Author Archives: The Guardian

Medicare 24 corruption case postponed

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Picture: The accused in Medicare 24 corruption case

By OBAKENG MAJE

29 September 2026 – The Pretoria Regional Court has postponed the R228 million Medicare 24 Tshwane District corruption case involving Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and 15 co-accused to 17 November 2026.

The postponement will allow the Review Panel to complete its assessment of the validity of the charges against the accused and enable the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) to issue an instruction on the way forward.

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the review forms part of the IDAC Reset Project, which involves the assessment of cases by a panel of senior prosecutors from the NPA and senior attorneys from the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). Mamothame said the process is undertaken to ensure that all prescripts of the law were followed and to assess if the evidence contained meets the minimum threshold for convictions

He said the accused face corruption charges arising from the alleged irregular awarding of a contract valued at approximately R228 million to Medicare 24 Tshwane District, a company owned by Matlala. Mamothame said the Review Panel is tasked with determining whether the legal requirements were followed and whether the evidence meets the threshold required to proceed with the prosecution.

Mamothame further said the NPA, through IDAC, remained committed to ensuring that all legal prescripts were adhered to in efforts to hold those responsible for corruption accountable. He added that the matter is expected to return to the Pretoria Regional Court on 17 November 2026.

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A parolee linked to multiple burglary cases arrested

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By STAFF REPORTER

29 September 2026 – The Swartruggens detectives have arrested a parolee, Orapeleng Modikela (22), who has been linked to nine burglary cases and one case of assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). The suspect was identified following an analysis of case dockets after police noted an increase in house and business burglary cases in the Swartruggens area.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said the detectives identified similarities in the modus operandi used in several of the cases. Skalkie said the investigation led detectives to revisit a list of parolees in the area, where Modikela was identified as a person of interest.

“He had previously been arrested for a series of housebreaking cases and sentenced to two years imprisonment. The increase in housebreaking cases occurred shortly after his release on parole. During a tracing operation on 27 August 2026, detectives, assisted by community members, traced Modikela and brought him to the police station for questioning.

“He was subsequently linked to the identified cases, while some of the allegedly stolen property was recovered in his possession. Modikela appeared before the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court on 28 August 2026. The cases were enrolled and he was remanded in custody until 14 October 2026,” she said.

Skalkie further said the possibility of additional charges cannot be ruled out, pending the outcome of fingerprint analysis. She added that all relevant case dockets have also been centralised.

Skalkie said the arrest followed detailed investigative work by detectives who identified links between the cases. She said this arrest demonstrates the importance of thorough investigation, proper analysis of case dockets and cooperation between the police and the community.

“Detectives followed the available leads and successfully linked the suspect to multiple cases. The police would continue pursuing all available investigative leads and ensure that evidence is properly followed up to strengthen the cases before court. The police have appealed to community members to report criminal activities and provide information that could assist with ongoing investigations,” said Skalkie.

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Klerksdorp FCS Unit secures lengthy sentences for rape offenders

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

29 September 2026 – The Klerksdorp Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit has secured a series of convictions and lengthy sentences in four rape cases, reaffirming police efforts to combat gender-based violence. In the first case, Freddy Thobedi (38) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Klerksdorp Regional Court after being convicted of rape.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said the conviction relates to an incident on 16 July 2022, when a victim (27) was seeking transport to Jouberton Township, near Klerksdorp. Skalkie said Thobedi, who was her cousin’s boyfriend, allegedly told her to leave her baby behind before taking her to a house without lights.

“He then threatened her with a knife and raped her. Thobedi received a further 10 years imprisonment after being convicted of a second rape. The incident occurred on 22 September 2021, when a neighbour (39) accompanied him to collect a wheelbarrow. The court heard that he took her to a house in Kanana Extension 14, where he forcefully raped her.

“In a third case, Ishmael Tsholofelo Montsho (34) was sentenced to life imprisonment for rape. The court heard that a victim (29) was asleep with her child (3) at her boyfriend’s place when Montsho allegedly entered the house and climbed into bed with her. She initially believed he was her boyfriend, but realised it was the accused after switching on the light,” she said.

