Picture: The missing Maditi Wilson Mbetcheni/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
13 April 2026 – The police in Ikageng Police Station are requesting the community’s assistance in locating a missing man, Maditi Wilson Mbetcheni (65) of Mohadin in Potchefstroom. The police said Mbetcheni was last seen by his nephew in September 2010, but was only reported missing in 2022.
The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said a search commenced and extensive investigations were conducted without any positive results. Morake said at the time of his disappearance, Mbetcheni was wearing a short sleeve blue shirt, long brown trousers and brown formal shoes.
“He is light in complexion with an average built body and has black wavy short hair and a black beard. The police request anyone who may have information regarding Maditi Wilson Mbetcheni’s whereabouts to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Kgakgamatso Mutsi on 074 457 4764 or (018) 294 1421.
“Alternatively, call your local police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,” she said.
Picture: An identikit of one of the men who allegedly raped a girl
By REGINALD KANYANE
13 April 2026 – The police in Klerksdorp request the community’s assistance in locating and identifying a man as per attached identikit. The police said it was reported to the police that a victim (15) climbed into the suspect’s Toyota Tazz that was used as a taxi on 5 August 2025.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said inside the vehicle, were two male occupants, the driver and passenger. Skalkie said the two suspects drove with the victim to Manzil Park Cemetery, where they allegedly threaten her before raping her.
“One suspect was wearing a balaclava. The man identified is light in complexion, medium in height and built. He was wearing a red woollen beanie, black padded bomber jacket, dark blue trousers and he spoke Setswana. He is estimated to be about 50 years-old or older.
“The second man is dark in complexion, tall and muscular built. He was wearing a black sweater, light blue trousers, light blue plastic shoes and also spoke Setswana. He is estimated to be 30 years-old or older. He was wearing a balaclava,” she said.
Skalkie further said the police request anyone who may have information that can assist to identify and trace the two men, to contact the Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Maletsa Shole, of Klerksdorp Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit on Cell: 082 568 6909. She added that anonymous information can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smart phone or phone Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
13 April 2026 – The police in Mabeskraal working in close collaboration with various specialised units, has achieved a significant breakthrough following the successful arrest of multiple suspects linked to a house robbery and kidnapping incident reported this week. The police said in the late Wednesday evening, 8 April 2026, a man (64) was kidnapped from his residence in Mabeskraal by a group of seven armed suspects.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the perpetrators allegedly targeted the victim based on information that he had recently received a substantial pension payout. Myburgh said following the incident, an intelligence-led, multidisciplinary operation was immediately launched.
“Through coordinated efforts involving crime intelligence, tactical teams, and local policing units, investigators traced suspects believed to be involved in the crime. On 9 April 2026, the police intercepted a vehicle on the R565 road (between Sun City and Rustenburg) near Boshoek.
“Three suspects were found in possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition, as well as items believed to have been used in the commission of criminal activities, including a vehicle. Further investigation and information obtained led to additional arrests of three more suspects in the Ledig area, found with property linked to the victim,” she said.
Myburgh further said in total, six suspects aged between 30 and 60, were arrested and charged with offences, including kidnapping, house robbery, possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition and possession of suspected stolen property. She added that items recovered during the operation include a firearm, ammunition, cell phones, electronic storage devices and other belongings linked to the victim.
“Further developments in the investigation led to the arrest of a seventh suspect, an estranged wife (49) to the victim, who allegedly played a key role in orchestrating the crime. All seven suspects are expected to appear before the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 13 April 2026, where they will face relevant charges.
“The police investigations remain ongoing, including linking the suspects to other crimes, including armed robberies and business robberies in the Marikana, Mabeskraal, Rustenburg and Mogwase areas,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major Gen (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, has commended all units involved for their swift and coordinated response, highlighting the importance of intelligence-driven operations in combating serious and violent crime. Naidoo said the members of the public are encouraged to report any information that may assist ongoing investigations to their nearest police station, via the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or anonymously via the MySAPS App from your smartphone.
13 April 2026 – The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, has welcomed the recent sentences handed down in five separate cases, including four involving rape and one related to the murder of a girl (3). Naidoo said in the first sentence handed down on 1 April 2026, Moses Madini Twala was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and 10 years imprisonment for assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) by the Lichtenburg Regional Court.
He further said Twala was also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000. Naidoo added that information presented before court indicated that on 22 November 2022, Twala was home at Boikhutso, whilst his girlfriend went to a nearby tuck shop.
“On arrival, an argument ensued between them because he did not believe her when she explained her whereabouts. He then became aggressive and assaulted his girlfriend in front of the children, who started crying and screaming as their mother started to bleed due to the assault. He then hit the youngest child (3), who lost consciousness.
