4 March 2026- The multi-disciplinary Frances Baard Illicit Mining Task Team apprehended two suspects for possession of drugs and armed robbery respectively at Dingaan Hostels in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley on 2 March 2026. The police were conducting vehicle patrols and high visibility patrols in the Galeshewe and Kimberley precincts when the team received information regarding a wanted suspect, who was reportedly hiding at the Dingaan Hostels.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the police acted swiftly and the information was subsequently operationalised. Shemane said the police tactically approached the identified premises, where the suspect was last seen.
“As the team observed a man throwing an object underneath a vehicle. Upon further investigation a transparent plastic bag containing mandrax tablets was recovered. An additional thorough search led to the discovery of another two transparent plastic bags containing suspected mandrax hidden inside the vehicle.
“The police seized the drugs with an estimated value of R 24 000, as well as a White Toyota Tazz that was allegedly utilized during the commission of a crime. A suspect (46) was arrested for possession of drugs. A second suspect (44), who is wanted in connection with armed robbery was arrested,” he said.
Shemane said the Frances Baard District Illicit Mining Task Team remains committed in the eradication of drugs within the district, and efforts will be bolstered.
Picture: EFF councillor in Klerksdorp, Lesole Malefo/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
4 March 2026- The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the North West has suspended its councillor, Lesole Malefo after allegedly requesting sexual favours from the rape victim (18). This comes after a young woman alleges in a circulating video that, she was raped by a man known as “Black Cat.”
According to the victim, the matter was reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS) on or about 10 February 2026, yet to date the suspect has not been apprehended. The rape victim alleges that she approached Malefo for assistance, who in turn solicited sexual favours from her.
The EFF provincial secretary, Papiki Babuile said they treat these allegations with the utmost seriousness. Babuile said they have instituted internal disciplinary processes and placed Malefo on suspension pending investigations.
“The delay in arresting the alleged perpetrator raises serious concerns about the handling of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases within the province and the protection afforded to victims. The EFF strongly condemns the alleged conduct of the police and the injustice suffered by the victim, particularly the disturbing claim that she was told to search for the suspect herself.
“Such conduct, if true, represents a gross dereliction of duty and a betrayal of the constitutional mandate to protect vulnerable members of society. The EFF delegation met with the family to offer support and reaffirmed its uncompromising stance against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and any form of exploitation of vulnerable women,” he said.
Bauile further said justice must prevail and all institutions entrusted with public confidence must act decisively and lawfully.
The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said: “Yesterday, I learnt through social media platform regarding the unfortunate incident involving a young lady that was alleged raped by a thug by the name of Black Cat.
“The incident that compelled me to leave everything was because I was at the legislature when I learnt of the video. I rushed to the police station to understand what was happening because the historical background is that the incident happened around January 2026, however, no arrests were made and there was no progress.”
Morweng said he had to respond as the community leader and as the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management. He added that they interacted with the SAPS Management in the Kenneth Kaunda District and managed to get the background of the case.
“So, I can confirm that the case is still on the roll and the docket is still active. However, the suspect is still at large, but the police are working tirelessly to ensure that they arrest him. We can confirm that we have provided assistance to the family through psycho-social support.
“I interacted with the North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie. Dantjie has sent a team to the family so that we can provide necessary counselling to the family during this difficult and trying time. We would also like to applaud the bravery of the victim for speaking out,” said Morweng.
“I have raised that sharply with the SAPS Management and I have issued an instruction to the investigating officer must be investigated and consequence management must be effected. Sometimes our police are very clumsy. You cannot tell the victim to go and look for the suspect herself. It is disingenuous and lacks morality. You are saying to the victim to go and be raped again or get killed,” he said.
Picture: The North West MEC for Education and ANC Deputy Provincial Secretary, Viola Motsumi
By OBAKENG MAJE
4 March 2026- The North West MEC for Education and ANC Deputy Provincial Secretary, Viola Motsumi has sincerely apologized to the ANC and the people at large. This comes after Motsumi was allegedly heard making remarks against ANC Deputy Provincial Chairperson and North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi in a conversation with the Deputy Speaker of North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Collen Maine during the recorded State of the Province Address (SOPA) proceedings in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) in Mahikeng on Thursday last week.
According to the video making the rounds on various social media platforms, Motsumi was heard displaying her hatred towards Mokgosi among others.
