Picture: More than 265 suspects nabbed during Safer Easter Operation Paseka/Supplied
By STAFF REPORTER
14 April 2026 – The unwavering commitment and zero tolerance approach by the police in the Northern Cape was evident during the implementation of the Safer Easter Operation Paseka across all five districts in the province, which resulted in the arrest of 265 suspects. The police said operations under the auspices of Operation Shanela 2 were conducted from 6 until 12 April 2026.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the high density and coordinated interventions consisted of ongoing intelligence-driven actions aimed at combating crime in identified hotspots. Ehlers said during the operation, numerous premises were searched, while a total of 10 133 individuals and 4 531 vehicles were also searched.
“Operational activities included stop-and-search actions, high-visibility patrols, vehicle checkpoints (VCPs) and roadblocks. The police concentrated efforts on road safety, drunk driving and the prevention of trafficking of drugs along the main routes within the province.
“Detectives conducted tracing operations that resulted in the arrest of several wanted suspects who had been evading law enforcement for various offences. Compliance inspections were carried out at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, recycling facilities, firearm dealerships, informal businesses, mines and farms to ensure adherence to relevant legislation,” she said.
Ehlers further said as a result, several unlicensed liquor outlets were shut down due to non-compliance and violation of various regulations. She added that in total, 265 suspects were arrested for offences including drug-related crimes, illegal liquor trading, property related crimes, attempted murder, rape and assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH).
“Large quantities of alcohol and drugs as well as dangerous weapons were confiscated during the operations. The police, together with Community Policing Structures (CPS) and various government departments, conducted awareness campaigns addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV), contact crimes, drug and alcohol abuse, youth safety and other priority trends,” said Ehlers.
Meanwhile, she said the Northern Cape Provincial and District management, welcomed the successful results of the operation and commended the collaborative efforts with other departments and the community. Ehlers said efforts will be sustained beyond the Easter period to ensure that inhabitants and visitors are safe.
Picture: Some of drugs confiscated by the police/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
14 April 2026 – The Namakwa District Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews commended the vigilance and dedication of police members in Calvinia who, through proactive patrol duties, ensured the arrest of four suspects for possession of drugs on Friday. Andrews said while conducting routine patrols, the police observed individuals acting suspiciously upon seeing the police vehicle.
“Their swift and alert action led to the arrest of four suspects aged between 15 and 57 and drugs being seized. The significance of the commendable work by the police members lies not in the monetary value of the drugs confiscated, but in the commitment and passion displayed by these members in ensuring the safety and security of the Calvinia community.
“Their instinct and dedication reflect SAPS’s ongoing commitment to the residents of Calvinia that every effort will be made to safeguard the streets from drugs and criminal activity. This arrest underscores the determination of SAPS to protect communities and maintain public trust through visible policing and decisive action,” he said.
14 April 2026 – The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the sentence of life imprisonment handed down by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court to Mr X from Mamelodi Township, in Pretoria for raping his girlfriend’s daughter (12). The NPA said he was further sentenced to five years imprisonment for sexual assault.
The NPA regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said the court ordered that the sentence of life imprisonment run concurrently with the five-year imprisonment sentence. Mahanjana said between 2022 to 2023, Mr X raped and sexually assaulted his girlfriend’s daughter at their place of residence in Mamelodi.
“This was discovered on 15 May 2023, when the mother of the victim fetched the child from her friend’s place of residence to prepare her to go to school after spending a weekend sleepover at the friend’s place. On arrival at their home, the mother asked why the child did not return home as agreed, the victim informed the mother that her boyfriend had been continuously raping her.
“On the same day, after school, the child went to her father’s place of residence she told her father that her mother’s boyfriend had been raping her. The father of the victim went and reported the matter to the police and after investigations by the police Mr X was arrested,” she said.
Mahanjana further said the victim was taken to Mamelodi Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC), where she received medical, psychological, and legal assistance from the police and prosecutors. She added that in court, the man pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him and denied committing the offences.
“However, the state presented compelling evidence, including the testimony of the victim and her father, which proved his guilt beyond reasonable doubt. During sentencing proceedings, Mr X, through his legal representatives, asked the court to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentences, citing that he is unemployed and also a first-time offender.
