14 April 2026 – Two children aged 5 and 1 allegedly died after eating supper in Sonderwater Informal Settlement in Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom. It is alleged two cousins (both girls) that are staying with their mother and grandmother in one house, went to bed after eating supper.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said it is alleged that they both woke up after a short while with stomach pains and foam coming out of their mouths. Myburgh said they were rushed to a nearby clinic, but tragically passed on shortly after their arrival at the clinic.
“A case is under investigation and an inquest is under investigation (Judicial enquiry),” she said.
Picture: Three learners who perished in a horrific car accident/Facebook
By REGINALD KANYANE
14 April 2026 – The North West Department of Education has expressed deep sadness following the death of a third learner, who was involved in a horrific accident on 8 April 2026. The department said the incident had already claimed the lives of two other learners and the driver.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said following the accident, two Grade 12 learners sustained serious injuries and were rushed to hospital. Motsumi said sadly, one of the injured learners succumbed to her injuries on 11 April 2026, bringing the total number of fatalities to three learners and their driver.
“The four girl learners and their driver were travelling in their private transport from Delareyville to Vryburg to attend school, as it was the reopening of schools for the second term. It is further reported that, approximately 20 kilometres from Vryburg, their vehicle collided with a truck.
“Unfortunately, the crash resulted in the immediate loss of three lives. Two learners and the driver were declared dead at the scene, while the two other learners sustained severe injuries. The deceased learners were in Grades 9 and 10 respectively, while the seriously injured learners are both in Grade 12,” she said.
Motsumi further said they had been optimistic that the third learner would recover. She said, however, this was unfortunately not the case.
“On Wednesday, following the accident, I rushed to meet with all the families to offer my support, and we were all optimistic that she would recover. Unfortunately, that was not the case; God had other plans which were not the same as ours.
“I wish to take this moment to convey my sincerest condolences to all the bereaved families and to pray for a full recovery for the learner who is still in hospital,” said Motsumi.
She said her department prays for strength for all the families affected by this accident and for the Vryburg High School community to remain strong during these trying times. Motsumi said the fourth girl learner (also in Grade 12) is recovering well after a successful operation at Milpark Hospital.
Meanwhile, the memorial service for three learners will be held at Vryburg High School on Tuesday at 12pm.
14 April 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has shortlisted candidates for interviews to fill vacancies on the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE). The committee said while it agreed to shortlist 12 candidates, 14 received five or more nominations, meaning the top 14 will be interviewed by Parliament.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Liezl van der Merwe said guided by the ruling of the Constitutional Court, the committee will implement an extended public commentary period to ensure meaningful public participation. Van der Merwe said redacted CVs will be published on Parliament’s website from 13 April to 26 May 2026 (30 working days or six weeks) for public commentary.
“Interviews are scheduled for 28 and 29 May 2026, during which the committee will also consider public comments and verification reports from the State Security Agency and Parliament’s human resources department regarding qualifications.
“The committee invites all members of the public and civil society to engage and share their views on the candidates, as their contributions will help determine whom the next Commissioners will be,” she said.
Van der Merwe further said the shortlisted candidates are (in alphabetical order) Ms Chriscentia Caroline Blouws, Dr Corné Davis-Buitendag, Ms Mamohapi Claurina Diseko, Adv Thando Gumede, Ms Berenice Lue Marais, Mr Alfred Ofentse Macheke, Ms Nonyameko Magida, Ms Patricia Mohlolo Makofane, Ms Alexandrina Sikelelwa Msitshana, Ms Sixolile Delight Ngcobo, Ms Thandeka Ntshangase, Adv Nthabiseng Sepanya Mogale, Ms Leonashia Leigh-Ann van der Merwe and Mr Xolisa Yekani.
She added that the recruitment process follows a 31 July 2025 Constitutional Court judgment, which invalidated the appointment of five commissioners due to non-compliance with the provisions of sections 59(1)(a) and 193(6) of the Constitution, as stated in Corruption Watch (RF) NPC v Speaker of the National Assembly and Others.
“The court emphasised Parliament’s obligation to facilitate reasonable public involvement. The committee received 88 applications and invited public and civil society comments on the suitability of the shortlisted candidates for the CGE vacancies.
“A summary of each candidate’s resume is available on the parliamentary website. Public comments can be submitted through an online form accessible via the provided link PUBLIC COMMENTARY – SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES COMMISSION FOR GENDER EQUALITY 2026 – Google Forms Comments should be sent to Ms Yolanda Sili at: cge-application@parliament.gov.za,” said van der Merwe.
