10 February 2026- Two men aged 37 and 51 are expected to appear in the De Aar Magistrate’s Court following their arrest for possession of dagga in De Aar on 8 February 2026. The police received a tip-off from crime intelligence regarding a vehicle allegedly transporting drugs from Phillipstown to De Aar.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the information was operationalised and the police immediately responded by conducting patrols along the R48 road, where the suspected vehicle was spotted travelling towards De Aar. Shemane said the police intercepted the vehicle and tactically approached it.
“The two occupants were instructed to disembark, after which a search of the suspects and the vehicle was conducted by members of the De Aar Public Order Police unit. During the search, the police opened the boot of the vehicle and discovered a black travelling bag containing several sealed packets of dagga.
“The suspects were subsequently arrested for possession of dagga. The police confiscated the dagga with an estimated street value of R11 400, as well as the vehicle which was allegedly used in the commission of a crime. The police in the Pixley Ka Seme District will continue with efforts aimed at eradicating drug-related crimes in the area,” he said.
9 February 2026- Africa’s mineral wealth is placing the continent at the centre of future industries, from clean energy to advanced manufacturing, as demand for critical minerals accelerates the global energy transition.
This is according to Deputy Minister in The Presidency Kenny Morolong, who was delivering the keynote address at Brand South Africa’s Investing in Africa Mining Indaba Welcome Reception Dinner held at The Capital Hotel in Cape Town on Sunday evening.
Held ahead of the official opening of the Mining Indaba on Monday, 09 February, Morolong said Africa is moving decisively from being a supplier of raw materials to becoming a global hub for industrial value addition, driven by clean energy technologies and advanced manufacturing.
“Our mobilising theme for this evening is industrialising Africa at scale, the role of strategic minerals, integrated infrastructure and continental policy, which speaks to a bold vision for our continent’s future.” He said minerals were the backbone of modern economies and would become even more critical as the world decarbonises.
“Wherever we are or come from in the world, metals and minerals are part of our daily lives. Minerals are a lifeblood of any modern and modernising society,” he said.
Morolong added that Africa now has an “unprecedented opportunity to move from being a mere supplier of raw materials to becoming a hub of industrial value addition and innovation.”
He said the demand outlook for critical minerals underscored the urgency of Africa’s industrialisation drive, noting that minerals such as lithium and rare earth elements would soon surpass fossil fuels in global value. “These are the new oils of the 21st century.”
Morolong noted that demand for minerals such as rare earth elements and lithium is projected to nearly triple by 2030 and quadruple by 2040, while cumulative revenues from critical minerals between now and 2050 are expected to be more than three times greater than those from fossil fuels.
“In other words, these minerals, all of which are found beneath African soil, will be significantly valuable to the global economy than oil or gas in the coming decades.”
He said this global shift places Africa and South Africa in particular at the forefront of future industries. “As [the] South African government, we see Africa as a continent on the cusp of transformation. South Africa is a proponent, and a gateway to a fully integrated African economy that will no longer be defined by trade in raw materials, but by the production of tertiary goods such as battery, solar panels in electronics and industrial products that will power the 21st century.
“We invite our partners and investors congregated here tonight, and the rest of the week, to join us on this journey of a long-term partnership and shared prosperity,” the Deputy Minister said.
Value addition Morolong said African countries have already begun restricting the export of unprocessed critical minerals to ensure value addition takes place on the continent.
“What this says is that we Africans are no longer content to merely supply the inputs of industrial economies. It says we want to capture the downstream opportunities and build industries for ourselves in the global economy.”
This shift is supported by continental policy frameworks, including the African Union’s African Green Minerals Strategy adopted in 2024, which guides countries on harnessing critical minerals for industrialisation.
Improving the investment climate Turning to South Africa’s mining sector, Morolong said mining remains a cornerstone of the economy and must be managed sustainably.
“Minerals and metals account for nearly half of South Africa’s export by value, and mineral production is equivalent to about 10% of our GDP [Gross Domestic Product],” he said.
He said the government is implementing reforms to improve the investment climate, including streamlining licensing processes, addressing energy constraints and reforming logistics and port infrastructure. “Government has raised [the] licensing threshold to encourage private power generation, enabling mining companies to invest in their own renewable energy plants.”
