Picture: Illicit cigarettes confiscated by the police/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
22 September 2026 – A 38-year-old Bangladesh national, Palash Mohosin, has been sentenced by the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court for possession of illicit cigarettes valued at approximately R93 878. Mohosin was arrested on 30 January 2024 after police found him in possession of the illicit cigarettes in the Potchefstroom precinct.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Lindiwe Mabasa said he was charged with contravening the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964. Mabasa said the state prosecutor, Nontenjwa Cain urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence, highlighting the negative impact of the illicit trade in products on the country’s economy.
“The illegal trade in illicit goods has a negative impact on the country’s economy, and the State urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence. The court found Mohosin guilty of contravening Section 80(2) of the Customs and Excise Act and sentenced him to a R20 000 fine or 12 months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years.
“The suspension is conditional on him not being convicted of contravening Sections 80(1) and 80(2) of the Act during the suspension period,” she said.
Mabasa further said the NPA remains committed to working with law enforcement agencies to combat the trade in illicit goods within South Africa. She added that the NPA remains committed to working with law enforcement agencies to combat the trade in illicit goods and to ensure that those who deliberately contravene the laws of the country are held accountable.
Meanwhile, the North West Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentence, saying that although it may appear minimal, it sends a strong message that the illegal trade in illicit goods will not be tolerated. Makhari said that people who contravene the law must face legal consequences.
21 September 2026 – The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has forecast that a surface high-pressure system will extend its ridge into the eastern and southern parts of the country this week, bringing isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers.
Windy conditions are also expected in some areas.
Monday’s weather is expected to be partly cloudy, windy, and cool to warm, with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers.
The weather service has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms, with heavy downpours, hail, and excessive lightning expected.
These conditions could lead to localised flooding and damage to infrastructure and settlements across KwaZulu-Natal.
Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected over the Nama Khoi Municipality in the Northern Cape.
The extended forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday indicates partly cloudy and cool to warm conditions, with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers expected. –SAnews.gov.za
21 September 2026 – The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari will lead the Tshela Ka Itekanelo, 1.1 million HIV/AIDS Close the Gap treatment campaign in Matshelapad Township in Delareyville on 22 and 23 September 2026. The campaign, held at Matshelapad Sportsground in Tswaing Local Municipality in Ngaka Modiri Molema District, aims to strengthen efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, improve adherence to TB and HIV treatment, and promote healthy lifestyles.
According to the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane, the campaign forms part of the province’s ongoing efforts to bring health services closer to communities. Lekgethwane said the Tshela Ka Itekanelo campaign is an important initiative in strengthening their response to HIV and AIDS, TB and other health priorities, while encouraging communities to adopt healthy lifestyles.
“The campaign was launched by Lehari on 29 November 2024, during the Provincial World AIDS Day event in Magogong village, in Taung. The initiative was established as a flagship programme to support the province’s healthcare priorities, including HIV prevention, treatment adherence and the promotion of healthier lifestyles.
“The two-day event will feature a 5km health walk led by Lehari and local leadership, as well as aerobics, football and netball activities. More than 1000 people are expected to participate, with nearby villages also targeted through integrated service delivery involving various government departments and entities,” he said.
Lekgethwane further said the programme will provide an opportunity for communities to access services, while participating in activities aimed at improving their health and wellbeing. He added that the activities will start at 7am on 22 and 23 September 2026, at Matshelapad Sportsground, Delareyville.
Picture: Zimbabwean national and self-proclaimed businessman, Lawrence Mudzinganyama
By STAFF REPORTER
21 September 2026 – The ANC Women’s League is outraged by widely circulated video footage showing a Zimbabwean national and self-proclaimed businessman, Lawrence Mudzinganyama allegedly directing vulgar remarks and violent death threats at a group of women in a restaurant in Sandton, Johannesburg. Mudzinganyama is a businessman reportedly residing in the affluent Johannesburg suburb of Steyn City.
