Picture: Police visit a local school to create awareness against bullying/Supplied
By STAFF REPORTER
15 February 2026- The police said bullying can be defined as unwanted, aggressive behaviour that involves a real or perceived power imbalance, where repeated actions cause harm, fear, or distress to another person. The Springbok Station Commander, Colonel Moses Lekgwati and his members, conducted an awareness program at a high school in Springbok, focusing on the impact of bullying and the importance of creating a safe and supportive learning environment.
The Namakwa police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said program included engaging and interactive speeches, which were creatively turned into fun activities to help learners better understand and remember the importance of the subject. Magerman said the program actively participated, showed enthusiasm and commitment throughout the session.
“The police commended the school management, educators, and learners for their cooperation and dedication in making the program a success.
“Emphasis was placed on participation which reflects the strength of the community in addressing issues that affect young people,” he said.
15 February 2026- A man (19) from Pella was found guilty of raping his friend (15) by the Pofadder Regional Court on 10 February 2026. The accused was alleged to have been friends with the victim for a long time, but they began a sexual relationship in December 2022.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Thabo Litabe said in January 2025, the victim fell pregnant and her mother was notified by the Northern Cape Department of Health. Litabe said the matter was reported to the police and the suspect was subsequently arrested.
“He pleaded guilty to the charges and appeared before court on several occasions after the case was assigned to Detective Constable Franklin Afrikaner of Pofadder Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.
“The court also found him guilty of statutory rape and sentenced him to five years imprisonment, which was wholly suspended for five years on condition that he is not found guilty of the same offence within that period,” he said.
Litabe further said the accused was declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Commander, Brigadier Schalk Andrews commended the investigating officer for securing a conviction. Andrews reiterated that crimes committed against women and children will not be tolerated and perpetrators will be harshly dealt with.
15 February 2026- A man (33) was sentenced to five years imprisonment by the Pofadder Regional Court for sexual assault. On 24 June 2024, at approximately 00:30, the accused arrived at his sister’s residence and requested accommodation for the night.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the accused’ sister initially indicated that there was limited space and insufficient bedding. Litabe said, however, after he persistently pleaded with her, she agreed to allow him to stay over.
“He was permitted to sleep in close proximity to her minor daughter. During the night, the child woke her mother and alleged that the accused had inappropriately touched her private parts.
“When confronted, the accused requested to step outside, allegedly to relieve himself. He then fled the scene and did not return” he said.
Litabe further said a case was subsequently registered and allocated to Detective Sergeant John Rowan Nortje of the Pofadder Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for further investigation. He added that the investigation led to the arrest of the accused, who appeared in the Pofadder Regional Court on several occasions.
“The court found the accused guilty of sexual assault. He was sentenced to five years imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years. In addition to his conviction, the court declared him unfit to possess a firearm and ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders,” said Litabe.
Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Commander, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, commended the investigating officer for his hard work in ensuring that justice was served.
Picture: Suspected stolen compressor seized by the police/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
15 February 2026- The vigilance and swift action of an off-duty police officer led to the recovery of a suspected stolen compressor at a local mechanic in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley. On Saturday at approximately 4:40pm, the off-duty police officer was at a mechanic workshop in John Daka, Galeshewe Township, where he had taken his vehicle for repairs.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said during his visit, he observed four suspects entering the premises and attempting to sell a suspected stolen compressor to the mechanic. Ehlers said the police officer tactically approached the suspects by feigning interest in purchasing the item, enabling him to safely seize the compressor.
“Upon becoming suspicious, the suspects fled the scene. The police have since opened a case of possession of suspected stolen property for further investigation.
“Anyone with information that could assist in the identification and arrest of the suspects is urged to contact the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or provide information via the MySAPS App,” she said.
Ehlers further said information received will be treated with strict confidentiality.
Picture: Some suspects were searched during Operation Shanela II/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
15 February 2026- More than 576 suspects were arrested for various offences, including drug-related crimes, illegal dealing in liquor, robbery, murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with the intent to cause Grievious Bodily Harm (GBH), and burglary. The arrests were made Operation Shanella across the Northern Cape.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the continued commitment of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape was once again demonstrated through the execution of Operation Shanela II conducted across all five districts in the province. Ehlers said the operation carried out from 9 until 15 February 2026.
“This formed part of ongoing intelligence-driven initiatives aimed at preventing crime, stabilising identified hotspots and ensuring safer communities.
