23 January 2026- The police in Northern Cape said the excessive consumption of alcohol is considered as the main generator or the root cause of contact crimes, include the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) related crimes, sexual assaults, rape, murder, attempted murder, assault GBH and assault common. The police said hence the policing of contact crimes and other related crimes associated with excessive alcohol consumption remains a priority for them.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said crime pattern and crime threat analysis has indicated that these crimes are prevalent during the weekends, when there is a high consumption of alcohol. Shemane said against this backdrop, communities are urged to adhere to and implement the following safety hints to prevent falling victim any form of contact crimes.
“Stay alert – awareness is your best defence. Always leave venues with friends wherever possible. Never go to the bathroom alone, always use a buddy system at public venues. Never accept drinks or lifts from strangers. Always stay in well-lit areas and never walk alone in secluded areas.
“Travel as if you know where you are going. Take the most direct route and try to stay within areas where other people are around. Trust your instincts – if you think something is wrong then act on it. Avoid flashing valuable items as it attracts criminals for robbery and sexual assault,” he said.
Shemane further said they should not carry weapons when they attending social gatherings. He added that they should ensure that they have their keys available when they reach their home or car.
“Keep money for transport and plan in advance – the expense is worth it. Carry a personal alarm and use it when necessary. If you are a victim, get help immediately. Make as much noise as you can to alert people when you in trouble.
“If you have been attacked, do not shower or change your clothes as it may destroy evidence. Always give the police all the details you have about the area and suspect if you are a victim of crime. Drink responsibly and refrain from excessive alcohol consumption– you need to give a clear account of what happened,” said Shemane.
He said they should never leave their drink unattended as it could be tampered with, leaving them to be victims of date rape. Shemane said that they should stay alert and safe.
“Do not physically intervene in fights – you could get hurt yourself, rather call police. If it is safe to do so, take a photograph or video on your mobile phone. Remember, that the police are likely to need your phone as evidence. Record details of times, number plates, descriptions and so on.
“If you do not have a pen with you, leave a voicemail message on your cell phone or write a draft text message. Immediately get out of any abusive relationship and contact family or police. Always have an emergency contact on speed dial,” he said.
Shemane said if they see something, they should say something. He encouraged them to call their nearest police station or the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 when they find themselves in a dangerous situation.
“Call Stop Gender Violence Helpline 0800 150 150 or report GBVF crime to the MySAPS app,” said Shemane.
23 January 2026 – The Gatvol Lobby Group leader, Mpho Sefularo calls for the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi’ intervention regarding the admissions and students accommodation at the North West University (NWU). According To Sefularo who wrote a letter on his Facebook page account, dedicated to Mokgosi, alleges that there is a growing perception among communities that local students are being unfairly excluded due to business interests linked to accommodation and recruitment processes.
He further said this situation is creating deep frustration among parents and residents. Sefularo added that, if left unattended, it carries a real risk of community unrest, as people feel their children’s right to education is being deliberately undermined.
“We must also be clear that students from outside the province—many of whom are poor and vulnerable—are not the problem and must be protected. They are innocent beneficiaries of a system whose fairness is now being questioned.
“Premier, your urgent intervention is necessary to restore confidence, prevent social conflict and ensure that access to education is governed by fairness, transparency, and merit. Failure to act may result in avoidable tensions that could later be mischaracterized as ethnic or tribal in nature,” he said.
Sefularo said they respectfully request decisive leadership on this matter in the interest of social stability and the future of their children in the province. He said they request Mokgosi to monitor or do an investigation.
“Really, we cannot be in a situation where people from other provinces are taking our economy, jobs, houses, women, side-kicks and now they are taking what is very key to us, education. We are saying no to this one, UNIBO must stand on its own from 2027.
“White men in Potchefstroom must be stopped with their agenda of degrading the capital city and killing the Batswana tribe. North West province is not for sale anymore,” said Sefularo.
Meanwhile, the North West University (NWU) said its policies and rules are governed in accordance with the supreme law of the country – the South African Constitution and has the responsibility and accountability to ensure access and success of students. The university said as a public institution, it recruits and admits qualifying students, regardless of their origin (village/township/town/region), race, religion, or gender.
