Picture: The SAPS divers
By STAFF REPORTER
22 June 2026 – The Provincial Search and Rescue Unit allegedly resumed the search for the missing person believed to have drowned in the Vaal River on 18 June 2026 in Douglas. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said efforts to locate the missing person on 21 June 2026, in the Vaal River, Douglas did not yield any positive results.
“Investigations are continuing,” he said.
By BAKANG MOKOTO
22 June 2026 – The excellent investigative work by Detective Constable Vellile Zwelibanzi of Kuruman Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, ensured that justice was served for the then victim (7) who was nearly raped by a man (63) on 16 January 2024. This came after the accused invited the victim to his house to assist him with the washing of the dishes.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said while she was busy washing the dishes, the accused took her to his bedroom, where he undressed and tried to rape her. Litabe said his attempts failed and the victim started to cry.
“Soon after, he stopped, told the victim to get dressed and not to tell anyone. The matter was only reported to the police on 28 January 2026, after her mother became suspicious.
“A case of attempted rape was reported at Kuruman Police Station and it was assigned to Zwelibanzi who delivered a meticulous investigation. The accused was found guilty of attempted rape and sentenced to ten years imprisonment by the Kuruman Regional Court,” he said.
Litabe further said his name will be registered in the National Register of Sexual Offenders and he was declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Meanwhile, the acting John Taolo Gaetsewe District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, welcomed the sentence and praised Zwelibanzi for his diligence and dedication in investigating the case.
Picture: Drugs confiscated by the police/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
22 June 2026 – The police in the Northern Cape continue to intensify operations aimed at combating the illegal trade in drugs and other criminal activities across the province. The police said members attached to the ZFM Highway Patrol A Shift and A Shift Border Police conducted a Vehicle Check Point (VCP) operation on 21 June 2026, at approximately 8:15pm on the N10 national road between Upington and Groblershoop during which a white Toyota Tazz was stopped for inspection.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien said during the search of the vehicle, the police discovered dagga concealed inside the vehicle. Gamieldien said the dagga was weighed and found to have an approximate weight of 2.3 kilograms, with an estimated street value of approximately R55 725.
“Two occupants aged 32 and 39 who are foreign nationals, were arrested and detained. They are facing charges of dealing in dagga. A cash amount of R7 450 suspected to be linked to the illegal drug trade, was also confiscated by police.
“The suspects will appear in the Upington court in due course,” she said.
Meanwhile, the ZFM District Police Commissioner, Major General Monica Sebili, commended the police involved for their vigilance and commitment in disrupting the illegal movement and distribution of drugs. Sebili said drug-related crimes remain a priority for the police and these successful interventions demonstrate the importance of intelligence-driven operations, visibility and proactive policing in ensuring safer communities.
“SAPS Northern Cape urges members of the public to continue reporting suspected criminal activities to the police. Information can be shared through the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App,” she said.
By REGINALD KANYANE
22 June 2026 – Three suspects aged 38, 48 and 16 were arrested for public violence. This comes after they allegedly attempted to prevent a voting station from opening.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the suspects are expected to appear in court soon. Myburgh said the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS) has commended all role players and community members for their diligence and cooperation during day one of the voter registration weekend in the North West.
“The South African Police Service (SAPS), working closely with other government departments represented within PROVJOINTS, remains fully mobilised and continues to support the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in creating a safe and secure environment.
“This enables community members to exercise their democratic right to register to vote freely and without fear or intimidation. Only one election-related incident was reported in the Klipgat Informal Settlement, near Klerkskraal, where police arrested two suspects, as well as a minor,” she said.
Myburgh further said high-visibility policing, intelligence-led operations, public order policing deployments and rapid response capabilities remain in place and continue to address any incidents that may arise.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, warned that any acts of violence, intimidation, public disorder, malicious damage to property, road blockades, or interference with critical infrastructure will be dealt with decisively and in accordance with the law. Naidoo added that day one of the voter registration weekend in the province proceeded without any major or significant security breaches.
“We attribute this success to the effective command and management structures, as well as the commitment, dedication and support of all PROVJOINTS departments, the IEC, communities, and civil society across the province,” he said.
Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa
By OBAKENG MAJE
22 June 2026 – The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said a little over four years have passed since South Africa emerged from the state of disaster that had been declared in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ramaphosa said it is easy to forget just how deeply the pandemic affected every aspect of their lives.
He further said for many, it is a distant memory. Ramaphosa said the waves of infections, hospital wards filling at alarming rates, the lockdown and the various restrictions on gatherings, travel and commerce.
“We sometimes forget that more than 100 000 South Africans died from COVID and that we lost around 2 million jobs. As we set about rebuilding our economy and society in the wake of the pandemic, our concerns moved on to other matters. At this time, as we focus on tackling unemployment and poverty, crime and corruption, pandemics seem far from our minds.
“Yet, the recent outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, serves as a stark reminder that we should not let down our guard. More than that, it reminds us that we must be better prepared for health emergencies in our country, on our continent and across the world,” he said.
