Picture: Vusumuzi Matlala, his wife, Tsakani Matlala and their co-accused, Claudette Masethe and Given Makofane in court/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
29 October 2026 – The fraud case against Vusumuzi Matlala (50), his wife, Tsakani Matlala (38), and their co-accused, Claudette Masethe (31) and Given Makofane (46), has been postponed to 11 February 2027, for further financial investigations.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the four accused are facing two counts of fraud, two counts of uttering and one count of forgery. Vusumuzi Matlala faces an additional charge of contravening the Identification Act.
NPA regional spokesperson for Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said the accused allegedly acted in furtherance of a common purpose to falsify documents in January 2025, to secure a lease agreement for a property in Waterkloof Heights, Pretoria, through a real estate agent.
“It is alleged that between 13 and 21 January 2025, Vusumuzi Matlala unlawfully possessed an identity document issued in the name of Vusumuzi Dlamini, which purported to associate him with the Eswatini Royal House.
“He allegedly used the document in connection with securing the lease agreement. The matter has been postponed to 11 February 2027 to allow for further financial investigations,” she said.
29 October 2026 – A cop (51) attached to Setlagole Police Station was arrested on 29 October 2026, facing charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice. The Detective Sergeant was arrested following an investigation by the North West Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU) after information was received alleging that the police officer, who was investigating a case of reckless and/or negligent driving, registered under Setlagole, had solicited a bribe from one of the drivers involved in the case, in exchange for not charging the individual.
The North West police spokesperson, Col Adéle Myburgh said it is alleged that the complainant indicated that he could not afford the amount demanded, but would attempt to raise the money. Myburgh said he subsequently paid R2 000 in cash and transferred a further amount into the investigating police officer’s account.
“The remaining amount was allegedly to be paid at the end of the month. The matter was reported to the North West ACIU for further investigation. Following the conclusion of the investigation, the case docket was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for a decision. Upon receipt of the docket and the decision to prosecute, the ACIU, in collaboration with members of the Anti-Gang Unit, proceeded to Setlagole Police Station, where the police officer was arrested at approximately 8:50am on 29 October 2026.
“The suspect is expected to appear before the Atamelang Magistrate’s Court on 30 October 2026, to face the charges,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams has emphasised that corruption within the ranks of the police undermines public trust and compromises the integrity of the criminal justice system. Adams has reiterated the South African Police Service (SAPS) commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring that police officers who abuse their authority are held accountable.
“The police officers are entrusted with the responsibility of upholding the law, protecting communities and ensuring that justice prevails. Therefore, any police officer who uses their position to solicit money or obstruct the course of justice must be held accountable.
“The police will not tolerate corruption within our ranks and we remain committed to taking decisive action against those who bring the organisation into disrepute. We further encourage the members of the public to report suspected incidents of corruption and misconduct involving police officials, assuring them that allegations of this nature will be investigated. They can call the anti-corruption hotline on 0800 701 701,” he said.
29 October 2026 – A man (41) was sentenced to life imprisonment for raping his former girlfriend (53). Lehlohonolo Ramphobo was also sentenced to six months imprisonment for contravening the Immigration Act.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Lindiwe Mabasa said the sentence follows Ramphobo’s conviction on both counts by the Potchefstroom Regional Court in connection with an incident that occurred on 23 September 2026. Mabasa said on the day of the incident, the victim contacted Ramphobo to request the return of her cell phone as they were no longer in a relationship.
“Ramphobo subsequently went to the victim’s residence, allegedly under the pretext of returning her cell phone. Upon arrival, he pushed her around and accused her of having sexual intercourse with another person. He then pushed her onto a bed and raped her. He further threatened to send people to kill her, if she disclosed what had happened.
“The victim subsequently reported the rape to the authorities, leading to Ramphobo’s arrest. Ramphobo was charged with rape and contravention of the Immigration Act, as he did not have documentation authorising him to be in the country. He pleaded not guilty to both charges, but later made admissions on the immigration charge, acknowledging that he was in the country illegally,” she said.
