20 April 2026 – The Northern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works urges all road users to exercise extreme caution following recent rainfall in the Hantam Region of the Namakwa District. The department said several gravel roads in the area are currently wet, muddy, and highly slippery, posing a serious risk to motorists.
The Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong said these conditions increase the likelihood of accidents, vehicle breakdowns and significant damage to road infrastructure. Makatong said heavy-duty vehicles, particularly truck drivers, are strongly advised not to use wet and muddy gravel roads at this time.
“Doing so may result in vehicles becoming stuck and further deterioration of already vulnerable road surfaces. Motorists travelling on the Swartkop to Onderste Doornrivier (DR281) Road are advised not to turn off at the Hoezar Farm intersection, but continue straight onto the DR2978.
“This route provides a safer connection to the Van Wyksvlei–Brandvlei Road. The department appeals to all road users to cooperate during this period. Your compliance is critical in safeguarding lives, preserving infrastructure, and ensuring safe passage for all,” she said.
Picture: Close-up of man holding knife smeared with blood and still dripping/Generic
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
20 April 2026 – A man (21) was sentenced to 18 year imprisonment by the Port Nolloth Regional Court for murder. On 14 June 2025, there was an argument between the deceased’s brother and the accused, Devon Carlito Jospeh in Sizamile, Port Nolloth.
The Namakwa Police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the deceased (16), intervened and was subsequently stabbed with a knife by the accused. Magerman said the accused was furthermore declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, commended the outstanding investigative work done by Detective Constable Denver Van Den Heever, based at the Port Nolloth FCSS Unit. Andrews said the meticulous and dedicated efforts of Detective Constable Van Den Heever were instrumental in building a compelling case that secured this significant conviction and brought justice to the family of the victim.
20 Moranang 2026 – Monna wa dingwaga di le 27 o atlholetswe dingwaga di le 15 kwa ntlo lefitshwana morago ga petelelo. Mmeteledi, Thulani Mathuka o ile a tshwarwa morago ga go betelela mosadi wa dingwaga di le 41.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, mokaptein Majang Skalkie are tiragalo e, ke ya di 30 Sedimonthole 2024 ka ura ya 9:55 mo bosigong. Skalkie are go begwa fa mosadi o, a ne a lebile kwa legae la gagwe go tswa kwa ntlung e rekisang nnotagi fa a ne a kgorogelwa ke molatofadiwa.
“Go begwa fa Mathuka a ile a mo gogela kwa mogwafatshe wa gagwe kwa a ileng a mo betelela gone. Mathuka o ile a tshwarwa fa kgwedi ya Sedimonthole e tlhola matsatsi a le 31 ka ngwaga wa 2024.
“Fa kgwedi ya Moranang 2026 e ne e tlhola matsatsi a le 14, Mathuka o ile a tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya sedika ya Koster kwa a ileng a bonwa molato le go atlholelwa dingwaga di le 15 gone,” Skalkie wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, mokomishinara sepodisi wa nama-o-tshwere mono Bokone Bophirima, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, o ile a akgola mmatlisisi wa kgetsi, Detective Constable Beauty Mogapi. Naidoo are sepodisi se tlile go tswelela ka go bolotsa ntwa kgatlhanong le tshotlakako ya bong.
Picture: Six rolls of copper cables confiscated by the police/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
20 April 2026 – Damage of and or tampering with essential infrastructure remains a priority for the police in the Northern Cape. Efforts by the police to curb and prevent these related crimes were evident when members of D relief of the Kimberley Flying Squad responded to a report of a white Nissan NP 200 bakkie allegedly transporting stolen cables en route to Kimberley via the R367 road from the direction of Douglas during the early hours of Friday, 17 April 2026.
The Flying Squad members responded and proceeded to the location that the identified vehicle was travelling. The bakkie was spotted , pursued and stopped. As the vehicle came to a standstill, the passenger exited the vehicle and fled into veld, while the driver was apprehended and the vehicle searched.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien said upon searching the bakkie, the police discovered six rolls of copper cables, which the driver could not account for. Gamieldien said the estimated value of the copper cables amounts to R100 000.
“The driver was subsequently arrested. A case of possession of suspected stolen property was registered at Kimberley station for further investigation. Damage to essential infra-structure is economic sabotage and every citizen has a role to play to prevent it.
“The continuous damage and theft of especially copper cables severely constrain economic growth. The police calls on the public to report suspected vandalism or theft of infra-structure immediately to law enforcement by contacting the SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App,” he said.
Gamieldien said all information will be kept private and callers can remain anonymous.
20 April 2026 – The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said as they prepare for Freedom Day on 27 April 2026, they reflect on their journey to deepen democracy and advance human rights for all. Ramaphosa said 30 years after they adopted their new constitution, South African society remains grounded in a culture of human rights, the rule of law and the expression of people’s will through regular elections.
He further said what they have built and continue to build in this country is distinct. Ramaphosa added that this places a responsibility on South Africa as an active member of the international community to advance the constitutional values beyond the borders.