The NWU Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka said applications for admission at the NWU are free of charge for all prospective students. Tyobeka said the above principles apply to staff recruitment and employment.
“Since the release of the Grade 12 results, we have experienced an unprecedented volume of enquiries and requests regarding late applications for the 2026 academic year. Many of these enquiries originate from the Mahikeng and surrounding communities.
“We acknowledge the hope, anticipation and anxiety that accompany this important milestone in the lives of prospective students and their families. Access to higher education represents opportunity, aspiration, and a better future, and we recognise the deep emotional investment attached to these applications,” he said.
Tyobeka further said, however, it is important to reiterate the realities governing admissions at all South African public universities. He added that there are limited spaces available for universities including the NWU to admit all students.
“As communicated previously we received more than 420 000 applications for the 2026 academic year, while there are only 11 800 spaces available for first-year students across our campuses. As a result, late applications cannot be accommodated under any circumstances. To this end, we will not allow any walk-in enquiries for applications.
“The number of first-year students who can be accepted is guided by enrolment targets approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), as well as programme-specific capacity limits and subject requirements,” said Tyobeka.
He said consequently, some applicants whose results may satisfy the requirements of their preferred degrees/programmes may be unsuccessful in securing admission spaces and applicable criteria. Tyobeka said they are diligently finalising admission decisions in strict accordance with its admission policies, as approved by the NWU Council.
“This process is conducted with integrity, fairness and transparency, and is beyond reproach. We have noted allegations circulating among some interest groups/structures suggesting that preference is being given to applicants from outside the North West. These allegations are categorically false, mischievous and divisive.
“The North West constitutes the second-largest source of students across the NWU’s three campuses, and on the Mahikeng Campus in particular, students from the North West remain in the majority. As a public institution, we carry a constitutional and legal obligation to operate as a national university, serving all South Africans equally,” said Tyobeka.
He said while they appreciate the disappointment and uncertainty of unsuccessful prospective students and their parents, they must emphasise that capacity constraints are not unique to the NWU, but are a national reality across all 26 public universities. Tyobeka said in this context, the NWU has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to the harassment, intimidation or threatening of staff members, who are executing their duties with professionalism, commitment and integrity.
“Members of the public are urged to refrain from accessing offices and making demands or confronting staff about the applications. Such actions are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“We respectfully appeal to all stakeholders – students, parents, community leaders, and staff – to exercise patience and understanding while we execute the admission and registration processes,” he said.
Tyobeka said the majority of final offers have already been issued. He said applicants who remain uncertain about their admission status are strongly encouraged to verify their application status online by logging into their profile dashboard at:
“Applicants who have received provisional acceptance may also contact the NWU through the following official channels: Email: studies@nwu.ac.za
WhatsApp: +27 (0)60 070 2606
SMS line: 31750
NWU Call Centre: 0860 169 698
“Information regarding the 2027 application period will be communicated in due course. Prospective students are urged to apply within the published application window to avoid a recurrence of the current situation.
“The university remains committed to academic excellence, fairness and the responsible stewardship of opportunity, while continuing to serve students, staff, and communities with dignity and respect,” said Tyobeka.
Picture: Richard Tumahole Lentsela Primary School in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
23 January 2026- The North West Department of Education confirmed that Richard Tumahole Lentsela Primary School in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke is fully operational after its official handover on 3 December 2025. The department said the new school is now accepting learners and delivering curriculum and nutrition to the local learners from the community.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the school currently accommodated 956 learners, including Grade R. Motsumi said the school was opened to reduce overcrowding at the neighbouring primary schools.
“As a Quintile 1 school, Richard Tumahole Lentsela Primary is enrolled in the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), confirming learners receive both breakfast and lunch each school day. This support by the department targets to improve class attendance, concentration and overall learning outcomes for children from low-income households.
“Through establishing a sound governance and compliance, the school management team (SMT) has appointed a temporary School Governing Body (SGB) and finalised official registration through the Education Management Information System (EMIS),” she said.
Motsumi further said they appreciate the efforts of the school, as these steps secure the school’s administration and enable access to departmental support and reporting systems. She added that the department will carry on to monitor the school’s progress, support the establishment of a permanent SGB through democratic elections and work with stakeholders to address any operational needs.
