Author Archives: The Guardian

Four suspects nabbed during Operation Phakisa

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Picture: Police conduct a search at costal port entry/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

24 March 2026 – The police in the Northern Cape in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, Customs (Delivered Duty Unpaid), the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, as well as the Northern Cape Provincial Traffic, conducted the renowned coastal Operation Phakisa from 19 until 23 March 2026.

The police said the primary objective of these operations was to address various forms of crime in Kleinzee, Port Nolloth, Alexander Bay and Groenrivier, particularly those associated with ports of entry and coastal activities.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the police deployed specialised units such as Border Policing, Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (Springbok), Springbok K9 Unit, Highway Patrol, Springbok Crime Intelligence and Inland Water Policing. Litabe said the police conducted search operations at various residential and business premises.

“A total of 142 vehicles, 242 individuals and 61 vessels were searched. The operations also included the establishment of Vehicle Control Points, as well as compliance inspections at harbours, mining areas, camping sites, launching pads and restaurants.

“The operation resulted in the arrest of four suspects in Port Nolloth, including one suspect for driving under the influence of alcohol, two suspects for dealing in drugs during cordon and search operations, one suspect for possession of drugs,” he said.

Litabe further said a total of 24 fines, amounting to R11 600 were issued for contraventions of the National Road Traffic Act. He added that six individuals were fined for contraventions of the Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act No. 18 of 1998).

“During the operation, members confiscated mandrax tablets to the estimated value of R2 195.20, cash, snoek fish, eight packets of cut snoek pieces and three packets of yellowtail snoek that had been cut into portions.

“All arrested suspects are expected to appear in court soon,” said Litabe.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the police and all partner departments for the successful execution of the operation.

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Balatofadiwa ba le supa ba polao ba neetswe beile ya R500 mongwe le mongwe

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Setshwantsho: Bangwe ba balatofadiwa ba polao

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

24 Mopitlwe 2026 – Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le balatofadiwa ba le supa eleng Flora Mogwera (66), Tshwaro Katong (53), Mosimanegape Gabonewe (55), Victor Maphasane (63), Tekoetsile Katong (63), Losilatau Charles Sakiele (58) ga mmogo le Mompati Mocumi (62), e buseditswe morago go fitlha 11 Motsheganong 2026, ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la maabane. Balatofadiwa ba, ba ile ba tshwarwa kwa motseng wa Manthe, gaufi le Taung, mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go bolaya monna wa kwa motseng wa Mothanthanyaneng, Robert Rapelang Molale morago ga go molatotsa ka go bogodu jwa leruo.

Go begwa fa Molale a ile a teketwa le go tsenngwa mo metsing kwa molapong ka kgwedi ya Sedimonthole 2025. Go begwa fa Molale a ile a tlhokafala morago ga moo.

Go dumela fa dinkue tse di utswitsweng ele tsa molatofadiwa, Flora Mogwera (66). Balatofadiwa ba bangwe jaaka Tshwaro Katong (53), Mosimanegape Gabonewe (55), Victor Maphasane (63), Tekoetsile Katong (63), Losilatau Charles Sakiele (58) ga mmogo le Mompati Mocumi (62), ba lebagane le ditatofatso tsa polao.

Kgabagare, balatofadiwa botlhe ba neetswe beile ya R500 mongwe le mongwe.

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Go well James “Mr Putin” Gadinabokao!  

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Picture: SANCO leader, James Gadinabokao 

By OBAKENG MAJE

24 March 2026 – The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West said it has been saddened by the death of its leader, James Gadinabokao (50), who reportedly passed away on Friday after sustaining fatal head injuries.

It is alleged that Gadinabokao, who was affectionately known as President Vladimir Putin, slipped and fell in a bathroom at a guesthouse in Vryburg on Tuesday morning.

The newly-appointed SANCO Interim Provincial Coordinating Committee Convenor, Paul Sebegoe said the civic organization on Monday described Gadinabokao’s demise as a monumental loss, particularly at a crucial time when the unity process within the movement was unfolding.

“We wish to convey our deepest condolences to the Gadinabokao’s family, SANCO structures across the province, his political home, the African National Congress, revolutionary alliance, as well as the broader mass democratic movement, including business formations and communities that he had served with every ounce of his energy.

