217 suspects nabbed during Operation Basadi

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Picture: Money and drugs seized during Operation Basadi/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

12 August 2026 – Female District Commissioners and senior female officers across the Northern Cape took the lead in Operation Basadi disruptive actions, conducted under the umbrella of Operation Shanela II, as part of intensified efforts to combat crime, enhance community participation and promote safer communities throughout the province. The South African Police Service (SAPS) in collaboration with community structures and various government departments, intensified crime-fighting operations across the province, demonstrating a firm and uncompromising stance against criminality.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the operations, conducted from 3 to 9 August 2026, resulted in the arrest of 217 suspects for various offences. Ehlers said operational actions included stop-and-search operations, high-visibility patrols, vehicle checkpoints (VCPs), roadblocks and tracing operations targeting wanted suspects.

“During these operations, a total of 7 420 individuals were searched and 3 505 vehicles were stopped and searched. Detectives also conducted focused tracing operations, which resulted in the apprehension of several wanted suspects who had been evading arrest and failing to appear before court for various offences.

“Compliance inspections were further conducted in collaboration with relevant authorities at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, recycling facilities, firearm dealerships, as well as formal and informal businesses,” she said.

Ehlers further said these inspections resulted in the closure of several unlicensed liquor outlets for non-compliance with applicable legislation and regulations. She added that the arrests included suspects linked to drug-related offences, illegal liquor trading, property-related crimes, murder, rape, attempted murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).

“In the continued fight against drug-related crime, 27 suspects were arrested for drug-related offences, while substantial quantities of drugs were confiscated. In addition, alcohol and dangerous weapons were confiscated during stop-and-search operations.

“As part of Operation Basadi and in commemoration of Women’s Month, several community outreach programmes and awareness campaigns were conducted in collaboration with community structures and key stakeholders,” said Ehlers.

She said these initiatives focused on strengthening partnerships with communities and raising awareness about the safety and protection of women, children and other vulnerable groups. Ehlers said the Northern Cape SAPS remains resolute in its commitment to creating a safer and more secure environment for all communities.

“Law enforcement agencies will continue to intensify intelligence-driven and focused operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks, apprehending wanted suspects and preventing crime,” she said.

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Extreme weather conditions hit Northern Cape

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Picture: Extreme weather conditions hit Northern Cape  

By AGISANANG SCUFF

12 August 2026 – Multiple Districts in the Northern Cape have been affected by extreme weather conditions and the South African Police Service (SAPS) is appealing to residents to implement safety measures during this period and also to be vigilant and alert. The SAPS said floods, ice and snow have been observed in various districts.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the motorists and residents are urged to exercise extreme caution. Ehlers said drivers are urged to reduce speed and increase following distance to allow for adequate reaction time in case of sudden stops or changing road conditions.

“Use headlights at all times to enhance visibility and ensure your vehicle is visible to others. Ensure windshield wipers are functioning properly to maintain clear visibility. Avoid puddles and standing water, which may conceal potholes.

“Be cautious of large vehicles that may reduce your visibility due to spray. Stay alert and avoid distractions while driving. If necessary, pull over safely. Adhere to additional road signs indicating road closures and the use of alternative routes,” she said.

Ehlers further said individuals should ensure that all fires in fireplaces are extinguished and heaters are switched off before going to bed. She added that they should never sleep with burning candles and refrain from using “Umbolas” inside their houses.

“Leave a door or window partially open when using a fuel fired heater to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Install smoke alarms and test whether they are in a working condition. Take extra care when cooking, especially with gas and open fires.

“Do not overload multi-plugs and wall sockets with heating appliances. Switch off electric blankets at night and rather opt for extra warm blankets during winter. Do not splash water on oil or grease that caught fire in your cooking pan as this spreads the fire. Rather, use a fire extinguisher,” said Ehlers.

She said they should keep matches, lighters and other flammable liquids out of the reach of children. Ehlers said individuals should keep flammable items like curtains, oven gloves, and paper towels far away from burners and stoves when cooking.

“Use portable air conditioners safely and with extra care. If your residence catches fire, get out, stay out, call for help, and never re-enter your burning house for pets or personal belongings. Keep heaters away from flammable or combustible materials.

“Never dry wet or damp clothes or fabrics on an electric heater. Follow updated weather alerts on media platforms. Be responsible, conscientious and safe at all times,” she said.

