Picture: Drugs confiscated during operation/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
1 June 2026 – Three women aged between 21 and 23 were arrested by the police for possession of illegal substances suspected to be mandrax and crystal meth. The arrests were effected by the Public Order Police in Extension 4 and 12 in Boitumelong Township, near Bloemhof during a self-initiated operation.
The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said the operation was driven by information regarding alleged drug dealing activities in identified hotspot areas. Morake said in a separate incident, a man (36) was arrested for assaulting police officers, while they were performing their duties, malicious damage to state property, resisting arrest and possession of illegal substances suspected to be mandrax and crystal meth.
“The arrest followed an incident in which the suspect attacked three police officers. One police officer sustained a hand injury after being stabbed with a garden fork, while another police officer was bitten on the hand. The suspect also threw a stone at a third officer, injuring his foot.
“During the altercation, the suspect damaged a police vehicle by throwing a stone at it. All three police officers received medical treatment for their injuries,” she said.
Morake further said Naledi Rathebe (23), Masego Maseng (22), Kebuileng Itumeleng (21), and Mac Lawrence Mogolodi (36), briefly appeared before the Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court on 29 May 2026. She added that they were remanded in custody and their case was postponed to 19 June 2026, for a bail application.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the police for their dedication and vigilance. Naidoo said their actions demonstrate the impact of intelligence-driven policing and the commitment of members to dismantling criminal networks.
“The police will continue to intensify operations to ensure that those involved in criminal activities are brought to justice and that communities remain safe,” he said.
Picture: Four people killed in hails of bullets/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
1 June 2026– The police in Kanana Township, near Orkney are investigating cases of murder and attempted murder following a shooting incident that was reported on Saturday night, 30 May 2026, at a local tavern. This comes after the police responded to the shooting incident and upon arrival at the scene, found four people with gunshot wounds lying near the entrance and outside the tavern.
The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said the preliminary investigations revealed that three unidentified suspects, armed with rifles and wearing balaclavas, were responsible for the attack. Morake said during the incident, girl (15) sustained fatal gunshot wounds and collapsed near the entrance of the tavern.
“As the shooting continued, patrons scattered in various directions to escape. The other three deceased victims were identified as Lesotho nationals aged between 30 and 36. Another two Lesotho women aged 30 and 45 respectively, also sustained gunshot wounds and were admitted to hospital for medical treatment.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation, and no arrests have been made at this stage,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, condemned the incident and urged communities to work closely with the police by providing any information that could assist with the investigation. Naidoo said anyone with information regarding the incident is requested to contact Col Alex Lebodi from the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit on 082 338 1076.
“Alternatively, members of the public may contact their nearest police station, call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, or share information anonymously via the MySAPS App on their smartphones,” he said.
30 May 2026 – The Democratic Alliance (DA) is outraged by the shocking collapse in governance, financial oversight and operational performance at the North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB). This was revealed during the entity’s fourth quarter performance briefing to the Portfolio Committee on the Department Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT).
DA spokesperson on DEDECT in North West, Jóhni Steenkamp said the report confirms what residents, tourism stakeholders, and visitors across the province have been saying for months. Steenkamp said the public is being forced to pay dramatically more for a tourism product that is visibly deteriorating.
“What is even more alarming is that this comes amid the recent conviction of the NWPTB Chief Financial Officer on corruption-related charges and revelations made in committee that the entity allegedly discovered an undisclosed bank account containing approximately R6.3 million only two weeks ago — an account officials claim they were previously unaware of.
“This revelation raises extremely serious questions about financial controls, governance oversight, internal audit systems, asset and cash management. Furthermore, the biggest question of all: are there any additional undisclosed financial irregularities within the entity that may still surface?” she said.
Steenkamp further said an institution cannot just “discover” millions of rand in a bank account it claims to have been unaware of. She added that the same Board that aggressively imposed massive tariff increases on struggling residents and tourism operators is now exposed as an institution riddled with weak oversight, operational collapse and deeply concerning governance failures.
