5 January 2026- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has expressed sadness at the passing of the Mma Mmutle Mothandi (104), who passed away on 30 December 2025. Last year, Mokgosi intervened on a pressing need that was identified through the Premier’s Operation Dignity Programme by building a Temporary Residential Unit and a house which had furniture for Mothandi, who was staying with her children and grandchildren.
“The family was further provided with cutlery and tools to start a fast-food business, for self-sustenance. At the time, Mothandi appreciated the intervention and believed it would outlive her and would ensure lasting dignity for her family.
“The Premier’s Operation Dignity Programme commits to ensuring that she gets a funeral service befitting her stature, tenacious character and resilience. The service will be held at Mmamokete Section, outside Zeerust on Saturday,” he said.
5 January 2026 – A Pakistani national, Ahmad Zeeshan (38) was remanded in custody following his appearance before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 30 December 2025. Zeeshan’s court appearance stems from an incident in which the accused allegedly strangled and killed a teenager, Desmonica Cloete (16).
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said it is alleged that on Sunday afternoon, 28 December 2025, Zeeshan contacted his brother and informed him that he was in trouble and needed assistance. Tselanyane said the brother went to the accused’s residence, where upon arrival, the accused pointed out the body of the deceased lying on the bedroom floor.
“It is further alleged that the accused requested his brother’s assistance and the brother initially agreed and arranged that the accused hide at his residence, while he made the necessary arrangements.
“Instead, the brother went to Jouberton Police Station to report the matter. The police officers accompanied the brother back to his residence, where the suspect was immediately arrested,” he said.
Tselanyane added that the accused was charged with murder and contravention of Section 49 of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act 13 of 2002). He said the accused was remanded in custody to secure legal representation and an interpreter and the case was postponed until 8 January 2026.
“Investigations into the matter continue,” he said.
5 January 2026- Bafana Bafana are out of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a defeat to Cameroon at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, in the Last 16 stage of the tournament on Sunday. Goals from defender Junior Tchamadeu in the 34th minute and Christian Kofane two minutes after the restart in the second half gave Cameroon the advantage before Evidence Makgopa pulled one back for the South African senior men’s national team two minutes from regulation time.
With a bit of luck, the game could have seen a different outcome had the opportunities that Bafana Bafana created during the match managed to find the back of the net.
Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos said: “We are very disappointed and sad that we have been eliminated. I think we had the right plan and everybody saw that, especially in the first half. We had three good chances in the first half, and the game could have been (over) then.”
Meanwhile, the Bafana Bafana will return to their base in Marrakech on 5 January 2025, before finally heading back home to South Africa.
5 January 2026- Moretele Local Municipality mayor, Masango George Manyike convened a special meeting to give an update on Mphebatho Troop Festival’s unfortunate lightning incident that claimed two lives and left dozens others injured. Following the meeting, Manyike paid tribute to two bereaved families who lost their children as a result of the incident.
He further said the first visit was to the Mashishi family in Lefatlheng, where they lost their daughter Kenoshi (35), a teacher at Tlhaloganyo Primary School. Manyike added that the deceased leaves behind a son (10).
“The second visit was to the Shekwambane family in Itsoseng Section in Dertig, where the family also lost their daughter, Koketso (28). We express our heartfelt condolences and commitment to support the families during this difficult time.
“We also committed to engage the North West Department of Health to request more ambulances to ensure speedy availability in cases of emergencies,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi is expected to visit the bereaved families on 5 January 2026 and the meeting will start at Mathibestad Municipality Hall at 11am and proceed to the affected families. Mokgosi accompanied by the North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari and Moretele Local Municipality mayor, George Manyike and other dignitaries will visit the families of two people killed by lightning whilst attending the Annual Mphebatho Troop Festival at Dertig Sports Ground near Mathibestad.
Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said: “Several more people were injured and have since been admitted at Mathibestad Community Health Centre for medical treatment. Mokgosi takes this opportunity to extend his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes all other affected individuals a speedy recovery.
“The visit will be preceded by checking up on survivors of this unfortunate incident.”
Picture: A body of a woman discovered in Ganyesa/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
31 December 2025- A body of a woman (62) was discovered in Ganyesa, near Vryburg. It is alleged that, the victim was taken to Ganyesa clinic for medical assistance.
The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “The victim got lost and was later found at Chiefscourt and declared dead on the scene. At present, the cause of the death is unknown and an inquest case has been opened for investigation.
Picture: Eskom technicians at the substation/Facebook
By AGISANANG SCUFF
31 December 2025- The Mamusa Local Municipality said Eskom technicians are currently at their town substation. The municipality said from here, they will be attending to the transformers as they are still awaiting instructions from Bloemfontein.
The Municipal Manager of Mamusa Local Municipality, Rantsho Gincane said thereafter, they will contact the municipality for a way forward. Gincane said Eskom is unable to confirm the time of power restoration.
“Eskom does not have a dedicated Communications Office that liaises with either the municipality or its clients, who are our residents. As a municipality, we have to search information from technicians who in most cases have no updates as well.
“Eskom operates through fault logging and providing reference numbers and then dispatch technicians at their own time. We, however, commit to continue seeking information because we are part of your frustrations. We have on several occasions engaged Eskom in this regard, including proposing that their site offices be used for complaints,” he said.