Skalkie further said the three cases were investigated by Detective Sergeant Ramontshiwa Abel Roberts of the Klerksdorp FCS Unit. She added that in the fourth case, Tisetso Matolo (28) was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for rape.

“The court heard that Matolo, the victim’s former boyfriend, forced a woman (21) to accompany him to his residence after she refused to go with him. He allegedly dragged her to the residence and raped her. The case was investigated by Detective Constable Tumisang Lobakeng of the Klerksdorp FCS Unit.

“The courts further ordered the convicted offenders’ names to be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared the offenders unfit to possess firearms in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000. The sentences demonstrate the continued efforts of the police and justice system to ensure that perpetrators of gender-based violence are held accountable,” said Skalkie.

She said the sentences send a strong message that gender-based violence-related crimes will not be tolerated. Skalkie said they commend the investigators, prosecutor Wilna Cordier and all the role-players whose efforts ensured that justice was served.

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3687 suspects nabbed for various offences

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By REGINALD KANYANE

29 September 2026 – The police in North West continue to intensify the fight against crime through Operation Shanela 2, conducted from 14 until 26 September 2026. The multidisciplinary coordinated operations were carried out across the province.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said operations focused on stop-and-search actions and roadblocks, including Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), high-visibility patrols at hotspot areas, and suspect raids. Skalkie said the police inspected 284 liquor outlets, 13 unlicensed liquor premises were closed.

“In addition, a total of 898 premises, 3687 persons and 1374 vehicles were searched. During the suspect raiding operations, the detectives arrested 669 suspects. Other suspects were arrested for various offences including 9 illegal possession of firearms, 2 possession of ammunition and I possession of explosives.

“Fifteen suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs, 17 possession of illegal cigarettes, 58 illegal dealing in liquor and 137 possession of drugs. Twenty two suspects were arrested for robbery, aggravating, 13 for business robbery, two robbery residence, 13 for murder and 9 for rape,” she said.

Skalkie said three suspects were arrested for attempted murder, 194 for assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), 129 for assault common, 39 for burglary of business premises, 33 for burglary of residential premises, 181 for driving under the influence of liquor and 56 for malicious damage to property. She said 154 illegal migrants were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act.

“During the operation, the police confiscated various drugs, tobacco products, liquor, as well as five handguns, two rifles and seven vehicles,” said Skalkie.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, has welcomed the results of the operation and commended the multidisciplinary teams and other crime fighting stakeholders for their continued efforts to fight crime.

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Bafana Bafana coach, Pitso Mosimane applauds Amajita

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Picture: Bafana Bafana coach, Pitso Mosimane/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

29 September 2026 – Bafana Bafana coach, Pitso Mosimane has applauded the South African Under-20 men’s national team after they won back-to-back COSAFA U20 Men’s Championships this past weekend. Amajita coach Raymond Mdaka’s charges beat hosts Mozambique 2-1 in the final of the CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations/COSAFA Qualifier to maintain their dominance in the regional tournament.

Amajita returned to South Africa with an armful of silverware on Monday and were welcomed by South African Football Association (SAFA) president, Dr Danny Jordaan and NEC member, Job Mchunu. The SA U20s have in the process also qualified for the prestigious U20 AFCON.

Mosimane said Mdaka has done very well and the SA Under-20 team’s continuing success means that the South African football programmes are working. He said what they are doing is excellent.

“Congratulations to Mdaka. He has repeatedly taken the team forward, put the team up there and also given us the foundation for the SA Under-23s and to Bafana-Bafana. He said, look at what we have, and what is coming,” he said.

Jordaan further said credit should be given to the players and the technical team after adding more accolades to the trophy cabinet.

“This is a credit to the coach and the wonderful players that we have. They really showed us that they are the best in Southern Africa and now they are going to Ghana 2027,” he added.

South Africa left the tournament without defeat – a repeat of the last edition – winning all their five matches against Lesotho (3-0), Angola (2-0), Eswatini (2-0), Zambia (4-2) and Mozambique (2-1). The regional champions scored 13 and conceded three, leading to Amajita shot stopper, Takalani Mazhamba, to be named the Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

Prolific Amajita marksman Steven Mendes claimed the Top Goal Scorer Award after finishing with six strikes and ahead of Mozambique’s Alirio Cuna, who scored five.