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Police officer nabbed for corruption granted R1500 bail

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

12 August 2026 – A Police Sergeant attached to the Kanana Detective Branch, Vusimuzi Radebe (44) was arrested by members of the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation on 7 August 2026, for alleged corruption and defeating the ends of justice. Radebe briefly appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 11 August 2026 and granted R1500 bail.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said Radebe’s case was postponed to 30 September 2026, for further investigation. Mathebula said the reports indicate that the accused approached a prosecutor working on a matter in which illegal immigrants were arrested for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

“Radebe allegedly told the prosecutor that the brother of the accused was willing to pay money in order for the accused not to receive a custodial sentence. The prosecutor alerted members of the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation and an entrapment was set, which led to the arrest of Radebe after he had reportedly handed over R10 000 to the prosecutor,” he said.

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Caved-in mine leaves 14 illegal miners dead

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Picture: 14 illegal miners died at disused mine shaft/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

12 August 2026 – The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams has confirmed the deaths of 14 illegal miners at the Nkaneng dumping site in Marikana, near Rustenburg. Adams said the incident was reported to the police at approximately 9pm on 10 August 2026.

He further said the preliminary information indicates that a group of suspected zama-zamas were conducting an illegal mining operation at a dumping site. Adams added that a permit had been granted to a company to extract PGM (Platinum Group Metals) in the area.

“The group of zama-zamas were allegedly manually digging in an excavated area when the walls caved in, trapping the illegal miners inside. Nearby mine security guards were informed of the incident by a fellow zama-zama who, after reporting the incident, disappeared.

“The police were subsequently called to the scene, where the deceased illegal miners were discovered. Most of the deceased are understood to be Basotho nationals. Eight people who were rescued have been admitted to a local hospital, where they are receiving medical treatment,” he said.

Adams said three were discharged shortly after receiving treatment and were detained for contravention of the Immigration Act. He said the remaining five are still being kept in hospital under police guard.

“Authorities are continuing to assess the situation amid concerns that an unknown number of illegal miners may still be trapped underground. The immediate priority remains the safe rescue and recovery of anyone who may still be underground, with all relevant resources being mobilised to support the operation.

“An inquest investigation has also been opened to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. We describe the incident as a tragic reminder of the dangers associated with illegal mining. Illegal mining takes place outside regulated mining environments, often without proper safety measures, oversight or lawful working conditions,” said Adams.

He warned that people entering abandoned or active underground areas expose themselves to significant risks, including rockfalls and other life-threatening hazards.

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Attorney in court for ‘stealing’ client’s estate

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By REGINALD KANYANE

12 August 2026 – Barend Botha (69), who is an attorney, appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 11 August 2026, facing charges of theft. Botha was arrested on 11 August 2026, by members of the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for allegedly stealing his deceased client’s estate.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said it is alleged that in June 2016, Botha de Wet and Roodt Law Firm was appointed to assist with the estate of their deceased client. Mathebula said over R130 000 was reportedly transferred from the deceased’s bank account into the trust account of the law firm.

“Investigation revealed that Botha did not transfer the money to the beneficiary. Following an investigation, Botha was apprehended and charged with theft. He appeared in court and was granted R5000 bail.

“His matter was postponed to 30 September 2026 for an appearance at the Specialised Commercial Crime Court sitting in Klerksdorp,” he said.

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DEDECT’s Empowerment Fund brings growth to women entrepreneurs

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Picture: Founder of Maureen’s Beauty Hub (Pty) Ltd, Maureen Modisaotsile

By OBAKENG MAJE

12 August 2026 – As part of Women’s Month Celebration, the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) is celebrating women entrepreneurs whose determination, resilience and innovation are contributing to job creation, economic participation and community development across the province. The department said amongst them is Maureen Modisaotsile, founder of Maureen’s Beauty Hub (Pty) Ltd in Golfview, Mahikeng, whose entrepreneurial journey demonstrates how targeted government support can help women-owned businesses strengthen their operations and unlock opportunities for growth.

Formally registered in 2019, Maureen’s Beauty Hub offers a range of professional beauty and wellness services, including massage therapy, waxing, facial treatments, make-up, manicures, pedicures and nail treatments. The business also provides house-call and mobile services for events. Like many small businesses, Maureen’s Beauty Hub faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, Modisaotsile remained committed to rebuilding and growing her business.

The North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane said theough the department’s empowerment fund, DEDECT provided the business with essential equipment and furniture to strengthen its operational capacity and support its long-term sustainability. Lenkopane said the equipment package included a laptop, salon body massage beds/portable wooden massage tables, beauty trolleys, wax warmers, beauty stools and electric facial chairs.

“These resources have enabled the business to improve the quality of its services, expand its client base and operate more efficiently. The impact of the department’s intervention extends beyond the provision of equipment.

“Since receiving the support, Maureen’s Beauty Hub has expanded its workforce by two additional staff members undergoing training, bringing the business to five beauty professionals, three of whom are permanently employed,” she said.

