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 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.
2 March 2026- The accused, Tshepang Mogapi was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the Zeerust Regional Court for raping a girl (16). Mogapi also received a concurrent two-year sentence for assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH).
THE National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the court further ordered that Mogapi’s name be added to the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm. Gunya said the offence took place on 18 December 2022, in Mokgola village.
“The victim was walking alone in the early hours when Mogapi approached from behind, grabbed her, and strangled her. Her screams alerted a nearby resident, who attempted to intervene but was overpowered and threatened with a knife, forcing him to seek help.
“By the time assistance returned, both Mogapi and the victim had left the scene. Investigations showed that Mogapi dragged her to his home, where he raped her. Afterwards, he walked her partway home, but assaulted her again, strangling and slapping her, before they parted ways,” he said.
Gunya further said the victim reported the incident to the police, leading to Mogapi’s arrest. He added that Mogapi was released on bail pending trial.
“Mogapi pleaded not guilty, but the court convicted him based on strong prosecution evidence. The state prosecutor, Kagiso Modibedi argued in aggravation that rape is a serious and prevalent crime, urging the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.
“In delivering the sentence, the court acknowledged the offence’s severe impact on the victim’s dignity and the judiciary’s duty to protect vulnerable individuals. However, it deviated from life imprisonment due to mitigating factors,” said Gunya.
He said Mogapi’s youth at the time of the offence, his status as a first-time offender, and the influence of alcohol.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions for North West, Dr Rachel Makhari commended Modibedi and all involved role-players for ensuring justice was served for the victim.
15 February 2026 – The accused, Elrico Bradley Leroy Hartebees (30) of Niekerkshoop in the Northern Cape will spend 15 years behind bars after he was recently found guilty of rape by the Griekwastad Regional Court. On 24 November 2023, the victim was on her way to visit her boyfriend when she was suddenly attacked from behind by an unknown man.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the victim screamed for help as the accused allegedly pushed her to the ground. Litabe said she subsequently lost consciousness and was raped.
“Two passersby heard the victim’s cries for help and rushed to the scene, where they intervened and came to her rescue. Upon their arrival, they identified the accused and immediately notified the police.
“A case of rape was registered at the Niekerkshoop Police Station for further investigation. The matter was allocated to Detective Constable Dineo Mogaladi of the Prieska Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit,” he said.
Litabe further said following the victim’s medical examination, Hartebees was arrested. He added that the accused appeared in court on several occasions, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge.
“After thorough investigations conducted by Detective Constable Mogaladi and compelling testimony presented by the complainant and the two witnesses, the court found him guilty as charged.
“The court subsequently sentenced the accused to 15 years’ imprisonment and declared him unfit to possess a firearm,” said Litabe.
The Pixley ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, commended Detective Constable Mogaladi and the Prosecutor, for their dedication and professionalism, which led to the successful prosecution of the case.
10 February 2026 – The accused, Tshepo Jantjie (35) was sentenced to 21 years imprisonment for business robbery and murder by the Kuruman Regional Court. On 16 January 2022, the shop owner (24) was approached by two men at his shop in Maipeing, near Tsineng.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Merapelo Pilane said the suspects pretended to be customers purchasing items. Pilane said while the victim was assisting them, both men produced firearms, threatened him and demanded money and cigarettes.
“During the altercation, one of the suspects fired a shot, injuring the shop owner in the upper body. The suspects fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash, cigarettes, airtime and cellular phones. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment and the incident was reported to Tsineng Police Station.
“A case of business robbery was opened. The case docket was assigned to Detective Sergeant Mojaki Mogaswa, whose meticulous investigation led to the arrest of the suspect, who was subsequently charged with business robbery and attempted murder,” he said.
Pilane further said on 8 February 2022, the victim succumbed to his injuries and the charge was amended to include murder. He added that following several court appearances, the accused was found guilty on charges of murder and business robbery.
“On 5 February 2026, he was sentenced to an effective 21 years imprisonment and declared unfit to possess a firearm,” said Pilane.
Meanwhile, the acting John Taolo Gaetsewe District Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, welcomed the sentence and commended Detective Sergeant Mogaswa for his dedication and thorough investigation, which ensured justice for the victim and his family.
3 February 2026- The accused, Kabelo John Masango (32) and his company, Creative Ideas Nonstop Trading and Projects (Pty) LTD, has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Rustenburg for fraud and money laundering. Masango and his company were sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for 10 counts of fraud, 10 years imprisonment for money laundering and 10 months imprisonment for Contravening Section 7, read with Sections 8 and 36 of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act 37 of 2002.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the court ordered that all sentences run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 15 years imprisonment for both accused. Gunya said between June 2017 and April 2018, Masango approached victims, mainly from Dikebu village, near Rustenburg, including close relatives and persuaded them to invest money with his company by promising high returns.
“He frequently visited potential investors at their homes to convince them to invest their hard-earned savings. To gain the trust of investors, Masango paid interest to the first investor from his personal bank account. Some investors received payments for the first two months, while others did not benefit at all.
“Thereafter, Masango failed to honour the agreements, ignored calls from investors and disappeared with their funds. The victims reported the matter to the police, leading to his arrest on 28 November 2021. Evidence before the court revealed that Masango siphoned off more than R1.7 million from unsuspecting victims during the period 2017 to 2018,” he said.