“We further call the community members and parents to engage with school leadership to support learners’ academic and social development.
The department will continue to monitor the school’s progress, support the
establishment of a permanent SGB through democratic elections, and work with stakeholders to address any operational needs.
“Parents and community members are encouraged to engage effectively with school leadership to support learner’s academics and social development,” said Motsumi.
Setshwantsho: Lekgarebe le shetse mo mokhukhung kwa Matolong
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
22 Ferikgong 2026- Lekgarebe la dingwaga di le 19, le shetse mo mokhukhung kwa Matolong Ext, gaufi le Taung. Go begwa fa lekau la kekgarebe le, le ile la mo tlogela mo mokhukhung go ya go kopana le ditsala tsa gagwe, fela ene ya re mo go boweng ga gagwe, one a fitlhela lekgarebe la gagwe le shele lore-lore mo teng ga mokhukhu wa bone.
Go begwa fa tiragalo e, e diragetse mo letsatsing la maabane mo mesong.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are: “Go butswe kgetsi ya morago ga loso, mme dipatlisiso di a tswelela.”
21 January 2026- The North West Department of Education salutes Grade 12 learner from Setswakgosing Secondary School in Morokweng village, near Ganyesa, Temogo Matong (18), who is the top learner nationally in the Quintile 2 schools and a top learner in the North West during the matric results. Matong is a middle child amongst the three children in his family.
The elder sister is currently studying Education at a tertiary institution whilst the younger sister is still at school. Matong highlighted that he shared his knowledge with his classmates at school.
“Normally, whenever we were studying with my classmates, I would be the one who became a teacher. The more you repeat something many times, the more you understand it very well. I realized that sharing was caring through other people.
“Today, I stand with great pride knowing that I have assisted many other fellow learners at school. In my matric results, the highest percentage in my subjects is 99% and the lowest is 90%. The results made me to be the top learner in the country within the Quintile 2 category,” he said.
Matong highlighted that his secret was to listen to his teachers’ instructions in class. He further said his advice to learners in schools is to listen to their teachers in class, no matter their ages.
“All you need is to follow their instructions in class because those individuals have been trained to teach learners. Again, learners need to cut off from gallivanting around and not paying attention to their books. They should distance themselves from friends who will distract them from their studies.
“They should formulate study groups in order to help each other on different topics of their studies. I am planning to pursue medical studies at the University of Cape Town,” added Matong.
The Principal of Setswakgosing Secondary School, Olaotse Moreke, indicated that Matong was dedicated to his studies. Moreke said Matong showed signs that he is an exceptional learner from lower grades.
“He was dedicated and committed to his studies,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said schools in the rural areas are producing quality results. Motsumi said they are extremely proud that Matong is coming from a school that is based in the rural area.
“Schools in the rural areas are also producing top learners, who are able to compete with urban schools. So, as the department, we provide quality education across the province irrespective of the area in which the school is based.
“We salute all our teachers who continue to work hard in our schools. These schools produce jewels of our country,” she said.
21 January 2026- The Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court has sentenced Jans Daniel Naude (44), a former manager at Fanatics Trading (Pty) Ltd to seven years imprisonment, of which three years are suspended for a period of five years on condition that he is not convinced of fraud and theft during the period of suspension. The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said this is after Naude was convicted on 23 counts of fraud of more than R2million. Mahanjana said Naude was employed as the Technical and Production Manufacturing Facilities Manager from 2014 until February 2024, at Fanatics Trading (Pty) Ltd, a company involved in food manufacturing and meat and poultry processing.
“His responsibilities included ordering bulk stock from suppliers, including chicken products. Between 12 August 2016 and 12 January 2022, Naude created fraudulent invoices and delivery notes purportedly from Federated Meats, and substituted the supplier’s legitimate banking details with those of his personal First National Bank (FNB) account.
“As a result, payments exceeding R2 million were unlawfully diverted into his personal account. The fraud was uncovered when senior management at Fanatics Trading detected irregular and excessive stock purchases. An independent auditing firm was appointed, and following the audit findings, the matter was reported to the South African Police Service. Naude was subsequently summoned to appear in court,” she said.
