10 March 2026- A father, Afentseng Motlhanke (35), who is accused of killing his two sons briefly appeared before the Groot Marico Magistrate’s Court today facing double murder. Motlhanke was remanded in custody until 17 March 2026, for a formal bail application.
The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said on Saturday afternoon, 7 March 2026, police were called to a horrific scene in bushes next to a river, where the lifeless bodies of a boy (1) and his brother (3), were discovered at Skuinsdrift–Tshwaro Farms, near to Groot Marico. Morake said the children had sustained multiple injuries.
“Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) personnel were summoned to the scene and both brothers were declared dead. Initial information received indicates that the accused had allegedly collected the children from their grandmother, while their mother was attending church.
“It is further alleged that there had been an earlier argument between the couple, during which the father allegedly threatened to kill the children. With the assistance of members of the local community, the father was traced and arrested on Sunday, 8 March 2026,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, welcomed the arrest and commended the swift collaboration between the police and the community, which led to the arrest of the suspect. Naidoo said this deeply disturbing incident is a painful reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and requested any person in a violent relationship or community member who is aware of such a relationship, to speak out and obtain assistance from your local police station, court, social workers, church leaders and/or community leaders.
Picture: The Director General, Mosweu Paul Mogotlhe
By REGINALD KANYANE
10 March 2026- North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has extended the term of office of the Director General, Mosweu Paul Mogotlhe. Mokgosi said the 5-year employment contract was due to end on 31 March 2026, and has been extended with a further three years, until 31 March 2029.
He further said his decision to extend Mogotlhe’s employment contract follows an assessment of the critical role played by the Office of the Premier in strengthening the capacity of the provincial administration, coordinating efforts to accelerate service delivery and maintaining stability within the administration. Mokgosi said this decision is within the Premier’s constitutional and legislative authority as the Executive Authority of the Office of the Premier, to ensure the effective functioning of the provincial government.
“I would like to express my satisfaction with the Director General’s performance, emphasising that his firm leadership and commitment to effective governance have steadily strengthened the provincial administration and the Office of the Premier’s capacity to coordinate and monitor the implementation of the provincial government’s priorities.
“The extension of the Director General’s contract will not only ensure continuity in leadership and stability within the North West Provincial Government administration, but will contribute a great deal towards enhancing the provincial government’s ability to serve our communities,” he said. Mokgosi wished Mogotlhe well in the continued execution of his strategic responsibilities.
10 March 2026 – A woman (47) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Fraserburg Regional Court following a brutal attack that left a victim with severe head injuries. On 10 March 2026, the accused, Katriena April was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment on a charge of attempted murder and declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The Namakwa police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said on 30 April 2024, the male victim visited the residence of the accused in Fraserburg, accompanied by his wife, with the intention of purchasing home-brewed beer. Magerman said an argument ensued between the male victim and his wife, when the accused intervened and without provocation seized an enamel cup and struck the victim repeatedly on the head.
“The victim collapsed but the accused continued assaulting him. Due to the severity of his head injuries, the victim was transported to the local clinic in Fraserburg, and later transferred to the hospital in Upington,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, commended the meticulous investigation by the investigating officer, Sergeant Ursula Leukes, whose thorough investigation contributed to securing the conviction.
10 March 2026 – The police in Biesiesvlei request the community’s assistance in locating a missing boy, Tshiamo Pitso (3), of Extension 3 in Itekeng. The police said Pitso was last seen by his mother on 8 March 2026, when he was playing with his siblings aged 8 and 13.
The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said a search is currently underway, consisting of Visible Policing, Detectives, Lichtenburg K9, Stilfontein K9, Community Police Forum (CPF), Sector 2 Sub-Forum and Community in Blue Patrollers. Morake said at the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a red, grey and white striped long hooded jersey with a maroon pair of trousers and white sneakers.
“He is light in complexion, short with a slender build body and black, short hair with brown eyes. The police request anyone who may have information regarding Tshiamo’s whereabouts to contact the Investigating Officer Sergeant Thomas Matloutu on 082 416 2054.
“Alternatively, call your local police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tips can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,” she said.
Picture: Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo/Facebook
By AGISANANG SCUFF
10 March 2026- The Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo has called on Rustenburg and Moses Kotane Local Municipalities under Bojanala District Municipality and the Magalies Water, to work together to solve infrastructure failures and service delivery constraints that affect consistent water supply to communities.
In a stakeholder meeting held at Rustenburg Civic Centre Council Chamber on 9 March 2026, Seitlholo highlighted the significance of the gathering in that it was taking place during the month of March, in which the country is observing the National Water Month, and therefore a critical time of reflection.
