Picture: ANCWL members set to host memorial service/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
3 October 2026 – The African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL), together with various faith-based organisations, political parties, ANC Leagues and other stakeholders, will hold a National Prayer and Memorial Service in honour of women who have lost their lives to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). The service will take place on 4 October 2026, at 10am at the Alberton Civic Centre in Alberton, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.
ANCWL Secretary-General Nokuthula Nqaba said the gathering follows the ANCWL’s call for a coordinated and united national response to the scourge of GBVF, including the recent killings of women in Ekurhuleni. Nqaba said the memorial service would provide an opportunity to honour victims while bringing together different sectors of society in solidarity against violence against women and children.
“This national prayer and memorial service is an opportunity for us to honour the many women who have lost their lives to gender-based violence and femicide, while demonstrating solidarity across political, religious and community lines.
“The gathering would bring together political parties, faith-based organisations, civil society and ANC Leagues as part of a shared commitment to addressing violence against women and children,” she said.
Nqaba further said they seek to demonstrate that ending violence against women and children requires a united response from all sectors of society.
3 October 2026 – The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has welcomed the conviction of former Department of Home Affairs (DHA) employee, Tholithemba Malusi Mlondo (34) on multiple charges of corruption, fraud and contraventions of the Identification Act and Immigration Act. Mlondo was found guilty on 1 October 2026 in the Durban Specialised Commercial Crimes Court following an investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team into unlawful activities at the DHA office in Pietermaritzburg.
The Hawks national spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale said the charges relate to activities that allegedly took place between February 2022 and July 2023, when a group of South African citizens allegedly facilitated the fraudulent acquisition of South African passports by foreign nationals. Mogale said according to the investigation, the unlawful activities were carried out outside normal business hours, including during evenings, weekends and public holidays when the DHA offices were officially closed.
“Mlondo was found guilty on 264 counts, comprising 66 counts of fraud, 66 counts of corruption, 66 counts of contravening the Immigration Act and 66 counts of contravening the Identification Act. The accused has been in custody since his arrest and remains in custody pending sentencing.
“The conviction demonstrates the ongoing efforts of the Serious Corruption Investigation team to address corruption and other unlawful activities affecting the Department of Home Affairs,” she said.
Mogale further said this conviction is indicative of the ongoing efforts by the Serious Corruption Investigation team in the fight against unlawful activities that continue to plague the Department of Home Affairs. She added that they remain committed to investigating cases of corruption and ensuring that those who abuse their positions for personal gain are brought before the courts.
Mogale said the matter was postponed to 13 November 2026, for a pre-sentencing report, and Mlondo was remanded in custody.
3 October 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) has arrested a mayor, municipal manager and chief financial officer (CFO) of a municipality on the southern coast of the Western Cape in connection with an alleged corruption investigation involving a security services contract. The arrests follow a tip-off received regarding allegations that a businessman who had been awarded a security services contract was allegedly solicited for kickbacks in exchange for the continuation of the contract.
SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said it is further alleged that the businessman had already paid hundreds of thousands of rand after allegedly fearing that his security services contract would be terminated. Mathe said the three suspects face charges of corruption and are expected to appear in court on 5 October 2026.
“The arrests followed an investigation into allegations of corruption linked to the municipal security contract. The Political Killings Task Team has arrested three senior municipal officials in connection with allegations of corruption involving a security services contract. The suspects face serious allegations and will have an opportunity to appear before court and answer to the charges.
“The police investigations are continuing,” she said.
3 October 2026 – The Koppies Magistrate’s Court has sentenced Tumelo Theletsane (30) to 25 years imprisonment, with 10 years suspended for five years, after finding him guilty of attempted murder. The sentence stems from an incident that occurred on 18 January 2026 at approximately 7:12am in New Location, Koppies.
The police received a complaint about a fight at a house and responded to the scene, where they found a shack that had been burned. The preliminary investigations revealed that Theletsane had allegedly set the shack alight and stabbed his girlfriend.
The Free State police spokesperson Sergeant Josephine Rani said she was found unconscious and taken to a neighbour’s house before being transported to hospital for medical treatment. Rani said a case was assigned to Detective Constable Sebolelo Khoza, who conducted a thorough investigation that resulted in Theletsane being convicted and sentenced.
