A man sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment for rape

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Picture: Taung Magistrate’s Court

By OBAKENG MAJE

19 February 2026- The accused, Boitumelo Diphatse (46) was sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment by the Taung Regional Court for two counts of rape. The court heard that the victim, who was 19 years-old at the time of the offences in 2024, was in a romantic relationship with the accused.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said on 24 December 2024, the accused and the victim were sitting outside her home consuming alcohol when he dragged her inside the house and raped her. Gunya said on 26 December 2024, after finding the victim standing on the street with another male, Diphatse forcefully dragged her to his home, where he kept her against her will overnight and raped her multiple times.

“The abuse escalated, driven by jealousy. The accused subsequently set fire to the victim’s parental home and later burned the homestead of her uncle. Diphatse was arrested on 10 January 2025 and remained in custody until the finalisation of the matter.

“During the trial, the accused was legally represented and pleaded guilty to the charges. In mitigation of sentence, through his legal representatives, he expressed remorse, cited his minor children, and submitted that he was capable of rehabilitation,” he said.

The state prosecutor, Kgotso Mosanya argued that the offences were extremely serious and emphasised that domestic violence remains a grave social ill, with victims often being among the most vulnerable members of society. Mosanya submitted that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.

The state also presented a Victim Impact Statement (VIS), facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Molebogeng Olifant, in which the complainant detailed the profound emotional and psychological harm she suffered.

In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Buti Zulu concurred with the state’s submissions and imposed two life terms for the rape convictions, along with additional sentences for kidnapping and arson.

“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence. Diphatse was further sentenced to three years imprisonment for kidnapping and ten years imprisonment for two counts of arson.

“His name will be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders. The sentences will run concurrently,” said Gunya.

Meanwhile, the North West Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended Mosanya, Olifant and the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their diligent collaboration.

“This sentence sends a resolute message: the NPA will relentlessly pursue perpetrators of gender-based violence, ensuring justice restores dignity for victims,” she said.

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The bigger picture is WAFCON as Sasol Banyana begin their COSAFA campaign

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Picture: Banyana Banyana players during training/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

18 February 2026 – Sasol Banyana Banyana have completed their preparations ahead of the opening match of the regional COSAFA Women’s Championship against Malawi in Polokwane on Wednesday. The two nations go head-to-head in Group A at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, with a 3pm start.

Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis said both South Africa and Malawi are using the regional tournament as part of their preparations for the upcoming CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 scheduled to start in Morocco next month. Ellis said for them, the bigger picture is the WAFCON and they are using this tournament for that – similarly to them (Malawi), this is preparation for the WAFCON.

“What we want to see is that connection, that synergy and obviously you want to win your first game. But it’s also about putting up a good performance – we’re hoping that the girls can put their best foot forward today.

“Some are new internationally, some are not so new, but we want to have a look at as many players as we can during these next two weeks or so to make sure that when we do our final selection for WAFCON we have the mix right,” she said.

Ellis further said South Africans are part of 11 countries taking part in this year’s edition of the COSAFA Women’s Championship alongside Malawi, Lesotho, Angola, (all group A), Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Eswatini, Namibia, (all group B), Mozambique and Madagascar (all group C). She added that the top teams in each group will be joined by the best runner-up in the semi-finals, set for 27 February at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.

“The final has been scheduled for 1 March 2026. Zambia are the reigning champions” said Ellis.

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Illicit cigarettes to the value of R259 000 confiscated

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Picture: Illicit cigarettes to the value of R259 000 confiscated/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

17 February 2026- The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Port Nolloth has recorded a significant success in the ongoing fight against illicit trade. While en route to conduct a community awareness campaign in Sizamile, the acting Station Commander and a member on duty identified a delivery truck suspected of transporting illicit cigarettes into Port Nolloth.

The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the vehicle was subsequently stopped and searched with the consent of the driver. Magerman said the police found 912 cartons of an array of cigarettes during the search.