Picture: Three foreign nationals nabbed for being in possession of suspected stolen diesel/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
14 April 2026 – Three foreign nationals were arrested by the police in Kimberley following a tip-off. The police received information regarding a silver bakkie travelling on the N12 road towards Kimberley allegedly transporting stolen property.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said this led to the arrest of three foreign nationals early on Friday morning, 10 April 2026. Shemane said the vehicle matching the description was spotted travelling on the N12 and was subsequently intercepted by police.
“The police tactically approached the vehicle and ordered the occupants to disembark. Upon searching the vehicle, police discovered several containers filled with diesel with an estimated value of R10 000. The suspects failed to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the possession of the diesel.
“Three suspects aged 21, 29, and 36, were arrested for possession of suspected stolen property and appeared in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Frances Baard District Commissioner, Major General Charlotte Makgari, welcomed the arrest and applauded the collaboration with other stakeholders and SAPS members for their unwavering commitment to ensuring that those involved in criminal activities are brought to justice during and beyond the Safer Easter Operation Paseka in the District.
Picture: More than 265 suspects nabbed during Safer Easter Operation Paseka/Supplied
By STAFF REPORTER
14 April 2026 – The unwavering commitment and zero tolerance approach by the police in the Northern Cape was evident during the implementation of the Safer Easter Operation Paseka across all five districts in the province, which resulted in the arrest of 265 suspects. The police said operations under the auspices of Operation Shanela 2 were conducted from 6 until 12 April 2026.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the high density and coordinated interventions consisted of ongoing intelligence-driven actions aimed at combating crime in identified hotspots. Ehlers said during the operation, numerous premises were searched, while a total of 10 133 individuals and 4 531 vehicles were also searched.
“Operational activities included stop-and-search actions, high-visibility patrols, vehicle checkpoints (VCPs) and roadblocks. The police concentrated efforts on road safety, drunk driving and the prevention of trafficking of drugs along the main routes within the province.
“Detectives conducted tracing operations that resulted in the arrest of several wanted suspects who had been evading law enforcement for various offences. Compliance inspections were carried out at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, recycling facilities, firearm dealerships, informal businesses, mines and farms to ensure adherence to relevant legislation,” she said.
Ehlers further said as a result, several unlicensed liquor outlets were shut down due to non-compliance and violation of various regulations. She added that in total, 265 suspects were arrested for offences including drug-related crimes, illegal liquor trading, property related crimes, attempted murder, rape and assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH).
“Large quantities of alcohol and drugs as well as dangerous weapons were confiscated during the operations. The police, together with Community Policing Structures (CPS) and various government departments, conducted awareness campaigns addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV), contact crimes, drug and alcohol abuse, youth safety and other priority trends,” said Ehlers.
Meanwhile, she said the Northern Cape Provincial and District management, welcomed the successful results of the operation and commended the collaborative efforts with other departments and the community. Ehlers said efforts will be sustained beyond the Easter period to ensure that inhabitants and visitors are safe.
Picture: Some of drugs confiscated by the police/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
14 April 2026 – The Namakwa District Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews commended the vigilance and dedication of police members in Calvinia who, through proactive patrol duties, ensured the arrest of four suspects for possession of drugs on Friday. Andrews said while conducting routine patrols, the police observed individuals acting suspiciously upon seeing the police vehicle.
“Their swift and alert action led to the arrest of four suspects aged between 15 and 57 and drugs being seized. The significance of the commendable work by the police members lies not in the monetary value of the drugs confiscated, but in the commitment and passion displayed by these members in ensuring the safety and security of the Calvinia community.
“Their instinct and dedication reflect SAPS’s ongoing commitment to the residents of Calvinia that every effort will be made to safeguard the streets from drugs and criminal activity. This arrest underscores the determination of SAPS to protect communities and maintain public trust through visible policing and decisive action,” he said.
14 April 2026 – The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the sentence of life imprisonment handed down by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court to Mr X from Mamelodi Township, in Pretoria for raping his girlfriend’s daughter (12). The NPA said he was further sentenced to five years imprisonment for sexual assault.
The NPA regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said the court ordered that the sentence of life imprisonment run concurrently with the five-year imprisonment sentence. Mahanjana said between 2022 to 2023, Mr X raped and sexually assaulted his girlfriend’s daughter at their place of residence in Mamelodi.
“This was discovered on 15 May 2023, when the mother of the victim fetched the child from her friend’s place of residence to prepare her to go to school after spending a weekend sleepover at the friend’s place. On arrival at their home, the mother asked why the child did not return home as agreed, the victim informed the mother that her boyfriend had been continuously raping her.
