20 January 2026- The police said recent business robberies reported are alarming and concerning. The police said their preliminary investigations indicate that not sufficient safety precautionary measures are taken into consideration by business owners and managers.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the police have detected that large amounts of cash is not banked or deposited on time into business drop safes or (depository safe). Shemane said the police in the province are making an urgent plea to all business owners to adhere and implement the following safety hints and measures to prevent businesses being targeted and becoming victims of robberies.
“Deposit money into the drop safe as quickly as possible to prevent planned internal theft. Avoid having large amounts of cash on the business premises, bank or drop it on regular time intervals. The police cannot overemphasize the importance of the installation of sufficient surveillance cameras on the business premises.
“Employ enough security personnel and always be vigilant when working with money. Do not use the same routes to bank daily cash. Avoid operating after hours and remain within the business hours. Avoid being alone in the business, especially at night and do not sleep on the premises,” he said.
Shemane further said business owners should not open for anyone after the business is closed. He added that they should always try to be two or three when opening and closing the business.
“Train your staff and share robbery prevention and response guidelines on how to act prior to or during business robberies,” said Shemane.
Picture: The Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee, Nathan Oliphant
By REGINALD KANYANE
20 January 2026- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate allegations made by the Naledi Local Municipality mayor, Clifton J Groep against the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, will resume its work from 26 to 30 January 2026. This comes after the conclusion of the first round of witness testimonies during the Committee’s sittings held from 24 to 27 November 2025, as well as the extension of the Committee’s mandate by the Legislature until 31 March 2026, to allow sufficient time for the completion of its work.
The Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee, Nathan Oliphant said the forthcoming sittings will commence with the continuation of testimony by the former Director: Corporate Services at the Naledi Local Municipality, Thabo Appolus. Oliphant said evidence will continue to be led by the senior counsel, Pule Seleka.
“The hearings will take place at the Sun City Convention Centre, daily from 9am. I reaffirm that the Committee continues to execute its work in a manner that is fair, transparent and consistent with the principles of natural justice and the Legislature’s constitutional oversight responsibilities, and emphasised that the Committee will not pre-empt the outcome of its deliberations.
“Members of the public and interested stakeholders are encouraged to access the Ad Hoc Committee webpage for more information on the work of the Committee at: https://nwpl.gov.za/adhoc-on-premier/. Further details regarding the programme and procedural arrangements will be communicated in due course,” he said.
Setshwantsho: Balatofadiwa ba polao, Bakang, Phenyo Katong le Katlego Mosimege
OBAKENG MAJE
20 Ferikgong 2026- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le banna ba le bane ba kwa motseng wa Manthe, gaufi le Taung, e tla boela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya sedika ya Taung fa kgwedi ya Ferikgong e tlhola matsatsi a le 22. Bakang Katong (32), yo o atlholetsweng dingwaga di le robedi kwa kgolegelong mo kgetsing ya petelelo, ga mmogo le balatofadiwa nae mo kgetsing ya polao, Thabang Lenyai (23), Katlego Mosimege (31) le Phenyo Katong (34), ba ne ba tshwarwa dingwaga di le nne tse di fetileng morago ga go latofadiwa ka go bolaya Thabiso Mothibedi (35), setlhogo.
Go begwa fa ba ile ba mo teketa le go mo golegelela mo generateng. Seno se tla morago ga gore ba mo latofatse ka go ba utswetsa madi a seatleng a lekanyediwang go R20 000 le motsoko wa R600.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant Colonel, Sam Tselanyane, o ile a tlhalosetsa ba lekwalo-dikgang la The Guardian Newspaper gore dipatlisiso di shupa fa tiragalo e, ele ya di 29 Moranang 2022. Tselanyane are go ile ga begwa fa moswi a ile a siela kwa motseng wa Longaneng.
“Fela, go begwa fa balatofadiwa ba ile ba tswa letsholo le go mo latela. Go begwa fa go gorogeng ga bone kwa motseng wa Manthe, ba ile ba mo gokelela mo generateng, mme ba mo teketa go fitlhelela a tlhokafala.
“Go begwa fa balatofadiwa ba ile ba tabogisetsa moswi kwa kliniking ya selegae fa ba bona a neela mowa. Baoki ba ne ba ba tlhalosa fa go se sepe se ba ka se dirang go boloka moswi, gonne one a setse a balelelwa le badimo,” Tselanyane wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, ka di 1 Motsheganong 2022, baagi ba ile ba bolotsa mogwanto kgatlhanong le balatofadiwa, mme ba ile ba fisa matlo a bone a le mararo le sejanaga mo tiragalong e. Gape, baagi ba ile thuba le go senya ntlo-maitiso ya balatofadiwa, mme ba itseela le nnotagi.
