26 January 2026- The police in Witbank are investigating a case of murder and attempted murder of Eskom employees that occurred on 21 January 2026, at around 5pm. According to the police, the incident occurred at Corner of R547 and D455 road, Riestspruit near Witbank .
Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said upon arrival at the scene, the police found paramedics and a silver bakkie parked in the middle of the road. Ndubane said in the bakkie, there was a man on the driver’s seat bleeding and the vehicle was having bullets holes all around.
“The paramedics where busy with a female passenger who was also shot and was taken to hospital for further medical attention.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the duo were coming from work to their home. The deceased, Bongani Madonsela (39) and the female victim, both are Eskom employees.
“The deceased was shot on the upper body and 15 cartridges were found on the scene. The police are appealing to members of the public for assistance in tracing and arresting the suspects,” he said.
Ndubane further said anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Desmond Kgwedi on 076 509 6073, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or submit information via MYSAPS App. He added that all information will be treated as confidential, and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
Meanwhile, the acting Mpumalanga Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has condemned this barbaric act and extended his condolences to the bereaved family and also appeal to the community members to come forward with information so that those wrongdoers are brought into books
By OBAKENG MAJE 26 January 2026- The Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) at the Matlosana Local Municipality and a former ANCYL leader (36), has been arrested for alleged drunken driving, resisting arrest, assault on traffic official and malicious damage to property.
It is alleged that on 24 January 2026 at around 6:30am, the traffic officials were busy with routine patrols when they spotted a black sedan vehicle in Leask Street driving while facing the oncoming traffic. It is alleged that, the female traffic official stopped and approached the driver who appeared to be under the influence of liquor.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said furthermore, upon interviewing the suspect for his actions and informed of his arrest by the officials, he became aggressive and started to attack the female officials. Tselanyane said it was then that the male officials then tried to intervene and resistance escalated up until the police were called and the suspect was restrained.
“In due process the female official sustained an injury on her left hand. It is alleged that, while on the way to the health facility to draw blood samples, the suspect hit and broke the window of the traffic vehicle. The suspect was eventually taken to Stilfontein Health Centre to draw blood and resistance continued and ultimately taken to the Stilfontein Police Station and the blood sample was ultimately taken from him.
“The suspect will face the drunken driving, resisting arrest, assault on traffic official and malicious damage to property. He is detained and is expected to appear before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on Monday,” he said. taungdailynews@gmail.com
Picture: The Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee, Nathan Oliphant
By REGINALD KANYANE
26 January 2026- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate allegations made by the Mayor of Naledi Local Municipality, Clifton J Groep, against the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi will resume its hearings from 26 to 31 January 2026.
The committee said the continuation of the hearings follows the conclusion of the initial round of witness testimonies held in November 2025 and the extension of its mandate 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 hearings will resume with the continuation of testimony by Thabo Appolus, former Director: Corporate Services at the Naledi Local Municipality. Oliphant said Adv Pule Seleka, SC will continue to lead evidence.
“The hearings will take place at Sun City Convention Centre from 9am daily. We 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 that it 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:
Picture: North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi
By OBAKENG MAJE
26 January 2026- The North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is at a brink of achieving 100% expenditure of the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), which has given many communities, especially rural villages a facelift across the province. The department said such projects included the installation of high mast lights, construction of paved roads as well as water supply and sanitation projects.
The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said through intensive support programmes to municipalities, the department has moved from 90% MIG expenditure in the 2022/2023 financial year, to 97% in 2023/2024 and 99% in 2024/2025 financial year. Molapisi said the province has been allocated R2.2 Billion.
“51% of the total allocation has been spent half-way in the financial year (Dec 2025), cementing the expectation that the remaining (49%) allocation will be duly spend between January and June 2026.
“The department is aiming for 100% expenditure, by leaving no allocation that is meant to service and ensure development in communities across the province,” he said.
Molapisi has further expressed satisfaction in the expenditure pattern, saying its time department ensure 100% expenditure for the benefit of our rural communities. He added that quarterly district MIG sessions that were held with municipalities, have assisted to unblock challenges encountered during project initiation and implementation.