“On the same day, after school, the child went to her father’s place of residence she told her father that her mother’s boyfriend had been raping her. The father of the victim went and reported the matter to the police and after investigations by the police Mr X was arrested,” she said.
Mahanjana further said the victim was taken to Mamelodi Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC), where she received medical, psychological, and legal assistance from the police and prosecutors. She added that in court, the man pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him and denied committing the offences.
“However, the state presented compelling evidence, including the testimony of the victim and her father, which proved his guilt beyond reasonable doubt. During sentencing proceedings, Mr X, through his legal representatives, asked the court to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentences, citing that he is unemployed and also a first-time offender.
“However, the state prosecutor, Vleis Van Zyl argued that Mr X was convicted of a very serious offence that is prevalent not only in the court’s jurisdiction. Furthermore, he said that instead of protecting and looking after the victim, he abused his position of trust and abused her. Van Zyl read into the record a Victim Impact Statement (VIS), where the victim expressed how the incident has negatively affected her emotionally and psychologically,” she said.
Mahanjana said in delivering the sentence, the magistrate agreed with the state that Mr X abused his position of trust as a guardian of the victim. She said therefore, the magistrate found not substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.
“The NPA calls on all South Africans to unite against gender-based violence and to create safe environments where the constitutional rights of children, particularly their right to dignity and safety, are fully protected,” said Mahanjana.
14 April 2026 – A boy (15) was sentenced to three years imprisonment by the Klerksdorp Regional Court for rape. The incident occurred on 16 February 2023.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said a boy (9) was at a soccer field with his friend busy training when the accused threatened the victim and raped him. Skalkie said the accused briefly appeared before the Klerksdorp Regional Court on 24 March 2026, where he was found guilty and sentenced to three years imprisonment.
“The individual will serve his sentence in the Juvenile Section in prison,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Deborah Mmolawa, commended the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Mpho Samuel Mapane, for handling this complex and sensitive case with diligence, resulting in a successful conviction. Mmolawa underscored that the case outcome reflects the justice system’s unwavering stance against sexual offences and its steadfast commitment to safeguarding vulnerable members of society.
14 April 2026 – A man (38) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Klerksdorp Regional Court for raping his cousin. On 14 July 2024, at approximately 4:40am, the victim (44), went to bed and found her boyfriend already asleep in their bed.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said her cousin (38) approached her in the bedroom and she (victim) told him to go and sleep since it was late. Skalkie said while asleep, she felt that someone was being intimate with her and thought it was her boyfriend.
“However, when she opened her eyes, she saw it was her cousin. A rape case was opened at Klerksdorp Police Station for investigation. The accused was further declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of the Firearm Control Act, Act 60 of 2000,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Deborah Mmolawa, commended the diligent work of the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Mpho Portia Mokgosi and all role players within the criminal justice system whose efforts contributed to securing this conviction. She indicated that their dedication highlights the importance of thorough investigations and victim-centred approaches. Mmolawa urged community members to continue working closely with law enforcement agencies by reporting incidents of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and supporting victims in coming forward.
14 April 2026 – A man (27) was sentenced to two life imprisonment for rape and murder. This comes after a woman (45) was found half naked in the street in Lesesele Section in Mabeskraal with serious injuries on 24 April 2022.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said she was taken to a local healthcare facility and later transferred to a hospital, where she passed away while enroute. Skalkie said investigations revealed that Tshepo Motsisi was last seen with the victim and he was traced and arrested at his residence.
“Clothes stained with blood were found in his bedroom, collected and sent to the laboratory for DNA analysis. The analysis indicated that it is the clothes and blood of the deceased, thereafter the accused was charged with rape and murder.
“Further investigation revealed that the accused also committed a murder in 2009, and he was still on parole when he committed this offense. The sentence was handed down by the Mogwase High Court on 10 April 2026,” she said.
Skalkie further said the accused was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment for rape and life imprisonment for murder. She added that both sentences will run concurrently.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Kgomotso Mathambo of Sun City Police Station for securing the conviction and sentencing, supported by advocate Ayanda Mzamo. Naidoo stated that the outcome demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and its partners within the criminal justice system to combat serious and violent crimes, including gender-based violence and femicide.
“This sentence sends a strong message that perpetrators of such heinous crimes will face the full force of the law and that the SAPS in the North West continues its dedication to safeguard all residents and prioritize crimes against women and children,” he said.
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