However, she confirmed to The Guardian Newspaper that she has written an apology letter to the ANC Provincial Secretary, Louis Diremelo apologizing to the ANC and the people at large.
“I wish to apologise to the African National Congress, the government, the people of the North West and the country as a whole for the unfortunate remarks I made during the State of the Province Address (SOPA). My comments were ill-considered and do not reflect the unity, discipline, and collective spirit for which the ANC stands.
“I deeply regret any harm or discomfort my words may have caused to members of the ANC, the government, and the broader community. I reaffirm my full commitment to the principles of unity, renewal, and service to our people. Going forward, I will endeavour to contribute positively toward strengthening the organisation and advancing the collective interests of the ANC and the people it serves,” she said in a letter.
Motsumi further said her actions and remarks were made in a moment of anger and frustration. She added that she allowed emotion to guide her response, instead of exercising the calm judgment and thoughtful reflection expected of her.
“Upon reflection, I recognise that my conduct was inappropriate and hurtful, and I sincerely regret allowing my emotions to overshadow my respect for the ANC and the people we serve. It was never my intention to cause pain or disappointment. I accept full responsibility for my behaviour and offer my unreserved apology.
“I am committed to conducting myself with greater maturity, discipline, and respect in the future,” said Motsumi.
4 Mopitlwe 2026- Khansele ya masepala o mogolwane wa Taung e solofetswe go tlhopa meiyera o motsha mo letsatsing la gompieno. Khansele ya masepala e solofetswe go tsenela kopano e kgethegileng go ya ka Section 29 (1) of the Local Government Municipal Structure Act No 117 of 1998, kwa ntlo-lehalahala la morafe (Depot Hall) mo letsatsing la gompieno kwa Taung ka ura ya lesome kwa go solofetsweng go ka tlhopiwa ga meiyara o montsha magareng ga tse dingwe.
Go begwa fa meiyara wa ga jaana, Thandiwe Sebe, e ne e le wa nama-o-sa-tshwere morago ga gore lekoko la ANC mono porofenseng, le romele maina a le mararo kwa ntlo-kgolo ya lone kwa Luthuli House kwa Johannesburg, Gauteng, go ka tsenela diteko tsa go tlhopiwa jaaka meiyara. Go begwa fa maina a le mararo a rometsweng kwa ntlo-kgolo ya ANC kwa Johannesburg, Gauteng go seka-sekiwa ele la molekgotlha Mosetsanagape Mosinkiemang yo a ikarabelang ka ditiro tsa baagi (Community Services) mo komiting ya ga meiyara, molekgotlha Nonteto Tafani yo a ikarabelang ka ditirelo tsa kgwebo (Cooperate Service) go komiti ya ga meiyara, le molekgotlha Itumeleng Maribe yo a ikarabelang ka tsa mafaratlhatlha (Technical Services and Infrastructure) go komiti ya ga meiyara.
Jaanong, modula-setilo wa lekoko la ANC mono porofenseng, Nono Maloyi, o boleletse The Guardian Newspaper fa ba setse ba konoseditse diteko tseo tsa go tlhopiwa ga meiyara kwa masepaleng o mogolwane wa Taung le wa kwa Kagisano-Molopo kwa Ganyesa.
“O tla tlhaloganya gore pele ga re ka tsenya tirisong toga-maano ya rona, re tshwanetse gore re emele lefoko go tswa kwa kantorong ya Mokwaledi-Kakaretso, Fikile Mbalula. Jaanong, tshwetso ya go thapa meiyara o montsha kwa masepaleng o mogolwane wa Taung le wa Kagisano-Molopo kwa Ganyesa, e lobaka e konoseditswe.
“Re ntse re emetse lefoko fela go tswa kwa go Mbalula pele ga re ka tsenya tirisong ditshwetso tseo,” Maloyi.
Picture: The North West MEC for Community of Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
3 March 2026- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng met with senior police officers in Klerksdorp following the outcry from the rape victim. This comes after a woman (18) from Jakaranda Township, near Alabama in Klerksdorp, went on social media to raise her frustration on what she deemed as slow pace on investigation of her rape case.
Morweng said according to the police, the incident occurred on 26 January 2026, and the case was opened at Klerksdorp Police Station. He further said immediately after the meeting with the senior officers, he visited the family.
