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
Picture: Some of the winners during awards/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
3 October 2026 – The police in the John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) District celebrated outstanding performance and dedication during its 2026 District Excellence Awards held at Kalahari High School in Kuruman on Friday. The awards recognised the achievements and commitment of SAPS employees and members of the District and Station Community Policing Forums (CPFs).
The Acting District Commissioner for JTG, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, was joined by the executive mayor of the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality, Queen Mogatle and Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, who also serves as the acting Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing and Corporate Services.
The event was attended by senior SAPS officers, district commissioners, provincial heads, representatives of SAPU and POPCRU, CPF representatives and various sponsors.
Baloyi said the awards were important in recognising employees and community partners who demonstrate dedication, professionalism and commitment in carrying out their responsibilities and contributing to safer communities.
Mogatle welcomed the guests and award recipients and acknowledged the sacrifices and dedication of SAPS members who continue to serve communities under challenging circumstances.
Messages of support were also delivered by representatives of sponsors, the CPF and organised labour, highlighting the importance of collaboration and collective responsibility in strengthening policing and community safety.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, congratulated the nominees and award recipients.
Ngubelanga said the awards were not merely about recognising achievements, but about acknowledging members who have made excellence a standard of their service.
“The Excellence Awards are not merely about presenting accolades. They are about acknowledging members who have made excellence a standard of their service,” said Ngubelanga.
He further emphasised the importance of the SAPS Reset Agenda, which places renewed focus on restoring discipline, strengthening operational integrity, promoting accountability and upholding professional standards. Ngubelanga encouraged SAPS members to remain committed to ethical conduct, teamwork, service excellence and the continuous improvement of policing services.
Employees and CPF representatives competed across 21 award categories and received trophies, certificates and gifts sponsored by various partners.
The SAPS Provincial Band provided musical entertainment during the event, contributing to the celebratory atmosphere.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Kuruman SAPS Support Head, Colonel Pinky Samolapo, who expressed appreciation to the leadership, guests, sponsors, organisers, nominees and award recipients.
The 2026 JTG District Excellence Awards reaffirmed the importance of recognising outstanding performance, strengthening partnerships and encouraging SAPS employees to uphold discipline, professionalism, accountability and service excellence in pursuit of safer communities across the Northern Cape.
3 October 2026 – Not In My Name International (NIMNI) has expressed deep sorrow following the murder of twin boys in Mamelodi D6, near Pretoria, calling for a thorough investigation and justice for the two children. The boys were reportedly discovered by their mother with multiple stab wounds after she returned home from work on Friday.
NIMNI national spokesperson Boitumelo Thage said the organisation was standing with the family and the Mamelodi community during the difficult time. Thage said no mother should ever have to come home to such devastation.
“No words can fully express the pain of losing two children in this horrific manner. We extended condolences to the boys’ mother, family, friends and the wider Mamelodi community. Our team had been on site since the incident and was offering solidarity to the family.
“The organisation called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to prioritise a thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. We call on the SAPS to prioritise a thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” she said.
Thage said they further call for urgent psychosocial support for their mother and all those affected by this tragedy. She added that NIMNI also urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to approach the police.
“We appeal to the members of the public to respect the family’s privacy and dignity by refraining from sharing graphic images or spreading unverified information.
“The protection of children must be reflected in the safety of their homes and communities, the urgency of our institutions and our collective refusal to accept violence as ordinary. We mourn the two young lives and stood with their mother and family while calling for justice,” said Thage.
Meanwhile, the Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the police in Mamelodi West are investigating a double murder following the stabbing to death of twin siblings (14) at their home. Nevhuhulwi said on 2 October 2026, the police were called to the scene after the bodies of the twins were discovered inside a bedroom.
“The victims were found with multiple stab wounds. According to police, their mother reportedly discovered the children when she returned home from work. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, and no arrests have been made at this stage.
“The police investigations are continuing to establish what happened and identify those responsible. We can confirm the atrocity and appeal for anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward,” she said.
Nevhuhulwi further said the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident are unknown at this stage. She added that Police investigations are underway, and no one has been arrested.
“Members of the public with information are urged to contact the police or provide information anonymously through the appropriate police reporting channels,” said Nevhuhulwi.
3 Diphalane 2026 – Monna o atlholetswe botshelo jotlhe kwa kgolegelong makgetlho a le mabedi ke kgotlhatshekelo kgolo ya Eastern Cape mabapi le polao. Thabile “Bhino” Nyakiso wa dingwaga di le 32, o atlhotsweng go golegwa botshelo jotlhe makgetlo a le robedi, go tlalelediwa ka dingwaga di le 46 tsa kgolegelo ke Kgotlhatshekelo Kgolo e neng e dutse kwa Mthatha.
Nyakiso o bonwe molato wa motseletsele wa dipetelelo le go thuba mo matlung tse di diragetseng kwa Tsolo magareng ga 2016 le 2017. Nyakiso o atlhotswe go dikotlhao tsa botshelo jotlhe di le robedi ka ntlha ya melato ya peto.
