29 Moranang 2026 – Monna wa dingwaga di le 20 wa kwa motseng wa Magogong, gaufi le Taung, o ipolaile ka go ikgwagetsa. Go begwa fa Rethabile Paole a ile a fitlhelwa a ikgwageditse morago ga kgakgauthano ya mafoko le bangwe ba lelapa.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are sepodisi sa itse ka tiragalo e. Van Rooyen are batlhankela ba sepodisi ba ile ba bilediwa kwa lefelong la tiragalo ka Lamatlhatso, kwa setopo sa ga Paole se ile sa bonwa ke bangwe ba maloko a lelapa.
“Go ya ka tshedimosetso, moswi o bonwe la bofelo ka ura ya bo lesome mo mosong gone ka Lamatlhatso. Go butswe kgetsi ya morago ga loso. Sepodisi ga se belaele fa go ka tswa go na le letsogo la tshwene mo kgetsing eno,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
29 April 2026 – The Northern Cape High Court sitting in Kimberley granted the Hawks Priority Crime Specialized Investigation (PCSI) and National Prosecuting Authority’ Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) forfeiture order amounting to R156 921. The Hawks said forfeiture came on after an incident that happened on 11 October 2025.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said Kimberley Public Order Police (POP) received information of suspicious activities taking place in Galeshewe Township, in Kimberley. Thebe said upon their arrival after assessing the scene they summoned the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s Serious Organised Crime Investigations standby team.
“The team discovered a large consignment of medicine (tablets and bottled mixtures) as well as cash amounting to just below R160 000. The seized consignment included 114 bottles of Painagon syrup, 100 bottles of Stilpaine syrup, 100 bottles of Bronclear syrup, 30 bottles of lenazineforte syrup, 431 of mylon tablets.
“Each bottle was being sold for R60 reportedly. The team felt a very strong smell of high-grade dagga coming from another room in the same yard prompting a search, wherein a large quantity of dagga in black plastic bags estimated to be worth at least R90 000 was discovered and seized for further investigation,” he said.
Thebe further said the police arrested a couple of Zimbabwean nationals, Takundn Matuxuro (53) and Lydia Mapepeta (44). He added that it is alleged that the two operated an illegal pharmacy and dispensed medicine without any qualifications in contravention of Sections of Medicine control Act.
“Investigation on the criminal matter continues. Kimberley Hawks Asset Forfeiture Investigation conducted a detailed asset investigation on both accused and it was established that they are unemployed and don’t have an active bank account in the country,” said Thebe.
Meanwhile, the acting Provincial Head of the Northern Cape, Brigadier De Witt Botha extended his appreciation to both investigating members and prosecution team for their outstanding work in securing forfeiture orders. Botha said anything earned from criminal activities will be forfeited to the state.
Picture: Items confiscated during Operation Shanela II/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
29 April 2026 – For the past two weeks, the police in North West in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, conducted successful, comprehensive, high-density Shanela 2 operations aimed at reducing and preventing crime, as well as enhancing community safety across the province.
These efforts resulted in the arrest of 1 482 suspects for various offences, including, amongst others, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of dangerous weapons, dealing in and possession of drugs, possession of illicit cigarettes, robbery, murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, burglary, and malicious damage to property.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the operation focused on hotspot areas and included compliance inspections at liquor outlets and second-hand goods dealers, tracing of wanted suspects, searches for drugs and stolen property, as well as roadblocks, stop-and-search activities, and increased police visibility. Myburgh said during the operations, nine unlicensed liquor outlets were shut down, while 40 second-hand goods outlets were inspected.
“A total of 130 undocumented persons were detained. Detectives also arrested 585 suspects during tracing operations conducted across the province. Items confiscated during the operation included various drugs, alcohol, ammunition, copper cables, drugs, dagga, tobacco products, and firearms,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended all members involved for their dedication and the successful outcomes achieved during the weekly High-Density Shanela 2 Operations. Naidoo further urged communities to actively continue working closely with the police, because the fight against crime cannot be won by the police alone, but requires active community involvement, where residence take a stand against criminality, report suspicious activities, and partner with law enforcement through the Community Police Forum (CPF) structures to safeguard all neighbourhoods.
Picture: Former Madibeng Local Municipality mayor, Douglas Maimane
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
29 April 2026 – Forum for South Africa (FOSA) said it has noted the reported dismissal of Madibeng Local Municipality mayor, Douglas Maimane by the African National Congress (ANC), following serious allegations of bribery. FOSA said this development is yet another damning reflection of the deep-rooted culture of corruption, manipulation, and political opportunism that continues to plague governance within Madibeng Local Municipality.
FOSA national leader, Tebogo Mashilompane said for far too long, Madibeng has been subjected to instability, collapsing service delivery and leadership that prioritises internal power battles over the needs of residents. Mashilompane said the latest allegations — if proven true — confirm what communities have been experiencing on the ground.
