Author Archives: The Guardian

302 suspects arrested for various crimes

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Picture: Police conducting stop and search/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 August 2026 – The police in the Northern Cape, together with their counterparts from the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster, conducted Operation Shanela II operations across the province from 17 until 23 August 2026. The operations resulted in the arrest of 302 suspects for various crimes.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said operations conducted under the leadership and direction of senior officers at provincial, district and station level, were executed in collaboration with officials from various government departments, including the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, Department of Health, Department of Home Affairs and Department of Social Development.

Litabe said the multi-disciplinary operations were aimed at stamping the authority of the state across all districts of the province and enhancing the safety and security of communities. He further said members conducted searches of 142 premises, 8372 persons and 4238 vehicles, traced wanted suspects, embarked on high-visibility patrols and conducted several roadblocks and Vehicle Control Points.

“The police also closed down 19 unlicensed liquor outlets for non-compliance and conducted compliance inspections at licensed dealers such as bottle stores, taverns and scrapyards. These activities resulted in the arrest of 302 suspects for various offences, including dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, business robbery, murder, attempted murder, common assault, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), burglary at residential and business premises, theft of motor vehicles, driving under the influence of alcohol and contravention of the Immigration Act.

“Detectives across the five districts conducted tracing operations which led to the arrest of 152 wanted suspects for an assortment of offences for which they were evading court appearances. The operations also resulted in the confiscation of hundreds of litres of liquor, cash believed to be the proceeds of crime, stolen copper cables, dangerous weapons and drugs and the recovery of suspected stolen items,” added Litabe.

He said a motor vehicle allegedly hijacked in Kathu on 21 August 2026, was recovered.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the police and participating stakeholders for their dedication and commitment in executing these operations. Otola said through sustained and collaborative operations and the enforcement of the SAPS Reset Agenda, Northern Cape SAPS will continue to disrupt criminal activities, apprehend wanted suspects and ensure that the people of the Northern Cape are and feel safe.

“We further call on communities to continue working with the police and other law enforcement agencies by providing information about criminal activities in their areas,” she said.

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A man who was reported missing found unharmed

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Picture: Isaquias Pedro Veneno

By REGINALD KANYANE

24 August 2026 – Isaquias Pedro Veneno (27) who was reported missing on 15 August 2026, at Olifantshoek Police Station, was found unharmed and reunited with his family in Olifantshoek on 24 August 2026. The police hereby thank the public for their assistance in locating Veneno and reuniting him with his family.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the public is reminded that there is no waiting period to report a person as missing.

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A man found dead next to the road with stabbing wounds

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By OBAKENG MAJE

24 August 2026 – The police in Mothibistad are investigating a case of murder following the discovery of the body of a man (19) alongside the N14 road, near Ganhaai village on 24 August 2026. The police received information from a community member who reported that a body had been found lying next to the road.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Captain Nomvuyo Makoloi said the police in Mothibistad, together with relevant role-players, promptly responded to the scene. Makoloi said upon arrival, the police found the body of a man who had sustained multiple stab wounds.

“The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) attended the scene and declared the victim deceased. It is believed that the deceased is from Kagung. The scene was processed by the relevant forensic services and the deceased’s body was subsequently removed for further examination.

“The motive for the murder is not known at this stage and police investigations are continuing. Anyone who may have information that could assist the police in identifying the perpetrator or determining the circumstances surrounding the murder is urged to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Phenyo Chwene on 082 416 1095,” she said.

Makoloi further said members of the public are assured that all information provided to the police will be treated with the necessary confidentiality.

Meanwhile, the acting John Taolo Gaetsewe District Police, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, urges community members to come forward with any information that could assist police in bringing the perpetrator to justice.

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Warrant of arrest issued against Jub Jub

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Picture: The accused, Molemo Katleho Maarohanye

By AGISANANG SCUFF

24 August 2026 – A warrant of arrest has been issued against media personality, Molemo Katleho Maarohanye, who is affectionately known as Jub Jub. This comes after the Germiston Magistrate’s Court postponed Maarohanye’s case to 7 September 2026.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Magaboke Mohlatlole said the postponement follows the issuing of a warrant of arrest after Maarohanye failed to appear in court due to alleged ill health. Mohlatlole said the warrant was subsequently held over until the next court appearance.