“During my visit, I assured the family that the police will work 24 hours to make sure that the suspect is arrested. I also requested the police to keep watch on the family so that the victim is not harmed or intimidated as the perpetrator is still on the streets,” added Morweng.
3 March 2026- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has reaffirmed government’s commitment to advancing infrastructure development and improving service delivery. Mokgosi, who delivered the 2026 State of the Province Address (SOPA) at the official opening of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), outlined a range of priority projects scheduled for implementation in the 2026/2027 financial year.
He further announced that the North West Department of Public Works and Roads will work in partnership with the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) to strengthen waste management and road maintenance initiatives. Mokgosi added that, this collaborative approach forms part of government’s broader drive to ensure a clean, safe and healthy environment for residents across the North West.
“Road infrastructure development is gaining significant traction with more than R1 billion earmarked for catalytic projects in Phelindaba, Makwassie, Verdwaal and Ramokokastad. These targeted investments are intended to stimulate local economies, improve mobility and restore connectivity within communities.
“We have prioritised the upgrading of Nelson Mandela Drive in Mahikeng, allocating over R700 million for the project. The work will include widening the existing bridge to serve as a carriageway, with construction expected to commence in April 2026,” he said.
Mokgosi said construction will also resume in the new financial year in Dwarsberg and Pitse Disulejang in Moses Kotane Local Municipality, Komkruil, as well as along the Lebotlwane-to-Tlholwe route in Moretele Local Municipality. He said these roads were severely damaged by floods, disrupting access for learners, workers and surrounding communities.
“Their rehabilitation reflects government’s continued commitment to restoring critical infrastructure and ensuring reliable access to essential services. In addition, we announced a Public-Private Partnership initiative aimed at eliminating potholes across the province while tackling youth unemployment.
“The provincial government is finalising a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central University of Technology (CUT), to roll out pothole repair programmes in our municipalities, with a focus on empowering 7 000 unemployed young people,” he said.
Furthermore, Mokgosi committed the North West Department of Public Works and Roads to providing asphalt for designated municipalities to fast-track project delivery. He said this intervention will enhance alignment across national, provincial and municipal road networks, expand access to economic opportunities and improve mobility for residents throughout the province.
Picture: The police conducting cross-border operations/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
2 March 2026- The police in the Northern Cape in collaboration with their Namibian counterparts, conducted joint cross-border operations between South Africa and Namibia from 26 February to 1 March 2026. The police said several external stakeholders from the South African side participated in the operations, including Customs DDU, Customs/SARS, Department of Environmental Affairs and Nature Conservation and South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the Border Management Authority and Traffic Department were also part of the operations. Litabe said the coordinated operations included patrols along the borderline in both countries, the establishment of vehicle control points, searches of vehicles and persons, farm visits, as well as the inspection and verification of travel and other required documentation of persons entering and departing both countries.
Litabe said as a result of these operations, four men were arrested in Vioolsdrift for being illegally present in South Africa.
“In addition, nine fines were issued for contraventions of the National Road Traffic Act, and one warrant of arrest was executed, which resulted in the payment of an outstanding traffic-related fine.
“The joint teams also confiscated illegal cigarettes with an estimated value of R90 000. Furthermore, four individuals were declared undesirable for overstaying in South Africa,” he said.
Upon being informed of the outcomes of the operations, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended all members and stakeholders involved for their dedication and hard work in ensuring border security and law enforcement.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi and North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi
By OBAKENG MAJE
2 March 2026 – The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West has expressed grave concern regarding the audio clip circulating in the public domain, which allegedly captured gossip and divisive conduct involving the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, together with the Deputy Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Collen Maine.SANCO said it is widely understood that as political parties approach elective conferences, leadership contests often become factional, with some individuals resorting to discrediting opponents in pursuit of positions within executive structures.
SANCO provincial spokesperson, Mzukisi Jam said in such instances, personal ambition is placed above the interests of the organisation, sometimes resulting in the mobilisation of support for leaders, who may lack the necessary competence, but who are elevated due to factional victories and subsequently deployed into government. Jam said these unhealthy political practices are beginning to manifest within the ANC in the North West as it moves closer to its provincial elective conference.
