13 May 2026 – A man (53) sentenced to two years by then Carnarvon Regional Court for contravening a protection order and crimen injuria. The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on 7 February 2026, when the accused, Ben Dakens allegedly arrived at the complainant’s residence in Carnarvon and threatened to assault and stab her, while also verbally abusing her.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said it is reported that Dakens accused his wife of taking his cell phone. Litabe said the victim, who was in possession of a valid protection order against her husband, immediately contacted the police for assistance.
“The accused was arrested at the scene and subsequently made several court appearances before being convicted and sentenced on 6 May 2026,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Pixley ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, welcomed the sentence and commended Detective Constable Tomeletso Zelda Louw of the Carnarvon Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for her diligent investigation and commitment to ensuring that justice was served. Mtukushe said incidents of domestic violence remain a priority and SAPS will implement a stern response to these matters.
13 May 2026 – The police in Northern Cape are concerned over incidents of extortion involving police impersonators. The police said hence the public is urged to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said against this backdrop, it is of utmost importance that the public understands the elements of extortion. Ehlers said extortion is a criminal offence in which an individual unlawfully obtains money, property or services from another person through threats, coercion or intimidation.
“These threats may include physical harm, property damage, false accusations, or the exposure of sensitive information. Common forms of extortion include blackmail, protection rackets, cyber extortion and financial extortion.
“Being informed about the methods employed by extortionists and taking proactive steps can help reduce your vulnerability and that of those around you. Victims are strongly encouraged to seek immediate assistance from law enforcement or legal professionals,” she said.
Ehlers further said people should protect themselves by applying safety tips such as to remain vigilant and cautious of suspicious or threatening demands. She added that they should also avoid reacting impulsively to threats.
“Keep detailed records of all communications and demands. Report any suspected extortion incidents to the police without delay. Safeguard sensitive information online using strong passwords and encryption tools.
“Common warning signs of extortion are unjustified demands for money, services, or favours. Intimidation tactics, including verbal threats or implied harm. Pressure to act quickly or under duress. Offers to prevent harm only in exchange for valuables or compliance,” said Ehlers.
She said the police urge all individuals to report incidents of extortion by contacting the National Extortion Hotline number at 0800 911 011. Ehlers said they should take a stand together and put an end to this criminal practice.
13 May 2026 – Exceptional investigative work by Detective Constable Boipolelo Polelo of the Prieska Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit led to the successful prosecution and sentencing of the accused, Justin Papier (25) to 18 years imprisonment for rape. Polelo was assigned to investigate the rape case that was reported at the Prieska Police Station in April 2024.
According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe, the victim visited the accused at a farm in Prieska on the evening of Thursday, 11 April 2024, to ask for tobacco. Litabe said upon arrival, she found the accused inside the house and he instructed her to fetch the tobacco from near the television set while he locked the door.
“He subsequently pulled the victim towards him and pushed her to the floor before producing a knife and threatening to stab her should she resist him. Papier then raped her. Thereafter, she managed to flee.
“The incident was reported to the police and the suspect was subsequently arrested. During court proceedings, it emerged that this was not the first incident in which the accused had raped the victim. He was linked to another rape incident against the same victim and was ultimately convicted on two counts of rape,” he said.
Litabe further said the accused was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment and was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Meanwhile, the Pixley ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, commended Polelo for the exceptional investigative work that led to the successful prosecution and sentencing of the accused.
13 May 2026 – The Kimberley Public Order Police Unit (POP), together with members attached to Crime Intelligence, disrupted the distribution of drugs in the Diamond Park informal settlement in Greenpoint, Kimberley on Tuesday. The police acted on information regarding alleged drug dealing activities and executed search warrants at identified premises suspected of being used as drug outlets.
The North West police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said during the search and seizure operation, three premises were raided. Shemane said at the first premises, police confiscated mandrax tablets, dagga and cash.
“A suspect (26) was arrested for dealing in drugs. The operation continued to a second identified location, where the police found a woman (23) in possession of buckets containing dagga. She was subsequently arrested for dealing in drugs.
