Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for COGHSTA, Bentley Vass
By BAKANG MOKOTO
16 March 2026- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass addressed the national Rental Housing Tribunal (RHT) quarterly meeting held in Kimberley, Northern Cape. Vass said the Rental Housing Tribunal (RHT) is an independent, free provincial body in South Africa established under the Rental Housing Act to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants and to promote fair rental housing practices.
‘’The Northern Cape is set to be South Africa’s New Growth Front. The rental housing landscape in the Northern Cape is currently being reshaped by a unique Mining and Energy Renaissance. We are proud as the Northern Cape to host this exchange of intellectual capital. Let us work together to ensure that every South African who calls a rented space ‘’home’’ can do so with the full protection of the law.
“While the province remains the most affordable in South Africa, the pressure on specific urban and industrial nodes is creating a significant challenge for the Rental Housing Tribunal. All the RHTs from across South Africa and other human settlement stakeholders have converged on Kimberley for this important quarterly meeting, that ended 13 March 2026,” he said.
Picture: Learners involving in an accident/Generic
By AGISANANG SCUFF
16 March 2026- The Northern Cape Department of Education said it is saddened by the tragic accident which occurred between Orania and Hopetown recently, where a minibus transporting learners to Steynville Primary, Oranje Diamant Primary and Steynville High School collided with a truck. The department said unfortunately, one learner was fatally injured, four sustained minor injuries, two learners were sent to Douglas for scans and 28 learners were treated for shock.
The Northern Cape MEC for Education, Abraham Vosloo said they can confirm that the minibus was overloaded and the driver was arrested by the police. Vosloo said a case of culpable homicide is being investigated by the police.
“Furthermore, we have delegated a task team to Hopetown, following the accident. Immediate psycho-social support being provided to the affected families, learners and the school by our Employee Support Services.
“The department will continue to work with law enforcement agencies for the stringent implementation of the rules on our roads. Our District office will continue to provide ongoing support to the school and affected families,” he said.
Vosloo further said they convey their most sincere condolences to the bereaved family and are scheduled to visit the affected families.
16 March 2026 – The police in Upington are requesting the public’s assistance in locating missing Johannes Pretorius (56), who went missing on 12 March 2026 in Upington. The police said Pretorius is described as a thin-built coloured man with black curly afro hair.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said he has a black moustache and beard, brown eyes, and no teeth. Litabe said Pretorius speaks only Afrikaans and reportedly has a stutter.
“The last time he was seen, he was wearing a red top and black trousers. He has not returned home since. His current whereabouts are unknown. Anyone with information that could assist in locating him is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Suzan Nkwadipo of the Upington Detectives on 082 495 4616 or (054) 337 3517.
“Information can also be shared via the MySAPS App, the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or at any nearest police station. The public is reminded that there is no waiting period to report a person missing,” he said.
Picture: Speaker of NWPL, Dr Desbo Mohono/Facebook
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
16 March 2026 – The Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Dr Desbo Mohono will hold a Legislature House Sitting, where Members of all Political Parties represented in the Legislature will Debate on the Human Rights Day and Members of the Executive Council (MECs) from the Social Cluster (Department of Social Development, Department of Health, Department of Education and Department of Community Safety and Transport Management) will respond to Oral Questions sent by Members.
Mohono said the house sitting will be held in the Legislature Chamber at 9am. She said the Royal Bafokeng Nation (RBN) Supreme Council will also be present at the sitting as part of their official two-day visit (17-18 March 2026) to the Legislature aimed at strengthening cooperation between democratic governance structures such as Legislature, North West Provincial Government and Traditional Authorities.
“The proceedings of the House Sitting will be streamed live on the Legislature’s Facebook page,” said Mohono.
16 March 2026 – The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said this year, they mark three decades since South Africa adopted its democratic constitution. Ramaphosa said the constitution is more than the supreme law of the land.
He further said it is a solemn promise that never again should any person be stripped of their humanity and dignity. Ramaphosa added that on 21 March 2026, they will observe Human Rights Day.
“As we celebrate the rights we have enshrined in our constitution, we also recall the events at Sharpeville on that day in 1960 when apartheid police opened fire on unarmed protesters, killing 69 people and injuring many more.
“As we observe this day, we must reflect on whether we are fulfilling the promise contained in our constitution. Of all the values enshrined in our constitution, one of the most fundamental is the advancement of human dignity,” he said.