“We believe each cent earmarked for the MIG projects will be spent to ensure infrastructure development and transform the living conditions in our communities.
“Municipalities in the province are also on the right trajectory to work towards better financial governance and better audit outcomes,” said Molapisi.
He said Moses Kotane, JB Marks and Greater Taung Local Municipalities have improved from qualified to unqualified audit opinion, Ratlou Local Municipality improved from disclaimer to qualified audit outcome, Mamusa moved from adverse to qualified and Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality moved from disclaimer to adverse audit outcome.
Molapisi said even though the department, working together with other stakeholders worked towards better audit outcomes, the progress is welcomed while more efforts are being made to achieve better.
“A special focus will be given to Bojanala Platinum, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipalities as well as Moretele Local Municipality, which have been receiving unqualified audit opinion, to assist them to achieve clean audit opinion.
“Even though several milestones have been achieved, it’s time to show that we take audit outcomes seriously. We must now move to an era of submitting quality financial statements that should positively impact audit outcomes,” said Molapisi.
He said they are working hard together with Provincial Treasury as part of supporting and strengthening the capacity of municipalities to ensure improved financial management, which should translate into improved positive audit opinions. Molapisi said the department is also continuing to make notable progress through the effective utilisation of the Municipal Performance Assessment Tool (MPAT), a management diagnostic instrument developed to assess the quality of management practices within municipalities.
“Since the inception of the Municipal Turnaround Strategy, several municipalities were increasingly demonstrating improved performance on targeted areas, by proactively identifying management weaknesses through early warning signs before it escalated into audit queries or service-delivery challenges.
“Such areas included Putting People First, Delivering Basic Services, Good Governance, Sound Financial Management, Building Capable Local Government and Local Economic Development,” he said.
Molapisi said as per the MPAT score for 2023/24, Bojanala Platinum District Municipality was leading at 83%, followed by Dr Kenneth Kaunda at 82%, and Moretele Local Municipality at 77%. He said the progress was achieved through the implementation of a dashboard monitoring system, which has enabled the department to track performance trends, support corrective actions, and implement targeted interventions in collaboration with municipalities.
“We believe that an intensified oversight and support will continue to improve the performance of all municipalities. MPAT is consistently focusing on critical management systems, which had historically been the root cause of poor audit outcomes, governance instability, and poor service delivery.
“Municipalities that were scoring low under MPAT, were identified and this triggered turnaround interventions, intensified support, and closer monitoring by the department” said Molapisi.
Picture: MMC at Matlosana Local Municipality nabbed for drunk and driving/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE 25 January 2026- The Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) at the Matlosana Local Municipality and a former ANCYL leader (36), has been arrested for alleged drunken driving, resisting arrest, assault on traffic official and malicious damage to property.
It is alleged that on 24 January 2026 at around 6:30am, the traffic officials were busy with routine patrols when they spotted a black sedan vehicle in Leask Street driving while facing the oncoming traffic. It is alleged that, the female traffic official stopped and approached the driver who appeared to be under the influence of liquor.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said furthermore, upon interviewing the suspect for his actions and informed of his arrest by the officials, he became aggressive and started to attack the female officials. Tselanyane said it was then that the male officials then tried to intervene and resistance escalated up until the police were called and the suspect was restrained.
“In due process the female official sustained an injury on her left hand. It is alleged that, while on the way to the health facility to draw blood samples, the suspect hit and broke the window of the traffic vehicle. The suspect was eventually taken to Stilfontein Health Centre to draw blood and resistance continued and ultimately taken to the Stilfontein Police Station and the blood sample was ultimately taken from him.
“The suspect will face the drunken driving, resisting arrest, assault on traffic official and malicious damage to property. He is detained and is expected to appear before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on Monday,” he said. taungdailynews@gmail.com
Picture: Four men nabbed for armed roobery/Supplied
By AGISANANG SCUFF
23 January 2026 – Four accused briefly appeared before the Molopo Magistrate’s Court in Mmabatho on 21 January 2026, on a charge of robbery with aggravating circumstances. This comes after a victim (30) was allegedly robbed of his belongings in the early hours of Sunday, 18 January 2026, at Lonely Park village, outside Mahikeng.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said it is alleged that the victim was sleeping inside his Tata vehicle when he was approached by four men. Tselanyane said one of the suspects allegedly produced a knife and threatened the victim.