“Twala then took the child to the bathroom and drowned her in the bath tub. After the ordeal, the child was taken to a nearby clinic, where she was declared dead on arrival. This matter was not reported to the police. Two days later one of the traumatised, elder siblings, who witnessed the assault and murder, reported the incident to the police,” he said.
Naidoo said after meticulous investigations done by Constable Tshepang Motone of the Lichtenburg Detectives, supported by the state advocate, Ntebaleng Mabale, Twala was arrested, found guilty and sentenced. He said the second unrelated sentence was handed down on 7 April 2026, after the court heard evidence that in the early hours of the morning on 30 September 2024, a victim (16) was walking home with a friend in Lethabong.
“They were approached from behind by Bongani Piet Maloka (30), who became aggressive and threatened the teenage girls with a knife. He chased the one girl away and forcefully took the other with him to a shack, where she was instructed to climb through the window in order to gain access.
“Maloka followed her inside the shack and ultimately raped her. After Maloka fell asleep, the victim fled from the scene and reported the incident. Maloka was sentenced by the Bafokeng Regional Court to 18 years imprisonment for rape and five years for kidnapping. These sentences will run concurrently,” said Naidoo.
He said Maloka was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, his name was entered in the National Register for Sexual Offenders and he was declared undesirable to work with children. Naidoo said Sergeant Balungile Makaya of Mogwase Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, supported by a prosecutor, worked hard to ensure this success.
“A third and fourth sentence was handed down on 8 April 2026, by the Ganyesa Regional Court, where Johannes Nasky Maruping (37) was sentenced to 15 years and life imprisonment in two separate rape cases reported in Morokweng.
“The sentences will run concurrently, Maruping was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and his name was entered in the National Register for Sexual Offenders. In the first case reported in the evening of Saturday, 4 June 2022, a victim (19) was walking with her sister along the Morokweng main road, when they were approached by four men walking behind them,” he said.
Naidoo said the sisters started to run away, but Maruping, who had a knife, caught one of the sisters and threatened her with a knife. He said Maruping forcefully took her to his residence and raped her.
“In the second case, a grandmother reported that her daughter (15) came home early on Sunday morning, 7 August 2022, and reported that she was raped by a man in Gamokgopa Section in Morokweng, whilst being threatened with a knife.
“Meticulous investigations by Constable Teko Daniel Montwedi of the Provincial Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) Unit, supported by state prosecutor, Seapei Molope, led to this success,” said Naidoo.
He said the last sentence was handed down on 10 April by the Bafokeng Regional Court. Naidoo said the court heard evidence that an accused (52), raped his girlfriend’s 13-year-old daughter after she was sent to his residence in Luka Village in Phokeng on Saturday afternoon, 24 August 2022 to collect containers.
“The accused misled the victim, who was previously raped, that he will restore her virginity by sleeping with her. After reporting this to her mother, the man was arrested on 28 August 2022 and appeared before court and was later granted bail.
“A warrant of arrest was issued after he absconded bail during September 2023.He was re-arrested a few months later in Nanahadi, Phuthaditjhaba in the Free State on 5 November 2025, by a team consisting of Rustenburg FCS and members of Phuthaditjhaba Police Station. A convict was ultimately sentenced to life imprisonment after the state argued that the accused caused secondary trauma to the victim by raping her again and by abusing the trust he had as a step-father,” he said.
Naidoo said furthermore, he was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, his name was entered in the National Register for Sexual Offenders and he was declared undesirable to work with children. He said the Investigating Officer was Warrant Officer Phenyo Cynthia Monchusi of Head Office SECI Unit and the prosecutor, advocate Zola Mpayipheli.
“We commend the investigating officers, prosecutors and all other role players for their collaborative efforts in securing these convictions and sentences. We would also like to motivate community members to not stay silent when Gender Based Violence (GBV) is committed, as this protects the abuser, not the victim,” said Naidoo.
Picture: A police officer arrested for an offence/Generic
By STAFF REPORTER
13 April 2026 – Two Police Constables and a Reservist who were arrested for corruption, granted bail. Constable Itumeleng Moseki (39), Constable Fungile Advocate Yelani (28) and Reservist Constable Joseph Themba Tshele (47), working at Klerksdorp Crime Prevention, were granted a R2000 bail each by the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court on 31 March 2026 and their case was postponed until 12 May 2026.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said their court appearance follows their apprehension on 26 March 2026, by members of the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU). Myburgh said it is alleged the accused targeted foreign businessmen (victims) between December 2025 and March 2026.
