Picture: SAPS members visit Huis Harmony Old-Age Home/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
27 January 2026- The police in Namakwa District together with Employee Health Wellness (EHW) and members from Auxiliary Services visited Huis Harmony, an old age home with 42 elderly residents. The visit was as a gesture of appreciation and respect for the wisdom and perseverance of the senior citizens.
The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the event commenced with a prayer session led by Pastor Marsha Baard, setting a dignified tone for the day. Magerman said the SAPS members then shared moments of joy with the residents, serving refreshments and engaging in light entertainment.
“Radio NFM joined the occasion, capturing the stories of the elderly and broadcasting them to the wider community, ensuring their voices and experiences are heard and celebrated. A special message was delivered by the District Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews who stated that, it is a great honour for us to be with you today at Home Harmony.
“Their wisdom, their life experiences and their perseverance are treasures beyond measure. As SAPS, we wish to express our appreciation and respect. With this small gesture of gratitude, the offering of necessities and a bit of entertainment, we want to remind you that you never stand alone,” he said.
Meanwhile, Andrews said their beloved elders are the foundation of the community and they carry them in their hearts. He said may this day bring them joy and may their togetherness strengthen them all.
27 January 2026- The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in Mpumalanga is encouraging all R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant beneficiaries who do not have data or a smartphone or laptop to visit their nearest SASSA local offices for assistance.
In a statement on Tuesday, the agency said that all its offices are equipped to support beneficiaries with biometric identity verification with kiosks, official laptops and guest Wi-Fi.
“The agency is doing this to ensure that all qualifying beneficiaries receive their grant at the right time, to avoid unnecessary delays and eliminate frustrations,” Acting Regional Executive Manager, Xolela Mpambani, said.
Mpambani further explained that SRD grant applications may be declined where the system detects a source of income through external databases, including financial institutions.
Beneficiaries whose applications are declined have the right to appeal the decision if they are not satisfied with the reasons provided on the system.
SASSA has also warned beneficiaries to safeguard their personal information, cautioning that scammers often target vulnerable grant recipients. Beneficiaries are advised not to share sensitive details and to always verify the identity of anyone requesting their information. – SAnews.gov.za
Picture: The Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane
By REGINALD KANYANE
27 January 2026- The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) said it unequivocally rejects and refutes claims that it has cut funding to Quintile 5 schools by 64%. The department said these claims are false, misleading, and reckless and represent a deliberate distortion of information.
The Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane said at no point has the department implemented a 64% reduction in school funding. Chiloane said accordingly, an interim funding realignment process was implemented, which was necessitated by severe budget reductions imposed by National Treasury, which have affected all provinces across the country.
“Previously, the GDE explicitly outlined the rationale, scope, and timing of the adjusted funding levels for Quintile 5 schools, effective from 1 April 2026, in line with the National Norms and Standards for School Funding gazetted by the Department of Basic Education (DBE).
“Schools were formally notified through indicative budget allocation certificates issued in September 2025, providing ample notice and transparency. The department further clarified that this process does not constitute a budget cut, but rather realignment to nationally prescribed adequacy rates, particularly correcting the historical funding of certain Quintile 5 fee-paying schools,” he said.
Chiloane further said the current funding arrangement is a temporary stabilisation intervention designed to keep the system functional and compliant while the department manages a R444 million shortfall in the current financial year and a projected R160 million shortfall over the 2026 MTEF period. He added that despite these constraints, the GDE has prioritised the protection of classrooms, ensured that teaching and learning continue uninterrupted and honoured its commitments to Learning and Teaching Support Material (LTSM) payments in full and on time.
“It must be stated clearly and without ambiguity, Gauteng’s financial pressures are the direct result of national budget cuts. The Department of Basic Education (DBE), under the leadership of the Democratic Alliance (DA), is fully aware of the funding pressures facing provinces, including Gauteng.
“The DBE has been repeatedly engaged on these matters, yet meaningful relief has not materialised, leaving provinces to absorb the impact. Attempts to deflect responsibility onto provinces, while ignoring the role of national departments in both policy-setting and budget allocations, are misleading and irresponsible,” said Chiloane.
