30 October 2026 – The embattled Konka Tavern operating in Taung CBD has been shut down due to non-compliance. This comes after a multi-stakeholder inspection by municipal officials, environmental health practitioners and South African Police Service (SAPS), for allegedly trading without a valid liquor licence or permit.
It is alleged that the North West Liquor Board (NWLB), conducted a compliance monitoring operation in Taung as part of its ongoing efforts to ensure liquor establishments comply with the law and their licence conditions.
According to allegations, inspectors uncovered several cases of non-compliance.
The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “Yes, it is true that we have shut down the Konka Tavern in Taung. This comes after we conducted a compliance inspection on 28 October 2026. It was found that the business was not in compliance with the North West Liquor Act.
“We are heading towards the festive season. So, intensified compliance operations will be conducted and thorough scrutinization of operating licences by designated liquor officers in collaboration with liquor board inspectors will take place.”
Picture: Dagga seized by the police during arrest/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
30 October 2026 – A suspect (21) was arrested in Christiana for dealing in dagga. This comes after the police seized 4.654kg of compressed dagga on 28 October 2026.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said the arrest followed a tip-off received by the police about a person allegedly in possession of a large quantity of dagga. Skalkie said the police followed up on the information and located the suspect, Lusanda Nhlangothi (21), along the N12 road close to Christiana.
“Upon searching the suspect, police discovered two 20-litre drums in his possession. The drums were searched and several packages were found inside. Upon inspection, the packages were found to contain compressed dagga. The dagga was confiscated and Nhlangothi was subsequently arrested and charged with possession of dagga.
“Nhlangothi briefly appeared before the Christiana Magistrate’s Court on 29 October 2026, and the case was postponed to 5 November 2026, for a bail application, while the accused was remanded in custody,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, commended the police for acting on the information received and preventing the suspected illegal distribution of drugs.
Picture: Community members during stock-theft engagement/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
30 October 2026 – The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West on Friday, welcomed the draft comprehensive stock theft prevention strategy proposed by the Kgomo Modimo-Wa-Gae (KMWG) Anti-Crime Community Based Organisation as a positive step towards strengthening rural safety. The civil society led movement promoting the Charter of Positive Values remarked that the proposed strategy will contribute towards reducing stock theft threatening food security, as well as livelihoods including rural economies and significantly reduce frustration experienced by rural communities that has led to incidents of vigilantism.
MRM provincial convenor, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said the engagement was held at the Disaneng Tribal Hall in Disananeg village, outside Mahikeng on Thursday. Kgwele said they are confident that the document tabled to stakeholders has laid the foundation for a consultative province-wide inclusive engagement to strengthen crime prevention for effective partnerships, as well collaboration and implementation of new strategies to tackle the scourge of stock theft threatening subsistence and commercial farmers.
“Ratlou Local Municipality, representatives of the Batlharo Boo Tokwana Ba Ga Masibi Traditional Council, the South African Police Service (SAPS), Crime Prevention Forum (CPF), as well as local farmers including MRM Provincial Committee Members, Pastor Kabelo Mothibedi and Mma-Kgosi Gosiame Seatlholo, were part of the engagement.
“We are encouraged by the mayor of Ratlou Local Municipality, Matlhomola Jafta’s commitment that the process to develop municipal by-laws that will address among others movement of livestock as well as establishment of a local pond is underway,” he said.
Kgwele further said improved police visibility, the use of technology such as cameras and drones, livestock tracking technologies, establishment of village livestock forums, cooperation with neighbouring commercial farmers to establish access protocols to support lawful investigations, were proposed by KMG Coordinator David Collins as immediate intervention measures. He expressed confidence that engagement with relevant authorities will ensure that the provincial dialogue to address stock theft impoverishing farming rural communities with key stakeholders is prioritized.
