Author Archives: The Guardian

‘Be wary of scammers and fraudsters’

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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

Website:www.whistleblowing.co.za

“The North West University calls on all stakeholders to remain vigilant and to verify all information through official NWU communication channels,” he said.

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Picture: NWU in Mahikeng campus

Patel appointed as PCC deputy chairperson

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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.”

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Police and GCIS conduct pre-SONA blitz

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Picture: SAPS and GCIS conducting pre-SONA blitz/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

9 February 2026 – The Northern Cape SAPS Provincial Corporate Communication, in collaboration with the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), conducted a pre–State of the Nation Address (SONA) awareness blitz in Galeshewe on Monday. The police said the purpose of the initiative was to educate residents on the meaning and importance of the State of the Nation Address (SONA), its link to the national budget and what takes place during the SONA proceedings.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson,Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said SAPS, GCIS, the Office of the Public Prosecutor in the Northern Cape, the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, Safety Participants, and Women of Wisdom jointly distributed pamphlets on the 2026 SONA to motorists and community members. Shemane said residents were encouraged to watch the televised SONA on 12 February 2026 at 7pm.

“The SAPS remains committed to strengthening collaboration with provincial government departments to enhance community awareness through coordinated outreach initiatives,” he said.

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A man found guilty of GBH assault

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By STAFF REPORTER

9 February 2026- A man (36) from Carnarvon was found guilty of assault with the intention to cause Griveous Bodily Harm (GBH) by the Carnarvon Magistrate’s Court on 4 February 2026. The accused was sentenced to six years imprisonment, wholly suspended for a period of five years.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the accused, Jonathan Masima, went in search of his girlfriend on the evening of Thursday, 23 January 2025, while the victim was hosting friends at her residence in De Aar Camp, Carnarvon.Litabe said upon arrival, the Masima unlawfully entered the house through a window and found the victim sleeping.

“Due to the darkness inside the house, he used a cellphone torch to search for her. When he found her, he assaulted her severely until one of the victim’s neighbours intervened and came to her rescue.

“During the assault, the accused choked the victim, pulled her hair, pressed on her eyes, and pushed her against a mirror. The mirror shattered and the victim sustained cuts to her knees when she fell,” he said.

Litabe further said the incident was reported to the police in Carnarvon and a case of assault GBH was registered. He added that, it was allocated to Detective Constable Rosemary Potjeng of the Carnarvon Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.

“Three days after the case was registered, the accused was arrested and subsequently released on bail of R500. Following several court appearances, the accused was convicted and sentenced as indicated.

“Matima was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.

The Pixley ka Seme District District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, commended Potjeng for her excellent investigative work and congratulated her on a job well done.

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North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi targets the Mining Africa Indaba to lure investments

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By BAKANG MOKOTO

9 February 2026- A high level delegation of the North West Provincial Government led by Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi accompanied the North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane, is expected to engage with Industry Leaders in Mining on the side lines of the Mining Africa Indaba currently underway in Cape Town. The North West province is positioning itself as an ideal and preferred destination for investments and expansion in mining operations.

Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said the province forms part of the world largest belt, which boasts 70% of reserves in Platinum Group Metal Groups (PGMs). Tatai said issues ranging from mineral beneficiation, social labour plans, preferential procurement for small enterprises are expected to top the agenda of the meetings.

“Of critical importance is the commercialisation of the Bojanala Special Economic Special Zone for long term partnership in areas such as mineral processing, services and specialised equipment.

“The creation of logistical hubs and corridors which link the province with other commercially sound regions on the African continent and Southern African Developing Community (SADC) will also occupy centre stage during discussions,” he said.

Tatai further said Mokgosi maintains government is gearing itself up to commercialise the province’s two airports as part of its ongoing efforts to see to the full implementation of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ). He added that, with the Growth and Development Strategy officially adopted by the Executive Council, Mokgosi believes the province is more than ready to the turn tide against low investment patterns bedevilling its developmental trajectory.

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SA Revenue Service leads the way in rebuilding the state

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

9 February 2026- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said last week, he visited the South African Revenue Service (SARS) National Command Centre in Tshwane to commend and congratulate its staff and leadership on their outstanding work. Ramaphosa said in the last financial year, SARS achieved the highest revenue collection in the tax authority’s history, collecting R2.3 trillion.

He further said these revenues collected into the fiscus return to our citizens as lifeblood. Ramaphosa added that basic services are delivered, social grants are paid out to society’s most vulnerable, public infrastructure is built and maintained, and the machinery of government is kept running.

“In many ways, SARS is a standard-bearer for a capable state. It has been a trailblazer in the use of technology to construct a citizen-friendly ecosystem, making it easier for taxpayers to meet their obligations.