Mahanjana further said in court, Naude pleaded guilty and admitted that he committed the offences after feeling aggrieved at being overlooked for a promotion. She added that through his legal representative, he sought a non-custodial sentence, citing that he was a first-time offender and the primary caregiver to his two minor children.
“However, State Advocate Lerato Phoebe Labuschagne opposed a lenient sentence, stressing the seriousness of the offences and the gross abuse of trust. She informed the court that the financial prejudice suffered by the company was so severe that it had to borrow money to pay employees’ salaries and urged the court to impose a sentence that would send a strong deterrent message.
“In handing down a sentence, Magistrate Ignatius de Preez found that Naude failed to demonstrate genuine remorse and pleaded guilty only because the state had a strong case against him. The court further noted that Naude did not take the court into his confidence by disclosing what he did with the stolen funds,” said Mahanjana.
She said the magistrate concluded that a custodial sentence was appropriate under the circumstances. Mahanjana said NPA welcomes the sentence, which affirms that those who abuse positions of trust for personal gain will be held accountable.
“The sentence serves as a clear warning that white-collar crime is not victimless and will be met with decisive prosecutorial action,” she said.
Picture: The North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane along delegates/Facebook
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
21 January 2026- In a significant move toward the road to Special Economic Zone (SEZ) designation application and industrial park revitalization, the North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane led a high-level delegation on an engagement with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) at its head office today. Lenkopane said she met with the DBSA team, led by Chief Risk Officer (CRO), Mpho Kubelo and was joined by DEDECT Head of Department (HOD), Relebohile Mofokane, NWDC acting CEO, Thapelo Mokotedi and various officials from the department and its entities.
She further said the engagement focused on a structured partnership process aimed at unlocking industrial development outcomes while simultaneously resolving institutional financial exposures. Lenkopane added that this strategic approach is designed to transform the province’s industrial assets into functional, well-managed anchors for investment and local economic development with the assistance of DBSA and key stakeholders.
“Central to this vision is the revitalization of three key industrial hubs that serve as the foundation for the province’s growth. The Bodirelo Industrial Site is being positioned as a future-facing growth platform specifically aligned to the SEZ designation pathway, with plans already underway to address bulk infrastructure constraints such as water and electricity supply.
“Simultaneously, the partnership targets the Babelegi and Ga-Rankuwa Industrial Parks for focused turnaround and stabilization interventions to restore industrial activity and improve revenue collection. Restoring these sites is essential for the designation application of the Bojanala SEZ, as well as job creation, SMME development, and industrialisation, noting that when these assets are functional, they serve as vital anchors for local communities,” she said.
Lenkopane said to ensure these plans move from proposal to reality, a Technical Task Team will be formally introduced to operationalize the solution through clear deliverables and accountability mechanisms. She said this team, which includes representatives from DEDECT, NWDC, DBSA, National Treasury, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), Gauteng Provincial Government and City of Tshwane, is mandated to finalize infrastructure and settlement packages within a 30-day solution sprint.
“The collaborative effort will also foresee the operationalisation of the Infrastructure Development Fund to support bulk utility upgrades, ensuring that the North West accelerates its industrial growth and remains a competitive destination for investment,” said Lenkopane.
21 January 2026- The North West University (NWU) conveys its deepest condolences to the families, teachers, classmates and the basic education community affected by the recent scholar transport accident in Vanderbijlpark. The university said this tragic event has robbed the country of potential and promise – innocent young lives cut short and dreams permanently shattered.
The NWU principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka said as part of the Vanderbijlpark community, they stand in solidarity with the affected families, schools and the basic education department in the Sedibeng District and Gauteng Province in general. Tyobeka said they are once again called upon to review and improve scholars and public transport in the country to ensure maximum road safety.
“Our relevant experts and staff are already participating in offering the necessary support services to the affected families and schools. We are ready to offer any further counselling and psychological support that may be needed.
“We extend our thoughts and prayers to all those affected and trust that, through unity, support, and solidarity, they will have strength to deal with this tragic loss. May their souls rest in peace,” he said.
Meanwhile, the police have arrested the scholar transport driver (22), who was involved in an accident that claimed the lives of 12 learners in Vanderbijlpark on 19 January 2026. He was arrested after he was discharged from hospital.
