Masemola hand over 1087 vehicles to strengthen policing capacity at grassroots level

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Picture: SAPS hand over 1087 vehicles/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

1 November 2026 – The National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola handed over 1087 vehicles to strengthen policing capacity at grassroots level and enhance the service’s ability to respond to crime and the needs of communities. Masemola was accompanied by the acting National Commissioner for Support Services, Lieutenant General (Dr) Bongiwe Zulu, and the acting Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lieutenant General Hilda Senthumule.

He further said of the 1087 vehicles, 739 have been allocated to Detective Services, while 290 have been allocated to the Visible Policing and Operations environment. Masemola added that a further 58 vehicles will be retained at Head Office as a reserve fleet for special interventions.

“The vehicles will be deployed to 70 of the 140 identified high-crime police stations, as well as to Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Units, 10111 emergency call centres and Flying Squads. A total of 200 vehicles have been allocated to FCS Units to strengthen the SAPS’ capacity to provide timely, professional and compassionate services to victims of sexual offences, gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

“These vehicles will support the work of members who investigate these sensitive cases and assist victims in accessing the services they need. The Eastern Cape will receive 163, Gauteng 151, Mpumalanga 147, KwaZulu-Natal 135, while Western Cape will receive 113 vehicles during the provincial distribution of the vehicles,” he said.

Masemola said the Free State will receive 103 vehicles, North West 84, Limpopo 79, while Northern Cape will receive 54. Speaking at the handover ceremony, he emphasised that the additional vehicles represent an investment in SAPS members, the communities they serve and the future of policing in South Africa.

“This investment must be matched by accountability, responsible resource management and an unwavering commitment to improving policing outcomes. As we hand over these vehicles, we must recognise that public resources come with a responsibility of stewardship.

“These vehicles belong to the people of South Africa. They are not instruments of personal convenience or symbols of privilege. They are operational assets entrusted to the SAPS to protect lives, uphold the law and serve our communities,” said Masemola.

He said the new fleet, comprising sedans and double-cab bakkies, forms part of the SAPS’s ongoing efforts to enhance frontline service delivery, improve operational efficiency, increase police visibility and strengthen crime-fighting capacity. Masemola said the additional vehicles are expected to support police members in responding to complaints, conducting investigations, attending to victims and intensifying crime-prevention and law-enforcement operations.

“The SAPS remains committed to ensuring that resources are deployed effectively to improve service delivery, strengthen public confidence and create safer communities,” he said.

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Two of suspects who allegedly cut-off ears of a farmer during armed robbery nabbed

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By REGINALD KANYANE

1 November 2026 – Two suspects have been arrested following a violent farm robbery and attempted murder in Syferfontein, Ventersdorp in which a farmer (50), was shot and had his ears cut off. The arrests follow an intensive investigation by the police in Ventersdorp into an incident that occurred on 28 October 2026.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the police launched an investigation into a case of house robbery and attempted murder. Myburgh said according to information available, the incident occurred at approximately 8:30am when a farm employee was mowing the lawn and was approached by three unknown men who allegedly emerged from behind the house.

“The suspects, whose faces were covered with balaclavas, were armed with firearms. The suspects allegedly pointed their firearms at the employee and demanded to know the whereabouts of the farm owner. They then tied his hands and feet with cable ties and took him to the back of the house. The situation escalated when the farm owner arrived at the property in a red, single cab Isuzu bakkie.

“Two of the suspects allegedly approached him and shot him in the upper body. They subsequently dragged him inside the house, tied his hands and feet with cable ties, and allegedly stabbed and further assaulted him. The suspects proceeded to search the house and took three firearms from a safe before fleeing the scene in the farmer’s red Isuzu bakkie,” she said.

Myburgh further said the farm worker managed to free himself and called for assistance. He added that the farmer was transported to a local hospital and admitted under a serious condition.

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Adams has welcomed the arrests and commended the investigating team for their swift and concerted efforts in ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.

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North West Department of Education takes no action against school principal who was arrested for possession of illegal firearm and ammunition

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Picture: The embattled principal of Othaile Primary School, Scoco Kgatlhane/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

1 November 2026 – The North West Department of Education said it will not take any action against the embattled principal of Othaile Primary School, Scoco Kgatlhane (30), in Morokweng village, near Ganyesa. This comes after Kgatlhane was arrested for allegedly being in possession of illegal firearm and ammunition.

The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District police spokesperson, Tryphosa van Rooyen said a tip-off was received that Kgatlhane has a firearm that was suspected to be unlicensed. Van Rooyen said the information was followed up.