“The anticipated spike in stock theft cases ahead of the festive season must be proactively tackled through intensified visible policing within identified hotspot areas supported by vigilance across all farming communities. KMWG alleged that the criminal syndicates behind the stock theft involve butchers supplying the informal business sector within and outside the province including unscrupulous commercial farmers, some of whom have been arrested,” added Kgwele.
Meanwhile, the Ngaka Modiri Molema SAPS District Community Policing Officer and Coordinator (CPOC), Captain Kefilwe Kgositau and Makgobistad acting Station Commissioner, Warrant Officer Sehularo Thwane, appealed for cooperation, but warned against vigilantism reassuring stakeholders that police will not leave any stone unturned, if credible information is shared with them.
30 October 2026 – The Provincial Organised Crime Investigation team and Provincial Crime Intelligence in North West, successful took down an operation conducted under Project Dubula, which resulted in the arrest of five suspects and the seizure of drugs with an estimated street value of more than R350 000. The operation was conducted in the early hours of Wednesday, 28 October 2026, at approximately 6am, following an investigation initiated in August 2024 into four identified targets suspected of involvement in drug dealing.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said during the operation, the police executed four warrants of arrest and four search-and-seizure warrants against the identified targets. Skalkie said the operation resulted in the arrest and detention of five suspects, including an additional suspect identified during the investigation in Khuma Township, near Stilfontein and Klerksdorp.
“The suspects aged between 21 and 45, are facing various drug-related charges, including dealing in drugs and possession of drugs. The operation yielded significant results with drugs including crystal methamphetamine, Mandrax and kat recovered or linked to the cases under investigation. One of the suspects, Ifegdu Chinedu (35), also known as “Mike”, was arrested in connection with three drug-related cases registered in Klerksdorp.
“Furthermore, he also violated parole conditions as he was found guilty and convicted twice in the past for drug-related charges. He was remanded in custody after his appearance before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 29 October 2026,” she said.
Skalkie further said the case was postponed until 12 November 2026. She added that the drugs involved in these three cases have an estimated value of R47 500 and a street value of R250 000.
“The remaining suspects were arrested in connection with cases registered in Khuma. The investigation also led to the identification and arrest of an additional suspect for alleged possession of drugs. The four other suspects appeared before the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on 29 October 2026.
“The accused, Papikio Piet Mofokeng (45), who also has three pending cases against him, was remanded in custody until 13 November 2026, for a formal bail application. Mamosese Anna Hlahane (35) was granted bail of R2000 and her case was remanded to 13 November 2026,” said Skalkie.
She said Mohau Moyikwa (21) was granted bail of R1000 and the next court appearance will be on 16 November 2026. Skalkie said Gerrie Petrus Moyikwa (45) was remanded in custody until 13 November 2026.
“As part of the ongoing investigation, the police are pursuing further operational measures, including the seizure of two vehicles belonging to the accused persons. Three properties linked to the accused persons have also been identified as part of the investigation,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, applauded the police involved in the operation, emphasising that the SAPS remains committed to dismantling drug-dealing networks and disrupting the supply of illegal substances in communities across the province. Adams said drug dealing fuels other forms of crime, undermines the safety of the communities and exposes young people to the devastating consequences of substance abuse.
“The success of Project Dubula demonstrates our determination to identify, investigate and bring those suspected of participating in these criminal activities before the courts. We further urge community members to continue working with the police by providing information about suspected drug dealing activities.
“Such information can be shared with the police or anonymously through the SAPS Crime Stop line on 08600 10111 or the MySAPS App,” he said.
30 October 2026 – A man (26) was sentenced to 19 years imprisonment by the Stilfontein Regional Court for killing his own father (65). The incident occurred on 15 February 2025, at approximately 4:30am at a local church in Stilfontein.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said the priest reportedly received a telephone call from neighbours informing him that the deceased had allegedly been attacked by his son, Samuel Xaba. Skalkie said the victim was reportedly assaulted multiple times on the face and head with a piece of wood.