The Gauteng police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said the suspect is expected to appear before Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court within 48 hours, facing charges of twelve counts of culpable homicide and reckless and negligent driving. Masondo said after the police visited the hospitals and the mortuary to verify the number of fatalities and injuries, it can be confirmed that twelve learners died at the accident scene and five were taken to the nearest hospitals for medical treatment, of which one has since been discharged.
“The driver of the truck that was involved in the accident escaped unharmed, while the passenger sustained injuries and was receiving treatment in hospital. Investigations are underway as police continue to obtain witness statements,” he said.
21 January 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources said it condemns in the strongest possible terms the reported violent and criminal actions by illegal miners, commonly referred to as zama zamas, in Sporong Informal Settlement in Randfontein in West Rand.
The committee said according to the reports, heavily armed illegal miners have threatened residents, forced approximately 300 families – mostly women and children – to flee their homes.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Mikateko Mahlaule said threats of murder and child abduction are deeply disturbing and wholly unacceptable in a constitutional democracy founded on the rule of law and the protection of human dignity. Mahlaule emphasised that no community should be subjected to fear, intimidation and displacement because of criminal activities linked to illegal mining.
“Such acts not only undermine the safety and security of communities, but also erode the authority of the state and its institutions. We call upon law-enforcement agencies and all relevant authorities to act swiftly and decisively through coordinated efforts to investigate these incidents, dismantle the criminal networks involved and restore peace, safety and normalcy to the affected community in Randfontein.
“Those responsible must be identified, apprehended and subjected to the full might of the law without fear or favour. The committee’ support for coordinated, multi-departmental interventions to combat illegal mining and its associated criminality – such as Operation Vala Umgodi – while also addressing the broader socio-economic conditions that give rise to such activities,” he said.
Mahlaule further said, however, this cannot and must not come at the expense of the safety and wellbeing of law-abiding residents. He urged government departments – particularly those responsible for policing, mineral and petroleum resources and social development – to ensure that displaced families receive the necessary protection and humanitarian support during this period.
“The committee of the 5th Parliament conducted oversight visits to illegal mining activities and part of the areas visited included Randfontein. We emphasised that the committee will urgently call all the relevant departments to provide an update on the progress made in implementing the recommendations arising from that oversight.
“I have also extended my sympathies to the affected families and reiterate that, the committee will continue to exercise its oversight role to ensure that decisive action is taken to safeguard communities and uphold the rule of law,” said Mahlaule.
21 January 2026 – Shanela 2 Weekly Operations have yielded significant successes with police in the North West arresting numerous suspects for a wide range of criminal offences. The police said operations led by the District Commissioners between 12 and 19 January 2026, resulted in the arrest of 793 suspects.
The North West police spokesperson, Constable Thuto Bobelo said notably, 433 wanted suspects were arrested by Detectives. Bobelo said as part of the operations, police targeted known crime generators through joint law enforcement compliance inspections aimed at enforcing the provisions of the Liquor Act and the Second-Hand Goods Act. Bobelo said large quantities of liquor and various items were confiscated and six unlicensed liquor outlets were closed.
“Among those arrested, eight suspects were apprehended for murder, 11 for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, seven for rape, nine for aggravated robbery, 28 for burglaries at residential and non-residential premises, 10 for illegal dealing in drugs and 29 for dealing in liquor.
“In addition, 28 illegal immigrants were arrested for contravening Section 49 of the Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002. They are currently being processed through the courts before being deported to their countries of origin by the Department of Home Affairs. Other arrests were also made in connection with illegal mining activities,” he said.
Bobelo further said in one of the notable arrests, police in Phokeng successfully apprehended Gomotsegang Ngwenyana (29) in connection with an ATM bombing incident on 16 January 2026. He added that crime intelligence and the Provincial Crime Combating Team traced Ngwenyana who was on the run to a residential address in the Monakato Slovo Section, Phokeng.
“Investigations linked the suspect to an ATM bombing that occurred in Reivilo in October 2025. The suspect was charged with ATM bombing and appeared before the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on 19 January 2026. He was remanded in custody until 12 February 2026,” said Bobelo.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the police for their unwavering efforts in securing safer communities and their continued commitment to the fight against crime.
The Guardian 