Go begwa fa Katong a boleletse lekgotlha ka mokgwa wa tiriso ya lekwalo gore o ipona molato mo ditatofatso tsotlhe kgatlhanong le ene. Lenyai le ene go ne ga begwa fa a ipone molato mo ditatofatsong tsotlhe kgatlhanong le ene, fela one a fetoga mme a kopa lekgotlha fa a batla go fetola mmueledi wa gagwe.
Go begwa fa Katong o tlhaloseditse lekgotlha fa Mosimege le mogoloe, Phenyo, ba ne ba sena seabe mo tiragalong e.
Kgabagare, bosekisi le bone bo tlhalositse fa boitekanetse go ka tswelela ka tsheko, mme bo shupa fa bona le kgetsi e kwenneng kgatlhanong le banna ba, ba le bane. Tsheko mo kgetsing e, ene ya bosediwa morago mo letsatsing la maabane gonne balatofadiwa ba bangwe ba ne bas a iponagatsa kwa kgotlhatshekelo ntle le Bakang Katong.
Picture: The Meat Brother’s Pub in Lokaleng village, near Taung
By OBAKENG MAJE
20 January 2026- The Magistrate, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and other stakeholders involved in an attempted murder case against The Meat Brother’s Pub owner, Tshwaro Mangwegape (41), will conduct a loco inspection today. This aims to gather firsthand information regarding what might have happened on 17 December 2023, when Mangwegape allegedly shot and killed the NWU Soccer Institute player, Undivile “Vilo” Mdi (28) and injured his friend, Aobakwe Ernest Kokwe (33).
The trial in this case commenced on Monday.
On 17 December 2023, Mdi and Kokwe were amongst patrons who visited The Meat Brother’s Pub that was full to capacity. It is alleged that Mdi and Kokwe went outside and the security guards refused them entry on their return because the area was packed to capacity. Mdi and Kokowe allegedly tried to gain entry forcefully, but Mangwegape allegedly pulled out a gun and shot at them.
Mdi was fatally shot, while his friend was rushed to the hospital with terrible gunshot wounds. The injuries led to Kokwe’s leg being amputated. Mangwegape was arrested and charged with attempted murder and murder. He is out on a R5000 bail and the trial continues.
20 January 2026- The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in Naledi said it will march to the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court today. SANCO said it will be marching regarding the alleged numerous tragic incidents that occurred at a privately-owned residential area in Vryburg.
SANCO Zonal Secretary, Tumisang Badise said about four victims, who were tenants in that yard, have been brutally attacked by pit bull dogs and unfortunately, two of the victims succumbed to their injuries. Badise said these incidents are inclusive of Remoratile Maphike (12), who was attacked by these pit bull dogs on 16 June 2024.
“Although she survived this ordeal, it has left her with severe physical injuries and psychological trauma. The recent incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, 1January 2026 in the same yard. The victim, Mahommed Shahete (39), died on 2 January 2026 at Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital in Vryburg.
“The motive behind the march is to seek clarity from all relevant stakeholders as to why the pit bull dogs were not killed immediately after the first incident to avoid continuous loss of lives and injuries to others. The South African Police Services (SAPS), SPCA and the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management were aware of the first and second incidents, but no arrest was made,” he said.
Badise further said the pit bull dogs were not seized or killed. He added that, according to the police, the owner of pit bull dogs, Annamei Smith and her boyfriend, were arrested after the attack on Maphike, but she was released on warning because according to the court, it was her first offence.
“This puzzles us because before the attack on Maphike, these pit bull dogs killed a man. The third victim had to relocate without opening a case because he received threats from some police officials and the landlord, while trying to lay charges.
“He was ordered to leave Vryburg and he sold his businesses. The mother of a 12 year-old victim is now currently receiving threats from unknown numbers for speaking out to the media and seeking intervention. These threats have provoked the community and swear that there will be no rest, if something happens to the victims,” said Badise.
He said Smith has not paid any hospital bills or compensated any of the victims, not even a follow-up after all these incidents. Badise said instead, she is rude, provocative and racist.
“SANCO, Bua Moagi, Pakistan Association in South Africa, Naledi Council of Churches, ANCWL and the community at large, have been triggered and have raised their concerns for lack of safety in this town. There is no accountability and now the community lives in fear.
“The post-mortem has confirmed that indeed the recent victim was killed by the dog bites, but the owner is still walking free with no remorse,” he said.
19 January 2026 – The two Houses of Parliament, the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), will convene a virtual Joint Programming Committee (JPC) meeting tomorrow, to plan and coordinate Parliament’s programme of work for the 2026 parliamentary year. The JPC plays a critical coordination role between the two Houses, ensuring alignment on the legislative, oversight and public participation programme of Parliament.