The ANCWL Secretary-General, Nokuthula Nqaba said Mudzinganyama is alleged to have made advances towards a woman at a restaurant, after which a confrontation and death threats ensued when she rejected him. Nqaba said in the footage, the businessman is heard making remarks about his wealth, telling the women that he was “too wealthy” for them and demanding respect during a heated exchange.
“He further threatened to put a bullet in all of these women.
The ANC Women’s League is outraged by this incident, particularly at a time when our country is confronting unprecedented levels of violence against women.
“Such repulsive behaviour cannot be tolerated and we impress upon the relevant authorities to verify his residency status. We welcome his arrest and call for his lawful detention pending the prompt conclusion of the case,” she said.
Nqaba further said the authorities must also verify his immigration status and where warranted, revoke his permit and
deport him in accordance with the law. She added that they further call on state institutions to thoroughly investigate how he accumulated his self-proclaimed wealth.
“Our country is bleeding with a woman killed on a daily basis and this kind of behaviour calls for drastic action and the ANC Women’s League demands full accountability,” said Nqaba.
Picture: The Deputy Minister of Human Settlements, Tandi Mahambehlala
By BAKANG MOKOTO
21 September 2026 – The government has committed to accelerating interventions to address persistent service delivery challenges in the Phokwane Local Municipality in the Northern Cape. The municipality faces challenges including unreliable water supply, ageing infrastructure, housing backlogs, unemployment and electricity interruptions.
The Deputy Minister of Human Settlements, Tandi Mahambehlala made the commitment during an Integrated Service Delivery Outreach Visit to Phokwane in the Frances Baard District on Friday.
Leading the outreach on behalf of Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Mahambehlala said the outreach forms part of the work of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Service Delivery, chaired by Mashatile.
Mahambehlala said the visit aimed to ensure that government leaders engage directly with co mmunities and understand their challenges first-hand.
“Today is therefore not merely an exercise in listening. It is part of holding all spheres of government accountable for delivery. The delegation visited the Vaalharts/Taung Irrigation Scheme, the Vala Zonke Project and the Pecan Nut Processing Plant to assess both the municipality’s development potential and obstacles holding back economic growth.
“Residents have clearly identified a range of pressing service delivery failures, including unreliable water supply, ageing infrastructure, potholes, sewer spillages, and electricity interruptions among others,” she said.
Mahambehlala further said these concerns are legitimate. She added that they are the daily measure of dignity.
“We acknowledge that the government’s response has not kept pace with the needs of communities and that while progress has been made in some areas, implementation has not happened at the speed communities deserve. We would like to emphasise that the government will have to move beyond engagements and ensure that identified interventions are implemented.
“The water and sanitation challenges in Pampierstad, including asbestos pipelines, recurring pipe bursts, sewer blockages and sanitation problems, were among the issues raised. This as the government implements projects to upgrade bulk water and sanitation infrastructure,” said Mahambehlala.
She said as a government, they do not claim to have all the answers. Mahambehlala said but they listened.
“We have taken note. We have seen your challenges. We also acknowledge long-standing frustrations over housing backlogs, including shortage of serviced sites and delays associated with bulk infrastructure.
“We have identified projects in Ganspan, Bonita Park, Kingston, Masakeng, Andalusia and Nkandla, but acknowledged that the pace of delivery remains far from satisfactory. The outreach must help ensure that blockages delaying these projects are addressed through greater coordination between government institutions,” she said.
Mahambehlala said unemployment was another major concern, with the municipality’s rate estimated at approximately 43%. She said communities should not be treated as beneficiaries of development, but that investment in communities translates into jobs, skills and enterprise opportunities.
“We call on the municipality, major employers, agricultural enterprises, businesses and investors to strengthen local recruitment and procurement, while expanding internships, apprenticeships and learnerships.
“Every infrastructure project, every agricultural investment, every housing development must become a vehicle for local job creation, skills development and enterprise opportunities,” said Mahambehlala.
