Picture: A man arrested during Operation Shanela II/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
9 July 2026 – The police in the North West continue to conduct unannounced Operation Shanela 2, focusing on the apprehension of illegal migrants, high-density patrols and compliance inspections at second-hand goods dealers and liquor outlets. On Wednesday evening, 8 July 2026, a multi-disciplinary team comprising the Potchefstroom Police Station, Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Potchefstroom Crime Prevention Unit, Public Order Policing (POP), Provincial Corporate Communication and Liaison Services and the Department of Home Affairs, conducted operations at identified crime hotspots within the Potchefstroom Central Business District (CBD).
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the operation resulted in the apprehension of 21 illegal migrants, mostly Malawian citizens, who were charged with contravening the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002). Myburgh said in addition, a man (27) was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.
“He will appear before the Potchefstroom Magistrates’ Court on 10 July 2026,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the police and all stakeholders involved for their commitment and coordinated efforts. Naidoo said Operation Shanela 2 remains one of the key crimes combatting initiatives aimed at preventing and addressing criminality through high police visibility and intelligence driven operations.
“The police will continue to work closely with other law enforcement partners to enforce the law without fear or favour, strengthen the authority of the state and ensure that those who violate the Law are brought to justice.
“We request communities to continue working with the police by reporting criminal activities,” he said.
Picture: Unbranded cattle seized during acution/Generic
By BAKANG MOKOTO
9 July 2026 – The police in Ngaka Modiri Molema District are appealing to members of the farming community and livestock owners in and around Lichtenburg, Sannieshof and neighbouring villages to come forward if they have lost cattle, but did not report the matter to the police. During ongoing investigations into stock theft-related cases and enquiries, the police recovered a number of cattle that are currently being kept at the Lichtenburg Animal Pound.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said unfortunately, the animals do not have identifiable brand markings, making it difficult to determine their rightful owners. Myburgh said the recovered cattle are linked to five cattle that were sold at an auction in Lichtenburg on 8 May 2026, and were subsequently seized for further investigation.
“Four cattle were sold at the Lichtenburg Feedlot on 29 May 2026, and were subsequently seized. In Sannieshof, four cattle were also sold at the Lichtenburg Feedlot on 29 May 2026, and were seized as part of the ongoing enquiry.
“The police suspect the cattle may originate from Mofufutso, Siyone, Kraaipan, Setlagole, Middleton A, B and C, Madibogo and Shaleng. Members of the public, particularly farmers and livestock owners from these areas who have lost cattle, but have not reported the matter, are urged to contact Lieutenant Colonel Modiri Cedric Mokgethi on 082 661 4302 or Constable Joseph Ngoloba Mojela on 076 510 8261/54 from the Sannieshof Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit,” she said.
Myburgh further said owners should be prepared to provide proof of ownership, including any distinguishing features, photographs, purchase records or other relevant documentation that may assist in confirming ownership.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo emphasised that the cooperation of the farming community is essential in ensuring that the recovered livestock are reunited with their rightful owners and in supporting ongoing investigations into stock theft. Naidoo added that, once more he requests farmers of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, equines (horses) and ostriches to ensure that their animals are branded in accordance with the Animal Identification Act, Act No. 6 of 2002.
Picture: A security guard shot during attempted robbery/Generic
By STAFF REPORTER
9 July 2026 – Two men appeared before Pretoria Magistrate’s Court for attempted murder, attempted robbery with aggravating circumstances, and possession of ammunition. It is alleged that on 7 July 2026, a security officer was collecting cash from a gambling establishment in Silverton when accosted by the accused, Jabulani Mthombeni (47) and Billy Tshepiso Malope (52).
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Tshegofatso Makhudu said as the security guard was walking towards a company vehicle in the parking area carrying the money, the accused allegedly opened fire on him in an apparent robbery attempt. Makhudu said during the exchange of gunfire, the security officer managed to run back to the cash office with the money.
“The suspects fled the scene before police arrived. The injured security officer was transported to the hospital for medical treatment. Following reports of the shooting, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) launched an investigation and traced the suspects to Nellmapius.
“Upon arrival at Malope’s residence, police searched, located him, and placed him under arrest. During the operation, Mthombeni was found hiding at a nearby residence, a few houses away and was also arrested. The matter was postponed to 13 July 2026 for bail investigations,” she said.
Makhudu further said the NPA remains committed to working with law enforcement agencies to ensure that perpetrators of violent crimes are brought before the courts and held accountable.