He stressed that infrastructure development remains central to Africa’s industrial ambitions. “You cannot build a competitive and reliable industrial base without reliable power, good transport networks and efficient logistics,” he said.
Morolong also reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which he said would unlock economies of scale by creating a single African market valued at US$3.4 trillion. “As we pursue growth through mining and industrialisation, we are keenly aware that our progress must be sustainable and inclusive,” he said, adding that developing human capital is essential to the continent’s industrial future.
He invited investors to partner with Africa on a long-term basis.
“We seek long-term partnerships that offer mutually beneficial outcomes, attractive returns for investors and sustainable development for our people,” Morolong said.
The reception, hosted by Brand South Africa, set the tone for the Mining Indaba 2026, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, investors and industry stakeholders ahead of a week of engagements under the theme: “Mining in Transformation: Fuelling Africa’s sustainable future.”
By convening senior government leaders, captains of industry, continental institutions and international investors, the reception positions Africa’s mineral resources at the centre of global conversations on industrialisation, infrastructure development and long-term socio-economic transformation. – SAnews.gov.za
9 February 2026- The ZF Mgcawu Police Commissioner, Major General Monica Sebili, together with her management team, conferred ranks to 16 members who were recently promoted. The ceremony took place in Upington in the ZFM District on 9 February 2026, where the newly-promoted members were congratulated by the management.
Sebili addressed the police emphasing the importance of self-discipline and urged the members conduct themselves with dignity and respect in order to uphold the South African Police Service (SAPS) Code of Conduct. She said the promoted members were encouraged to always act with integrity and accountability.
“Lieutenant Colonel AW Barnes was promoted to a supervision position at Rosedale Detective Service. Captain AI Basson is a new supervisor for Kakamas Client Service. Captain MVP Kopang will supervise Rosedale Client Service, while Captain NC Van Zyl was appointed as new supervisor for Vehicle Crime Investigation.
“Captain E Vundisa was appointed as Upington Stock-Theft & Endangered Species Unit Commander, Captain JAM Tyers was appointed as Douglas Detective Service Commander and Warrant Officer EL Halgryn was appointedas Kanoeneiland Detective Service Commander,” she said.
Sebolai further said Warrant Officer TKS Marungwana was appointed as Noenieput Detective Service Commander, Warrant Officer OS Masegela was appointed as Augrabies Visible Policing Commander, while Warrant Officer GA Seretsi was appointed as Rietfontein Detective Service Commander. She added that, Warrant Officer Julies SM was appointed as Riemvasmaak Visible Policing Commander and Warrant Officer V Kwela was appointed as Riemvasmaak Support Services Commander.
“Warrant Officer MI Thuake was appointed as Witdraai Detective Service Commander, Warrant Officer J De Koker was appointed as Gemsbok Border Post Information Manager, and Warrant Officer TKE Janda was appointed as Onseepkans Visible Policing Commander.
“The members will take up their new posts from 1 Marh 2026,” said Sebili.
Picture: The carcass of a cow seized by the police/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
9 February 2026- Stock-theft accused, Sello Madumo (35) and Mothibi Letsogo (37) were granted bail of R1000 each by the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court. The case was postponed until 17 March 2026.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said on 5 February 2025, police officers on patrol, spotted a group of community members at a garage in Tweelaagte village, near Mabeskraal. Myburgh said upon enquiries, it was determined that the community apprehended two suspects whose vehicle, a Ford Fiesta, was stopped and searched, leading to the discovery of meat in their possession.
“The suspects could not give proper account of the meat in their possession and the duo were handed over to police, unharmed, who immediately arrested them.
“Initial investigations done by Madikwe Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit, led to the identification of the owner of the slaughtered cow through it’s brandmark,” she said.
Myburgh further said the owner of this Brahman cow reported that between 21 January and 5 February 2026, his cattle were allegedly grazing around Letlhakeng village in Mabeskraal and after returning to their kraal, two Brahman cattle were missing. She added that Madumo and Letsogo briefly appeared before the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on charges for possession of suspected stolen property and stock theft.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, thanked the community and the police for their collaboration that resulted in the arrest of the duo. Naidoo said the police will continue to work hard to ensure that criminals are put behind bars.
“We further urge the farmers to brand mark their livestock in accordance with the Animal Identification Act, 2002 (Act No. 6 of 2002). This is of huge assistance to identify owners of stock theft found as in this case,” he said.