“Customs officials arrived shortly thereafter and confirmed the total value of the seized goods at R259 886,80. The cigarettes were confiscated, booked in as evidence and formally handed over to Customs for further processing.

“This successful interception demonstrates SAPS’ unwavering commitment to protecting communities and ensuring that criminal enterprises find no safe haven in Port Nolloth or the broader Namakwa District,” he said.

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Educators and principals ‘discourage’ learners from taking pure Mathematics in an effort to protect school pass rates

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By REGINALD KANYANE

17 February 2026- The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education and the Select Committee on Education, Science and Creative Industries today held a joint meeting to receive a briefing on the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) outcomes, as well as the Second Chance Matric Programme aimed at candidates who did not meet the criteria in their initial examinations.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Joy Maimela said that given the overall performance of an 88% pass rate, the committees once again commend the learners who sat for the examinations, as well as the Department of Basic Education (DBE), educators and the broader school community that supported the class of 2025 to reach these heights. Maimela noted that the sector has demonstrated maturity and a full recovery from the COVID-19 period, when the pass rate dropped to 76%.

“This was indeed a very worrying factor. However, the current pass rate is something we must applaud, and this sustained improvement is commendable.

“However, committees cannot shy away from examining critiques about the quality of the outcomes produced. We must continue interrogating not only access and pass rates, but also the quality of the performance,” she said.

Maimela further said during the meeting, the committees heard that the number of learners achieving admission to Bachelor studies increased from 337 158 in 2024 to 345 857 in 2025, representing an increase of 8 699 learners. She added that the DBE indicated the need for deeper engagement with the Department of Higher Education and Training and higher education institutions regarding the capacity to accommodate these learners.

“The DBE further reported a significant decrease in the performance of learners who are social grant recipients, from 86.06% in 2024 to 77.70% in 2025. The department indicated that it will make representations to the Department of Social Development to extend the child support grant beyond the age of 18 for learners who are still in school.

“Umalusi raised concerns about repeated non-compliance by the DBE in administering the examinations. These include inconsistencies in the execution of roles and responsibilities prescribed for invigilators, evidence of complicity by some invigilators during writing sessions, cases of candidates found in possession of unauthorised materials in examination rooms, and instances of group copying detected during the marking phase,” said Maimela.

She said Umalusi also highlighted inconsistencies in the execution of roles and responsibilities by contracted security personnel at marking centres, as well as the persistent annual occurrence of examination irregularities, including group copying. Maimela said regarding the latest group copying incident in the 2025 NSC examinations, the committees heard that Umalusi’s investigation confirmed that the leak was contained to approximately 40 candidates out of a total cohort of around 600 000 candidates who wrote the examinations in the three affected subjects: Physical Sciences (204 957 candidates), Mathematics (254 413) and English Home Language (135 090).

“The DBE said that its investigation has been finalised and that a report will be submitted to the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, by 24 February 2026.

“The department is still awaiting the forensic audit report. It assured the committees that the alleged suspect has been suspended and that disciplinary proceedings are imminent. Umalusi further assured the committees that, should additional learners be identified through ongoing investigations, the law permits the cancellation of certificates even after they have been issued,” she said.

Maimela said the committees are aware that some educators and principals discourage learners from taking pure Mathematics in an effort to protect school pass rates.

“This practice must be condemned, as it makes progression to tertiary institutions very difficult for learners. We request a written report from the DBE on concerns raised by Umalusi regarding repeated non-compliance in the administration of examinations,” she said.

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Parliament mourns the death of the Reverend Jesse Jackson

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Picture: The deceased, Reverend Jesse Jackson

By OBAKENG MAJE

17 February 2026- Parliament has expressed heartfelt condolences on the passing of Rev Jesse Jackson, a distinguished civil rights leader, global advocate for justice, and a steadfast voice for equality and human dignity. Jackson’s lifelong commitment to advancing civil rights, social justice and economic inclusion inspired millions across the world and resonated deeply with South Africa’s own struggle for freedom and equality.

