Author Archives: The Guardian

NWU FC unveils new kit and squad ahead of NFD debut

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Picture: NWU FC kits and players unveiling

By AGISANANG SCUFF 

19 August 2026 – The North West University (NWU) has officially unveiled the new NWU FC playing kit and announced its squad for the 2026/2027 Motsepe Foundation Championship season, marking a historic new chapter in the University’s sporting journey. The unveiling and squad announcement took place at an event attended by senior university leaders, government representatives, football administrators, sports leaders and other stakeholders who gathered to celebrate NWU FC’s transition into professional football. 

The occasion follows the NWU Eagles’ successful promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship after a remarkable campaign in Mthatha, where the team secured its place in South Africa’s professional football ranks. The event was formally opened by NWU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr Joe Molete, while the purpose of the occasion was outlined by the Executive Director for Corporate Relations Marketing and Sports and Chairperson of Eagles Sporting Excellence (Pty) Ltd, Clement Manoko. 

The programme brought together prominent representatives from the University, government and the sporting fraternity, including North West Provincial Sports Confederation President Mr Thebe Sekoto, Executive Mayor of Mahikeng Local Municipality Cllr Tshepiso Mphehlo, North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation Mr Wessels Morweng, and NWU Council Deputy Chairperson Pastor Piet Tlhabanyane. The programme also included the official NWU FC team announcement for the 2026/2027 National First Division season, as well as messages of support from key stakeholders. 

Delivering the keynote address and officially unveiling the new kit, NWU principal and vice-chancellor, Professor Bismark Tyobeka described the occasion as more than a sporting event, saying it represented a new chapter for the University and the province. 

“Today, we are not only unveiling a football kit. We are unveiling a new chapter in the history of the North-West University and the province at large. NWU FC’s promotion was the result of years of deliberate investment in student-athletes, discipline and belief in sporting potential. 

“The NWU Soccer Institute, established in 2007, has progressively created a pathway linking sporting talent with academic development and professional opportunity. Over the past three years, 109 players have participated in the programme, with nine progressing into professional football,” he said. 

Tyobeka further said the programme’s achievements include Varsity Football Championship success in 2019, ABC Motsepe provincial championship titles in 2022 and 2026, culminating in promotion to the National First Division. He added that the University has also seen its football programme receive individual and team recognition, including Team of the Year, Coach of the Year and Player of the Year accolades.

“The move into the Motsepe Foundation Championship represents an important transition for NWU FC. Professional football requires the University and its football structures to operate at a higher level of governance, compliance and operational excellence. 

“We have crossed from university and amateur competition into a professional league environment. That requires a corresponding shift in how we govern, manage and support this team. Professional football demands stronger governance, compliance, infrastructure, financial discipline and operational excellence,” said Tyobeka. 

He said the promotion of NWU FC carries significance beyond the football pitch, strengthening the University’s visibility, creating opportunities for partnerships and bringing the institution closer to communities. Tyobeka emphasised that sport is an important part of the NWU value proposition, contributing to discipline, leadership, resilience and character while creating opportunities for talented young people. 

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Setlhopa sa Cameroon FC se ikgapela tonamente 

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Setshwantsho: Setlhopa sa Cameroon FC se ikgapela sejana

Ka REGINALD KANYANE 

18 Phatwe 2026 – Barulaganyi ba tonamente ya kgwele ya dinao e e neng e tshwaretswe kwa lebaleng la Mighty Boys FC kwa motseng wa Manthe, gaufi le Taung, ba re ba itumeletse thologelo e ba e boneng. Barulaganyi ba, ba ne ba tshwere tonamente ya ditlhopa di le robedi ya matsatsi a le mabedi. 

Mongwe wa barulaganyi, Charlie Ramonnye are balatedi ba kgwele ya dinao ba iponetse lobebe lwa kgwele ya dinao. Ramonnye are thologelo e ne e usa pelo, mme e tla rotloetsa batshameki go godisa talente ya bone. 

“Ke rata go leboga baagi botlhe ka bophara ba ba nnileng karolo mo tonamente e. Ntle le bone, re ka be re sa kgona go nna le tonamente e e atlegileng jaana. Ntlhakgolo ya tonamente e, ke go gopola bomme, gonne ke kgwedi ya bone e. Ntle le bomme ga gona tswelelo-pele. 

“Ke ka moo re batlang go romela molaetsa go bomme botlhe gore ba itse fa ba le botlhokwa ebile ra ba rata. Gape, re ikuela go borre go ka emisa ka tshotlakako go bomme le bana. Re kopa bomme botlhe ba ba itemogelang tshotlakako, ba buele kwa ntle gore ba thusiwe,” Ramonnye wa tlhalosa. 