“The suspects reportedly took his belongings, including the vehicle keys and a cellular phone, before fleeing the scene. After a short while, two of the suspects allegedly returned, prompting the victim to run into a nearby tavern to seek assistance. The suspects then allegedly drove off in the victim’s vehicle.
“The police were informed and a case docket was registered at Mahikeng. While following up on leads, members of the Mahikeng Flying Squad recovered the vehicle during the same day at a house in Signal Hill village. Furthermore, on 19 January 2026, members of the Signal Hill community apprehended the suspects, who are allegedly believed to be linked to a spree of thefts from motor vehicles in the area,” he said.
Tselanyane further said during questioning and a search, a set of Tata vehicle keys was found in the possession of one of the suspects, who allegedly indicated that the keys belong to a vehicle that has been hijacked at Lonely Park village. He added that the police subsequently recovered the stolen vehicle wheels, which had been sold.
“The accused, Vusumzi Mahaba (27), Barnabas Ngwenya (33), Katlego Mere (23) and Katlego Ditshipi (41), were remanded in custody until 28 January 2026, for a formal bail application. Investigations into the matter continue,” said Tselanyane.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, welcomed the arrests, stating that this would help deter criminals from preying on law-abiding citizens. Naidoo also expressed his appreciation to all role players and community members for their cooperation and urged them to continue working closely with the police and Community Police Forum (CPF) structures, while cautioning against taking the law into their own hands.
Picture: North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane
By AGISANANG SCUFF
23 January 2026- In an effort to address the operational challenges at the Mogwase Shopping Complex, the North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane held a stakeholder engagement for business operators at the Bakgatla Resort in Pilanesberg. Lenkopane was joined by the acting CEO of the North West Development Corporation (NWDC), Thapelo Mokotedi and the NWDC property team.
She further said the meeting served as a direct follow-up to her oversight visit in December 2025, where she assessed the state of the facility and observed the vital role in supporting livelihoods through its diverse range of enterprises, small businesses and taxi operations. Lenkopane added that she acknowledged the current state of the facility, signalling the department’s full awareness of the infrastructure and maintenance issues that have hindered its performance.
“The engagement served as a platform for tenants and operators to present the concerns they face, ensuring that the provincial government’s intervention is directly informed by the lived realities of those on the ground.
“During the session, we emphasised that the department is moving swiftly to transition the complex from its current state toward a path of comprehensive renewal, using a phased approach coupled with public-private partnership to unlock development,” she said.
Lenkopane said to facilitate this, a technical task team was previously deployed to conduct a professional assessment of the facility’s risks and requirements. She said this committee has now submitted a formal report detailing the specific mechanisms needed to stabilize and upgrade the complex.
“We can confirm that a strategic plan based on these findings will be shared with stakeholders, outlining a clear roadmap to transform the Mogwase Shopping Complex into a well-serving, modern economic node that fosters business stability and job creation,” said Lenkopane.
23 January 2026- Piqued residents of Ranstad village, near Taung have constructed impromptu speed humps on R372 road. The road that links Manthe village and Taung Central Business District (CBD) passes through their area.
The residents said they have created makeshift speed humps out of rubble due to reckless driving from some motorists. One of the community members who refused to be named due to reprisal alleged that speeding vehicles passing through their residential area are endangering the lives of their children.
“On 11 January 2026, a vehicle knocked down three children aged 11, 12 and 15. Unfortunately, a girl (11) died on the scene while other two children were ferried to hospital with injuries. So, we decided to construct makeshift speed humps to reduce accidents and fatalities.
“This road passes through the residential area and some drivers do not acknowledge that. They do not drive with caution even though children use the same road. Even though there are speed humps on the road, they are not big enough to tempt drivers to reduce speed.”
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Public Works and Roads acting spokesperson, Mmakgori Tong said they are aware of makeshift speed humps constructed by residents. Tong said in South Africa, it is illegal for community members to construct speed humps (or any traffic-calming measures) on public roads on their own.