“At the third premises, a man was arrested after police allegedly found him in possession of suspected mandrax tablets. Drugs with an estimated street value of R147 000 were confiscated during the operation, along with cash believed to be the proceeds of criminal activities,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Frances Baard District Commissioner, Major General Charlotte Makgari, welcomed the arrests and commended the members for their continued efforts in combating drug-related crimes. Makgari reiterated that the police remain steadfast in their commitment to removing drugs from communities and streets through ongoing collaboration with community members.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi during handing over of the school/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
12 May 2026 – The North West Department of Education handed over the newly-built Batho Batho Primary School to the community of Mareetsane, outside Mahikeng on 12 May 2026. The department said this R58 million project replaced the old school infrastructure with a modern, state of the art facility featuring 16 classrooms, library, science labs, three Grade R classrooms heightening a safe and conducive teaching and learning environment.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said her department truly signifies a total commitment to develop rural areas and afford learners quality education by having access to amenities. Motsumi emphasised to the community of Mareetsane to take good care of the infrastructure and not to be tempted to burn it when there are any protests within the community.
“This handover is a great practical step that the Department is taking to shape the education of learners with skills and foster early exposure to technology. I would like to make a call to the community of Mareetsane to take care of these amenities as a valuable asset that will in future redefine this village as a Centre of Excellence.
“The community is today pleased that learners from Mareetsane village will be taught in an environment that will not only uplift their dignity, but boost their morale and ultimately motivate them to do well and excel in their studies,” she said.
Motsumi further said this will also encourage educators to focus more on the sustained delivery of
quality education and promote meaningful learning experiences for learners.
12 May 2026 – The police have confirmed an accident involving the official vehicle of the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, occurred on the N1 near Bela-Bela, Limpopo on Saturday. The police said the state vehicle was at the time driven by a member from the Protection Security Services (PSS).
The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said a preliminary investigation suggests that a woman was attempting to cross the road with her two children, one of whom was strapped to her back. Mathe said the trio was attempting to get to the other side of the road to attend to an earlier incident in which the woman’s husband was allegedly struck by a vehicle driven by an off-duty police officer and died at the scene.
“It is further alleged that while crossing the road, the woman and her children were involved in a collision with the Minister’s official vehicle. Tragically, the mother and baby succumbed to their injuries.
“In line with standard protocol, the Minister’s close protector and the driver immediately stopped at the scene together with the Minister and remained there until police and emergency medical services arrived,” she said.
Mathe further said the statements were subsequently obtained from those present at the scene. She added that two separate cases of culpable homicide are under investigation and the circumstances surrounding both accidents form part of ongoing police investigations.
“The SAPS extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family during this difficult time. IPID has taken over investigations as both drivers are SAPS members,” said Mathe.
12 Motsheganong 2026 – Sepodisi sa kwa motsesetoropong wa Huhudi kwa Vryburg se batlisisa kgetsi ya morago ga loso. Se, se tla morago ga gore lekgarebe la dingwaga di le 20, le fitlhelwe le ikgwageditse kwa phaphosing ya gagwe ya bonno ka letsatsi la Tshipi mo motshegareng.
Go begwa fa moswi, Boipelo Cawe wa kwa motseng wa Morokweng, gaufi le Ganyesa, a ne a dira kwa lebekeleng le le rekisang diaparo kwa tikwatikweng ya marekelo ya Mompati Mall mono Vryburg.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are setopo sa ga Cawe se ile sa bonwa ke ba lelapa. Van Rooyen are moswi o ile a netefatswa fa a tlhokafaletse kwa lefelong la tiragalo.
“Sepodisi ga se belaele fa go nnile le letsogo la tshwene mo losong la ga Cawe,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
Picture: The NurseLead collaboration team: Prof. SK Coetzee, Dr M Matandela, L Chisale, F Musehane, Prof. K Jooste, Dr N Barnard, Prof. T Crowley, Prof. S Duma, Prof. V Matahela, Prof. N Mbombo, Dr S Mthembu, Prof. C Prinsloo, Prof. S Rothman, Prof. N Scheepers, Prof. J Scribante, Prof. K Shopo/Supplied
By STAFF REPORTER
12 May 2026 – A powerful new chapter in South African nursing leadership began on 5 and 6 May 2026, when the National Department of Health and the North West University (NWU) officially initiated the ground-breaking Nurse Lead programme – a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to empower current and emerging nurse leaders across the country. The programme is led by Prof Siedine Coetzee, the NWU National Research Foundation (NRF) Albertina Sisulu Research Chair in Nursing Science (SARChI), together with South Africa’s chief nursing and midwifery officer, Dr Mirriam Matandela of the National Department of Health.