“However, the state prosecutor, Vleis Van Zyl argued that Mr X was convicted of a very serious offence that is prevalent not only in the court’s jurisdiction. Furthermore, he said that instead of protecting and looking after the victim, he abused his position of trust and abused her. Van Zyl read into the record a Victim Impact Statement (VIS), where the victim expressed how the incident has negatively affected her emotionally and psychologically,” she said.
Mahanjana said in delivering the sentence, the magistrate agreed with the state that Mr X abused his position of trust as a guardian of the victim. She said therefore, the magistrate found not substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.
“The NPA calls on all South Africans to unite against gender-based violence and to create safe environments where the constitutional rights of children, particularly their right to dignity and safety, are fully protected,” said Mahanjana.
14 April 2026 – A boy (15) was sentenced to three years imprisonment by the Klerksdorp Regional Court for rape. The incident occurred on 16 February 2023.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said a boy (9) was at a soccer field with his friend busy training when the accused threatened the victim and raped him. Skalkie said the accused briefly appeared before the Klerksdorp Regional Court on 24 March 2026, where he was found guilty and sentenced to three years imprisonment.
“The individual will serve his sentence in the Juvenile Section in prison,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Deborah Mmolawa, commended the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Mpho Samuel Mapane, for handling this complex and sensitive case with diligence, resulting in a successful conviction. Mmolawa underscored that the case outcome reflects the justice system’s unwavering stance against sexual offences and its steadfast commitment to safeguarding vulnerable members of society.
14 April 2026 – A man (38) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Klerksdorp Regional Court for raping his cousin. On 14 July 2024, at approximately 4:40am, the victim (44), went to bed and found her boyfriend already asleep in their bed.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said her cousin (38) approached her in the bedroom and she (victim) told him to go and sleep since it was late. Skalkie said while asleep, she felt that someone was being intimate with her and thought it was her boyfriend.
“However, when she opened her eyes, she saw it was her cousin. A rape case was opened at Klerksdorp Police Station for investigation. The accused was further declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of the Firearm Control Act, Act 60 of 2000,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Deborah Mmolawa, commended the diligent work of the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Mpho Portia Mokgosi and all role players within the criminal justice system whose efforts contributed to securing this conviction. She indicated that their dedication highlights the importance of thorough investigations and victim-centred approaches. Mmolawa urged community members to continue working closely with law enforcement agencies by reporting incidents of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and supporting victims in coming forward.
14 April 2026 – A man (27) was sentenced to two life imprisonment for rape and murder. This comes after a woman (45) was found half naked in the street in Lesesele Section in Mabeskraal with serious injuries on 24 April 2022.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said she was taken to a local healthcare facility and later transferred to a hospital, where she passed away while enroute. Skalkie said investigations revealed that Tshepo Motsisi was last seen with the victim and he was traced and arrested at his residence.
“Clothes stained with blood were found in his bedroom, collected and sent to the laboratory for DNA analysis. The analysis indicated that it is the clothes and blood of the deceased, thereafter the accused was charged with rape and murder.
“Further investigation revealed that the accused also committed a murder in 2009, and he was still on parole when he committed this offense. The sentence was handed down by the Mogwase High Court on 10 April 2026,” she said.
Skalkie further said the accused was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment for rape and life imprisonment for murder. She added that both sentences will run concurrently.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Kgomotso Mathambo of Sun City Police Station for securing the conviction and sentencing, supported by advocate Ayanda Mzamo. Naidoo stated that the outcome demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and its partners within the criminal justice system to combat serious and violent crimes, including gender-based violence and femicide.
“This sentence sends a strong message that perpetrators of such heinous crimes will face the full force of the law and that the SAPS in the North West continues its dedication to safeguard all residents and prioritize crimes against women and children,” he said.
Picture: The missing Maditi Wilson Mbetcheni/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
13 April 2026 – The police in Ikageng Police Station are requesting the community’s assistance in locating a missing man, Maditi Wilson Mbetcheni (65) of Mohadin in Potchefstroom. The police said Mbetcheni was last seen by his nephew in September 2010, but was only reported missing in 2022.