“The suspect was found in possession of the said firearm and was arrested. He briefly appeared in Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court on 21 October 2026 and was facing charges of possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition,” she said.

It is alleged that Kgatlhane was granted a R3000 bail and his case was allegedly postponed to 26 November 2026.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Dr Elias Malindi said: “Section 18 of the EEA directs that misconduct refers to a breakdown in the employment relationship and that an educator commits misconduct if he or she, amongst others, commits a common law or statutory offence (section 18 (1) (dd) of the EEA).

“This presents a number of issues. Our understanding is that statutory offences fall within the realm of criminal law. Would it be appropriate to use the civil law standard of proof to determine the guilt or otherwise of an employee who is alleged to have committed a statutory offence.”

Malindi further said Section 18 (1) (dd) of the EEA refers to the ‘commission’ of the act and does not refer to any other process. He added that meaning the employer must act against the employee so alleged without relying on another process e.g. criminal process.

“We further submit that the framing of the EEA and the PSA is aimed at regulating the relationship between the employer and the employee, not to police the conduct of employees outside working hours,” concluded Malindi.

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Bapagami ba le 11 ba gobetse mo kotsing ya sejanaga gaufi le Vryburg

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

31 Diphalane 2026 – Sepodisi sa kwa Huhudi mono Vryburg, se batlisisa kgetsi ya go kgweetsa botlhatswa. Se, se tla morago ga gore sejanaga sa van sa mmala o moshweu se menoge kwa tsela-kgolo ya N18, dikilomitara di le 20 go tswa ka toropo ya Vryburg.

Go begwa fa van e, ene e pegile bapagami ba le 11. Tiragalo e, go begwa fa e diragetse ka Labotlhano.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Mokaptein Majang Skalkie are go begwa fa mokgweetsi a latlhegetswe ke taolo ya sejanaga, mme se ile sa menoga. Skalkie are bapagami ga mmogo le mokgweetsi (61) ba iponetse dikgobalo, mme ba rwaletswe kwa bookelong jo bo gaufi.

“Dipatlisiso di tsweletse,” ga rialo Skalkie.

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Three suspects arrested in connection with bank robbery 

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By BAKANG MOKOTO 

31 October 2026 – The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams has commended the Sannieshof Farmer’s Community in Blue and private security companies as part of E2 (Eyes and Ears of Police) for their swift response and invaluable assistance in identifying and tracing three suspects following a bank robbery reported in Sannieshof on Friday morning, 30 October 2026. Adams said the robbery reportedly occurred at approximately 10:30am when three armed suspects, travelling in a white Toyota Corolla, entered the bank. 

He further said one suspect remained outside while the other two entered the premises. Adams added that one of the suspects proceeded to the Manager’s Office, pointed him with a firearm and instructed him to cooperate.

“The suspects allegedly forced the Bank Manager into the strong room, where he was instructed to place money into bags. The suspects subsequently fled with the money. 

“Following the robbery, police activated a multidisciplinary operation involving E2, the Sannieshof Farmer’s Community in Blue, Sannieshof Visible Policing, Biesiesvlei Visible Policing, Sannieshof Detectives, Lichtenburg and Coligny Police Stations, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Tactical Response Team (TRT) and the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC),” he said.

Adams said the role played by the E2 and Sannieshof Farmer’s Community in Blue proved instrumental in the successful tracing of the suspects. He said through an established network of surveillance cameras monitoring roads leading into and out of Sannieshof, farmers and camera operators assisted police by sharing crucial footage and real time information about the suspects’ movements.

“The surveillance footage assisted police, who followed up on the information and proceeded along the Ottosdal Road, where they spotted a white Hyundai with three occupants. The three suspects aged between 47 and 49, were apprehended and one of the bags and clothing used in the commission of the crime were recovered.

“The suspects will appear before the Delareyville Magistrate’s Court on 2 November 2026, facing charges of bank robbery. The white Toyota Corolla allegedly used during the robbery was subsequently recovered abandoned in Sannieshof,” said Adams.

He said a drone operator and Lichtenburg K9 Unit were activated to assist in searching the area for more evidence. Adams said the case will be investigated by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).

“The collaboration between the SAPS and the greater farming community is truly inspiring and portrays the true spirit of ubuntu. The brave and selfless response by ordinary compatriots to a serious crime in progress is sincerely appreciated. 

“The members of the SAPS in the North West, during my tenure, will be urged to continuously strive to meet the expectations of our demanding but also very responsive and always helpful community. I appreciate the contribution of everyone which led to the apprehension of the three suspects,” he said.

