Picture: Some of drugs confiscated during the search/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
2 March 2026- The multi-disciplinary Frances Baard District Illicit Mining Task Team is intentional in squeezing the operational space of criminals in the Frances Baard District. On 27 February 2026, the police who were conducting routine vehicle patrols in and around the central business district, received a tip-off about a red Toyota Etios parked in Belgravia with occupants allegedly suspected to be selling drugs.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the police swiftly responded and on arrival, found two men sitting inside the vehicle. Shemane said the police instructed them to disembark the vehicle.
“During the search, police found and confiscated drugs with an estimated value of R 26 600, substantial amounts of cash and the vehicle as it was used in a commission of crime. Further police operations led to the confiscation of dangerous weapons.
“The two suspects aged 41and 42 were subsequently arrested for dealing in drugs. They are expected to appear in court soon. The multi-disciplinary task team will continue with heightened visibility patrols in its quest to squeeze the operational space of criminals,” he said.
Picture: Two suspects nabbed for possession of drugs/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
2 March 2026- The relentless determination by members of Frances Baard District Illicit Mining Task Team uncovered drugs after a tip-off regarding possible drugs hidden at a premises in Warrenton on 28 February 2026. The multi-disciplinary task team searched the identified house allegedly involved in drugs related activities.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said a search led to the apprehension of two suspects between the ages of 30 and 38, and the confiscation of mandrax tablets and tik with an estimated value of R 5600. Shemane said the pair was subsequently arrested for possession of drugs.
“In an unrelated incident in Kimberley, as the police were patrolling in Old De Beers Road and conducting stop and search operations, they noticed a man crossing the road carrying items in his pockets and acting suspicious. The police approached, stopped the suspect and asked to conduct a search on him.
“During the search, police found different types of cellphones wrapped with black plastic, as well as cash in his possession. The police discovered additional cellphones after further investigation at his residence,” he said.
Shemane further said the suspect could not account for the cellphones found in his possession. He added that the suspect (42) was arrested for possession of suspected stolen property and detained.
“The suspects are expected to appear in different courts soon. The prevention of illicit mining and related crimes will continue unabated in the district,” said Shemane.
Picture: Some of money and drugs confiscated during the raids/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
2 March 2026- The determination of the police in the Northern Cape was apparent during the execution of Operation Shanela II across all five districts in the province, resulting in the arrest of 977 offenders. The police said executed from 23 February 2026 to 1 March 2026, the operation consisted of ongoing intelligence-led actions focused on combating crime in identified hotspots, and intensifying safety within communities.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said coordinated actions were led by the Deputy Provincial Commissioners, District Commissioners, Provincial Heads, and Senior officers in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies. Ehlers said throughout the operation, multiple premises were searched.
“This included the search of 25 464 individuals and 11 559 vehicles. Operational interventions included stop-and-search actions, high-visibility patrols, vehicle checkpoints (VCPs), and roadblocks. Numerous individuals were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and for being drunk in public.
“Additionally, multi-disciplinary teams participated in inter-provincial cross-border operations coordinated by the Free State province. These actions resulted in the combating of crimes across the Provincial borders in the province,” she said.
Ehlers further said detectives conducted tracing operations, leading to the arrest of wanted suspects who had been evading law enforcement for various offences. She added that compliance inspections were carried out at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, recycling facilities, firearm dealers, informal businesses, mines, and farms to ensure compliance with relevant legislation.
“As a result, 24 unlicensed liquor outlets were shut down for non-compliance violations. In total, 977 suspects were arrested for offences including drug-related crimes, illegal liquor trading, robbery, murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and burglary.
“Large quantities of alcohol and drugs were confiscated during the operations. Authorities also seized copper cables, dangerous weapons, fireworks and cash believed to be proceeds of criminal activities,” said Ehlers.
She said the police, together with Community Policing Structures (CPS), and government departments continue to conduct awareness campaigns addressing gender-based violence, contact crimes, drug and alcohol abuse, crime efforts to ensure the safety of the youth, and other emerging crime trends.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, along with her management team, welcomed the successful outcomes and commended the collaborative efforts with other departments to protect communities and ensure safety and security throughout the province. Otola said the public is encouraged to share valuable information that can assist with the arrest of perpetrators and ensure safer communities.
“Information can be reported via the MySAPS App or the Crime Stop number 08600 10111,” she said.
2 March 2026- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa and the Government of the Republic of South Africa expresses deep concern regarding the escalation of tensions in the Middle East. Ramaphosa said these developments pose a serious threat to regional and international peace and security, with far-reaching humanitarian, diplomatic and economic consequences.
