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Morongwa ( Community Newspaper ), Vryburg (2026)

17/09/2026

BOTSWANA NATIONAL EXOECTED IN COURT OVER PONGOLIN POSSESSION

PHALALA - A 27-year-old Botswana national is expected to appear before the Phalala Magistrate’s Court today, Thursday, 17 September 2026, for a formal bail application following his arrest for allegedly possessing a live pangolin and contravening the Immigration Act 13 of 2002.

Tholego Gaebolae was arrested on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, after members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) allegedly spotted him crossing the Limpopo River from Botswana into South Africa during routine patrols near the Groblersbrug Border Post.

According to police, the SANDF members confronted the man and requested his passport, which he allegedly failed to produce.

A search of his bag allegedly led to the discovery of a live pangolin, classified as a Specially Protected Wild Animal.

The suspect allegedly failed to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the origin of the pangolin and why he was in possession of the protected species. He was subsequently apprehended and handed over to Tom Burke Border Policing.

Gaebolae appeared before the Phalala Magistrate’s Court on 28 August 2026 and was remanded in custody.

His case was postponed to today, 17 September, for a formal bail application and for further police investigations.

The Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, previously commended the SANDF and SAPS for their vigilance and cooperation in protecting South Africa’s borders and endangered wildlife.

11/09/2026

RESIDENTS WARNED AGAINST UNVERIFIED DOOD-TO-DOOR USED PHONE BUYERS

VRYBURG - Residents are being urged to exercise caution following a community alert warning about individuals allegedly moving through neighbourhoods offering to buy old and second-hand mobile phones.

The warning, circulated by a community safety group, alleges that the presence of unknown phone buyers could contribute to an increase in cellphone theft and robbery, with stolen phones potentially being sold to people operating in the second-hand market.
Residents have been advised not to sell their old phones to unknown buyers and not to allow strangers offering such services into their yards.

The community safety group further claims that some of the individuals involved do not have the required permission or documentation to trade in second-hand goods.
However, residents are urged not to confront or attempt to detain anyone they suspect of operating unlawfully. Instead, any suspicious activity should be reported to the police for investigation.

“If we stop the market, we stop the robberies,” the community alert states, calling on residents to report suspected phone buyers to SAPS Vryburg or SAPS Huhudi.
Residents have also been encouraged, where it is safe to do so, to record photographs or video of suspicious individuals and provide police with information such as the street and stand number where the activity occurred.

The warning comes amid concerns about cellphone theft, particularly where stolen devices can quickly be converted into cash through informal resale channels.

Under South Africa's Second-Hand Goods Act, businesses and persons dealing in prescribed second-hand goods are subject to registration and regulatory requirements. Whether a particular person buying mobile phones door-to-door requires registration or a specific certificate depends on the nature of the activity and the applicable provisions of the Act.

The community alert's claim that “no one is allowed to buy second-hand goods door-to-door without a certificate from SAPS” should therefore be verified with SAPS or the relevant authority rather than treated as an established fact.

Morongwa News has contacted/ will seek comment from SAPS regarding whether reports have been received about individuals buying old phones in the Vryburg and Huhudi areas, whether any such persons have been found to be operating unlawfully, and whether there is evidence linking these activities to recent cellphone robberies or thefts.

Residents are reminded that possessing or selling an old phone is not, by itself, evidence that the phone was stolen. Suspicious transactions should be reported to law enforcement rather than dealt with through confrontation or vigilantism.

08/09/2026

60 SCHOOLS DAMAGED, BUT NORTH WEST VOWS TO KEEP LEARNERS IN CLASS

MAHIKENG - At least 60 schools across the North West province have sustained damage following strong and destructive winds that swept through several parts of the province between 4 and 5 September 2026.
The North West Department of Education confirmed the extent of the damage on Tuesday, saying assessments are still continuing to determine the full impact on schools.

The damage includes roofs being blown off, the destruction of mobile classrooms and damage to other school infrastructure.
The storm damage has added further pressure to the Department of Education, which is already dealing with the aftermath of recent school fires that damaged learning facilities in parts of the province.

Despite the challenges, the Department says it is implementing measures to ensure that teaching and learning continues at affected schools while urgent repairs are carried out.

The Department is working towards having all affected schools repaired before the start of the fourth term, although this will depend on the extent and nature of the damage at individual schools.