“We commemorate National Water Month because many people in our country still do not have reliable access to water, and our responsibility is to close that gap and ensure that every South African has access to safe and reliable water services.
“The meeting was used as a platform to engage directly with stakeholders responsible for water services in the area and to assess the status of interventions that are already underway,” he said.
Seitlholo further said among the issues discussed were bulk water supply disruptions and wastewater management that contributes to water pollution in Rustenburg and Moses Kotane Local Municipalities. He called for a strong coordination among stakeholders, accountability and practical and time-bound solutions to restore operational stability across affected systems.
“We also expressed a serious concern about the contamination of the Vaalkop Dam, noting the widespread proliferation of alien invasive Salvinia plants that have covered almost the entire surface of the dam.
“The presence of Salvinia plants significantly affects the ecological balance of water resources by blocking sunlight, reducing oxygen levels, and damaging aquatic ecosystems, while also complicating water abstraction processes,” said Seitlholo.
He added that dysfunctional wastewater treatment works in both Rustenburg and Moses Kotane have contributed to the deterioration of water quality in the area. Seitlholo indicated that the department has taken regulatory action by issuing notices and directives in terms of the National Water Act to address the discharge of untreated sewage into water resources.
“The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has a clear mandate in matters relating to wastewater management, sanitation, and pollution control, but must also intervene when broader water service challenges threaten the sustainability of water resources.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that our water resources are protected and managed properly. When wastewater treatment systems fail and untreated sewage enters our water bodies, it undermines the very resources that communities depend on,” he said.
Seitlholo said as far as operational systems are concerned, he noted that the Kortbegrip Reservoir System is currently operating with only one functional pump instead of three, significantly limiting the system’s capacity to supply water. He also raised concerns over the persistent electricity supply challenges at Phatsima Pump Station, which have been ongoing since 2023, and has been a major operational constraint to water distribution.
“We further pointed out that the decommissioning of the Bospoort Reservoir has placed significant pressure on the remaining 35-megalitre reservoir, which is unable to meet the growing demand for water.
“In addition, Bospoort Plant 3 is currently operating with only three of the required five pumps, resulting in frequent operational failures and reduced supply capacity. Frequent pipe bursts along the Monakato pump line were also highlighted as a major challenge, as these incidents often result in water supply disruptions lasting between two and three days,” said Seitlholo.
He said they also raised concern about the Tlhabane Reservoir under the Pilanesberg Phase 2 Project, which remains non-operational because the Mafenya Pump Station has not yet been energised despite the project having already been publicly unveiled.
10 March 2026- The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) continues to accelerate infrastructure development across the province, with several new healthcare facilities completed and additional upgrades already in the pipeline. In his 2026 State of the Province Address (SOPA) delivered during the official Opening of the North West Provincial Legislature, North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, informed the legislature that the recently completed projects include healthcare facilities in Delareyville, the Bulk Pharmacy, and three park-home clinics situated in Sheila, Uitkyk, and Magogoe villages.
Mokgosi said these developments form part of the province’s broader strategy to improve access to quality healthcare services, particularly in underserved communities. Looking ahead to the 2026/27 financial year, he announced that plans are underway to establish a dedicated Chemotherapy Unit at the Mahikeng Provincial Hospital.
“The new oncology service is expected to enhance cancer treatment capacity within the province, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for care.
“With tertiary services now fully established at Tshepong Hospital in Klerksdorp, the provincial Health department will shift its focus to strengthening services at the Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital,” said Mokgosi.
He further announced a range of specialised services that have been earmarked for expansion at the Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital, including Urology and the operationalisation of a new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) unit. Mokgosi added that the plans also include the introduction of Mammography services and the procurement of digital X-Ray and C-Arm equipment to increase radiology capacity.
“In addition, the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) will be upgraded to accommodate 16 beds, further enhancing critical care capacity. Specialist outreach programmes are also set to expand, with Urology services extending to Moses Kotane Hospital, Maxillofacial services to Brits District Hospital, and Ophthalmology services to Tlhabane Hospital.
“These initiatives are aimed at decentralising specialised healthcare services and ensuring that residents across the province have improved access to advanced medical treatment closer to their communities,” he said.
10 March 2026 – The police in the Northern Cape discourage hitchhiking due to considerable safety concerns, including the commission of related violent crimes such as robbery and sexual assault. The police said the dangers effect both the person seeking a lift and as well as the driver.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said hitchhikers are at risk of falling victim to opportunistic criminals, which can include murder, rape, armed robbery and assault. Ehlers said women and children are particularly vulnerable to sexual assault and rape after accepting rides from strangers.
