15 June 2026- A man (38) who was arrested for dealing in drugs was sentenced to 23 years imprisonment. This comes after the accused, Levi Ngesi was arrested during Operation Dibida initiated by the Northern Cape Provincial Organised Crime Unit to address drug-related crimes in Postmasburg and Danielskuil.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said during the operation, a targeted suspect, Levi Ngesi was arrested for dealing in drugs during September 2023. Cherelle said the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Neil Jacobs, successfully opposed bail.
“On 15 June 2026, Ngesi appeared in the Postmasburg Magistrate’s Court, where he was convicted on three counts of dealing in drugs. He was sentenced to 23 years imprisonment. 10 years imprisonment,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended members of the Provincial Organised Crime Unit for the successful execution of the operation, which culminated in the conviction and incarceration of a drug dealer. Otola reiterated that drug-related crimes remain a priority for the SAPS and emphasised that efforts will be intensified to ensure that drug dealers feel the full might of the law.
15 June 2026- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said on the eve of Youth Day, they honour a generation of young South Africans who changed the course of the history. Ramaphosa said 50 years ago, the youth of 1976 stood up against injustice and demanded the right to learn, to dream and to determine their own future.
He further said their courage helped open the doors of freedom. Ramaphosa added that, the responsibility of their generation is to ensure that those doors lead to opportunity.
“The youth of South Africa rose up to reject an education system that sought to keep them in servitude and deny them the opportunity to realise their potential. Exactly 50 years later, as young South Africans, you face a different challenge such as finding your place in an economy that has for too long kept its doors closed to you.
“We know that for many young South Africans, the promise of democracy can feel distant when jobs are scarce, when opportunities seem out of reach and when qualifications do not always lead to employment,” he said.
Ramaphosa said many of them are working hard, applying for jobs, pursuing training and seeking opportunities, only to face disappointment. He said they hear these frustrations, and they understand that they are real.
“Inclusive economic growth is essential, if we are to tackle youth unemployment in a meaningful and lasting way. That is why we are investing in a massive infrastructure programme and undertaking far-reaching reforms to make our economy more competitive.
“We have embarked on a second ambitious investment drive, raising R890 billion in new investment pledges in the last year. However, these efforts will take time to translate into jobs. Even as the economy grows, young people may still find it difficult to participate in that growth,” said Ramaphosa.
He said that is why they have been investing in programmes that give them access to learning and work opportunities, skills, experience and an income. Ramaphosa said one of their most successful programmes has been the Presidential Employment Stimulus, which was launched at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Today, that stimulus has created in excess of 2.5 million work and livelihood opportunities. More than eight in ten of these opportunities have gone to young people, and two-thirds to women. It has enabled the most rapid expansion of public employment in our history.
“While these numbers are impressive, what really makes this initiative stand out is the impact that it has on the prospects of those involved and the contribution it makes to the areas in which they work,” said Ramaphosa.
He said last year, through the Basic Education Employment Initiative, 200,000 unemployed young people provided valuable support to nearly 22,000 schools in remote villages, townships, dense inner cities, special needs classrooms and farm schools. Ramaphosa said the programme is giving young people their first foothold in the world of work while strengthening the foundations of learning in the schools that need it most.
“The Social Employment Fund, another successful programme, offers part-time work for young people in social development programmes in areas like education, food and agriculture, health care, environmental improvement and safety. Because it is part-time, participants get regular and predictable income while spending the rest of their time looking for work, exploring business opportunities or improving their skills.
“Alongside these public and social employment programmes, the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention is steadily dismantling the barriers that keep young people locked out of the labour market. Through the SA Youth online platform, more than 5.7 million young people are now able to search for opportunities, overcoming some of the impediments that often hold them back, such as transport and data expenses,” he said.
Ramaphosa said to date, the intervention has facilitated access to over 2.3 million earning opportunities. He said the revitalised National Youth Service has placed more than 132,000 young people in paid service to their communities.
“These are young people learning the dignity of work while giving back to the society that raised them. The Youth Employment Service, which is a business initiative, places young people in quality year-long work experience opportunities in companies across the country.
“We are also pioneering smarter ways of spending training funds. The Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund pays for training for young people only when they are placed in a real, quality job. It is a model that demands results,” said Ramaphosa.
He said behind every one of these numbers is a young person whose dignity has been restored, whose confidence has been renewed and whose horizon has broadened. Ramaphosa said although these opportunities are mostly short-term, there are thousands of stories of young people who have used them as a stepping stone towards finding a permanent job, starting a small business or studying towards a new career. He said the value of these opportunities can be measured not merely by what young people earn while they’re in the programme, but by what they leave with: skills, experience, self-esteem and a sense of purpose.