The National Assembly (NA) spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo said Jackson’s unwavering advocacy for peace, dialogue and human rights contributed to the global movement against discrimination and oppression and bonds of solidarity among nations striving for justice. Mothapo said Africa remembers with appreciation Jackson’s consistent support for the anti-apartheid struggle and his efforts to promote international awareness of the injustices faced by oppressed communities.

“His legacy serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of principled leadership, courage and compassion in advancing democratic values. On behalf of the people of South Africa and Parliament, the Presiding Officers extend sincere sympathies to his family, loved ones, colleagues and all those whose lives were touched by his leadership and service.

“May his soul rest in peace, and may his enduring legacy continue to inspire generations in the pursuit of justice, equality and human dignity,” he said.

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Housing is not free, ownership comes through responsibility

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By STAFF REPORTER

17 February 2026- The North West Housing Corporation (NWHC) has launched a Revenue Enhancement and Debt Collection Campaign to assist beneficiaries in regularising their accounts and securing legal ownership of the houses they occupy through the issuing of title deeds. The campaign seeks to correct a long-standing misconception that government houses are free.

The NWHC CEO, Sello Mogodiri emphasised that the properties under its management are not RDP houses, but rental stock inherited from the former Bophuthatswana government. Mogodiri said these properties were transferred to the corporation with a mandate to manage rental housing, generate revenue and enable occupants to become lawful homeowners once their financial obligations have been met.

“Established in 1982 as the Bophuthatswana Housing Corporation, the entity was restructured and renamed after 1994 to align with the North West Provincial Government. Although it faced financial challenges leading to its closure in 2009, it was successfully resuscitated in 2014 with a clear mandate to restore financial sustainability, collect outstanding debts, and assist qualifying beneficiaries to obtain title deeds.

“The campaign is developmental, not punitive. It aims to encourage settlement of outstanding balances, regularise occupancy records, resolve legacy account issues, and secure ownership for qualifying occupants.

Many original beneficiaries were elderly, and in numerous cases their children or grandchildren now occupy the properties without formal ownership,” he said.

Mogodiri further said the corporation calls on current occupants and families of deceased beneficiaries to come forward and engage. He added that securing a title deed provides legal ownership, protects families from disputes, and allows property to be passed on to future generations.

“Improved revenue collection will also enable the NWHC to invest in new housing programmes and continue serving communities sustainably,” said Mogodiri.

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‘Accident exposes deed scholar transport failures’

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Picture: Learners involved in an accident/Screengrab

By BAKANG MOKOTO

17 February 2026- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management has expressed serious concern following the recent school bus accident involving learners in Coligny, noting that the incident reflects deeper systemic failures within the province’s scholar transport system. The committee said it notes the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management’s  briefing last week, following the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) report and its assurances regarding inspections, monitoring and enforcement.

The Chairperson of North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management, Freddy Sonakile said, however, the committee’s own oversight visit conducted two weeks ago in the Dr Ruth Mompati District, revealed unroadworthy vehicles, weak operational controls and troubling gaps in accountability. Sonakile stated that the accident must be treated as a warning sign rather than an isolated incident.

“This accident is not an isolated event. It confirms what the committee witnessed during oversight, that the rot in the scholar transport system runs deep and requires urgent structural correction. The committee further raised concern that some findings during oversight point to possible departmental complicity in irregular practices, adding that any conduct of a criminal nature must be investigated and acted upon without delay.

“In this context, the committee supports the department’s intention to terminate and restart the current scholar transport contract, but stresses that a simple change of operators will not be sufficient. We cannot solve a systemic safety problem by merely changing contractors. The entire contracting model, monitoring framework and accountability chain must be rebuilt to place learner safety at the centre,” he said.

Sonakile further said the committee emphasised that any new Service Level Agreements must include a mandatory vetting of operators, subcontractors and all drivers, proper regulation of driver working conditions to prevent unsafe practices and uniform provincial safety and operational standards. He added that this includes strict departmental adherence to payment schedules, regular and independently verified roadworthy testing and automatic contract revocation for non-roadworthy vehicles.

