Picture: DA councillor at Nketoana Local Municipality, Diphapang Mofokeng/Facebook
By REGINALD KANYANE
10 February 2026- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it will intensify its oversight of Nketoana Local Municipality by escalating accountability processes, pressing for consequences for those responsible and advocating for an independent investigation into financial mismanagement, following yet another damning Auditor-General report. The DA said the residents of Nketoana are failing year-after-year and the latest Auditor-General report confirms what residents already experience daily.
DA councillor at Nketoana Local Municipality, Diphapang Mofokeng said the municipality is trapped in financial chaos due to weak leadership and zero accountability. Mofokeng said the Auditor-General (AG) has again issued a disclaimer of opinion to the municipality, the worst possible audit outcome.
“In the previous 10 financial years, Nketoana received 9 disclaimers. This means the municipality could not produce credible financial evidence to support its own books, leaving residents in the dark about how their money is being spent. Such a pattern is not a mistake; it is a systemic governance failure.
“Even more alarming is the staggering R1.7 billion in unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure (UIFW). For a small municipality, this figure represents not just mismanagement but a devastating betrayal of communities who continue to suffer from failing services, deteriorating infrastructure, and declining living conditions,” he said.
Mofokeng further said this persistent failure and flagrant disregard of council resolutions reflect an administration that has caused sustained harm to the municipality and its residents. He added that they will not stand by while Nketoana is driven further into crisis.
“We will intensify oversight, demand consequences for those responsible, and push for a full, independent investigation into the R1.7 billion UIFW. Residents deserve a municipality that works, not one that repeatedly fails to meet basic financial governance standards. Nketoana’s decline is not inevitable; it is the result of political choices and failed leadership.
“Change is urgently needed, and that change requires accountable governance that puts residents first.We remain committed to restoring clean administration, rebuilding trust, and delivering a future in which public funds serve the public, not political interests,” said Mofokeng.
He said Nketoana cannot afford another year of excuses.
Picture: Two suspects nabbed for possession of drugs/Supplied
By STAFF REPORTER
10 February 2026- Two suspects were arrested by the vigilant police of Belmont police for possession of substantial amount of drugs and cash. On 6 February 2026 at approximately 10:45pm, the police were patrolling along the N12 road when a vehicle travelling from the direction of Kimberley to Hopetown overtook them at a high speed.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the police gave chase and managed to stop the vehicle. Ehlers said upon searching the vehicle, an undisclosed amount of cash believed to be the proceeds of crime and dagga with an estimated value of R11 300 was recovered and confiscated.
“The vehicle, a Toyota Corolla was also seized. Two men aged 26 from Johannesburg and a foreign national (41), were arrested and are expected to appear in court soon. The trafficking of drugs along national roads in the Northern Cape remains a concern and the police remain on high alert to curb drug related crimes,” she said.
Picture: The police conducting a search during Operation Shanela II/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
10 February 2026- The unwavering commitment of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape was evident through the persistent efforts by law enforcement during the execution of Operation Shanela 2 across all five districts. Unyielding disruptive actions were conducted from 2 until 8 February 2026, led by District Commissioners and Senior Managers with the support of various stakeholders.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said during the operations, numerous premises were searched, while 14 122 persons were searched and a total of 6 125 vehicles were stopped and searched. Ehlers said in addition, the police conducted stop-and-search operations, high-visibility patrols, Vehicle Check Points (VCPs) and roadblocks.
“A total of 7 perpetrators were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Several wanted suspects who were evading arrest were traced and arrested by detectives during the execution of 41 tracing operations. Furthermore, visits were conducted at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, firearm dealers, informal businesses, mines and farms to ensure regulatory compliance.
“Visits resulted in the closure of 18 unlicensed liquor outlets. A total of 1 067 individuals were arrested for various offences, including dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, robbery, murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with the intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and burglary,” she said.
Ehlers further said large quantities of alcohol and drugs were confiscated, as well as copper cable, dangerous weapons and money suspected to be the proceeds of crime was seized.
The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola welcomed the positive outcomes and reaffirmed SAPS’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding communities and maintaining safety and security across the province. Otola added that members of the public should work closely with law enforcement agencies and play an active role in combating all forms of crime.
10 February 2026- A man (41) from Carnavon was sentenced to five years imprisonment for assaulting his son (11). The accused was found guilty by the Carnavon Magistrate’s Court on 4 February 2026.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the incident occurred at the family home in Carnavon on 5 August 2025, between 8pm and 8:30pm, after the minor requested his cell phone sim card from his father. Litabe said what started as a minor argument, quickly escalated into a violent assault.
