Police are looking for a missing boy

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Picture: Missing Kago Sahid Mabeka/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

12 March 2026 – The Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit is requesting the public’s assistance in tracing a boy (12), who went missing on 9 February 2026. The police said the missing boy, Kago Sahid Mabeka from Sewendelaan Township, in Delportshoop, was last seen in the company of Zulu-speaking men in Delportshoop who allegedly indicated that they were taking him to Rooikoppies.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said Mabeka is approximately one metre tall, light in complexion and has black curly hair. Litabe said he speaks Setswana and Afrikaans.

“He is known to frequent Long Street in Delportshoop, as well as Barkly West town. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact Warrant Officer Jacob “Duppie” Du Plessis of the Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit on 082 495 4605 or 053 807 6161 or Captain Sabata Tsiu of the same unit can also be contacted on 082 874 4616.

“The public is reminded that there is no waiting period to report a person missing,” he said.

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Northern Cape MEC for COGHSTA, Bentley Vass meets with Sol Plaatje Local Municipality whips amid mayhem

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Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for COGHSTA, Bentley Vass

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

12 March 2026- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass, today convened a meeting with the Whips of political parties represented in the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality Council after a special council sitting was unable to proceed due to disruptions. Vass, acting in terms of Section 154 of the Constitution which mandates that national and provincial governments support, strengthen and capacitate municipalities to manage their own affairs and perform their functions, expressed grave concern about the conduct of certain councillors, which led to the breakdown of the council meeting.

He further said the Whips presented challenges and proposed solutions to stabilise governance and the administrative leadership of the municipality. Vass added that the people of Sol Plaatje Local Municipality deserve a stable, functional and capable municipality that can deliver good quality services to our communities.

“Political differences must never come at the expense of the residents we serve. The council needs to find common ground and prioritise service delivery at both the administrative and council levels,” he said.

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Police call on shop owners to be wary of shoplifting

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By REGINALD KANYANE

12 March 2026- The police in the Northern Cape urge business owners, employees and members of the public to work together in preventing shoplifting, that remains a prevalent property related crime that affects retail businesses, where clothing, groceries and other items are stolen. The police said it does not only lead to financial losses, but also threatens jobs and the sustainability of businesses.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the police have noted with concern the occurrence of this type of crime across all the five districts of the province. Litabe said it is for this reason that the police encourage the implementation of safety hints to reduce incidents of shoplifting.

“Retailers should ensure that shops are well lit and neatly arranged to eliminate blind spots. Install visible CCTV cameras and warning signage to deter criminal activity. Train employees to be vigilant and to identify suspicious behaviour. Limit the number of customers inside the store during peak hours where possible. Secure high-value items in locked display cabinets or behind counters.

“Conduct regular stock counts to quickly identify losses. Encourage staff to greet customers, as visibility discourages criminal intent. Employees should remain alert at all times and avoid distractions such as excessive cell phone use. Do not confront suspects aggressively; rather report suspicious activity to management or security. Immediately report shoplifting incidents to the police,” he said.

He further said the public should not support or participate in shoplifting in any form. Litabe added that they should report suspicious behaviour to store personnel or the police.

“Parents and guardians are urged to educate children about the legal consequences of shoplifting. SAPS calls on communities, business owners and consumers to form partnerships aimed at protecting businesses and promoting lawful behaviour. Anyone with information related to shoplifting incidents is encouraged to report it to their nearest police station or anonymously via the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or alternatively via the MySAPS App.

“Together, we can create safer shopping environments for all,” said Litabe.

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A man jailed after robbing a boy R200  

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By REGINALD KANYANE

12 March 2026 – A man (25) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Victoria West Regional Court for robbery with aggravating circumstances. The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on 13 August 2025, when the accused robbed a victim (12) of R200, while the child was on his way to a supermarket in Victoria West to purchase groceries.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said it is reported that the accused approached the victim and demanded money. Litabe said when the victim indicated that he did not have any money, the accused produced an Okapi knife and pressed it against the victim’s chest.

“The accused then searched the victim and took the R200 note that was intended for groceries. After committing the robbery, he instructed the victim to run and not look back. The victim complied with the instruction, but managed to observe a distinctive tattoo on the side of the suspect’s neck, which later proved to be a crucial detail in tracing the suspect.

