28 April 2026 – A man (40) was arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition in Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom on 24 April 2026. The police said the search warrants were successfully obtained following the analysis of information received from North West Crime Intelligence Covert Operations.
The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said an intelligence-driven operation was subsequently conducted by the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit in collaboration with North West Crime Intelligence Covert Operations. Morake said during the search, one rifle with a magazine, one replica blow pistol and a magazine containing blank rounds.
“The suspect is expected to appear before the Potchefstroom Magistrates’ Court in due course,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, extended his appreciation to the team involved and emphasised the importance of intelligence-driven operations. Naidoo further urged the police to continue efforts to eradicate illegal firearms from communities.
Picture: A rifle confiscated by the police/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
27 April 2026 – Two suspects briefly appeared at the Mogwase Magistrate Court after being arrested during the self-initiated operation conducted by members of Mogwase Visible Policing. On 21 April 2026, two men were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition in Segakwaneng, Matangwaneng Section and Phiring Section in Moruleng, near Rustenburg.
The operation was conducted after the police received information that there’s a group of men involved in a spree of business and residential burglaries in the areas of Manamakgoteng and Moruleng.
The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said it is alleged that the said group was seen shooting with rifles that are suspected to be stolen in a burglary residential at nearby veld. Morake said information was followed and the first suspect was arrested.
“He led the team to Segakwaneng where a hunting rifle, rifle stand and ammunition were recovered. He further led the team to the second location at Matangwaneng Section in Moruleng, where a second suspect was found in possession of a 9mm pistol and ammunition.
“The third address at the Phiring Section in Moruleng, a rifle, magazine and ammunition were recovered. The two accused, Oratile Mosome (24) and Godfrey Mpuane (29), were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, and briefly appeared at the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 23 April 2026,” she said.
Morake further said the matter was postponed to 7 May 2026, while the accused are remanded in custody.
27 April 2026 – It is alleged that the owner of a construction company was lured to Mmabatho in the North West with promises of securing a tender to install solar geysers. The complainant reportedly met with the suspects, who allegedly posed as officials from a tender committee and the Department of Public Works.
The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said during the meeting, they demanded undue gratification from the complainant in exchange for securing the tender. Morake said the complainant made payments into the suspects’ bank accounts, but later became suspicious and reported the matter to the North West Provincial Commercial Crime Investigation Unit.
“On 23 April 2026, three suspects were traced and arrested in Potchefstroom, Wolmaransstad, Mahikeng and Mmabatho. Dingaan David Seabe (57), who is also a well-known pastor in Mahikeng, Ernest Thabang Phillips (47), and Wakgale Johannes Mosiane (39) have been charged with tender fraud and appeared before the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on 24 April 2026.
“The accused were remanded in custody until 30 April 2026, for a formal bail application. Anyone who can assist the police with information regarding this investigation is requested to contact the investigating officer, Colonel Thebeyagae Molatlhegi on 071 481 2432,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the members for swiftly arresting the trio. Naidoo further urged members of the public and business community to exercise extreme caution when approached with promises of securing tenders, especially where upfront payments or “facilitation fees” are requested. “Legitimate government tender processes are transparent, regulated, and do not require any form of undue gratification to secure contracts. Individuals should verify the authenticity of officials, confirm tender advertisements through official government platforms and avoid making payments into personal bank accounts.
“Reporting suspicious activities promptly to law enforcement can prevent financial loss and assist in bringing perpetrators to justice,” he said.
Picture: 36 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela II/Supplied
By STAFF REPORTER
26 April 2026 – With the guidance of the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, Operation Shanela 2 continued on 25 April 2026, into the early hours of Sunday morning, 26 April 2026, to combat illegal activities in Potchefstroom. The police said the area of concern, Walter Sisulu Street, within a section of the CBD known as the Wandelaan, was revisited again as an identified hotspot of illegal immigrants and numerous crimes.
The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said the operation resulted in the arrest of 36 illegal immigrants, both males and females. Morake said two Nigerian men were taken in on enquiry by the Department of Home Affairs to verify their status.
“Stop and search operations were conducted in and around Potchefstroom area for drugs and unlicensed firearms and ammunition. In two separate incidents in Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom, a Lesotho national (35), was arrested for allegedly being found in possession of possible illegal substances (Mandrax) to the street value of more than R700.
