Picture: Parents found guilty of child neglect/Generic
By BAKANG MOKOTO
28 January 2026- The parents of an infant were each sentenced to five years imprisonment after they were found guilty of child neglect by the Kakamas Regional Court on 23 January 2026.
The father (39) man and the mother (32), were arrested in Kakamas on 21 September 2025, after their daughter was found in a poor physical condition and also showing signs of neglect.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the infant was admitted for medical tests at the Harry Surtie Hospital in Upington, after she was removed from her parents care by social workers, prior to their arrest. Litabe said they were both released on warning and the child was placed in the care of her grandmother.
“Both sentences for the couple, were wholly suspended for five years. Sergeant Derick Dippenaar of the Kakamas Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit was assigned to investigate the case,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Zweletlanga Fatman Mgcawu District Police Commissioner, Major General Monica Sebili, commended Dippenaar for his diligent investigative work ensuring that the parents are held accountable for the neglect of the child.
Picture: A red Polo Vivo and firearms seized by police/Supplied
By AGISANANG SCUFF
28 January 2026 – The police said high density safer festive season Operation Shanela II continues to bear fruits as over 1000 suspects were arrested for various crimes in the North West. The police said in collaboration with other stakeholders, they have worked hard to ensure that members of the community in all five districts are and feel safe.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said weekly actions and activities, which commenced on 19 until 25 January 2026, included Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), stop and searches, roadblocks, tracing of wanted suspects, foot and vehicle patrols and compliance inspections that were conducted across the province.
Tselanyane said the weekly operations saw 1083 suspects arrested for crimes ranging from, among others, dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, robbery, murder, rape, assault GBH, assault common, burglaries at residential and businesses premises, theft off/out of motor vehicle, malicious damage to property, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and illegal migrants.
“Furthermore, the dedication and commitment of the detectives to bring those who thought they can evade the long arm of the law, resulted in the tracing and arrest of 268 wanted suspects for serious crimes including murder, rape, assault GBH and illegal possession of firearms.
“In a notable incident, police received information about suspects, who are in possession of unlicensed firearms, suspected to be involved in a spree of robberies, reported in Delareyville. The information was operationalised and on 23 January 2026, at around 10pm, the Provincial Tracing Task Team, Lichtenburg K9 as well as Mahikeng Crime Intelligence, pounced on them, when the vehicle they were traveling in had a puncture on the road between Delareyville and Vrisgewaagte,” he said.
Tselanyane further said four accused, Kegomoditswe Samuel Mooketsi (28), Mangaliso Godfrey Tubatsi (31), Falakhe James Khumalo (30) and Letlhogonolo Christopher Mosala (34), were immediately arrested and charged with possession of unlicensed firearms after a search of their vehicle, a red Volkswagen Polo, led to the discovery of four firearms (all pistols) with serial numbers filed off as well as 22 rounds of ammunition.
He added that they all appeared before the Delareyville Magistrate’s Court on 26 January 2026 and were remanded in custody until 10 February 2026, for a formal bail application.
“Investigation into the matter continues and linking the accused to other cases is imminent,” said Tselanyane.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, applauded the police for their ongoing dedication and professionalism displayed during the Safer Festive Season Shanela 2 operations. Naidoo emphasised that police in the province will continue to pursue criminals relentlessly and ensure that justice is served.
Picture: Two men, Lebohang Emmanuel Makhutla and Pule Ignatius Sibanda who went missing/Supplied
By AGISANANG SCUFF
28 January 2026 – The police in Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom request the community’s assistance in locating a Lesotho national, Lebohang Emmanuel Makhutla (37) and Pule Ignatius Sibanda (36). The police said Makhutla and Sibanda were last seen on Tuesday morning, 18 November 2025, when they allegedly went to hunt for wild animals near the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), 4 Artillery base, but never returned home.
The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said a search commenced around the area and extensive investigations were conducted, without any positive results. Morake said at the time of his disappearance, Makhutla was wearing a navy-blue, long, track suit pants and track suit top.
