A man for being in possession of tortoise

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Picture: A tortoise seized by the police/Supplied

By STAFF REPORTER

22 February 2026 – On 20 February 2026, a man (58) from Brandvlei, found himself on the wrong side of the law after he was found in possession of a protected tortoise, which he allegedly intended to sell. Acting on a tip-off, the police swiftly operationalised the information and proceeded to a street in Brandvlei, where the suspect was located.

The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the man was found in possession of a tortoise and was unable to produce the required permit authorising him to keep the protected animal. Magerman said the suspect was subsequently arrested and charged under the Nature Conservation Act for the illegal possession of a protected animal.

Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, reminded the public that the possession, trade, or transportation of protected wildlife without the necessary permits is a serious criminal offence. Andrews said they are also urged to report such incidents to the nearest police station or to contact the SAPS Crime Stop line on 08600 10111 or utilise the MySaps app.

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Hit and run claims a life

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

22 February 2026 – The police in Nababeep are requesting the public to assist with information following a fatal hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of an unidentified man in the early hours of Saturday, 21 February 2026, at approximately 5:25am. The police responded to a complaint of an unknown person lying unresponsive in the middle of the Goodhouse road in Concordia. Upon arrival of the police , an unknown man was discovered with injuries.

The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the medical personnel declared him dead on the scene. Magerman said the preliminary investigations confirmed that the victim had been struck by a motor vehicle and the driver allegedly fled the scene.

“The victim was found in possession of one pair of beige veldskoene with dark brown shoe laces, which may assist in identifying him. Nababeep police are investigating a culpable homicide case.

“The investigating officer, Sergeant Enrico Cloete of the Nababeep Detective Branch can be contacted on 076 110 3174 or the SAPS Crime Stop line on 08600 10111 or via the MySaps app,” he said.

Magerman further said the police are requesting any person who can assist in identifying the deceased based on the information provided or has information on the vehicle that was involved in the accident to contact Cloete. He added that all information will be treated confidentially.

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A man nabbed for theft of cables

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Picture: A suspect nabbed for theft of cables/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

22 February 2026- A man (24) was arrested for theft of cables during the persistent efforts of Olifantshoek Detectives and Visible Policing units, together with Provincial Proactive Policing. The incident resulted in a water outage in the town for nearly three weeks.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said on 21 February 2026, the police was executing duties under Operation Shanela 2, when they successfully traced and apprehended the suspect. Ehlers said he is expected to appear in Olifantshoek Magistrate’s Court on a charge of tampering with and damaging essential infrastructure.

“The safeguarding of essential infrastructure remains a priority for the SAPS in the Northern Cape. The police have reiterated their commitment to bringing the full might of the law against perpetrators of such crimes,” she said.

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Two suspects nabbed for possession of drugs

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Picture: One of the suspects nabbed for possession of drugs/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

22 February 2026- Two suspects aged 33 and 35 were arrested for possession of drugs on separate occasions. This comes after the police received a tip-off regarding suspected drug outlets in Delportshoop on 21 February 2026.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said an integrated team comprising members of the Frances Baard District Illicit Mining Task Team, together with Frances Baard District Crime Intelligence, Kimberley Tactical Response Team (TRT) and Kimberley Public Order Police (POP) operationalised the information. Shemane said the police confiscated crystal meth (tik), dagga, and a substantial amount of cash.

“A suspect was arrested for dealing in drugs. The police then proceeded to the second identified address, where a suspect (35), was arrested after being found in possession of mandrax tablets and dagga.

“Drugs with an estimated street value of R5000 were seized. The police also confiscated a cellphone and cash believed to be proceeds of crime,” he said.

Shemane further said as part of ongoing operations, members also conducted patrols as well as stop-and-search actions in Mataleng, Barkly West, during the African National Congress (ANC) Frances Baard District January 8 celebration. He added that the operations will continue unabated in the fight against illicit mining and related crimes.

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A taxi driver nabbed for possession of dagga

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Picture: Dagga seized by the police during raid/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

22 February 2026 – A foreign national (26) was arrested near the Vioolsdrif Border in the Northern Cape on the evening of Friday, 20 February 2026, after being found in possession of hydroponic dagga valued at approximately R90 000. The arrest followed a random police search conducted on a taxi travelling from Cape Town to Namibia.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said during the search, the police discovered the illicit substance concealed inside the spare wheel compartment of the vehicle. Litabe said upon questioning, the taxi driver failed to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the contraband.

“As a result, the suspect was arrested and charged with dealing in dagga. The suspect is expected to appear in the Vioolsdrift Magistrate’s Court on 23 February 2026,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commander, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, commended the police for their swift response and vigilance, which led to the successful arrest.

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Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo to meet with Dryharts community following sporadic water supply

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Picture: The Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo

By OBAKENG MAE

21 February 2026- The Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo will on Monday, conduct an urgent oversight visit at Pudimoe Water Treatment Works located 17km north of Taung and will also interact with members of the community of Dryharts. This follows sporadic water supply in Dryharts and the surrounding villages in Greater Taung Local Municipality, resulting in recent community unrest in the affected area.

Seitlholo said his visit aims to assess water supply challenges and identify immediate and long-term interventions, evaluate planned or existing projects intended to improve sustainable water provision. He further said he will also ensure that there is sound coordinated action between the Department, Greater Taung Local Municipality and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality to restore reliable and sustainable water services to the affected communities.

