve every day,” continues Hodnett.

Meanwhile, the South African national teams continue to deliver inspired performances on the field. Bafana Bafana finished with a bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations before qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Banyana Banyana are the 2022 Women’s African champions and showed a competitive spirit at the 2023 Women’s FIFA World Cup.

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NPA requests all dockets linked to a political fixer, Brown Mogotsi

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Picture: Political fixer, Brown Mogotsi

By OBAKENG MAJE

12 March 2026- The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has requested the South African Police Service (SAPS) in North West to furbish it with all dockets related to the political fixer, Brown Mogotsi. This comes amid Mokgosi’s testimony at the Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations made by the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that SAPS, Justice and NPA have been infiltrated by criminal cartel.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said a request was received from the NPA for all dockets relating to Mogotsi. Myburgh said there are quite a number of them.

“There are more than 10 dockets ranging from kidnapping, murder, assault, reckless and negligent driving, assault GBH and defeating the ends of justice to mention a few. The murder case was reported on 16 December 2011.

“The victim, Buthi Jan Mothusi (35) was allegedly assaulted by Mogotsi, who was 32 at the time of the incident. He died later the same day at a local clinic. On 13 October 2022, the case was withdrawn by NPA,” she said.

Meanwhile, the NPA regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said: “We can confirm that the NPA has requested all the dockets linked to Mogotsi from SAPS. We are still waiting for those dockets.”

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Police officer dies in a horrific accident, three ferried to hospital

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Picture: The deceased, Constable Shalone Shandrey Meyer/Facebook 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

12 March 2026 –The South African Police Service (SAPS) management in North West said it is saddened by the death of Constable Shalone Shandrey Meyer (37), who lost her life during a motor vehicle accident that occurred early on Wednesday morning on the N12 road, near Stilfontein. It is alleged that four police officers were travelling in a state motor vehicle (Nissan Lavina) when the driver lost control over the vehicle and collided with a tree.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adéle Myburgh said Meyer, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was declared dead on the scene by Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS), whilst the three other police officers, two males and one female, aged between 24 and 33, were airlifted to a Gauteng hospital for treatment, after sustaining serious injuries.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased member and wished the three injured members a speedy recovery.

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SAFA clarifies related party loans in draft financial statements

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Picture: SAFA president, Danny Jordaan

By REGINALD KANYANE

12 March 2026 – The South African Football Association (SAFA) wishes to categorically set the record straight and dispel the misleading narrative currently circulating regarding related party loan balances amounting to R1.774 million as reflected in the draft Audited Annual Financial Statements (Note 19 – Related Parties) that were scheduled for discussion at the previous National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

SAFA president, Danny Jordaan said contrary to the insinuations being made by some NEC members who are clearly ‘hellbent’ on ‘tarnishing’ the image of the association, these amounts do not represent irregular payments or advances of funds to NEC members, or unauthorised benefits and undisclosed transactions. Jordaan said they arise from the National Executive Committee (NEC) Motor Vehicle Scheme, a structured governance support programme implemented by SAFA in 2015.

“Under this scheme, SAFA secured a loan facility from a financial institution to procure vehicles on behalf of NEC members who voluntarily elected to participate. The vehicles were acquired by the Association and allocated to participating members strictly in terms of signed loan agreements between SAFA and the respective NEC members.

“These agreements clearly stipulate that the participating NEC members are fully responsible for reimbursing SAFA for the value of the vehicles. It is therefore important to emphasise that these are recoverable amounts, governed by legally binding agreements, and not grants or financial benefits as some have misleadingly suggested,” he said.

Jordaan further said they must also state that this NEC Members Vehicle Scheme was a once-off arrangement and is no longer available. He added that equally concerning is the fact that some of the individuals now attempting to cast aspersions on this scheme were beneficiaries of this NEC Motor Vehicle Scheme.

“They participated and benefited fully from these arrangements when the vehicles were procured. Their current posture therefore raises serious questions about the motives behind the deliberate mischaracterisation of this matter. SAFA will not allow misinformation, selective interpretation of financial statements or disclosures, or politically motivated narratives to undermine the integrity of the association or its governance structures.