“He is dark in complexion, has a muscular built body, is 1.55m tall and has short, black hair with a moustache and a very short beard. Sibanda was wearing a silky, navy blue, track suit pants and silky, grey, track suit top with black dots.
“Furthermore, he was wearing brown soldier boots and a navy blue bucket hat. He is dark in complexion, has an average built body, 1.65m tall with a bold head and a moustache, with a very short beard,” she said.
Morake further said the police request anyone who may have information regarding the pair’s whereabouts to contact the Investigating Officer, Constable Karim Sheik on 082 416 1015. She added that, alternatively, they can call their local police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
“Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,” said Morake.
28 January 2026- The operations severely impacted the Tshepong Hospital on Monday due to floods, allegedly causing the suspension of services, evacuations and damage to infrastructure. It is alleged that the floods affected the casualty area, with long-term issues stemming from drainage problems.
One of the eyewitnesses who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said: “Patients, including those in high-risk areas like maternity, had to be moved and some hospitals faced temporary closure or partial shutdowns.
“We have experienced the same back in 2021, but the North West Department of Health seems not to address this matter. The stormwater systems at the hospital are failing to handle the volume, leading to water entering buildings.”
The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari said the flooding affected parts of the Emergency Department (Casualty), Outpatient Department and the Radiology Department. Lehari said immediately after the incident, the Hospital Disaster Management Plan was activated, resulting in a swift and coordinated response to ensure patient safety and continuity of care.
“Patients in affected areas were promptly assessed and safely relocated to appropriate admission wards and other functional sections of the hospital, including Radiology. Ambulances from other hospitals transferring patients were diverted to Klerksdorp Hospital casualty as a temporary measure.
“Through the collective efforts of hospital staff and emergency services, the Emergency Department was cleared of water and was fully operational again by 3am on 27 January 2026. We commend the rapid response by all involved parties,” he said.
Lehari further said they are encouraged by the decisive and professional manner in which this incident was handled. He added that the immediate activation of disaster management protocols ensured that no patients were harmed and that essential services were restored within hours.
“This reflects our commitment to protecting lives, even under challenging circumstances. Our department reassures the public that the hospital remains fully functional and continues to provide uninterrupted healthcare services to the community,” said Lehari.
Meanwhile, the CEO of the Klerksdorp–Tshepong Hospital Complex, Thulane Madonsela, together with the Hospital Executive management had a debriefing session with affected staff members and also expressed appreciation to all responders. Madonsela said he wishes to thank their dedicated Team KT, the local municipal fire department and Kopanong Mine for their prompt assistance and teamwork.
“Their support was instrumental in stabilising the situation and restoring functionality to critical departments. While operations have since normalised, the department acknowledges the need for long-term interventions.
“This is a reoccurring disaster and it has been raised with all key stakeholders before with a view to prevent future occurrences. This incident has now highlighted the urgent need to improve storm water drainage infrastructure at Tshepong Hospital,” he said.
28 January 2026- A man (39) was sentenced to three life terms of imprisonment by the Mogwase Regional Court for the rape of his stepdaughter. The accused was arrested following a case registered at Mogwase Police Station, where he was charged with four counts of rape.
The North West police spokesperson, Constable Thuto Bobelo said according to evidence presented before court, the victim, now 24 years old, reported that she was repeatedly raped (between the age of 13 and 22) by her stepfather from 7 October 2014 until 6 December 2023. Bobelo said the sexual abuse occurred over a period of nine years and on numerous occasions, to the extent that the victim could no longer recall the exact number of incidents.
“In February 2024, the victim bravely reported the matter to the police after she could no longer endure the prolonged emotional and physical trauma. The accused was subsequently arrested and formally charged. On Tuesday, the accused was found guilty and sentenced accordingly.