Gape o atlhotswe dingwaga di le 15 kwa kgolegelong mo molatong mongwe le mongwe wa boraro wa bogodu jo bo nang le maemo a a masisi, mmogo le dikgwedi di le 12 tsa kgolegelo ka ntlha ya bogodu jo bo tlwaelegileng. Moatlhodi yo o neng a dira tiro ya nakwana, Fikile Ntayiya, o ne a akantsha gore Nyakiso a se ka a sekasekiwa gore a fiwe tetlelelo ya go gololwa pele ga nako go fitlha a sena go direla dingwaga di le 30 tsa dikotlhao tsa gagwe.
Bosupi jo bo neng jwa tlhagisiwa fa pele ga kgotlatshekelo, bo supile gore Nyakiso, mmogo le motho yo mongwe yo a sa itsiweng, ba ne ba thopha basadi ba ba neng ba tsamaya go tswa kwa sekolong kgotsa kwa tirong ba lebile kwa ditoropong tsa New Homes le Crossbow. Batswasetlhabelo ba ne ba tshosediwa ka thipa ka nako ya ditlhaselo.
Motswasetlhabelo wa ntlha, mosetsana wa dingwaga di le 16, o ne a tlhaselwa ka la 19 Seetebosigo 2016. Ka la 22 Phukwi 2016, Nyakiso o ne a tlhasela mosadi wa dingwaga di le 22 gaufi le diofisi tsa Tsolo Circuit.
Ka la 18 Ngwanatsele 2016, o ne a betsa gape motswasetlhabelo yo mongwe wa dingwaga di le 16 makgetlo a le mmalwa gaufi le toropo ya New Homes. Fa a ne a neela bosupi, motswasetlhabelo o ne a bolelela kgotlatshekelo gore o ne a botsa Nyakiso gore o ne a tla ikutlwa jang fa mongwe a ne a ka dira selo se se tshwanang mo go kgaitsadie.
Le fa a ne a mo kopa jalo, Nyakiso o ne a tswelela ka tlhaselo.
Ka la 27 Motsheganong 2017, mosadi wa dingwaga di le 26 o ne a betelelwa mo phaposing ya gagwe e a neng a e hirile kwa Kobi Flats kwa Tsolo. Ka la 1 Phatwe 2017, Nyakiso o ne a betelela basadi ba le babedi ba dingwaga di le 29 le 39 ka ditiragalo tse di farologaneng.
Morago ga moo, o ne a tlhasela mosadi wa dingwaga di le 18 gaufi le Crossbow Township ka la 12 Phatwe 2017, mosadi wa dingwaga di le 24 mo kgaolong eo ka la 21 Lwetse 2017, le motswasetlhabelo yo mongwe wa dingwaga di le 27 yo o neng a betelelwa kwa ntlong ya gagwe kwa New Homes Township ka la 6 Ngwanatsele 2017.
Ka nako ya ditlhaselo dingwe, Nyakiso o ne a utswa madi, dikarata tsa dibanka le megala ya letheka tsa batswasetlhabelo. Batswasetlhabelo ba ne ba sa mo itse.
Diteko tsa DNA tsa forensic di ne tsa golaganya Nyakiso le diswabana tse di neng tsa tsewa mo batswasetlhabelong. O ne a tshwerwe morago ga go amanngwa le molato o mongwe wa peto kwa Butterworth, e e leng sekgala sa dikilometara tse di fetang 150 go tswa kwa Tsolo.
Ka nako ya tsheko, Nyakiso o ne a ipona molato mme a botsolotsa bonnete jwa bosupi jwa DNA.
Mosekisi wa National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Avumile Bikitsha, o ne a bitsa paki go tswa kwa National Forensic Laboratory e le karolo ya dipaki di le 45 tsa naga. Kgotlatshekelo e ne ya dumalana le dikakantsho tsa NPA malebana le katlholo, mme ya tlhokomedisa ka bogolo jwa bosenyi jo Nyakiso a neng a bo dirile.
Moatlhodi o ne a re Nyakiso, yo o nang le molato o mongwe wa petelelo o o sa ntseng o letile go sekwa fa pele ga kgotlatshekelo e le nngwe, o ne a sa bontshe boikwatlhao ka ditlolo tsa gagwe.
Sebueledi sa NPA kwa Eastern Cape, Luxolo Tyali, o rile katlholo eno e supa boikemisetso jwa batshwaraditlhokego go netefatsa gore badirabosenyi ba ditiragalo tsa tirisodikgoka ba a ikarabela.
“Katlholo eno e gatelela gape boemo jo bo nitameng jwa batshwaraditlhokego kgatlhanong le bosenyi jo bo nang le tirisodikgoka, mme e bontsha boikemisetso jwa rona jwa go netefatsa gore badirabosenyi ba ditlolo tse di masisi ba a ikarabela.
“Re batla go akgola mosekisi le motlhankedi wa patlisiso ka go kokoanya le go tlhagisa bosupi ka kelotlhoko, e leng se se thusitseng go bona dikatlholo tsa molato le dikotlhao tse di masisi,” Tyali wa tlhalosa.
