Picture: Substantial amount of cash seized by police/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
11 August 2026 – The swift response, vigilance and effective coordination of a multi-disciplinary law enforcement team in the Pixley ka Seme District have resulted in the arrest of two suspects believed to be linked to a business robbery committed in Kraaifontein, Western Cape, on 7 August 2026. A substantial amount of money was reportedly stolen during the robbery.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers following the incident, the police in Kraaifontein shared information with law enforcement counterparts in the Northern Cape after receiving intelligence indicating that four suspects allegedly involved in the robbery had boarded buses travelling towards Zimbabwe. Ehlers said the police from Colesberg, Kuyasa, Hanover and Noupoort supported by De Aar Public Order Policing, a private security company and the Trompsburg Highway Patrol, immediately mobilised and initiated efforts to intercept the suspected vehicle.
“On 9 August 2026, at approximately 9pm, the bus believed to be transporting the suspects was intercepted and stopped approximately 20km outside Colesberg.
“A search of the vehicle resulted in the arrest of two foreign nationals both aged 30, after a substantial amount of money was allegedly found in their possession,” she said.
Ehlers further said the suspects are expected to appear in court soon on a charge relating to the possession of suspected stolen property. She added that investigations are continuing and the possibility of further arrests has not been ruled out.
Meanwhile, the Pixley ka Seme District Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mthukushe, commended the police involved for their vigilance, swift response and effective coordination, which resulted in the successful interception of the suspects. Mthukushe welcomed the excellent cooperation between law enforcement agencies in the Northern Cape and Western Cape, emphasising that effective information sharing and inter-provincial collaboration remain crucial in combating organised and cross-border criminal activities.
Picture: A girl (15) allegedly killed by her boyfriend/Facebook
By AGISANANG SCUFF
11 August 2026 – The North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie has strongly condemned the brutal killing of a young girl, allegedly at the hands of her boyfriend at Dinokana village, near Zeerust. Dantjie expressed deep sadness and concern over the tragic incident, describing the young woman’s death as a devastating loss that highlights the urgent need to intensify efforts to prevent Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
“We applaud the police for arresting a suspect (17) for the recent murder of Amogelang Motshwaedi (15) in Dinokana.
“We are deeply saddened and angered by the senseless loss of a young life. No woman or girl should have to live in fear of violence, especially from someone she loves and trusts,” she said.
Dantjie further extended condolences to the family, friends and community of the deceased. She also urged communities to speak out against violence against women and girls and encouraged victims and survivors of abuse to seek help and report incidents of violence.
“GBVF is not a private family matter. It is a societal problem that requires all of us to take a stand. We must work together to build communities where women and girls are safe, respected and protected.
“So, we appeal to young people and communities to reject violence as a means of resolving conflict and to promote healthy, respectful relationships,” added Dantjie.
She said her department remains committed to working with communities and stakeholders to strengthen initiatives aimed at preventing GBVF and protecting vulnerable women and children.
10 August 2026 – Four men were arrested in connection with the alleged theft of 27 goats stolen in Lehurutshe, outside Zeerust on 4 August 2026. The police said after the matter was reported to the police, it was referred to the Mmabatho Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (STES) for further investigation.
The North West police spokesperson, Constable Thuto Bobelo said the stolen goats were valued at approximately R194 000. Bobelo said through investigative work and tracing operations, the police located the alleged stolen goats at a shack in Majemantsho village, near Mahikeng.
“Following the recovery of the 27 goats, four suspects were arrested at the scene on 5 August 2026. They were charged with possession of suspected stolen livestock and stock theft. Lebogang Bhunu (46), Sibusiso Monane (26) and Sakhumzi Gumede (26), briefly appeared before the Lehurutshe District Court on 7 August 2026 and were released on bail, whilst Olebile Ntumedisang (31) was remanded in custody.
“Their case was postponed to 8 September 2026,” he said.