Ramaphosa said it is the foundation on which the rights to equality, to freedom from discrimination, to education, to health, to a safe environment and others are built. He said it is the idea that every person possesses an inherent worth that must be respected and protected.
“This is a right that must be preserved in all circumstances. In our Constitution, human dignity is not an abstract ideal, but a concrete right that has meaning in people’s daily lives.
“The right to dignity is operationalised through law, institutions and policies. Our courts continue to assert this right and, where necessary, order the government and those in power to take measures to enhance people’s dignity,” said Ramaphosa.
He said protecting a person’s right to dignity is not limited to the way people treat each other. Ramaphosa said it is also about improving the circumstances in which people live.
“It lies at the heart of the policies and programmes of this government and of the work of many organisations and individuals across society. Since the adoption of our constitution, indeed since the advent of our democracy, we have worked to restore the dignity of all South Africans.
“Millions of South Africans have access to water, electricity, healthcare, education and social support that were denied to them under apartheid,” he said.
Ramaphosa said this work, which they have undertaken together as a society, has enhanced the human dignity of children, who are supported by a child support grant, who have access to early childhood development, who attend fee-free schools, who receive school meals and who will be able to access funding to study at a university or college.
He said the provision of housing, water and electricity has changed the lives of families across the country, reducing poverty and improving their quality of life.
“Human dignity also means that people have to be involved in decisions that affect their lives and that shape their country. That is why it is so important that democratic institutions are built and defended.
“And that a free media, an independent judiciary and a vibrant civil society reinforce accountability. We know that our work is far from complete. Poverty, inequality and unemployment remain stubborn obstacles to the full realisation of human dignity for every South African,” said Ramaphosa.
He said closing those gaps is a constitutional imperative that belongs to all of them. Ramaphosa said that is why they are working even harder to accelerate the momentum of economic recovery, so that our economy can grow faster, create employment and reduce poverty.
“When we mobilise investment to build factories or open mines to create jobs and opportunities for emerging businesses, or when we build new roads and revitalise hospitals, we are working towards a society in which everyone has dignity.
“When we lay new pipes to bring water to outlying villages or repair ageing water infrastructure in cities and towns, or when we restore the supply of electricity to communities, we are advancing the right to dignity,” he said.
Ramaphosa said as the global economic outlook becomes increasingly uncertain, they must hold fast to the path they are on. He said they must sustain their massive investment in infrastructure, continue with far-reaching reforms in energy, water and logistics, overhaul their skills development system and expand support to small businesses.
“On Human Rights Day this year, let us rededicate ourselves to the constitution and to its most cherished principles.
“Let us resolve in our homes, schools, workplaces and communities to treat every person with the dignity that is their right – and let us never stop working until we have ensured that every person can live in dignity, comfort and peace,” said Ramaphosa.
Picture: Suspects nabbed for possession of suspected diamonds and drugs/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
16 March 2026 – A multi-disciplinary policing team focusing on illicit mining activities conducted disruptive police actions in and around Kleinsee and Port Nolloth areas on 13 March 2026. The police were conducting heightened visibility, when they followed up on intelligence-driven information regarding alleged criminal activities allegedly taking place at a specific house in Sizamile, Port Nolloth.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the information was operationalised and the police armed with a search warrant pounced on the targeted house. Shemane said during the search, police found three suspected diamonds, dagga pokes and loose dagga.
“The two suspects aged 42 and 53 were subsequently arrested for possession of suspected diamonds and possession of drugs. The police further registered an enquiry after copper, which could not be accounted for, was found at a scrapyard in Porth Nolloth.
“The police intensified visibility patrols in Kleinsee and Vehicle Check Points (VCPs) were conducted around illegal mining hotspots that led to the discovery of abandoned suspected illegal mining equipment and tools believed to be used in illegal mining activities,” he said.
Shemane further said the Operation Vala Umgodi Illicit Mining team in Namakwa remains committed in the eradication of illegal mining activities.
16 March 2026 – A joint operation between Operation Vala Umgodi and the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit aimed at intensifying efforts in combatting and addressing drug related crimes secured the arrest of drug peddlers in Frances Baard District on 13 March 2026. During the execution of the operation, the police received a tip-off regarding alleged suspected drug dealing activities taking place at an identified premises in Club 2000 in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said a cordon and search operation in response to intelligence information received was subsequently conducted. Shemane said the police raided the identified premises and drugs worth an estimated value of R101 430 and cash believed to be the proceeds of drug sales were discovered, leading to the arrest of a man (38) for dealing in drugs.