Mabasa further said, however, he maintained that the sexual intercourse was consensual and claimed that the victim was bitter following the end of their relationship. She added that in aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor Thandi Ntoyi argued that Ramphobo had shown no remorse and had never apologised to the victim.
“She further submitted that, having been in a domestic relationship with the victim, he had occupied a position of trust. Instead of protecting her, he abused that trust by inflicting harm, causing her psychological and emotional trauma. The state urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence.
“The court agreed with the state and sentenced Ramphobo to life imprisonment for rape and six months imprisonment for contravening the Immigration Act. Both sentences are to run concurrently. The court further ordered that Ramphobo’s particulars be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders,” said Mabasa.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr Rachael Makhari welcomed the sentence, noting that Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), remain prevalent challenges both in the region and nationally. Makhari emphasised the need for joint interventions by law enforcement agencies and communities to combat this scourge.
“The NPA reiterates that rape is a serious crime that violates the dignity and bodily integrity of victims. The authority remains committed to prosecuting perpetrators of sexual offences and ensuring that victims receive justice,” she said.
29 October 2026 – A man (26) who is accused of a murder of a boy (9) in Louisvale Dorp, near Upington, was remanded in custody until 7 December 2026, for further investigation. Willem Koper briefly appeared in Upingston Magistrate’s Court on 29 October 2026, and the matter was postponed to 7 December 2026, as he abandoned his bail application.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the incident allegedly occurred during the early hours of Sunday, 18 October 2026. Senokoatsane said the child, a Grade 2 learner at Frank Biggs Primary School, was allegedly fatally stabbed while sleeping.
“Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel were called to the scene, where they declared him dead. The state alleges that Koper was in a relationship with a relative of the deceased. On the evening preceding the incident, the couple allegedly had an argument, after which the woman left the premises to avoid further confrontation and did not return that night.
“It is further alleged that Koper subsequently returned to the house and fatally stabbed the child while he was sleeping in the room where the woman would ordinarily sleep. The circumstances surrounding the incident will form part of the evidence to be presented before the court,” he said.
Senokoatsane further said Koper was previously convicted of murder on 2 July 2021. He added that, in a separate matter, he was convicted of statutory rape and assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) assault on 7 July 2021.
“He was sentenced to eight years imprisonment for murder and five years imprisonment for assault. He was released on parole on 20 August 2025, with his parole period scheduled to expire on 1 July 2029. The NPA regards crimes involving violence against children in an extremely serious light. Children are among the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from violence and abuse.
“The prosecution will ensure that the available evidence is properly presented before the court and that the matter proceeds in accordance with the law. The NPA remains committed to prosecuting crimes against children without fear, favour or prejudice, while respecting the accused’s constitutional right to a fair trial,” said Senokoatsane.
He said Koper remains in custody while investigations continue.
29 October 2026 – The North West High Court sitting in Mahikeng has granted a preservation order over three vehicles and R80 000 in cash allegedly linked to the unlawful possession of stolen copper cables and corruption. The order was granted in terms of section 38 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998 (POCA).
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Lindiwe Mabasa said the court preserves a white Jeep Grand Cherokee, a white Toyota Hilux double cab, a white Nissan Tiida and R80 000 in cash. Mabasa said the assets are alleged to be instrumentalities of crime and/or proceeds of unlawful activities.
“The matter stems from an incident on 11 September 2026, when South African Police Service (SAPS) members received a tip-off from traffic officials that two vehicles had allegedly failed to stop at a four-way stop sign while entering the Zeerust Central Business District from the direction of Mahikeng. SAPS members stopped the vehicles and searched them.
“They found bags containing copper cables concealed beneath blankets on the rear seats. The two drivers allegedly failed to provide a reasonable explanation for possessing the cables. The suspects reportedly asked to contact their employer,” she said.
Mabasa further said during the telephone conversation, they allegedly discussed offering a bribe to police officers to avoid arrest. She added that an arrangement was then made for a third suspect to bring money to the scene.