Lenkopane further said the growth demonstrates how targeted support to small and women-owned enterprises can translate into tangible economic opportunities, skills development and livelihoods within local communities. She added that the growth of Maureen’s Beauty Hub demonstrates the importance of creating practical pathways for women and young entrepreneurs to participate meaningfully in the economy.

“Women entrepreneurs are not merely beneficiaries of economic development. They are active drivers of it. Reflecting the 2026 Women’s Month message is, if you empower women, you empower the nation.

“By supporting a women-led company means building abilities, incomes, households and communities. The story of Maureen’s Beauty Hub demonstrates what becomes possible when entrepreneurs with vision and determination are given the right tools and opportunities to grow,” said Lenkopane.

She said through the empowerment fund, they want to see more women and young people turn their ideas into sustainable enterprises that create jobs and contribute to the economic development of the province. Lenkopane said her department remains committed to using the empowerment fund to strengthen the capacity of women- and youth-owned enterprises, enabling them to improve their operations, access opportunities, create sustainable employment and contribute to a more inclusive and resilient provincial economy.

“The success of Maureen’s Beauty Hub illustrates that empowerment is most meaningful when support translates into real change, stronger businesses, improved livelihoods, skills development and new opportunities for others.

“Her journey is a reminder that when women entrepreneurs are allowed to grow, the impact extends far beyond the business itself. The success of Maureen’s Beauty Hub illustrates the positive impact that targeted government support can have in unlocking the potential of women-owned as well as youth enterprises,” she said.

She said this Women’s Month, the department celebrates entrepreneurs such as Modisaotsile, whose dedication and perseverance continue to inspire other women to pursue entrepreneurship and seize opportunities for economic participation.

Modisaotsile expressed her appreciation to the department for investing in the growth and sustainability of her business.

“The support from DEDECT has made a significant difference to my business. It has enabled us to improve our services, attract more clients and create employment opportunities.

“I encourage women to believe in their ideas, make use of available government support programmes such as the DEDECT’s Empowerment Fund and take the bold step of starting and growing their own businesses,” she said.

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Breaking News: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi to reshuffle his cabinet

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By OBAKENG MAJE

11 August 2026 – The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi will on 12 August 2026, brief the media on progress made and the impact of the province’s service delivery programme, with a focus on the implementation of key pronouncements made during the State of the Province Address (SOPA) and the Budget Speeches of various provincial departments.

The briefing will highlight key interventions undertaken to accelerate service delivery, create employment opportunities, particularly for young people and efforts to contribute to the growth and development of the provincial economy.

Mokgosi will also announce changes to the provincial Executive Council. The event will take place at North West Provincial Disaster Management in Mahikeng at 11am.

According to our highly-placed source, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi and North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, might be amongst MECs who will get the boot from Mokgosi.

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Molapisi calls for extreme caution as cold front grips the province

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Picture: The extreme caution weather/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

11 August 2026 – The North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) calls on communities across the province to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant as very cold and wet weather conditions continue to affect several parts of the North West. According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), the upper-air trough is expected to deepen further as it moves over the central to eastern parts of the country.

The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said this will result in cold to very cold conditions, with rain and showers extending further inland. Molapisi said scattered to widespread rain and showers are also anticipated over several parts of the country.

“In light of these prevailing weather conditions, North West COGTA, through the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, is appealing to residents to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves, their families and their property.

“We urge residents to exercise extreme caution when using candles, paraffin stoves, gas appliances, heaters, and other sources of heat or light. These items should never be left unattended, particularly around children, and must be kept away from curtains, bedding, clothing and other flammable materials,” he said.

Molapisi said communities are further discouraged from using hazardous or inappropriate substances and materials for heating purposes, as these can result in household fires, burns, poisoning, and other potentially fatal incidents. He added that they encourage residents, where possible, to use safe and appropriate heating methods and to ensure that rooms are adequately ventilated when using appliances that require combustion.

“Motorists and pedestrians are also urged to exercise extreme caution in areas experiencing rainfall and possible flooding. Even where the water appears shallow, strong currents can pose a serious threat to life and can sweep away people, vehicles, and other objects.

“The department calls on communities to monitor weather updates and official alerts from the South African Weather Service and relevant disaster-management authorities,” said Molapisi.

He said in cases of emergencies, members of the public are advised to report emergencies promptly to the relevant emergency services, assist vulnerable members of their communities, particularly children, older persons, and persons with disabilities, during periods of severe weather.