“The sentence was handed down on 9 September 2026. We welcome the sentence and commend the investigating officer for ensuring that the matter was thoroughly investigated.
“The thorough investigation conducted by Khoza ensured that the suspect was brought before the court and held accountable for his actions. The sentence demonstrates the seriousness with which incidents of violence against women are treated,” she said.
Rani further said the South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to encourage victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and members of the public to report such incidents to the police.
3 October 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Free State has informed members of the public that the landline telephone services at the Kroonstad Police Station are temporarily out of order due to technical difficulties. The problem is receiving urgent attention, and community members are advised to use the alternative number 082 466 6924 to report crimes or lodge complaints while the landlines remain unavailable.
Free State SAPS Corporate Communication and Liaison spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Covane appealed to the community to make use of the alternative contact number.
“We urge members of the community to use the alternative number 082 466 6924 to report crimes or lodge complaints while the technical problem affecting the Kroonstad Police Station landlines is being resolved.
“SAPS apologised to the community for any inconvenience caused by the temporary communication breakdown and assured residents that efforts were underway to restore the landline services,” said Covane.
Picture: A police officer making throat slitting gesture during court proceedings
By STAFF REPORTER
3 October 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has clarified the gestures made by a police officer seen in a video circulating publicly, saying the interaction was operational in nature and related to the coordination of police personnel following court proceedings. SAPS confirmed that the man wearing the blue suit is a member of the service and forms part of the Combat Team of the Commission’s Recommendations Task Team (CRTT).
According to the national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the gestures were intended to communicate to the investigating officer that protectors assigned to prosecutors and investigators should take up their positions and remain on standby. Mathe said the personnel were reportedly being positioned to facilitate the immediate departure of the prosecutors and investigators from court after the announcement of the postponement of the bail proceedings.
“The interaction was not intended to convey a threat or instruction to interfere with court proceedings. The gestures seen in the video were operational in nature and related to the coordination and positioning of SAPS personnel following the court proceedings.
“They were intended to communicate that the protectors assigned to the prosecutors and investigators should take up their positions and remain on standby to facilitate their immediate departure from court,” she said.
Mathe further said the SAPS acknowledged that the gestures, when viewed in isolation, could understandably have caused concern or been open to misinterpretation. She added that it is important to provide the necessary context and clarify the operational circumstances surrounding the interaction.
“The gestures were not intended to convey a threat or an instruction to interfere with court proceedings. The police officer had been reminded of the importance of exercising caution when using non-verbal communication, particularly in sensitive public and court environments, where gestures could easily be misunderstood or interpreted out of context,” said Mathe.
Picture: Acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane
By BAKANG MOKOTO
3 October 2026 – The acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has called on police members to remain courageous, professional and committed to protecting communities while prioritising their own safety and wellbeing. Dimpane was speaking during the SAPS National Prayer Day held at St Albans Cathedral in Pretoria on Wednesday under the theme of reflection, renewal and prayer for the Service, its members, their families and the country.
The annual prayer day provided an opportunity for SAPS members and faith-based organisations to reflect on the challenges facing the country, including violent crime, Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and the risks faced by police officers in the execution of their duties.
She further said the country was confronting serious and violent crime, noting that two separate mass-shooting incidents had claimed 27 lives in a single night in recent days. Dimpane added that these are not simply crime statistics.
“Behind every number is a human life, behind every victim is a family, a community and a future that has been irrevocably altered. The incidents highlighted the urgency of the policing mandate, particularly in addressing illegal firearms, organised criminality and violence.
“Our communities must know that the police will pursue those who commit these crimes, that investigations will be prioritised, that evidence will be followed wherever it leads, and that perpetrators will be brought before the courts,” said Dimpane.
She also addressed the recent discovery of the bodies of women in Ekurhuleni, saying the cases had been prioritised and that a multidisciplinary specialised team had been established to investigate them. Dimpane said the police had an obligation to investigate such cases with urgency and professionalism while treating victims, survivors and their families with dignity and compassion.