“The operations were led by District Commissioners and senior managers at provincial, district and station levels, supported by various law enforcement stakeholders,” she said.
Ehlers further said during the operational period, numerous premises were searched, while 12623 persons and 5006 vehicles were stopped and searched. She added that they also conducted stop-and-search operations, high-visibility patrols, vehicle check points (VCPs) and roadblocks as part of intensified crime prevention efforts.
“Several suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Detectives also executed tracing operations which led to the arrest of numerous wanted suspects who had been evading arrest for an array of crimes.
“Compliance inspections were conducted at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, firearm dealers, informal businesses, mines, and farms to ensure adherence to relevant legislation,” said Ehlers.
She said these inspections resulted in the closure of 16 unlicensed liquor outlets. Ehlers said during the operations, large quantities of alcohol and drugs were confiscated.
“Counterfeit goods, dangerous weapons, and money suspected of being the proceeds of crime were also seized.
“The police and Community Policing Structures (CPFs) continue to conduct awareness campaigns to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV), contact crimes and other trending crime patterns,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, and her management, welcomed the positive outcomes and reaffirmed SAPS’ commitment to safeguarding communities and maintaining safety and security across the province. Otola encouraged members of the public to continue working with law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime.
14 February 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the North West said it has noted with serious concern two recent kidnapping-related cases reported in the Bojanala Platinum District, which have since been found to be either staged or linked to criminal conduct by the so-called victims themselves. The police said the swift intelligence-driven operations led to significant breakthroughs in both matters.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said in the first incident, reported in Marikana, Sizeka Mankantshu (41), allegedly staged her own kidnapping with the assistance of an accomplice, Morris “Sgubu” Radiete (41), a Lesotho national. Myburgh said the investigation, conducted through coordinated efforts involving crime intelligence, Detectives and Cyber Crime Intelligence collection, revealed that the alleged victim was never kidnapped.
“Instead, she conspired with the male suspect to extort money from her husband. Evidence further confirmed that she had been hiding at the residences of the accomplice and his girlfriend. Cellular phones previously reported stolen in a robbery case were recovered during the operation.
“Both suspects were arrested and charged with defeating the ends of justice, extortion and illegal immigration (in respect of the male suspect). The duo appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 12 February 2026 and were remanded in custody until 19 February 2026, for a formal bail application,” she said.
Myburgh further said investigations established that the possible motive behind the staged kidnapping was financial distress, as the woman was reportedly heavily indebted and unable to repay various creditors. She added that in a separate incident reported in Rustenburg on 10 February 2026, a woman (36) was allegedly kidnapped at Rustenburg Mall and a ransom demanded from her family.
“A multidisciplinary intelligence-led operation traced the victim to Bokamoso Settlement, where she was found unharmed on 12 February 2026. Further investigation revealed that she had allegedly defrauded several jobseekers from areas, including Boitekong, Ikemeleng and Bokamoso by falsely promising them employment at a local mine and charging between R2000 and R3500 per person.
“The two women, Gomotsegang Litsietsa (28) and Nolitha Nong (54) were arrested on 12 February 2026, and charged with kidnapping after it was established that they had kept the victim at a residence in Bokamoso, while demanding repayment of the money owed. They appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 13 February 2026, and was released on bail of R2000 each. Their next court appearance will be on 9 April 2026,” said Myburgh.
She said the alleged victim, Chahane Tsholofelo (36), was subsequently arrested and charged with fraud and theft under false pretences. Myburgh said she also appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 13 February 2026, and was granted R1500 bail.
“Her next court appearance will be on 18 March 2026,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Naidoo, has strongly condemned the abuse of police resources through false reporting and staged crimes. Naidoo emphasised that the staging of kidnappings and the opening of false criminal cases is a serious offence.
“Such actions divert critical police resources from genuine victims of violent crime and place unnecessary strain on investigative teams. We warn that individuals found to have deliberately misled law enforcement will face the full might of the law.
“Community members are urged to report disputes and suspected fraud through lawful channels instead of resorting to criminal conduct. Lastly, we would like to indicate that the police remain committed to ensuring that perpetrators of crime—whether reporting false cases, committing fraud, or unlawfully detaining others—are brought to book,” he said.
Picture: Two female learners seen assaulting a boy learner at President Mangope Technical School in Tlhabane/Screengrab
By REGINALD KANYANE
14 February 2026- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she condemn in the strongest terms the incident of bullying, which allegedly happened at President Mangope Technical School in Tlhabane Township, near Rustenburg. Motsumi said the video is currently circulating on various social media platforms.