“This is why I was proud to represent democratic South Africa at the 4th meeting of the ‘In Defence of Democracy’ initiative in Barcelona, Spain this past weekend. The initiative was launched by Brazil and Spain in 2024 to confront the threat posed to democratic institutions by extremism, polarisation, disinformation and other forms of intolerance.
“This initiative, which brings together countries from across the world, has become especially critical at this time. In many places, democracy is under threat,” said Ramaphosa.
He said the principles of solidarity, cooperation and friendship are being challenged by the resurgence of narrow nationalism, prejudice and intolerance. Ramaphosa said conflicts and wars rage across the globe.
“Some of these are linked to battles over resources, while others have their origins in colonial-era divisions shaped by violent conquest.
“At the gathering in Barcelona, I said that we cannot allow ourselves to be bullied into silence when the dignity and human rights of others are being trampled on. We made a call for the United Nations to reassert itself in global affairs,” he said.
Ramaphosa said for democratic values to thrive, all institutions of global governance need to be reformed so that all the countries and peoples of the world are represented. He said it has become clear that bodies like the UN Security Council are powerless to intervene in conflicts and prevent genocide.
“The gulf of inequality within and among nations is a serious challenge to democracy. The laws, rules and institutions that support democracy must ensure that people’s lives are improved. All people must have an equal opportunity to contribute to decisions that affect them.
“That is why we called on leaders to support the establishment of an International Panel on Inequality, which will evaluate alternative policies for addressing inequality to inform governments, policy makers and the international community,” said Ramaphosa.
He said the establishment of the panel was one of the recommendations of the groundbreaking global inequality report produced by a committee of independent experts that South Africa commissioned during its G20 Presidency. Ramaphosa said the ‘In Defence of Democracy’ initiative is aligned with their foreign policy and they are committed to supporting its work.
“The erosion of democracy in other parts of the world affects South Africa too. Our economy and society feel the effects of conflicts beyond borders, intensified geopolitical tensions and the weaponisation of trade, foreign direct investment and aid.
“The erosion of democracy has contributed to mistrust of the very values of equality, human rights and freedoms that characterise progressive societies. This mistrust is evident even in our own country,” he said.
Ramaphosa said they mark Freedom Day next week. He urged South Africans to recommit themselves to defend and strengthen democracy.
“We must continue to work together to overcome the challenges of poverty, inequality and underdevelopment, which undermine our democratic gains. We must not go the way of societies that have lost faith in democracy and that are increasingly anchored in the rule of the strong and the erosion of human rights.
“Our experience with building a united nation from a deeply fractured past means that we must cherish our democracy and be part of the struggle to defend democratic values across the globe,” said Ramaphosa.
Picture: Copper cables confiscated by the police/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
20 April 2026 – The police from Hanover responded swiftly to a complaint from local farmers requesting assistance after several men were reportedly spotted running in different directions on a farm on 17 April 2026. The police said upon arrival at the scene, with the assistance of farm workers, police arrested two suspects aged 31 and 43 at approximately 4:48pm.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the suspects failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for their presence on the farm. Shemane said further were allegedly part fleeing the scene.
“At approximately 6:18pm, the farm owner contacted the police again to report that a third suspect (35) had been apprehended.
“The suspect was found in possession of copper cables, estimated to be worth a millions of rand, which had already been cut and prepared for transportation,” he said.
Shemane further said all three suspects have been arrested for possession of suspected stolen copper cables. He added that they have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges being added.
“Tampering with or the destruction of essential infrastructure remains a priority crime focus for SAPS in the Northern Cape.
“Members of the public are encouraged to report any criminal activities to their nearest police station, contact the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS App,” said Shemane.
He said all information received will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
Picture: N12 road reopened following tanker incident
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
20 April 2026 – The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) said is pleased to inform motorists that the N12 Freeway in Bassonia has been officially reopened to traffic in both directions. Following the fatal collision and subsequent gas tanker fire that occurred yesterday, emergency teams have successfully completed the high-risk decanting process and the necessary mop-up operations.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson, Superintendent Xolani Fihla said the roadway has been declared safe for public use, and all previously active diversions at the R59 Reading Interchange and Comaro Road have been lifted. Fihla said they would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the dedicated teams, who worked tirelessly under hazardous conditions to secure the scene.
“We also thank the public and the residents of the Southern Suburbs for their extreme patience and cooperation while these essential operations were carried out,” he said.
20 April 2026 – The Hawks said Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi (45), Khonsou Seba Capo Chichi (18) and François van der Merwe will appear in the Pretoria Regional court on 20 April 2026, following their arrest on 13 April 2026, in an intelligence-driven operation in Brooklyn by the members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s Crimes Against the State (CATS) assisted by the Hawks’ Tactical Operations Management Section and Crime Intelligence’s Counter Terrorism based in the Head Office for allegations relating to facilitation of illegal movement into Zimbabwe through the Limpopo River.
