Ka OBAKENG MAJE
12 Diphalane 2026 – Monna wa dingwaga di le 37 wa kwa motseng wa Granspan, gaufi le Taung, o tshwerwe mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go utswa dikgomo le namane. Go begwa fa tiragalo e, e diragetse ka kgwedi ya Seetebosigo 2026.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Serasanta Kelebogile Morake are monna o, o tshwere mo letsatsing la maabane. Morake are mmelaelwa o solofetswe go shadikanya matlho fa pele ga magistrata ka di 12 Diphalane 2026.
By STAFF REPORTER
12 October 2026 – The Minster of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube has declared the Department of Basic Education ready for the 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, with a record 962 832 candidates registered to write the October/November examinations. Gwarube said the registered candidates, 815 051 are full-time learners, representing an increase of 48 508 compared with last year, while 147 781 are part-time candidates, including those seeking to improve their previous results.
Announcing the department’s state of readiness in Pretoria on Sunday, Gwarube said the Class of 2026 was the largest full-time cohort to sit for the NSC examinations to date. She said all candidates have been provided with all the support they would need to perform and I am happy to declare that learners are ready for the 2026 NSC Exams.
“Approximately 7 100 examination centres have been established across the country’s nine provinces to accommodate the candidates.
“The department had audited the examination centre network and introduced a risk-based monitoring approach to ensure that supervision and resources were directed where they were most needed,” she said.
Gwarube further confirmed that the setting, moderation and quality assurance of examination materials had been completed, with all question papers and examination instruments reviewed by the department and approved by Umalusi. She added that security measures had also been strengthened throughout the production and distribution chain, including the vetting of examination officials and collaboration with national and provincial law enforcement agencies.
“The department has established 189 marking centres and recruited 51 104 qualified and experienced educators to mark examination scripts.
“A standardised national marking approach, strict quality-control measures and strengthened moderation of school-based assessments will be implemented to protect the credibility of the qualification,” said Gwarube.
She said her department has implemented its 2026 Learner Support Programme across all 75 education districts, reaching 159 180 learners at 1 262 centres. Gwarube said the programme provides additional learning and revision opportunities, particularly for progressed learners, those requiring extra support and schools experiencing performance challenges.
“Learners have also received assistance through revision guides, previous examination papers, online learning materials, digital notes and mock examinations.
“The Second Chance Matric Programme continues to support part-time candidates through after-hours and weekend classes at 41 centres, learning materials distributed to 84 centres and 15 provincial learner workshops,” she said.
Gwarube said candidates Candidates also have access to class monitoring, free online study resources and educational broadcasts on radio and television. She acknowledged that the Class of 2026 had experienced disruptions to schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly during the transition from the Intermediate Phase to the Senior Phase.
“The department had responded by strengthening curriculum coverage, using assessment information to identify learning gaps and providing additional revision opportunities.
“We also appeal to parents and guardians to create a supportive home environment for learners during the final preparation period,” said Gwarube.
She said they appeal to parents, not to burden learners with a load of household chores nor expect them to run family errands. Gwarube said they should give them the space and support they need to perform at their very best in these exams.
“The department had adopted a zero-tolerance approach to examination irregularities and reinforced candidate and parent pledge agreements to promote examination integrity.
“A 24-hour examination hotline is operational to enable members of the public to report suspicious activities,” she said.
Gwarube said contigency plans have also been put in place to address operational challenges, including severe weather conditions and community disruptions. She appealed to communities not to disrupt the examinations to express dissatisfaction over service delivery, political issues or socioeconomic challenges.
“I appeal to communities not to prejudice the Matric Class of 2026 by disrupting the NSC Exams for service delivery, political, or socio-economic dissatisfaction.
“The NSC candidates cannot resolve societal problems, it is Ministers, as elected representatives, who must account,” said Gwarube.
By BAKANG MOKOTO
12 October 2026 – The police have arrested a suspect who was allegedly found in possession of an item belonging to runner Elizabeth Tsontso Moselakgomo. The suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on 12 October 2026, and is likely to face a charge of possession of stolen property.
The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the arrest, stating that no murder charge had been brought against the suspect at this stage. Mathe said investigations are ongoing.
“The police have not disclosed further details about the item recovered or the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest,” she said.