He further calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to act in a manner consistent with international law, international humanitarian law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. Ramaphosa added that Article 51 of the UN Charter provides for self-defence only when a state has been subjected to an armed invasion.
“Anticipatory self-defence is not permitted under international law and self-defence cannot be based on assumption or anticipation. Experience has repeatedly demonstrated that there can be no military solution to fundamentally political problems that can and should be resolved diplomatically.
“Military confrontation has never delivered sustainable peace, nor has it addressed the legitimate grievances that underlie conflict. Long-term peace and stability can only be achieved through inclusive dialogue and a genuine commitment to justice and coexistence,” he said.
Ramaphosa therefore, reiterates his call for intensified diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and create space for continued meaningful negotiations. He urged the international community, including multilateral institutions and regional partners, to redouble efforts aimed at promoting mediation and peaceful resolution.
“As a nation that has emerged from conflict through dialogue and reconciliation, South Africa remains steadfast in its belief that peace is not only possible, but imperative for the shared future of the Middle East and the world,” said Ramaphosa.
Meanwhile, the African National Congress has shared the same sentiments. ANC said it expresses a deep concern at the escalating tensions in the Middle East, which threaten regional and global peace and security.
The ANC spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu said the intensification of hostilities carries serious humanitarian, diplomatic and economic consequences. Bhengu said the ANC also conveys its sincere condolences to the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran following reports of the passing of their Supreme Leader, extending sympathies to his family and to the Iranian nation during this period of mourning.
“Guided by South Africa’s principled foreign policy rooted in justice, peace and respect for international law, the ANC calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint.
“All actions must be consistent with international law, international humanitarian law and the Charter of the United Nations. Article 51 of the UN Charter provides for self-defence only in response to an armed attack, and does not permit anticipatory self-defence based on assumption or conjecture,” she said.
Bhengu said the ANC reiterates that there can be no lasting military solution to fundamentally political conflicts. She said escalation deepens instability and suffering of innocent people, while durable peace can only be secured through inclusive dialogue, meaningful negotiations and a genuine commitment to coexistence.
“We therefore urge the international community, including multilateral institutions and regional partners, to intensify diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and peaceful resolution.
“As a movement that led South Africa to freedom through dialogue and reconciliation, the ANC remains steadfast in its belief that peace is not only possible, but imperative for the shared future of the Middle East and the world,” said Bhengu.
27 February 2026- The police in Upington are requesting the assistance of the public in locating a missing woman, Charlotte von Wielligh (43), who was last seen on 21 February 2026, in Upington before she reportedly left for Danielskuil, where she packed some clothes and left in her white Mazda 3, with registration number CLT 536 NC.
The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Omphile Masegela said family lost contact with her soon after that, her phone is unreachable and they have been trying to locate her unsuccessfully. Masegela said anyone with information that can assist in locating von Wielligh can contact the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Roos on 082 495 4615 or 054 337 3400 or alternatively report on mySAPS App.
“The public is urged to report missing persons as soon as possible. No waiting period applies when reporting a missing person,” she said.
Picture: Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong officially opened the McDougalls Bay Public Ablution facility in Port Nolloth/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
27 February 2026- The Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong officially opened the McDougalls Bay Public Ablution facility in Port Nolloth. Makatong said the facility valued at R390 000 and constructed over two financial years, was delivered through the Northern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works EPWP Grant, a program specifically designed to combine service delivery with meaningful job creation in communities that need it most.
“Today, we are celebrating not only a new piece of community infrastructure, but the determination and skill of the local Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) participants who built it with their own hands.
“We must never speak about infrastructure without speaking about people. Every rand of EPWP investment is a statement that infrastructure development and job creation are not separate goals, they are one and the same,” she said.
Makatong further said during the construction of the facility, a total of 19 work opportunities were created through the program. She added that, in a demonstration of true community ownership, the bricks used in the construction were manufactured by EPWP participants themselves at the municipal brick yard.
“The EPWP, led by the Northern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works, is a national program that provides temporary employment and training to unemployed and unskilled workers, giving participants an income, transferable skills, and restored dignity.
“In the Richtersveld Local Municipality alone, 124 employees and participants have been placed through the EPWP grant from July 2025 to date. The McDougalls Bay public ablution facility has been designed with full inclusivity at its core,” said Makatong.
She said it caters for males and females, people living with disabilities and members of the LGBTQI+ community. Makatong called on the community to take ownership of the facility, noting that it represents more than a government project.
“It is a product of community voices and patient advocacy. This facility belongs to you. It is a product of your voices and your patience, and I ask that you protect it, maintain it, and take pride in it as a community asset.