“Additional information received led to the arrest of a woman (23) for dealing in drugs, after police seized and confiscated a significant number of drugs with an estimated value of R1 497 at an identified alleged suspected drug smuggling premises in Galeshewe.
“Continued stop and search actions in Galeshewe led to the arrest of two suspects aged 22 and 42, who were found without necessary valid documentation permitting them to be in the country,” he said.
Shemane further said the proliferation of drugs remains a priority for SAPS and will be rigorously police. He added that the community members are encouraged to report any criminality to their nearest police stations or alternatively call the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS App.
“All information received will be treated confidentially,” said Shemane.
Picture: Three suspects nabbed for tempering with essential infrastructure/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
16 March 2026 – The determination and commitment of members attached to Operation Vala Umgodi led to the arrest of three suspects who were caught red-handed tampering with essential infrastructure. This comes after the police followed up on intelligence-driven information and conducted a waylay operation on the N8 road between Kimberley and Griekwastad on 13 March 2026.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said during the operation, three suspects aged between 28 and 39, were apprehended while allegedly tampering with essential infrastructure. Shemane said the police confiscated equipment and tools believed to have been used in the commission of the crime.
“Addressing crimes related to essential infrastructure remains a priority for the police in the Northern Cape. The police recognise the critical role that essential infrastructure plays in the provision of basic services.
“Incidents involving damage to essential infrastructure pose serious risks to public safety and may negatively impact electricity supply, water and sanitation services, communication networks, and transportation systems,” he said.
He further said tampering with, damaging, or destroying essential infrastructure, as well as the receiving or possession of suspected stolen property associated with such infrastructure, constitutes a criminal offence. Shemane added that the precautionary measures such as installation of physical deterrents like fences, impact-resistant barriers, and secure locks and doors can be implemented to help curb crimes related to essential infrastructure.
“Ensure adequate lighting inside and outside the property. Remove vandalism and repair any damaged items as soon as possible. Install video surveillance systems and consider employing registered security service providers to safeguard premises.
“The public is urged to reject and report stolen goods. Purchasing goods obtained through illegal means encourages criminals to continue their unlawful activities. Community members can assist SAPS in apprehending perpetrators and buyers of stolen goods by reporting stolen goods, informing the police about illegal second-hand goods dealers or recyclers, reporting incidents of copper cable theft and providing information about criminal activities and the whereabouts of suspects,” he said.
Shemane said the members of the public are encouraged to report any suspected stolen goods, acts of infrastructure theft, suspicious individuals, or unscrupulous dealers to their nearest police station. He said information can also be provided anonymously by contacting the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or by using the MySAPS App.
“All information received will be treated with the strictest confidentiality,” said Shemane.
16 March 2025 – A collective group consisting of members of Frances Baard District Illicit Mining Task Team followed up on intelligence information regarding the alleged sale of drugs at a premises in John Daka Phase One, Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley on 14 March 2026. The police operationalised the information and the identified location was raided.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said during the search and seizure actions, a significant amount of dagga with an estimated value of R136 491 was seized. Shemane said the suspect (37) was arrested for possession of dagga and is expected to appear in court soon.
“The police remain relentless in efforts to remove drugs off the streets and appreciate the support and assistance of community members for providing vital information through SAPS Crime Stop Number 08600 10111 or by alternatively using the MySAPS App which resulted in the positive success.11111qq`qqq
“All information received is treated with the strictest confidentiality,” he said.
Picture: A man nabbed for possession of unpolished diamonds/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
16 March 2026 – The multi-disciplinary team of Operation Vala Umgodi enhanced efforts to curb illegal mining activities in the Namakwa on 14 March 2026. During police actions, a man was stopped and searched at a mining hotspot area and unpolished diamonds were found in his possession.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said a suspect (32) was subsequently arrested for being in possession of unpolished diamonds. Shemane said in addition, the police executed a search at a targeted premises in Kleinsee, which led to the arrest of two suspects aged 30 and 40 for dealing in drugs.
“The police confiscated money believed to be proceeds of crime, dagga and liquor. The Vala Umgodi Team displayed a zero-tolerance approach towards addressing the scourge of illegal mining and other related crimes in the Namakwa District.
The Guardian 