The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said a search commenced and extensive investigations were conducted without any positive results. Morake said at the time of his disappearance, Mbetcheni was wearing a short sleeve blue shirt, long brown trousers and brown formal shoes.
“He is light in complexion with an average built body and has black wavy short hair and a black beard. The police request anyone who may have information regarding Maditi Wilson Mbetcheni’s whereabouts to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Kgakgamatso Mutsi on 074 457 4764 or (018) 294 1421.
“Alternatively, call your local police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,” she said.
Picture: An identikit of one of the men who allegedly raped a girl
By REGINALD KANYANE
13 April 2026 – The police in Klerksdorp request the community’s assistance in locating and identifying a man as per attached identikit. The police said it was reported to the police that a victim (15) climbed into the suspect’s Toyota Tazz that was used as a taxi on 5 August 2025.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said inside the vehicle, were two male occupants, the driver and passenger. Skalkie said the two suspects drove with the victim to Manzil Park Cemetery, where they allegedly threaten her before raping her.
“One suspect was wearing a balaclava. The man identified is light in complexion, medium in height and built. He was wearing a red woollen beanie, black padded bomber jacket, dark blue trousers and he spoke Setswana. He is estimated to be about 50 years-old or older.
“The second man is dark in complexion, tall and muscular built. He was wearing a black sweater, light blue trousers, light blue plastic shoes and also spoke Setswana. He is estimated to be 30 years-old or older. He was wearing a balaclava,” she said.
Skalkie further said the police request anyone who may have information that can assist to identify and trace the two men, to contact the Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Maletsa Shole, of Klerksdorp Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit on Cell: 082 568 6909. She added that anonymous information can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smart phone or phone Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
13 April 2026 – The police in Mabeskraal working in close collaboration with various specialised units, has achieved a significant breakthrough following the successful arrest of multiple suspects linked to a house robbery and kidnapping incident reported this week. The police said in the late Wednesday evening, 8 April 2026, a man (64) was kidnapped from his residence in Mabeskraal by a group of seven armed suspects.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the perpetrators allegedly targeted the victim based on information that he had recently received a substantial pension payout. Myburgh said following the incident, an intelligence-led, multidisciplinary operation was immediately launched.
“Through coordinated efforts involving crime intelligence, tactical teams, and local policing units, investigators traced suspects believed to be involved in the crime. On 9 April 2026, the police intercepted a vehicle on the R565 road (between Sun City and Rustenburg) near Boshoek.
“Three suspects were found in possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition, as well as items believed to have been used in the commission of criminal activities, including a vehicle. Further investigation and information obtained led to additional arrests of three more suspects in the Ledig area, found with property linked to the victim,” she said.
Myburgh further said in total, six suspects aged between 30 and 60, were arrested and charged with offences, including kidnapping, house robbery, possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition and possession of suspected stolen property. She added that items recovered during the operation include a firearm, ammunition, cell phones, electronic storage devices and other belongings linked to the victim.
“Further developments in the investigation led to the arrest of a seventh suspect, an estranged wife (49) to the victim, who allegedly played a key role in orchestrating the crime. All seven suspects are expected to appear before the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 13 April 2026, where they will face relevant charges.
“The police investigations remain ongoing, including linking the suspects to other crimes, including armed robberies and business robberies in the Marikana, Mabeskraal, Rustenburg and Mogwase areas,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major Gen (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, has commended all units involved for their swift and coordinated response, highlighting the importance of intelligence-driven operations in combating serious and violent crime. Naidoo said the members of the public are encouraged to report any information that may assist ongoing investigations to their nearest police station, via the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or anonymously via the MySAPS App from your smartphone.
13 April 2026 – The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, has welcomed the recent sentences handed down in five separate cases, including four involving rape and one related to the murder of a girl (3). Naidoo said in the first sentence handed down on 1 April 2026, Moses Madini Twala was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and 10 years imprisonment for assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) by the Lichtenburg Regional Court.
He further said Twala was also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000. Naidoo added that information presented before court indicated that on 22 November 2022, Twala was home at Boikhutso, whilst his girlfriend went to a nearby tuck shop.