“The third suspect arrived in another vehicle with R80 000 in cash. Officials from Telkom and Eskom later identified the recovered cables as belonging to their respective entities.
“All three suspects were arrested and charged with the unlawful possession of stolen copper cables and corruption relating to the alleged attempted bribery of police officers,” said Mabasa.
She said the North West High Court granted the preservation order on the basis that the three vehicles were allegedly used as instrumentalities in the offence involving the unlawful possession of stolen copper cables. Mabasa said the cash was allegedly linked to the attempted bribery of police officers and identified as proceeds of unlawful activities.
“The preservation order prohibits the disposal of or dealing with the assets pending further proceedings in accordance with POCA,” she said.
29 October 2026 – A third accused, Nomasonto Mokwane (43) has been added to the case against Ntombifuthi Mavis Rumo (37) and Bonginkosi Mndebele (28), who are appearing before the Kwa-Thema Magistrate’s Court in connection with the alleged staging of Rumo’s kidnapping. All three accused are facing a charge of defeating the administration of justice.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said Mndebele faces an additional charge of assault for allegedly assaulting police officers during his arrest. Mahanjana said it is alleged that on 7 October 2026, the three accused met and discussed staging Rumo’s kidnapping because they were experiencing financial difficulties.
“They allegedly contacted Rumo’s family and demanded money for her release. When the family was unable to pay the money demanded, Rumo was allegedly released on 12 October 2026, and left on Vlakfontein Road, where her family was asked to collect her.
“Following a police investigation into the reported kidnapping, Rumo was arrested on 20 October 2026, after her husband brought her to the police. Following her arrest, she allegedly pointed out Mndebele to the police. During Mndebele’s arrest, he allegedly assaulted police officers who were effecting the arrest and attempted to flee. He was subsequently shot by police,” she said.
Mahanjana further said Mokwane was arrested on 27 October 2026, at a hospital where she was receiving medical treatment. She added that the matter was postponed to 6 November 2026, for a bail application.
“The state intends to oppose their release on bail,” said Mahanjana.
Picture: North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
29 October 2026 – The North West Provincial Government says it is ready to coordinate preparations and provide support for the 2026 Local Government Elections scheduled for Wednesday, 4 November, with special voting set for 2 and 3 November 2026. North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Oageng Molapisi, made the announcement during a media briefing at the Provincial Disaster Management Centre in Mahikeng on 29 October 2026.
Molapisi said the provincial government was working with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), the South African Police Service (SAPS), municipalities, traditional leaders and other stakeholders to ensure peaceful, safe and orderly elections.
“The North West Provincial Government is committed to supporting a peaceful, safe, and well-coordinated electoral process while ensuring that municipal services continue uninterrupted and that the transition to the new council term is managed responsibly.
The province has 1,730 voting stations and 202 sub-stations. Molapisi urged residents to use the IEC’s platforms to confirm their voting stations before election day,” he said.
Molapisi further said the department had witnessed political parties signing the electoral code of conduct in Mahikeng on 7 October 2026 and expected all parties to respect the code and contribute towards free and fair elections. He added that the IEC had also launched its Results Operation Centre as part of preparations for the elections.
Molapisi emphasised that credible elections required careful planning, effective coordination and sound administration, while ensuring that essential municipal services continued without interruption.
Municipal services must continue
The MEC said outgoing municipal councils were expected to fulfil their legal responsibilities until the end of their terms but should exercise restraint on decisions that could place unnecessary obligations on incoming administrations.
These include major restructuring, significant borrowing, asset disposals and substantial procurement commitments.
He said municipalities must continue providing essential services, including water, sanitation, electricity where applicable, waste removal and road maintenance, throughout the election period.
Municipalities were also expected to maintain business continuity, ensure that Auditor-General South Africa audit processes continued uninterrupted and assist the IEC with voting venues and related logistical requirements.
Molapisi said municipalities must prepare comprehensive handover reports covering their financial positions, governance, service delivery, infrastructure, litigation, audit matters, staffing capacity and outstanding commitments.