“The accused repeatedly lashed the child with a belt, inflicting serious injuries and emotional trauma. The victim initially managed to escape, however, the accused demanded that he return. Upon reaching him, the accused threw the child to the ground, sat on top of him and assaulted him further.
“The accused punched, kicked and choked the victim, before striking him with a knee to the ribs. The victim cried out for help, which alerted his mother, who intervened and came to his rescue. A case of assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) was subsequently opened at the Carnavon Police Station, which led to the arrest of the accused on 11 August 2025,” he said.
Litabe further said on 4 February 2026, the accused was sentenced to five years imprisonment. He added that the court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
“Sergeant Marlon Eksteen of the Carnavon Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit investigated the matter and ensured a thorough investigation in pursuit of justice for the victim,” said Litabe.
Meanwhile, the Pixley ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, commended Eksteen for his dedication and professionalism in handling the case.
10 February 2026 – The accused, Tshepo Jantjie (35) was sentenced to 21 years imprisonment for business robbery and murder by the Kuruman Regional Court. On 16 January 2022, the shop owner (24) was approached by two men at his shop in Maipeing, near Tsineng.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Merapelo Pilane said the suspects pretended to be customers purchasing items. Pilane said while the victim was assisting them, both men produced firearms, threatened him and demanded money and cigarettes.
“During the altercation, one of the suspects fired a shot, injuring the shop owner in the upper body. The suspects fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash, cigarettes, airtime and cellular phones. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment and the incident was reported to Tsineng Police Station.
“A case of business robbery was opened. The case docket was assigned to Detective Sergeant Mojaki Mogaswa, whose meticulous investigation led to the arrest of the suspect, who was subsequently charged with business robbery and attempted murder,” he said.
Pilane further said on 8 February 2022, the victim succumbed to his injuries and the charge was amended to include murder. He added that following several court appearances, the accused was found guilty on charges of murder and business robbery.
“On 5 February 2026, he was sentenced to an effective 21 years imprisonment and declared unfit to possess a firearm,” said Pilane.
Meanwhile, the acting John Taolo Gaetsewe District Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, welcomed the sentence and commended Detective Sergeant Mogaswa for his dedication and thorough investigation, which ensured justice for the victim and his family.
10 February 2026- Two men aged 37 and 51 are expected to appear in the De Aar Magistrate’s Court following their arrest for possession of dagga in De Aar on 8 February 2026. The police received a tip-off from crime intelligence regarding a vehicle allegedly transporting drugs from Phillipstown to De Aar.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the information was operationalised and the police immediately responded by conducting patrols along the R48 road, where the suspected vehicle was spotted travelling towards De Aar. Shemane said the police intercepted the vehicle and tactically approached it.
“The two occupants were instructed to disembark, after which a search of the suspects and the vehicle was conducted by members of the De Aar Public Order Police unit. During the search, the police opened the boot of the vehicle and discovered a black travelling bag containing several sealed packets of dagga.
“The suspects were subsequently arrested for possession of dagga. The police confiscated the dagga with an estimated street value of R11 400, as well as the vehicle which was allegedly used in the commission of a crime. The police in the Pixley Ka Seme District will continue with efforts aimed at eradicating drug-related crimes in the area,” he said.
9 February 2026- Africa’s mineral wealth is placing the continent at the centre of future industries, from clean energy to advanced manufacturing, as demand for critical minerals accelerates the global energy transition.
This is according to Deputy Minister in The Presidency Kenny Morolong, who was delivering the keynote address at Brand South Africa’s Investing in Africa Mining Indaba Welcome Reception Dinner held at The Capital Hotel in Cape Town on Sunday evening.
Held ahead of the official opening of the Mining Indaba on Monday, 09 February, Morolong said Africa is moving decisively from being a supplier of raw materials to becoming a global hub for industrial value addition, driven by clean energy technologies and advanced manufacturing.
“Our mobilising theme for this evening is industrialising Africa at scale, the role of strategic minerals, integrated infrastructure and continental policy, which speaks to a bold vision for our continent’s future.” He said minerals were the backbone of modern economies and would become even more critical as the world decarbonises.
“Wherever we are or come from in the world, metals and minerals are part of our daily lives. Minerals are a lifeblood of any modern and modernising society,” he said.
Morolong added that Africa now has an “unprecedented opportunity to move from being a mere supplier of raw materials to becoming a hub of industrial value addition and innovation.”
He said the demand outlook for critical minerals underscored the urgency of Africa’s industrialisation drive, noting that minerals such as lithium and rare earth elements would soon surpass fossil fuels in global value. “These are the new oils of the 21st century.”