Gunya further said during the trial, Masango and his company pleaded not guilty. He added that, in aggravation of sentence, advocate Nkhetheni Mudau submitted that the accused deliberately defrauded elderly persons, some of whom were known to him and others who were related to him.
“The court heard that Masango made false promises of monthly interest payments, which were either short-lived or never honoured,” said Gunya.
Meanwhile, welcoming the sentence, Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, commended Mudau and all stakeholders involved in bringing the matter to finality. Makhari said this sentence should send a strong message to those who abuse positions of trust for personal gain.
“The NPA remains unwavering in its commitment to combat commercial crimes, uphold the principles of justice, and protect the interests of vulnerable communities,” she said.
21 December 2025 – The accused, Sipho Ngwako Masila (39), briefly appeared before the Temba Magistrate’s Court on 17 December 2025, on three charges of murder and two of rape. Masila was remanded in custody until 9 January 2026.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the accused was arrested on Monday night, 15 December 2025, at his house in Moeka Vuma village, after the police responded to a domestic violence complaint. Myburgh said Masila, who allegedly pointed his girlfriend with a firearm, was also accused of raping the latter’s two daughters aged 12 and 16, between 31 March and 14 December 2025.
“During the arrest, the police found an illegal firearm and numerous suspected stolen goods in the house. Initial investigations linked the accused to the murders and it was determined that the goods belonged to the three murder victims.
“The first murder incident was reported in Moeka Vuma Police Station in the early hours of Sunday morning, 6 July 2025. The body of Lefu Lucas Tloomen (37) was found with a gunshot wound inside a yard in Angola Section, Randjiepan village. The victim’s hands and feet were tied up,” she said.
Myburgh further said the second murder incident was reported at around 10am on 28 July 2025. She added that the body of Timothy Hlongwane (52) was discovered by a passer-by in the bushes in Moeka Vuma, also with a gunshot wound.
“The third and last murder was reported on Friday morning, 22 August 2025, also in the bushes at Randjiepan village. The body of Jose Timoteo Mucuacua (38) was found inside a red BMW, with multiple gunshot wounds to the head. The victim’s hands were also tied up,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, congratulated the police at Moeka Vuma for their quick reaction and attentiveness during the arrest of the suspect. Naidoo said police will continue to work hard to ensure that those who commit serious and violent crimes are brought to book to face the full might of the law.
1 December 2025- The accused, Lukas Klein (24) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Hopetown Regional Court for two counts of assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and one count of arson. The conviction stems from a violent attack on the victim, Lena Louw (47), who is the mother of his girlfriend.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said according to Louw, Klein was visiting their home when she heard her daughter screaming and warning her to close the door as Klein was approaching aggressively. Litabe said Louw attempted to defend herself by throwing boiling water at Klein after he forced the door open.
“Despite this, Klein continued his attack, striking her with a pickaxe and rendering her unconscious. She later regained consciousness in hospital, where she learned that Klein had set her house on fire, destroying all her belongings. A case docket containing charges of assault GBH and arson was registered at Hopetown Police Station, subsequently leading to the arrest of Klein on the same day of the incident.
“He remained in custody until the finalisation of the case. The accused was sentenced to three years imprisonment for assaulting his girlfriend and four years imprisonment for assaulting the complainant. Klein will serve the full 10 year term and has been declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
Litabe further said the investigation was led by Sergeant Recardo Kock of the Hopetown Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, whose thorough work was commended by the Pixley ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, together with the Provincial Management of the South African Police Service in the Northern Cape. He added that the SAPS reiterate that Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) have no place in society.
“Perpetrators of violence against women and children will face the full might of the law,” said Litabe.
4 November 2025- The accused, Xolani Musawenkosi Xulu (33) from Brentwood Park in Benoni abandoned his bail application at the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court. Xulu is facing five counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that in the early hours of 5 October 2025, at approximately 3am, the accused was at Qedukuma Tavern in Zithobeni, where he allegedly shot and killed five people and attempted to kill three others. Mahanjana said following an intensive police investigation, the accused was arrested on 21 October 2025.
“The matter has been postponed to 13 January 2026, for further investigation and DPP instructions,” she said.
27 October 2025- The accused, Karabo Mooketsi (34) is expected to appear in the Madikwe Magistrate’s Court on 27 October 2025, on charges of house robbery and theft of a motor vehicle. Mooketsi was arrested in Delareyville on 21 October 2025, in possession of a motor vehicle and other goods robbed during a house robbery at Kgosing Section, Molatedi village, near Madikwe.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said it is alleged that a homeowner arrived at his place on Monday evening, 20 October 2025, parked his Ford Ranger car outside and entered the house. Mokgwabone said according to information, the victim was accosted by an unknown man while going outside to fetch something from the car.
“The man allegedly threatened him with a knife, tied his hands and feet, then ransacked the house. Following this, the suspect fled from the scene with the victim’s car after taking a laptop, cell phone, and various other household goods.
“The suspect was arrested in Delareyville on 21 October 2025, and appeared before the Delareyville Magistrate’s Court the following day,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, indicated that the arrest demonstrates intensified and coordinated efforts in addressing the threat of serious and violent crimes in line with the Safer Festive Season Operations under Operation Shanela II.
The Guardian 