“The fourth quarter report paints a devastating picture. The NWPTB achieved only 50% of its quarter 4 targets, conservation performance collapsed to 40%, the entity completely failed its conservation effectiveness targets and commercialisation initiatives achieved absolutely nothing,” said Steenkamp.
She said only 5% of concession contracts were reviewed. Steenkamp said tourism infrastructure continues to deteriorate.
“Hotel schools are declining because of failures in maintenance. Despite repeatedly blaming aging infrastructure for poor performance, NWPTB spent only 38% of its capital infrastructure budget.
“At the same time, the Board overspent heavily on administration, legal costs, and goods and services while reserve infrastructure and conservation standards deteriorated further. The DA warned that these outrageous fee increases were unjustifiable,” she said.
Steenkamp said the public was told that higher tariffs were necessary for sustainability, infrastructure maintenance and conservation support. She said yet the board’s own report proves the opposite.
“Reserves are deteriorating, tourism confidence is becoming unstable, conservation standards are failing, infrastructure backlogs continue to grow and governance failures remain unresolved.
“Most alarming is that NWPTB exceeded its revenue targets and collected substantially more money from the public, yet conditions within reserves and tourism facilities continue worsening,” said Steenkamp.
She said in simple terms the public paid more, but got less. Steenkamp said this is not “operational recovery”.
“This is an entity consuming public funds, while failing to deliver meaningful outcomes. The DA will urgently push for intensified oversight into the mysterious, undisclosed bank account and its origin, all concession agreements, leases and the utilisation of revenue generated through tariff increases and infrastructure and maintenance expenditures.
“We will also investigate conservation management failures, consequence management relating to governance failures and the systemic breakdowns that allowed a now-convicted official to occupy one of the most critical financial positions within the entity,” she said.
Steenkamp said the NWPTB cannot continue demanding premium prices from the public, while delivering collapsing infrastructure, failing conservation standards, weak governance, and financial uncertainty. She said the people of North West deserve protected reserves that function, tourism destinations that attract visitors and public entities that serve the public interest — not another ANC-run institution drowning in scandal, excuses, and decline.
Meanwhile, the North West Department Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT) spokesperson, Jerry Matebesi failed to respond to The Guardian Newspaper media inquiry..
Picture: Men during Men for Change initiative/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
28 May 2026 – The Frances Baard District Men for Change structure hosted a successful Thetha Ndoda engagement aimed at creating a safe platform for men to openly express themselves without fear of judgement, while promoting responsible leadership, family values and men’s health awareness. The event was held at the Kimberley SAPS Gymnasium. Captain Bernette Phoko welcomed all attendees and acknowledged the presence of the Men for Change National Deputy Chairperson, Colonel Sibusiso Msimango, as well as various stakeholders and role players from different government departments, including trade unions SAPU and POPCRU.
The programme commenced with a performance by the Northern Cape SAPS Band, followed by an opening prayer conducted by Phoko.
Addressing the gathering, the Men for Change National Deputy Chairperson, Colonel Sibusiso Msimango, outlined the purpose of the programme and emphasised the importance of restoring moral values and rebuilding society. Msimango said the initiative seeks to assist men in reclaiming what has been lost in communities and families, adding that society has become fragmented and that collective efforts are needed to rebuild and restore unity.
Tina Mphaka from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) addressed the topic of child maintenance and highlighted that supporting one’s children is a legal obligation. Mphaka encouraged members to continue striving towards becoming responsible leaders within their families and communities.
“An interactive discussion followed, where attendees were afforded an opportunity to engage with presenters on various issues related to maintenance and family responsibilities,” she said.
The Kimberley Station Commander, Brigadier Nicolas Mtongana delivered a message of support, stating that: “A real man is not measured by how feared he is, but by how responsible he is.”
“We further urge men to respect, protect and provide for their families,” he said.
Dr Isaac Kayembe delivered a presentation focusing on men’s health and prostate cancer awareness. Kayembe emphasised that “prevention is better than cure” and highlighted symptoms that should not be ignored.