10 Phatwe 2026 – Ba lelapa la ga Kamogelo Segwai ba ikuela go baagi go ba thusa go batlana le morwa wa bone. Se, se tla morago ga ditatofatso tsa gore Segwai o thopilwe ka dikgoka ke bangwe ba baagi kwa Extension 7, mono Taung morago ga go mo latofatsa ka bogodu.
Segwai o bonwe mo setshwantshong sa motsikinyego ga mmogo le tsala nngwe ya gagwe, Omphile Mokoto yo setopo sa gagwe se bonweng kwa masimo kwa motseng wa Maphoitsile, gaufi le Taung mo bekeng e e fetileng, ba dirilwe batshwarwa-kananyo. Mokoto o fitlhilwe ka Lamatlhatso.
Fela go fitlha ga jaana, ga go itsiwe kwa Segwai a leng teng.
Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are sepodisi se ka se tshwaele mo kgetsing eno go fitlha ga jaana, gonne dipatlisiso tsa bone di mo maemong a tsitsibanyang mmele. Van Rooyen are jaanong pegelo nngwe le nngwe ba e ntshang e ka sitisa dipatlisiso tsa bone.
10 August 2026 – Magalies Water said it has noted with concern a scam, in which unknown individuals purporting to be Magalies Water Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ofentse Nthutang, are engaging with bidders that have responded to recently advertised tenders by Magalies Water. Magalies Water said communication is through the compromised email account of Nthutang.
Magalies Water spokesperson, David Magae said these individuals posing as the Chief Executive, send emails to bidders and are requested to contact the Chief Executive on 060 506 8092. Mage said this number does not belong to the Chief Executive.
“The scam casts doubt on how Magalies Water conducts business, including perceived disregard of the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), read together with the National Treasury Regulations.
“Further, the Chief Executive does not engage with bidders on matters relating to awarding of tenders as this would constitute a contravention. Bidders are cautioned to remain vigilant, not to respond to the emails and messages from the number and to always authenticate all information received from Magalies Water, especially when in doubt,” he said.
10 August 2026 – The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in North West said 17 years ago, more than 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings and confronted the apartheid state with courage and an unambiguous demand for freedom. The EFF said among the central organisers of that historic march was Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, a daughter of the North West, who was born in Ganyesa, near Vryburg and later served as mayor of Naledi Local Municipality.
EFF provincial spokesperson, Fanon Moema said on 28 February 2007, the Bophirima District Council adopted a resolution renaming the district in her honour. Moema said while the naming of a district honours her activism, it remains a far cry from continuing her fight for freedom.
“In fact, it is spitting on her grave that the legacy of her activism should end with a district municipality named after her, while there is an ongoing massacre of the childhoods and futures of girl children in the province.
“The most honest way to honour Mama Ruth Mompati is not through ceremonial speeches and Women’s Day rallies. It is to ask whether the girl children who walk the streets, attend the schools and use the clinics of the North West are safe,” he said.
Moema further said the public health care data paints an even more disturbing picture. He added that a 2026 analysis found that, during the financial year ending in 2025, 100 girls between the ages of 10 and 14, gave birth and 90 girls in the same age group terminated pregnancies in North West public health facilities.
“The data does not include girl children who were raped, but did not fall pregnant, or cases of rape that were never reported. One hundred children giving birth and 90 terminating pregnancies in the North West is 100 too many.
“Behind every number is a child whose body was forced to carry an adult burden, whose education was disrupted and whose childhood can never be returned. Rape is treated as a Schedule 6 Offence in the same schedule as the most serious forms of murder. However, violence committed against girl children has been normalised to such an extent that family members, members of the community and the Departments of Education, Health and Social Development will diligently report lesser offences against children to SAPS, while the visible consequences of the rape of girl children are responded to without the urgency and decisiveness they demand,” said Moema.
He said when a patient arrives at a hospital with a gunshot wound, the injury is instinctively treated as possible evidence of violence. Moema said yet when an 11-year-old child arrives pregnant, too often the state sees only a maternity patient and records another delivery.