Ramaphosa said following the COVID pandemic, South Africa was appointed the African Union Champion on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response. He said since then, they have been working with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other partners to strengthen Africa’s health security.
“The Ebola outbreak reminds us that when a dangerous disease breaks out anywhere on our continent, it does not stay in one place. It can easily cross borders, affect communities and disrupt economies.
“These diseases cost both lives and jobs. Health security is therefore not only about hospitals and medicines. It is also about our economy, our development and the safety of our continent as a whole. We learned this the hard way during COVID-19. In those early days, Africa stood at the back of the queue. Vaccines and treatments went first to wealthier countries, while our people waited. We cannot allow that to happen again,” said Ramaphosa.
He said while they appreciate the help of international partners, Africa cannot keep depending on others to supply them during a health emergency. Ramaphosa said they must be able to protect themselves.
“That is why we have been working towards stronger health systems at home. Every country needs a proper public health institute. It needs centres ready to manage emergencies, well-supported community health workers and the ability to track new diseases early.
“Importantly, we must make our own medicines, tests and vaccines here on the continent. We are working to strengthen the African Medicines Agency and to set up shared systems for buying supplies, so that African producers have steady customers and African countries can get what they need when an emergency strikes,” he said.
Ramphosa said they need to set aside money for emergencies. He said African leaders have agreed to create an African Epidemic Fund.
“It is encouraging that African countries are already contributing money towards tackling the current Ebola outbreak. South Africa has pledged $13.5 million to the Africa CDC to treat and limit the spread of Ebola. As a continent, we are taking responsibility for ourselves and not waiting for others.
“Africa needs to be part of writing the global rules on fighting pandemics. We need to stand together and make sure our people are treated fairly. We continue to call for a fair global agreement on pandemics, built on equal partnership rather than charity. I have been heartened by how our continent has come together to respond to the Ebola outbreak,” said Ramaphosa.
He said the Africa CDC has led with skill and speed. Ramaphosa said African leaders have developed common approaches.
“Business leaders, development partners and donors are stepping forward to help. This shows that we have the people, the knowledge and the leadership to succeed. But we must not wait for the next outbreak or pandemic to get us to act.
“We must do the hard work now to secure the health of the people of our continent. The effort we put in today will spare us far greater suffering and cost tomorrow. We must act with urgency to achieve the health security that is so vital for the growth and development of our country and our continent,” he said.
Ramaphosa said health security saves lives, protects jobs and helps to safeguard the future.
By OBAKENG MAJE
21 June 2026- The NWU Soccer Institute’s preparations for the professional Motsepe Foundation Championship, which is the second tier of South African football, are well-underway. Even though it requires a massive undertaking of structural organisation, high-level fitness conditioning and significant financial backing, the NWU Soccer Institute management said it is up to the task.
The NWU Soccer Institute Manager, Dr Vuyolethu Sambo said they are to participate in the Motsepe Foundation Champion. Sambo said they do have the capacity to go through the season with whatever budget they have.
“Of course, we are looking at getting partners as well. We will engage various stakeholders to assist us to cover our expenses. On the issue of sponsorships, we will knock on various doors to secure sponsorships.
“On the issue of Mmabatho Stadium, we will engage the North West Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation to check if the stadium meets Betway Premier Soccer League (PSL) requirements so that we can register it as one of our stadiums,” he said.
The NWU Soccer Institute coach, Nkululeko Malgas shared the same sentiments. Malgas said even though they have depth, there are some departments that need to be bolstered ahead of the 2026/2027 season.
“Indeed, there are some departments that need to be strengthened in the team, but it can be a little bit sensitive for now to talk about that. We still have to sit as the technical team to come up with a strategy.
“We will also continue to scout players across the province. I believe that the scouts are sleeping in South Africa. Most of the people complained that we played with young boys. I mean who does not have young players in this era?” he asked.
Malgas further said, if one drives along the roads of South Africa, s/he would likely to find a field where people are playing football. He added that they should not wait for big moments to scout players.
“As the NWU Soccer Institute, we have data of players. We are not worried about losing players because most of our players are students. So, we stand a chance to contribute to the football of South Africa, if we do not sleep on talents.
“We have enough under-23 players to compete in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. You can go as far as Taung as they have three teams competing in various leagues. The good thing about Taung is that their players do not mix much with players from Gauteng. So, you get raw talent from that side,” said Malgas.
By REGINALD KANYANE
21 June 2026 – The North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi will on 22 June 2026 host more than three hundred young people to a youth summit under the theme: “50 Years of Youth Empowerment: Advancing Financial Sustainability, Economic Inclusion and Service Delivery.” Mosenogi said the summit will convene students from universities, TVET colleges and high schools for an interactive engagement focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic inclusion.
“It will also provide a platform for dialogue on responsible governance and sustainable development. The initiative seeks to empower young people to become active citizens, future leaders, and catalysts for positive change across the province, while supporting the development of a capable state that enables the youth to thrive and prosper.
“The youth summit is scheduled to take place at Mmabatho Convention Centre on Monday at 8am,” she said.