“We will have a ministerial briefing at Greater Taung Local Municipality Political Boardroom from 9am – 10am before we embark on an oversight visit at Pudimoe WTW In Ward 5. We will then have a community engagement programme at Dryharts Tribal Office from 12pm to 1pm,” said Seitlholo.

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Morweng to crack the whip after 71 learners involved in a bus accident

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Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng during a meeting/Supplied

By STAFF REPORTER

19 February 2026- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng visited the More Secondary School in Coligny. This comes after 71 learners were involved in a bus accident on Monday.

According to Morweng, 31 of the 71 learners who were involved in a school bus accident are attending here. He furthersaid the accident happened at around 6:45am on Monday morning on a gravel road between Sleepsteen and Gerdau Farms.

“All learners were travelling from Gamaloka village. The injured were treated at the General De La Rey Hospital in Lichtenburg and Coligny clinic.

“It’s concerning that though the bus is reported to have been roadworthy, it suffered a mechanical failure which allegedly led to it overturning,” he added.

Morweng said even more concerning is that it is reported by local officials that their investigation into the accident also reveal that the driver is a foreign national whose status in the country is still being verified. He said substitute bus that transported learners this morning arrived almost two hours late.

“We have to follow the Service Level Agreement and apply corrective measures,” said.

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Police are looking for missing Thapelo Petrus Sebuenyane

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Picture: Thapelo Petrus Sebuenyane/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

19 February 2026 – The police in Nietverdiend request the community’s assistance in locating Thapelo Petrus Sebuenyane (65) of Shupingstad, near Nietverdiend. Sebuenyane was last seen by a family member on Tuesday afternoon, 2 December 2025 at his home. A search commenced around the area and extensive investigations were conducted, without any positive results.

The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said it is unclear what he was wearing at the time of his disappearance. Morake said Sebuenyane is dark in complexion with a slender built body, he weights 80kg, is 1.85m tall, with short hair, a short beard and moustache.

“He is on chronic medication for mental illness. The police request anyone who may have information regarding the whereabouts of Sebuenyane to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Kabo Rantao on 079 493 1205.

“Alternatively, you can call your local police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,” she said.

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Three farmers found guilty of murder

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Picture: A dead body covered in a black plastic garbage bag/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

19 February 2026- The Gauteng High Court has found three farmers, Jaco Wessels Kemp (36), Louise Coetzee (29), and Gert Frederik van der Westhuizen, guilty of the murder of Dumisani Phakathi, who was a farm dweller. On 16 September 2023, the three farmers were having a braai at the chicken farm in Mamokgalieskraal.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said at approximately 4pm, they saw Phakathi walking past the farm gate on his way to collect water from a nearby furrow, which community members commonly used as a water source. Mahanjana said the three farmers approached him and assaulted him.

“They then dragged him into a storage facility inside the chicken farm, where the assault continued until he succumbed to his injuries. In the early hours of 17 September 2023, at approximately 2am, Kemp and Coetzee were stopped by police during a stop-and-search operation on the R511 towards Brits while driving a bakkie.

“The vehicle was loaded with black refuse bags. During the search, police noticed human legs protruding from underneath the bags. Upon further inspection, they discovered the bloodied body of the deceased, with his head covered in plastic.

“Kemp and Coetzee were immediately arrested at the scene. Van der Westhuizen handed himself over to the police on 19 September 2023, after investigations linked him to the offence,” she said.

Mahanjana further said in court, all three accused pleaded not guilty to the charges and to shifted blame onto one another. She added, however, the state prosecutor, Advocate Lawrence More, presented compelling evidence through state witnesses, proving the state’s case beyond a reasonable doubt.

“The matter has been postponed to 16 March 2026, for sentencing proceedings. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the conviction and reiterates its commitment to ensuring accountability for violent crimes, particularly those committed against vulnerable members of society,” said Mahanjana.

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Three accused added in the e-hailing driver murder case

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Picture: Some of the murder accused persons in court/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

19 February 2026- Three additional accused persons, Tumishang Mogau Mabutla (23) and his girlfriend Ofentse Senwamadi (18), both from Atteridgeville, as well as Thabang Kenneth Mothwa (27) from Saulsville, have been added to the murder case of e-hailing driver Isaac Satlat. The matter was before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said Mabutla is facing charges of premeditated murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances. Mahanjana said Senwamadi is charged with premeditated murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances as an accessory after the fact.

“Mothwa faces a charge of robbery with aggravating circumstances as an accessory after the fact. It is alleged that the three accused, who previously appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on 16 February 2026, Dikeledi Tears Mphela, Goitsione Machidi and McClaren Mushwana, together with the co-accused added today, acted in common purpose to kill the e-hailing driver on 11 February 2026.

“It is further alleged that after disposing of the deceased’s body, the accused took the vehicle of the deceased to Mothwa for him to remove the tracker from the vehicle,” she said.

Mahanjana further said the three newly added accused were arrested 16 February 2026, after police investigations linked them to the offences. She added that, the matter was postponed to 23 February 2026, for the legal representative of accused number six to come on record and for all six accused to appear together in court.

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