“It is little wonder that SARS is regarded as one of the best tax authorities in the world. The South African Revenue Service also stands as a credible blueprint for rebuilding institutional capacity in the wake of the state capture era,” he said. 

Ramaphosa said in 2018, he appointed a commission of inquiry into SARS headed by Judge Robert Nugent. He said when the commission began with its work, SARS was crippled by political interference, leadership purges were commonplace, and specialist enforcement capacity had been substantially dismantled. 

“Morale at the tax authority was at an all-time low and revenue collection had been significantly weakened. Levels of compliance were steadily declining, with both corporate income tax and personal tax collections down. 

“Seven years since the Nugent Commission issued its recommendations, nearly all those recommendations have been implemented. Among the key recommendations were restoring capable independent leadership and governance, restoring compliance and enforcement capabilities, modernising systems and improving efficiency and services to taxpayers,” said Ramaphosa.

He said as a consequence, the tax authority has achieved a turnaround that has exceeded expectations. Just five years ago, public trust in SARS stood at 48%. Ramaphosa said it is now around 75%.

“Attitudes towards tax compliance also continue to improve. SARS played an important role in South Africa’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list and in the sovereign credit ratings upgrade from S&P last year. 

“Certainty in tax policy and honesty and efficiency in tax administration is a key consideration for investors looking to bring their business to our country. It sends a strong signal that South Africa is serious about institutional integrity and regulatory certainty,” he said.

Ramaphosa said it is confidence that is hard to price, but easy to feel when a core institution like SARS regains public and investor trust. He said for citizens, an efficient tax administration translates into a more reliable revenue stream for grants, infrastructure and basic services.

“For businesses, this means fairness and predictability. The rebuilding of SARS illustrates the value of commissions of inquiry. Not only did the commission unearth the full architecture of wrongdoing but it proposed steps to ensure that there is no recurrence.

“Credit must go to the leadership and staff of SARS for implementing the recommendations with diligence. As we continue in our efforts to build an ethical, capable state and prevent a recurrence of that dark period in our nation’s history, we will look to SARS as an example of what can be done when institutional integrity is restored,” said Ramaphosa.

He said just as state capture took place over a prolonged period of time, the work of rebuilding will not happen overnight. Ramaphosa said recommendations have been and will continue to be acted upon.

“Laws and processes have changed. Investigations have been undertaken and prosecutions have been initiated. Most importantly, institutions have been rebuilt. 

“The turnaround of SARS has shown what is possible with a clear mission, committed leadership and capable people,” he said.

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Matlosana Local Municipality to be placed under administration

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Picture: Matlosa Local Municipality mayor, Fikile Mahlophe

By OBAKENG MAJE

9 February 2026- The African National Congress (ANC) in North West said it has directed its deployees in Provincial Government to swiftly invoke Section 139(1)(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, in the City of Matlosana Local Municipality. The party said the Section 139(1)(b) empowers the provincial government to assume executive powers of a municipality that is unable or fails to fulfil its constitutional and legislative mandate.

The ANC provincial secretary, Louis Diremelo said the intervention is both political and administratively necessary, aimed to restore effective governance, ensure service delivery and safeguard the interests and dignity of the masses of our people in Matlosana. Diremelo said the intervention team will be expected to implement the findings of the investigation report as empowered by Section 106 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000, and these findings will be implemented without any fear or favour.

“This revolutionary mandate follows an in-depth and heightened engagement between the ANC Caucus of Matlosana Local Municipality and the ANC North West Provincial Leadership, convened at the J.B Marks Municipal Chamber on 8 February 2026, this action remains part of a high-paced and smart approach implementation on fixing local government as resolved in the Extended Provincial Executive Committee Lekgotla which was held in Matlosana Local Municipality.

“As the governing movement based on the will of the people, the African National Congress remains unwavering in its commitment to ethical leadership, cooperative governance, and constitutional accountability across all spheres of government,” he said.

Diremelo further said the movement will continue to exercise political oversight and leadership to ensure that the objectives of this awaited intervention are people-centred, governance is restored and the municipality is returned to a path of sustainable service delivery and developmental approach.

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A police officer drowns while chasing suspect

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Picture: Police Officer, Constable Gift Mota drowned/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

9 February 2026 – A police officer, Constable Gift Mota (25) attached to the Visible Policing Crime Prevention Unit at Phokeng, drowned while on duty. Mota was performing patrol duties with fellow members when they were approached by a community member, who alleged that they had spotted a suspect linked to cases of robbery and burglary.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the police members accompanied the community member to the Masosobane and Raffredy Sections, a bushy area with a nearby dam. Myburgh said upon spotting the suspect, the members gave chase.

“The suspect ran into the dam and during the pursuit, Mota entered the water. He subsequently disappeared from sight, whilst swimming behind the suspect. The diving unit was activated, who sadly recovered the body of the Mota from the dam shortly after the incident.