By STAFF REPORTER
21 June 2026- The Northern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) has acted swiftly following a report of an illegal initiation school operating in Jan Kempdorp. Upon receiving the complaint, the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) Chief Surgeon, Mlungisi Masimini attended to the matter and confirmed that the school was illegally accommodating nine minors.
“The group consisted of two girls aged 12 and seven boys between the ages of 15 and 17. The preliminary investigations revealed that three of the boys had already undergone circumcision. The three minors have been referred to hospital for medical examination and assessment to ensure their health and wellbeing.
“The remaining minors are being cared for while awaiting the arrival of their parents or guardians, who have all been contacted.
The illegal initiation school has been immediately shut down and a criminal case has been opened against the owner,” he said.
Masimini further said CoGHSTA strongly condemns the operation of illegal initiation schools, particularly those involving underage children as they place the lives, safety and dignity of initiates at serious risk and are in contravention of the law governing customary initiation practices. He added that the Provincial Initiation Committee (PIC) urges communities, parents and traditional leaders to remain vigilant and to report any suspected illegal initiation activities to the relevant authorities.
“Protecting initiates and preserving the integrity of customary initiation practices remains a collective responsibility,” said Masimini.
Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa
By OBAKENG MAJE
21 June 2026 – Action SA said it welcomes the decision by Parliament’s Section 89 Impeachment Committee to oppose the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa’s application to interdict the committee from carrying out its constitutional responsibilities. This comes after Action SA’s letter to both the Speaker of the National Assembly (NA), Thoko Didiza and the Chairperson of the Committee, Makashule Gana, urging Parliament to resist any attempt to frustrate the implementation of the Constitutional Court’s judgment on the Phala Phala matter.
The Daily Maverick said Parliament’s impeachment committee has resolved to oppose Ramaphosa’s urgent interdict application to halt its work while he challenges the report that found he has a case to answer regarding the Phala Phala saga. The interdict case will essentially determine whether Ramaphosa can delay his impeachment hearing, possibly for years if appeals are considered and avoid tough and potentially embarrassing and damaging questions regarding his response to the theft of at least $580,000 from his Phala Phala farm in 2020.
Action SA Member of Parliament (MP), Athol Trollip said the committee’s decision is a victory for constitutional accountability and parliamentary independence. Trollip said Parliament has a constitutional duty to hold the executive accountable, to exercise oversight over the conduct of public office bearers and to ensure that no person, regardless of their office, is placed beyond scrutiny.
“The Section 89 Committee exists precisely to determine whether the conduct of the President warrants the serious constitutional consequences contemplated by Section 89 of the Constitution. That process must be allowed to proceed without interference, delay, or political shielding.
“Action SA notes with concern the prevalence of certain parties within the Government of National Unity, many of whom have sought to speak out of both sides of their mouths by professing support for accountability, while simultaneously avoiding a clear position on the President’s attempt to halt the inquiry,” he said.
Trollip further said South Africans deserve honesty from those parties. He added that they must decide whether they stand for constitutional accountability or political expediency.
Meanwhile, the NA Speaker, Thoko Didiza said: “I have resolved to file a notice to abide by an explanatory Affidavit alongside the Impeachment Committee’s opposition papers. The purpose of the explanatory affidavit is to assist the Court with aspects it must consider to make its final determination, including the stringent constitutional obligations on the National Assembly to proceed with and finalise the section 89 proceedings.
“The content of the explanatory affidavit is believed to be consistent not only with the stance adopted by the Impeachment Committee but also with the actions of the Speaker since the Constitutional Court judgment.”
By BAKANG MOKOTO
21 June 2026- The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) said it wishes to inform road users that the N14 national road between Kuruman and Vryburg, has been partially reopened to only light motor vehicles. SANRAL said this reopening provides temporary relief to road users and restores limited access along the road.
SANRAL’s Provincial Head for the North West, Mirriam Ramoba said there is a thin film of water that remains on portions of the road surface. Ramoba said motorists are therefore urged to exercise extreme caution when travelling through the affected area.
“Motorists are advised to observe the temporary speed limit of 60km/h as shown on site, including the water warning signage indicating that there is still water on the road surface.
“Technical assessments and material testing are currently underway to determine the full extent of the damage before fully reopening the road for all vehicles,” she said.
Ramoba further said accordingly, the reopening is restricted to light motor vehicles only while SANRAL awaits the outcome of these investigations and develops the appropriate rehabilitation measures to ensure the long-term safety and integrity of the route. She added that heavy motor vehicle users are advised to continue using the alternative routes that are indicated below which are the N18, N12 and the R31.
“Any unauthorised use of the road contrary to the restrictions in place will constitute a violation of the applicable traffic regulations. SANRAL requests all road users to exercise caution, remain vigilant and to comply with all temporary traffic control measures and signage implemented on site.
“SANRAL would like to express its sincere appreciation to road users, freight operators, local communities and other stakeholders for their patience, understanding and cooperation during the prolonged closure of this route. SANRAL apologises for the inconvenience caused by the flooding and the resulting travel disruptions and remains committed to restoring full access to the road as soon as it is safe to do so,” said Ramoba.
The Guardian 