Coetzee said the NurseLead programme aims to empower and transform nursing leadership across South Africa through an innovative national education programme for current and emerging nurse leaders. She further said the two-day collaboration workshop united top academics in nursing science with influential nursing practice leaders and experts.
“Representatives included the South African Nursing Council, the National Department of Health, Provincial Directors of Nursing Services, Hospital Nursing Directors, and nursing managers across the country.
“What makes NurseLead truly ground-breaking is its collaborative approach. Top nursing science researchers teamed up with influential nursing practice leaders and experts to develop a cutting-edge curriculum tailored for current and emerging nurse leaders nationwide,” said Coetzee.
She added that anchored in the National Department of Health’s South African Nursing Leadership Competency Framework (released July 2025), it bridges theoretical innovation with the realities of South African hospitals and frontline staff pressures – empowering leaders to thrive amid real-world challenges. Coetzee said this is a dream come true.
“I first envisioned a national nurse leadership academy when I applied for my NRF SARChI Chair, but this collaboration has far surpassed anything I imagined. The passion, expertise and commitment around the table have been extraordinary.
“The national education programme will be completed by the end of 2026 and thereafter piloted at hospital sites across South Africa,” she said.
Matandela describes the initiative as a significant milestone for both nursing education and healthcare leadership in the country.
“This is indeed a great opportunity. Nursing education and practice came together to share their experience in developing a curriculum that will produce nurse leaders who can function efficiently and effectively within health establishments facing complex challenges that require commitment, dedication and ethical decision-making.
“The programme places strong emphasis on clinical governance and leadership, identified as a critical component within the World Health Organisation building blocks for achieving Universal Health Coverage,” she said.
According to Matandela, the initiative also aligns closely with the 2026 International Nurses Day theme: “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses save lives”. She said the collaboration between the National Department of Health and the NWU is attributed to the excellent engagement with a passionate and committed nurse academic, Coetzee, who initiated the programme and actively engaged the National Department of Health.
12 May 2026 – Most political parties have expressed mixed reactions over the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to take Section 89 Panel report over Phala Phala saga on review. Ramaphosa, who addressed the nation last night, said he is exercising his judicial rights because he believes that the report is flawed.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, Geordin Hill-Lewis said Ramaphosa’s decision to take the Section 89 Panel report on review must not be used to delay the work of Parliament. Hill-Lewis said it is his legal right to approach the High Court and the DA respects due process, the courts and the rule of law.
“Ramaphosa should bring any review application with due haste and on an expedited basis, so that the legal position is clarified quickly and this matter is not delayed unnecessarily. Parliament must also now take urgent legal advice on the implications of the President’s incoming review, including whether it affects the establishment and work of the impeachment committee, or whether the committee may proceed while the review is underway.
“Given the serious constitutional consequences of this matter, and the massive public interest in it, Parliament must take the South African people into its confidence by sharing that legal advice once it receives it,” he said.
Hill-Lewis further said this matter must be handled lawfully, transparently and with the constitutional seriousness it deserves. He added that the DA will continue to be guided by the Constitution, the rule of law, and the legal position before Parliament.
“This remains an ANC-made crisis, rooted in serious unanswered questions about the President’s conduct and the ANC’s long record of shielding its own leaders from accountability,” said Hill-Lewis.
The ATM spokesperson, Zama Ntshona said as the initiators of this motion, they must state without hesitation that any further delay in the proper processing of this matter, particularly through the introduction of what appears to be a judicial review process, stands in direct contradiction to the spirit of the Constitution and the demands of justice. Ntshona said the South African people have waited long enough for finality.