“The municipality has been captured by political survival tactics rather than public service. Fosa is clear that removing individuals after exposure is not accountability — it is damage control.
“So, we demand a full, transparent investigation into all allegations. Criminal accountability where wrongdoing is confirmed. Immediate measures to stabilise governance in the municipality,” he said.
Mashilompane further said they demand protection of municipal processes from political interference and bribery. He added that the people of Madibeng deserve ethical leadership, functional service delivery and a government that serves them — not one that treats public office as a bargaining tool.
“We will continue to stand with the community and hold those in power accountable,” said Mashilompane.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi
By REGINALD KANYANE
29 April 2026 – The North West Department of Education urges all parents and guardians across the province to ensure that learners are safe to travel to school during the torrential rains currently impacting various areas in the province. The department said this request follows multiple videos shared on social media platforms showing flooded roads and hazardous conditions that may endanger the lives of learners while travelling or commuting to and from school.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi firmly cautions parents against taking risks by sending learners to go to school when heavy rains are ongoing in their respective areas. Motsumi said the safety of the learners remains their highest priority.
“Parents must avoid risky situations by taking precautions when roads are flooded, bridges are unsafe or weather conditions pose a danger to children travelling to school. Parents are urged to keep learners at home if they see that it is not safe for them to go to school.
“The department has arranged with schools to implement catch-up programmes for learners who have missed lessons due to the heavy rains,” she said.
Motsumi further pleaded with parents to stay vigilant, keep a close watch on weather conditions and work closely with schools to prevent avoidable tragedies during this period of severe weather. She added that parents should maintain active contact with schools, especially during these adverse weather conditions to ensure access and to prioritise the safety of learners above attendance during dangerous conditions.
“The department will continue to oversee the situation and provide necessary support to affected schools,” said Motsumi.
Picture: The Head of Department (HOD), Relebohile Mofokane/Supplied
By STAFF REPORTER
29 April 2026 – The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) has welcomed the Easigas Clean Cooking Initiative (ECCI 2030) located in Mogwase, near Rustenburg. The department said this is a strategic investment that advances energy security, stimulates economic growth and supports environmental sustainability in the province.
Speaking on behalf of the North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane, the Head of Department (HOD), Relebohile Mofokane said, the initiative demonstrates how reliable energy access can be leveraged to unlock economic opportunities while improving the wellbeing of communities. Mofokane said this initiative represents a practical response to energy poverty, while creating sustainable economic opportunities for local communities.
“The department supports the transition away from environmentally harmful and hazardous fuels, noting that clean-burning LPG provides a safer, efficient and dependable energy source for households, small businesses and industry.
“As a department responsible for both economic growth and environmental stewardship, we welcome the shift to cleaner energy alternatives. This initiative reflects the type of sustainable development we seek to promote across the North West,” he said.
Mofokane further said the commissioning of the women-led LPG bulk facility, together with its last-mile distribution network, would strengthen local supply chains, encourage enterprise development and create employment opportunities, particularly for women and young people. He added that this investment goes beyond infrastructure delivery.
“It is about inclusive growth, improved quality of life and creating meaningful economic participation for our communities. The department further noted that the location of the facility in Moses Kotane enhances the regional economy and aligns with broader industrial ambitions linked to the Bojanala Platinum Special Economic Zone.
“The department emphasised that reliable and affordable energy remains essential for attracting investment, supporting industrialisation and enabling business expansion, particularly in emerging local economies,” said Mofokane.
He said at household level, the Easigas Clean Cooking Initiative is expected to improve health and safety outcomes by replacing unsafe traditional fuels with cleaner energy sources. Mofokane said the programme will also reduce the time burden associated with fuel collection and inefficient cooking methods, particularly for women in rural and peri-urban communities.
“The department commended the National Department of Electricity and Energy, together with The Chief Executive Officer of Easigas, Mr Jeremie Tromp and the The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Amani Africa and Hakem Energies, Ms Refilwe Sebothoma, and its partners for their leadership and investment in clean energy infrastructure, inclusive growth and community empowerment.
“The department confirms that strong public-private partnerships remain critical to accelerating development, expanding energy access and ensuring that economic opportunities are shared more broadly across society,” he said.
28 April 2026 – A former employee at insurance company, Neo Moalusi (32) was arrested for allegedly defrauding her former employer R3.6 million. Moalusi briefly appeared in the Specialised Commercial Crime Court sitting in Rustenburg on 28 April 2026, facing six counts of fraud.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said Moalusi was served with summons to appear in court on 15 April 2026, following an investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation into allegations of defrauding her former employer of over R3.6 million. Mathebula said it is alleged that between 2023 and 2024, she created fictitious insurance policy clients using particulars of unsuspecting victims.