“Much work remains. The scale of the challenge demands that we sustain and deepen these efforts. Every company, every department, every organisation and every South African who is able to open a door for a young person must do so.
“Your country sees your potential and will work with you to ensure that you realise it. Let us together build a South Africa in which every young person finds their place in an inclusive economy and in a thriving society,” concluded Ramaphosa.
15 June 2026 – A man (36) was sentenced to 36 years imprisonment for multiple charges ranging from motor vehicle theft to contraventions of the Immigration Act. The accused, Michael Chikwani was recently convicted after the court heard evidence detailing how he defrauded individuals through Facebook Marketplace in transactions involving 19 vehicles.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said evidence presented in court, revealed that the accused targeted unsuspecting victims who advertised vehicles for sale on the social media platform in the Northern Cape, Western Cape and Free State provinces. Litabe said after successfully arranging to view the vehicles, the accused would provide the sellers with falsified bank payment notifications, creating the impression that payment had been made.
“Believing that the funds had been received, the victims released their vehicles and registration documents to the accused, who would then disappear in the thin air without making any payment. The accused subsequently sold the stolen vehicles to unsuspecting buyers in the Western Cape.
“A total of 26 cases were registered against the accused across the three provinces. These cases were centralised in Kimberley, where the accused was convicted and sentenced by the Kimberley Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. He was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for theft of motor vehicles,” he said.
Litabe further said was also sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for cyber fraud. He added that the accused was sentenced to three years imprisonment for money laundering and one year for contravention of the Identification Act.
“Chikwani was sentenced to two years imprisonment for Contravention of the Immigration Act. The court ordered that all sentences will be served simultaneously. Therefore, he will effectively serve 15 years imprisonment.
“The successful prosecution of the case stemmed from the meticulous investigation conducted by Warrant Officer Anthony Rheeder of the Kimberley Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit, who was assigned to investigate the case,” said Litabe.
Meanwhile, the Frances Baard District Police Commissioner, Major General Charlotte Makgari, commended Warrant Officer Rheeder for his dedication and exceptional investigative work, which involved extensive travel, long working hours, and unwavering commitment to ensuring that justice was served.
15 June 2026 – The police in Mooinooi have launched a manhunt for suspects responsible for the death of a man and the serious injury of another in an alleged vigilante attack. It is alleged that on 14 June 2026 at approximately 2:30am, the police received a complaint regarding an incident of alleged mob justice in Newtown Section, in Bapong.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said upon arrival at the scene, the police found a man lying next with visible injuries to the road, bleeding. Tselanyane said although he was still alive, he was unable to communicate with the police due to the severity of his condition.
“While at the scene, the police heard someone calling for help from nearby bushes. They proceeded to the area and found another seriously injured man, who was able to speak. He identified himself as well as the first victim.
“Furthermore, the police found only two victims at the scene, both of whom were naked. Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) personnel were summoned and the first victim was declared dead at the scene. The second victim was ferried to a local hospital for medical treatment,” he said.
Tselanyane further said the police are appealing to anyone with information that may assist in the investigation to contact the Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Tshidiso Mankgaba on 078 509 4895 or the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. He added that anonymous tip-offs can also be submitted via the MySAPS App.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, condemned the alleged vigilante attack, describing it as a blatant disregard for the rule of law that cannot be tolerated. Naidoo warned community members to work with the police and allow the criminal justice system to take its course, rather than taking the law into their own hands, which is unlawful and may lead to prosecution.
Picture: The deceased, Masego Moile-Moshweu/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
15 June 2026 – A husband who is accused of stabbing his wife, Masego Moile-Moshweu (39) to death is expected to appear in absentia at Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on 17 June 2026. This comes after he was charged with Moshweu’s murder.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said on 12 June 2026 at approximately 5:10pm, the police were called to a house in Lonely Park village, near Mahikeng, following a complaint related to domestic violence. Myburgh said upon arrival at the scene, the police found family members and Emergency Medical and Rescue Services (EMRS) personnel, who had already certified Moshweu dead.
“The deceased was reportedly discovered by a family member after several attempts to contact her went unanswered. The family member then proceeded to the residence and found all doors locked and windows closed. After searching for keys, she located a bunch of keys inside a parked vehicle within the yard.
“She managed to unlock the main door, but found the bedroom door locked. She subsequently searched the house for the key, located one, and unlocked the bedroom door. Upon entering the room, she allegedly discovered the deceased lying motionless in a pool of blood,” she said.
