Tag Archives: Pixley Ka Seme

Northern Cape SAPS deploys members across province as local government elections get underway

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Picture: SAPS members during parade/Supplied

By STAFF REPORTER

4 November 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape has deployed its members across all five policing districts in the province to ensure a safe, peaceful and secure environment as the 2026 Local Government Elections get underway. Before deployment, the five District Commissioners of Frances Baard, Pixley ka Seme, ZF Mgcawu, Namakwa and John Taolo Gaetsewe Districts, conducted parades with their respective members, during which operational instructions and marching orders were issued.

The Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, who also chairs the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROV JOINTS) said the briefings were aimed at ensuring that police officers were adequately prepared, fully informed and strategically positioned to carry out their election-related responsibilities. Otola said the parades also reaffirmed SAPS members’ operational readiness, discipline and commitment to maintaining law and order, protecting voters, Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) personnel and election materials, as well as safeguarding voting stations and surrounding areas.

“The police officers have been deployed at identified voting stations and other strategic locations across the province to monitor the electoral process, conduct patrols, respond promptly to incidents and prevent intimidation, violence, disruptions or criminal activities that could threaten the integrity of the elections.

“In collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and relevant stakeholders, the SAPS remains committed to ensuring that every eligible voter can exercise their democratic right without fear, intimidation or interference,” she said.

Otola emphasised that a zero-tolerance approach would be adopted towards election-related offences, warning that law enforcement agencies remain vigilant and ready to act decisively against anyone attempting to disrupt the electoral process or undermine the democratic rights of others. She further said the SAPS in the Northern Cape will continue monitoring developments throughout the province and provide updates on any significant incidents that may occur.

“The authority of the State will be asserted, and the safety and security of all inhabitants remain our priority,” said Otola.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Extreme weather conditions hit Northern Cape

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Picture: A severe weather in Northern Cape/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

13 May 2026 – Multiple Districts in the Northern Cape have been affected by extreme weather conditions hence the SAPS is appealing to residents to implement the following safety measures during this period and also to be vigilant and alert. Floods, ice and snow have been observed in the John Taolo Gaetsewe, Pixley Ka Seme, ZF Mgcawu and Frances Baard Districts.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said motorists and residents are urged to exercise extreme caution. Ehlers said motorists are urged to reduce speed and increase following distance to allow for adequate reaction time in case of sudden stops or changing road conditions.

“Use headlights at all times to enhance visibility and ensure your vehicle is visible to others. Ensure windshield wipers are functioning properly to maintain clear visibility. Avoid puddles and standing water, which may conceal potholes.

“Be cautious of large vehicles that may reduce your visibility due to spray. Stay alert and avoid distractions while driving. If necessary, pull over safely. Adhere to additional road signs indicating road closures and the use of alternative routes,” she said.

Ehlers further said people should ensure that all fires in fireplaces are extinguished and heaters are switched off before going to bed. She added that they should never sleep with burning candles and refrain from using “Umbolas” inside their houses.

“Leave a door or window partially open when using a fuel fired heater to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Install smoke alarms and test whether they are in a working condition. Take extra care when cooking, especially with gas and open fires. Do not overload multi-plugs and wall sockets with heating appliances.

“Switch off electric blankets at night and rather opt for extra warm blankets during winter. Do not splash water on oil or grease that caught fire in your cooking pan as this spreads the fire. Rather, use a fire extinguisher,” said Ehlers.

She urged individuals to keep matches, lighters, and other flammable liquids out of the reach of children. Ehlers said when cooking, keep flammable items like curtains, oven gloves and paper towels far away from burners and stoves.

“Use portable air conditioners safely and with extra care. If your residence catches fire, get out, stay out, call for help, and never re-enter your burning house for pets or personal belongings. Keep heaters away from flammable or combustible materials.

“Never dry wet or damp clothes or fabrics on an electric heater. Follow updated weather alerts on media platforms. Be responsible, conscientious and safe at all times,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Extreme weather conditions hit Northern Cape

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: A bridge between Taung and Reivilo submerged

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

11 May 2026 – Multiple Districts in the Northern Cape have been affected by extreme weather conditions hence the police are appealing to residents to implement safety measures during this period and also to be vigilant and alert. The police said floods, ice and snow have been observed in the John Taolo Gaetsewe, Pixley Ka Seme, ZF Mgcawu and Frances Baard Districts.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the motorists and residents are urged to exercise extreme caution. Ehlers said motorists should reduce speed and increase following distance to allow for adequate reaction time in case of sudden stops or changing road conditions.

“Use headlights at all times to enhance visibility and ensure your vehicle is visible to others. Ensure windshield wipers are functioning properly to maintain clear visibility. Avoid puddles and standing water, which may conceal potholes.

“Be cautious of large vehicles that may reduce your visibility due to spray. Stay alert and avoid distractions while driving. If necessary, pull over safely. Adhere to additional road signs indicating road closures and the use of alternative routes,” she said.

Ehlers further said people should ensure that all fires in fireplaces are extinguished and heaters are switched off before going to bed. She added that they should never sleep with burning candles and refrain from using “Umbolas” inside their houses.

“Leave a door or window partially open when using a fuel fired heater to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Install smoke alarms and test whether they are in a working condition. Take extra care when cooking, especially with gas and open fires.

“Do not overload multi-plugs and wall sockets with heating appliances. Switch off electric blankets at night and rather opt for extra warm blankets during winter. Do not splash water on oil or grease that caught fire in your cooking pan as this spreads the fire. Rather, use a fire extinguisher,” said Ehlers.

She urged residents to keep matches, lighters and other flammable liquids out of the reach of children. Ehlers said when cooking, they should keep flammable items like curtains, oven gloves and paper towels far away from burners and stoves.

“Use portable air conditioners safely and with extra care. If your residence catches fire, get out, stay out, call for help, and never re-enter your burning house for pets or personal belongings. Keep heaters away from flammable or combustible materials.

“Never dry wet or damp clothes or fabrics on an electric heater. Follow updated weather alerts on media platforms. Be responsible, conscientious and safe at all times,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com