“He has left an indelible mark within the civic movement and will forever be remembered as a fearless community activist, an assertive business leader and a grassroot organizer, whose passion to serve, forthright engagements as well as commitment to unity will be sorely missed,” he said.

Sebegoe further emphasised that SANCO’s befitting tribute to Gadinabokao will be for the civic organization to reclaim its rightful position as the champion of community struggles as it strives for people driven and community centered development. He added that they must in honouring his selfless legacy and patriotic duty uphold the values of Ubuntu and remind his detractors to respect his family and valued contribution.

“All of us have a revolutionary duty to ensure that renewal and good governance at local government level delivers without compromising accelerated service delivery that our communities are yearning for,” underscored Sebegoe.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said: “The victim passed away on Friday at the Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital and the inquiry docket will be converted to an inquest docket.

“A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death.”

Meanwhile, Gadinabokao will be buried in Potchefstroom on Saturday .

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Team North West scoops third place at SAPSAC  

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Picture: One of the players at South African Primary Schools Athletics Championships/Facebook

By REGINALD KANYANE

23 March 2026- The North West Department of Education secured an impressive third place at the 2026 South African Primary Schools Athletics Championships held at Green Point Stadium in Cape Town from 20 – 21 March 2026. The province maintained its position obtained from the previous year, reaffirming its status as one of the country’s top-performing provinces in school athletics.

Team North West delivered an outstanding performance, collecting a total of 37 medals with 13 gold, 12 silver, and 12 bronze medals. A team of 165 learners represented the province at the national event, showcasing exceptional talent and determination across multiple disciplines.

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said among the standout athletes was Rayen Beets (12) from Samtrek Primary School, who broke the Javelin record with a remarkable throw of 51.79 meters and also secured a first place in the Discus event. Motsumi said a learner from the South African International School in Mafikeng, Larona Gorman (11), stole the spotlight by winning both the 80 meters and 100 meters races.

“Other notable achievements included Lubbe Janco, who claimed first place in the 75 meters hurdles; Pieter Ernst who won the 1500 meters walk race; Kaylene De Wet who secured victory in the girls’ 1200 meters race and Modisane Oneile who took top honours in the boys’ 1200 meters event.

“The province also celebrated a record-breaking performance by the girls’ Relay team, who set a new national record with a time of 51.73 seconds,” she said.

Motsumi congratulated Team North West for their exceptional performance.

“On behalf of the entire Department, I would like to congratulate Team North West for their outstanding performance in the national competitions.

“This achievement demonstrates that our province is a force to be reckoned with, consistently ranking among the top three provinces,” said Motsumi.

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Netball player needs funds for Dubai trip

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Picture: Netball player, Sentle Mokopanele/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

23 March 2026- Pampierstad-born netball player, Sentle Mokopanele (15) said the sport involves frequent stopping, starting, pivoting and jumping on hard surfaces, leading to high rates of ankle sprains, knee injuries. Mokopanele said despite being a “fair contact” sport, players frequently suffer from finger injuries, bruising and collisions while competing for the ball.

In spite of all these, she is ready to go all the way to the pinnacle. Mokopanele further said she always embarks on high-intensity training and avoiding fatigue that can cause unnecessary errors in technique and judgment that could lead to turnovers and lower performance.

“To be a netball player, you need high cardiovascular endurance, explosive speed, agility, and precise ball-handling skills. Strong mental focus, teamwork and a solid understanding of tactical positioning are essential for navigating the court’s strict rules.

“So, I always ensure that I dedicate myself to daily training. As a netball player, you must be ready to face a range of physical, technical, and mental challenges due to the fast-paced, high-intensity nature of the sport,” she added.

Mokopanele said to mitigate these challenges, players are encouraged to focus on pre-season strength and conditioning, proper warm-ups and consistent practice of basic skills.She has been elected to represent South Africa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) in November 2026, but needs funds to ensure that her dream becomes reality.

“I am in need of R65 900 and I call on any Samaritan to come on board. I was selected last week during our game at Hartswater Hoerskool netball games, where I am a learner. Those scouts were part of the spectators without anyone noticing.