“Furthermore, a replica firearm, magazine and a weighing scale was seized and the man was also charged for being an illegal immigrant as his passport expired. A man (25) was arrested for possession of suspected illegal substances (Crystal Meth) to the estimated street value of close to R2000,” she said.
Morake further said the multi-disciplinary operation was successfully conducted by members from various units, including the North West Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Potchefstroom Public Order Policing (POP) and Provincial Communications.
Meanwhile, Naidoo expressed his appreciation towards the members involved for their dedication and cooperation in protecting communities. He added that their commitment to excellence and professionalism reflects positively on the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“We would like to assure the public that police will remain vigilant and steadfast in bringing criminals to justice,” said Naidoo.
Picture: The Chairperson of North West Legislature Portfolio Committee on COSATMA, Freddy Sonakile
By BAKANG MOKOTO
27 April 2026 – The Chairperson of North West Legislature Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management (COSATMA), Freddy Sonakile, will convene a three-day engagement session with key stakeholders as part of its ongoing inquiry into the affairs of the North West Transport Investment (NTI) SOC Ltd. Sonakile said the meeting will take place at NWPL Committee Room 2 from 28 – 30 April 2026 at 8am.
“Since October 2024, the committee has been conducting a comprehensive fact-finding process into governance, financial, and operational challenges affecting NTI. This includes matters relating to the business rescue process, contractual obligations, financial management, and decisions taken by various role players.
“The upcoming engagements form part of the final phase of the inquiry and will include appearances by identified stakeholders, affected parties, and relevant entities. These sessions aim to provide a platform for submissions, clarification of outstanding issues, and to ensure that all relevant persons are afforded an opportunity to be heard before the committee concludes its work,” he said.
Sonakile further said the outcomes of these engagements will inform the committee’s final report and recommendations to the North West Provincial Legislature on interventions required to address the challenges at NTI and strengthen oversight, accountability, and service delivery within the transport sector.
27 April 2026 – The Ad Hoc Committee to investigate allegations made by the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is expected to meet tomorrow evening to discuss housekeeping matters, including correspondence from the Busisiwe Mkhwebane Foundation, Sarah-Jane Trent, as well as access to the Inspector-General of Intelligence’s report. The committee will also be presented with a draft report on its work thus far.
“The meeting will be held on Virtual Platform/YouTube on Tuesday at 5pm. Parliamentary committees are open to the media and the public. Journalists wishing to cover these meetings (including receiving links to virtual meetings) should send their cell phone numbers to Mlindi Mpindi on email mmpindi@parliament.gov.za for inclusion in the Parliamentary Communications Services WhatsApp Group, where such information is shared.
“Journalists must send these requests using their official email addresses (no private emails). Members of the public may follow sittings live on Parliament TV (DStv Channel 408), via live stream on Parliament YouTube channel and Twitter page on the links below,” he said.
27 April 2026 – The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) said it will strengthen its oversight on municipalities this week, by receiving several briefings from the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) on the latest audit outcomes of municipalities and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) on investigations. The briefings mark the beginning of SCOPA’s second term program for this year, with municipalities identified as a key priority until the third term.
SCOPA chairperson Songezo Zibi said on 28 April 2026, the AGSA will brief SCOPA on the 2024/25 municipal audit outcomes that will cover four metros. Zibi said the briefings will focus on municipalities such as Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality and eTthekwini Metropolitan Municipality.
“On Wednesday, the SIU will brief the committee on both completed and ongoing investigations at municipalities such as Masilonyana Local Municipality, Mahikeng Local Municipality, Ditsobotla Local Municipality, Matlosana Local Municipality
JB Marks Local Municipality, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality,”
“This includes Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, Umsunduzi Local Municipality and Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality,” he said.
Zibi further said the briefings will be followed by oversight engagements and deliberations with the respective municipalities on issues arising from the AGSA and SIU briefings.
Picture: Sergio “Search” Gomes and his wife, Marlene “Ma-Totobola” Gomes/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
27 April 2026 – A dedicated task team has been deployed following a double murder and business robbery case reported in Mahikeng. The police said this decisive intervention follows a complaint received by police regarding a shooting incident in Golfview on the night of Friday, 24 April 2026.