“In an attempt to escape the attack and seek assistance, he ran outside but collapsed near the gate, where he succumbed to his injuries. The neighbours alerted the priest, who subsequently notified the police about the incident. The accused fled the scene following the attack. However, the police acted swiftly and managed to trace and arrest him later that morning,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, welcomed the sentence and mentioned that the murder of a family member is a tragic and devastating incident that leaves families and communities traumatised. Adams commended Detective Sergeant Thekisa Johannes Masoane for the investigative work done as well as the state prosecutor, Chris Kok who contributed to ensuring that the accused was brought to justice.
“The accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, following his sentencing on Friday,” he said.
30 Diphalane 2026 – Monna (28) o atlholetswe botshelo jotlhe kwa kgolegelong ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Molopo morago ga go betelela lekgarebe (22) la gagwe la pele matlhetlho a le mabedi. Go begwa fa ka di 26 Diphalane 2024, Olebogeng Nyaqela le motswasetlhabelo ba ne ba kopana kwa lefelong la bojalwa kwa motseng wa bone.
Sebueledi sa bosetshaba sa bosekisi mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Lindiwe Mabasa are ka nako eo, ba ne ba setse ba fedisitse kamano ya bone ya dingwaga di le supa. Mabasa are moragonyana, ba ne ba palama sejanaga sa tsala ya ga Nyaqela, e e neng ya ba folosa gaufi le magae a bone ka gonne ba ne ba nna mo mafelong a a bapileng.
“Go na le gore Nyaqela a letle motswasetlhabelo go ya kwa gabo, o ne a mo goga a mo isa kwa ntlong ya gagwe kwa a neng a mo betelela teng. Motswasetlhabelo o ne a kgona go tshaba, mme a ya go kopa thuso kwa kliniking e e gaufi a sa apara diaparo.
“Ka nako ya tsheko, mmueledi wa puso, Kefentse Diseko, o ne a tlhalosa gore Nyaqela o ne a dirisa botlhatswa tshepo e e neng e le teng ka ntlha ya kamano ya bone ya pele. Motswasetlhabelo o ne a mo tshepile, ebile a lebeletse gore o tla fitlha kwa gabo a babalesegile,” Mabasa wa tlhalosa.
Mabasa are Nyaqela o ne a ganetsa ditatofatso tseo, a re tlhakanelodikobo e diragetse ka tumalano. Mabasa are le fa go ntse jalo, lekgotlha le ne la gana tlhaloso ya gagwe, gonne le fitlhetse bosupi jwa motswasetlhabelo bo dumalana ebile bo ikanyega.
“Lekgotla le ne la swetsa ka gore motswasetlhabelo o supile molato wa gagwe ntle le pelaelo epe e e utlwalang. Mo nakong yotlhe ya tsheko, motswasetlhabelo o ne a newa tshegetso ya maikutlo le ya loago ke Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC).
“Modiredi wa Thuso ya Batlhaselwa, Nkhensani Baloyi, o ne a mo thusa go netefatsa gore o ipaakanyeditse sentle mo maikutlong le gore o bona tshegetso ka nako ya fa kgetsi e ntse e sekwa. Morago ga go bonwa molato wa petelelo makgetlho a le mabedi, Nyaqela o ne a atlholelwa botshelo jotlhe kwa kgolegelong,” ga rialo Mabasa.
Mabasa are gape lekgotla le ne la itsise fa Nyaqela a sa tshwanela go nna le sethunya ka fa molaong, mme la laela gore leina la gagwe le tsenngwe mo Rejisetareng ya Bosetšhaba ya Badiraphoso ba Melato ya Tlhakanelodikobo. Mabasa are bothati jwa bosetšhaba jwa botšhotšhisi (NPA), bo amogetse katlholo eno, bo gatelela botlhokwa jwa go tsaya dikgato tse di gagametseng kgatlhanong le tirisodikgoka ya bong le go netefatsa gore badiraphoso ba ikarabela ka ditiro tsa bone.