“The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent national address on GBVF, says the measures announced by the government must be translated into concrete operational action within SAPS. For the SAPS, these are not matters that can remain at the level of policy discussion or institutional intention. They must be translated into operational action, accountability and measurable results.
“The police must recover stalled investigations, close investigative gaps, accelerate the processing of evidence, strengthen case management and improve collaboration with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and other partners,” she said.
The prayer day also coincided with Police Safety Month, with Dimpane emphasising the need to protect police officers who are entrusted with protecting society. She said there is a fundamental principle that must guide them.
“Those entrusted with protecting society must themselves be protected. The police safety was both an organisational and leadership responsibility, requiring members to be properly equipped, supported and operationally prepared.
“There are physical and emotional pressures faced by police officers who encounter violence, trauma, loss and human suffering in the course of their duties. So, we urge SAPS leadership to create an environment where members can seek assistance when dealing with trauma and emotional burdens,” she said.
Dimpane said they must recognise that burden and create an environment in which asking for assistance is understood not as weakness, but as an expression of professional responsibility. The acting National Police Commissioner also remembered police officers who had died in the line of duty.
“Twelve names had been added to the Remembrance Wall at the National Commemoration Day held at the Union Buildings earlier in September. SAPS had a collective responsibility to reduce avoidable risks and ensure that members were protected while performing their duties.
“We call on commanders to lead with wisdom, humility, integrity and courage, while encouraging police members to support one another. Let us strengthen the culture of operational safety across the Service. Let us ensure that members affected by trauma receive the support they need,” concluded Dimpane.
Picture: A Turkish fugitive arrested in Cape Town/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
3 October 2026 – INTERPOL South Africa’s Fugitive Investigation Team, supported by Crime Intelligence, members from the Isipingo Police Station and private security, has arrested the Turkish fugitive (40) in Isipingo, KwaZulu-Natal, following a coordinated operation on 1 October 2026. The fugitive is wanted by Turkish authorities to stand trial on charges of rape, sexual assault, kidnapping, malicious damage to property and assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), which were reported to the Eskişehir Police Department in Türkiye.
It is alleged that the suspect allegedly kidnapped his then-fiancée in 2010 and raped her over several days. He also allegedly assaulted the victim by repeatedly striking her head against a wall, resulting in permanent physical and psychological impairment.
The national police spokesperson, Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the victim was 22 years-old at the time of the alleged offences. Van Wyk said following the conclusion of the investigation, the suspect allegedly fled Türkiye, his country of origin.
“He was subsequently traced to Isipingo in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Upon receipt of the extradition request from Turkish authorities, INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Pretoria obtained and executed a warrant in terms of Section 5(1)(b) of the relevant legislation, resulting in the fugitive’s arrest.
“The fugitive appeared before the Umlazi Magistrates’ Court on 2 October 2026, facing an extradition application by the government of the Republic of Türkiye to the Republic of South Africa,” she said.
Van Wyk further said the South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to strengthen international law enforcement cooperation through INTERPOL structures, enabling the tracing and arrest of wanted persons who seek to evade justice by fleeing across international borders. She added that this arrest follows another successful operation by INTERPOL South Africa last month, in which a Turkish fugitive, a former primary school principal, was arrested in Cape Town in connection with charges of sexual assault, kidnapping and intimidation involving a nine-year-old victim.
“The former principal was arrested on 21 September 2026, and has since appeared before the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court,” said van Wyk.
Picture: Some of the drugs seized by the police/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
3 October 2026 – The Kuruman Public Order Police have arrested a man (36) during a search operation targeting drug dealing as part of the ongoing execution of Operation Shanela II. The operation was conducted at a residence in Kuruman on Friday, at approximately 1pm.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the police reportedly noticed that the suspect appeared flushed and was sweating when he opened the door. Ehlers said upon searching the premises, the police discovered suspected mandrax tablets next to the toilet in the bathroom, leading them to believe that an attempt had been made to dispose of the drugs.
“A further search resulted in the discovery of a substantial amount of cash, believed to be the proceeds of crime, as well as drug-related paraphernalia, including a scale and small plastic bags. Several cellular phones were also confiscated.
“The suspect, who is believed to be a foreign national, was arrested and faces drug-related charges, including possession of and dealing in drugs. The police would continue conducting intelligence-driven operations to disrupt the illicit drug trade,” she said.