He said the sudden outrage being manufactured by the DA is therefore disingenuous and politically opportunistic. Chiloane said it is dishonest to accuse provinces of cutting school funding, while remaining silent about the national budget cuts imposed by the National Treasury.
“The Department of Basic Education, under the Democratic Alliance, is fully aware of the financial challenges confronting Gauteng and other provinces, yet these challenges remain unresolved. If there is a petition to be delivered, it should be delivered to the Department of Basic Education, which is responsible for national funding norms and allocations, and which the DA itself leads.
“Provinces cannot be scapegoated for implementing national policy under constrained budgets that we do not control. The GDE remains committed to transparent communication, equitable funding and the protection of public education in Gauteng,” he said.
Chiloane said the GDE will not allow misinformation to undermine confidence in the public schooling system or be distracted from the real issue, the urgent need for sustainable national funding solutions.
Picture: Dagga found concealed in a courier vehicle/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
27 January 2026 – A multi-disciplinary team comprising of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, SANParks, Delivered Duty Unpaid and Customs, embarked on Operation Phakisa activities in the region of Namakwa from 22 until 26 January 2026.
The police said these targeted operations were executed with the aim of addressing criminal activities that are highly prevalent within the marine environment of the Northern Cape.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the SAPS Specialised Units, including K9, Crime Intelligence, Radio Technical, Search and Rescue, Highway Patrol, Vehicle Crime Investigative Unit and Border Policing, in partnership with their counterparts from other departments, worked together in a concerted effort to conduct disruptive actions within the District of Namakwa during the operations.
Litabe said actions that were executed, included search operations, visits to launching pads, camping sites, mining areas, aquaculture farms, patrols and compliance inspections in Port Nolloth, Alexander Bay, Kleinzee, Groenriviermond, Sandkop/Rooikoppies and Hondeklipbaai.
“Two suspects were arrested for the contravention of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 while nine fines to the value of R7200, were issued for the contravention of the National Traffic Act. Three fines amounting to R3 100 were issued for contravention of the Marine Living Resources Act 18 of 1998.
“The operations also resulted in the seizure of Hydroponic dagga with an estimated street value of R336 000 that was found concealed in packages transported by a courier company. Other marine life seized, included undersized fish species to the value of R2000,” he said.
Litabe further said Vehicle Check Points (VCPs) also resulted in numerous vehicles and persons being stopped and searched. He added that sea patrols were also conducted along the shorelines of Port Nolloth and Alexander Bay by the SAPS Water wing.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the collaborative efforts by the different departments in an attempt to clamp down on marine related crimes and to stamp down the authority of the state along the shoreline and coastal areas of the province.
26 January 2026- The North West Department of Health said it has noted allegations circulating on social media made by a member of the GATVOL Lobby Group concerning Moses Kotane District Hospital. Today, the North West Health MEC for Health, Sello Lehari, visited the facility to meet with hospital management, members of NEHAWU, as well as representatives from GATVOL Lobby Group in a bid to probe all allegations raised against the hospital.
Lehari further said the hospital was constructed at a time when traditional boiler systems were being phased out nationally due to their high operational costs, inefficiency, energy consumption, and environmental impact and maintenance challenges. He added that in line with national directives on eco-friendly and modern health technology, the hospital relies on a heat pump system for the provision of hot water.
“The heat pump system has experienced intermittent malfunctions and due to its complexity, requires specialised service providers, including water treatment and reticulation expertise.
“The Provincial Infrastructure Delivery and Technical Services (IDTS), has commissioned consultants to conduct a comprehensive assessment and develop a bill of quantities to enable the tender process,” said Lehari.
He said this intervention is anticipated to be implemented in the 2026/27 financial year. Lehari said in the interim, the hospital has procured hydroboils and urns for all wards as a temporary measure to ensure continuity of service.
“The hospital remains committed to upholding patient dignity and quality of care by procuring consumables and supplies on a monthly and quarterly basis. In instances where there are delays in deliveries, the hospital collaborates with neighbouring health facilities to ensure that patients’ basic needs are met.
“The hospital continues to provide care in line with the Batho Pele Principles, the Patient Rights Charter, and the Service Charter,” he said.