Setshwantsho: Lepodisi le le bolailweng, Christopher Lechuti/Facebook
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
9 Tlhakole 2026- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le banna ba le babedi, Abraham Moshani (46) le Jacob Kopie (32), e buseditswe morago ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Christian go fitlhelela mo letsatsing la kamoso. Se, ke go letla banna ba go ka tsenya kopo ya mmueledi wa puso.
Moshani le Kopie ba latofadiwa ka go bolaya lepodisi le le neng le se mo tirong, Sarasanta Christopher Lechuti (47), ka go mo tlhaba ka sengwe se se bogale kwa motsesetoropong wa Utlwanang, gaufi le Christiana ka Lamatlhatso. Go begwa fa Lechuti a ne a ile go timola lenyora ga mmogo le mongwe wa lelapa kwa lefelong le le rekisang nnotagi.
Fela, go kaiwa fa mongwe wa balatofadiwa a ne a raga lebotlolo la gagwe le le neng le tsentse nnotagi.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh are go ile ga tsoga kgaruru magareng ga banna ba. Myburgh are Lechuti o ile a tlhabiwa ka sengwe se se bogale, mme a tabogisediwa kwa kliniking ya selegae.
“Fela, o ile a tlhokafala moragonyana. Sepodisi se ile sa bolotsa letsholo-patlo la di ura di le 72 go batlana le babelaelwa. Mmelaela wa dingwaga di le 46 o ile a tshwarwa ka Lamatlhatso bosigo morago ga go ineela kwa sepodisi.
“Mmelaelwa (32) wa bobedi o ile a tshwarwa ka masa a letsatsi la Tshipi. Banna ba, ba tlhotse ba tlhageletse kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Christiana mo letsatsing la gompieno mabapi le polao,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.
Myburgh are Lechuti e ne e le karolo ya babatlisisi kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Christiana. Myburgh are kgetsi e, e tla batlisisiwa ke ba lephata la sepodisi la The Hawks.
Kgabagare, mokomishinara wa sepodisi wa nama o sa tshwere mo Bokone Bophirima, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo o rometse molaetsa wa matshidiso go ba lelapa le masika a moswi. Naidoo are o utlwisitswe botlhoko ka go latlhegelwa ke leloko la sepodisi ka mokgwa o botlhoko o.
“Seno se tlile go ama thata thebolo ya ditirelo. Re akgola babatlisisi ba ba kgonneng go tshwara babelaelwa. Seno se tla tlisa tshiamiso go ba lelapa.
“Baagi ba kopiwa go letsetsa sepodisi go 08600 10111 kgotsa ba ka dirisa App mo MySAPS. Baagi ba ka letsetsa nomoro ya 080 091 1011 fa ba batla go tsenya ngongora mabapi le dikgetsi tsa go batla madi ka pateletso go batho,” Naidoo wa tlhalosa.
Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng
By REGINALD KANYANE
9 February 2026- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng will brief the media regarding the findings and directives of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) over its investigation into scholar transport challenges. This comes after the SAHRC has released an investigative inquiry into scholar transport challenges in the North West.
Morweng said the SAHRC Report released in January 2026, follows an inquiry impelled by widespread and persistent concerns relating to the safety, reliability, accessibility and adequacy of scholar transport in the province. He said the Report has directed on what should be done to ensure safety of learners is not compromised.
“So, we will be addressing the media on the remedial action the department will be embarking upon as per the findings and directives of the SAHRC Report.
“The media briefing will be held at MEC’s Boardroom, Tirelo Building in Mmabatho at 10am,” said Morweng.
9 February 2026 – The Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate allegations made by the South African Police Service (SAPS) KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, is scheduled to hear the testimony of forensic analyst, Paul O’Sullivan tomorrow. The committee said the meeting will be in Parliament and live-streamed on YouTube.
9 February 2026 – The North West Department of Education has expressed its gratitude to Mokete Flatela, the Science teacher of Nkang Mahlale Secondary School in Jouberton Township, near Klerksdorp and the Harmony Mine for delivering the outstanding 100 double desks for the learners. The department said last year, Flatela was allocated a classroom that did not have adequate school furniture.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said every time when learners had to change periods, teachers were frustrated because the learners did not have furniture in the classes they were moving to. Motsumi said this situation necessitated Flatela to write letters to the private sector to request for the school furniture for his learners.