“I play for the Under 19 team as goal defence. I would like to go there and explore my talent. I believe this will be a great platform for my exposure in preparations to play for Netball South Africa (NSA) one day,” said Mokopanele.

She said there are other players from different sporting codes who were also selected.

Meanwhile, her mother, Seanokeng Mokopanele said: “Sentle has always been passionate about netball since her tender age. I request donations from either individual, businesses and all stakeholders to assist. Those who would like to help can contact me on 0798181131.”

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PSA calls for the removal of Head of Department and CFO at North West Department of Education amid R100m ghost employees payments scandal

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Picture:Head of Department of North West Department of Education, Lengane Johannes Bogatsu

By OBAKENG MAJE

23 March 2026 – It is not raining, but pouring for the embattled North West Department of Education amid R100m ghost employees’ payments scandal. The Public Servants Association (PSA) is the latest entity to slam the department over the matter.

The PSA said it rejects attempts by the North West Department of Education to downplay the R100 million ghost employee payroll scandal as “isolated incidents” linked to manual system limitations. The PSA said this narrative is misleading, dismissive and fails to account for the magnitude and persistence of financial losses clearly exposed by the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA).

“The AGSA’s findings, outlined in Material Irregularity 01 of 2022/23, confirm that the department recorded staff debts in its financial statements amounting to over R100 million, including salaries paid to people who had resigned, retired, or passed away.

“These payments are not minor procedural lapses and reflect a sustained breakdown in fundamental financial controls, human resource verification processes and executive oversight. These functions are at the core of governance in any public institution and such failures highlight systemic weaknesses,” said in statement.

The PSA said it has noted with extreme concern the department’s assertion that these incidents do not constitute a governance collapse. It said losses of this magnitude over an extended period cannot be explained by isolated errors and demonstrate a pattern of negligence, weak supervision, and absence of consequence management.

“A system that allows such leakage to persist reflects deep institutional failure. The department’s reliance on manual processes as justification further exposes a lack of proactive leadership.

“Internal controls are designed to operate effectively, regardless of whether systems are manual or automated. Regular audits, reconciliations, and verification protocols mandated by the AGSA should have detected and prevented these irregular payments,” said PSA.

It said these failures indicate that controls were ignored or ineffective. The PSA further raises concern regarding the absence of transparency on disciplinary action.

“There is no evidence that officials responsible for authorising, processing or failing to detect these payments have been held accountable. This silence undermines public confidence and reinforces a culture, where negligence carries no consequence.

“The introduction of improved technology does not address the core issue of accountability. Systems do not govern institutions – people do. Without decisive action against those responsible, the risk of recurrence remains high, regardless of system upgrades.

“In line with AGSA’s findings and recommendations, the PSA reiterates the Union’s demand for urgent

intervention. The Head of Department and Chief Financial Officer must take responsibility and vacate their positions immediately,” it said.

PSA said a comprehensive forensic investigation must be instituted to determine the full extent of the irregularities and whether fraudulent activity was involved. It said all implicated officials must be suspended pending the outcome of investigations.

“Public funds must be safeguarded with the highest level of integrity. The people of North West deserve accountability, not explanations that minimise serious governance failures,” it said.

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Introduction of newly-appointed PSC in North West

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Picture: The Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature, Dr Desbo Mohono/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

23 March 2026 – The Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature, Dr Desbo Mohono will host the formal introduction of the newly-appointed Public Service Commissioner for the North West, advocate Neo Sephoti. Mohono said the introduction follows a request by the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, Prof Somadoda Fikeni, to officially present the Commissioner to the Legislature and relevant stakeholders.

“The engagement will include remarks by the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi and will afford Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) an opportunity to formally interact with the Commissioner and extend messages of congratulations.

Members of the media are invited and the event will take place at Committee Room 2 in the North West Provincial Legislature, Mahikeng on Tuesday at 10am.