“He was not found of rape on count one, but found guilty on count 2, 3 and 4, where he was sentenced to life imprisonment each. The court further ordered that Counts 3 and 4 run concurrently with Count 2, resulting in an effective sentence of three life terms of imprisonment,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, congratulated the investigating officer, Sergeant Balungile Makaya and the prosecution, whose commitment and diligence played a critical role in securing this conviction. Naidoo emphasized that perpetrators of sexual offences—especially those who abuse positions of trust within families—will be held fully accountable and be removed from society.
“The sentence reflects the seriousness of sexual violence, particularly those committed against children,” he said.
Picture: The executive mayor of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Motseokae Maje
By REGINALD KANYANE
28 January 2026- The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality has been declared a functional municipality. This comes after it has stabilized its financial situation.
The Municipal Manager of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Ronnie Jonas said in recent years, the municipality was regarded as dysfunctional, operating on an unfunded budget and at times had its equitable share grants withheld by the national treasury. Jonas said the municipality was also placed under section 139 (1) of the constitution.
“The section dictates that when the municipality cannot or does not fulfill an executive obligation in terms of legislation, the relevant provincial executive may intervene. The provincial treasury department has now removed the municipality from the financial recovery state.
“This as the municipality is now operating on a funded budget. The municipality is also able to utilize its allocated capital grants. We attribute this to hard work and dedication by municipal officials. We have done very well in terms of the first Municipal Infrastructure Grant,” he said.
Jonas further said for the first six months period, the municipality is currently standing at 78% of the allocated amount. He added that with regard to the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG), the municipality has also tremendously improved and is currently standing at 81% of the allocated grant.
“We are also doing well in terms of the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) for the first six months. The municipality is currently standing at 41% of the allocated grant by the national government,” said Jonas.
Meanwhile, the executive mayor for the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Motseokae Maje said the achievements of the municipality are in line with their objectives set, when they resumed office. Maje said they are proud that through these years, they have registered some progress with regard to the achievement of these objectives.
“Amongst others we have seen our municipality technically being removed from a financial recovery to a municipality, now financially stable. We are further proud that we have also improved our delivery capacity. We have realized over the past two years our ability to utilize our conditional grants to the extent that we have been awarded some additional funding during the course of the financial year.
“Authorities within the municipality have also reported a significant improvement on the audit outcomes of the 2025/2026 financial year,” he said.
28 January 2026- A man (29) from Dithakong village, near Kuruman has been sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment for the brutal murders of his half-sister (33) and her son (11). The accused was further sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the sentencing was handed down by the Northern Cape High Court sitting in Kathu on 27 January 2026. Litabe said the tragic incident occurred at Dithakong village on 22 January 2025.
“It is alleged that the accused went to the deceased’s residence to demand money. When his request was refused, he asked for food and waited while the deceased prepared a meal. While waiting, the accused sent the deceased’s son to a nearby shop to buy cigarettes.
“Once the child had left, the accused demanded that the deceased give him a bank card that belonged to his stepmother. When she refused, he became violent, dragged her to the bedroom and fatally stabbed her in the neck. After the attack, he searched the house, found the bank card, locked the house, and fled the scene,” he said.
Litabe further said while on his way home, the accused realised that the child had not yet returned from the shop. He added that the accused went back to the house and waited.
“Upon the child’s return, the accused killed him in a similar manner. He then locked the house and left the scene again. Three days later, the mother of the deceased visited the residence and discovered the bodies inside the house in an advanced state of decomposition. The police were immediately alerted.
“Cases of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances were registered at Bothitong Police Station and the matter was assigned to Detective Constable Katlego Tom. Through intensive investigations and information received, police identified the accused as the prime suspect,” said Litabe.
He said the accused was arrested four days after the incident and was found in possession of the bank card he took from the deceased, her cell phone and blood-stained clothing. Litabe said the accused remained in custody until sentencing.