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Alleged serial rapist remanded in custody

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By OBAKENG MAJE

29 September 2026 – A man (38) who has been linked through DNA evidence to multiple rape cases, was arrested. The accused, Joseph Mokgwetsi, who is also known as Papi, was arrested in Vryburg on 23 September 2026, following an intensive multidisciplinary investigation involving the Investigative Psychology Unit (IPU), Mmabatho Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, and Provincial Serial and Electronic Crime Investigation (SECI) Unit.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said the investigation involved the analysis of evidence and links between several cases, with forensic testing ultimately positively connecting Mokgwetsi to the offences under investigation. Skalkie said one of the cases dates back to 2012, when a woman (24) was allegedly approached by an unknown man while walking home from a tavern in Kanana Township, near Orkney.

“She was allegedly dragged to an open space in Vaalpark, assaulted and raped. In another case in 2016, a girl (16) was allegedly raped after she and her friend encountered an unknown man outside a tavern.

“The suspect allegedly asked them to accompany him to an ATM before breaking into a house when it started raining. The girl was allegedly raped in front of her friend and later taken to another house, where she was allegedly raped again,” she said.

Skalkie further said a third case occurred in Huhudi Township, near Vryburg in 2022, where a woman (20) was allegedly raped at a graveside after she followed a suspect who had allegedly grabbed her cell phone, while she was outside a tavern answering a call from her father. She added that Mokgwetsi is also linked to a 2016 rape case in Meadowlands.

“He briefly appeared before the Atamelang Magistrate’s Court on 25 September 2026, and was remanded in custody until 5 October 2026, for a bail application. The DNA breakthrough was the result of collaboration between specialised police units.

“Cases involving sexual offences require thorough, victim-centred investigations. The multidisciplinary team pursued all available leads and used forensic evidence to identify and arrest the suspect linked to these cases,” said Skalkie.

She said the investigation demonstrated the importance of specialised investigative capabilities and cooperation between units in strengthening sexual offence cases and bringing suspects before the courts.

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A driver arrested for business robbery

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Picture: A driver nabbed for business robbery/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

29 September 2026 – A man (48), briefly appeared before the Temba Magistrate’s Court on 25 September 2026, facing charges of business robbery, kidnapping and possession of suspected stolen property. The accused, Pepukai Tsatsi was arrested on 23 September 2026, following a business robbery at premises in Makapanstad at about 10:30am.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said it is alleged that a complainant (33) and two employees were offloading wardrobes at a storeroom when two masked men, one reportedly armed with a firearm, entered the premises. Skalkie said the suspects allegedly demanded the victims’ cell phones and instructed them to remove their shoelaces, which were used to tie their hands.

“They then allegedly searched the storeroom and loaded three deep freezers, one double-door refrigerator and two single-door refrigerators onto a company bakkie. The company driver was allegedly forced to drive the vehicle to nearby bushes, where the stolen property was offloaded.

“He was then instructed to drive towards the Industrial Site, while one suspect remained behind. The driver returned to the business premises and alerted the police, informing them that the suspects and stolen property could possibly still be in the bushes,” she said.

Skalkie further said the police proceeded to the area with the complainant and spotted a white bakkie allegedly transporting the stolen property. She added that the vehicle was pursued and stopped.

“One suspect fled on foot, while Tsatsi, the driver, was arrested. The police recovered some of the allegedly stolen property and the victims’ cell phones. Tsatsi was reportedly unable to provide proof of purchase or a satisfactory explanation for the fridges found in his possession.

“The matter was postponed to 2 October 2026, for a formal bail application and Tsatsi remains in custody. The investigation is continuing, while police are still searching for the suspect who fled the scene,” said Skalkie.

She said the swift response by the police led to the recovery of the stolen property and the arrest of one suspect. Skalkie said the investigation remains ongoing as members continue to pursue the outstanding suspect.