The department has also issued circulars to guide municipalities through the transitional period, including a moratorium on filling vacant municipal posts to strengthen oversight and prevent decisions that could constrain incoming councils.
Disaster management and safety
The Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) will coordinate disaster-risk reduction, emergency preparedness and response before, during and after the elections.
Molapisi said the centre had developed a Provincial Multi-Hazard Contingency Plan, which had been shared with the National Disaster Management Centre for consolidation alongside sector and district contingency plans.
Preparations include identifying high-risk areas and vulnerable communities, assessing access routes to voting stations, confirming emergency response plans and preparing for potential storms, floods, fires and power interruptions.
During the elections, the PDMC will monitor incidents affecting public safety, access to voting stations and the continuity of essential services.
It will also coordinate emergency support, evacuations where necessary and the mobilisation of resources when municipal capacity is exceeded.
Molapisi clarified that the PDMC and municipal disaster management centres would not administer the elections, as this responsibility rests with the IEC.
Security arrangements will be coordinated by SAPS through the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure and district-level joint operational structures.
He urged communities to remain vigilant against misinformation and disinformation that could undermine confidence in the electoral process.
New councils to be established after elections
Following the elections and the finalisation of electoral processes, municipalities will be expected to establish their new councils within the prescribed timeframes.
Molapisi said the first council meetings must be convened within 14 days after the elections are declared to elect municipal office-bearers and formally begin the new council term.
The department, together with Provincial Treasury and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), will support the process.
Newly elected councillors will undergo compulsory induction covering governance, financial oversight, accountability and ethics. SALGA’s training programme is scheduled to be rolled out in January 2027, with support from Provincial Treasury.
Municipalities will also be required to establish ward committees in accordance with legislation to strengthen community participation and communication between residents and their elected representatives.
Molapisi said the provincial government would continue monitoring and supporting municipalities during the transition to strengthen governance, legal compliance, institutional capacity and service delivery.
He called on municipalities, political parties, traditional leaders, community organisations and residents to work together to promote peace, tolerance and respect for democratic processes.
“The 2026 Local Government Elections are a critical test of our democratic maturity,” he said.
Molapisi expressed confidence that the coordination between the PDMC, SAPS, IEC and other stakeholders would help ensure a smooth electoral process and an orderly transition to the new council term.
He encouraged eligible voters to participate in the elections and hold their elected representatives accountable after the new councils are constituted.
“Let us work towards peaceful elections, accountable municipalities, and improved service delivery for our communities,” Molapisi said.
He concluded with the message: “Your Municipality. Your Future. Your Vote.”
Picture: KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi
By REGINALD KANYANE
29 October 2026 – Acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia has initiated the process to appoint Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as the National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks. Cachalia said he has submitted a Cabinet Memorandum seeking Cabinet’s concurrence for Mkhwanazi’s appointment, in accordance with the South African Police Service Act 68 of 1995.
“The appointment of the National Head of the DPCI is made by the Minister of Police, with the concurrence of Cabinet. The appointment process would be presented at the earliest opportunity during a Cabinet sitting.
“Section 17CA(1)–(3) of the Act provides for the appointment of the National Head of the DPCI by the Minister of Police, subject to Cabinet’s concurrence. The appointment must also be reported to Parliament,” he said.
Cachalia further said the Hawks play a critical role in South Africa’s fight against organised crime, corruption and other serious priority offences. He added that appointing a National Head was important to ensuring strong leadership, strategic direction and operational effectiveness in tackling these crimes.
“Strengthening the leadership of the DPCI was a priority under the Police Reset Agenda,” said Cachalia.
29 October 2026 – A man (31) was sentenced to life imprisonment for rape. This comes after Tshepiso Tau (31) raped a girl (16) at Madiba A Makgabane village, outside Mahikeng on 13 February 2022.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Lindiwe Mabasa said the victim went with two friends to a traditional event in the nearby village of Madiba A Makgabane. Mabasa said her friends later left her at a local tavern.