She further said it is reported that the incident occurred at school during the break on Thursday, 12 February 2026. Motsumi added that it is reported that during the school break at the class of the Grade 9C, two girl learners locked themselves up inside the classroom with one boy learner.
“The video circulating on social media shows two girls assaulting a boy learner inside the classroom. It is further reported that another learner unlocked the door for the boy learner to escape and for other learners to gain access to the fighting learners.
“They eventually broke up the fight, two perpetrators and the victim were taken to the principal’s office. The school management resolved by suspending all three learners involved in the fight. The learners will be subjected to a school disciplinary process,” she said.
Motsumi insisted that incidents of fighting or bullying are not tolerated in schools. She condemned in the strongest terms the incident of bullying or fighting that allegedly happened at the school.
“Fighting among learners is totally not allowed in our schools. Any learner found to have violated the rights of other learners will face the full might of the law. At the beginning of the year, the school management outlines the non-negotiable to the learners.
“Each and every learner is made aware of their rights and the consequences of violating these rights. The School Governing Body (SGB) of the school is expected to invite the learners and their parents to a disciplinary hearing, which is scheduled to take place at the school between 16 -18 February 2026,” said Motsumi.
Picture: Dagga and cash confiscated by police/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
14 February 2026 – On Friday night, two foreign nationals aged 29 from Nigeria and Swaziland respectively, were arrested for possession of suspected illegal substance, including dagga, crystal meth and khat with an estimated street value of R9 600, as well as the confiscation of cash in Wolmaranstad. This comes after residents raised concerns regarding drug-related activities and crime in the area.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the suspects were nabbed Wolmaranstad and Tswelelang Township. Myburgh said the Nigerian suspect was out on R1000 bail for a similar offence at the time of his arrest.
“In a separate incident, a man (36) was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. A R2000 fine was issued to a woman (68) for selling liquor without a valid licence or permit at Tswelelang Township. A R1 000 fine was issued to a Nigerian man (68) for failing to produce a certificate authorising the sale of second-hand goods.
“During stop-and-search operations, dangerous weapons were seized. Various licensed liquor outlets in and around Wolmaranstad were also inspected to verify compliance with liquor licensing regulations. The operation was successfully conducted by members from various units, including the North West Provincial Firearms, Liquor and Second Hand Goods (FLASH), Anti-Gang Unit, Potchefstroom Public Order Policing (POP), Crime Intelligence, and the North West Provincial Tracking Team,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the community for providing valuable information that led to the success of the operation. Naidoo appreciated the courage and cooperation of community members who continue to work closely with the police.
“Crime can only be effectively addressed when communities and law enforcement stand united. Operations such as Shanela will continue to ensure that those involved in criminal activities are brought to book, and to restore a sense of safety in our communities,” he said.
14 February 2026- The National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), advocate Andy Mothibi said it has seen a video that is circulating widely on social media, of an alleged Mkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP) member who brazenly attempted to barge into the NPA head office, apparently looking for a senior official of the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU).
Mothibi said in the video recorded outside the NPA building, he uttered threats designed to intimidate the AFU senior financial investigator for doing his work.
He said the MKP member further threatened to bring a mob to block access to the NPA head office for 14 days or until money is released to “the women of South Africa”. Mothibi added that the NDPP strongly condemns this behaviour and views the tactic as not only unlawful, as it is an attempt to interfere in the work of the NPA, but also as an attack on the rule of law.
“The background to the matter is that two preservation orders to the total amount of over R4 million (R4 193 968.77) were granted by the Pretoria High Court to the AFU in 2024, related to the Growsave Stokvel. The Preservation Orders were in respect of funds held in various bank accounts in the name of Women Against Poverty and Hunger (Pty) Ltd (WAPH) and others.
“The first order was granted on 30 September 2024 for an amount of R4 057 259.00 and the second was granted on 16 October 2024 for R136 709.77. Subsequently, the Pretoria AFU was granted a Forfeiture Order of R136 709.77, including interest accrued by the Pretoria High Court on 19 June 2025,” he said.
Mothibi said on 26 November 2025, the court delivered a judgment setting aside the initial preservation order of R4 057259.00 and directing the release of the frozen accounts. He said the NDPP disputes both the correctness and the legality of that judgment and has filed an application for leave to appeal against the judgment.