Ramonnye gape o lebogile ditlhopa tsotlhe tse di neng di tshotse karolo mo tonamenteng e. Are setlhopa se se fentseng tonamente e, sa Cameroon FC sa kwa motsesetoropong wa kwa Pudimoe, se ikgapetse mausa-usa a diranta a lekana le R20 000, ga mmogo le dimetale tsa gauta di le 20. 

“Seo se akaretsa le sejana. Setlhopa se se latlhegetsweng kwa makgaola-kgannyeng sa Lovely Movers FC, se ikgapetse R10 000 le dimetale tsa selefera di le 20. Re itumeletse thologelo le bannaleseabe ka kakaretso. 

“Ke ikuela go balatedi ba kgwele ya dinao go netefatsa fa ba nna teng gape mo ngwageng o tlang,” Ramonnye wa tlhalosa. 

Motsamaisi wa setlhopa se se fentseng tonamente sa Cameroon FC, William Galetlhobogwe are: “Re motlotlo go tsholetsa sejana se, mme re leboga thata gore re be re fitlheletse mo re fitlheletseng teng morago ga matsapa. Tonamente e tsamaile sentle le fa re ne re sa itumelela ka mokgwa o moletsaphala a neng a tsamaisa motshameko wa rona ka teng letsatsi pele ga le. 

“Re nagana gore go na le fa a neng a re gatelela gone. Fela rona re ditau, re ile ra lwana go fitlha kwa makgaolakgannyeng le go a fenya.” 

Mokatisi wa setlhopa se se latlhegetsweng kwa makgaola-kgannyeng sa Lovely Movers FC, Jacob Tshilo are o ne a sa tla ka batshameki ba gagwe ba ba feletseng. Fela Tshilo are ba ne ba tshameka le setlhopa se se popota. 

“Basimanyana ba tshamikile ebile ke rona ba re neng re sireletsa sejana se. Re ne re tshameka le setlhopa se se popotsa, mme re tla leka gape mo ngwageng o tlang,” Tshilo wa tlhalosa.

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A man accused of killing his son jailed

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

17 August 2026 – The accused, Lucas Mmakgathi (49), who was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment by the Madikwe Regional Court following his conviction for the murder of his son (2). On 4 May 2024, Mmakgathi requested permission from the child’s mother to spend time with the child in town.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson North West, Lindiwe Mabasa said trusting his intentions, she agreed. Mabasa said, however, the accused carried out a calculated and deceptive plan by taking the child to a nearby bush instead, where he used his shoelace to strangle the child to death.

“He was arrested the following day. During sentencing proceedings, state prosecutor, Zola Mpayipheli, argued that the accused’s actions demonstrated extreme cruelty, hatred, barbarity, and a complete disregard for human life.

“The state emphasised that the accused had deprived the child of his most fundamental constitutional right, namely the right to life,” she said.

Mabasa further said in his guilty plea, the accused told the court that he became angry after the child’s mother informed him that he was not the biological father of the child. She added that he claimed that feelings of hatred and anger prompted him to commit the offence.

“The court further heard that the accused watched as the child took his final breath. This testimony left members of the deceased’s family and those present in court visibly distressed and emotional.

“Following his testimony, the accused was referred for mental evaluation, which found him fit to stand trial. The state submitted that the accused’s guilty plea should not be viewed as genuine remorse, but rather as an attempt to secure a lesser sentence,” said Mabasa.

He said the prosecution further highlighted the seriousness and prevalence of crimes committed against women and children and urged the court to impose a sentence that reflected the gravity of the offence. Mabasa said the court agreed with the state’s submissions and found that the accused posed a danger to society.

“In imposing sentence, the court remarked that the accused should be removed from society for a considerable period. While taking the guilty plea into account, the court sentenced him to 25 years’ direct imprisonment and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

“In terms of Section 299A of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, the accused will not be considered for parole unless the prescribed communication has been made with the victim’s family and their views have been considered,” he said.

Commenting on the outcome, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended the swift response of the South African Police Service (SAPS), as well as the efforts of the prosecutor and the court in ensuring that justice was served.

“This sentence reflects the seriousness with which our courts regard violent crimes against children. The successful prosecution of this matter demonstrates the commitment of the criminal justice system to protecting vulnerable members of society and ensuring accountability for those who commit such horrific acts.

“The NPA continues to prosecute hundreds of matters involving domestic violence, gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), and crimes against children across the country,” Makhari.

She said NPA remains committed to ensuring that perpetrators who violate the rights, dignity and safety of women, children and other vulnerable persons are held accountable and face the full consequences of the law.