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DA wants to become the biggest political party in SA

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Picture: DA during its national final rally in Tshwane, Gauteng

By STAFF REPORTER

31 October 2026 – There are literally four days left until millions of South Africans take the future of their beautiful country into their own hands. It is only four days left until they can choose five years of building, fixing, progress and getting the country moving.

The leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), Geordin Hill-Lewis who delivered a keynote speech at the party’s national final rally in Tshwane, Gauteng said, the country shares one ambition, which is to build a country where hard work gives them a chance. Hill-Lewis said where the children are safe and where tomorrow holds more promise than yesterday.

He further said that is what this election is about. Hill-Lewis added that today, he is asking South Africans to do something historic, to use this election to make the DA the biggest party in the country.

“The ANC’s decline must become South Africa’s recovery. Let Wednesday be a day that gives hope to millions of people. Let Wednesday be a day to show everyone that our country can still work. Let Wednesday be a day when we say together that our future can be better. On 4 November 2026, give the DA the mandate to start that positive change in more towns and cities than ever before.

“We are within reach of overtaking the ANC nationally. I know it’s a stretch, but with your support it is possible. We are leading in major cities where people have waited far too long for change. This is a two-horse race for first place in South Africa. The ANC or the DA,” he said.

Hill-Lewis said they are going for first place because they know that’s what’s needed to fix the country. However, he said this can only happen if every person who wants change shows up to vote for change.

“We can win this and we must finish the job. Too often, the ANC has found a way back into office through deals with smaller parties. When you vote for change, you deserve to get actual change. Only the DA is big enough to lead the change our country needs.

“And I want you to understand what that ambition represents. It represents the DA’s belief that South Africa can be a country where every child has an opportunity, where hard work is rewarded, where corruption is never tolerated, where communities are safe, and where government delivers for the people it serves,” said Hill-Lewis.

He said that is the future they want to build. Hill-Lewis said that is the hope they offer South Africa.

“And that is the responsibility we are asking South Africans to entrust to us. So, let us unite our votes behind the DA, the only party that can get governments working. The only party that has shown how it can be done. Give us the strength to appoint competent people, to tackle corruption, to repair infrastructure and fix services.

“And to those who already have a DA government I say to you your vote matters more than ever. Because progress takes years to build. It can be destroyed quickly. We must keep the work going. And we must keep building on what has been achieved. By showing up on election day you can help us make that progress possible for millions more South Africans,” he said.

Hill-Lewis said he wants them to turn the places that work into a country that works. He said a country where they, as parents, can look their children in the eye and say, with confidence: “You can build your future here.”

Hill-Lewis said now he wants to speak to those who have never voted for them before, but who are planning on voting for the DA this Wednesday. He said to them, he wants to say, they will not take lightly the decision they are making to vote for a better future.

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NWU Chancellor Dr Anna Mokgokong champions agriculture-led rural transformation

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Picture: Traditional leaders, representatives of the North West provincial government and its Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, NWU representatives, commercial farmers, researchers and industry partners attended the agricultural gathering outside Brits/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

31 October 2026 – The North West University (NWU) Chancellor and Professor of Practice at the NWU Business School, Dr Anna Mokgokong, has called for stronger partnerships between communities, government, academia and the private sector to transform rural economies through agriculture, innovation and enterprise.

Speaking at an agricultural gathering outside Brits on 26 October 2026, Mokgokong highlighted the need to turn rural communities’ land, knowledge and resources into sustainable economic opportunities. She said rural communities should no longer be viewed merely as beneficiaries of development but as active participants in commercially sustainable agricultural value chains.

“The gathering brought together traditional leaders, representatives of the North West provincial government and its Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, researchers, commercial farmers and industry partners.

“Rural transformation required coordinated efforts to connect community resources with scientific research, investment, infrastructure, markets and accountable institutions,” she said.

Mokgokong described agriculture as more than food production, saying it could serve as a catalyst for industrialisation, job creation, entrepreneurship and wealth generation. She stressed the importance of supporting small-scale and emerging commercial farmers to move beyond supplying raw commodities and participate meaningfully across the agricultural value chain.

“This would require improved access to quality seeds, irrigation systems, machinery, financing, storage facilities, technical support and reliable markets.

“The role of mentorship programmes involving established commercial farmers, saying these partnerships could equip emerging producers with practical skills in production planning, soil management, machinery use, record-keeping and meeting buyer requirements,” said Mokgokong.