The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said upon arrival at the scene, the police observed bloodstains on the pavement and discovered the body of a female, Marlene “Ma-Totobola” Gomes lying on the ground. Morake said the preliminary investigations revealed that her husband, Sergio “Search” Gomes had also been shot and had already been transported to hospital.
“Both victims were allegedly being shot by unknown suspects. Later that same night, the husband succumbed to his injuries at hospital. It is reported that the couple rushed from their main residence after being alerted that their son was being robbed at their business.
“Upon entering the business premises, located not far from the house, they encountered the suspects at the entrance. According to one of the robbery victims, six unknown suspects wearing masks and armed with firearms had entered the premises while they were inside the lounge,” she said.
Morake further said the suspects allegedly forced the victims to lie on the floor, threatened and assaulted them. She added that they then proceeded to rob them of several cell phones, an undisclosed amount of cash, a laptop, and the keys to a Ford Ranger, which was later used as a getaway vehicle.
“On Saturday morning, 25 April 2026, the stolen Ford Ranger was recovered abandoned in Magogoe village. Some of the stolen cell phones were also found discarded in the veld in the same area,” said Morake.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Rayno Naidoo has since assigned the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit to continue with investigations and to track down those responsible. Naidoo said the police investigations are ongoing and no arrests have been made at this stage.
“Members of the public who may have information that could assist the police investigation are urged to contact Lieutenant Colonel Kotu on 079 897 1801, their nearest police station, or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be submitted via the MySAPS App on smartphones,” he said.
Picture: Illegal immigrates nabbed during Operation Shanela II/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
April 2026 – The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo led Operation Shanela II on 24 April 2026, in response to concerns raised by Potchefstroom community members regarding numerous crimes reported in Walter Sisulu Street, within a section of the CBD known as the Wandelaan. The operation resulted in the arrest of 29 illegal immigrants (both males and females), various licensed liquor outlets in and around Potchefstroom were also inspected to verify compliance with liquor licensing regulations, stop and search were conducted around the taxi rank for drugs and unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Naidoo said the operation was successfully conducted by members from various units, including the North West Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Potchefstroom Public Order Policing (POP) and Provincial Communications. He further commended the community for providing valuable information that led to the success of the operation.
“Furthermore, we appreciate the courage and cooperation of community members who continue to work closely with the police. We would like to emphasise that crime can only be effectively addressed when communities and law enforcement stand united.
“Operations such as Shanela will continue to ensure that those involved in criminal activities are brought to book and to restore a sense of safety in our communities,” added Naidoo.
25 April 2026- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa will on 27 April 2026, lead the national Freedom Day Commemoration to be held in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in Bloemfontein, Free State. Ramaphosa said Freedom Day 2026 marks the 32nd anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections held on 27 April 1994 and stands as a testament to the country’s journey towards democracy, justice, equality and human dignity.
“Freedom Day 2026 is commemorated under the theme, “Freedom and the Rule of Law: Thirty Years of Democratic Citizenship. The commemoration highlights three decades since the adoption of the Constitution and underscores the importance of constitutional supremacy, the rule of law, and democratic citizenship in shaping South Africa’s future.
“This year’s national event takes place within the context of several significant national milestones, including the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution, 70 years since the Women’s March if 1956, and 50 years since the Soweto youth uprising,” he said.
Ramaphosa further said milestones continue to shape South Africa’s democratic journey by inspiring continued transformation. He added that, Freedom Day commemoration will bring together all organs of state and all three spheres of government, alongside representatives from civil society and various sectors, in a unified national celebration of the country’s democratic progress.
“Freedom Month provides an opportunity for South Africans to reflect on the gains of democracy, honour the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom, and recommit to building a united, inclusive and just society. It also serves as a platform to promote active citizenship, deepen understanding of constitutional rights, and strengthen social cohesion, particularly among young people.
“The commemoration will feature ceremonial elements, including participation by the South African National Defence Force, adding to the significance of the national occasion,” said Ramaphosa.
He will lead the Freedom Day Commemoration at Dr Rantlai Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein, Free State at 10am.