“That pregnancy may be evidence of rape. That girl is a child before she is a maternity statistic. She must be treated with compassion and immediately connected to medical care, psychosocial support, social protection and a proper criminal investigation.
“SAPS cannot wait for the child or her family to open a case before acting on the information before it. A school concealing abuse to protect its reputation, a health professional treating the pregnancy but ignoring the possible crime, a social worker submitting a referral that nobody tracks, or SAPS refusing to open a docket, makes these institutions complicit in the silence that protects perpetrators,” he said.
9 August 3026- South African women have been at the forefront of the country’s democratic journey, advancing gender equality and paving the way for the recognition of women’s rights in the Constitution.
From leading anti-apartheid resistance to participating in the historic 1956 Women’s March, women such as Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Sophie Williams-de Bruyn and Rahima Moosa demonstrated extraordinary courage, resilience and unity in a society where women faced racial and gender discrimination and oppression.
Other women, including Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Albertina Sisulu, also played pivotal roles in the broader struggle for freedom and equality.
These gains include greater representation of women in Parliament, the judiciary, the public sector and the corporate sector, with women now occupying top leadership positions.
This year marks 70 years since more than 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 to protest against the extension of pass laws to women under apartheid.
“Government has made strides. It is not yet enough, but we are working towards that. For instance, in our country, women’s representation in Parliament has only recently been diluted, but we were at 50%.
“We regret that representation has declined, and we are challenging political parties to make sure that their representation in Parliament includes women and ensures equal representation,” Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said in an interview with SAnews.
The Johannesburg Stock Exchange recently appointed Valdene Reddy as Group CEO, making her the first woman of colour to occupy the position. She succeeded Dr Leila Fourie, who became the first woman to lead the exchange when she was appointed in 2019. Government has also described Reddy as the first woman of colour to hold the JSE Group CEO position.
“We have women running banks in the country; women taking positions of leadership as CEOs of mining companies, and that is what freedom and the struggle of the women of the 1950s have brought us,” Ntshavheni said.
The year 2026 marks several significant milestones in South Africa’s democratic journey, including the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution, the 50th anniversary of the 1976 youth uprisings, the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March and the 60th anniversary of the forced removals from District Six.
These landmark events reflect the long struggle for democracy and freedom, which has contributed to, among other things, women’s economic empowerment initiatives, including employment equity measures, funding for entrepreneurship, education and equality laws.
“Interestingly, employment equity and empowerment targets recognise women across races, because even women of other races, including white women, were oppressed simply by being women. As government, we have put measures in place to ensure that women can be supported across the range of economic empowerment,” Ntshavheni told SAnews.
While gains have been made in employment equity, the Minister called on the private sector to address racial, gender and disability disparities.
The Commission for Employment Equity’s 26th Annual Report shows that the two upper decision-making occupational levels, namely top management and senior management, remain racialised and gendered, with white and Indian population groups, as well as males, dominating these levels. The report covers the 2025/26 reporting period.
The CEE said male representation remains dominant at the top management level, at more than two times female representation.
“We need to start seeing more women, and more Black women in particular, rising in significant numbers. We are seeing, at the lower levels, that Black people and women are coming through, but we want to see that progress also in the higher, senior, and middle strata of the private sector,” Ntshavheni said.
The Minister encouraged women in leadership to actively seek mentorship and support young women in their advancement.
“We were also mentored by others, and it is our job to mentor others. We also call on other women in positions of power to contribute to mentoring young women. The first issue is that young women must prioritise their education. There are support mechanisms available to help ensure that we succeed in our educational endeavours.
“From there, nothing can stop you. It takes hard work, and there will be challenges, but hard work, determination, and calling out for support will get you there,” she said.
Portraits of Power
The Minister paid tribute to struggle stalwart Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke at the inaugural International Portraits of Power exhibition, held by the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute (CMMI) in partnership with The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa and participating diplomatic missions.