Where classrooms or mobile classrooms have been completely destroyed and cannot safely be used, learners will temporarily be accommodated at nearby schools.
Schools that remain operational but have limited classroom space may implement platooning, whereby learners are divided into separate morning and afternoon teaching sessions.

Under the proposed arrangements, one group of learners could attend classes from approximately 07:45 to 12:00, while another group uses the same classrooms from around 13:00 to 16:15.

The Department said these arrangements will be determined according to the circumstances of each affected school and monitored by school management, district officials and departmental officials.

The Department has also assured Grade 12 learners that their preparation for the National Senior Certificate examinations will not be compromised by the storm damage.
Education MEC Dr Desbo Mohono said the Department understands the importance of the final weeks of the academic year and will prioritise the continuation of learning for Grade 12 learners.

“We are deeply concerned by the extent of the damage caused by these destructive winds, particularly because our Department is already dealing with the impact of recent school fires,” said Mohono.
She said the immediate priority was to find practical solutions that would prevent learners from losing valuable teaching and learning time.

“We are working towards ensuring that all affected schools are repaired by the beginning of the fourth term. Where classrooms have been completely destroyed, we will make arrangements for learners to be accommodated at nearby schools,” Mohono said.

She added that platooning would be implemented where classroom space was limited.

“I want to particularly assure our Grade 12 learners, educators and parents that we understand the importance of this period in the academic calendar. Their learning programme must continue, and we will put the necessary measures in place to support them as they prepare for their final examinations,” she said.

The Department is working with infrastructure and disaster-management teams to assess the damage, identify urgent interventions and speed up repairs.

Further updates are expected as assessments continue and repair interventions are implemented.

The Department said it remains committed to restoring safe and functional learning environments and ensuring that learners do not lose valuable teaching time because of the storm damage.

04/09/2026

DELAREYVILLE - Former Tswaing Acting Municipal Manager in Court Over Alleged R886,000 Irregular Payment

DELAREYVILLE - Former acting municipal manager of Tswaing Local Municipality, Lesang Cyril Lobakeng, 58, appeared before the Delareyville Magistrates’ Court on Friday facing allegations of contravening the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).

Lobakeng’s court appearance follows an investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit into allegations that security services were procured and paid for without following the required municipal processes.

According to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), the matter dates back to 2021, when the North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs appointed a security company to provide security services at Tswaing Local Municipality for one month.

The one-month contract was valued at approximately R452,000.

However, after the contract period ended, the security company allegedly continued providing security services to the municipality without a valid contract.

In April 2022, the Tswaing Local Municipality Council allegedly passed a resolution authorising payment of more than R886,000 to the security company for services it had rendered.

The Hawks allege that Lobakeng, who was serving as acting municipal manager at the time, authorised the payment.

Investigators further allege that Lobakeng failed to advise the municipal council that making the payment would be unlawful and irregular.

The allegations raise questions about compliance with the MFMA and the responsibilities of municipal accounting officers in ensuring that public funds are spent lawfully and in accordance with prescribed procurement procedures.

Lobakeng made a brief appearance in the Delareyville Magistrates’ Court on Friday and was released on warning.

The matter has been postponed to 12 October 2026, when Lobakeng is expected to appear before the Specialised Commercial Crime Court sitting in Vryburg.

01/09/2026

MAN ARESTED AFTER FI****MS, AM******ON AND SAPS ITEMS SEIZED

KLIPGAT - An intelligence-driven police operation in Klipgat has resulted in the arrest of a 49-year-old man following the seizure of three fi****ms, more than 100 rounds of am******on, suspected stolen property and SAPS uniform-related items.

The operation was carried out in the early hours of Monday, 31 August 2026, by members of the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit and Provincial Crime Intelligence Overt Operations.
Police said the team acted on information and obtained a legally authorised search warrant before searching a residence in Klipgat.

During the search, officers recovered three fi****ms, including a silver 9mm pistol whose serial number had allegedly been filed off.
Two other fi****ms described by police as blank fi****ms were also seized. One of these was allegedly modified to fire live am******on.

The am******on recovered included 115 live 9mm rounds, three empty 9mm magazines, three empty 9mm cartridges and 40 blank rounds. Police also seized a pistol holster.
The search uncovered a range of other items suspected to be linked to criminal activity, including eight laptops, three cellphones and a Motorola hand-held radio.

One of the laptops reportedly had a government department sticker attached to it.