“Maarohanye faces charges of discharging a firearm in a public place and pointing anything likely to lead a person to believe that it is a firearm. The charges arise from an incident involving an e-hailing driver in Edenvale on 14 June 2026.

“During the ensuing investigation, law enforcement officials seized a pellet gun at Maarohanye’s residence. The matter was previously postponed to allow for the completion of further investigations. The NPA confirms that the state is ready to proceed with the prosecution and remains committed to ensuring that the matter is dealt with fairly and in accordance with the law,” she said.

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Stuart Scharnick’s firearm related case postponed

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Picture: The accused, Stuart Scharnick

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 August 2026 – The accused, Stuart Scharnick (40) briefly appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on charges relating to alleged contraventions of the Firearms Control Act. The matter was postponed to 1 September 2026, for a formal bail application and the accused remains in custody.

Scharnick faces charges arising from an investigation conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS) relating to compliance with firearm storage and registration requirements. It is alleged that police officials sought to conduct an inspection of the accused’s firearms and visited his residential address in Douglasdale.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Magaboke Mohlatlole said upon arriving at the address, they were unable to locate him and subsequently discovered that he had relocated to another residence without notifying the Central Firearms Registry of his change of address as required by law. Mohlatlole said the police then proceeded to the accused’s new residence, which belongs to his partner.

“During the inspection, officers allegedly found that one of his firearms was not stored in a prescribed safe, contrary to the requirements of the Firearms Control Act. The case was postponed to 1 September 2026, for a formal bail application.

“Scharnick remains in custody pending his next court appearance. The NPA remains committed to ensuring that matters involving alleged firearms-related offences are prosecuted fairly, efficiently, and in accordance with the law. Compliance with firearm control legislation is essential to promoting public safety and accountability among firearm owners,” she said.

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A man sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his girlfriend

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 August 2026 – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has secured a life imprisonment sentence in the Pretoria High Court against Retshidisotswe Khumisi (27) of Khutsong for the premeditated murder of his girlfriend, Ntsoaki Annah Hobson. The NPA said the sentence reaffirms its unwavering commitment to combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes against women are held accountable.

The NPA regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said during the early hours of 2 March 2025, an argument broke out between Khumisi and Hobson. Mahanjana said during the altercation, Khumisi repeatedly stabbed the deceased in the neck before fleeing the scene.

“Later that day, he handed himself over to the police. He has remained in custody since his arrest after the NPA successfully opposed his bail application. Khumisi pleaded not guilty to the charge and denied committing the offence.

“However, the state prosecutor Advocate Michael Shivuri presented compelling evidence that proved his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, resulting in his conviction for premeditated murder. During sentencing proceedings, Khumisi requested the court to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.

“He submitted that although he had a previous conviction for possession of suspected stolen property, he should be regarded as a first-time offender in respect of violent crimes. He further relied on his personal circumstances, including having three minor children who depend on him, the period he had already spent in custody and his consumption of alcohol before the commission of the offence,” she said.

Shivuri argued that the accused had been convicted of a serious offence that remains prevalent in South Africa and that he had shown no remorse for his actions.  He further submitted that Khumisi had abused a position of trust as the deceased’s partner and the father of one of her children.

“The devastating impact of the crime on the deceased’s family, noting that the accused had robbed the children of their mother and through his imprisonment, deprived them of their father’s presence. The offence had caused lasting psychological harm to the deceased’s mother.

“We have also placed before the court a Victim Impact Statement facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Kgomotso Lodi. In the statement, the deceased’s mother described how the loss of her daughter had profoundly affected her life and explained that she had never been the same since discovering her daughter’s lifeless body,” he said.

In delivering the sentence, Judge Jacobus Johannes Strijdom agreed with the state that the accused had shown no remorse and that the offence was extremely serious. Strijdom said the court noted that violent crime in South Africa has reached alarming levels and that those who commit such offences must face the full consequences of the law.