“There should be penalties for school principals or officials who authorise transport, despite known non-compliance. Learner transport is not just another government service, but is about the safety of children. Where vehicles are unsafe, contracts must fall.

“Where officials ignore non-compliance, accountability must follow. The committee will continue exercising strict oversight over the department and all corrective processes to ensure that the scholar transport system is restored to a safe, lawful and fully accountable standard,” said Sonakile.

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Illicit task team eradicates drug trade

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Picture: Police conducting patrol and search/Supplied  

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

17 February 2026- The Frances Baard District Illicit Mining Task Team continues to demonstrate its commitment to combating the scourge of illegal mining and drug trafficking in the district. A multi-disciplinary Illicit Mining Task Team, led by Crime Intelligence, conducted coordinated operations in Galeshewe and Roodepan in Kimberley on Tuesday.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the information regarding drugs allegedly being sold at identified premises was operationalised. Shemane said armed with search warrants, members executed raids at the identified suspected drug outlets.

“The operation resulted in the arrest of four suspects aged between 38 and 58, for dealing in drugs. The police confiscated mandrax tablets, crystal methamphetamine and dagga with an estimated combined street value of R20 000.

“During the operation, police also confiscated drugs, dangerous weapons, cell phones, alcoholic beverages, and a substantial amount of cash believed to be proceeds of crime,” he said.

Shemane further said the police also conducted vehicle checkpoints (VCPs), during which 36 vehicles were stopped and searched. He added that 78 persons were searched.

“The South African Police Service will continue to intensify efforts to combat illegal mining and drug-related activities. Communities are encouraged to report criminal activities to their nearest police station, contact the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, or make use of the MySAPS App. All information received will be treated with the strictest confidentiality,” said Shemane.

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Police address road safety and bullying

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Picture: The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman, accompanied by Pastor Marsha Baard from Employee Health and Wellness, appeared on Radio NFM with Robin-Lee Milford/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

17 February 2026- The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman, accompanied by Pastor Marsha Baard from Employee Health and Wellness, appeared on Radio NFM with Robin-Lee Milford on the weekly “Meet and Greet” programme. Magerman said the purpose of the engagement was to extend sincere appreciation to the Namakwa community for their meaningful participation in the recent prayer sessions held along the N7 national route.

“The prayer initiative focused on promoting road safety and honouring the memory of those who tragically lost their lives on the roads. The support received from the community during this initiative, led by SAPS in collaboration with Radio NFM, was overwhelming and deeply appreciated.

“During the programme, we also addressed the issue of bullying in schools, highlighting the importance of safeguarding the moral well-being of learners. A heartfelt appeal was made to learners to uphold positive values and respectful conduct within the school environment,” he said.

Magerman further said it was further announced that SAPS will visit another school in Carolusberg to engage directly with learners on bullying and related behavioural concerns. He added that they conveyed the SAPS’ concern regarding the increasing incidents of malicious damage to property, identified as a trending crime in the district and often linked to domestic violence-related matters.

“SAPS in the Namakwa District remain committed to working collaboratively with communities, schools and stakeholders to address crime and promote safety across the district,” said Magerman.

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NTI employees marched to the NWPL over unpaid salaries   

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Picture: NTI employees marched to the North West Provincial Legislature over unpaid salaries/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

17 February 2026- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng met with NTI employees this morning and committed to ensure that they will be paid this week. The North West Provincial Legislature precinct was this morning blockaded with buses by the Northwest Transport Investment (NTI) employees due to unpaid salaries by the entity.

Morweng met the employees accompanied by acting Head of Department (HOD), Molefi Morule, acting NTI CEO, Dr Ntlhopeng Dikobe and Chief Director for Transport Operation, Patrick Mohono. He said the meeting was also attended virtually by General Secretary of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), Solly Phetoe, General Secretary of the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) and NTI recognised worker union, Jack Mazibuko.

“We have committed that a one-month salary will be processed by the department on or before Friday 20 February 2026. Further engagements to find a permanent solution to the NTI salary debacle will be embarked upon by all stakeholders,” he said.

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