Parliament spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo said the meeting will consider strategic priorities, key legislative milestones, oversight focus areas and the parliamentary calendar for 2026. Mothapo said the outcomes of the meeting will inform the scheduling of plenary sittings, committee work and joint activities, and will support Parliament’s constitutional mandate to pass legislation, exercise oversight over the Executive, and facilitate meaningful public involvement in its processes.
“The meeting will be held via virtual platform on Tuesday at 9am,” he said.
19 Ferikgong 2026- Batho ba le babedi ba tlhokafetse kwa motseng wa Maphoitsile, gaufi le Taung morago ga go nwa bojalwa jo bo itiretsweng. Go begwa fa bojalwa joo, bo belaelwa fa bo ne bona le botlhole.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are monna wa dingwaga di le 50, o ile a tlhokafalela kwa lefelong la tiragalo, fa mosadi wa dingwaga di le 60, a ile a tlhokafalela kwa bookelong jwa selegae.
“Dipoelo tsa morago ga loso di tla supa gore go diragetseng mabapi le maso a batho ba babedi ba. Ga gona ope o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
19 January 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment extend its deepest condolences to the families in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, who have tragically lost loved ones during the recent torrential rains and floods. The committee said it stands in solidarity with the thousands of affected households whose lives have been disrupted.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Ngabisa Gantsho said many have lost their homes, personal belongings and their primary means of livelihood, including farmland and livestock. Gantsho said the committee also acknowledges the communities in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape, where devastating wildfires have forced evacuations and destroyed properties.
“From the rising waters of the north to the raging fires of the south, the scale of destruction, from washed-away schools in Jozini to scorched farmlands in Overstrand, is a national loss. The committee recognises that, for many, the journey to recovery will be long and challenging, and the committee reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that no community rebuilds alone.
“The extent of destruction, with bridges swept away and entire villages in districts such as Vhembe, Mopani, uMkhanyakude and Ehlanzeni isolated from essential services, is a national concern. In contrast, the fires across the Cape Winelands and Overberg threaten depleting aerial firefighting budgets and the province’s water security,” she said.
Gantsho further said the heavy rains in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga and extreme fires in the Western Cape highlight that the climate crisis is no longer a future threat, but a current reality and clearly signals altered climate patterns. She added that the committee considers these events not just natural disasters but also urgent warnings indicating the priority of systemic changes in environmental management and protecting communities.
“The committee urges all three levels of government – national, provincial and local – to move beyond reactive disaster management and prioritising proactive climate action. Communities should also stay alert, avoid flooded areas and follow safety protocols.
“The committee strongly recommends deploying warning systems to reach the most remote rural villages well in advance of floodwaters or fires, providing training for local municipalities and ensuring emergency services have adequate resources to respond quickly,” said Gantsho.
She said educating communities about climate risks, sustainable land use and emergency procedures should be an immediate priority for the government, as these are essential for minimising climate impact vulnerability. Gantsho said similarly, new developments, such roads, bridges and human settlements, should be designed to withstand future climate-driven floods.
“The committee recognises the severe impact of these floods and fires on the natural environment and biodiversity, especially in the Kruger National Park, Garden Route National Park and neighbouring conservation areas, where they threaten the delicate balance of our ecosystems.
“Protecting our environment and wildlife is not a luxury, it is a fundamental pillar of human safety and economic stability, particularly for the tourism and agricultural sectors that support these provinces,” she said.
Gantsho said as they navigate this national disaster, the Portfolio Committee on Environment will intensify its oversight role to ensure that the Climate Change Act is implemented with the urgency it demands. She said they must build a South Africa, where their communities and their nature cannot only survive but thrive amidst a changing climate.
19 January 2026- The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education said it has noted with grave sadness the devastating road accident involving a private scholar transport vehicle, in which the lives of 13 school learners from the Vereeniging and Vanderbijlpark areas, south of Johannesburg, were tragically lost. The Committee said the tragedy is particularly painful given that schools have only been open for three days in the 2026 academic year.
The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Joy Maimela said with only three school days so far in 2026, they are already confronted with this immense loss. Maimela said it is deeply heart-breaking that parents who entrusted their children to be safely transported to school will now no longer hear their voices or see their smiling faces.
“We extend our sincere condolences to the parents, families and affected school communities during this unimaginably difficult time. The preliminary reports from authorities indicate that the minibus taxi transporting the learners was involved in a collision with a side-tipper truck. The impact reportedly forced the minibus off the road, resulting in the catastrophic loss of life.
“We also expressed concern for the five other learners who sustained critical injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals for emergency medical treatment. We wish the injured learners a speedy and full recovery and hold them and their families in our thoughts,” she said.