“At this stage, the matter is far from concluded, as there are two interlocutory applications pending, namely the application for leave to appeal and an application in terms of section 18(1) read with 18(3) of Superior Courts Act, to determine whether the order directing the release of the frozen accounts should be suspended, pending an appeal.
“AFU received information from the National Consumer Commission (NCC) that WAPH (and/or members associated with it) invited members of the public, via various online media platforms including Facebook, to invest a once-off amount of R300 and receive monthly groceries for 12 months. The R300 payment entitles members to 10kg bags of flour, mealie meal, and rice, as well as a 2-litre cooking oil and 2kg sugar,” said Mothibi.
He said members would receive these items once a month for 12 months, provided the R300 payment was made. Mothibi said a price comparison with different retailers revealed that the total value of these items amounts to R441.87 per month, meaning that WAPH promised groceries worth R5 302.44 for a once-off payment of R300.
“In addition, members were encouraged to recruit new members and could earn cash rewards; for example, recruiting 10 members could yield R1 000. The investigation determined that WAPH conducted a multiplication scheme, prohibited under section 43(3)(2)(a) of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). The NCC calculated that the effective interest rate offered was 1,667.47%, exceeding the repo rate by more than 20%.
“Furthermore, WAPH is not a licensed financial services provider, in contravention of section 7 of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act 37 of 2002 (FAIS Act); and is not licensed to receive deposits from the public, thereby violating the Banks Act,” he said.
Mothibi said the primary objective of these legislative provisions is to protect the public from unscrupulous operators and to prevent them from losing their hard-earned money. He said WAPH is considered such an operator.
“The AFU therefore contends that the funds in the preserved bank accounts constitute proceeds of unlawful activities. It is important for the public to understand that the AFU does not preserve assets randomly. Assets are preserved only when believed to be proceeds of unlawful activities or instrumentalities of offences listed in Schedule 1 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA).
“The AFU submits that WAPH contravened multiple pieces of legislation, thereby placing the public’s money at risk. While asset recovery processes are an important part of the government’s strategy to effectively deal with corruption, they also play a role in protecting unwitting victims of such unlawful money making or investment schemes,” said Mothibi.
He said WAHP and its organisers have not litigated their opposition to AFU asset recovery proceedings in a professional and fair manner, prompting the AFU to complain to the AJP of Gauteng Pretoria Division. Lately they have now resorted to threatening both the AFU and police officials involved in the matter. Mothibi said the intimidation and threats are serious and call for urgent action and a criminal case has been registered with the police.
“The NDPP urges anyone who may have legal issues to raise to do so appropriately by following available legal avenues,” he said.
14 February 2026- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Northern Cape said healthcare cannot be fixed from behind a desk and if health governance is reduced to chasing targets instead of addressing realities in clinics and hospitals, patients will continue to suffer. The DA said this is a warning following this week’s legislature oversight meeting on the Northern Cape Department of Health’s Annual Report, where the newly appointed Head of Department, Oupa Phiri, expressed confidence that performance target achievements will increase from 51% to 70% under his leadership.
DA Northern Cape Provincial Leader and Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Isak Fritz said health is about people and frontline services that save lives. Fritz said the urgent interventions required to stabilise this department cannot be found in improved reporting metrics, but in tangible reforms.
“Appointing and retaining additional healthcare professionals to fill the 1 719 critical occupation posts across the establishment, including the 367 vacancies at Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital, must take priority. The thousands of surgery backlogs, with at least a year-long waiting time, must be attended to.
“Emergency Medical Services must be strengthened and modernised to ensure that there are more than double the 60 operational ambulances available to service our vast province. Repairing infrastructure, like broken air conditioner units, and ensuring availability of necessary equipment and medical and pharmaceutical supplies, by facilitating timeous payment to service providers and suppliers, is also non-negotiable,” he said.
Fritz further said at the same time, the department must address financial controls to ensure that money is astutely managed to enable the above and so that not another cent is mismanaged, lost or stolen. He added that this requires the will to address internal audit recommendations, of which only 19 out of 235 were implemented in the previous financial year.
“It also requires boldness to truly prioritise health necessities above administrative nice-to-haves. With provincial healthcare on its knees, getting this right is what really matters now. The DA will continue to monitor access to healthcare in communities and hold the department accountable at every level.
“The people of the Northern Cape do not need better statistics, they need doctors at their bedsides, ambulances at their doors, medicine on the shelves, and a health system that works,” said Fritz.
The Guardian 