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Ditsela di tswetswe kwa Klerksdorp

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Setshwantsho: Ditsela di tswetswe kwa Klerksdorp

Ka KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

23 Mopitlwe 2026 – Bakgweetsi ba dijanaga kwa Klerksdorp le mafelo a mabapi, ba itsisiwe fa go na le ditsela tse di tswetsweng mabapi le boipelaetso jwa borra ditekesi. Go begwa fa borra ditekesi ba boloditse mogwato kgatlhanong le borra ditekesi ba ba seng mo molaong.

Sebueledi sa Lefapha la Tshireletso ya Baagi le Tsamaiso ya Dipalangwa mono Bokone Bophirima, Charles Matlou are bakgweetsi ba ba lebang kwa Klerksdorp, ba kopiwa gore ba ikele tlhoko. Matlou are tsela e e amegileng ke ya R503 e golaganyang Hartbeesfontein/Tigane le Klerksdorp.

“Tsela ya R30 e e lebang kwa Orkney ga mmogo le ditsela tse di mogare ga metsesetoropo di amegile. Bakgweetsi ba kopiwa go dirisa ditsela tse di farologaneng. Re tsweletse go buisana le borra ditekesi bano ba ba boloditseng mogwanto ga mmogo le bannalesabe ba ba farologaneng,” Matlou wa tlhalosa.

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Dagga worth half a million rands confiscated

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Picture: Dagga worth half a million confiscated/Supplied 

By STAFF REPORTER

23 March 2026 – The members of the Upington Crime Prevention Unit intercepted a woman allegedly in possession of drugs at a fuel station in Upington on 20 March 2026. The police acted on intelligence-driven information regarding the movement of the suspect.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said upon arrival at the identified location, they spotted a woman matching the description provided. Shemane said the suspect was found in possession of three bags.

“A search of the luggage revealed a large quantity of dagga, with an estimated street value of R670 500. The suspect was subsequently arrested for dealing in dagga,” he said.

Meanwhile, the ZF Mgcawu District Commissioner, Major General Monica Sebili, commended the police for their swift response, which led to the successful arrest and confiscation of the drugs. Sebili further expressed appreciation for the continued support from the community, whose valuable information contributes significantly to the fight against crime and the removal of drugs from communities.

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Operation Paseka intensified in Northern Cape

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Picture: Police conducting stop and search/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

23 March 2026 – Operation Paseka actions have commenced in the Northern Cape to ensure safety and security during the Easter holiday period. These disruptive actions under the auspices of Operation Shanela II, focuses on enhanced crime prevention and combating efforts to curb and address priority crimes in hotspot areas during and beyond the Easter holidays period in the province.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said these high-density police actions and activities commenced on 16 until 22 March 2026, included Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), stop and searches, roadblocks, tracing of wanted suspects, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections and visits to farms and mines as well as community engagements.

Shemane said during the weekly operations, 269 suspects were apprehended for crimes such as housebreaking and theft, assault with the intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), attempted murder, dealing in drugs, malicious damage to property, possession of drugs, undocumented persons, murder, rape and robberies.

“A total of 8386 individuals and 4891 vehicles were stopped and searched at vehicle check points (VCPs) during police disruptive actions in the five districts. Compliance inspections were executed at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, formal and informal businesses, mines, farms and at liquor premises.

“During compliance inspections a total of 18 unlicensed liquor premises were closed due to non-compliance. Actions led to the confiscation of items believed to have been used in the commission of a crime as well as money believed to be the proceeds of crime. Additionally, police confiscated alcoholic beverages, ammunition, dangerous weapons, and drugs,” he said.

Shemane further said the police together with Community Policing Structures will embark on awareness campaigns addressing trending crimes during the period, and the prevention thereof. He added that this week also saw the release of the crime statistics of the third quarter for the 2025/2026 by the Northern Cape MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Limakatso Koloi together with the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola.

“The province also hosted a successful and incident free National Human Rights Day celebration that was commemorated at the AR Abass Stadium in Kimberley on 21 March 2026,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, assured the public that operations will continue unabated during the Easter holiday period and beyond. Otola stated that a zero-tolerance approach will be implemented towards the abuse of alcohol and crimes committed against women and children.

“The police will be on high alert at parks and public gatherings as well as at resorts ensuring that our communities feel safe and are safe,” she concluded.

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