She also supported calls for a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college in the area to expand access to post-school education and training. Mahambehlala noted that young people should not have to leave their communities to access opportunities.
“The government’s response to infrastructure challenges will also have to include roads, electricity networks and protection of infrastructure from vandalism and theft. The Kolong Road Project and Vala Zonke Programme are among interventions being implemented, but acknowledged that the infrastructure backlog remains significant.
“Investment in electrification and network upgrades must be accompanied by stronger measures to address vandalism and electricity theft. The District Development Model (DDM) provides a framework for ensuring that the government does not work in silos,” she said.
Mahambehlala said the national, provincial and local government must plan together, budget together and deliver together. She said the people of Phokwane do not care which sphere is responsible.
“They simply want services, dignity and opportunity. While noting Phokwane’s agricultural assets, where local businesses and young people provide a foundation for economic development, we want to stress that this potential can only be realised through coordinated government action and effective implementation.
“We would like to assure residents that their concerns and the observations made during the visit will be reported directly to the Deputy President,” concluded Mahambehlala .
21 September 2026 – The police have made a breakthrough in the murder investigation of the ninth victim in the series of murder cases involving women currently under investigation in Gauteng. Three suspects, comprising one man and two women, were arrested over the weekend by members of the Gauteng Murder and Robbery Unit in connection with the murder.
The police discovered the body of a ninth woman on 17 September 2026 morning in Dawn Park, Boksburg. Her body was found following the discovery of eight bodies in Ekurhuleni over the past two months.
The trio is expected to appear on Monday before the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court.
The acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane said the police are seized with all nine murder cases, with each case receiving priority attention. Dimpane said the police remain committed to ensuring that these investigations are pursued with the urgency and determination they require.
“Our investigators are following all available leads and are working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice. Further details regarding the case will be ventilated in court.
“After the woman’s body was found, the police appealed to community members to share any information that may assist with the investigations by calling the Crime Stop Line at 08600 10111 or by providing anonymous tip-offs on MySapsApp, which can be downloaded on any smartphone,” she said.
Setshwantsho: Diruiwa di le 61 di gapilwe ke sepodisi
Ka REGINALD KANYANE
21 Lwetse 2026 – Banna ba le bararo ba dingwaga di le magareng ga 18 le 32, ba tshwere mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go utswa diruiwa di le 61 kwa motseng wa Khaukhwe, gaufi le Pudimoe. Go begwa fa ka kgwedi ya Lwetse e tlhola matsatsi a le 17, modisa a ne a tlhaselwa ke banna ba le bararo.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Constable Thuto Bobelo are mongwe wa bona go begwa fa a ne a tlhasela modisa ka garawe. Bobelo are modisa o, one a kgona go tshaba mme a itsise mong wa diruiwa tseo.
“Sepodisi se ile sa begelwa ka bonako. Go begwa fa motsamaisi wa seteishene sa sepodisi kwa Pudimoe, a ne a phutha balemirui ba ba leng karolo ya Stock Theft Information Centre (STIC), mme a kopa thuso go tswa kwa District Public Order Policing (POP).
“Dipatlisiso di ne tsa dira gore mapodisi a bone sejanaga sa Mahindra Bakkie se se tshweu, se seneng se belaelwa gore se dirisitswe mo bogodung jwa diruiwa tseo. Mongwe wa babelaelwa one a tshwarwa. Mapodisi a ne a dirisa leano la go ikgakanya jaaka batho ba ba tlileng go tsaya diruiwa,” Bobelo wa tlhalosa.
Bobelo are ba ne ba kgweetsa sejanaga seo go ya kwa lesakeng le le supilweng, kwa babelaelwa ba le babedi ba neng ba ba emetse go laisa diruiwa tseo. Bobelo are go begwa fa babelaelwa ba ne ba gakgamala fa mapodisi a tswa mo sejanageng seo, mme ba ba tshwara.