“The Harmony Gold Mine responded positively to his request of the 400 desks. Harmony Mine agreed to donate the 200 double desks but started with the delivery of 100 desks in 2025. In 2026 Harmony Mine delivered the remaining 100 double desks.
“We welcome the donation of desks from Harmony Mine. On behalf of the department, I wish to thank Harmony Mine for keeping their promise to deliver the outstanding desks. As a department, we also wish to thank Flatela for his tireless efforts in seeking assistance for his learners,” she said.
Motsumi further said they need more Flatelas in their schools, educators who are willing to go the extra mile to secure support for their learners. She added that, the school has received a total number of 200 double desks which accommodate 400 learners.
Picture: Students leave the campus at the North-West University in Mahikeng, South Africa, (also known as Mafikeng) Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016. Protesting students burned down several buildings on the campus Wednesday forcing the evacuation and indefinite closure till further notice a spokesman said Thursday. (AP Photo)
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
9 February 2026 – The North West University (NWU) warns the public against scammers and fraudsters during registration period. The university said it wishes to alert prospective students, parents and guardians, and members of the public that scammers and fraudsters are actively operating during the registration period.
The NWU principal and vice-chancellor, Professor Bismark Tyobeka said these individuals falsely pose as NWU officials with the intention of deceiving innocent citizens, particularly prospective students and their parents or guardians into paying money under false pretences. Tyoybeka said their goal is to unlawfully obtain hard-earned funds by promising admission, registration or accommodation placement at the university.
“The NWU wishes to state categorically that the university does not charge any fees for application or admission. Fees are charged only for registration and such payments can be made exclusively at the Student Finance Offices on the NWU’s three campuses.
“During the institutional welcome of first-year students, we strongly condemned these fraudulent activities. We warn in the strongest terms against any form of scamming or the selling of student spaces,” he said.
Tyobeka further said at NWU, they do not sell admission spaces. He added that students do not pay to be admitted to the university, nor do they pay to be placed in their residences.
“If we catch any official or any person selling spaces, they will be arrested. The university urges all students and parents to be extremely cautious of anyone, including individuals claiming to be NWU staff who offers to secure admission or accommodation in exchange for payment.
“All applications and registrations are handled exclusively through the official NWU Admissions Office. Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or cases related to corruption, bribery or fraud through the following independent whistle-blowing channels: Whistle Blowers (Pty) Ltd Toll-free number: 0800 666 361,” said Tyobeka.
He said students can Email: nwu@whistleblowing.co.za or use Toll-free fax: 0800 212 689. Tyobeka said they can also SMS: 33490 or WhatsApp: 031 308 4664 Post: Freepost, KZN665, Musgrave, 4062
“The North West University calls on all stakeholders to remain vigilant and to verify all information through official NWU communication channels,” he said.
Picture: Dipak Patel appointed as PCC Deputy Chair
By OBAKENG MAJE
9 February 2026- The Executive Director of the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC), Dorah Modise has welcomed the appointment and designation of Dipak Patel as its Deputy Chairperson. Modise said the designation of Patel follows the appointment of 24 other eminent South Africans as commissioners for a five-year tenure from 2026–2030 in terms of the Climate Change Act, 2024.
She further said this was announced by the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa in January 2026. Modise added that Patel joined the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) in 2021 as Head of Climate Finance and Innovation, responsible for the Portfolio of Climate Finance Mapping, financing a just transition and developing a strategy for financing our just transition and climate action interventions.
“Soon after South Africa transitioned from apartheid to democracy in 1994, Patel was appointed as Director-General of the National Department of Transport in 1998 under the government of the late President Nelson Mandela.
“Prior to joining the PCC, Patel was a Special Advisor to the late Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan from 2018 to 2020. Dipak is a Chemical Engineer with an MSc in Development Economics (University of London) and an MBA (University of the Witwatersrand),” she said.
Modise further said they are elated by the choice of Patel. She added that his appointment brings continuity from his previous roles in the commission and adds value to the already diverse and well-suited commissioners.
Patel said: “I am humbled by the responsibility bestowed on me by the President, as we collectively undertake this task of navigating a complex transformation.
“Our strength, relevance and value remain in our commitment to maintain integrity in our advice and recommendations to government and society, and the commitment to engaging the diverse sectors of our society in shaping climate and development policy.”
The Guardian 