“SANCO is deeply disappointed by the conduct of certain ANC leaders in the lead-up to this critical gathering. Recent public developments during the State of the Province Address (SOPA) have revealed the extent to which internal factional battles have shaped how members of the same political party speak about one another.
“It has now become evident to the people of the North West that ANC leaders who publicly preach unity and renewal hold deeply opposing views behind the scenes. The reported utterances by Motsumi concerning her Deputy Chairperson and North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi raise serious concerns. Such statements, emerging from the livestream of SOPA, appear not merely factional, but explicitly hostile toward Mokgosi,” he said.
Jam further said this behaviour reflects a troubling pattern of internal sabotage within ANC leadership ranks and raises doubts about the movement’s commitment to its renewal agenda. He added that one cannot help, but wonder what message this sends to communities about the state of ANC leadership.
“The people of the North West deserve leaders who rise above personal grudges and factional battles. Hostility directed at Mokgosi or any elected leader eventually leads to weakened governance and undermines service delivery.
“It is deeply concerning when such attitudes appear to emanate from within the ranks of the ANC itself, particularly from a member of the provincial executive, when it is centered around the Premier. This is reckless and dangerous. It undermines organisational cohesion and sends a damaging message to communities who expect stability, maturity, and discipline from their leaders,” said Jam.
He said unity cannot be selective. Jam said one cannot profess loyalty to the movement while simultaneously fueling divisions against its democratically elected leadership.
“The Premier was entrusted with his responsibilities through established organisational processes and any grievances must be addressed through proper internal structures, not through gossip.
SANCO is further concerned that ANC deployee, North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane, took his employer and superior, Mokgosi to court over governance disputes that could have been
resolved internally, thereby risking the unnecessary use of public funds.
“This is one of many incidents that demonstrate that the ANC’s renewal project is merely a fallacy, while the organisation itself continues to bleed. As SANCO and the community of the North West, we are aware and witnessing a serious factional effort in the ANC aimed at discrediting the Premier, as seen and echoed in the Ad Hoc committee established to investigate allegations that Mokgosi interfered with the appointment of Municipal Manager, Modisenyane Segapo at Naledi Local Municipality a matter that could have been addressed internally,” he said.
Jam said the resort to legal processes to settle internal governance matters signals a troubling erosion of cohesion and suggests that the contestation for political power within the ANC is taking precedence over stability and effective service delivery. He said this raises serious concerns about whether the centre is holding in the ANC.
“SANCO remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting unity within the ANC and safeguarding the integrity of our liberation movement.
“We call on all comrades to prioritise organisational discipline over personal vendettas and to recognise that internal division serves only to weaken the movement. History teaches us that unity builds, while division destroys,” said Jam.
2 March 2026- Three National Department of Health (NDoH) senior managers, The Deputy Director General of Tertiary Health and Hospital Services, Dr Malixole Percival Mahlati (67), the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Phineas Phaswa Mamogale (45) and the Director General, Sabelo Siyabonga Sandile Buthelezi (55), briefly appeared at the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. They were each granted bail of R10 000 with conditions that they should not be allowed at their work premises until the conclusion of the matter, hand over their passports to the investigating officer, inform the investigating officer when intending to travel outside Gauteng and not to directly or indirectly contact any witnesses.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said they are all facing two counts of fraud worth more than R1 million and theft. Mahanjana said Buthelezi is facing an additional charge of contravention of Section 38 (1) (a) (11) of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) of No.1 of 1999.
“It is alleged that between 30 August 2023 and 28 September 2023 the three accused acted in common purpose and irregularly appointed two service providers, Ithani Amen (PTY) Ltd and N Mbileni J Tohlang-Nkopane Inc in a labour related matter. Ithani Amen was appointed as an independent investigator and N Mbileni J Tohlang-Nkopane as chairperson for a disciplinary hearing held against the suspended Chief Director of Labour Relations at the NDoH.
“Both service providers were paid via the Global Fund, aimed to assist the department in training and relief in outbreaks. The accused were reported by the Forensic Investigator to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation. After investigations by members of the Hawks’ National Serious Corruption Investigations the three accused were arrested after they handed themselves over to the Pretoria Central Police station on 02 March 2026,” she said.
Mahanjana further said in court the state did not oppose their release on bail. She added that the state submitted an affidavit from Investigating Officer Captain Clinton Leonard Arrikum, stating that the accused have no previous convictions or pending matters against them, that they do not pose a flight risk and that they will not disturb the public order when released on bail.