“The association reiterates that the scheme was implemented through formal agreements and established financial processes in 2015. SAFA remains committed to transparency and accountability in all financial matters and will continue to provide clarity where necessary regarding the administration of its programmes,” said Jordaan.

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‘Water crisis inhumane and unacceptable’

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By OBAKENG MAJE

12 March 2026- The Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF) in North West said the ongoing water crisis in Taung that is tormenting the communities is inhumane and unacceptable. EFF said for over a year, the people of Dryharts and other villages have been forced to survive without a reliable supply of running water.

The EFF Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Amogelang Matuane said families, elderly school children and small businesses, have been subjected to depending on water tanks as their only source of water. Matuane said these tanks are irregularly filled, often arrive late and in many instances, do not meet the basic needs of the growing community.

She further said this is not merely an inconvenience, it is a gross violation of the constitutional right to access sufficient quality water and a direct insult to the dignity of our people. Matuane added that water is not a luxury, but a basic human right.

“The continued failure of the Greater Taung Local Municipality and the North West Provincial Government to provide consistent water supply to Dryharts, exposes the deep levels of incompetence, poor planning, and collapse of infrastructure under the ANC-led administration. For almost a year, there has been no sustainable intervention, no clear turnaround strategy, and no accountability for those responsible for this crisis.

“The most disturbing aspect of this matter is that when the residents of Dryharts exercise their democratic right to protest and demand basic service delivery, they are met with police brutality. Instead of water supply being dispatched urgently, what is dispatched is law enforcement armed to suppress frustrated and thirsty residents. Instead of leadership engaging the community with solutions, the state responds with intimidation and force,” she said.

Matuane said this is a cruel response to a community that is simply asking for water to drink, cook, bathe, and live. She said a government that responds to legitimate service delivery protests with violence is a government that has failed its people.

“The people of Dryharts are not criminals. They are victims of municipal collapse. They are not asking for favours, but demanding what is rightfully theirs. The EFF calls for an urgent, transparent report from the Greater Taung Local Municipality and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs detailing the root causes of the prolonged water crisis, the status of water infrastructure in Dryharts, the budget allocated for water services, and the immediate timelines for the restoration of consistent water supply.

“Furthermore, there must be an independent investigation into allegations of police brutality against residents who have been protesting for basic services. The people of Dryharts cannot continue to live like refugees in their own Province. The EFF stands firmly with the community and will fight until there is a permanent, reliable water solution and accountability for both service delivery failures and the repression of residents,” she said.

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Picture: Community members grappling with water challenges/SABC

Four men sentenced to two life terms imprisonment for double murder  

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

11 March 2026- Four accused were sentenced to two life imprisonments each for two counts of murder by the Taung Regional Court. The accused, Tlotlego Ntlhaeng (26), Vincent Gaanabo (28), Gofaone Thari (24) and Oratile Modisamongwe (22) were sentenced to two life imprisonments each for two counts of murder of Kutlo Mogapi (20) and Tumelo Gaehose (22).

The sentences run concurrently.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the charges stem from tragic incidents that occurred on 17 March 2024, in the Pudimoe Township, in Taung. Gunya said the investigations revealed that on the day of the incident, the four accused went to a local tavern accompanied by a friend who later turned into a state witness.

“They met Gaehose, attacked him and stabbed him to death. After the brutal attack, they left the tavern together with the witness, while on the way from the tavern, they met Kutlo Mogapi (the deceased) and his friends and attempted to rob them. The state witness tried to reprimand them.

“His attempts to stop them were unsuccessful, violence escalated, and they started to attack them. Mogapi was stabbed and succumbed to the injuries whilst on the way to the hospital. Police were called, all four accused were arrested on the same day, and they were denied bail,” he said.

Gunya further said all four accused pleaded not guilty to charges of murder. Representing the state prosecutor, Rebaona Mokgopa, addressed the court on the seriousness of the offence and urged the court to impose sentences which will serve as a deterrent to other like offenders and send a message.

“The court concurred with the state, noting that their actions were motivated by nothing but criminality. The court described their actions as senseless, gruesome, and heartless. All four accused were declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of the Firearms Control Act,” he added.

Welcoming the sentence, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended Mokgopa and praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement.

“The NPA remains steadfast in ensuring accountability. Violent crimes will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will face the full might of the law,” said Makhari.

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