The initiative celebrates extraordinary women whose courage, leadership and contributions have shaped nations and inspired generations through a carefully curated exhibition.
The initiative forms part of a series of legacy projects commemorating the 155th anniversary of Mannya-Maxeke’s birth.
“Charlotte Mannya Maxeke was a woman of remarkable strength and enduring influence, and a trailblazer in every sense. As the first Black woman to graduate with a university degree in Southern Africa, we tend to limit her to being the first Black woman to graduate in South Africa, but she was the first Black woman to graduate with a degree in Southern Africa after obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree on 20 June 1901, from Wilberforce University in the United States of America. Mannya-Maxeke led the path for women’s rights and gender equality,” the Minister said.
Ntshavheni pointed out that Mannya-Maxeke was the only woman present when the South African Native National Congress, later known as the African National Congress, was formed in 1912. Government sources similarly describe Maxeke as the only woman at the founding meeting of the SANNC.
“This is where the power of art becomes especially important. Art has a unique ability to preserve our history, to tell stories that might otherwise be forgotten, and to connect people across cultures and continents. Through exhibitions such as this, we are reminded that art is not only a reflection of society, but also a catalyst for change.
“It builds bridges where there are divides, fosters dialogue where there is silence, and inspires understanding where there is difference. In this way, Portraits of Power serves as both a cultural and diplomatic platform, one that strengthens international understanding while celebrating the shared values that unite us,” she said. –SAnews.gov.za
7 August 2026 – The North West University (NWU) will officially unveil the NWU Football Club playing kit and the announcement of its inaugural squad ahead of the 2026/27 Motsepe Foundation Championship season. The event marks a historic milestone following the university’s promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship, which is South Africa’s second-tier professional football league.
The NWU Football Club spokesperson, Oscar Mosiane said as the club enters a new era of professional football, it will officially compete under the name NWU Football Club, representing the university at the highest level of its football journey. Mosiane said the launch will showcase the official 2026/27 playing kit and introduce the players, who will make history as the first squad to represent NWU Football Club in the professional ranks.
“The unveiling underscores the university’s commitment to developing football excellence while integrating high-performance sport with academic achievement and student development.
“It also reinforces NWU’s strategic vision of establishing the university as a leading force in South African football and strengthening its national sporting brand.
“The occasion will be attended by the university’s leadership, including the principal and vice-chancellor, Professor Bismark Tyobeka, members of the University Management Committee (UMC), the Board of the NWU Soccer Institute, strategic partners, sponsors, alumni, staff, students, supporters and members of the media,” said Mosiane.
He said the event will take place at the North West University (Mafikeng campus) on14 August 2026, at 10am.
7 August 2026 – The Gauteng Local Division of the High Court, Johannesburg, convicted Michael Lomas and Hudson Kgomoeswana after reaching a plea and sentence agreement with the NPA’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) in terms of Sec105A of the Criminal Procedure Act, wherein they pleaded guilty to 34 charges of corruption. Lomas was convicted on 34 charges of corruption relating to payments made between February 2015 and April 2017, amounting to over R2.6 million from his personal account into a company owned by one of the accused.
The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the charges also relate to 24 rental payments for an apartment in Midrand, amounting to over R396 000, which benefited two former senior Eskom employees. Mamothame said this gratification was aimed at influencing the two to award a contract to a company Lomas was working for, Tubular Constructions Projects.
“Following considerations on several factors that include the age and health of the accused, his remorse for participating in corrupt acts, the aggravating circumstances of the case, mitigating circumstances of the case, as well as the interests of the complainant, Eskom Holdings, Lomas was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment, which will be suspended for a period of 5 years.
“The conditions are that he should not be convicted for fraud, theft and/or the contravention of PRECCA. He will further provide the state with evidence against some of the accused in the main case,” he said.
