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.
16 March 2026 – President Cyril Ramaphosa will this morning address the inaugural National Transport Conference at Gallagher Estate in Midrand.
The conference, held under the theme: ‘Transport: The Driver for Growth, Job Creation, Inclusivity and Sustainability’, will bring together decision-makers, investors and innovators to deliberate on building a sustainable transport system that supports economic growth and job creation.
The Presidency said the gathering will provide a platform for stakeholders across government, business and civil society to engage on the future of the transport sector and its role in driving development.
“Given the role of transport as a facilitator of economic growth and an enabler of social development, the conference will tackle the sector’s most pressing issues. These include modernising failing passenger rail systems and resolving port and freight bottlenecks,” The Presidency said.
Other key issues on the agenda include improving road safety, addressing infrastructure backlogs and meeting climate and sustainability targets.
The conference also aims to set a shared vision for the future of transport in South Africa and mobilise collaboration across different sectors and spheres of government.
It will further contribute to the implementation of the priorities of the Department of Transport while enabling knowledge sharing between government, the private sector, the transport industry and academia.
Expected outcomes include strengthened partnerships across the transport sector, commitments to advance key transport priorities and the adoption of evidence-based solutions to improve transport systems.
Participants include officials from national, provincial and local government, State-owned companies, transport operators and industry bodies, as well as financial institutions, academics, commuter organisations and civil society groups.
Representatives from Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries and international transport stakeholders are also expected to attend. – SAnews.gov.za
16 March 2026- The much-anticipated 9th ANC regional conference in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region is set to take place at Lysko Primary School near Vryburg on 27 until 29 March 2026. The ANC Regional Task Team coordinator, Walter Mabogola has sent an invitation notice to various ANC structures informing them about the elective conference.
“This notice serves to invite the above-mentioned leadership, voting delegates at branch and regional level and staff members to participate in the 9th ANC regional conference, which will be held at Lykso Primary School during the weekend of the 27th to 29th of March 2026.
“Further take note that the pre-registration will take place on 17 March 2026. Both the voting and non-voting delegates are urgently requested to submit their photos with their full personal details to the office of the RTT coordinator not later than 16 March 2026, for pre-registration purposes,” he said.
Mabogola further said the final registration will take place on 26 March 2026, for accreditation purposes. He added that all branch secretaries are expected to attend pre-registration sessions for confirmation of branch delegates.
The former chairperson of ANC Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, Motseokae Maje, who is now the RTT chairperson, is expected to contest for the regional chairperson position again. However, there is a fierce contest for that position from the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, who has also entered the race.
Mabogola, who is the former regional secretary, is contesting for that position again.
Meanwhile, the fierce contestation and at times, violent chaos have characterized this conference, reflecting deep internal divisions, factionalism and struggles for control over party machinery and resources. M26 and N12 factions are expected to go head-to-head for various positions that will ultimately be useful during the 10th ANC provincial conference in North West that will take place in a few months’ time.
Picture: A man arrested for during Operation Shanela II/Supplied
By AGISANANG SCUFF
16 March 2026 – The unwavering commitment of the police in the Northern Cape was evident during the implementation of Operation Shanela II across all five districts in the province, which resulted in the arrest of 232 suspects. Conducted from 9 until 15 March 2026, the operation consisted of ongoing intelligence-driven actions aimed at combating crime in identified hotspots.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the coordinated operations were led by the Deputy Provincial Commissioners, District Commissioners, Provincial Heads and senior officers, in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies. Ehlers said during the operation, numerous premises were searched, while a total of 7 085 individuals and 3 318 vehicles were also searched.
“Operational activities included stop-and-search actions, high-visibility patrols, vehicle checkpoints (VCPs) and roadblocks. Multi-disciplinary Illicit Mining Task teams also took part in intelligence driven actions with the focus on illicit mining, drug related crimes and tampering with essential infrastructure.
“Detectives conducted tracing operations that resulted in the arrest of wanted suspects who had been evading law enforcement for various offences,” she said.
Ehlers further said compliance inspections were carried out at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, recycling facilities, firearm dealerships, informal businesses, mines and farms to ensure adherence to relevant legislation. She added that as a result, 14 unlicensed liquor outlets were shut down due to non-compliance and violation of various regulations.