“The opening of the facility forms part of a broader EPWP investment in the Richtersveld that also includes the cleaning of the municipal CBD, fencing and paving of the municipal parking area, and brick manufacturing at the municipal brick yard,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Richtersveld Local Municipality mayor, Cornell Knoph said: “The facility will serve tourists and visitors who come to this stretch of the Northern Cape coastline, ensuring they are welcomed by dignified, functional and accessible amenities.”
27 February 2026- Widespread, persistent water and sanitation challenges continue to rock the clinic in Mothanthanyane village, near Taung. It is alleged that the clinic was forced to partially close due to severe, chronic water shortages that are crippling health service delivery and compromising hygiene.
One of the employees at the clinic who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said the crisis is exacerbated by failing infrastructure, poor maintenance and lack of electricity. She said it has been three months since they experienced this contrasting issue.
“Patients had to be returned back home due to lack of water within the facility. The facility has been without running water for over three months, leading to severe sanitation issues and frustration among staff and patients.
“We have reported this matter to the North West Department of Health, but we continue to face service delivery, maintenance, and equipment issues,” said our source.
The North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said it is aware of water and electricity issues at the clinic. Lekgethwane said they can also confirm that the provision of water is the responsibility of Magalies Water.
“At the same time, the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) is responsible for providing the community with water on an emergency basis. However, the department upon realizing that there was no water provision at Mothanthanyaneng village, procured a water tank as an emergency relief for consumption by staff and patients.
“The borehole at the clinic will be serviced to ensure that it supplies water when Magalies Water is not supplying water. The maintenance team of artisans was dispatched to Monthanthanyaneng clinic to resolve the electricity supply issue,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi during his State of the Province (SOPA) said, Operation Bulela Metsi remains a critical initiative to fast-track and bolster their efforts of ensuring equitable access to this precious resource. Mokgosi said to date, they have spent close to R300m for water and sanitation
projects in Maquassi Hills and the villages of Segakwaneng, Manamakgotheng, Pahalane, Makoshong in Moretele Local Municipality as well as Kokomeng, Khudutlou, Molelema and Longaneng in the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM).
“An additional R1.9 billion has been set aside for ongoing bulk water supply projects in Madibeng, Ratlou, Mahikeng and Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipalities,” he said.
North West MEC for Education and ANC deputy provincial secretary, Viol Motsumi
By OBAKENG MAJE
27 February 2026- The dissections within the ANC in North West continue to deepen. This came to the bow on Thursday morning during State of the Province (SOPA) in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) in Mahikeng.
The North West MEC for Education and ANC deputy provincial secretary, Viola Motsumi was allegedly caught with her ‘pants’ down during the proceedings. Motsumi was allegedly heard in a conversation with the Deputy Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Collen Maine on how much detestation she has towards the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, who is also the ANC deputy provincial chairperson.
In the video that only depicts Motsumi’s alleged voice said: “Where were you when s/he abused me and now you come and talk about unity? I am saying over my dead body. Where were you when hitmen were looking for me and appeared in the newspapers?
“Where were you when I was written letters? Now, you see that your project is not working, you coming with unity issue? I told her/him that s/he must never ever bring that topic up because it makes me emotional. You should never ever open that discussion again and you can go and tell Lazzy that I hate him.”
“Why didn’t you tell him about unity when he removed Collen from the list?”
According to our highly-placed source within the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), after realising that her microphone was on all along and she might have been recorded, Motsumi allegedly approached NWPL Secretary, advocate Lutendo Netshitumbu and asked him to remove the live streaming video on the North West Provincial Legislature’s official Facebook Page.
They allegedly went to the Communications and Technical teams of the North West Provincial Legislature’s cubicle, where the proceedings were live streamed and instructed the service provider to delete the purported video and restart recording the proceedings again. The service provider allegedly did not delete the video.
However, the video was finally deleted after going back and forth. The edited video of the SOPA proceedings was only uploaded again on the North West Provincial Legislature’s official Facebook Page on Friday around 1pm without the alleged part, where Motsumi was heard declaring her hatred towards Mokgosi.
The Secretary at the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Adv Lutendo Netshitumbu denied any wrongdoings. Netshitumbu said the North West Provincial Legislature’s responsibility in respect of SOPA is to facilitate the sitting of the House and to ensure that proceedings are broadcast live to guarantee public access and transparency.
“I categorically denies any allegation that I instructed the Communications or Technical teams to delete or edit the live-streamed video. The Legislature does not edit official House proceedings.