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
12 October 2026 – The police in the North West has uncovered alleged inconsistencies in a reported carjacking case in Klerksdorp, which has since been linked to the theft of more than 90 gas bottles worth approximately R70 000 in Leeudoringstad. According to the police, the complainant reported a carjacking case at Klerksdorp Police Station in the early hours of 10 October 2026.
North West police spokesperson Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said he alleged that he had been hired to transport two men from Gauteng to Klerksdorp during the early hours of Friday, 9 October 2026. Morake said the complainant further claimed that at approximately 4:30am, the two men robbed him of his vehicle and dropped him off at Klerksdorp Mall.
“However, the alleged carjacking was only reported approximately two hours after police had recovered the vehicle at business premises in Leeudoringstad, where it was found with stolen gas bottles.
“The police investigations revealed that the vehicle was allegedly linked to the theft of more than 90 gas bottles valued at approximately R70 000,” she said.
Morake further said all the stolen gas bottles have since been recovered, with some found inside the vehicle in question. She added that the recovered items have been processed and will be returned to their rightful owner.
“The vehicle has been seized for further investigation by the Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU),” said Morake.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, congratulated the police members involved in recovering the stolen property. Adams had cautioned members of the public against deliberately misleading the police or making false allegations.
“We urge members of the public to provide truthful information and cooperate with the police to ensure that justice is served.
Police investigations into the matter continue,” he said.
By REGINALD KANYANE
12 October 2026 – The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) has secured the conviction of three accused persons in connection with the murder of Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Branch Executive Committee (BEC) Secretary Mthokozisi Sithole. The national spokesperson, Colonel Amanda van Wyk said Sithole, who served as the IFP BEC secretary for Mbabazane Ward 20 under the iLanga Libalele Local Municipality, was shot and killed outside a tavern in Weenen on 27 January 2024. Van Wyk said following an intensive investigation by the PKTT, four suspects were arrested and charged with murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
“The accused were identified as Sthembiso Nkululeko Xulu, Mduduzi Mncube, Sthabiso Mncube and Sokolisa Sibiya. Mduduzi Mncube was identified as the alleged shooter.
“Investigators also established a link between the firearm used in Sithole’s murder and another murder case involving Thembinkosi Manana,” she said.
Van Wyk further said the third accused, Sthabiso Mncube, was also charged in connection with Manana’s murder, resulting in the two matters being prosecuted as joined cases. She added that following the investigations by the Political Killings Task Team, the court handed down its judgment in both matters, finding three accused guilty of murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
“The matter has been postponed to 28 October 2026 for sentencing. The PKTT remained committed to identifying, arresting and prosecuting those responsible for political killings.
“The task team will continue working closely with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to strengthen cases and ensure that perpetrators are brought before the courts,” said van Wyk said.
By OBAKENG MAJE
12 October 2026 – The police have arrested 30 people in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng since Thursday as police intensify intelligence-led operations to maintain law and order and prevent disruptions to planned sporting events. The police said 25 people were arrested in KwaZulu-Natal and five in Gauteng for offences including public violence, illegal gathering, obstruction and resisting arrest.
The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said those arrested include individuals identified as alleged ringleaders who reportedly threatened to disrupt planned football matches in Durban. Mathe said the SAPS will not allow threats, intimidation or unlawful conduct to undermine public safety, disrupt sporting events or destabilise communities.
“Our responsibility is to protect lives, safeguard property and uphold the rule of law. The police would act decisively and professionally, within the confines of the law, against anyone threatening public order.
“We would like to commend the SAPS members, Crime Intelligence and other law enforcement agencies, led by provincial commissioners, for their efforts to prevent violence and maintain stability under challenging circumstances,” she said.
The acting national police commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane said the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) and Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structures (PROVJOINTS) continue to coordinate intelligence-led operational responses. Dimpane said the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in KwaZulu-Natal forms part of broader stabilisation interventions undertaken in cooperation with the SAPS.
“The police remained on high alert across all provinces, with sporadic incidents reported in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Limpopo swiftly addressed through operational interventions.
“We reiterate that the Constitution protects the right of people to assemble, demonstrate and present their grievances peacefully. However, this right does not extend to intimidation, looting, malicious damage to property, public violence or obstruction of lawful activities.
“Such conduct constitutes criminality and the police will respond firmly and impartially in accordance with the law,” she said.