Morolong noted that demand for minerals such as rare earth elements and lithium is projected to nearly triple by 2030 and quadruple by 2040, while cumulative revenues from critical minerals between now and 2050 are expected to be more than three times greater than those from fossil fuels.
“In other words, these minerals, all of which are found beneath African soil, will be significantly valuable to the global economy than oil or gas in the coming decades.”
He said this global shift places Africa and South Africa in particular at the forefront of future industries. “As [the] South African government, we see Africa as a continent on the cusp of transformation. South Africa is a proponent, and a gateway to a fully integrated African economy that will no longer be defined by trade in raw materials, but by the production of tertiary goods such as battery, solar panels in electronics and industrial products that will power the 21st century.
“We invite our partners and investors congregated here tonight, and the rest of the week, to join us on this journey of a long-term partnership and shared prosperity,” the Deputy Minister said.
Value addition Morolong said African countries have already begun restricting the export of unprocessed critical minerals to ensure value addition takes place on the continent.
“What this says is that we Africans are no longer content to merely supply the inputs of industrial economies. It says we want to capture the downstream opportunities and build industries for ourselves in the global economy.”
This shift is supported by continental policy frameworks, including the African Union’s African Green Minerals Strategy adopted in 2024, which guides countries on harnessing critical minerals for industrialisation.
Improving the investment climate Turning to South Africa’s mining sector, Morolong said mining remains a cornerstone of the economy and must be managed sustainably.
“Minerals and metals account for nearly half of South Africa’s export by value, and mineral production is equivalent to about 10% of our GDP [Gross Domestic Product],” he said.
He said the government is implementing reforms to improve the investment climate, including streamlining licensing processes, addressing energy constraints and reforming logistics and port infrastructure. “Government has raised [the] licensing threshold to encourage private power generation, enabling mining companies to invest in their own renewable energy plants.”
He stressed that infrastructure development remains central to Africa’s industrial ambitions. “You cannot build a competitive and reliable industrial base without reliable power, good transport networks and efficient logistics,” he said.
Morolong also reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which he said would unlock economies of scale by creating a single African market valued at US$3.4 trillion. “As we pursue growth through mining and industrialisation, we are keenly aware that our progress must be sustainable and inclusive,” he said, adding that developing human capital is essential to the continent’s industrial future.
He invited investors to partner with Africa on a long-term basis.
“We seek long-term partnerships that offer mutually beneficial outcomes, attractive returns for investors and sustainable development for our people,” Morolong said.
The reception, hosted by Brand South Africa, set the tone for the Mining Indaba 2026, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, investors and industry stakeholders ahead of a week of engagements under the theme: “Mining in Transformation: Fuelling Africa’s sustainable future.”
By convening senior government leaders, captains of industry, continental institutions and international investors, the reception positions Africa’s mineral resources at the centre of global conversations on industrialisation, infrastructure development and long-term socio-economic transformation. – SAnews.gov.za
9 February 2026- The ZF Mgcawu Police Commissioner, Major General Monica Sebili, together with her management team, conferred ranks to 16 members who were recently promoted. The ceremony took place in Upington in the ZFM District on 9 February 2026, where the newly-promoted members were congratulated by the management.
Sebili addressed the police emphasing the importance of self-discipline and urged the members conduct themselves with dignity and respect in order to uphold the South African Police Service (SAPS) Code of Conduct. She said the promoted members were encouraged to always act with integrity and accountability.
“Lieutenant Colonel AW Barnes was promoted to a supervision position at Rosedale Detective Service. Captain AI Basson is a new supervisor for Kakamas Client Service. Captain MVP Kopang will supervise Rosedale Client Service, while Captain NC Van Zyl was appointed as new supervisor for Vehicle Crime Investigation.
“Captain E Vundisa was appointed as Upington Stock-Theft & Endangered Species Unit Commander, Captain JAM Tyers was appointed as Douglas Detective Service Commander and Warrant Officer EL Halgryn was appointedas Kanoeneiland Detective Service Commander,” she said.
Sebolai further said Warrant Officer TKS Marungwana was appointed as Noenieput Detective Service Commander, Warrant Officer OS Masegela was appointed as Augrabies Visible Policing Commander, while Warrant Officer GA Seretsi was appointed as Rietfontein Detective Service Commander. She added that, Warrant Officer Julies SM was appointed as Riemvasmaak Visible Policing Commander and Warrant Officer V Kwela was appointed as Riemvasmaak Support Services Commander.