“As a result, the life insurance company suffered an actual loss of over R3.6 million. Investigations revealed that the accused worked with seven others in defrauding their employer. Two of the seven suspects have already been served with summons to appear before court on 6 May 2026.
“Moalusi was released on warning and will re-appear in the same court on 6 May 2026,” he said.
Picture: Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi
By OBAKENG MAJE
28 April 2026- The Forum for South Africa (FOSA) said it has noted the decision by Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi to withdraw the Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy following the shocking revelation that the document contained fictitious sources. FOSA said while Malatsi’s admission and withdrawal of the policy is a necessary step, it exposes a deeply concerning failure within the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies.
FOSA national leader, Tebogo Mashilompane said the inclusion of unverified, AI-generated citations in a national policy document is not a minor oversight — it is a serious breach of public trust and institutional integrity. Mashilompane said South Africans expect and deserve policies that are credible, evidence-based and subjected to rigorous human oversight.
“The use of artificial intelligence in government processes must enhance efficiency and innovation, not undermine the credibility of state institutions. FOSA is particularly alarmed that a document of such national importance could pass through multiple layers of drafting and quality assurance without detecting such glaring inaccuracies.
“This raises serious questions about the competence, accountability, and internal controls within the department. We therefore call for a full, transparent investigation into how this failure occurred. Immediate accountability and consequence management for all officials involved,” he said.
Mashilompane further said they call for a comprehensive review of all current and pending policy documents to ensure similar lapses do not exist. He added that the establishment of strict guidelines and oversight mechanisms governing the use of artificial intelligence in government work.
“Furthermore, this incident highlights the urgent need for South Africa to develop not only an AI policy, but one that is credible, properly researched, and rooted in ethical governance and human accountability. FOSA will continue to monitor developments closely and will not hesitate to take further action should the government fail to act decisively.
“South Africa cannot afford governance failures disguised as innovation,” said Mashilompane.
Picture: DA MPL in Free State Provincial Legislature, Roy Jankielsohn
By STAFF REPORTER
28 April 2026 – The Democratic Alliance (DA) said the poor attendance during the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa’s Freedom Day address in the Free State is a clear sign of a failing ANC-run province and growing public distrust in the ANC as a political party. DA said under the ANC, the Free State continues to suffer from failed service delivery at both municipal and provincial levels of government.
DA Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in Free State Provincial Legislature, Roy Jankielsohn said communities are left without water in their taps, forced to live among sewage spills and endure crumbling road infrastructure, all while being led by increasingly arrogant politicians. Jankielsohn said these realities are at the heart of the declining confidence in the ANC.
“The Free State has become synonymous with corruption and is, in many ways, the birthplace of state capture. While the DA agrees with Ramaphosa that every stolen rand is an attack on our democracy, it is deeply disappointing that he arrives in the province with rhetoric instead of announcing real criminal accountability for ANC members and others who have, and continue to, undermine our democracy through corruption.
“Free Staters need to see more arrests and less talk from the President. Even the Premier faces serious corruption allegations, yet Ramaphosa continues to keep her in office,” he said.
Jankielsohn further said in the upcoming local government elections, Ramaphosa and the ANC will not only face empty stadiums, but also empty blocks next to the party’s name on ballot papers. He added that Free Staters are tired of empty promises, stolen dreams, and a stolen democracy.
Picture: JB Marks Local Municipality speaker, Alderman Moithoesi Rosy Dassie
By BAKANG MOKOTO
28 April 2026 – The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it has formally submitted a notice of motion to remove the speaker of JB Marks Local Municipality, Alderman Moithoesi Rosy Dassie in terms of Section 40 of the Municipal Structures Act. The DA said this action follows a sustained pattern of conduct that has undermined council’s ability to function as an effective and impartial oversight body.
DA councillor in JB Marks Local Municipality, Heinricha Hodgson said the party’s motion is based on serious and ongoing concerns, including the speaker’s failure to act impartially, the inconsistent and biased application of council rules and the limiting of councillor participation. Hodgson said these actions have weakened oversight, shielded the executive from accountability and eroded public trust in council processes.
“Of particular concern is the manipulation of council proceedings through the irregular convening of meetings, the sidelining of councillor’s questions, and the tabling of incomplete or non-compliant reports before council. Such practices not only contravene established rules but also compromise informed and transparent decision-making.
“The continued failure to enforce council resolutions and ensure the proper functioning of portfolio committees further reflects a breakdown in governance under the current speaker. This is not merely a procedural matter,” she said.
Hodgson further said when council oversight is compromised, service delivery suffers. She added that residents ultimately bear the cost through poor governance, lack of accountability and declining municipal performance.
“The motion will be considered at the next ordinary council meeting. The DA remains committed to restoring integrity, strengthening oversight and ensuring accountable governance in JB Marks Local Municipality,” said Hodgson.
The Guardian 