9 July 2026 – The Ad Hoc Committee established by the North West Provincial Legislature to investigate allegations made by the Mayor of Naledi Local Municipality, Clifton Groep, against the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has concluded its work and formally adopted its final report. The report will now be submitted to the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) Speaker, Dr Desbo Mohono for tabling before the House in accordance with the Rules of the Legislature.
The Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee, Nathan Oliphant said as the report has not yet been tabled before the House, they will not comment on its contents, findings or recommendations. Oliphant said these will be considered by the House through the prescribed parliamentary processes.
“Further communication regarding the tabling of the report will be issued in due course,” he said.
It is alleged that the findings of the report found Mokgosi guilty of perjury and the committee set to refer the matter to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
However, Mokgosi through his lawyers, has allegedly written a letter to the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) speaker, Dr Desbo Mohono threatening to approach the North West High Court for an urgent order reviewing and setting the report aside in the event that the Speaker authorises the release, tabling or publication of this purported final report, which he maintains is fundamentally flawed and contrary to the interests of justice. He said he has recently become aware of social media reports indicating that the Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate allegations of attempted tampering with the recruitment report, has finalised its findings.
“Regrettably, various social media platforms have gone as far as publishing the purported outcome of this investigation. This information has not been officially communicated and is completely unknown to me, despite my dual status as both accused party and a material witness in these proceedings.
“These same media outlets have further published reports stating that the Ad Hoc Committee was left without sitting commissioners due to en masse resignation prior to the finalization of the process. It is highly regrettable and deeply prejudicial that confidential, detrimental information concerning a formal legislative inquiry is systematically leaked to the media houses before being disclosed to the affected parties,” said Mokgosi.
He further maintains the firm position that this investigation cannot be lawfully or properly concluded while critical, material and substantive issues remain unresolved. Mokgosi added that the current process represents a severe breach of the principles of administrative justice and procedural fairness.
“Consequently, I formally request that Mohono urgently furnish me with the Ad Hoc Committee’s written responses to the witnesses’ submissions. Furthermore, I hereby demand the immediate production of the official, signed resolution passed by the committee members, which purportedly adopted the final report for submission to the legislature.
“I request an explanation as to how the final report was finalised in the absence of oral evidence from key witnesses, like Nono Maloyi and Dr Ben Bole. My subsequent requests to compel the testimony of the aforementioned witnesses were disregarded by both the Ad Hoc Committee and Parliament,” said Mokgosi.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Chriastiaan Steyl said: “The Ad Hoc Committee conducted its work in line with the Terms of Reference established by a House Resolution. All processes were fair and transparent as per the Terms of Reference of the Ad Hoc Committee. All written and oral testimonies were made public and/or publicly broadcasted.
“No formal letters of resignation were tabled by the Speaker, neither have letters of resignation been received by the Ad Hoc Committee Chairperson. All business of the Ad Hoc Committee was conducted as per the Terms of Reference of its establishment and in line with the Legislature’s Standing Rules and Order.”
9 Jul 2026- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa has extended the final report deadline of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into criminality, political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system. The commission will submit its report on 16 November 2026, instead of 31 August, as anticipated originally.
Ramaphosa spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said the extension granted by the president sets an evidence deadline of 2 October 2026, and a reporting deadline of 16 November 2026, to enable the commission to close off topics it has opened up in the course of hearings to date. Mangwenya said the extension allows the commission to hear evidence on all of the matters listed in its terms of reference.
“Without an extension, the commission will have to leave large parts of its work unfinished. Ramaphosa once again expresses his deepest appreciation for the work conducted by commission, as well as for the manner in which law enforcement agencies are following up testimony emerging from commission hearings,” he said.
Picture: The committee visits repatriation centres
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
8 July 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has expressed satisfaction with the coordinated efforts of the Department of Home Affairs and its partners in facilitating the processing, deportation and repatriation of undocumented foreign nationals at the Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre (TRPC) in Musina, Limpopo. The committee conducted the first day of its urgent oversight visit to the TRPC on Tuesday as part of its constitutional responsibility to oversee the implementation of immigration legislation, assess operational readiness and ensure that the rights and dignity of all persons are upheld throughout the repatriation process.
The chairperson of the committee, Mosa Chabane said during the visit, the committee received a comprehensive briefing on the operations of the facility and observed the processing systems first-hand. Chabane said members of the committee were informed that more than 38 000 foreign nationals had been processed for deportation and repatriation in less than a week as of Saturday, 4 July 2026.
