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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
24 Phatwe 2026 – Sepodisi se boloditse dipatlisiso mabapi le loso la mosimanyana wa dingwaga di le 15 wa kwa motseng wa Madipelesa, gaufi le Taung. Se, se tla morago ga magatwe a go teketiwa le go bolawa ga ga Tlhalefo Mokgosi.
Go ya ka tshedimosetso, go begwa fa Mokgosi a ile a teketiwa ke monna wa ga mmakgwebo mongwe teng kwa motseng o. Go begwa fa Mokgosi a ile a utswa dibotlolo tsa ga mmakgwebo o, mme a ya g di rekisa.
Go begwa fa monna wa ga mmakgwebo o, ga mmogo le ditsala tsa gagwe, ba ne ba tswa letsholo le go batlana le Mokgosi.
Go begwa fa ba ile ba mo teketa go utlwala.
Fela sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are go begwa fa Mokgosi a ne a kaya fa a opiwa ke tlhogo, mme ba lelapa la gagwe ba mo rwalela kwa bookelong jwa selegae. Van Rooyen are baooki ba ile ba kaya fa Mokgosi a na le dikgobalo tse di tseneletseng mo tlhogong.
“Go begwa fa Mokgosi a sa tlhalosa gore o bone jang dikgobalo tseo. Jaanong, diteko tsa morago ga loso di tla shupa gore Mokgosi o bone jang dikgobalo tseo. Dipatlisiso tsa sepodisi di tsweletse mo kgetsing e, mme ga go ope o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
Picture: Some of dagga seized by the police/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
24 August 2026 – Four suspects aged between 20 and 26, were arrested for dealing in dagga. This comes after the police received a tip-off at approximately 10:45pm, and followed up on the information.
The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the police proceeded to a residence in Commercial Street, Fraserburg. Magerman said upon arrival, they found four suspects allegedly busy packaging dagga into small bankies, suspected to be intended for distribution.
“The police seized dagga with an estimated street value of R6 700. A woman (21) and three men aged between 20 and 26, were arrested for dealing in drugs. The suspects are expected to appear before the Fraserburg Magistrate’s Court on 25 August 2026.
“In an unrelated incident, members of SAPS Port Nolloth discovered hydroponic dagga abandoned in the business area of Port Nolloth on 22 August 2026, at approximately 11am. The hydroponic dagga has an estimated street value of R60 600,” he said.
Magerman further said an enquiry has been opened and police investigations are continuing to determine the circumstances surrounding the abandonment of the drugs and to identify those responsible. He added that the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Namakwa District continues to strengthen its partnership with communities in the fight against crime, in line with the SAPS Reset Agenda, which places emphasis on visible policing, community participation, accountability and responsive policing.
Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, applauded the police for their swift response and importantly, expressed appreciation to the community members who continue to provide valuable information to the police. Andrews said the success of this operation demonstrates the importance of a strong partnership between the SAPS and the communities they serve.
“Community members are our eyes and ears on the ground and information provided by vigilant residents enables the police to respond swiftly and decisively to criminal activities. The fight against drugs requires a collective effort and that the SAPS Reset Agenda reinforces the importance of community-
centred, professional and accountable policing.
“Removing drugs from our communities is not only the responsibility of the police. It requires the active participation of all sectors of society. We encourage residents to continue working with the SAPS and to report suspicious and criminal activities,” he said.
Andrews said together, they can disrupt the drug trade and create safer communities for all. He said the SAPS in Namakwa remains committed to intensifying operations, following up on information and working closely with communities and other stakeholders to prevent and combat crime.
24 August 2026– The residents of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality have expressed overwhelming support for the Water Services Amendment Bill (B24-2025), while calling for effective mechanisms to ensure that the proposed legislation translates into tangible improvements in water and sanitation services. The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation conducted the first of three public participation sessions in the North West at the Depot Hall in Taung, where residents welcomed the Bill, emphasising that its success would ultimately depend on enforced effective implementation.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation, Leon Basson said the participants cautioned against the culture of well-intentioned legislation with poor or no implementation on the ground. Basson said they argued that poor implementation of the Bill diminishes the purpose of legislation and more importantly, denies communities’ constitutional rights to access quality water and sanitation services.
He further said a significant concern raised during the hearing was municipalities’ poor performance in providing reliable, quality water services. Basson added that participants expressed their hope in the Bill that it would lay new foundations of accountability and a culture of performance in the municipalities and of forcing water service providers to deliver on their obligations.