Dimpane also called on communities to cooperate with police, share information and refrain from participating in unlawful activities that could endanger lives and livelihoods. She reiterated that the priority remained preventing violence, protecting all people, maintaining peace and avoiding loss of life.
By STAFF REPORTER
12 October 2026 – The police have seized seven firearms, an airgun, several magazines and 89 rounds of ammunition during an operation in Germiston, Gauteng, while searching for a suspect wanted in connection with a 2024 murder case in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The police said the operation was conducted on 9 October 2026, by the Richards Bay Organised Crime Task Team, supported by members of the Public Order Policing (POP) Unit based in Springs.
The national police spokesperson, Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the team acted on information regarding the whereabouts of a suspect who is wanted in connection with a murder case reported in Richards Bay in 2024. Van Wyk said upon arriving at the identified address in Germiston, police seized two rifles, three pistols, a revolver, a shotgun, an airgun, several magazines and 89 rounds of ammunition of various calibres.
“The suspect remains at large, and investigations are continuing to trace and arrest the wanted individual.
“The seized firearms would undergo ballistic testing to determine whether they may have been used in the commission of other serious and violent crimes,” she said.
Van Wyk further said they have urged the public to assist with information that could lead to the suspect’s arrest.
By BAKANG MOKOTO
12 October 2026 – The Department of Transport plans to amend the National Road Traffic Regulations to prevent traffic register number (TRN) certificates, learner’s licences and driving licences from being used as general identification documents.
The Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy said the proposed amendments aim to address the misuse of road traffic documents and ensure that identification documents are issued and regulated in accordance with the law.
“The Traffic Register Number was created solely to enable people without a South African identity number to conduct transactions on the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS) for road traffic purposes while finalising their legal status with the Department of Home Affairs.
“It was never intended to serve as general identification. The proposed changes follow a major investigation conducted in 2023, in which the Department of Transport assisted the Department of Home Affairs,” she said.
Creecy further said the investigation uncovered widespread misuse of TRNs and other road traffic documents as forms of identification. She added that some institutions have been accepting TRNs and driving licences as general identification documents, a practice which is inconsistent with the Identification Act, 1997 (Act 68 of 1997).
“The Act designates the Department of Home Affairs as the authority responsible for maintaining the National Population Register and issuing identification documents.
“The amendments were necessary to eliminate legal uncertainty, prevent abuse and align road traffic legislation with the Identification Act,” said Creecy.
She said under the proposed amendments to Regulation 1, TRNs and other documents issued under road traffic legislation will be excluded from the definition of acceptable identification. Creecy said the people who are not permanently resident in South Africa, acceptable identification will consist of a valid passport issued by their country of origin, together with the relevant permit issued by Home Affairs under the Immigration Act, 2002.
“For companies, acceptable identification will include certificates of incorporation, registration certificates, memoranda of incorporation and name-change certificates issued in terms of the Companies Act, 2008.
“For a close corporation converted into a company, the certificate of incorporation issued under Schedule 2 of the Companies Act will be accepted,” she said.
Creecy said the proposed changes mean that TRN certificates, learner’s licences and driving licences will no longer qualify as general identification documents. She said the department also plans to amend Regulation 335 to strengthen controls over the issuing and use of TRNs.
“The proposed amendments will remove provisions that recognise a TRN as an acceptable identification document.
“Furthermore, a TRN holder who obtains another form of acceptable identification will be required to notify the registering authority using form ANR within 21 days and surrender the TRN certificate,” said Creecy.
She said new provision will stipulate that a TRN will remain valid only for the validity period of the passport and permit submitted when the number was obtained. Creecy said natural persons whose TRN certificates do not reflect a validity period will be required to apply for new certificates within three months after the amended regulations come into effect.
She said the proposed amendments would be published in the Government Gazette for public comment in accordance with the National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act 93 of 1996). Creecy said interested parties and affected institutions will have 30 days from the date of publication to submit written comments.
“All submissions will be considered before the final regulations are published,” she said.
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
12 October 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) will on Monday launch its National Safer Festive Season Operations in the Ehlanzeni District in Mpumalanga as part of efforts to strengthen crime prevention and ensure the safety and security of communities during the upcoming festive season.
The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the national launch would be led by the acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, alongside the Deputy Ministers of Police, Dr Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale.