“On arrival, an argument ensued between them because he did not believe her when she explained her whereabouts. He then became aggressive and assaulted his girlfriend in front of the children, who started crying and screaming as their mother started to bleed due to the assault. He then hit the youngest child (3), who lost consciousness.
“Twala then took the child to the bathroom and drowned her in the bath tub. After the ordeal, the child was taken to a nearby clinic, where she was declared dead on arrival. This matter was not reported to the police. Two days later one of the traumatised, elder siblings, who witnessed the assault and murder, reported the incident to the police,” he said.
Naidoo said after meticulous investigations done by Constable Tshepang Motone of the Lichtenburg Detectives, supported by the state advocate, Ntebaleng Mabale, Twala was arrested, found guilty and sentenced. He said the second unrelated sentence was handed down on 7 April 2026, after the court heard evidence that in the early hours of the morning on 30 September 2024, a victim (16) was walking home with a friend in Lethabong.
“They were approached from behind by Bongani Piet Maloka (30), who became aggressive and threatened the teenage girls with a knife. He chased the one girl away and forcefully took the other with him to a shack, where she was instructed to climb through the window in order to gain access.
“Maloka followed her inside the shack and ultimately raped her. After Maloka fell asleep, the victim fled from the scene and reported the incident. Maloka was sentenced by the Bafokeng Regional Court to 18 years imprisonment for rape and five years for kidnapping. These sentences will run concurrently,” said Naidoo.
He said Maloka was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, his name was entered in the National Register for Sexual Offenders and he was declared undesirable to work with children. Naidoo said Sergeant Balungile Makaya of Mogwase Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, supported by a prosecutor, worked hard to ensure this success.
“A third and fourth sentence was handed down on 8 April 2026, by the Ganyesa Regional Court, where Johannes Nasky Maruping (37) was sentenced to 15 years and life imprisonment in two separate rape cases reported in Morokweng.
“The sentences will run concurrently, Maruping was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and his name was entered in the National Register for Sexual Offenders. In the first case reported in the evening of Saturday, 4 June 2022, a victim (19) was walking with her sister along the Morokweng main road, when they were approached by four men walking behind them,” he said.
Naidoo said the sisters started to run away, but Maruping, who had a knife, caught one of the sisters and threatened her with a knife. He said Maruping forcefully took her to his residence and raped her.
“In the second case, a grandmother reported that her daughter (15) came home early on Sunday morning, 7 August 2022, and reported that she was raped by a man in Gamokgopa Section in Morokweng, whilst being threatened with a knife.
“Meticulous investigations by Constable Teko Daniel Montwedi of the Provincial Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) Unit, supported by state prosecutor, Seapei Molope, led to this success,” said Naidoo.
He said the last sentence was handed down on 10 April by the Bafokeng Regional Court. Naidoo said the court heard evidence that an accused (52), raped his girlfriend’s 13-year-old daughter after she was sent to his residence in Luka Village in Phokeng on Saturday afternoon, 24 August 2022 to collect containers.
“The accused misled the victim, who was previously raped, that he will restore her virginity by sleeping with her. After reporting this to her mother, the man was arrested on 28 August 2022 and appeared before court and was later granted bail.
“A warrant of arrest was issued after he absconded bail during September 2023.He was re-arrested a few months later in Nanahadi, Phuthaditjhaba in the Free State on 5 November 2025, by a team consisting of Rustenburg FCS and members of Phuthaditjhaba Police Station. A convict was ultimately sentenced to life imprisonment after the state argued that the accused caused secondary trauma to the victim by raping her again and by abusing the trust he had as a step-father,” he said.
Naidoo said furthermore, he was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, his name was entered in the National Register for Sexual Offenders and he was declared undesirable to work with children. He said the Investigating Officer was Warrant Officer Phenyo Cynthia Monchusi of Head Office SECI Unit and the prosecutor, advocate Zola Mpayipheli.
“We commend the investigating officers, prosecutors and all other role players for their collaborative efforts in securing these convictions and sentences. We would also like to motivate community members to not stay silent when Gender Based Violence (GBV) is committed, as this protects the abuser, not the victim,” said Naidoo.
The Guardian 