“Participants also welcomed the Bill’s provisions on consequence management for licence holders, stressing that the possibility of sanctions, including the forfeiture of a licence, could lead to water service providers improving their performance and ensuring better service delivery.
“Some community members described the Bill as a direct response to their longstanding concerns and prayers for improved water services. They argued that many of the challenges experienced by communities are rooted in poor governance and management at the municipal level,” he said.
Basson said calls were also made for stronger law enforcement to address alleged corruption within local government. He said participants argued that corrupt practices and poor governance contribute directly to failures in the provision of water services and that those responsible should be held accountable.
“Participants further called for improved communication channels through which residents can report poor or inadequate water services. They argued that effective enforcement of the proposed licensing regime would require communities to be able to provide information to the relevant licensing authorities about service-delivery failures.
“Participants also called for greater transparency, including public access to information on approved licence holders, as a means of strengthening accountability and enabling communities to know which entities are authorised to provide water services and what obligations they are required to fulfil,” said Basson.
He said the proposed enforcement powers of the Minister were also supported by participants, who also argued that the ability of the Minister to intervene where water service providers persistently fail to deliver quality services could help prevent lengthy delays in addressing serious service-delivery failures. Basson said although the public hearing focused on the provisions of the Bill, community members also used the opportunity to bring their immediate water challenges to the attention of the committee.
“In Taung, participants raised concerns about the perceived disconnect between the area’s water resources and the services received by local communities. Some participants told the committee that in spite of the existence of a dam with water in Taung, local communities do not sufficiently benefit from this water resource.
“They alleged that the dam supplies water to other areas. Another major concern was the overreliance on water tankers as a means of addressing water shortages. Participants argued that tanker provision is costly and often irregular, leaving communities without reliable access to water. Concerns were also raised over municipalities purchasing water tankers when, in the view of participants, those resources could be better utilised to address underlying infrastructure and service-delivery challenges,” said Basson.
24 August 2026 – The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Northern Cape delegation commended the provincial departments for the improvements it described as remarkable in implementing infrastructure projects since the last two Provincial Week visits. However, the delegation remains concerned about the persistent implementation gaps in areas, including municipal capacity, financial management and accountability as the central challenges confronting the province.
The Provincial Whip, Patrick Mabilo said while the delegation acknowledged pockets of progress, it highlighted the recurring patterns of contractor failures, project delays, reliance on consultants and inadequate financial management that continue to undermine service delivery and diminish public trust. Mabilo said the Auditor-General highlighted excessive reliance on consultants and R656 million in irregular expenditure across municipalities.
“Nine municipalities remain distressed with 30 of 144 senior management posts vacant. Non-revenue water stands at approximately 45%, resulting in an estimated R2.93 billion annual revenue loss. No water system achieved Blue Drop certification in the 2023 assessment.
“The visit of the delegation to the province was part of the annual Provincial Week of the NCOP – an oversight and public participation programme, to assess progress on previous recommendations and examine the state of service delivery in the Sol Plaatje, Siyancuma and Siyathemba local municipalities,” he said.
Mabilo further said during the visit, the delegation inspected water treatment plants, housing projects and a tiger-eye mining plant. He added that they have seen that the Northern Cape’s principal challenge is not the absence of plans or commitments, but weak implementation and follow-through.
“The effectiveness of the NCOP oversight process will depend on time-bound implementation of recommendations, regular reporting on undertakings and firm consequence management where commitments are not honoured. In the Siyancuma Local Municipality, significant delays plague the 150 low-cost Housing Programme in Griekwastad, Schmidtsdrift, Campbell and Bongani. The project, originally intended to take eight months, has now been running for approximately 24 months, with only 20 of 150 houses completed.
“The municipality has qualified audit opinions for four consecutive years, with R66 million in unauthorised expenditure and approximately R21.256 million in irregular expenditure. The municipality owes approximately R321 million to Eskom and water boards,” said Mabilo.
He said revenue collection sits at approximately 49%, contributing to cash-flow constraints. Mabilo said the Schmidtsdrift Communal Property Association raised serious concerns regarding insufficient post-restitution support, lack of financial and institutional capacity, and poor cooperation from government departments.
“The community also reported severe water shortages and a poor gravel road to Douglas that is used daily by learners. In the Siyathemba Local Municipality, the municipality has received qualified audits for five consecutive years, with R611 million in unfunded budget overspend (dating back to 2011) and R350 million in Eskom debt.
“The stalled housing development in Prieska remains a critical concern. Phase 2 of the project, comprising 200 units, has 61 incomplete houses following contractor default in 2023. The incomplete site has become a hub for vandalism and criminal activities,” he said.