Myburgh said it is further alleged that the deceased and her husband had been involved in a confrontation earlier that morning. She added that the husband was later involved in a collision with a truck on Nelson Mandela Drive near a shopping mall.
“The husband is still hospitalised under police guard and will appear in absentia before the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on 17 June 2026, on a charge of murder,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, said he strongly condemned this senseless act of violence against a woman. Naidoo said Gender-Based Violence (GBV) continues to destroy families and communities.
“The police will remain committed to ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice. While the matter will be before the court, we urge members of the public to report all forms of abuse and seek help before situations escalate into tragedy.
14 June 2026 – A multi-disciplinary police team conducted Operation Shanela II high-density operations in the Rietfontein policing area. The operation involved the police from Rietfontein SAPS, the Provincial Border Police, Rietfontein Port of Entry, Witdraai SAPS, Gemsbok Port of Entry and Tweerevieren Port of Entry.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said on 12 June 2026, the police executed search and seizure warrants at two identified premises suspected of being involved in drug dealing. Shemane said at the first premises, police found a man (18) in possession of drugs with an estimated street value of R25 750.
“The suspect was arrested for dealing in drugs. At the second identified premises, the police discovered drugs with an estimated street value of R19 500. An inquiry docket was opened and a man 55), including two women aged 27 and 61, were taken in for questioning after drugs were found on the premises.
“The police in the ZF Mgcawu District will continue with operations aimed at removing drugs from communities and ensuring safer streets,” he said.
Picture: Some of drugs confiscated by the police/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
14 June 2026 – The police attached to Upington Crime Prevention, together with Community in Blue (CIP) patrollers, conducted foot patrols in Basson and Mark streets in Upington on 12 June 2026, when they noticed a suspicious vehicle. The police approached the vehicle and instructed the occupant to alight.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said a search of the suspect yielded no illicit items. Shemane said the police subsequently searched the vehicle and discovered suspected drugs concealed inside.
“A foreign national (29) was arrested for possession of drugs. The police also confiscated the white Toyota Corolla allegedly used in the commission of the crime. The suspect is expected to appear in court soon on charges of possession of drugs,” he said.
Meanwhile, the ZF Mgcawu District Police Commissioner, Major General Monica Sebili, commended the police for their vigilance and commitment in ensuring that drug peddlers are removed from communities and that illegal substances are kept off the streets.
Picture: Police conducting a search in one of the shops/Supplied
By STAFF REPORTER
14 June 2026 – The concerted efforts by the police to assert the authority of the state across the five districts of the Northern Cape during Operation Shanela II High Density Operations, conducted from 8 until 14 June 2026, resulted in the arrest of 678 suspects for various offences. During the intelligence-driven and the multi-disciplinary disruptive operations, the police executed vehicle control points (VCPs), stop-and-search operations, roadblocks, tracing operations for wanted suspects, foot and vehicle patrols, visibility patrols at taxi ranks, malls and shopping complexes, compliance inspections, and visits to farms and mines.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said at VCPs and roadblocks conducted throughout the province, the police stopped and searched 8003 vehicles and searched 16 785 persons. Shemane said compliance inspections were conducted at second-hand goods dealers, liquor outlets, scrapyards, formal and informal businesses, as well as farms and mines.
“Twelve unlicensed liquor premises were closed for non-compliance. The police also confiscated alcoholic beverages, cash believed to be the proceeds of crime, cell phones, copper cables, dangerous weapons and drugs during the operations.
“In collaboration with community policing structures, awareness campaigns were conducted with specific focus on the observation of Youth Month,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the multi-disciplinary law enforcement teams for their professionalism and unwavering commitment during the execution of the operations. Otola also expressed her appreciation to community structures and members of the public for their continued support in assisting the police in the fight against crime.
“We encourage the communities to participate in the “Rate Our Service” online survey to assist the South African Police Service (SAPS) in improving service delivery.
14 June 2026 – The Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, Geordin Hill-Lewis, who is also Cape Town mayoral candidate thanked the people of Cape Town for placing their trust in him and in the DA. Hill-Lewis thanked every resident who has worked with them, challenged them, held them accountable, reported faults, joined neighbourhood watches, picked up litter, started businesses, volunteered in communities and kept believing that Cape Town can become even better.
He further said a city is not built by concrete and steel, but by its people. Hill-Lewis added that Cape Town is a city full of wonderful people.
