Author Archives: The Guardian

Drugs worth R16m confiscated, two suspects nabbed  

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Picture: Drugs worth R16.4 million confiscated/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

12 January 2026- Swift cooperation between the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Free State and Northern Cape provinces has led to the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of a substantial quantity of drugs. On 9 January 2026, police in the Free State alerted their counterparts in the Pixley ka Seme District in the Northern Cape about suspected drug trafficking along the N9 road, near Colesberg.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said at approximately 2:55pm, a multi-disciplinary team comprising members from Colesberg SAPS, Kuyasa SAPS, Highway Patrol, and Detectives operationalised the information and successfully intercepted the identified vehicle on the N9 road, approximately 10km, outside Colesberg in the direction of Noupoort. Ehlers said the gold Toyota Fortuner was stopped and searched, resulting in the seizure of mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R16.4 million.

“Two suspects aged 46 and 59 were arrested on charges of dealing in drugs. In addition, a firearm, ammunition, and the vehicle believed to have been used in the commission of the crime were confiscated,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Pixley ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, commended the police for their swift response and for removing dangerous drugs from the streets. Mtukushe further assured the community that the police will continue to enforce a zero-tolerance approach towards drug trafficking, particularly along national routes.

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Two suspects nabbed for being in possession of sheep carcasses

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Picture: Sheep carcasses seized by the police/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

12 January 2026- Two men aged between 28 and 36 were arrested for suspected theft of livestock by the vigilance and swift response of the police in Philipstown. On 11 January 2026, the police received a tip-off regarding two individuals who were reportedly seen selling meat in the vicinity of Lukhanyisweni, Philipstown.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said information was followed up and the two suspects were found to be in possession of sheep carcasses and were not able to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding ownership of the meat. Pilane said they were both arrested and charged for stock theft and are expected to appear to the Philipstown Magistrate’s Court soon.

“The investigation continues. The SAPS in Pixley Ka Seme District, encourages members of the public to refrain from buying meat from unauthorized sellers. Suspicious criminal behaviour should be reported through the MYSAPS App, or 08600 10111 crime stop number,” he said.

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Police warn motorists to be vigilante on N14 road near Kagung

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Picture: The construction signs on N14 road in Kagung village, near Kuruman/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

12 January 2026- The police in Mothibistad urge motorists who intend traveling either during the early hours of the morning or late at night to be alert and vigilant. This warning comes after an incident during the early hours of Saturday, 10 January 2026 at approximately 3am.

The Vispol Commander, Captain Nomvuyo Makoloi said while the police were conducting Blue Light Patrol along the N14 road in Kagung village, near Kuruman, they encountered road construction signs placed in the road suspected to have been set up by alleged criminals. Makoloi said the signs and equipment erected resembled a stop-and-go point and is intended to have motorists stop at the so-called stop-and-go after which the occupants are attacked with stones and robbed of their belongings.

“The police immediately removed the obstruction and reopened the road. However, no suspects were found at the scene. The police are urging the public to be alert and vigilant and exercise caution, especially during late-night and early-morning travels and report any suspicious road blockages or activities immediately to the relevant authorities.

“At this time, no incidents have been officially reported,” she said.

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A man nabbed for assaulting his girlfriend and selling drugs

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Picture: Some of bank cards and IDs confiscated/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

12 January 2026- A man (30) was arrested in Fraserburg following swift action by police who were conducting visible policing actions during the early hours on 10 January 2026. The police were approached by a complainant at approximately 3:30am, who alleged that her boyfriend had assaulted her and was allegedly selling drugs at a residence in Asla, Fraserburg.

The Namakwa police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said acting on the tip-off, the police proceeded to the address. Magerman said upon arrival, the suspect attempted to flee, but was apprehended.

“A search of the premises led to the discovery of four plastic bags containing dagga with an estimated street value of R8 000, as well as one small transparent plastic bag containing a white substance suspected to be tik.

“The suspect was arrested on charges relating to drug possession and assault,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Colonel Moses Lekgwati, commended the police involved for their vigilance and professionalism.  Lekgwati reiterated that the police will not tolerate drug activities within the Namakwa District and that decisive action will continue to be taken against those who threaten the safety and well-being of communities.

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A man nabbed for cultivating cannabis

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Picture: Cannabis confiscated by the police/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

12 January 2026- A man (33) was arrested on 10 January 2026, at approximately 11:30am at Plot 202, Klipfontein, for the cultivation of cannabis (dagga) plants. Members of Relief D were conducting crime prevention duties in Klipfontein when they observed a number of dagga plants being cultivated at the residence of the suspect.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said upon approaching the property owner and conducting a further investigation, the police discovered and confiscated 28 dagga plants. Magerman said the suspect was arrested on the scene and is expected to appear before court soon on charges related to drug cultivation.

Meanwhile, the acting Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Colonel Moses Lekgwati, commended the police for their vigilance and proactive policing.

“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to keeping our communities safe. The police urge community members to report any suspicious drug-related activities to their nearest police station or contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or alternatively via the MySAPS App.

“Information received will be treated confidentially,” he said.

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973 suspects arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela 2

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Picture: The police conduct a search during Operation Shanela II/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

12 January 2026- The police said as the festive season winds down, the intensified police operations remain in place across the Northern Cape to ensure continued safety and stability through the execution of Operation Shanela 2 and Safer Festive Season operations. The police said senior managers both at provincial and district level, led the high density operations in collaboration with relevant stakeholders from 5 until 11 January 2026, which resulted in the arrest of 973 perpetrators.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the police in collaboration with law enforcement agencies implemented a comprehensive crime prevention strategy, to curb crime across all five districts through intelligence-driven and targeted disruptive actions. Ehlers said actions included stop and search actions, Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), roadblocks, and high visibility patrols.