“After inspecting their permits/passports and businesses, they would demand money to not arrest them. In one of the cases reported on 12 March 2026, a victim and his family member were allegedly at their shop, when the accused visited them. After the victim could only provide a copy of his passport, he was detained in the police vehicle.
“Furthermore, the accused searched through the shop and stole vape cigarettes. The victim was then transported to the Klerksdorp Police Station and money was demanded from the remaining family member in order to release him. Later the victim was released by the accused after money was handed over to them,” she said.
Myburgh further said the matter was then reported to the ACIU, who established that there was no case reported against the victim. She added that investigations are ongoing and linking the accused to more cases is imminent.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, congratulated the ACIU for their meticulous investigation that led to the arrest of the trio. Naidoo expressed his disapproval for the police’s conduct, which he said is dishonest, a theft of public trust and will not go unpunished.
11 April 2026 – The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) Interim Provincial Coordinating Committee (IPCC) in North West has announced the appointment of regional committees to coordinate the revival of its structures across the province in a statement issued on Saturday. SANCO IPCC said that the establishment of the interim regional coordinating committees is aimed at uniting, rebuilding and reorganizing effective civic movement structures.
SANCO provincial convenor, Paul Sebegoe said the unity of the civic movement is sacrosanct for SANCO to reclaim its position as a center of influence as well as its historic mission as the vanguard of our communities to advance community struggles for people driven and community centered development. Sebegoe said they will not allow gatekeeping and factionalism, which have weakened them to characterize the unfolding unity process.
“These key resolutions were adopted by the IPCC in its meeting on 9 April 2026 meeting. For the civic movement to achieve this seemingly mammoth and insurmountable task, it would need to work tirelessly to mobilize its grassroot support for civic activism. We will spare no effort to confront unethical conduct such as corruption, including crime threatening our communities, while contributing practical solutions necessary to address rising unemployment affecting our youth as well as urgently fix service delivery challenges across our municipalities.
“The interim regional structures which were constituted based on constitutional principles as well as considerations such as organizational experience, leadership capacity, commitment to unity, gender, geographic spread, representativity, inclusivity and expertise are expected to launch zonal structures in the next week,” he said.
Picture: A Grade 12 learner, Enica Nombela/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
11 April 2026 – A third learner who was hospitalised after being involved in a horrific car accident that claimed the lives of two learners, Remofiloe Mtshengu (15) and Kitso Mathope (16), has succumbed to her injuries. According to the Vryburg High School, a Grade 12 learner, Enica Nombela (18) who was hospitalised since Wednesday, died today.
The school said: “We are deeply saddened to share an update with our school community following the tragic car accident involving a group of our learners earlier this week.
“With great sorrow, we confirm that another one of our learners, Enica Nombela, has sadly passed away after being in hospital since Wednesday. This brings the loss to three of our learners, along with the driver.” the school said.
The school said four learners were travelling to school with private transport from Delareyville when the accident took place. It said it is grateful to share that the fourth learner, Neo Mankwe is recovering well after undergoing an operation at Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg.
“Our hearts are broken. We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones affected by this devastating loss. As a school, we stand together in grief and will continue to offer all the support we can during this incredibly difficult time.
“We kindly ask the community to keep the families and the injured learner in your thoughts and prayers and to respect their privacy as they navigate this tragedy.”
Three learners from Vryburg High School along with their driver (43), died in a horrific car accident. It is alleged that the accident happened in the early hours of Wednesday, 8 April 2026.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said it is reported that 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. Motsumi said 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, Remofiloe Mtshengu (15) and Kitso Mathope (16), were in Grade 9 and 10 respectively, while the seriously injured learners are both in Grade 12.
“We are devastated by the tragic news of the accident. Immediately after receiving the news, I drove to Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital in Vryburg to offer my support to the families and wished learners a speedy recovery,” she said.
Motsumi further said on behalf of the entire department, she wishes to convey their heartfelt and deepest condolences to the families of the bereaved learners and also wish a speedy recovery to those who are still in hospital. She added that to the Vryburg High School community, pray that they remain strong during this difficult time.
“I further urge all drivers who are transporting learners to school, to be extremely cautious on the road. The death of one learner is too many. We cannot allow the lives of our learners to perish on the road like this. These learners were coming to school for the second quarter and we were having so many plans to ensure that they excel in their studies.
“The Wellness Unit from the District Office has already conducted trauma debriefing to the learners and the educators. Psycho social support will also be extended to the affected family members,” said Motsumi.