“Any technical interruption, temporary removal, or platform-related issue concerning the live stream does not equate to manipulation of content. The official recording of the proceedings remains an authentic reflection of the sitting as it unfolded,” he said.
Netshitumbu further said allegations relating to the conduct, statements, or political positions of individuals mentioned in the enquiry do not fall within the mandate of the Legislature to pronounce upon and should be referred to the relevant individuals or organisations. He added that the NWPL remains committed to transparency, institutional integrity and the faithful broadcasting of its proceedings.
Motsumi refused to comment on the matter.
“But you are out of order Baks! No comment! As a brother and sister, you should understand better,” she said.
The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said: “The Premier is not aware of the purported video and shall not comment on its contents.”
The ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping has not responded to these allegations yet.
Meanwhile, one of the ANC members in the province alleged the North West MECs who are aligned to the ANC provincial chairperson, Nono Maloyi slate that is affectionately known as N12, continues to defy Mokgosi’s instructions and regard him as weak.
“You will remember that Mokgosi is contesting for the ANC provincial chairperson position and his campaign is gaining momentum. So, those who are aligned to the Maloyi slate, will do anything to derail him.
“There is a belief that Mokgosi is afraid to recall them because they are aligned with Maloyi. So, indeed ANC in North West continues to grapple with deep-seated internal divisions, which are actively shaping the landscape ahead of the much-anticipated ANC Provincial Elective Conference.”
The source said the party remains plagued by factional battles, with significant power struggles between key leaders. The source said there is a coup against Mokgosi hence the establishment of the Ad Hoc Committee in the North West Provincial Legislature.
“In 2024, Mokgosi appointed Ndlela Kunene as the acting Head of Department (HOD) for Education, but Motsumi defied his orders and preferred to retain Maropene Seshibe in the position. This created dual acting appointments for the same role.
“Again, a few weeks ago, there was another power struggle between Mokgosi and North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng over the suspension of the Head of Department, Dr Hans Kekana.”
The source said a few months ago, the North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane has also dragged Mokgosi to court over the control of R798m North West Development Corporation (NWDC) project.
Picture: A bloody knife found at the crime scene/Generic
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
27 February 2026- A man (38) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Potchefstroom Regional Court for several serious charges, including attempted murder, assault, housebreaking with intent to commit an offence, and contravention of the Domestic Violence Act. The accused, Gouws Galetlhobogwe’s conviction stems from a violent incident that occurred on 24 November 2024, at Matlwang village.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the court heard that the accused and the complainant (34) had previously been in a relationship, which had ended three months prior to the incident. Gunya said in the early hours, Galetlhobogwe unlawfully broke into the complainant’s home, proceeded to her bedroom and stabbed her multiple times.
“When the complainant’s grandmother (90), attempted to intervene, the accused pushed her, causing her to fall to the ground. He continued stabbing the complainant until she went silent, before fleeing the scene. The accused was arrested two days later and remained in custody after being denied bail.
“During court proceedings, Galetlhobogwe pleaded guilty to all charges,” he said.
In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor Thandi Ntoyi, emphasised the gravity of the offences, particularly the attempted murder within a domestic relationship and the abuse of an elderly person, both of which involve vulnerable groups. Ntoyi urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentences, namely life imprisonment for attempted murder and five years imprisonment for the abuse of an older person.
“The court concurred and imposed the life sentence for attempted murder, two years imprisonment for Contravention of the Domestic Violence Act, four years imprisonment for housebreaking with intent to commit an offence and four years imprisonment for assault.
“All sentences are to run concurrently with the life sentence. The court further ordered that the accused’s name be entered into the Register for Abuse of Older Persons,” he said.
Welcoming the sentence, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended Ntoyi, the investigating officer, and all stakeholders involved in securing the conviction. Makhari said these sentences underscore the National Prosecuting Authority’s unwavering commitment to fighting crime, upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for victims of violent crime.
Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng
By REGINALD KANYANE
27 February 2026- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said he would like to inform all scholar transport operators that the outstanding payments are being processed and payments are imminent. Morweng said his department also wishes to implore operators to ensure that their details are updated to avoid further delay in processing payments.
He further said his department has in the past experienced system delays and system failures due to factors such as outdated operator information, incomplete or not fully compliant with invoices and defunct tax details. Morweng added that this has inadvertently led to delays in processing payments, which not only adversely affect operators but also causes avoidable system congestion.
“To avoid delays, operators are hereby kindly requested to further ensure that their banking details are correct and tax directives are complied with. The department wishes to sincerely express gratitude to operators for continued cooperation in ensuring smooth and efficient provision of scholar transport in the province,” he said.
The Guardian 