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Sambatha’s effort to support farmers

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Picture: The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha

By AGISANANG SCUFF

17 August 2026 – The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), Madoda Sambatha will officially launch seven agricultural value-adding and market access facilities across the province as part of the department’s continued efforts to support farmers and grow the agricultural sector. Sambatha said the facilities located in Mogogelo, Bloemhof, Taung, Kgomo-Kgomo, Tlhatlhaganyane and two in Mahikeng, are aimed at improving agricultural production, supporting agro-processing and creating better market opportunities for smallholder, emerging and commercial farmers.

He further said the project includes five vegetable pack-houses, one Lucerne pack-house and one red meat abattoir. Sambatha added that these facilities will help address a lack of processing, storage and marketing infrastructure, which has often limited farmers’ ability to grow their businesses.

“The vegetable pack-houses will offer services such as grading, sorting, washing, packaging and storage. The Lucerne pack-house will provide baling, packaging and storage services, while the abattoir will assist livestock farmers with slaughtering and meat processing.

“The facilities are expected to boost local economic development by creating employment opportunities and supporting business growth in rural communities,” he said.

Sambatha said with improved infrastructure and better access to markets, farmers will be able to increase production, expand their operations and create more jobs. He said the department believes these investments will strengthen the agricultural value chain, support the commercialisation of emerging farmers and contribute to the growth of the provincial economy.

“The launch will be at MOR Farming in Bloemhof at 9am,” said Sambatha.

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Mosadi  o tlhokofetse morago ga go thulwa ke sejanaga

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

17 Phatwe 2026 – Mosadi wa dingwaga di 62 o tlhokofetse morago ga go thulwa ke sejanaga kwa motseng wa Rooiwal, gaufi le Taung. Go begwa fa mokgweetsi wa sejanaga se, a ile a inaya naga morago ga tiragalo.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Anne Magakoe are tiragalo e, ke ya letsatsi la Tshipi. Magakoe are motswasetlhabelo o ile a rwalelwa kwa bookelong jwa sedika jwa Taung, kwa a ileng a tlhokafalela teng ka ntlheng ya dikgobalo.

“Ga gona ope o tshwereng go fitlha ga jaana. Dipatlisiso tsa sepodisi mabapi le go batlana le sejanaga seo ga mmogo le mokgweetsi, di tsweletse,” Magakoe wa tlhalosa.

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Moithuti o bolailwe ka go tlhabiwa kwa Kimberley

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Setshwantsho: Moswi, Keotshepile Gift Ntopo

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

17 August 2026 – Sepodisi sa kwa Kimberley sa lephata la dikgetsi tsa tiriso ya dikgoka tse di tseneletseng, e batlisisa kgetsi ya polao. Se, se tla morago ga go tlhabiwa le go bolawa ga moithuti wa kwa Phatsimang TVET College.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi kwa porofenseng ya Kapa Bokone, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane are go begwa fa moithuti o, Keotshepile Gift Ntopo (21), a tlhabilwe kwa ntlenyana ga lefelo le le rekisang nnotagi (Nightclub) mo mosong wa letsatsi la Tshipi. Shemane are ga gona ope o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana.

“Dipatlisiso mo kgetsing e, di a tswelela,” Shemane wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, go begwa fa Ntopo a tswa kwa motseng wa Magogong mono Taung.

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Two illegal immigrants arrested for possession of drugs and defeating the ends of justice

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Picture: Drugs confiscated by the police/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

17 August 2026 – Three illegal immigrants were arrested during an intelligence driven-operation by the Vryburg K9 Unit for the alleged possession of suspected drugs and defeating the ends of justice. The operation was conducted on 14 August 2026, in Noord Street, Vryburg.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Anne Magakoe said the suspects’ citizenship status was verified with the Department of Home Affairs in Vryburg.

Magakoe said during the operation, the police allegedly seized more than 600 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine, heroin and more than 600 tablets with a combined estimated street value of approximately R155 000.

“The police also seized cash. The suspects aged between 34 and 37, are expected to appear before the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court, facing charges relating to the alleged possession of suspected drugs and defeating the ends of justice.

“In a separate operation in Colridge, Vryburg K9 executed a search warrant and confiscated one replica firearm with ammunition. The investigations are continuing and no arrest was made with regards to the firearm,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, commended the Vryburg K9 Unit and all role players for their continued efforts to disrupt the circulation of suspected illicit substances and other criminal activities in communities.