“Tau approached her and told her that they had left. He offered to accompany her back to her village and she agreed. As they walked past a bushy area, Tau allegedly produced a knife, threatened the victim and raped her. He then took her to his shack, where he continued to rape her throughout the night.
“The following morning, the victim told Tau that she was hungry. He left to buy bread at a nearby shop, giving her an opportunity to escape. She fled and reported the incident to her mother,” she said.
Mabasa further said the complainant received assistance at a Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC), where Site Coordinator Grace Modiba attended to her. She added that the matter was reported to the police, leading to Tau’s arrest.
“During sentencing proceedings, the state, represented by Advocate Kefentse Diseko, argued for life imprisonment. The defence pleaded for a lesser sentence in mitigation. The court found Tau guilty on two counts of rape. It accepted the state’s argument that the victim’s distraught condition when she reported the incident to her mother was consistent with that of a person who had been raped.
“The court also found that the aggravating circumstances, particularly the victim’s age and Tau’s exploitation of her vulnerability, warranted the prescribed minimum sentence. Tau was sentenced to life imprisonment. The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm and ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders,” said Mabasa.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari welcomed the sentence, saying it sends a strong message that those who sexually violate children will face the full might of the law. Makhari said the NPA remains committed to combating Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and protecting children and other vulnerable members of society.
“We will continue to prosecute perpetrators of sexual offences with the seriousness they deserve, contributing to the broader national effort to address this scourge,” she said.
29 October 2026 – Ten serial business robbers were sentenced to 245 years imprisonment by the Durban Regional Court for a spate of business robberies committed between 2017 and 2019 in various areas around Durban. During the commission of the offences, Thabiso Mdletshe (30), Philani Magongo (32), Wonder Brilliant Mcwabe (31), Michael Nxumalo (34), Khanyisani Thusi (35), Lindani Ndlovu (38), Thokozani Mdlalose (28), Sandile Ngcobo (32), Sabelo Shandu (34) and Andile Mchunu (31), would enter businesses pretending to be customers before producing firearms and threatening security guards and employees. They would then flee with cash, cell phones, clothing, and other items.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Kwazulu-Natal, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said following the registration of several robbery cases, the investigating team traced and arrested the men in 2019. Ramkisson-Kara said most of them were already in custody in connection with other matters.
“During the trial, the state prosecutor Surekha Marimuthu led the evidence of 27 witnesses, including fingerprint and facial recognition experts whose evidence linked the accused to the offences. In aggravation of sentence, Marimuthu told the court that the offences were well-orchestrated and serious. She argued that the armed robberies were committed during the day, exposing members of the public, employees and security personnel to threats of violence and potential harm.
“Marimuthu also led the evidence of an employee from The Foschini Group (TFG) Limited, to which most of the affected businesses belong. The witness testified that the businesses suffered losses amounting to several million rand as a result of the robberies. Additional expenditure was also incurred to strengthen security measures, while employees were severely traumatised by the incidents,” she said.
Ramkisson-Kara further said Thabiso Mdletshe was sentenced to an effective 41 years imprisonment, Philani Magongo will serve 10 years imprisonment, Wonder Brilliant Mcwabe will serve 31 years imprisonment, while Michael Nxumalo will serve an effective 24 years imprisonment. She added that Khanyisani Thusi will serve an effective 18 years imprisonment, Lindani Ndlovu will serve 18 years imprisonment, Thokozani Mdlalose will serve an effective 30 years imprisonment and Sandile Ngcobo will serve an effective 21 years imprisonment.
“Sabelo Shandu will serve an effective 25 years imprisonment and Andile Mchunu will serve an effective 27 years imprisonment. The effective sentences imposed on the 10 men amount to a combined 245 years’ imprisonment. The NPA welcomes the sentences.
“Business robberies not only endanger employees, customers and security personnel, but also inflict significant financial losses on businesses and negatively affect the economy. The NPA remains committed to vigorously prosecuting perpetrators of serious and violent crime without fear, favour or prejudice,” said Ramkisson-Kara.