Lehari said in 2025, Moses Kotane District Hospital was visited by two National Portfolio Committees, both of which expressed satisfaction with the hospital’s cleanliness and overall service standards. He said in addition, during the Tshela ka Itekanelo campaign activities held on 17 December 2025, the Bakgatlha Tribal Authority publicly expressed satisfaction with the services rendered by the hospital.
“The management remains open to constructive feedback and encourages members of the community to report specific service gaps to allow for prompt corrective action.
“The North West Department of Health operates within a highly regulated environment where the handling, storage, and disposal of human tissue are strictly governed by the National Health Act, the Human Tissue Act, and the National Environmental Management: Waste Act,” said Lehari.
He said these legislations clearly prescribe the classification, handling, storage and disposal of healthcare risk waste. Lehari said the department has appointed a licensed service provider for healthcare risk waste management and the hospital participates fully in this contract, while continuously monitoring compliance.
“The department remains committed to providing safe, dignified and quality healthcare services to all communities it serves. We have appointed an investigative team to probe all allegations made against the hospital.
“The team is expected to commence with the investigation on 27 January 2026, and table a preliminary report to the acting Superintendent General at the end of February 2026,” he said.
Picture: The MMC for Economic Development at Matlosana Local Municipality, Wesley Kgang/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
26 January 2026- The Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Economic Development at the Matlosana Local Municipality and a former ANCYL spokesperson, Wesley Kgang (36), has been arrested for alleged drunken driving, resisting arrest, assault on traffic official and malicious damage to property.
It is alleged that on 24 January 2026 at around 6:30am, the traffic officials were busy with routine patrols when they spotted a black sedan vehicle in Leask Street driving while facing the oncoming traffic. It is alleged that the female traffic official stopped and approached Kgang, who allegedly appeared to be under the influence of liquor.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said furthermore, upon interviewing Kgang for his actions and informed of his arrest by the officials, he became aggressive and started attacking the female officials. Tselanyane said it was then that the male officials tried to intervene and resistance escalated up until the police were called and Kgang was restrained.
“In due process the female official sustained an injury on her left hand. It is alleged that, while on the way to the health facility to draw blood samples, the suspect hit and broke the window of the traffic vehicle.
“The suspect was eventually taken to Stilfontein Health Centre to draw blood and resistance continued and ultimately taken to the Stilfontein Police Station and the blood sample was ultimately taken from him,” he said.
Kgang briefly appeared before Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court today. His case was postponed until 18 February 2026, for blood sample results and the potential charges to be added.
Kgang, who sincerely apologised to the community and ANC, was granted a R1000 bail.
“I wish to state that I have noted the video that has gone viral and widely shared on various media platforms. The video has caused great concern rightly so given the fact that I am a public representative.
“Circumstances and facts surrounding the incident were ventilated in a competent court of law today. Further details and updates on the matter will be shared in due course. I wish to unreservedly apologise to the community of Matlosana, my family and my organisation for the unfortunate occurrence,” he said.
Kgang said he further wishes to categorically state that he will fully-cooperate with the law enforcement agencies and the justice system to establish the facts surrounding the incident. He said no one is above the law, including himself as a public representative hence his willingness to fully cooperate and abide with the legal processes that will be ensuing pertaining to this matter.
“I am a mere human being like anyone else with fallibility, which I take full responsibility for and commit to do better in my conduct henceforth. Beyond this statement, I humbly request not to further give commentary on the matter until the matter is finalised, facts are established and concluded by the court of law,” said Kgang.
Meanwhile, the executive mayor of Matlosana Local Municipality, Fikile Mahlope is mum on the matter as he did not respond to The Guardian Newspaper’s media inquiry before publishing this article.
26 January 2026 – The police in Kanana Township, near Orkney are investigating a murder case following an incident that was reported on Saturday night, 24 January 2026. It is alleged that the girlfriend and her boyfriend arrived at their home in Extension 12 and after some time, neighbours heard the two arguing.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said it is alleged that during the commotion, the girlfriend managed to flee and jumped over the fence into the neighbouring yard, where she knocked on the neighbour’s door and asked for help. Tselanyane said furthermore, when the neighbours opened the door, they found the girlfriend lying on the ground and her boyfriend was also present.