“Palogotlhe ya diruiwa di le 61, tse di akaretsang dipudi di le 46 le dinku di le 15, di ne tsa bonwa gape mme tsa busediwa kwa go mong wa tsone. Mapodisi gape a ne a gapa buka ya ditlankana tsa diruiwa le megala ya letheka, tse di tla thusang mo dipatlisisong.
“Babelaelwa ba lebane le melato ya bogodu jwa diruiwa le go nna le diruiwa tse go belaelwang gore di utswitswe. Ba solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno,” Bobelo wa tlhalosa.
Bobelo are dipatlisiso di tsweletse, mme go na le dikgonagalo tsa go oketsa molato. Bobelo are kgetsi eno ke ya bobedi ya bogodu jwa diruiwa e e begilweng kwa lefelong le le tshwanang mo nakong e khutshwane.
“Mo kgetsing ya ntlha e e diragetseng ka di 8 Lwetse 2026, mapodisi a ne a dirisa drone mo patlisisong, mme ga bonwa gape diruiwa di le 57, tse di neng di akaretsa dipudi di le 42 le dinku di le 15.
“Dikgetsi tse pedi tseno di bontsha botlhokwa jwa go bega ka bonako, tirisanommogo fa gare ga mapodisi le setšhaba, le tiriso ya thekenoloji e e leng teng go lwantsha bogodu jwa diruiwa,” ga rialo Bobelo.
21 Lwetse 2026 – Monna wa dingwaga di le 29 o tshwerwe kwa Klerkskraal morago ga go latofadiwa ka go kgweetsa sejanaga se go begwang fa sene se utswilwe. Go begwa fa sepodisi le ditheo tse dingwe tsa tshireletso di kgone go bona gape bakkie e tshweu ya Isuzu e e utswitsweng e e phopholediwang go nna ya boleng jwa R380 000.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Constable Thuto Bobelo are go begwa fa tiragalo eno, e diragetse ka di 18 Lwetse 2026, morago ga gore North West Crime Intelligence Provincial Overt Team e amogele tshedimosetso mabapi le sejanaga sa bakkie se se neng se belaelwa fa se utswitswe. Bobelo are tshedimosetso e ne ya supa gore bakkie ya Isuzu single-cab e tshweu, e ne e tswa kwa porofensneg ya Kapa Bokone, mme e lebile kwa porofenseng Gauteng.
“Sejanaga seo, se ne se feta kwa toropong ya Ventersdorp, mme tshedimosetso eo, e ne ya dira gore go tlhongwe letsholo-patlo le le kopanetsweng ke sepodisi go akaretsa North West Crime Intelligence Provincial Overt Team, Klerkskraal Police Station, Dr Kenneth Kaunda Flying Squad, Gauteng West Rand Flying Squad, BSO Tactical le dikhamphani tsa tshireletso tsa SAPIS/Syntell E2.
“Maloko a Crime Intelligence ka thuso ya thekenoloji ya SAPIS/Syntell E2 le BSO Security, a tsweletse go sala morago motsamao wa bakkie eo. Tshedimosetso e nngwe e ne ya supa gore sejanaga seo, se ne se lebile kwa Ventersdorp morago ga go tsena mo porofenseng go tswa kwa Kapa Bokone mo diureng tsa ntlha tsa Labotlhano,” Bobelo a tlhalosa.
Bobelo are tshedimosetso eno, e ne ya abelanwa ka bonako le maloko a a neng a le mo tirong, mme sepodisi sa Klerkskraal le Ventersdorp, Dr Kenneth Kaunda Flying Squad le Gauteng West Rand Flying Squad, ba ne ba tsenngwa mo tirong. Bobelo are bakkie eno, ene ya thibelwa mme ya emisiwa kwa Klerkskraal.
“Dipatlisiso di ne tsa netefatsa gore Isuzu eo e ne e begilwe e utswitswe kwa Lwandle Police Station kwa Kapa Bokone. Monna wa dingwaga di le 29 o tshwerwe, mme o lebane le molato wa go kgweetsa sejanaga se se utswitsweng. O solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Ventersdorp ka di 21 Lwetse 2026.