“Victims may be robbed and left in isolated, unfamiliar areas. Hitchhiking on public roads increases the risk of hit-and-run accidents. In some cases, victims have been forced to borrow money from their contacts or provide banking details while held under duress.
“Long-distance drivers have also been known to demand sex in exchange for a lift. Hitchhiking on freeways is strictly prohibited and can pose a danger to both pedestrians and motorists. Individuals may pose as hitchhikers with the intention of hijacking the vehicle, sometimes at gunpoint,” she said.
Ehlers further said drivers have also been subject to violence, including rape and murder, by people they pick up. She added that in light of this, the police urge the public to avoid hitchhiking entirely and instead use safe, reliable public transport options.
“Prioritise personal safety and avoid getting into cars with people you do not know. Trust your instincts; if something feels wrong, do not accept the ride. For emergencies or to report suspicious activity, contact the SAPS Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or alternatively via the MySAPS app,” said Ehlers.
10 March 2026 – The accused, Thapelo Joseph Chukutshwane (34) was sentenced to four life sentences plus an additional 20 years imprisonment by the Molopo Regional Court after being convicted on five counts of rape and one count of house-breaking with intent to rob. The court heard that between 2013 and 2024, women in and around Mahikeng were accosted by an unknown man who raped and robbed them of their belongings.
The victims were between the ages of 17 and 43.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said investigations further revealed that in one incident, a victim (43), was asleep in her home when the accused forcibly gained entry by breaking down the door before raping and robbing her of several items. Gunya said all incidents were reported to the police.
“Through DNA analysis, investigators were able to link Chukutshwane to the crimes, which led to his arrest in August 2025. During the court proceedings, the accused pleaded guilty to all the charges. The state presented overwhelming DNA evidence linking him to the offences.
“In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor Kefentse Diseko urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentences, highlighting the alarming increase in rape cases and emphasising that the accused targeted vulnerable members of the community,” he said.
Gunya further said the court imposed four life sentences for four counts of rapes, 15 years imprisonment for one count of rape and five years imprisonment for house-breaking with intent to rob. He added that the court ordered that the accused’s name be entered into the National Register for Sexual Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
“The victims received immediate support and were referred to the Mafikeng Thuthuzela Care Centre, where they received medical, emotional, and legal assistance.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentence and commended the work of Diseko, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and all role players involved in securing the conviction.
“We stand united in our resolve to ensure justice is served, and we reiterate that violent crimes will not be tolerated,” she said.
10 March 2026- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has announced the implementation of a coordinated provincial response to reduce the scourge of teenage pregnancy and strengthen support for adolescent mothers. Mokgosi, who outlined this plan while delivering his State of the Province Address (SOPA) at the official Opening of the North West Provincial Legislature recently, said the initiative which will be led by the North West Department of Health, will see the Departments of Social Development and Education coming on board to implement this multi-sectoral effort.
“The coordinated response will ensure a unified, evidence‑driven response that protects our girls, supports young mothers, and strengthens the wellbeing of communities. The scourge of teenage pregnancy in our province, particularly among under‑age girls, can no longer be normalised.
“Teenage pregnancy in the North West is a critical concern for the government with a 12.8% birth rate among women under 20, driving school dropouts and socio-economic instability. Significant concern has been raised regarding high rates of underage pregnancy in areas like Setlagole and the Ditsobotla sub-district,” he said.
Mokgosi further said working hand in glove with the North West Departments of Social Development and Education, the Department of Health has been assigned to lead this initiative, recognising that teenage pregnancy is a downstream effect of broader social determinants including poverty, school dropout, violence, and limited access to youth‑friendly services.
10 March 2026 – A father (35) was arrested for allegedly killing his two sons in cold blood. On Saturday afternoon, 7 March 2026, the police were called to a horrific scene in bushes next to a river, where the lifeless bodies of a boy (1) and his brother (3), were discovered at Skuinsdrift–Tshwaro Farms, near Groot Marico.
The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said the children had sustained multiple injuries. Morake said Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) was summoned to the scene and both brothers were declared dead.
“Initial information received indicates that the father of the boys had allegedly collected them from their grandmother, while their mother was attending church. It is further alleged that there had been an earlier argument between the couple, during which the father allegedly threatened to kill the children.
“With the assistance of members of the local community, the father was traced and arrested on Sunday. He is expected to appear before the Groot Marico Magistrate’s Court today, facing two counts of murder,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, welcomed the arrest and commended the swift collaboration between the police and the community, which led to the arrest of the suspect. Naidoo said this deeply disturbing incident is a painful reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and requested any person in a violent relationship or community member who is aware of such a relationship, to speak out and obtain assistance from your local police station, court, social workers, church leaders and/or community leaders.
The Guardian 