“Upon arriving at home, the victim reported the incident to his guardian, who subsequently informed the police. A case of robbery with aggravating circumstances was registered at Victoria West Police Station and assigned to Detective Sergeant Mojalefa Mokitimi for investigation,” he said.

Litabe further said through meticulous investigative work, the detective successfully traced and arrested the suspect. He added that the accused appeared in court on several occasions until the case was finalised on 10 March 2026, when he was convicted and sentenced.

“In addition to the sentence, the accused was declared unfit to possess a firearm,” said Litabe.

Meanwhile, the Pixley ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, welcomed the sentence and commended Mokitimi for his dedication and commitment in ensuring that the accused was held accountable for his criminal actions.

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Seven suspects nabbed during Operation Vala Umgodi

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Picture: The police confiscated some items during raids/Supplied  

By AGISANANG SCUFF

12 March 2026 – High-density disruptive actions under Operation Vala Umgodi, focusing on hotspot areas linked to illegal mining activities in Kimberley, continue to intensify. As part of these efforts, a multi-disciplinary team arrested seven suspects aged between 29 and 73 on 11 March 2026.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the suspects were apprehended for illegal mining, trespassing and contravention of the Immigration Act during ongoing police operations aimed at curbing illegal mining activities in the Frances Baard District. Shemane said during the operation conducted at a mining site in Kimberley, the police discovered that the suspects did not possess valid mining permits to operate and had not been granted permission by the owner to conduct mining activities on the property.

“The suspects were subsequently arrested. The police officers attached to Operation Vala Umgodi also confiscated various tools and equipment believed to have been used in the commission of illegal mining activities. The suspects are expected to appear in court soon.

“Multi-disciplinary operations targeting illicit mining will continue, with increased police visibility aimed at stabilising and normalising affected areas, as well as reclaiming communities from illegal mining activities,” he said.

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A man nabbed for allegedly killing elderly women

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

12 March 2026 – A man (22) from Dithakong village, near Kuruman was arrested by the police in Bothitong on Tuesday, for the alleged brutal murder of elderly women aged 61 and 92. The police were informed of the incident that took place at approximately 12:00 on the same day.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said upon arrival at the scene, the police found both of the victims lying in a pool of blood with open wounds to the head and face respectively. Litabe said the 61-year-old female was declared deceased at the scene, while the elderly victim was taken to hospital, where she later succumbed due to the injuries sustained during the attack.

“The suspect is charged for two counts of murder and is expected to appear in court soon,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting John Taolo Gaetsewe District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, condemned this gruesome murder and commended the members for the swift arrest of the suspect. Baloyi said such acts of violence against women in the communities must be condemned by society and will not be tolerated in JTG and perpetrators thereof will be dealt with decisively.

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SAFA, Standard Bank announce partnership to power South African football

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Picture: SAFA, Standard Bank announce partnership to power South African football/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

12 March 2026 – The South African Football Association (SAFA) and Standard Bank have announced a landmark sponsorship that will see Africa’s largest bank by assets become an official partner, supporting Bafana Bafana, Banyana Banyana and grassroots national teams from 2026 and beyond. The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for South Africa, with Bafana Bafana set to compete on the grandest global stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026.

Former Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions Sasol Banyana Banyana are also preparing to contest the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations this year.

SAFA CEO, Lydia Monyepao said: “This partnership reflects the kind of investment that South African football needs. Standard Bank’s support will strengthen the competitiveness of our national teams and development structures as they represent our country on the continental and world stage.”

David Hodnett, CEO of Standard Bank South Africa said for Standard Bank, the sponsorship is a natural extension of our commitment to South Africa. Hodnett said football remains the most widely followed sport in South Africa, playing a unique role in uniting communities and inspiring national pride aligned to their purpose, “Africa is our home, we drive her growth”.

“Standard Bank’s partnership with SAFA builds on decades of supporting sport initiatives, from junior ranks through to national levels. Through this partnership, the bank is investing in the aspirations of a nation and its people, and that aligns squarely with our purpose of driving Africa’s growth.

“The people who fill those stadiums and paint the cities green and gold are our clients and they come from the communities we serve every day,” continues Hodnett.