“In total, 232 suspects were arrested for offences including drug-related crimes, illegal liquor trading, robbery, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and burglary.
“Large quantities of alcohol and drugs as well as dangerous weapons were confiscated during the operations. The police, together with Community Policing Structures (CPS) and various government departments, continue to conduct awareness campaigns addressing gender-based violence, contact crimes, drug and alcohol abuse, youth safety and other priority trends,” she said.
Ehlers said the provincial and district management welcomed the successful results of the operation and commended the collaborative efforts with other departments and the community. She said efforts will be intensified during the Easter holiday season to ensure that all inhabitants and visitors are safe.
Picture: A firearm and ammunition confiscated/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
16 March 2026- The Crime Combating Team that consists of the Provincial Anti -Gang Unit, Provincial Tracking Team, Crime Intelligence (CI) Provincial Overt Operations, CI Provincial Counter Narcotic, K9 Hartbeespoortdam and Klerksdorp Tactical Response Team (TRT) on 11 and 12 March 2026, were deployed for illicit mining operations. This resulted in the arrest of a man (39) for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition, which was reported stolen in Brits during 2024, dealing in drugs and possession of suspected illegal substances.
The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said items such as 9mm firearm, a magazine containing ammunition, dagga to the estimated street value of R1000, nyaope to the estimated street value of R84 400 and crystal meth to the estimated street value of R13 200 were confiscated. Morake said he will appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 16 March 2026.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, expressed his appreciation towards the members involved for their dedication in protecting communities. Naidoo said that their commitment to excellence and professionalism reflects positively on the South African Police Service (SAPS) and he assured the public that police will remain vigilant and steadfast in bringing criminals to justice.
Picture: A man being set alight by community members/Generic
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
16 March 2026 –The police in Mooinooi are investigating cases of murder and kidnapping following an alleged incident in which a Lesotho national (35) was killed after being set alight. The police said on Thursday night, 12 March 2026, the police received a complaint that a person had been murdered at the Khlamtwna Informal Settlement.
The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said the police attended the scene and met a woman who identified herself as the deceased’s girlfriend. Morake said she indicated that she had received information that her boyfriend had been murdered and left in nearby bushes.
“Upon arrival at the scene, police noticed flames, indicating that something was burning. A naked male body was found lying on the ground with both hands tied behind his back and the body was set alight.
“During preliminary investigations, the deceased girlfriend indicated that the victim had allegedly been forcefully apprehended by a group of unknown community members, after being accused of stealing their cattle,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, strongly condemned the incident and warned community members against taking the law into their own hands. Naidoo urged residents to report suspected criminal activities to the police so that such matters can be dealt with through proper legal processes.
“The police investigations are continuing and no arrests have been made at this stage. Anyone who may have information that can assist police in their investigations, is urged to contact the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Aaron Khunou on 076 565 8576, their nearest police station or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,” she said.
16 March 2026- The Crime Combating Team, compromising the Provincial Anti -Gang Unit, Provincial Tracking Team, Crime Intelligence (CI) Provincial Overt Operations, and the Klerksdorp Tactical Response Team (TRT) was deployed on 9 March 2026 to conduct operations targeting illicit mining activities. The police said during the operation, a man (44) from Mozambique, who was wanted by the police, was re-arrested in the Bapong Informal Settlement.
The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said the suspect had previously escaped from lawful custody on 17 February 2026, after being arrested for Contravention of Immigration Act at Mooinooi SAPS. Morake said he is now facing additional charges for escaping from lawful custody.
“In a separate incident at Hartebeespoortdam, three men were arrested on 9 March 2026, for possession of suspected illegal substances and contravention of the Immigration Act. A man (24) from Malawi was found in possession of crystal meth with an estimated street value of R7800.
“Another man (28) from Malawi was found in possession of nyaope, crystal meth, and mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R7670. A MAN (28) from Lesotho was found in possession of nyaope, crystal meth and mandrax tablets to the estimated street value of R6 600,” she said.
She further said in Brits, a man (41) was found in possession of nyaope and crystal meth to the estimated street value of R10 200.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, expressed his appreciation to the members involved for their dedication to protecting communities. Naidoo added that their commitment to excellence and professionalism reflects positively on the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“We would like to assure the public that police will remain vigilant and steadfast in bringing criminals to justice,” he said.