“Katlholo eno e bontsha gore tsamaiso ya bosiamisi jwa bosenyi e tsaya ka masisi dikgetsi tsa tirisodikgoka ya bong le dipolao tsa basadi (GBVF), segolobogolo tirisodikgoka ya tlhakanelodikobo e e dirwang mo dikamanong tsa baratani.
“NPA e tswelela go itlama go sekisa ka matlhagatlhaga melato ya tlhakanelodikobo le ya GBVF, go netefatsa gore badiraphoso ba ikarabela fa batswasetlhabelo bone ba bona tshegetso e e maleba mo tsamaisong yotlhe ya bosiamisi jwa bosenyi,” ga rialo Mabasa.
30 October 2026 – The South African U15 Boys National team experienced mixed results on the penultimate of the inaugural FIFA U15 Boys World Cup and Festival currently underway in Baku, Azerbaijan. On Thursday morning, the South African juniors defeated Malaysia 5-1 to set a clash against Ivory Coast in the afternoon.
But things did not go according to plan in the second fixture as they went down 4-3 in a very tight encounter. The result means head coach Selekedi Mogale’s charges will now face Niger in their last match of the tournament, playing for position 43 or 44 in the youth competition.
The fixture against the West Africans will kick off at 7am SA Time.
The last day of the FIFA U15 Boys World Cup and Festival will also see several finals taking place, from Tier A – which will produce the winner of the tournament – all the way to Tier F with teams playing for positions. Spain and the Czech Republic will battle it out for the honours of being crowned the first ever U15 Boys World Cup champions.
The event has been running from 24 October and will conclude on 30 October 2026 after close to 1000 matches played in a 8v8 format for a 20min duration each half.
Picture: Social Development’s Specialist Social Services acting Chief Director Hessie Wiessie opens men and boys dialogue in Ganyesa
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
30 October 2026 – Men and boys have been urged to become positive role models in their families and communities, promote responsible manhood and take a firm stand against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). The call was made during a Men and Boys Dialogue held at Ganyesa Community Hall in Ganyesa, where participants engaged in discussions aimed at addressing social challenges affecting men and boys and encouraging positive behavioural change.
The dialogue which was organised by North West Department of Social Development on Thursday, covered a range of issues, including positive masculinity and responsible manhood, fatherhood and mentorship, HIV and AIDS prevention, teenage pregnancy prevention, healthy lifestyles, positive male influence and the prevention of GBV.
Leading the dialogue, the acting Chief Director for Specialist Social Services, Hessie Wiessie said the North West Department of Social Development continued to invest in the lives of boys and young men through its Men and Boys Championing Change programmes. Wiessie said these are social and behaviour change programmes aimed at addressing and eradicating Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), HIV and AIDS, and other social ills affecting communities.
“During the current financial year, the department had funded non-profit organisations (NPOs) to conduct dialogues that address challenges faced by men, including healthy living, responsible fatherhood and gender-based violence.
“Too often, cases of GBV reported in the media involve men and boys as perpetrators. We cannot afford to remain silent while these challenges continue to affect our families and communities. It is time for us to educate one another, take responsibility for our actions and instil good morals in the boy child,” she said.
Wiessie emphasised that raising boys to become responsible men required the collective involvement of families, communities and other stakeholders. She said men in particular, were encouraged to lead by example, guide young boys and create safe spaces where they could learn about respect, accountability and healthy relationships.
“One of the expected outcomes of the dialogue was to see more men becoming positive role models and influencers in their communities, including taking an active interest in mentoring boys and guiding them towards responsible adulthood. Mentorship was essential in helping boys develop positive values, make informed decisions and understand their role in preventing violence and promoting the well-being of others.
“At the conclusion of the dialogue, participating men made a pledge to fight gender-based violence in their communities and committed themselves to refusing to turn a blind eye when incidents of abuse occur. The pledge reinforced the message that preventing GBV requires collective responsibility, with men and boys playing an active role in challenging harmful behaviours, supporting survivors and promoting respect and equality,” said Wiessie.