Meanwhile, the South African national teams continue to deliver inspired performances on the field. Bafana Bafana finished with a bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations before qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Banyana Banyana are the 2022 Women’s African champions and showed a competitive spirit at the 2023 Women’s FIFA World Cup.

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NPA requests all dockets linked to a political fixer, Brown Mogotsi

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Picture: Political fixer, Brown Mogotsi

By OBAKENG MAJE

12 March 2026- The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has requested the South African Police Service (SAPS) in North West to furbish it with all dockets related to the political fixer, Brown Mogotsi. This comes amid Mokgosi’s testimony at the Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations made by the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that SAPS, Justice and NPA have been infiltrated by criminal cartel.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said a request was received from the NPA for all dockets relating to Mogotsi. Myburgh said there are quite a number of them.

“There are more than 10 dockets ranging from kidnapping, murder, assault, reckless and negligent driving, assault GBH and defeating the ends of justice to mention a few. The murder case was reported on 16 December 2011.

“The victim, Buthi Jan Mothusi (35) was allegedly assaulted by Mogotsi, who was 32 at the time of the incident. He died later the same day at a local clinic. On 13 October 2022, the case was withdrawn by NPA,” she said.

Meanwhile, the NPA regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said: “We can confirm that the NPA has requested all the dockets linked to Mogotsi from SAPS. We are still waiting for those dockets.”

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Police officer dies in a horrific accident, three ferried to hospital

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Picture: The deceased, Constable Shalone Shandrey Meyer/Facebook 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

12 March 2026 –The South African Police Service (SAPS) management in North West said it is saddened by the death of Constable Shalone Shandrey Meyer (37), who lost her life during a motor vehicle accident that occurred early on Wednesday morning on the N12 road, near Stilfontein. It is alleged that four police officers were travelling in a state motor vehicle (Nissan Lavina) when the driver lost control over the vehicle and collided with a tree.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adéle Myburgh said Meyer, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was declared dead on the scene by Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS), whilst the three other police officers, two males and one female, aged between 24 and 33, were airlifted to a Gauteng hospital for treatment, after sustaining serious injuries.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased member and wished the three injured members a speedy recovery.

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SAFA clarifies related party loans in draft financial statements

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Picture: SAFA president, Danny Jordaan

By REGINALD KANYANE

12 March 2026 – The South African Football Association (SAFA) wishes to categorically set the record straight and dispel the misleading narrative currently circulating regarding related party loan balances amounting to R1.774 million as reflected in the draft Audited Annual Financial Statements (Note 19 – Related Parties) that were scheduled for discussion at the previous National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

SAFA president, Danny Jordaan said contrary to the insinuations being made by some NEC members who are clearly ‘hellbent’ on ‘tarnishing’ the image of the association, these amounts do not represent irregular payments or advances of funds to NEC members, or unauthorised benefits and undisclosed transactions. Jordaan said they arise from the National Executive Committee (NEC) Motor Vehicle Scheme, a structured governance support programme implemented by SAFA in 2015.

“Under this scheme, SAFA secured a loan facility from a financial institution to procure vehicles on behalf of NEC members who voluntarily elected to participate. The vehicles were acquired by the Association and allocated to participating members strictly in terms of signed loan agreements between SAFA and the respective NEC members.

“These agreements clearly stipulate that the participating NEC members are fully responsible for reimbursing SAFA for the value of the vehicles. It is therefore important to emphasise that these are recoverable amounts, governed by legally binding agreements, and not grants or financial benefits as some have misleadingly suggested,” he said.

Jordaan further said they must also state that this NEC Members Vehicle Scheme was a once-off arrangement and is no longer available. He added that equally concerning is the fact that some of the individuals now attempting to cast aspersions on this scheme were beneficiaries of this NEC Motor Vehicle Scheme.

“They participated and benefited fully from these arrangements when the vehicles were procured. Their current posture therefore raises serious questions about the motives behind the deliberate mischaracterisation of this matter. SAFA will not allow misinformation, selective interpretation of financial statements or disclosures, or politically motivated narratives to undermine the integrity of the association or its governance structures.

“The association reiterates that the scheme was implemented through formal agreements and established financial processes in 2015. SAFA remains committed to transparency and accountability in all financial matters and will continue to provide clarity where necessary regarding the administration of its programmes,” said Jordaan.

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