“The committee was further informed that the cumulative number of foreign nationals processed has since exceeded 45 000. The committee noted that the TRPC was established under the auspices of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration to facilitate the efficient registration, verification and processing of undocumented foreign nationals while ensuring the provision of humanitarian services, including food, healthcare and other essential support.
“Situated on land belonging to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, the facility has the capacity to accommodate up to 20 000 people at any given time. We commend the collaborative approach adopted by all stakeholders involved in the operation,” he said.
He further said the committee has been encouraged by the level of coordination demonstrated by the Department of Home Affairs, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, diplomatic missions and humanitarian organisations. Chabane added that such cooperation is essential to ensuring that immigration laws are implemented effectively while safeguarding the dignity and fundamental rights of every individual throughout the process.
“The committee was particularly encouraged by the efficiency with which large numbers of people had been processed within a relatively short period. Our oversight responsibility is to satisfy ourselves that the systems in place are lawful, efficient, humane and capable of responding to operational demands.
“The information presented to the committee and the observations made on site indicate significant progress in this regard. We will, however, continue to monitor the implementation of these processes to ensure that they remain compliant with the Constitution, applicable legislation and South Africa’s international obligations,” he said.
Chabane said the committee has also appreciated the Limpopo and Kwa-Zulu Natal provincial governments and their respective municipalities in the manner they carried and availed resources to compliment the work of the national government. He said, however, it remains concerned about the underfunding of the Border Management Authority (BMA), reiterated during the BMA’s briefing.
“The committee together with sister committees in the security cluster will await a comprehensive report from the IMC once the process has been finalised. Today, the committee will continue with the second day of its oversight visit at the Beitbridge Port of Entry, where it will assess border management operations and the implementation of repatriation processes at one of the country’s busiest ports of entry,” said Chabane.
Picture: The North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane
By BAKANG MOKOTO
8 July 2026 – The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane has outlined a bold programme of action to position tourism as a leading driver of jobs, investment and community development, while strengthening the biodiversity economy and accelerating environmental compliance and waste management reforms in the 2026/27 financial year. Lenkopane who recently tabled the Department’s Budget Vote said, the budget reflects a deliberate shift towards unlocking the full economic potential of the province’s tourism assets.
She further emphasised that tourism remains one of the most powerful engines for inclusive growth in the province, adding that the budget ensures that natural and cultural assets are converted into real and tangible opportunities for communities. Lenkopane added that the department’s tourism programme takes centre stage, anchored by a structured tourism commercialisation programme aimed at unlocking the economic value of provincial tourism and conservation assets.
“This model is designed to attract private-sector investment into underutilised facilities while ensuring that ownership remains with the people of the North West. Through this approach, the province has already received investment proposals and projects valued around R1.8 billion progressed through due diligence, investor capability assessments and compliance processes.
“We are not only attracting investment, but we are deliberately restructuring the tourism economy in a way that places communities at the centre of ownership and benefit-sharing. The commercialisation framework ensures that communities participate directly in tourism development through structured shareholding arrangements linked to assets located on or near their land,” she said.
Lenkopane said, moreover, her department continues to strengthen tourism as a key contributor to the provincial economy. She said during the 2025/26 financial year, tourism generated an estimated R10.9 billion, supported approximately 9242 jobs and benefited 344 tourism enterprises.
“The province also recorded over 4.17 million domestic tourists and approximately 462 463 international arrivals, reflecting sustained recovery and continued growth. In addition, the department has allocated R70 million towards tourism development and promotion in the 2026/27 financial year.
“This allocation will support destination marketing, investment promotion, tourism safety, heritage tourism, youth employment and enterprise development. The department is intensifying collaboration with North West University (NWU) to reposition the Mahikeng and Taung hotel schools as accredited hospitality training centres,” said Lenkopane.
She further noted that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sun City is being finalised to create structured pathways for experiential learning, internships and employment opportunities. Lenkopane said they are deliberately building bridges between training and employment so that the young people do not remain outside the tourism economy.
“Adding to that, engagements with Sun City will facilitate the placement of 81 hospitality and tourism graduates, strengthening the pipeline from education to work opportunities. The department has also profiled 562 accommodation establishments, confirming 6614 rooms and 12 676 beds, with capacity exceeding 4.1 million visitors annually.