“Katlego ya tiro eno e bontsha botlhokwa jwa go abelana tshedimosetso le tirisanommogo fa gare ga ditheo tse di farologaneng tsa molao le tshireletso. Tirisanommogo fa gare ga ditlhopha tsa mapodisi, ditheo tsa molao le dikhamphani tsa tshireletso, e nnile botlhokwa mo go boneng sejanaga se se utswitsweng gape le go tshwareng motho yo o belaelwang,” ga rialo Bobelo.
Kgabagare, mokomishinara wa sepodisi wa porofensne ya Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, o akgotse ditlhopha tsotlhe tse di nnileng le seabe mo tirong eno ka ntlha ya tirisanommogo ya tsone.
Picture: NWU students leaving Mafikeng campus/Generic
By STAFF REPORTER
21 September 2026 – The Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning at the North West University (NWU), Prof Linda du Plessis said the protest is a democratic right, but violence and intimidation threaten the very student success activists seek to protect. Du Plessis said South Africa’s post-school education system faces R59 billion in outstanding debt, placing both students and universities under immense pressure.
She further said universities cannot remain sustainable if unpaid fees accumulate indefinitely, but indebted students must be treated with compassion. Du Plessis added that no student should be forced to join a shutdown or prevented from exercising their right to learn.
“The true power of student activism lies not in bringing universities to a standstill, but in moving society towards a fairer future. A decade ago, South Africa was confronted with the largest wave of student-led protest since apartheid: #FeesMustFall.
“Ten years later, we are still grappling with the same burning questions: How do we protect students’ right to protest while also protecting their rights to learn and to be safe? And how do we provide a sustainable financial-support model for higher education?” she said.
Du Plessis said universities and the government cannot suppress legitimate dissent. She said neither can they accept violence, intimidation and destruction as legitimate features of student activism.
“#FeesMustFall helped accelerate increased financial support for poor and working-class students. However, its hasty implementation and subsequent governance failures created a new set of challenges, leaving both students and universities vulnerable. The funding crisis remains clearly visible: total outstanding debt across the post-school education system now stands at R59 billion.
“It is widely claimed that universities withhold qualifications because of outstanding payments, leaving graduates unable to apply for jobs. This is misleading. At the North West University (NWU), students receive their academic transcripts and prospective employers can request confirmation that a qualification has been awarded,” said du Plessis.
She said in October 2025, the University of the Free State (UFS) suspended all academic activities following student protests relating to the introduction of what the university described as a fairer, more equitable and sustainable financial-support system. Du Plessis said recent events at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), demonstrate how quickly legitimate grievances can develop into a wider crisis.
“Students raised concerns about deteriorating residences, financial pressures, withheld certificates and a proposed financial-recovery plan that included upfront academic and residence payments. The university council withdrew the draft plan to allow for further consultation.
“Reports on these events also described burning tyres, blocked roads, stones allegedly being thrown at vehicles and damage to infrastructure. Academic activities were suspended, students were instructed to leave their residences, and surrounding communities were also affected,” she said.
Du Plessis said they should not confuse the legitimacy of a grievance with the legitimacy of destructive actions carried out in its name. She said violence risks weakening the very causes those students are seeking to highlight.
“When campuses close to reduce safety risks, academic risks increase, and valuable teaching and learning time is lost. Whose responsibility, then, is it to protect students’ academic futures? The solution lies in shared, but never blurred, accountability.
“Universities must provide accessible and responsive channels through which students can raise concerns. They must explain the reasons for difficult decisions and consult before significant changes are introduced. Government and funding agencies must provide adequate funding opportunities, reliable payment systems and transparent accountability,” said du Plessis.