“We encourage men between the ages of 40 and 50 to undergo regular health screenings,” he said.
Dr Tshibwila Kithenge further elaborated on prostate cancer, explaining the risks associated with late detection and stressing the importance of regular screening and early intervention. Kithenge added that the session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Captain Thapelo Phinias, who expressed appreciation to all stakeholders, presenters and attendees for their participation and attention throughout the programme.
“He encouraged attendees to apply the knowledge and information shared during the engagement,” he said.
Picture: Mmabatho High School pupils during music competition/Supplied
By STAFF REPORTER
28 May 2026- The Mmabatho High School community came together on 26 May 2026 to celebrate the school choir’s outstanding achievement at the Provincial SASCE Competitions held at the Mmabatho Convention Centre last weekend. The choir was awarded position 1 in both the Male Choir and Western Song categories.
The choir master, Sibongiseni Simelane, said as a result, they will represent the North West at the upcoming national competions. Simelane said the celebration was a heartfelt occasion attended by learners, educators, parents and partners of the school.
“The school management team expressed deep appreciation for the choir’s dedication in nurturing the learners talent and instilling a spirit of joy and pride in their performances. Recognition was also given to the school’s enrichment activities committee for its ongoing support.
“A candle-lighting ceremony was held during the event as a symbol of hope and good wishes for the choir’s journey ahead. The event was further honoured by the presence of the LEO Senior Education Specialist for School Enrichment, and District Senior Education Specialist, who both delivered messages of encouragement to the learners,” he said.
Chairperson of the School Governing Body (SGB) thanked all stakeholders who contributed to preparing the learners to perform at their best. It was a beautiful day filled with singing, celebration and pride.
Simelane further commended the learners for their commitment and thanked the entire school community for the unwavering support. He added that they promise to make the North West proud on the national stage.
Picture: Sundowns FC crowned African champions/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
26 May 2026- Mamelodi Sundowns are the CAF Champions League Champions following their 1-1 draw (1-2 on aggregate) against Moroccan side, AS FAR on Sunday night at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Teboho Mokoena is the man to score the critical goal that registered an away goal for Masandawana.
There was an early exchange between the two sides with none of them allowing the ball to enter the final third. The first box entrance, however, came from the hosts, but Khuliso Mudau kicked it away.
The hosts were awarded a corner kick which passed the face of goal, but Khulumani Ndamane cleared it away. Another box entrance for the hosts came through a square pass from the left flank side. While Ronwen Williams was ready to bucket the effort, Teboho Mokoena decided to clear the effort.
The first shot for Masandawana came from Kutlwano Letlhaku in the 24th minute. It came from Brayan Leon’s backheel pass but Letlhaku’s strike was not powerful enough, seeing the keeper catching the low strike.
Following a lengthy VAR check after Divine Lunga fouled a player inside the box, the referee pointed to the spot on the 38th minute. The shot was taken by the hosts and sent Williams the wrong way, seeing them take the lead.
The pace of the match started picking up for both sides. The hosts were, however, the ones to almost double their advantage.
They took advantage of the spaces and triggered a shot but it went wide. In added time, Masandawana almost levelled matters through Leon after Lunga set him beautifully from the left but the keeper made a save to deny the visitors.
Just before the break, a thunderous strike from Teboho Mokoena saw the visitors level matters. A cross came from the right from Leon who found Matthews who flicked it to find Mokoena.
The midfield maestro wasted no time with a half-volley. The goal saw the two sides heading to the interval all square.
AS FAR returned to play on form, creating plenty of chances and threatening the Downs rear-guard. A big chance came for the hosts on the left flank but Mudau came to the party and snatched the ball to move it forward.
In the final minutes of regulation time, Masandawana came close to doubling their advantage when Adams fired a shot from an Arthur Sales delivery but the ball went wide.
Eight minutes were added into the match and the hosts dug deep to find two goals to get back in the game but the wall of yellow jersey tightened things up at the back to make sure their hosts did not find a goal.