“The neighbours called the ambulance and police, whilst the boyfriend fled the scene in the vehicle of his girlfriend. Upon arrival of the police and the Emergency Medical Rescue Service (EMRS) at the scene, the girlfriend was declared dead.
“The deceased had multiple stab wounds on her body and was identified as Thandiwe Ngcoboti (32). The suspect (boyfriend), who also has serious injuries, was traced to Kroonstad shortly after the incident was reported. He is currently receiving medical attention at a local hospital, under police guard,” he said.
Tselanyane further said the suspect (33) is expected to appear before the Orkney Magistrate’s Court on 27 January 2026 on a charge of murder. He added that investigation into the matter continues.
Picture: Some of the drugs seized by the police during the raid/Supplied
By AGISANANG SCUFF
26 January 2026- The police in the Namakwa District have intensified its operations against drug-related crimes, resulting in four separate arrests in Concordia between 23 and 25 January 2026. The police said on 23 January 2026 at around 11:30pm, the police officers on patrol duties, searched premises in Jacobs Garden in Concordia, following a tip-off.
The Namakwa District Police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said a female suspect (33), was arrested after mandrax tablets and tik were confiscated. Magerman said on 24 January 2026, at around 00:30, the police patrolling Bloekom Street searched for a suspect (49).
“The search resulted in mandrax tablets being seized leading to his arrest. On 25 January 2026 at around 11:35am, the police acted on information at Vrede Street, Concordia. A search was conducted and resulted in the arrest of three suspects aged between 23 and 30. Tok-tik weighing 2.33 grams, valued at R699 was confiscated.
“Later that evening at around 9:30pm, the police searched a property in Jacobs Garden, Concordia after receiving a tip-off about drugs hidden on the premises. Five mandrax tablets valued at R300 were recovered from a pipe after being flushed down a toilet. A female suspect (33) was arrested,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, commended the swift actions of the police involved and issued a stern warning to criminals. Andrews said they will not hesitate to act and every effort will be made to root out those who poison the communities.
“Crime will not be tolerated, and offenders will face the full might of the law. These arrests highlight SAPS Namakwa’s ongoing commitment to removing drugs from communities and ensuring the safety of residents,” he said.
Picture: Former Municipal Manager of Naledi Local Municipality, Modisenyane Segapo
By BAKANG MOKOTO
26 January 2026- The North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) said following the conclusion of Thabo Appolus’ engagement with the Ad Hoc Committee earlier today, the former Municipal Manager of Naledi Local Municipality, Mosenyane Thompson Segapo, is the next witness scheduled to appear before the committee.
The Chairperson of Ad Hoc Committee, Nathan Oliphant said Segapo will appear before the Ad Hoc Committee on 26 January 2026, at 6pm. Oliphant said the hearings are taking place at the Sun City Convention Centre and are being streamed live on the North West Provincial Legislature’s official Facebook page.
“Further updates will be communicated as the proceedings unfold,” he said.
Picture: Suspected stolen goats seized by the police/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
26 January 2026 – The police in North West said safety and security of rural and farming communities remain a top priority. The police said this was proven on 22 January 2026 at approximately 00:30, when vigilant members of Phokeng SAPS were conducting routine crime prevention patrols along the R556 road and noticed a suspicious Ford Ranger bakkie.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said the vehicle was stopped at the Sun City – Luka four-way stop. Tselanyane said the driver was the sole occupant of the vehicle and upon searching the bakkie, police discovered 26 goats loaded at the back.
“The driver (39) failed to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the ownership or origin of the goats and was subsequently arrested. The suspect was charged with possession of suspected stolen goats and is expected to appear before the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court in Tlhabane on 26 January 2026.
“The goats were found without any tattoo marks and the ownership still needs to be determined,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the police for their vigilance. Naidoo further urged livestock owners to brand mark and/or tattoo their animals as it is compulsory to mark their livestock according to the Animal Identification Act (Act 6 of 2002).
“This will also assist police with investigations and enable the speedy identification of rightful owners,” he added.
The Guardian 