31 December 2025- The police in the Northern Cape have proclaimed a zero tolerance approach as disruptive actions are executed across the province to curb criminality during New Year celebrations. The police said senior management will be leading focused operations simultaneously across all five districts in the province.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the police visibility will be significantly intensified, with members deployed in full force. Ehlers said the disruptive actions will focus on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), alcohol-related offences, contact crimes, property-related crimes, and the possession of dangerous weapons.
“Liquor outlets and public gatherings will be closely monitored, to ensure responsible drinking. The police advise the public to take precautions to avoid falling victim to crime. If you plan to drink, get home safely. Arrange alternative transport with a designated driver.
“Do not take chances – rather stay where you are until you are sober, or arrange for alternative transport. Never leave your drink unattended. Do not accept drinks from strangers. Be mindful of drink spiking,” she said.
Ehlers further urges drivers not to drink and drive. She added that they should keep an eye on their friends too and stay in a group.
“Be aware of your surroundings. Parents and guardians must be aware of the whereabouts of children at all times. Report suspicious activity,” said Ehlers.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola urges the public to be responsible and vigilant and to provide valuable information to law enforcement to ensure that perpetrators are apprehended. Otola said crime prevention operations will continue beyond the festive season, as law enforcement remains resolute in squeezing the space for criminal activities.
“Anyone with information related to criminal activities is encouraged to report it via the MySAPS App or contact the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111,” she said.
31 December 2025- The Information Regulator (Regulator) said it is heading to the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein to apply for Leave to Appeal following the decision by the full bench of the Pretoria High Court to set aside the Regulator’s Enforcement Notice and the Infringement Notice, which was issued to the Department of Basic Education (DBE) in 2024.
The Regulator said the Leave to Appeal is a formal request to the High Court for permission to appeal a lower court’s decision. The Regulator said it has studied the judgment and thus filed an appeal, which has the effect of suspending the execution of the orders that are the subject of the appeal, pending the final determination of the application and any subsequent appeals.
The Regulator of South Africa spokesperson, Nomzamo Zondi said they have sent correspondence to the Department of Basic Education (DBE), outlining the impact of the application for Leave to Appeal. Zondi said the application for Leave to Appeal makes the Enforcement Notice and Infringement Notices enforceable, which still prohibits DBE from publishing the matric results in the newspapers.
“DBE must comply with the Enforcement Notice unless it obtains an order granting it leave to execute the judgment pending the final determination of the appeal.
“The Regulator stands firm in its position that the importance of judicial processes may help illuminate certain aspects of POPIA, particularly in relation to the obligations of responsible parties, such as DBE, in complying with the Regulator’s orders and in protecting personal information that they hold about data subjects,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Department of Basic Education (DBE), Nosiviwe Gwarube said: “We will announce the outcome of the examinations on 12 January 2026. Results will be released to candidates on 13 January 2026, while some results may not be available because of technical issues.
“Candidates are urged to get their statements of results from their school/centre where they wrote the exams. Candidates’ results will also be available on this website from 6am on 13 January 2026. Result queries should be submitted for investigation within 30 days after the release of results. Candidates must ensure that names and identity numbers reflect correctly on their statement of results and report any required corrections to the department before 20 February 2026.”
Picture: North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone
By OBAKENG MAJE
31 December 2025- The North West police spokesperson, retires after an exceptional policing career spanning for 35 years, a journey marked by discipline, dedication, integrity and unwavering commitment in serving the communities of North West. Mokgwabone said he decided to go into early retirement from 1 January 2026.
He further said as a famous quote from John Donne’s 1624 work says: “No human being is an island”, Mokgwabone added that he exists because of others’ existence.
“I was there because you were there. I am saying this because I walked this journey with most of you since I became a Communication Officer in the South African Police Service (SAPS). We worked together and relied on each other to achieve our objectives, both as the SAPS and various media houses you represented and worked for.
“It was indeed a privilege for me to have worked with patient, understanding and professionals of your calibre. I salute your ladies and gentlemen. Take note that I will not be available on the SAPS official number from 9am,” he said.
31 December 2025 – The police are searching for suspects following a shooting incident in which three people were shot along the Nyongane Main Road in Hazyview on 30 December 2025, at approximately 5:30pm. Upon responding to the complaint, police found two men with gunshot wounds who were certified deceased at the scene.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said a woman allegedly sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition. Ndubane said a baby (2), who was also in the vehicle was unharmed.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the four victims were travelling along the Nyongane Main Road towards Nyongane when they were ambushed by an unknown number of suspects who were hiding in nearby bushes.
“The suspects allegedly opened fire on the vehicle. The driver managed to continue driving for approximately 200 metres before colliding with another vehicle from behind and coming to a stop,” he said.
Ndubane further said the suspects, who were on foot, then approached the vehicle and shot the occupants at close range, killing the driver and his passenger instantly. He added that the injured woman is believed to be the driver’s wife.
“A 72-hour activation plan has been implemented, and all relevant role players attended the scene. Police are appealing to members of the public for any information that may assist in the arrest of the suspects.
“Anyone with information is urged to contact Captain Eddie Rapagadi on 082 449 0231, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or submit information via the MySAPS App,” said Ndubane.
He said all information will be treated as confidential, and callers may remain anonymous.
Meanwhile, the acting Mpumalanga Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has condemned the incident and confirmed the activation of the 72-hour plan to apprehend those responsible.
“We cannot live in a society where people open fire and kill others in broad daylight, while also endangering the life of an innocent minor,” said Mkhwanazi.
The Guardian 