“An inquest docket has been opened to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Mota had been transferred to Phokeng in November 2025 and is originally from Ermelo in Mpumalanga,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, has expressed his deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased member. Naidoo calls on communities to continue working closely with the police in the fight against crime, while also acknowledging the dangers that police officers face daily in the execution of their duties.

“We have lost a dedicated police officer, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty while serving and protecting the community.Mota’s bravery and commitment will not be forgotten.

“The police stands with his family during this painful time and will ensure that they receive the necessary support,” said Naidoo.

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VIP protection Officers accused of murder granted bail

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Picture: Two VIP Protection Officers, Thabang Eugene Sohole and Michael Makampe

By STAFF REPORTER

9 February 2026- The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court has granted R20 000 bail each to two VIP Protection Officers, Thabang Eugene Sohole (41) and Michael Makampe (42) assigned to the Madibeng Local Municipality mayor, Douglas Maimane. Sohole and Makampe are facing charges of murder, defeating the ends of justice and operating a vehicle with blue identification lamps on an unauthorised vehicle on a public road.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that on 28 January 2026, at approximately 8pm, the deceased and his wife, both members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), were travelling along Eskia Mphahlele Drive towards the R80 when they were flagged down by a dark BMW SUV fitted with flashing blue lights. Mahanjana said the couple then turned onto the R80 towards Mabopane, where they were allegedly forced to pull over on the side of the road.

“It is alleged that Sohole and Makampe exited the BMW, one of them armed with an R5 rifle and approached the couple’s vehicle. The deceased was seated in the passenger seat, while his wife was the driver.

“The two allegedly questioned the couple about a missing rear number plate before returning to their vehicle. The deceased then followed them to check their identification and establish whether they were police officials with lawful authority to stop and question them,” she said.

Mahanjana further said as he approached the BMW, he was allegedly shot in the head and died at the scene. She added that a few hours later, the two accused handed themselves over at the Hercules Police Station, claiming that they were victims of an attempted hijacking and that a shooting had occurred on the R80.

“In court the state prosecutor, Chris Maruma opposed their release on bail because the two might try to influence the state witnesses and might interfere with investigations.

“However, magistrate Mphahlele found that exceptional circumstances existed warranting the accused persons’ release on bail,” said Mahanjana.

She said furthermore, Mphahlele ordered that the two should not contact directly or indirectly the state witnesses. Mahanjana said the matter was postponed to 9 April 2026, for further investigations.

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Six men nabbed for attempted murder, attempted house robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

9 February 2026- Six suspects aged between 35 and 67, were arrested in connection with attempted murder, attempted house robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition following a violent attack on a farm in the Swartruggens policing area. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, 3 February 2026 at a farm in the Lindleyspoort area, Swartruggens.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said it is alleged that a group of armed suspects gained access to the farmhouse and confronted the occupants, a husband (43), his wife (43) and their two sons aged 14 and 13, while they were asleep. Myburgh said the suspects demanded cash and during the incident, shots were fired.

“The complainant sustained slight injuries, while defending himself and his family. No property was stolen. The farmer’ wife took her two sons and fled to her parents-in-law, who is staying a short distance away, to get help.

“A coordinated and intelligence-driven operation involving Swartruggens Detectives, Visible Policing, Crime Intelligence, the K9 unit, Local Criminal Record Centre (Forensics), local farmers, the Community Police Forum (CPF) and the farm neighbourhood watch, led to the swift tracing and arrest of the first two suspects.

“Drone technology was utilised during search operations, resulting in the arrest of these two suspects, who were hiding in nearby bushes. Information indicating the vehicle utilised in the commission of the crime were followed up, leading to the arrest of a third suspect close to Boons,” she said.

Myburgh further said more suspects were traced to Koster, where a firearm and ammunition believed to have been used during the commission of the crime was recovered and will be subjected to forensic analysis. She added that on 4 February 2026, the last suspect was traced to Carletonville and arrested.

“Five accused, Buti Joseph Seqele (47) , Nkosinathi Thembinkosi Mduli (41), Jankie Nnebe (44) from Mozambique, Locus Samuel Masiane (46) and Sibusiso Vusi Tembe (35), briefly appeared before the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court on 5 February 2026, and the matter was postponed to 11 February 2026.

“The last accused, Zolile Nicholas Nkomane (67) appeared before the Swartruggens Magistrate’ Court on 6 February 2026. He was also remanded in court until 11 February 2026,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the swift response and cooperation between police and the farming community. Naidoo said attacks in rural areas remain a serious concern and police will continue to prioritise rural safety through visible policing, intelligence-led operations and strong partnerships with farming communities.

“We would like to warn criminals that the police will respond decisively and those who threaten the safety of rural residents, will be hunted down and brought to justice,” he said.

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