“The launch of the National Safer Festive Season Operations forms part of intensified policing efforts aimed at increasing police visibility, preventing and combating crime, and ensuring the safety and security of communities during the festive season,” said Mathe.
The acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane will present and formally hand over the SAPS Safer Festive Season Operational Plan to Cachalia during the launch. Dimpane said the national launch will be preceded by a series of build-up activities aimed at strengthening policing operations and raising awareness about crime prevention and community safety.
“The first phase will involve a social responsibility project at Khutsalani Secondary School, Stand 1202, in Kabokweni, scheduled to begin at 7:15am.
The second phase, comprising an operational parade and the official national launch, will take place at Kabokweni Stadium in the Ehlanzeni District at 10am.
“The operations would focus on enhancing police visibility and ensuring that law enforcement agencies were prepared to respond effectively to crime during the festive season,” she said.
By REGINALD KANYANE
12 October 2026 – A total of 1008 suspects have been arrested for various serious and other crimes during a week-long, multi-disciplinary Operation Shanela II across the Free State province. The South African Police Service (SAPS) and its integrated law enforcement partners conducted 24 approved high-density operations across the province between 4 and 11 October 2026.
According to national police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Covane, the operations focused on crimes involving firearms, drug trafficking, Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), as well as trio crimes, including carjacking, house robbery and cash-in-transit heists. Covane said the operations also targeted aggravated robberies, including street robberies and aimed to prevent violent and serious crimes through coordinated law enforcement activities.
“The integrated forces continue to conduct foot and vehicle patrols, air-to-ground patrols, roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, tracing operations and tracking operations to locate wanted suspects and prevent crime.
“The operations involved various stakeholders, including the SAPS, South African National Defence Force, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Labour and South African Revenue Service.
During the week, law enforcement officers conducted 5,259 high-visibility patrols and 3,043 other patrols,” he said.
Covane further said they also carried out 225 Vehicle Check Points (VCPs) operations and 17 roadblocks in identified crime hotspots. He added that a total of 1,158 stop-and-search operations were conducted, alongside 269 tracing operations targeting wanted suspects and 203 tracking operations.
“The police also inspected 738 licensed liquor premises, resulting in the closure of 10 unlicensed liquor outlets.
Furthermore, 2,881 farms were visited in collaboration with the departments of Home Affairs and Labour to ensure compliance with labour laws, prevent farm attacks and curb stock theft.
“Authorities also inspected 112 formal and informal businesses, including spaza shops, as well as 134 second-hand dealers and 48 scrapyards and recycling businesses,” said Covane.
He said seven notices were issued to second-hand dealers for failing to maintain prescribed records. Covane said eight mining areas were visited, while six enforcement operations were conducted in terms of the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act (SASREA) and the Regulation of Gatherings Act.
He said the 1,008 arrests included 269 wanted suspects who were successfully traced in connection with various crimes, including business robbery, murder, attempted murder, rape, sexual offences and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Covane said the overall arrests included 25 suspects for murder, 23 for attempted murder, 30 for rape, 158 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and 86 for common assault.
“Other arrests included four suspects for business robbery, six for residential robbery, three for aggravated robbery, 12 for business burglary and 19 for residential burglary.
“The police also arrested 60 suspects for possession of drugs, 24 for dealing in drugs, five for illegal possession of firearms, four for contravening the Firearms Control Act and four for illegal possession of ammunition,” he said.
Covane said a further 48 suspects were arrested for possession of dangerous weapons, 32 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and 101 undocumented foreign nationals were apprehended. He said the integrated forces also confiscated various illegal items and contraband during the operations.
“These included four handguns, one rifle, 115 rounds of ammunition and 48 dangerous weapons. The police also seized 45 kilograms of dagga, 134.25 Mandrax tablets, two grams of Mandrax powder and 26.54 grams of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as Tik.
“Other confiscated items included 673 litres of alcoholic beverages, 10,607 packets of tobacco products, one kilogram of copper cables, five vehicles, 10 vehicle parts and accessories, nine cellphones and cash amounting to R46,844,” said Covane.
He said the next round of planned weekly operations under the Safer Festive Season campaign, #OperationShanela2, had already commenced across all five districts of the Free State province. Covane said the operations would continue to focus on preventing serious and violent crimes, tracing wanted suspects and removing illegal firearms, drugs and other contraband from communities.