Police also seized approximately 21.332 kilograms of copper cable, with an estimated value of about R5,000.
Adding another layer to the investigation, officers recovered several SAPS uniform-related items, including two SAPS caps, a pair of police socks, a SAPS pocketbook and a SAPS badge.

The recovered exhibits are being processed and investigated with the involvement of several specialised units and role players, including the Klipgat SAPS Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), Provincial Organised Crime, the SAPS Head Office Commercial Crime Cyber Unit, Transnet and Eskom.

The suspect faces multiple charges, including:
- Three counts of possession of an unlicensed fi***rm;
- Possession of am******on;
- Possession of suspected stolen property; and
- Unlawful possession of state property relating to the SAPS uniform-related items.

The 49-year-old suspect is expected to appear before the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, 1 September 2026.
Police investigations into the origin of the fi****ms, electronic devices, copper cable and SAPS-related items are continuing.

31/08/2026

KUHN BACK IN COURT ON FRAUD AND CORRUPTION

KURUMAN - Former Kathu High School finance clerk Jessica Kuhn is expected back in the Kuruman Regional Court on Monday, 31 August 2026 facing charges of fraud and money laundering linked to the alleged theft of approximately R9 million from the school.

Kuhn's court appearance comes days after the National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) secured a restraint order over a residential property in Kathu valued at approximately R1.8 million, allegedly linked to the proceeds of the crime.

The High Court granted the restraint order on 27 August 2026.

The development followed an earlier preservation order obtained by the AFU on 20 August over four motor vehicles and three caravans with a combined estimated value of R1.6 million.

In total, the preservation and restraint orders cover assets worth approximately R3.4 million.

The AFU in Kimberley worked with the Priority Crime Specialised Inspectorate (PCSI) of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in tracing the assets.

According to the NPA, investigations revealed that some of the vehicles and caravans were registered in the names of Kuhn's family members.

The investigation also established that the vehicles were purchased for cash from the same dealership in Upington over a period of about three weeks.

The dealership provided information that assisted law enforcement authorities in tracing and identifying the assets.

Kuhn was employed as a finance clerk at Kathu High School when she allegedly misappropriated approximately R9 million over a period of time.

Investigators reportedly identified substantial cash purchases made within a relatively short period, raising questions about the source of the funds.

Kuhn has already been denied bail.

The preservation and restraint orders prohibit the identified assets from being sold, transferred, concealed or otherwise disposed of pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings and any subsequent forfeiture proceedings.

The NPA says the AFU will continue working with investigators to identify and recover assets believed to have been acquired through criminal activities.

The asset forfeiture proceedings form part of the NPA's efforts to ensure that individuals who allegedly benefit from criminal conduct are deprived of the proceeds of such activities.

Kuhn remains innocent until proven guilty.

Her appearance in the Kuruman Regional Court on Monday is expected to provide a further development in the criminal case stemming from the alleged R9 million theft from Kathu High School.

26/08/2026

MOTHUTLUNG SUSPECTS ARRESTED AS POLICE SEIZE FIVE UNLICENSENCED FI****MS

BRITS - A 59-year-old man has been arrested after police seized five fi****ms and various rounds of live am******on during an intelligence-driven operation in Mothotlung on Tuesday, 25 August.

The operation was conducted by Mothotlung police, supported by Brits Crime Intelligence and the Brits Tactical Response Team (TRT), following information about individuals allegedly terrorising communities in and around the Mothotlung area and suspected of possessing illegal fi****ms.

Police traced the information to Extension 2, Mothotlung, where they located the suspect driving a bakkie.

A search of the vehicle uncovered a 9mm CZ pistol and 15 rounds of live am******on. The suspect was unable to produce a valid licence for the fi***rm and was arrested.

Police subsequently proceeded to the suspect's residential address, where a further search resulted in the seizure of two additional pistols, a r***e, a sh***un and various rounds of live am******on, including r***e and handgun am******on.

Police are now investigating the ownership and origin of the fi****ms and am******on, as well as whether any of the seized weapons may have been used in other criminal activities.

The suspect is facing charges of possession of unlicensed fi****ms and am******on in terms of the Fi****ms Control Act, 2000 (Act 60 of 2000).

He remains in police custody and is expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate's Court on Thursday, 27 August 2026.

North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Adams commended the police members involved in the operation, but said the seizure should not simply be regarded as a job well done.