“The best part of my day is meeting and chatting with the residents of this city. As soon as I get out of my office and into the streets, I feel the warm hearts of Capetonians. I love listening to their stories, sharing a meal together, hearing what is working and what isn’t working, and laughing together.
“I am standing here today with deep humility and a full heart. Four and a half years ago, we set out with a simple mission. To be the City of Hope for all. To show every person that they do not have to give up on the dream that South Africa can work,” he said.
Hill-Lewis said to demonstrate that no one needs to accept that the only direction their country can go, is backwards. He said they can go forwards.
“No matter how tough our problems are, we can solve them, step by step in the right direction. Our love for Cape Town and her people, our love for this country, made us determined to prove that we could be hopeful again.
“Nearly five years later, we can feel a deep sense of pride in the city we are building. Cape Town is by no means perfect and there is still so much to do. But we are showing the whole country what a working city looks like – for everyone. The candle of hope we have lit in Cape Town has become a torch lighting the way across South Africa – from Joburg to Emfuleni, to Ekurhuleni, to Tshwane, Umngeni and every corner of our country,” said Hill-Lewis.
He said everywhere people are saying, if that can happen in Cape Town, it can happen here too. Hill-Lewis said when he sees thousands of children playing happily in all the swimming pools, they have fixed in places like Mitchells Plain, or Langa, or Gugs, or Bellville. My heart is full of joy.
“When I see teenagers in Manenberg and Mandela Park and Atlantis and Bishop Lavis playing on newly rebuilt sports fields of the highest and best quality, I know we have taken Cape Town forward for all. When a young lady named Deidre called in on the radio with emotion in her voice to say she had just got her first job, I know that we are bringing hope to people who had once lost faith in the system.
“When I meet an Auntie right here in Hanover Park and she tells me that whenever something happens, it is always Cape Town Law Enforcement officers that arrive first – always professional and always helpful – then I know we are helping make Cape Town safer,” he said.
14 June 2026 – A joint meeting of three parliamentary oversight committees on Friday received a briefing from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on the state of readiness for the 2026 Local Government Elections (LGE) and the voter registration weekend scheduled for 20 and 21 June 2026. The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs, the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and the Select Committee on Security and Justice met with the IEC to assess progress on voter registration and the IEC’s operational readiness.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Zweli Mkhize said the committees emphasised the need for clear communication to educate the public about the electoral system. Mkhize said the committees also emphasised that educational communication must be in all indigenous languages, including sign language, to educate, inform and raise awareness about the electoral system.
“We welcome the presentation and Parliament should continue to receive regular updates on public attitudes towards elections and trust in institutions. It is something that we, as parliamentarians, must constantly work on and find ways of improving, to increase the level of trust and confidence of the public.
“However, members raised questions about the online voter registration process, including reported delays and challenges with the one-time pins (OTPs). The committee noted that the commission must consider the practical reality that some citizens who require online registration services may not have functional cell phones and, therefore, may be unable to receive the OTPs needed to complete registration,” he said.
Mkhize said this matter must be treated as a community concern and asked the IEC to apply its mind and return for further engagement. He added that members also engaged with the IEC on voter management devices and on previous system challenges, especially where connectivity was limited.
“The IEC should continue addressing technical and logistical issues that may create uncertainty. The confidence that we must all have in the system requires that it is beyond question. The handling and security of election materials also formed part of the engagement.
“Members asked the IEC to provide further information on how election materials are transported, stored, accounted for and secured. The committees noted the IEC’s explanation that some security arrangements must be handled carefully to avoid creating additional risk,” said Mkhize.
The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Security and Justice, Jane Mananiso, welcomed the engagement, emphasising the importance of the briefing ahead of the registration weekend during Youth Month.
“It is important that we target the youth to register. It is important to include the youth, older persons, persons with disabilities and rural areas. The committees noted the IEC’s assessment that planning for the local government elections on 4 November is taking place in one of the most challenging pre-election climates in the past three decades.
“The environment is one marked by public pessimism, frustration, declining trust in institutions and a growing disengagement from formal democratic processes,” she said.
Mananiso said the committees also asked the IEC to regularly update Parliament on matters before the courts that may affect public perception and trust. She said the members also asked to be updated regularly on the situation in areas, where there are boundary disputes following the ward delimitation process, as this may affect voter registration and participation.
“The committees resolved that further engagement with the IEC will be necessary as preparations continue,” said Mananiso.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs, Mosa Chabane, welcomed the information shared. Chabane said the committees will consider an oversight visit during a future registration weekend, where and when possible, to assess implementation on the ground.
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