A disallowed goal from the Brazilians and many denied chances later, the 1-1 draw was enough for Masandawana to become the 2026 Champions League champions.
Picture: South Africa have confirmed their 15-member squad to compete at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
26 May 2026- The Proteas Women have officially departed for England to attend a training camp in Arundel ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, which runs from June 12 to July 5. The 15-player squad, captained by Laura Wolvaardt, features the surprise return of fast bowler Shabnim Ismail.
Before entering official World Cup warm-up matches, the team will be based in Portsmouth and will play three unofficial practice matches at Arundel Castle. The Proteas are slotted into Group 1 and will kick-off their campaign against reigning champions, Australia on June 13.
Their group stage opponents will also include: Pakistan, India, Netherlands and Bangladesh. Following three consecutive appearances in major ICC tournament finals, the team is looking to go one step further to secure their maiden world title.
The Proteas head coach, head coach Mandla Mashimbyi said Ismail, who has reversed her retirement to make herself available for the marquee event, brings experience and depth to the Proteas pace battery and is South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in ODIs and T20Is, with 123 wickets from just 113 games in the latter. Mashimbyi said the 37-year-old last featured in the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup on home soil, where South Africa lost to Australia in the Final.
“The in-form Laura Wolvaardt, currently ranked third in the ICC Women’s T20I Batter Rankings, will lead South Africa for the second tournament in a row. South Africa squad are Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon, Dane van Niekerk.
“Looking at the ODI World Cup last year (of which South Africa were the runners-up), we felt we needed that X-factor. And she definitely carries that. Ismail is good on the field and not talking about skills only, the thing she brings out of that skill. This addition will make sure that we’ll fight all the way,” he said.
Mashimbyi further said another player returning is important all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, who makes her return after an injury lay-off that saw her miss the series against New Zealand and India. He added that if you do not eat food for a long time, you get hungry.
“That’s where she is, hungry for more cricket. Medically it’s all a green light, and she’s fit and raring to go,” said Mashimbyi.
26 May 2026 – The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said the police are ‘hot on the heels’ of social activist, Thato Molosankwe’s killers. Morweng along with the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, North West MEC for North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane, North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi and the Deputy-Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, paid homage to the Molosankwe’s family in Lomanyaneng village, near Mahikeng on Tuesday.
Morweng said the investigations are at the advanced stage, but when the time is right, they will convene a press conference and communicate to the public. He further said what is key for now is to send their gratitude to the people of Mahikeng.
“You would recall that when this heinous act took place, we implored them to keep calm. They have been calm and protested in a peaceful manner. So, the SAPS’s Murder and Robbery Unit is hard at work and a lot of resources have been deployed as far as this matter is concerned.
“I am confident from where I am because I receive a report three times a day. So, I am confident that very soon we will arrest the suspects. I do not think I should divulge more details for now regarding investigations,” he said.
The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said they came to visit the family today as the North West Provincial Government (NWPG). Mokgosi said they are glad that they are joined by the Deputy-Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong.
“We are here to make a commitment that those who are behind this will be arrested. This young fellow was a community activist and stood for the voiceless, downtrodden and marginalised. He was also an extension of an eye of the government. He Kept us accountable to the voters.
“We are sorry for what has happened and to the family, yes you have lost, but we are also part of the loss. We made a commitment that the provincial government, through the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, and the acting Nation Police Commissioner, has deployed a dedicated team that will investigate this horrendous act on a daily basis,” he said.
Morolong said Molosankwe was a decorated citizen, a noble man, who could walk from here to Cape Town to raise awareness against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Morolong said Molosankwe was the only noble man who can speak for the downtrodden.
“He was the only noble man who could advocate for those who are marginalised. We are extremely encouraged that there is an ongoing police investigation. This will ultimately be culminating in an arrest of the perpetrators. We are here to send our heartfelt condolences to the family on behalf of the national government,” he said.