Maimela further emphasised the importance of psychosocial support for affected learners, families, educators and school communities. She urged the Department of Basic Education, in collaboration with Provincial Education Departments and relevant stakeholders to ensure that counselling and trauma-support services are urgently made available to help those affected cope with the emotional and psychological impact of the tragedy.
“We call for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. The incident once again highlights persistent concerns regarding the safety and regulation of scholar transport vehicles.
“This tragic loss of young lives underscores the urgent need for stricter oversight, enforcement of road safety regulations and accountability within the scholar transport sector. Authorities are expected to intensify scrutiny in the wake of this incident to prevent similar tragedies in the future,” added Maimela.
Meanwhile, the Foundation for Education and Social Justice Africa activist, Hendrick Makaneta said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident in Vanderbijlpark this morning, which claimed the lives of 13 learners and left several others injured. The learners, who were from Sebokeng, were being transported to their schools when the scholar transport minibus taxi collided with a heavy-duty truck.
“According to reports, twelve learners died at the scene, while four others were rushed to hospital. Tragically, one of the injured learners later succumbed to injuries. Our thoughts are with all the families, relatives, schoolmates, teachers, and support staff affected by this devastating incident.”
Makaneta said they wish the injured learners a full and speedy recovery. He said this tragedy underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive scholar transport plan to ensure that all vehicles are roadworthy and drivers are properly trained, vetted and qualified.
He said authorities, transport operators and schools must work together to guarantee the safety of learners on their daily journeys. Makaneta said every child has the right to reach school safely and no family should have to endure such pain.
Picture: Director of the NWU AI Hub, Prof Anné Verhoef/Supplied
By AGISANANG SCUFF
19 January 2026- The North West University (NWU) has become the first South African university to adopt an official artificial intelligence (AI) policy. The NWU Council approved the policy at its most recent meeting, further cementing the university’s position as a leader in artificial intelligence in the higher education sector.
According to the Director of the NWU AI Hub, Prof Anné Verhoef, this marks a milestone for the sector and helps shape national conversations about the responsible use of AI in higher education and research. Verhoef said many universities are delaying the creation of an AI policy because of the rapid pace of AI development.
“While this concern is valid, a policy can be crafted in a flexible and broad manner that adapts to the swiftly evolving AI landscape. Such a policy is also vital because it provides a framework for the safe and secure management and governance of AI within the university.
“At the NWU, the need for this framework became clear as our AI strategy focuses on embracing AI in a human centred, ethical and responsible way. This approach encompasses teaching and learning, assessments, research and postgraduate supervision, all of which need to be coordinated, supported and managed within a clear framework,” he said.
Verhoef further said the framework must also delineate the roles and responsibilities of students, lecturers, researchers and management. He added that their AI policy addresses this need and universities across the world are moving in a similar direction to ensure a human centred approach to AI.
Verhoef said although many universities remain uncertain about where and how AI should be managed, whether in research, teaching and learning or administration, the NWU’s AI policy clarifies these roles and establishes an effective governance model.
“Many universities in South Africa and globally are encountering challenges in creating a comprehensive and centralised approach to the coordination and management of AI. Initially, the Centre for Teaching and Learning led this work, but by 2025 the need for AI management in the research sector became far more pronounced.
“Without a harmonised strategy that integrates teaching, learning, research and management, universities face conflicting approaches that can confuse and disadvantage students and lecturers,” said Verhoef.
He also notes that the NWU’s AI policy resolves these challenges by clearly defining stakeholder roles and locating AI governance within the IT department, recognising that AI is fundamentally an IT tool or application. Verhoef said the AI Steering Committee, which includes representatives from students, faculty, administration, the library and the Centre for Teaching and Learning, is responsible for all AI related matters at the university.
“This committee reports to the IT Committee, which in turn reports to the University Management Committee. Communication then flows to faculties and to the Senate as required.
“Before Council approved the policy, it went through an extensive consultation process involving faculties, Senate and refinement committees. As Director of the AI Hub, I observed first-hand the key insights and concerns raised during this process and how they shaped the final draft presented to Council,” said Verhoef.
He said the NWU’s AI policy was developed through a comprehensive consultation process that included input from faculties, Senate and refinement committees. Verhoef said this collaborative approach ensured that the policy addressed a wide range of expectations and challenges from all stakeholders.
“Notably, many of the concerns raised were philosophical rather than technical. Maintaining a human centred approach to AI was a major focus, rather than simply identifying which AI tools to use. The policy also emphasised the need to address AI’s significant energy and water consumption, as well as its ecological and environmental impact, highlighting the importance of sustainable AI practices.
“With this policy, the NWU sets a clear national benchmark for responsible, human centred and sustainable AI in higher education,” he said.
The Guardian 