Setshwantsho-papiso- Sethunya se se gapilweng ke sepodisi
Ka BAKANG MOKOTO
21 Lwetse 2026 – Sepodisi mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, se tshwere monna wa dingwaga di le 36, morago ga go amogela pegelo ya botlhodi mabapi le go thopiwa ga motho ka sethunya kwa Mmakau. Go begwa fa tiragalo e, e diragetse ka di 16 Lwetse 2026, gaufi le sekolo sengwe sa mo lefelong leo, mme e ne e ama mosimane wa dingwaga di le 16.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono porofensneg ya Bokone Bophirima, Constable Thuto Bobelo o tlhalositse gore molatofadiwa, Tladi Paul Mogoera, one a ya kwa ga nkokoagwe mosimane, mme a mo fitlhela a le nosi, mme a mmotsa ka mogala wa letheka o a neng a dumela fa o tshotswe ke setlogolo sa gagwe kwa sekolong. Bobelo are go begwa fa molatofadiwa a ne a ntsha sethunya, a se baya mo tafoleng mme a tshosetsa mosadimogolo gore o tla mo thunya fa a ka kopa thuso.
“Fa mosimane wa dingwaga di le 16 a goroga kwa gabo, one a fitlhela Mogoera. Go begwa fa Mogoera a ne a mo latofatsa ka go utswa mogala wa letheka wa gagwe. Fa mosimane a ganetsa gore o itse sengwe ka one, go begwa fa Mogoera a ne a mo thopa ka dikgoka.
“Go begwa fa molatofadiwa a ne a mo thopa diura di se kae, pele ga a ka mo busetse kwa gabo a na le dintho tsa go tlhaselwa. Go begwa fa molatofadiwa, a ne a boa gape lekgetlho la bobedi, mme a thopa motswasetlhabelo gape,” Bobelo wa tlhalosa.
Bobelo are go begwa fa a ne a mo pateletsa go taboga fa a ntse a mo lelekisa ka sethuthuthu. Bobelo are motswasetlhabelo one a thopiwa ka dikgoka gape le go shupiwa ka sethunya.
“Go begwa fa motswasetlhabelo a ne a patelediwa go ipobola gore ke ene a tshotseng mogala wa letheka wa ga Mogoera. Morago ga gore kgang e e begwe kwa sepodising, batlhankedi ba sepodisi ba uniti ya Brits Crime Intelligence, Brits Trio Task Team le ba batlisisi kwa Mmakau, ba ne ba dira mmogo go bona kwa Mogoera a leng teng.
“Tshedimosetso e ne ya dirisiwa mo tirong ya go batla mmelaelwa, mme one a tshwarwa kwa Mmakau ka Laboraro thapama, 16 Lwetse 2026. Mo tirong eo, mapodisi a ne a tsaya sethunya se sentsho se se thunyang dikulo tse di se nang kgapetla (blank-firing firearm) le lerumo le le lengwe le sle senang kgapetla, tse di tla dirisiwang jaaka bosupi mo dipatlisisong,” Bobelo wa tlhalosa.
Are mosimane wa dingwaga di le 16 one a newa kalafi ya bongaka. Bobelo are Mogoera one a tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Brits ka di 18 Lwetse 2026, a lebane le melato e e amanang le go thopa motho, go shupa motho ka sethunya le tlhaselo.
“O golotswe ka beile ya R1000, mme o solofetswe go boela kwa kgotlatshekelo eo ka di 22 Diphalane 2026. Dipatlisiso di tsweletse, mme melato e mengwe e ka okediwa fa go ka bonala boshupi jo bongwe.
“Re rotloetsa baagi go bega ditiro tse di belaetsang kwa sepodiseng, mme ba letle molao go tsaya karolo. Re kgothaletsa baagi go bega ditiro dingwe le dingwe tse di belaetsang kwa sepodiseng le go letla molao go tsaya karolo,” Bobelo wa tlhalosa.
Are go itseela molao mo matsogong ke tlolo-molao, mme ba rotloetsa mongwe le mongwe go dira mmogo le sepodisi go netefatsa pabalesego ya baagi.