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15 000 jobs lost in North West

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Picture: Some of residents sitting at traffic lights looking for emmployment/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

11 August 2026 – South Africans continue to grapple with unemployment. This comes after Statistics South Africa showed that a narrow definition of unemployment has risen by 0.9% to 33.6% with the number of unemployed persons rising by 345 000. 

The statistics showed that the expanded definition of unemployment rose overall by 0.1% to 43.8% with a total decrease in the number of employed persons by 16 000. Particularly concerning losses were seen in community and social services (57 000), mining (26 000), and agriculture and manufacturing (15 000 each). 

According to the statistics, the job losses in provinces included the Western Cape (48 000), Gauteng (22 000), and North West (15 000). However, the positive gains were recorded in trade (70 000), construction (39 000), finance (11 000), Mpumalanga (41 000), Eastern Cape (13 000) and Free State (9 000).

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) Parliamentary Coordinator, Matthew Parks said they demand bold and decisive action to tackle the unemployment crisis. Parks said the latest jobs report released by Statistics South Africa for the 2nd Quarter of 2026, is beyond depressing.

He further said the job losses for the 2nd Quarter of 2026 are extremely worrying. Parks added that the outlook for the 3rd Quarter is likely to be similarly bleak due to the unprovoked war in the Middle East and the devastating impact it has had on international oil and fuel prices.

“This has seen economic growth projections for South Africa for 2026, slashed from an already meagre 1.4% to 1.1%. Inflation for transport has spiked with food and other essential goods likely to soon follow suit, with inflation having reached 5% in June 2026. This will likely cause the Reserve Bank to raise the repo rate again, inflicting even further pain upon highly indebted workers and an embattled economy.

“We cannot continue to normalise 1% economic growth and dangerously high levels of unemployment, poverty and inequality. The extent of this crisis requires a bold and aggressive stimulus package to kickstart the economy, rebuild public and municipal services, make capital affordable and accessible for SMMEs and industrial sectors and extend relief for the unemployed by expanding public employment programmes,” he said.

Parks said similarly, efforts to reduce the price of electricity, restore rail and ports to full capacity and invest in economic infrastructure and tackle crime and corruption must be accelerated. He said they will be requesting urgent engagements at Nedlac with government and business on a stimulus package mobilising every possible public and private financial resource to spur economic growth.

“Unemployment is the single greatest threat to the nation. It requires the same decisive and progressive response as was mobilised and led by President Cyril Ramaphosa during COVID-19. This is a ticking time bomb we cannot continue to blue tick.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, Geordin Hill-Lewis said: “Following the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey released today, it is clear that South Africa’s jobs crisis is worsening, not improving. Economic reform is happening far too slowly to spur growth at the pace required to create jobs. South Africa does not lack economic potential. It lacks urgency.

“The DA will continue to push for much greater urgency and ambition in the economic reform agenda of the Government of National Unity (GNU). South Africa cannot afford to lose another quarter to slow reform. We need urgency, clear priorities and a relentless focus on growth and jobs.”

He said businesses and investors are still held back by red tape, unreliable basic services, failing ports and rail, and crime that makes it harder and more expensive to build, invest and employ people. Hill-Lewis said South Africa’s central national mission must be to get the economy growing at a significantly faster pace to get people into work.

“Reform cannot continue at a pace completely disconnected from the scale of the unemployment crisis. Growth cannot be one priority among many. It must be the priority.

“The number of unemployed South Africans increased by 345 000 to 8.5 million in the second quarter of 2026, while employment declined by a further 16 000. Official unemployment increased from 32.7% to 33.6%, while the broader measure of unemployment and the potential labour force rose to 43.8%,” said Hill-Lewis.

He said this is the highest unemployment rate in 4 years.

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Monna o fitlhetswe a ikgwageditse kwa Buxton

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Setshwantsho: Moswi, Bokamoso Gxaweni/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

11 Phatwe 2026 – Monna wa dingwaga di le 21 o tlhokofetse kwa motseng wa Buxton, gaufi le Taung. Go begwa fa moswi, Bokamoso Gxaweni a fitlhetswe a ikgwageditse kwa legaeng la gagwe ka Mosupulogo motshegare.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are sepodisi se ile sa bilediwa kwa lefelong la tiragalo. Van Rooyen are sepodisi se ile sa fitlhela Gxaweni a tlhokafetse, mme go ile ga bidiwa badiri ba thuso ya potlako.

“Batlhankedi ba thuso ya potlako ba ile ba netefatsa fa moswi a setse a tlhokafetse. Fela, sebakwa sa go ikgwagetsa ga ga Gxaweni ga go itsiwe. Sepodisi se boloditse dipatlisiso mabapi le tiragalo e,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.

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