Picture: Suspects arrested during Operation Shanela II/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
20 April 2026 – The police operations conducted across the five districts of the Northern Cape during the Safer Easter Operation Paseka, which ran concurrently with Operation Shanela II from 13 to 19 April 2026, resulted in the arrest of 567 suspects. The arrests relate to contact crimes, property-related offences and police-initiated actions during intensified high-density operations.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said a range of crime prevention activities, including Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), stop-and-search operations, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, and tracing operations, were executed by multi-disciplinary teams within the security cluster. Shemane said as a result of these operations, 2989 vehicles and 6687 individuals were stopped and searched at VCPs and roadblocks conducted throughout the province.
“Compliance inspections were carried out at second-hand goods dealers, firearm dealers, liquor outlets, formal and informal businesses, mines, and farms. During these inspections several unlicensed liquor outlets were shut down due to non-compliance.
“The police also heightened visibility through patrols at truck stops, fuel stations, identified hotspot areas, shopping complexes, and malls. Detectives successfully traced and arrested numerous wanted suspects who had been evading arrest across the province,” he said.
Shemane further said significant quantities of alcohol, drugs, dangerous weapons, ammunition, cash, cellphones, copper cables, furniture, and jewellery were confiscated during disruptive operations in identified crime hotspots. He added that community engagement initiatives were also undertaken to create awareness.
“A community imbizo was held at Sunrise in De Aar that was attended by the acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Thabo Mphuthi, alongside the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar and the Pixley Ka Seme District Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe.
“Additionally, the “Sport Against Crime” initiative was officiated by Mtukushe to strengthen partnerships between the police and the community through sport. Operation Paseka concluded on 15 April 2026, however, operations under Operation Shanela II will continue unabated across the province,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mphuthi expressed appreciation to the Provincial Management, District Commissioners, Station Commanders, and all SAPS members for their dedication and tireless efforts during the Safer Easter period and Operation Shanela II in ensuring the safety of communities.
Picture: The North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa lenkopane and the YAEI CEO, Mr Risuna Maluleke/Supplied
By STAFF REPORTER
17 April 2026 – The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) in partnership with the Young African Entrepreneurs Institute (YAEI), North West University (NWU) and Miss Naledi Pageant, hosted a certification and grant handover ceremony for 25 young participants, who successfully completed a practical innovation training programme conducted in a hackathon format in Vryburg.
This initiative forms part of DEDECT’s ongoing commitment to youth empowerment, as announced during the Miss Naledi 2025 pageant held in December 2025.
The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane said the initiative was initially designed to assist participants in transforming their ideas into viable businesses, while promoting professionalisation and diversification within the pageant-linked value chain. Lenkopane said, however, the programme has since been translated into a practical intervention – North West Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Programme facilitated by DEDECT and YAEI.
“The programme has empowered 25 young people with entrepreneurship development skills and facilitated business registration through the companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). The 25 participants were grouped into seven companies, where each team identified a priority problem, validated market needs, developed innovative solutions, and produced investable business pitches for adjudication.
“The initiative contributes to the government’s broader efforts to combat youth unemployment and stimulate economic participation. Business opportunities linked to the pageant value chain, which these young people may explore, include events management, pageant coaching, photography and videography, makeup and hair styling, fashion design, as well as personal branding and influencer development,” she said.
Lenkopane further said some young people proposed diversifying into agro-processing and waste management to boost the local economy and create employment opportunities. She commended them for taking the initiative to improve their lives through entrepreneurship and innovation, and for committing themselves to skills development as a foundation for success.
“We encourage other youth to organise themselves and devise solutions to challenges faced by the government in developing the lives of the people of the North West. The handover of training certificates and grand support represents more than a ceremonial milestone, but a decisive investment in the capabilities of young people, particularly young women—to move from the margins of the economy into positions of ownership, innovation, and leadership.
“By integrating skills development with financial support and tools of trade, we are not only nurturing ideas but enabling sustainable enterprises that will contribute meaningfully to local economic growth,” added Lenkopane.
She said this initiative reflects a government that is intentional, responsive and committed to delivery. Lenkopane said it signals a shift from promises to practical empowerment, where partnerships targeted
interventions and accountability converge to create real opportunities.
“The success of these beneficiaries will stand as a testament to what is possible when the government acts with purpose to unlock the full potential of its people. We also acknowledge 33 additional informal traders from
the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, who received machinery and equipment from the department.
“This support forms part of the department’s Informal Traders Support
Programme, which provides resources to traders who responded to a formal call for assistance. The event marks a significant milestone in demonstrating the impact of government support in empowering entrepreneurs to participate meaningfully in the economy and drive the next wave of innovation and job creation,” she said.
Meanwhile, the YAEI CEO, Risuna Maluleke, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to advancing youth entrepreneurship, emphasising that young people are a vital source of innovation and
solutions to the country’s challenges. Maluleke said the skills you have acquired are a weapon for success, enabling them to turn entrepreneurial visions into reality and secure sustainable business growth.
The Guardian 