“They have a right to closure, not continuous postponement. It is important to remember that had Arthur Fraser not come forward publicly, the nation would not have been made aware of the seriousness of the Phala Phala allegations.
“That disclosure triggered a constitutional obligation on Parliament to act, not to evade or defer responsibility. A judicial review does not and cannot suspend the impeachment or accountability processes of Parliament,” she said.
Ntshona said these are separate constitutional domains. She said the Parliament remains seized with its own independent duty to hold the Executive accountable, and that duty cannot be delegated to the courts or paused through litigation strategies.
“The terms of reference for any renewed or continued inquiry must be sufficiently wide and unrestrained to fully interrogate the nature of what transpired. This includes, but is not limited to, all key individuals who may have direct or indirect knowledge of the events in question.
“This must include Fraser, the farm manager, the domestic worker who was reportedly subjected to torture or intimidation, the Sudanese businessman allegedly involved, and any other person who may have relevant information,” said Ntshona.
She said no effort should be made to narrow or sanitise the inquiry in a manner that weakens the pursuit of truth. Ntshona said the African National Congress (ANC) must resist any temptation to dilute the seriousness and magnitude of this matter.
“The President was found by the Independent Panel to have a case to answer, and the Constitutional Court, the apex court in the land, itself has confirmed serious procedural and constitutional failures in how Parliament previously handled its obligations.
“That confirmation cannot be ignored, reinterpreted, or politically managed away. It is deeply concerning that a judicial review is now being used in a manner that appears to challenge the wisdom and authority of the judiciary, particularly when this matter was already subjected to prolonged delay over a period of years,” she said.
Ntshona said it is ironic, and frankly troubling, that this comes from a President who consistently asserts respect for the rule of law, yet the process continues to raise questions about accountability and transparency. She said the Speaker of the National Assembly now carries a historic responsibility to defend the integrity of Parliament.
COPE leader, Teboho Loate said they acknowledge and respect the President’s constitutional right to seek judicial review of the findings of the independent parliamentary panel. Loate said in a constitutional democracy founded on the rule of law, every person, including the President, is entitled to exercise legal remedies available under the Constitution.
“The Constitutional Court judgment was not merely a technical procedural matter. It was a serious indictment of Parliament’s failure to fulfil its constitutional oversight obligations after the National Assembly improperly used its rules and majority power to shield the Executive from scrutiny.
“COPE therefore reiterates that South Africa must avoid two dangerous extremes by protecting leaders from accountability through political majorities and pursuing political instability and institutional paralysis through reckless opportunism,” he said.
Loate said: “We do not believe that constitutional accountability should be reduced to political theater, factional battles, or populist grandstanding. Equally, we reject any attempt to minimize the significance of the Constitutional Court judgment.
“The impeachment process must now proceed independently, transparently, fairly, and without political interference. COPE remains consistent in its long-standing position that Parliament must never serve as a protective mechanism for the Executive.”
Picture: North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie visiting Treatment Centre/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
12 May 2026 – The North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie along with the Departmental Head, Peggy Mhlongo-Kgaboesele on Monday conducted a fact-finding mission dubbed Re Thuse Re Go Thuse oversight to establish the facts that led some staff to put down tools at JB Marks treatment centre in Potchefstroom. The state-run facility was opened in 2020 to offer free drug treatment to service users which includes detoxification and administration inpatient treatment services.
Dantjie said since its establishment, the facility has provided much needed rehabilitation services to users across the province. She further said for a week, some disillusioned staff members suspended their services due to unresolved challenges ranging from shortage of staff to capacity building.
“During my day-long oversight visit to a 40-bed capacity facility, I convened a meeting with the management of the facility, officials from head office and the consent staff to get first-hand information before intervention.
“I have directed the Institution Manager, the District, Programme Managers, Infrastructure Unit and Supply Chain Management to develop a programme of action with timelines within seven days to address staff concerns with a view to stabilise the facility,” she added.
Dantjie said many people in the province still require rehabilitation services of this centre. She said with substance abuse being on the rise among young people and adults alike, they emphasised that officials should find common ground to render rehabilitation services at a brisker pace at JB Marks treatment centre.
The Guardian 