“The magistrate found that it was in the interest of justice that the trio be granted bail. The case was postponed to 3 June 2026 for further investigations,” said Mahanjana.
2 March 2026- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said last week, Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana presented a Budget that will accelerate the momentum of inclusive growth, create jobs and tackle poverty. Ramaphosa said every budgetary allocation is a developmental choice ensuring there are teachers in classrooms, nurses and doctors in clinics, electricity and basic services in homes and businesses, infrastructure to grow the economy, and employment opportunities for communities.
He further said after a prolonged period of economic uncertainty, this budget builds on the progress made over the last few years to stabilise, reform and transform our economy. Ramaphosa added that improvements in public finances, stabilising debt, a narrowing budget deficit, credit rating upgrades and improved market confidence all signal the beginning of an economic recovery.
“A stable macroeconomic environment boosts investor confidence and increases the government’s capacity to invest in both growth and poverty relief without compromising sustainability.
“The stabilisation of public finances gives us space to accelerate public investment, sustain the social wage, and direct resources to reforms that drive growth and job creation. The social wage accounts for over 60% of government spending after interest payments,” he said.
Ramaphosa further said the allocation for this financial year will enable them to provide healthcare services to 84% of the population, social grants to 26.5 million beneficiaries and free basic services to over 11 million indigent households. He added that it will support approximately 13.6 million learners at school.
“This is a redistributive budget that reduces inequality, builds the capabilities of our people and strengthens the foundations for inclusive growth.
“Basic education is one of those key foundations. We will be allocating additional spending to employ more educators. Additional funds have been allocated to the early childhood development grant to reach an additional 300,000 children and to align the National School Nutrition Programme to food inflation,” said Ramaphosa.
He said the budget supports inclusive growth by accelerating public investment, particularly on infrastructure. Ramaphosa said improved infrastructure lowers the cost of doing business, raises productivity and supports our country’s exports.
“Over the next three years, public spending on infrastructure will exceed R1 trillion to build and maintain roads and rail lines, expand energy infrastructure, and build and maintain water and sanitation infrastructure.
“Government alone cannot finance the scale of infrastructure our country needs. We are therefore mobilising investment from private and other sources, and opening the space for public-private partnerships,” he said.
Ramaphosa said as they encourage private investment in electricity, rail and port operations, they are maintaining state ownership of strategic national infrastructure. He said under Operation Vulindlela, government departments and public entities are undertaking impactful reforms in energy, telecommunications, water and logistics.
“The budget acknowledges that many municipalities are in financial distress, driven by weak revenue collection, poor management and substantial service delivery backlogs.
“Many municipalities are not spending appropriately. For several years, water and electricity revenue has not been invested in infrastructure maintenance or expansion, but has been redirected to cover other municipal costs,” said Ramaphosa.
He said local government finances have to be placed on a more sustainable footing to support the delivery of basic services. Ramaphosa said over the medium term, R19.2 billion will be reallocated to the reform of electricity, water, sanitation and solid waste trading services in metros.
“These allocations will be linked to performance against clear targets. The Municipal Infrastructure Grant is being reformed to address underspending and misuse of funds. Over the next three years, R86.9 billion has been allocated to support the provision of free basic services to indigent households.
“This year’s budget reflects the government’s goals of inclusive growth and job creation through additional support for mass public employment programmes and relief for small businesses,” he said.
Ramaphosa said an additional R4.1 billion has been allocated to the Presidential Employment Stimulus to provide work opportunities to more young South Africans. He said to ease the regulatory burden for small businesses, the threshold for businesses to register for VAT has been increased by more than double.
“For small business owners who wish to sell or transfer their businesses, the capital gains tax exemption has also been significantly increased. Together, these measures will help small and informal businesses to grow and employ more South Africans.
“This year’s Budget focuses on three imperatives: maintaining fiscal sustainability, driving inclusive growth and protecting society’s most vulnerable. It is a balanced budget that reflects the realities of our economy, limited financial resources, high unemployment and urgent infrastructure needs,” said Ramphosa.
He said as they build on the momentum of our recovery, they will continue to be guided by fiscal discipline, structural reform, targeted investment and an overarching commitment to improving the material conditions of every South African.
The Guardian 