“The police have appealed to anyone with information that could assist in identifying and locating the outstanding suspect to contact Detective Sergeant Donald Mametse on 079 881 9938, the nearest police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be submitted through the MySAPS App.

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A man sentenced to 16 years imprisonment for raping his girlfriend

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

29 September 2026 – A man (48) was sentenced to 16 years imprisonment for rape. This comes after the accused, Thabiso Ivan Tong for rape raped a woman (32) on Thursday night, 24 September 2020, at a townhouse in Wilkoppies, Klerksdorp.

According to the North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie, the complainant, was with Tong, who was her then-boyfriend. Skalkie said the court heard that, Tong became aggressive during an argument and assaulted her before taking her to a bedroom, where he sexually assaulted her.

“The victim sustained injuries and bruising during the incident before the matter was reported to police. Following a thorough investigation by the Klerksdorp FCS Unit, the case was enrolled at the Klerksdorp Sexual Offences Court, where Tong was convicted of rape.

“He was sentenced to 16 years imprisonment on 21 September 2026. The conviction and sentence were the result of the dedicated efforts of the investigating officer and prosecution team. The successful conviction demonstrates the commitment of the Klerksdorp FCS Unit to ensuring that survivors of sexual offences receive justice.

“We commend Detective Sergeant Mpho Portia Mokgosi and senior state prosecutor, Wilna Cordier for their dedication and collaboration in securing this outcome,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams, also welcomed the sentence and commended the investigating officer and prosecutor for their efforts in ensuring that justice was served.

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Police are looking for missing Mantsane Letlaka

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Picture: The missing woman, Mantsane Letlaka/Supplied  

By BAKANG MOKOTO

29 September 2026 – The police in Jouberton Township, near Klerksdorp are appealing to the community for assistance in locating Mantsane Letlaka (22), who has been missing since January 2025. According to the police, Letlaka was last seen by her mother on Thursday evening, 9 January 2025, when she left home with a friend, but never returned.

The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said the police launched a search and conducted extensive investigations, but these have so far yielded no positive results. Morake said it is not known what Letlaka was wearing when she disappeared.

“She is described as light in complexion, approximately 1.6 metres tall, with a medium build and short black braided hair. We urge anyone with information that could assist in locating Letlaka to come forward.

“The police are appealing to anyone who may have information regarding Letlaka’s whereabouts to contact the investigating officer. Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could assist investigators in tracing her,” she said.  

Morake further said anyone with information can contact Investigating Officer Constable Donovan Craucamp on 084 201 3500 or 018 465 9342. She added that information can also be provided at the nearest police station or through Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

“Anonymous tip-offs can be submitted through the MySAPS App,” said Morake.

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Four accused in court over alleged fraudulent lease agreement

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Picture: Four accused, Vusumuzi Matlala, his wife Tsakani Matlala, Claudette Masethe and Given Makofane/Supplied

By STAFF REPORTER

29 September 2026 – Four people have appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court in connection with an alleged fraudulent lease agreement involving a property in Waterkloof Heights. The accused, Vusumuzi Matlala (50), his wife Tsakani Matlala (38), Claudette Masethe (31) and Given Makofane (46), are facing two counts of fraud, two counts of uttering and forgery.

Matlala faces an additional charge of contravening the Identification Act.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka   Mahanjana alleged that during January 2025, the four accused acted with a common purpose by falsifying documents to secure a lease agreement for the Pretoria property through a real estate agent. Mahanjana further alleged that between 13 and 21 January 2025, Matlala unlawfully possessed an identity document issued in the name of Vusumuzi Dlamini, purporting to be associated with the Eswatini Royal House in an attempt to obtain the lease.

“Matlala elected not to bring a bail application at this stage. The state intends to oppose his bail application, which is scheduled to be heard on 14 and 15 October 2026. The state did not oppose bail for the other three accused, who were each released on R20 000 bail.

“Their bail conditions include that they may not contact state witnesses, must report to their nearest police station, must surrender their passports to the investigating officer and must inform the investigating officer, if they intend travelling outside the province,” she said.

Mahanjana added that the matter against Tsakani Matlala, Masethe and Makofane was postponed to 29 October 2026, for further investigation.

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