She said the memorial service and the funeral details of the deceased learners will be released once all the family members have been consulted.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng sent his deepest condolences to the families of two the deceased. Morweng said the occupants were traveling on N14 road from Delareyville to Vryburg on the first day of the second school quarter when the sedan in which they were traveling collided head on with a truck traveling the opposite direction.
“The truck driver (45), who was travelling alone, was also taken to the hospital with minor injuries. A case of culpable homicide is being investigated,” he said.
Picture: Illegal foreign national nabbed during roadblock/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
11 April 2026 – A foreign national (39) was arrested during a continued Operation Paseka in the Namakwa District. The police said the suspect was arrested , SAPS members arrested during a roadblock operation conducted on the N7 at Bulletrap on 10 April 2026.
The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said during the static roadblock, vehicles were stopped and searched which subsequently led to arrest of the suspect who was found travelling in a taxi. Magerman said he failed to produce a valid passport or any proof of legal residency in the Republic of South Africa (RSA).
“The suspect was subsequently arrested for contravening the Immigration Act and will be detained until he appears in court. The police reassure the communities of the Namakwa District that they are committed to upholding the law and maintaining the safety and security of all residents.
“The community is urged to be the eyes and ears of the police and to report all criminal activities,” he said.
11 April 2026 – The FNB NWU Eagles are ready to step up in the Varsity Cup final against the FNB UP-Tuks in a rivalry battle on Monday 13 April in Tshwane. Coach Burger van der Westhuizen’s side dominated FNB Maties at the Fanie du Toit Sportsgrounds to secure their place in the highly anticipated final.
With preparations in place ahead of the final showdown, the Eagles are hoping to repeat their 2023 Varsity Cup Success, but they have a tough row to hoe. Road to the finals
The Purple Army have enjoyed success since their opening fixture against FNB CUT in Bloemfontein, playing champagne rugby and maintaining a positive squad vibe.
NWU Eagles have won six games, one short of their rivals UP-Tuks. FNB UJ handed the Eagles their first loss of their 2026 Varsity Cup campaign in Johannesburg, while their second defeat came at the hands of FNB Maties in Stellenbosch.
Yet, UP-Tuks’ only defeat came in their round five fixture against the Eagles at the Fanie du Toit Sportsgrounds on 16 March 2026, where their powerful unbeaten run was broken. The Eagles’ only win in Pretoria came in 2023, when they secured a narrow 26–22 victory over Tuks.
“They are a very good team, very physical. It will truly take something special to beat them at their home ground,” said Burger, suggesting that the Eagles are confident of causing an upset in the Jacaranda City.
According to Van der Westhuizen, the Eagles believed they can reach the final thanks to their impressive second-half performance against UCT Ikeys, which saw them come from behind to clinch a 56–53 victory in Potchefstroom.
Head-to-head
Historically, UP-Tuks have dominated, but in recent seasons the Eagles have caught up, winning three of their last four encounters, including the dramatic 30–22 victory in March 2026. The final is expected to be decided by moments that often make the difference in tight games.
Lifting the varsity Cup trophy would mean a great deal for coach Burger and the team.
“It would mean everything,” he said. “Not just for the team, but for the entire town and the NWU community across all three campuses. It would be something truly special for the boys, for their journeys ahead in professional rugby, and for their families and loved ones.”
11 April 2026 – The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said it welcomes the recent ranking by Bank of America placing South Africa at the top of its regional equity market assessment. GCIS said this recognition represents a strong vote of confidence in South Africa as an attractive and competitive investment destination.
GCIS acting spokesperson, Nomonde Mnukwa said this endorsement by a leading global financial institution reflects the underlying resilience and sophistication of South Africa’s financial system. Mnukwa said despite a challenging global environment, their financial markets continue to demonstrate stability, depth and strong regulatory oversight, reinforcing South Africa’s position as a trusted hub for investment on the African continent.
“This ranking serves as further evidence that the economic reforms undertaken by government are yielding positive results. Ongoing efforts to stabilise energy supply, improve logistics, and strengthen fiscal management are contributing to renewed investor confidence and improved market performance.
“We are also encouraged by the recent investment commitments totalling R889,8 billion announced through the 6th South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC), which signal growing domestic and international confidence in the country’s economic trajectory,” she said.
Mnukwa further said these commitments underscore the tangible progress being made to unlock growth and create an enabling environment for investment. She added that government calls on investors, both local and international, to take note of these positive developments and to partner with South Africa in driving inclusive economic growth.
“There are significant opportunities across key sectors of our economy, and we remain committed to ensuring policy certainty, structural reform, and a conducive business environment.
“South Africa is open for business, and this latest recognition affirms that the country remains a compelling destination for investment,” said Mnukwa.
The Guardian 