Adams said police are eagerly awaiting the results of ballistic analysis, which could potentially link the seized fi****ms to other crime scenes.

He also praised the commitment and diligence of SAPS members in removing illegal fi****ms from communities and urged members of the public to continue providing information to the police that could assist in combating crime.

The seized fi****ms and am******on have been taken into police custody as investigations continue.Photo captions

25/08/2026

MULTI-DISCIPLINARY OPERATION NETS 10 ILLEGAL MINERS

KLERKSDORP - Ten suspects aged between 16 and 47 have been arrested during a multi-disciplinary operation targeting illegal mining and the unlawful possession of gold in Klerksdorp.

The arrests were made on Tuesday by members of the Hawks’ Klerksdorp-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, working with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and Jouberton SAPS.

According to the Hawks, investigators received information about suspects allegedly processing gold on a plot in Klerksdorp. The information reportedly indicated that trucks loaded with suspected gold-bearing material were being driven onto the property for processing.

The team operationalised the information and proceeded to the identified plot, which police described as resembling a farm.

Upon arrival, the authorities allegedly found 10 suspects on the property. The suspects reportedly attempted to flee, but police managed to corner and arrest them.
During the operation, law enforcement officers seized bags containing suspected gold-bearing material, mining equipment and two vehicles.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court soon, where they will face charges including illegal mining, unlawful possession of gold and contravention of the Immigration Act.
The arrests form part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to disrupt illegal mining operations and the illicit trade in precious metals in the North West.

The Hawks have not disclosed the estimated value of the seized gold-bearing material or provided further details about the identities or nationalities of the suspects.

24/08/2026

ANC TO MARCH OVER DISPUTED COUNCILLOR NOMINATIONS

VRYBURG - The African National Congress (ANC) in the Naledi Sub-Region is set to march to the ANC's Local Election Team office in Vryburg on Tuesday, 25 August, in protest against what members describe as an unfair and undemocratic process in the nomination of ward councillor candidates ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

According to a notice circulating ahead of the march, ANC members from affected wards will gather at Huhudi Stadium at 10:00, before marching to the ANC parliamentary constituency office at 15 Molopo Street.

The organisers say the march is intended to demand the installation of candidates who were democratically elected through ANC community meetings, arguing that the nomination process in some wards was neither free nor fair.

Among the issues listed by the organisers are unresolved disputes, factionalism and concerns over the conduct of the nomination process.

The protesters are also calling for the disbandment of the Naledi Sub-Region Local Election Team (LET) office, citing dissatisfaction with its handling of the nomination process.

The planned action comes as political parties prepare for the upcoming local government elections, with the selection of ward candidates expected to play a crucial role in determining the strength of the parties at local level.

The dispute also highlights tensions within the governing party at grassroots level, where competing interests over ward candidate selection can have a direct impact on election preparations and campaign structures.

The ANC members are expected to present their grievances to party leadership during the march and seek intervention in the disputed nominations.

The organisers have urged affected ANC members to participate in the march, which is being convened by Charles Otletleng.

The ANC's Naledi Sub-Region leadership had not, at the time of publication, publicly responded to the allegations contained in the march notice.

20/08/2026

EIGHT ARRESTED WITH AK-47 and PISTOLS AFTER ROBBERY TIP-OFF

Police have arrested eight suspects aged between 19 and 31 in connection with the possession of unlicensed fi****ms and am******on following a tip-off about a planned robbery in the Delareyville area.

The arrests took place on Wednesday evening, 19 August 2026, at approximately 21:00 along the Sannieshof/Ottosdal road. Officers from the Delareyville Detective Unit, Delareyville Crime Prevention Unit and the Mahikeng Tactical Response Team (TRT) acted on intelligence that a group intended to carry out a robbery within the Delareyville policing precinct.

A vehicle matching the description provided to police was intercepted. A search of the vehicle uncovered an AK-47 r***e with am******on and two pistols, one of which was also loaded with am******on.

The suspects were unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for being in possession of the fi****ms and am******on. They were arrested at the scene and charged with possession of unlicensed fi****ms and am******on.

All recovered fi****ms will undergo ballistic testing and analysis to establish whether they have been linked to any previous crimes.

The eight suspects are expected to appear in the Delareyville Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 21 August 2026.

Morongwa ( Community Newspaper )

17/09/2026

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