Ehlers further said through intelligence-driven operations, targeted searches and sustained police visibility, the SAPS will continue to disrupt drug networks, remove illicit substances from our communities and hold those involved in the drug trade accountable. She urged members of the public to report suspected criminal activity to the police and support law enforcement efforts aimed at creating safer communities.
Meanwhile, the acting John Taolo Gaetsewe District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, also commended the police members for their continued efforts to disrupt the illicit drug trade and apprehend those involved in the distribution of drugs.
3 October 2026 – Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Nomusa Dube-Ncube has urged graduates of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges to use their technical skills to create employment, establish businesses and contribute to economic development in rural communities.
Dube-Ncube made the call during the 2026 Graduation ceremony at Mthashana TVET College in Vryheid Engineering Campus, KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday.
Addressing the graduates, Dube-Ncube emphasised that TVET is central to building a skilled workforce and addressing the country’s economic needs.
She encouraged graduates to see their qualifications as a stepping stone to further learning, entrepreneurship and opportunities in the global labour market.
“Being rural is your address, not your destiny. Rurality does not condemn anyone to poverty, provided you choose to grab the opportunities that are available,” Dube-Ncube said.
The Deputy Minister highlighted the role of artisans and technicians in keeping the economy running, noting that skills acquired at TVET colleges are essential to sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, mining, construction and services.
She reiterated the need to change the perception that TVET colleges are a second choice for students who cannot access universities, pointing to countries such as Germany, Switzerland and Singapore, where vocational education is an established and respected pathway to employment and economic advancement.
“No nation has become prosperous without a strong, respected technical and vocational education system. Developed countries did not become developed and then build TVET systems. They built strong TVET systems, and that is part of how they became developed,” Dube-Ncube said.
The Deputy Minister said government has placed TVET colleges at the centre of its skills development agenda, with President Cyril Ramaphosa announcing the strengthening of the institutions as primary sites for occupational training and artisan development, during his 2026 State of the Nation Address.
She said the Department of Higher Education and Training’s 2026/27 Annual Performance Plan is targeting more than 520 000 enrolments at TVET colleges, including the creation of 91 800 workplace-based learning opportunities, and support for 22 000 artisan certifications.
Dube-Ncube also highlighted the importance of partnerships between colleges and industry for workplace-based learning in preparing graduates for labour market demands.
The Deputy Minister also highlighted South Africa’s recent participation in the WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai, China, where 29 young people competed across 27 skills categories.
Among the achievements included Matthew Bowen, who won a silver medal in Aircraft Maintenance, making South Africa the first African member country to secure a medal in the category in the competition’s 75-year history.
Bowen, who received training from Intelek Training and Consultation at Rand Airport, was also undertaking workplace training at Solenta Aviation while competing.
Dube-Ncube said his achievement demonstrates the value of combining technical education with practical workplace experience and shows that young people from rural communities can also compete at the highest international levels.
She challenged management at Mthashana TVET College to identify talented students early and enter them into regional and national skills competitions, with the aim of preparing them for international platforms.
“I want to see a Mthashana student wearing the South African colours at the next WorldSkills Competition. Why not? Why not you?” she said.
The Deputy Minister also encouraged graduates to explore entrepreneurship, particularly in agriculture, tourism and agro processing, to stimulate economic activity and create jobs within their communities.
She said the region has significant agricultural potential and urged young entrepreneurs to process and package locally produced goods rather than allowing raw products to leave the district and return as more expensive finished products.
Dube-Ncube also encouraged graduates to make use of support offered by the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency and the National Youth Development Agency, including training, mentorship and financial assistance.
She further urged young people to embrace digital opportunities, noting that access to the internet has created new possibilities for rural entrepreneurs to acquire skills, market products internationally and work remotely.
The Deputy Minister called on lecturers to continuously upgrade their skills to keep pace with changes in the world of work, including artificial intelligence, automation, renewable energy, electric vehicles and digital systems.
She also challenged lecturers to pursue professional qualifications, participate in industry placements, and embrace digital and blended teaching methods to ensure that students acquire relevant, up-to-date skills. – SAnews.gov.za