Mamothame further said the NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) has rejected the proposed confiscation of R6m against the value of his assets, as it views the amount as not being reflective of the proportions of the money that was lost to the state through his criminal acts. He added that further engagements between AFU and Lomas’ attorneys are underway in an attempt to reach a settlement.
Meanwhile, Mamothame said Kgomoeswana also pleaded guilty to one count of corruption in the contravention of PRECCA, 18 counts of money laundering and 15 counts of the Contravention of the Tax Act. He said the charges relate to payments of over R6 million allegedly paid to a former Eskom senior employee as gratification from Tubular Group of companies, through Babinatlou Business Services, owned by Kgomoeswana.
“Kgomoeswane retained the amount of R757 000, for making available his accounts to facilitate corrupt payments. Following certain factors being considered, which include the seriousness of the charges, the remorse expressed by the accused, the interests of the complainants, SARS and Eskom Holdings, he was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment on the corruption and money laundering charges of which with 10 years are suspended for a period of 5 years, provided he doesn’t commit similar offences during the suspension period.
“He was further sentenced to 5 years imprisonment on 15 counts of the contravention of the Tax Administration Act for evading tax. This sentence will run concurrently with the 5 years sentence relating to the corruption and money laundering charges,” said Mamothame.
He said the accused has consented to the NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) to confiscate his assets valued at over R2.4 million. Mamothame said he will also provide the state with evidence on his participation in commissioning of the offence.
“The two together with other accused were facing multiple counts of corruption linked to the R1.4 billion that was meant for the upgrade of Eskom’s Kusile power station in Mpumalanga between 2014 and 2017.
“Lomas was successfully extradited from the United Kingdom in September 2024, where he was joined with the other accused,” he said.
Meanwhile, the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), advocate Andy Mothibi, commended the collaboration between the NPA’s IDAC, AFU, SARS, DPCI and Eskom, which resulted in the conviction of the two accused. Mothibi further called on all law enforcement agencies to strengthen their unity in the fight against all forms of criminality. Mothibi said the case against Frans Hlakudi and Abram Masango is expected back in court on 7 August 2026 for trial.
7 August 2026 – A man (52) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Molopo Regional Court for rape. On 13 November 2015, the accused, Xolile Ntshontsho raped a girl (8) after she was sent by her grandmother to return a wheelbarrow to a neighbour.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Lindiwe Mabasa said Ntshontsho grabbed the victim and took her to nearby bushes, where he raped her. Mabasa said the child immediately reported the incident to her mother, who notified the police.
“A case was opened, and the accused was arrested on the same day. The trial commenced on 21 June 2016. The state prosecutor, Kefentse Diseko presented compelling evidence, including the first report, DNA evidence and the J88 medico-legal report.
“Following his initial court appearance, the accused absconded, prompting the court to issue a warrant for his arrest. He remained at large for almost 10 years before being re-arrested on 26 March 2026,” she said.
Mabasa further said when the matter resumed on 3 August 2026, Ntshontsho admitted to the offence. She added that he was subsequently convicted on the strength of both the state’s evidence and his admissions.
“In aggravation of sentence, the state argued that life imprisonment was appropriate, emphasising the complainant’s young age and the fact that the accused had preyed on a vulnerable child. In delivering the sentence, the court held that, as an older adult, the accused had a duty to protect the child rather than violate her.
“The court further accepted that the state had presented a strong case and found that the accused’s admissions did not diminish the seriousness of the offence. Although the court found substantial and compelling circumstances justifying a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence, it sentenced the accused to 15 years imprisonment,” she said.
Mabasa said the court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm and to work with children in terms of the Children’s Act. She said in addition, it ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders in terms of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentence, saying it sends a clear message that those who prey on women, children and other vulnerable members of society will be brought to justice, regardless of how long they evade the legal process.
“The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to prosecuting sexual offences and ensuring that victims receive justice while their dignity is restored through the criminal justice system,” said Makhari.
The Guardian 