8 July 2026 – A man sentenced to four years imprisonment for contravention of a protection order, assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and malicious damage of property. The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on 20 September 2025, at approximately 12:00, when the accused, Franklin Tieties (32), verbally and physically assaulted his neighbours aged 25 and 66.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane, said during the incident, the accused allegedly used abusive language towards the victims, threw a stone that struck the victim (66) in the face and damaged windows at the victims’ residence. Shemane said at the time of the incident, the victims were protected by valid protection orders against the accused and subsequently opened a criminal case.
“The accused was arrested and charged with contravention of a protection order, assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), and malicious damage to property.
“He remained in custody throughout the court proceedings. On 3 July 2026, Tieties was found guilty and convicted on all charges in the Kenhardt Magistrate’s Court,” he said.
Shemane further said Tieties was sentenced to four years imprisonment and declared him unfit to possess a firearm. He added that the ZF Mgcawu District Management commended Detective Constable Charlton Januarie for his meticulous investigation, which led to the successful conviction and sentencing of the accused.
“The South African Police Service (SAPS) remains committed to protecting vulnerable members of society, including the elderly and ensuring that perpetrators of violence and intimidation are brought to justice,” said Shemane.
7 July 2026 – Associate Professor at the North West University’s (NWU) Centre of Excellence for Nutrition with an interest in public health nutrition, Prof Christine Taljaard-Krugell said breastfeeding is a public good – so why are mothers carrying the cost alone?
Taljaard-Krugell said South Africa has the policies, but has the country counted the cost for mothers to breastfeed? She further said breastfeeding should not be a choice between feeding a baby and feeding a family.
“We tell mothers to breastfeed, but do we make it possible? South Africa has among the most progressive infant feeding policies in the world. The Tshwane Declaration of 2011, signed by Ministers, MECs, traditional leaders, and representatives from the World Health Organisation and UNICEF, committed the country to protecting exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of life.
“The R991 Regulations of 2012 imposed strict marketing restrictions on formula. South African law binds companies and citizens to R991 itself. It does not bind them to the subsequent WHO guidance, much of which has evolved since 2012. The country meets the letter of a decade-old law without necessarily meeting the spirit of where the evidence has since travelled,” said Taljaard-Krugell.
She added that exclusive breastfeeding rates tell a different story. Taljaard-Krugell said the most recent national figure puts exclusive breastfeeding at six months at 22%.
“A decade and a half of political commitment has not changed this trajectory in any sustained way. The standard response has been to strengthen the clinical chain: more lactation counsellors, better-trained community health workers, and expanded breastfeeding support at facility level.
“These interventions matter, and they address barriers that are very real. But evidence suggests that information and clinical support, while necessary, are not sufficient for many South African mothers. What is often missing is something more basic: time and income,” she said.
Taljaard-Krugell said the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child are well established. She said for infants, breastfeeding reduces the risk of infectious diseases and lowers the likelihood of stunting.
“For mothers, lactation itself lowers the risk of postpartum haemorrhage, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. These benefits belong first and foremost to the mother-infant pair, regardless of whether the milk reaches the baby directly at the breast or through other means.
“However, some of the benefits of breastfeeding extend far beyond the household. Healthier infant places less strain on public clinics and hospitals. Reduced childhood illness means fewer missed school days and, later in life, improved opportunities for the child and lower costs for the state,” said Taljaard-Krugell.
7 July 2026 – The diligent investigative work of the Prieska Detectives has resulted in the successful conviction and sentencing of Charlton Pieterse (25) for murder.
Pieterse was convicted and sentenced by the Prieska Regional Court to 10 years imprisonment.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said he was also declared unfit to possess a firearm on Tuesday, 23 June 2026. Shemane said the conviction stems from an incident that occurred on 21 December 2024, at approximately 08:30, at an informal settlement in Prieska.
“The deceased, Nathan Pienaar (21), was walking to a nearby shop with a friend when they were approached by the accused. Without any apparent provocation or altercation, Pieterse stabbed Pienaar once in the chest with an Okapi knife, fatally wounding him.
“The accused fled the scene, but was arrested later the same day. He was released on bail pending the finalisation of the case, which concluded with his conviction and sentencing in the Prieska Regional Court on 23 June 2026,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Pixley Ka Seme District Police Management commended Detective Constable Francois Mei of the Prieska Detectives for his professional investigation, dedication and commitment in ensuring that a violent offender was successfully brought to justice and removed from society.
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