“Public roads fall under the authority of the relevant municipality or provincial department and any alterations must be approved, designed, and installed by that authority. Speed humps are classified as traffic control devices under the National Road Traffic Act and related regulations.
“Only the road authority may approve their placement, design and construction. Unauthorised speed humps can be dangerous, may not meet engineering standards and can expose individuals or community groups to legal liability if accidents or vehicle damage occur,” she said.
Tong further said to follow legal steps, communities are urged to submit a formal request or petition to the municipality or the department. She added that they should ask for a traffic assessment (often based on speed, accident history, pedestrian risk, schools, etc.).
“Work with councillors or ward committees to motivate the need.
Some municipalities allow community-funded speed humps — but only after approval and installation by (or under supervision of) the department or the municipality.
“The department will engage with the relevant municipality and community stakeholders to address the matter. The department will also work to raise awareness of the correct processes for requesting traffic-calming measures and to prevent unauthorised interventions on public roads,” said Tong.
She said it is important to note that the department had previously installed speed humps on part of the road referred to. Tong said the department’s plan is to revive these speed humps at the beginning of the next financial year.
“The department will conduct awareness initiatives to educate communities on lawful and appropriate channels for addressing service delivery and safety concerns. This will include community engagements, collaboration with ward councillors and municipal structures, and the dissemination of information on how to request interventions such as traffic-calming measures.
“The aim is to empower communities to raise concerns effectively and lawfully, while discouraging actions that may be unsafe or unlawful,” she concluded.
Picture: Missing Oratile Calvin Mokgethi and Ketshepamang Sebothe/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
23 January 2026 – The police in Ottoshoop request the community’s assistance in locating Oratile Calvin Mokgethi (25) and Ketshepamang Sebothe (26), both from Maruping village, near Ottoshoop. The police said Mokgethi and Sebothe were last seen by family members on Sunday evening, 14 December 2025, when they were allegedly taken from their home by four unknown men.
The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said following the incident, a case of kidnapping was opened with Ottoshoop Police Station. Morake said a search was conducted in and around the area.
“However, no positive results have been obtained thus far. At the time of their disappearance, Mokgethi was wearing a blue and white vest with long blue track pants and pink and white sleepers. He has a slender build body, weighs about 70kg, 1.5m tall and has long black hair.
“Sebothe was wearing black jeans, yellow reflector jacket and green Ellesse tekkies/sneakers. He has a medium built body, weighs about 70kg, 1.5m tall and has short black hair,” she said.
Meanwhile, Morake said the police appeal to anyone who may have information regarding the whereabouts of the missing men to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Tumelo Molatlhegi on 082 373 9830. She said alternatively, information can be reported to the nearest police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
“Anonymous tip-offs may also be communicated via the MySAPS App on a smartphone. Extortion related incidents can be reported on the Extortion Hotline on 080 091 1011,” said Morake.
23 January 2026 – The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo appeals to parents, guardians and all members of the community who use dams, rivers, lakes, bridges and swimming pools for crossing and recreational purposes to exercise extreme caution. Naidoo said this warning follows an incident in which two teenage girls drowned in a river at Moshana village, in Motswedi.
“It is alleged that on 21 January 2026, at approximately 4:45pm, police were alerted to a drowning incident at the village. Upon arrival, police were informed that three girls and two boys went swimming in the river. After jumping into the water, two of the girls struggled to swim out.
“Furthermore, the two boys managed to rescue one girl and then went to the village to seek assistance. The police were subsequently notified and divers were called to the scene. On 22 January 2026, at around 10:15am, the bodies of the two girls aged 15 and 17 respectively, were retrieved from the river,” he said.
Naidoo further said an inquest docket was opened at the Motswedi Police Station. He added that members of the public should be extra vigilant and urged them to avoid using rivers as recreational facilities, particularly during the rainy season.
“We emphasize that many people underestimate the speed and force of moving water, which can cover large areas around rivers, and that attempting to swim in such conditions can result in immediate drowning,” said Naidoo.
The Guardian 