“In addition to the two life sentences, the accused was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances and was declared unfit to possess a firearm. He will serve the full term of the sentences imposed,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting John Taolo Gaetsewe District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, commended Detective Constable Tom for his dedication and professionalism. Baloyi congratulated Tom for the outstanding work and for ensuring that justice is served for the innocent lives that were taken in such a brutal manner.
27 January 2026 – The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo condemned the alleged attack on a traffic officer in the strongest possible terms. This comes after the Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) at Matlosana Local Municipality and former ANCYL spokesperson, Wesley Kgang (36), who is out on R1000 bail, was nabbed for the alleged drunk and driving, resisting arrest, assault of a traffic official and malicious damage to property.
Kgang’s court appearance stems from an incident reported on 24 January 2026, at around 6:30am. It is alleged that traffic officials were busy with routine patrols, when they spotted a black sedan vehicle in Leask Street in Klerksdorp, driving in the wrong direction (facing oncoming traffic).
According to the police, the female traffic official stopped and approached the driver, who appeared to be under the influence of liquor. The police said furthermore, upon interviewing the driver and informing him of his arrest, he became aggressive and attacked the female official.
“Her colleagues intervened and the suspect’s resistance escalated until the police were called, who restrained him. During the confrontation, the female official sustained an injury on her left hand.
“Lastly, while on the way to a health facility to draw blood samples, Kgang allegedly hit and broke the window of the traffic vehicle, but a blood sample was ultimately taken from him,” he said.
Naidoo said Kgang made a brief appearance before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 26 January 2026, and his matter was remanded until 18 February 2026, for further investigation. He urged all those who are entrusted with enforcing the law to be vigilant in the execution of their duties to avoid being injured when dealing with violent and aggressive suspects.
Meanwhile, Kgang who vehemently denied that he was behind the wheel, has since apologised for his actions.
Picture: SAPS members visit Huis Harmony Old-Age Home/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
27 January 2026- The police in Namakwa District together with Employee Health Wellness (EHW) and members from Auxiliary Services visited Huis Harmony, an old age home with 42 elderly residents. The visit was as a gesture of appreciation and respect for the wisdom and perseverance of the senior citizens.
The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the event commenced with a prayer session led by Pastor Marsha Baard, setting a dignified tone for the day. Magerman said the SAPS members then shared moments of joy with the residents, serving refreshments and engaging in light entertainment.
“Radio NFM joined the occasion, capturing the stories of the elderly and broadcasting them to the wider community, ensuring their voices and experiences are heard and celebrated. A special message was delivered by the District Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews who stated that, it is a great honour for us to be with you today at Home Harmony.
“Their wisdom, their life experiences and their perseverance are treasures beyond measure. As SAPS, we wish to express our appreciation and respect. With this small gesture of gratitude, the offering of necessities and a bit of entertainment, we want to remind you that you never stand alone,” he said.
Meanwhile, Andrews said their beloved elders are the foundation of the community and they carry them in their hearts. He said may this day bring them joy and may their togetherness strengthen them all.
27 January 2026- The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in Mpumalanga is encouraging all R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant beneficiaries who do not have data or a smartphone or laptop to visit their nearest SASSA local offices for assistance.
In a statement on Tuesday, the agency said that all its offices are equipped to support beneficiaries with biometric identity verification with kiosks, official laptops and guest Wi-Fi.
“The agency is doing this to ensure that all qualifying beneficiaries receive their grant at the right time, to avoid unnecessary delays and eliminate frustrations,” Acting Regional Executive Manager, Xolela Mpambani, said.
Mpambani further explained that SRD grant applications may be declined where the system detects a source of income through external databases, including financial institutions.
Beneficiaries whose applications are declined have the right to appeal the decision if they are not satisfied with the reasons provided on the system.
SASSA has also warned beneficiaries to safeguard their personal information, cautioning that scammers often target vulnerable grant recipients. Beneficiaries are advised not to share sensitive details and to always verify the identity of anyone requesting their information. – SAnews.gov.za
The Guardian 