Picture: SANDF deployed to assist police in combating crime
By OBAKENG MAJE
16 March 2026- The national police commissioner, General Fannie Masemola said the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) represent an important milestone in the strengthening of their collective national response to crime and serious violence in the country. Masemola said during the joint briefing that National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) met not merely to announce an operational deployment, but to reaffirm a fundamental principle, that the authority of the state will always prevail over criminality, intimidation and lawlessness.
He further said South Africans have rightly expressed deep concern about the levels of violent crime, the activities of organised criminal syndicates, and safety concerns in some communities. Masemola added that these concerns are legitimate and as the leadership of the JCPS cluster departments, they have taken the responsibility to respond decisively, strategically and with the full capability of the state.
“It is in this context that president Cyril Ramaphosa during the State of the Nation Address (SOPA), directed that the government intensify its fight against organised crime and strengthen cooperation between the security cluster departments.
“In his recent response to oral questions in Parliament, the president further emphasised that the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in cooperation with the South African Police Service (SAPS), forms part of a broader national effort to confront organised criminal networks, deal with
crime, stabilise affected communities and restore public confidence in law enforcement,” said Masemola.
He said NATJOINTS guided by this directive, Ramaphosa has authorised the deployment of the SANDF in cooperation with the SAPS under Operation Prosper. Masemola said this deployment spans a period of 13 months, with over 2000 members of the SANDF deployed across the country.
“The intervention will focus on the hotpots areas which includes and not limited to, Free State, Gauteng, North West, Western Cape and the Eastern Cape — areas that have been identified through intelligence and crime analysis as being significantly affected by criminal activity.
“The purpose of this intervention is to provide space to the SAPS to deal with both street crime and to disrupt, disable and dismantle organised crime groupings through a coordinated operational framework where the SANDF and SAPS will work together to stabilise crime-affected areas and restore the rule of law in communities where criminal networks have sought to undermine the authority of the state,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chief of SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya shared the same sentiments. Maphwanya said South Africa today faces complex organised-crime threats that extend beyond conventional criminal activity.
“In the Free State, Gauteng and North West, sophisticated illicit mining criminal groups continue to exploit abandoned and active mining infrastructure, generating enormous illicit financial flows, fuelling violence between gangs and rival groups, damaging essential infrastructure and contributing to environmental degradation.
“At the same time, gang-related violence in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Gauteng continues to drive high levels of murder, extortion, drug trafficking and illegal firearm proliferation, devastating communities and trapping many young people in cycles of violence. These criminal dynamics are not isolated. They are interconnected and often linked to illegal migration, illicit firearms trafficking, corruption networks and attacks on essential infrastructure,” he said.
Maphwanya said the scale, sophistication and persistence of these criminal activities have resulted in this extraordinary and integrated response by the government. He said this is precisely what this joint deployment seeks to achieve.
Picture: Police conducting stop and search/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
15 March 2026 – The members of various Provincial Components in the Northern Cape, supported by the John Taolo Gaetsewe District and surrounding stations under the command of the Provincial Head for Proactive Policing, Brigadier Irene Kopeledi, conducted crime prevention operations in Kathu, Kuruman and Mothibistad between 13 and 15 March 2026.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said operations formed part of the weekly Operation Shanela II and comprised of members Proactive Policing, Firearms, Liquor and Second-Hand Goods Unit, Corporate Communication and Liaison, SAPS Airwing, Northern Cape Provincial Gambling and Liquor Board and Kuruman Public Order Police.
“Provincial Operational Command Centre (POCC), Siyathemba, Kuruman, Batlharos, Deben, Olifantshoek and Siyathemba Police Stations and Traffic Police from the Gamagara Local Municipality.
“Operational activities included blue-light patrols, stop-and-search operations, as well as compliance inspections at liquor outlets and food establishments. Fines amounting to R4 500 were issued for contraventions of the Liquor Act, while additional fines amounting to R1 600-00 were issued to motorists who violated traffic regulations,” said Litabe.
He further said several liquor outlets in the areas visited were closed after failing to comply with requirements and conditions stipulated in their trading licences by the Liquor Board. Litabe added that upon conclusion of the operations, Kopeledi expressed her appreciation to all members and officials who participated in ensuring the success of the operations.
“These disruptive actions will continue unabated throughout the province,” he said.
The Guardian 