Picture: The Convenor of the MRM Provincial Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
26 May 2026 – The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West on Monday appealed for Ubuntu and peaceful co-existence within communities. The civil society led organisation promoting the Charter of Positive Values in its Africa Day message called for rejection of Afrophobia and disunity among Africans.
The Convenor of the MRM Provincial Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said they must reclaim the unity of pre-colonial African societies, which was deliberately eroded and distorted by colonialism. Kgwele said the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) offers greater opportunity for economic cooperation, shared growth and development.
He further said the Pan Africanism which was pursued by the founding fathers of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the forerunner to the African Union (AU) represents the future that Africa wants as outlined in Agenda 2063, its blueprint to achieve inclusive and sustainable development, economic integration, good governance and peace. Kgwele added that while Africans have redefined their development agenda taking into account the mineral endowment that the continent is blessed with, what largely remains is to stem the tide of regional conflicts as well as proxy wars that are perpetuating divisions for continued economic domination by western interests and mineral extraction.
“The proliferation of guns which have cost countless valuable lives is a serious indictment on Africa’s ability to end violent conflicts which account for high influx of asylum seekers. Our communities must distance themselves from divisive agendas, embrace respect for the rule of law as well as legitimate legal processes to rid the country of undocumented foreign nationals to safeguard our sovereignty.
“The way this complex matter is dealt with must reflect our humanity,” he concluded.
Picture: Former North West Premier, the late Bushy Maape/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
26 May 2026 – The Deputy President Paul Mashatile has described former Robben Island prisoner, the late Bushy Maape as a freedom fighter who sacrificed his life for liberation. Mashatile delivered a eulogy during Maape’s funeral in Vryburg on Saturday.
He further said Maape bore the scars of apartheid’s cruelty, scars that told the story of pain and injustice. Mashatile added that he gave his youth to the struggle so that future generations might walk in freedom.
“Today, beneath the skies of Vryburg and in the presence of a grieving nation, we gather at Huhudi Stadium to honour a revolutionary, a freedom fighter, a servant of the people, and a loyal son of the African soil. We unite in sorrow to bid farewell to Kaobitsa Abel “Bushy” Maape, a leader, Robben Island prisoner, loyal ANC cadre, and son of the soil.
“During the oppressive apartheid era, he played multiple roles. During the day, he was a dedicated teacher and humble principal in a rural community, shaping young minds. As night fell, he transformed into an underground activist, a “guerrilla of consciousness”, who operated stealthily,” he said.
Mashatile said Maape was part of leaders responsible for recruiting others under perilous conditions and contributed to the formation of the notable Kgalagadi Politico-Military Machinery. He said Maape played a crucial role in establishing the General and Allied Workers’ Union (GAWU), organising exploited farm and general workers.
“He contributed to the United Democratic Front (UDF), mobilising and agitating during the ANC’s ban. For this activism, the apartheid regime imprisoned him on Robben Island, believing isolation could extinguish the spirit of liberation.
“Yet history teaches us that Robben Island did not destroy revolutionaries, it became a school of political consciousness, discipline, courage, and leadership. It was at Robben Island that some of the greatest sons of our nation emerged even stronger. I speak of leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, Ahmed Kathrada, Raymond Mhlaba, and many others, who sacrificed their freedom so that future generations could live in a democratic, just, united, and free South Africa,” said Mashatile.
The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said Maape had an illustrious life marked by remarkable achievements and widespread admiration as a freedom fighter, politician and public servant. Following the 1976 Student Uprisings, Maape skipped the country, where he received political and military training by the ANC.
“He was later infiltrated back into the country where he formed and commanded the Kgalagadi Underground machinery which operated in Mahikeng, Vryburg, Taung, Kuruman and Kimberly. His strong convictions in the struggle against apartheid and its draconian laws led to his incarceration on Robben Island in the 1980s,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM)in the North West said it will always treasure the contribution of Maape, who is one of the 16 June 1976 generation of firebrands that sparked youth resistance to Bantu Education and apartheid oppression laid to rest in Vryburg on Saturday.
The Guardian 