“Focus remains on road safety, especially as travellers return home after the holiday season. Road safety actions, which remain a critical focus area, led to the arrest of five perpetrators for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“A total of 22 883 individuals and 8 883 vehicles were stopped and thoroughly searched, including the searching of numerous premises. Compliance inspections were conducted at several second-hand goods dealers and liquor premises as well as formal and informal businesses, farms and scrapyards,” she said.

Ehlers further said these inspections led to the closing of 18 unlicensed liquor premises for non-compliance violations. She added concoctions and liquor were confiscated during these actions.

“Excessive alcohol consumption remains a concern, as it often leads to the commission of contact crimes and other serious and violent crimes. Perpetrators were arrested for various crimes, including drug related offences, burglary, murder, rape, attempted murder and assault Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). 

“Detectives conducted over 20 tracing operations to track down and apprehend offenders who have been evading the law for an array of offences. During the execution of the operations, police confiscated a substantial amount of alcohol, drugs, dangerous weapons, copper cables and fireworks. This included the seizure of a consignment of mandrax tablets with an estimated value of R16.4 million on the N9 road, near Colesberg,” she said.

Ehlers said the ongoing community engagements and awareness programmes focusing on prevailing crime tendencies were held in conjunction with community policing structures and government departments. She said the police in Northern Cape will continue to conduct targeted operations across the province to restore stability and combat criminal activities in identified hotspot areas in collaboration with stakeholders and the community.

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A man nabbed for possession of tik worth R50 000

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Picture: The drugs seized by the police/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

12 January 2026- A man (41) was arrested following the seizure of methamphetamine (tik) with an estimated street value of R50 000. The arrest occurred during the early hours of Saturday, 11 January 2026 at a residence in Calvinia.

The Namakwa police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said acting on a tip-off received from the community regarding drugs allegedly being transported from Vredendal, police conducted a targeted operation. Magerman said a blue motor vehicle suspected to be conveying the illicit substances was identified and stopped.

“The vehicle was thoroughly searched resulting in the discovery of tik concealed in the vehicle. The suspect was subsequently arrested and the drugs were seized as evidence. The police remain resolute in its commitment to combating drug-related crimes in the Northern Cape and continues to act decisively on information received from the public,” he said.

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North West Department of Public Works and Roads fills senior positions

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Picture: North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

9 January 2026- Following the Departmental Management Committee meeting held in December 2025, the North West Department of Public Works and Roads said it is pleased to announce the appointment of new managers at its Head Office and three of the Districts. The department said these appointments reflect its commitment to strengthening leadership and supporting the continued growth of the organization.

The North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua said: “Jabulani Mathabela was appointed as the Chief Director Immovable Asset Management, Keyanao Morena was appointed as the Director in Bojanala District, Sihle Tshabangu was appointed as the Director in Ngaka Modiri Molema, while Kantseng Menoe was appointed as the Director Planning and Information (CD- Immovable Asset Management).

“Charlotte Tsimane was appointed as the Director in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, Itumeleng Mokwena was appointed as the Director for Legal Services, while Aubrey Motsurupe was appointed as the Director for Communication (seconded as Director in the MEC’s Office).”

Mokua further said Olebile Mokolobate was appointed as the Director of Financial Management. She added that, Mmoni More was appointed as acting Director for Education Infrastructure Construction, Maintenance & Technical Portfolio (Head Office: Building Infrastructure).

“Ogotlhe Sebitloane was appointed as an acting Director for Supply Chain Management. Each of the newly-appointed managers brings valuable experience and dedication to their role. We are confident they will contribute significantly to the success of the department and to the teams they will be leading.

“Please join us to congratulate them on their new responsibilities and wishing them support and success in their positions,” she said.

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Radio presenter in court for allegedly raping his fellow colleague

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Picture: Moutse Community Radio Station presenter, Kgaogelo Raymond Mokgabudi/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

9 January 2026- Moutse Community Radio Station presenter, Kgaogelo Raymond Mokgabudi (42) who is affectionately known as Spoko and a co-host of Nambaskhambe Breakfast Show, briefly appeared at Moutse Magistrate’s Court in Sempupuru, Dennilton on 8 January 2026, facing a charge of rape. Mokgabudi was arrested on 30 December 2025, after he was accused of raping his fellow colleague.

He was granted a R2 000 bail and the case was postponed to 16 March 2026.

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EFF condemns the killing of community activist

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Picture: The deceased, Sophy Ntsimane

By REGINALD KANYANE

9 January 2026- The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the North West said it notes the arrest of Othusitse Rajane for the alleged brutal murder of his girlfriend, Sophy Ntsimane. According to the EFF, Rajane will appear before the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court for a formal bail hearing on 13 January 2026.

The EFF provincial spokesperson, Fanon Moema said Rajane is accused of stabbing his girlfriend to death in Lichtenburg. Moema said the cold-hearted murder of Ntsimane, which left the community grieving, is proof that the phenomenon of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is on rise which sees women being brutally murdered by the very people who are supposed to shower them with love.

“This horrific and heinous acts of crime points to the persistent patriarchal relations, not only in the community in general, but also at home(s). The EFF sends its sincere condolences to the family, loved ones and community of Ntsimane, who was a well-known community activist.

“Our GBV Desk will be preparing the ground ahead of the bail hearing to ensure that residents, activists and religious organisations attend court and monitor proceedings on the 13 January 2026, Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court,” he said.

Moema further said they will support the family in this difficult time. He added that they call on all law enforcement agencies not to sleep on the job.  “We further call on the National Prosecuting Agency (NPA) to oppose bail and send a strong message that no perpetrator of  femicide, infanticide, rape, abuse and GBV must enjoy impunity,” said Moema.

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