She said through its Men and Boys Championing Change programmes, the Department of Social Development continues to encourage positive masculinity, strengthen responsible fatherhood and mentorship, and mobilise men and boys to become agents of positive social change.
30 October 2026 – The African National Congress (ANC) said it condemns in the strongest terms the recent rise of Islamophobia in South Africa, including the hateful rhetoric directed at Muslims in public life and on social media. The party said Muslims have actively participated in the liberation movement from the days of Dr Yusuf Dadoo, Moulvi Cachalia, Rahima Moosa, Imam Abdullah Haron, Fatima Meer and Ahmed Kathrada to Dullah Omar and have helped build this nation in every sphere.
ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu said an attack on any South African because of their faith is an attack on all of them. Bhengu said the violent threats against the Muslim community pose a danger to national security, fuels hatred and create a climate of hostility as the country approaches the local government elections.
“The ANC’s commitment to non-racialism and religious freedom is the foundation of the democratic state we fought to build. The Freedom Charter declares that South Africa belongs to all who live in it and our Constitution guarantees every person equality, dignity and the right to practise their religion without fear.
“Those who stoke fear of Muslims betray these founding principles and seek to divide a nation that has paid too high a price for its unity. We are alarmed by the organised and coordinated nature of this hatred, driven by networks of bigotry that seek to import division into our democracy. The state must investigate who is behind it and who is funding it,” she said.
Bhengu further said the law enforcement agencies must investigate these threats and bring to book perpetrators. She added that they reject bigotry in all its forms, whether directed at Muslims, Jews, Christians, Hindus, African traditional believers or any other community.
“Relevant institutions, including the South African Human Rights Commission and the Equality Courts are called upon to act swiftly against hate speech and incitement, and we further call on all political and religious leaders to refuse to profit from division.
“We will continue to work with Muslim organisations and all faith communities to protect the right of every South African to live, worship and thrive in safety. South Africa is home to all its people, and the ANC will defend that promise,” concluded Bhengu.
30 October 2026 – Kagisho Muriel Modisenyane who is a principal at Matlhonyane Primary School in Mahikeng, was allegedly stabbed by a man. The North West Department of Education said it has learnt with deep concern of a violent incident.
The acting North West MEC for Education, Kenetswe Mosenogi said the preliminary information indicates that, the suspect who is reported to be a former learner at the school, allegedly went to the school and demonstrated a bullying act to a Grade 6 learner near the school premises. Mosenogi said it is further alleged that the matter may have been linked to the suspected peddling of substances to the learner.
“The principal reportedly intervened in the incident, during which she was violently attacked and stabbed with an object. She sustained severe injuries and is currently receiving medical attention at a local private hospital. It is further alleged that, after being alerted to the incident, the police proceeded to the suspect’s home, where they found him attempting to take his own life.
“Following an unsuccessful attempt, the suspect reportedly stabbed himself. He is currently admitted to Mahikeng Provincial Hospital and is reportedly under arrest. We condemn this brutal attack in the strongest possible terms. Schools must remain safe spaces where learners and educators can teach and learn without fear of violence, intimidation or exposure to harmful substances,” she said.
Mosenogi further emphasised that the safety and well-being of learners and educators remain a priority for the department, especially during this critical time when it is facing the final examinations to conclude the 2026 academic cycle. She added that any allegations of bullying, substance peddling or violence involving school communities must be treated with the utmost seriousness and addressed through the appropriate law enforcement and school safety mechanisms.
“The department wishes Modisenyane a full and speedy recovery and extends its thoughts to her family, colleagues, learners and the broader school community during this distressing time. As this is a developing matter, the department will continue to monitor developments and provide further information as verified details become available.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident remain subject to police investigation and the department urges the public to refrain from circulating unverified information,” said Mosenogi.