“Warrant Officer MI Thuake was appointed as Witdraai Detective Service Commander, Warrant Officer J De Koker was appointed as Gemsbok Border Post Information Manager, and Warrant Officer TKE Janda was appointed as Onseepkans Visible Policing Commander.
“The members will take up their new posts from 1 Marh 2026,” said Sebili.
Picture: The carcass of a cow seized by the police/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
9 February 2026- Stock-theft accused, Sello Madumo (35) and Mothibi Letsogo (37) were granted bail of R1000 each by the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court. The case was postponed until 17 March 2026.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said on 5 February 2025, police officers on patrol, spotted a group of community members at a garage in Tweelaagte village, near Mabeskraal. Myburgh said upon enquiries, it was determined that the community apprehended two suspects whose vehicle, a Ford Fiesta, was stopped and searched, leading to the discovery of meat in their possession.
“The suspects could not give proper account of the meat in their possession and the duo were handed over to police, unharmed, who immediately arrested them.
“Initial investigations done by Madikwe Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit, led to the identification of the owner of the slaughtered cow through it’s brandmark,” she said.
Myburgh further said the owner of this Brahman cow reported that between 21 January and 5 February 2026, his cattle were allegedly grazing around Letlhakeng village in Mabeskraal and after returning to their kraal, two Brahman cattle were missing. She added that Madumo and Letsogo briefly appeared before the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on charges for possession of suspected stolen property and stock theft.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, thanked the community and the police for their collaboration that resulted in the arrest of the duo. Naidoo said the police will continue to work hard to ensure that criminals are put behind bars.
“We further urge the farmers to brand mark their livestock in accordance with the Animal Identification Act, 2002 (Act No. 6 of 2002). This is of huge assistance to identify owners of stock theft found as in this case,” he said.
Setshwantsho: Lepodisi le le bolailweng, Christopher Lechuti/Facebook
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
9 Tlhakole 2026- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le banna ba le babedi, Abraham Moshani (46) le Jacob Kopie (32), e buseditswe morago ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Christian go fitlhelela mo letsatsing la kamoso. Se, ke go letla banna ba go ka tsenya kopo ya mmueledi wa puso.
Moshani le Kopie ba latofadiwa ka go bolaya lepodisi le le neng le se mo tirong, Sarasanta Christopher Lechuti (47), ka go mo tlhaba ka sengwe se se bogale kwa motsesetoropong wa Utlwanang, gaufi le Christiana ka Lamatlhatso. Go begwa fa Lechuti a ne a ile go timola lenyora ga mmogo le mongwe wa lelapa kwa lefelong le le rekisang nnotagi.
Fela, go kaiwa fa mongwe wa balatofadiwa a ne a raga lebotlolo la gagwe le le neng le tsentse nnotagi.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh are go ile ga tsoga kgaruru magareng ga banna ba. Myburgh are Lechuti o ile a tlhabiwa ka sengwe se se bogale, mme a tabogisediwa kwa kliniking ya selegae.
“Fela, o ile a tlhokafala moragonyana. Sepodisi se ile sa bolotsa letsholo-patlo la di ura di le 72 go batlana le babelaelwa. Mmelaela wa dingwaga di le 46 o ile a tshwarwa ka Lamatlhatso bosigo morago ga go ineela kwa sepodisi.
“Mmelaelwa (32) wa bobedi o ile a tshwarwa ka masa a letsatsi la Tshipi. Banna ba, ba tlhotse ba tlhageletse kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Christiana mo letsatsing la gompieno mabapi le polao,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.
Myburgh are Lechuti e ne e le karolo ya babatlisisi kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Christiana. Myburgh are kgetsi e, e tla batlisisiwa ke ba lephata la sepodisi la The Hawks.
Kgabagare, mokomishinara wa sepodisi wa nama o sa tshwere mo Bokone Bophirima, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo o rometse molaetsa wa matshidiso go ba lelapa le masika a moswi. Naidoo are o utlwisitswe botlhoko ka go latlhegelwa ke leloko la sepodisi ka mokgwa o botlhoko o.
“Seno se tlile go ama thata thebolo ya ditirelo. Re akgola babatlisisi ba ba kgonneng go tshwara babelaelwa. Seno se tla tlisa tshiamiso go ba lelapa.
“Baagi ba kopiwa go letsetsa sepodisi go 08600 10111 kgotsa ba ka dirisa App mo MySAPS. Baagi ba ka letsetsa nomoro ya 080 091 1011 fa ba batla go tsenya ngongora mabapi le dikgetsi tsa go batla madi ka pateletso go batho,” Naidoo wa tlhalosa.
The Guardian 