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A man arrested for dealing in drugs

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Picture: A man arrested for dealing in drugs/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

17 August 2026 – A collaborative, multi-disciplinary and intelligence-driven Operation Basadi led by the Provincial Head of Pro-Active Policing, Brigadier Irene Kopeledi, resulted in the arrest of a suspect (26) for alleged drug dealing in Greenpoint, near Kimberley on 14 August 2026. The operation was conducted by a multi-disciplinary team comprising various provincial components and units, including Provincial Operational Response Services, Provincial Operational Command Centre, Provincial Firearms, Liquor and Second-Hand Goods, Provincial Emergency Services, Provincial Corporate Communication and Liaison, Kimberley K9 Unit, Kimberley Flying Squad, Kagisho SAPS and Crime Intelligence.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the operation was conducted in two phases, with the first phase focusing on school safety in Galeshewe Township. Shmane said the police conducted a search at a high school in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley during which various unauthorised items were confiscated from learners.

“During the second phase, the police proceeded to Greenpoint, where search warrants were simultaneously executed at three identified suspected drug premises. However, no drugs were found at two of the premises, but at the third location.

“A suspect was subsequently arrested for alleged dealing in drugs. The police confiscated mandrax tablets and a substantial amount of cash during the operation. The suspect is expected to appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s court soon,” he said.

The Provincial Head of Pro-Active Policing, Brigadier Irene Kopeledi, commended the multi-disciplinary team for their professional conduct and commitment during the execution of the operation. Kopeledi also reiterated that the police will continue to conduct intelligence-driven operations without respite to eradicate the scourge of drugs and other criminal activities, especially Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F), while ensuring the safety and security of communities.

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Two suspects arrested for possession of drugs

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Picture: Two suspects arrested for possession of drugs/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

17 August 2026 – The two suspects aged 28 and 32, were arrested by the police attached to the Danielskuil Visible Policing and Detective Units for possession of suspected drugs. The suspects were arrested during a high-density Operation Shanela II conducted in Danielskuil on 14 August 2026.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the police were conducting routine visible policing patrols between 4pm and 4:30pm, when they noticed two men at a hiking spot behaving suspiciously. Shemane said when the police approached them, they allegedly threw an unidentified parcel away.

“The police immediately retrieved the parcel and conducted a search of the area, as well as the two suspects. During the search, the police discovered suspected mandrax tablets in their possession.

“The suspected mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R30 000 were seized, along with cash found in the possession of the suspects. The two suspects aged 28 and 32, were arrested for possession of suspected drugs and are expected to appear in court soon,” he said.

Meanwhile, the ZF Mgcawu District Police Commissioner, Major General Monica Sebili, commended the police for their vigilance and alertness, which led to the successful seizure of the drugs before they could reach communities. Sebili further cited that police will continue unabated in their efforts to eradicate the illicit drug trade in the district and ensure that those involved in the distribution of drugs are brought to justice.

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Three suspects nabbed for stealing 25 sheep

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Picture: 25 stolen sheep recovered/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

17 August 20226 – Three suspects were arrested for stock-theft by the Kuruman Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit. It is alleged that the suspects stole 25 sheep from a farm in Van Zylsrus.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said on 14 August 2026, the Kuruman STES Unit received information from the police in Van Zylsrus regarding the alleged theft of 25 sheep from a farm. Shemane said the livestock was allegedly stolen between Thursday evening and Friday morning.

“The information regarding the vehicle allegedly used during the commission of the crime was shared with the STES Unit as the vehicle was believed to be travelling towards the Kuruman area.

“The members of the Kuruman STES Unit subsequently spotted a bakkie and trailer matching the description of the vehicle in Kuruman. The police followed, stopped the vehicle and instructed the occupants to disembark,” he said.

Shemane further said four men were found inside the bakkie. He added that a sheep was also found at the back of the vehicle covered with nets.

“Three of the occupants attempted to evade arrest. However, one suspect was apprehended at the scene. The ensuing investigation led the police to an abattoir in Olifantshoek, where 24 sheep that had already been slaughtered were recovered.

“All 25 stolen sheep with an estimated value of R38 800, were successfully recovered. A driver (61), and a man (33) were arrested. A third suspect (35), was subsequently arrested in Van Zylsrus. The police are continuing with efforts to trace the remaining suspect who evaded arrest,” he said.

Shemane said the bakkie and trailer allegedly used in the commission of the crime were seized by the police for further investigation. He said the trio is expected to appear in court soon on charges relating to stock theft.

Meanwhile, the acting John Taolo Gaetsewe Police Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, commended the members of the Kuruman STES Unit for their swift response, which resulted in the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of all 25 stolen sheep. Baloyi reaffirmed that the policing of stock theft activities remains a priority in the district and efforts will be intensified to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.

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