However, she further said, the ultimate objective should be to develop independent farming enterprises capable of meeting commercial standards rather than creating long-term dependency. Mokgokong added that reliable agreements between farmers and buyers, including malt producers, brewers, millers and food processors, were also identified as important in reducing uncertainty.

“Such agreements should clearly outline product specifications, production volumes, pricing arrangements, delivery schedules and contractual responsibilities before planting begins.

“The gathering also highlighted the strategic role the NWU could play in translating research and academic knowledge into practical agricultural solutions,” she said.

Mokgokong emphasised that research should extend beyond laboratories and field trials to demonstration farms and commercial production. She said theough collaboration with farmers and industry, the university could help improve crop yields, strengthen climate resilience, promote water efficiency, manage pests, improve crop nutrition and reduce post-harvest losses.

“The initiative also presents opportunities for the university to support research into crops such as maize, wheat and barley while strengthening skills in agricultural science, farm management, technology and entrepreneurship.

“By involving students and young people, the NWU could help demonstrate that agriculture is a modern, technology-driven industry encompassing mechanisation, logistics, processing, scientific innovation and business management,” said Mokgokong.

She said the university could further serve as a platform for collaboration between traditional councils, rural communities, government, financiers, established farmers and industry partners. Mokgokong said partnerships would need to respect land rights, customary processes and community interests while establishing clear arrangements for participation, accountability and the sharing of benefits.

“Another key focus was the need to retain more economic value within rural communities by expanding activities beyond primary agricultural production.

“We call for greater investment in agro-processing, including milling, malting, animal-feed production, food processing, packaging, warehousing and logistics,” said Mokgokong.

She said establishing these activities closer to production areas could create employment, stimulate local suppliers and connect rural enterprises to national, regional and international markets where commercially viable. Mokgokong also stressed the importance of balancing export ambitions with domestic food-security needs and demand from local industries.

“The gathering provided a platform for discussions on practical areas of cooperation, including access to suitable land, farmer participation, shared storage facilities, irrigation, production financing, mentorship, research and market access.

“The emphasis was on moving beyond broad development commitments towards measurable results, such as hectares cultivated, farmers supported, jobs created, agricultural volumes produced locally, processing capacity established and the long-term sustainability of rural enterprises,” she said

Mokgokong said at NWU, the initiative presents an opportunity to demonstrate how teaching, research and community engagement can contribute to South Africa’s development priorities. Her vision centres on connecting rural communities’ existing assets — including land, people, knowledge and institutions — with investment, technology and market demand.

“Through sustained partnerships, these resources could help expand agricultural production, stimulate rural industrialisation and create broader economic opportunities for communities across the North West province,” said Mokgokong.

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Kgetsi ya petelelo kgatlhanong le morutabana e buseditswe morago

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

31 Diphalane 2026 – Kgetsi petelelo kgatlhanong le Kabelo Temba (59), yo e leng morutabana kwa sekolong se se potlana sa Busisiwe, e buseditswe morago ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Protea go fitlha ka di 3 Ngwanatsele 2026, gore a dire kopo ya semmuso ya beile. Kgetsi e, e buseditswe morago ga gore mmueledi wa molatofadiwa a kope nakonyana go buisana le Temba.

Temba o ile a thapa mmueledi yo mosha. Temba o latofadiwa ka go betelela moithuti wa dingwaga di le 8 mo mantlwaneng a boithusetso kwa sekolo ka di 6 Diphalane 2026.

Sebueledi sa bosekisi sa NPA kwa Gauteng, Magaboke Mohlatlole are go begwa fa moithuti o, a ne a bolelela mmaagwe ka tiragalo eo mo letsatsing lona leo, mme tiragalo e, e ne ya begwa kwa sepodising ka di 10 Diphalane 2026. Mohlatlole are Temba o ne a ineela kwa sepodising ka di 21 Diphalane 2026, mme morago ga moo a tlhagelela fa pele ga kgotlatshekelo.

“NPA e tla nna kgatlhanong le kopo eo ya beile, ka ntlha ya bomasisi jwa molato o. Go begwa fa ngwana a le mo seemong se se bokoa. Re batla go gatelela gore NPA e sa ntse e ikemiseditse go netefatsa gore melato e e amanang le ditlolomolao tsa thobalano kgatlhanong le bana e sekisiwe ka botswerere.

“NPA e ikemiseditse gape go netefatsa gore ditshwanelo le dikgatlhego tsa batswasetlhabelo ba ba mo maemong a a bokoa di a emelwa ka tshwanelo mo tsamaisong yotlhe ya tshiamiso ya bosenyi,” ga rialo Mohlatlole.