“The court further found that the deceased’s death had a devastating impact on her family and recognised that her life had significant value. We observed that the offence was committed in the family’s home, a place where the deceased was entitled to feel safe with her children.

“Instead, the accused violated that trust and subjected her to fatal violence. Accordingly, the court found that no substantial and compelling circumstances existed to justify a lesser sentence and imposed the prescribed sentence of life imprisonment,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mahanjana said the NPA welcomes the sentence and believes it sends a strong message that GBV and crimes committed against women and children will not be tolerated. She added that the authority remains committed to prosecuting such offences without fear, favour, or prejudice and to securing justice for victims and their families.

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A man accused of murder remanded in custody

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

24 August 2026 – A man (51) who was arrested for murder remanded in custody until 4 September 2026, for formal bail application. The accused, Thabang Jan Monouna, briefly appeared before the Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court today.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said the police in Bloemhof are investigating a case of murder following the fatal attack on a woman (89) at her residence on 21 August 2026. Skalkie said the victim’s son went to his mother’s house to check on her.

“Upon arrival, he found an unknown man inside the house in the kitchen. The man allegedly told the son that he was working for his mother. When asked about his mother’s whereabouts, the man allegedly claimed that she had gone to visit neighbours.

“The son went to the neighbours to look for her, but they informed him that she was not there. In the meantime, the unknown man left the premises. The son returned to the house and continued searching for his mother,” she said.

Skalkie further said the son subsequently proceeded to a backroom, where he found her with multiple serious injuries. She added that, the son immediately contacted an ambulance, and the victim was transported to a local medical facility for treatment.

“She was later transferred to a hospital in Vryburg, where she subsequently succumbed to her injuries.

“A man was traced and arrested shortly after the incident with the assistance of community members. He was charged with murder,” said Skalkie.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, applauded the police for their swift response and the prompt arrest of the suspect. Adams said his sincere sympathy with the family and friends of the victim.

“I will ensure that the perpetrator of the senseless killing of a vulnerable, elderly person feel the full might of the law as a result of his callous deed.

“The cooperation of the community contributes immensely to the prevention and solving of crime,” he said.

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Afrika Mayibuye Movement visits Barolong Boora-Tshidi

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Picture: Afrika Mayibuye Movement delegation visits Barolong Boora-Tshidi Tribal Authority/Supplied 

By AGISANANG SCUFF

24 August 2026 – The Deputy President, Thato wa Magogodi of the Afrika Mayibuye Movement led a delegation of Afrika Mayibuye Movement to meet the paramount chief of the Barolong Boora Tshidi, Jeffrey Kgotleng Montshioa in Mahikeng. Magogodi said the purpose was to introduce the movement to the traditional authority of the Barolong Boo-Ratshidi as a 21st Century Liberation Movement, concerned about the future of this country.

He further said the movement articulated its policies to the delegation of Montshioa and how it wants to cooperate with the traditional leadership system in South Africa, which has been undermined for the past 31 years by the current government. Magogodi added that the movement also articulated its general views on local governance and its stance on anti-corruption, amongst other issues.

“The movement also articulated its policy on land which was a source of concern to the traditional authorities across the country including the one led by Montshioa. Montshioa was very clear that as a traditional authority they are non-partisan, but fortunately their vote is their secret because they know what this country needs to be corrected

“Both entities agreed to stay in contact, for future cooperation within the confines of the neutrality of the authority and the interventions of the Afrika Mayibuye Movement. The meeting was cordial and both delegations exchanged pleasantries within protocol,” he said.

Magogodi said both Montshioa and the delegation of Afrika Mayibuye agreed the meeting pointed out the majority of matters of common interest and thus opened doors for future meetings.

Montshioa also raised frustrations about the Barolong land claim which has been dragging on for years after it was lodged.

“The claim is about the land where Mega City and residential areas are located. This area used to be a grazing land and maize plantation for our people, it was taken over by the previous government without any compensation,” he said.

In his response, Magogodi pledged to support the tribal office.

“As a child who grew up here, I know the story quite well, from the time the Bantustan regime stole your land to the time the complaint was registered, it is typical of the ANC government. Afrika Mayibuye also felt honoured to have been invited to the Barolong Boo Ratshidi to celebrate 25 years under Kgosi Jeff Montshioa. The organization also pledged to raise funds for the event,” he said.