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NPA adds charges against businessman in alleged ABSA vehicle smuggling case

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Picture: embattled North West businessman, Suliman Carrim

By REGINALD KANYANE

30 October 2026 – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has added two charges against embattled North West businessman, Suliman Carrim (49), who is accused of attempting to steal and smuggle two vehicles belonging to ABSA out of South Africa using allegedly fraudulent documents. Carrim briefly appeared before the Musina Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo on Friday, where two additional charges of employing foreign nationals whose immigration status did not permit them to work in South Africa were added to his existing charges.

He is currently facing two counts of attempted theft, two counts of uttering and charges of money laundering. According to the NPA, Carrim allegedly colluded with his employees to steal the two ABSA-owned vehicles by using fraudulent documentation to facilitate their illegal movement across the South African border.

His co-accused, Malawian nationals, Mike Phiri Mussa (41) and Ibrahim Zakes (36), were arrested at the Beitbridge Border Post while allegedly attempting to cross into Zimbabwe with the vehicles. Carrim was arrested on 21 October 2026.

The matter was postponed to 9 November 2026, for the continuation of his bail hearing. He remains in custody.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Limpopo, Mashudu Malabi said the authority remained committed to prosecuting cases involving organised criminal activities, financial crimes and the unlawful movement of assets across the country’s borders. Malabi said the NPA will continue to prosecute offences involving alleged organised criminal activity, financial crime and the unlawful movement of assets across South Africa’s borders, where the evidence supports prosecution.

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North West Treasury steps up efforts to curb UIFW expenditure and strengthen municipal accountability

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Picture: North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi

By OBAKENG MAJE

30 October 2026 – The North West Provincial Treasury has intensified efforts to address unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure (UIFWE) in municipalities, as part of measures to strengthen financial management, improve accountability and protect public resources.

The initiative is being undertaken in collaboration with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and municipalities across the province.

The engagements are aimed at assessing municipal progress in addressing historical UIFWE balances, identifying outstanding compliance challenges and implementing corrective measures to improve financial governance.

North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi, said municipalities must demonstrate tangible progress in addressing UIFWE and ensure that public funds are managed responsibly.

“Municipalities must move beyond reporting UIFWE balances to implementing tangible systems that prevent irregularities, recover losses where applicable and hold those responsible accountable. The focus must be on measurable progress, supported by evidence and effective oversight,” said Mosenogi.

The engagements require municipalities to provide verifiable evidence of progress in addressing UIFWE balances, ensure that expenditure write-offs are lawful and properly supported, strengthen consequence management and demonstrate effective oversight by Municipal Public Accounts Committees (MPACs) and municipal councils.

The initiative comes amid National Treasury interventions involving the withholding of municipal equitable-share transfers.

Section 216(2) of the Constitution provides for the stopping of transfers to an organ of state in circumstances involving a serious or persistent material breach of measures established to ensure transparency and expenditure control, subject to applicable constitutional and legislative requirements.

The provincial engagements are intended to help municipalities address outstanding financial management weaknesses and implement corrective measures ahead of the December 2026 equitable-share tranche.

Chief Director for Municipal Financial Management, Linda Nengovhela, highlighted the importance of establishing effective financial management systems to prevent recurring UIFWE and ensure that allegations of financial misconduct are properly investigated and addressed.

Nengovhela identified Greater Taung Local Municipality as an example of progress in addressing irregular expenditure, while acknowledging that further work is required to deal with fruitless and wasteful expenditure.

She also emphasised the importance of applying Section 32 of the Municipal Finance Management Act, where applicable, to ensure that unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure is investigated and dealt with in accordance with the law.

MPACs were urged to strengthen their oversight responsibilities by scrutinising municipal financial management, examining outstanding UIFWE matters and supporting accountability through appropriate council processes.

The engagements further highlighted the need for outgoing MPACs and relevant municipal structures to maintain credible records and ensure that outstanding matters are properly handed over to their successors. This is intended to safeguard continuity in financial oversight and consequence management.

Municipalities that fail to meet applicable financial management and compliance requirements may face further intervention, including the possible withholding of the December 2026 equitable-share tranche by National Treasury, subject to the relevant statutory processes.

The Provincial Treasury stressed that equitable-share allocations are an important source of funding for municipalities, enabling them to provide essential services to communities.

It said effective financial management, timely corrective action and accountability were critical not only for compliance but also for protecting service delivery and ensuring that public resources benefit communities.