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COGHSTA commended on progress on Tshunyane housing project

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Picture: NCOP members during project oversight visit/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO  

24 August 2026 – Members of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) have commended the North West Department of Human Settlements for the progress made on the Tshunyane Housing project during an oversight visit on Tuesday as part of the NCOP Provincial Week. In 2010, the department appointed two contractors to construct 250 units across several villages around Mahikeng.

The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said 40 of these houses were allocated to Tshunyane village, however, both contractors breached their contract terms by abandoning the site before completing the work. Molapisi said in 2022/2023, the department subsequently enlisted the services of the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) to conduct structural integrity assessments of all incomplete and blocked projects.

“The assessments were aimed at determining the extent of the outstanding work and to advise the department on appropriate remedial action. NHBRC recommended that all incomplete structures be demolished, including those in Tshunyane, as the structures had been exposed to adverse weather conditions for an extended period.

“The department appointed a contractor in January 2026 to demolish 38 foundations and 2 wall plates in Tshunyane village, at a cost of R799 200 00. The demolition process has already commenced and the contractor has started laying the foundations. The contract for construction is R8.7 million, with the project expected to be completed by the end of November 2026,” he said.

Molapisi further said the department will conduct an investigation with the intention of recovering funds from the previous contractors and implementing consequence management against the officials involved. He added that during the oversight visit, the department committed to providing members of the NCOP with regular progress reports on the Tshunyane housing project.

“We would like to assure the members of the NCOP that the department would closely monitor the project and submit regular reports to the NCOP until its completion. The department would also provide support to the contractor to ensure that the project is completed on time for the benefit of the community,” said Molapisi.

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Partnership with business sharpens its focus on faster inclusive growth

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 August 2026 – The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said last week, they launched the third phase of the partnership between government and business to drive faster inclusive economic growth and create jobs. Ramaphosa said this partnership is but one example of the collaborative initiatives that the government has with social partners such as labour, business and civil society.

He further said over the last few years, they have forged partnerships across society to tackle a number of economic and social challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) to reviving and building key industries. Ramaphosa added that when they established the government-business partnership in 2023, the country faced severe crises that threatened economic progress.

“Load shedding, freight logistics constraints and persistent security challenges weighed heavily on businesses, workers and households alike. We recognised that while the state must set policy, regulate and deliver public goods, the expertise and resources of the private sector are critical if we are to build a resilient economy.

“Together, we resolved to address our nation’s most binding economic constraints. While the first two phases of the partnership were about stabilisation and structural reform, the third phase focuses on areas of the economy that can stimulate greater growth and job creation,” he said.

Ramaphosa said when they started, their immediate objective was to respond to the crises in electricity and logistics. He said they brought on board private sector capabilities through the National Energy Crisis Committee and undertook joint efforts in freight transport to halt the decline in these critical network industries.

“We mobilised support from business for the structural reforms that the government had embarked on and drew on its resources to build institutional capacity in the state. This work, together with the efforts of the relevant government departments and public entities, has helped us to achieve more than 400 days without load shedding.

“This has been possible thanks to a remarkable turnaround in generation led by Eskom, a rapid expansion in private generation capacity and significant progress toward a competitive electricity market. Operational performance at key ports has been strengthened through strategic partnerships and freight rail corridors have now been opened to private operators,” said Ramaphosa.

He said the partnership has also contributed to South Africa’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list, prompting credit rating agencies to upgrade their outlooks and ratings for the country. Ramaphosa said these are real outcomes that demonstrate that social partnerships are more than meetings and presentations.

“They are practical, delivery-focused mechanisms that achieve measurable results. While the work done to date has laid a firm foundation, our growth rate remains too low to absorb the millions of South Africans seeking work.

“With around 8.5 million unemployed citizens by the official rate and roughly 300,000 net new work-seekers entering the labour force each year, we must accelerate our pace. The third phase of the partnership sets a clear target of lifting South Africa’s GDP growth above 3% a year and contributing toward the creation of one million new jobs by 2030,” he said. 

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