NORTH WEST PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER MOURNS THE DEATHS OF TWO POLICE OFFICERS IN SEPARATE ROAD ACCIDENTS @SAPoliceService The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams, has expressed deep sadness following the deaths of two South African Police Service (SAPS) members in separate road accidents in the province over the last few days. The deceased members are Warrant Officer Ennice Nortman, aged 53, attached to North West Provincial Crime Intelligence in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, and Constable Itumeleng Johannes Pule, aged 40, attached to the Vryburg #StockTheft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District. Warrant Officer Nortman sustained serious injuries on Monday afternoon, 19 October 2026, after she was allegedly struck by a BMW SUV while crossing the driveway at Lichtenburg Mall along Dr Nelson Mandela Drive in Lichtenburg. She was on duty during the incident and was transported to hospital by emergency medical services for medical treatment. Sadly, she succumbed to her injuries later that evening. The driver of the vehicle was arrested following preliminary investigations. A case of murder is being investigated, while further charges relating to an alleged contravention of immigration legislation are also being pursued. The accused, Akilesh Gupta (23), appeared before the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, and was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on Tuesday, 27 October 2026. In a separate incident, Constable Pule lost his life in a collision on Sunday, 18 October 2026, at approximately 20:10 on the R378 road, about 20 kilometres before Ganyesa. According to the preliminary report, Constable Pule was off duty and driving his own vehicle, a red Volkswagen Polo Vivo, when it collided with a Nissan NP200 travelling in the opposite direction. He was declared dead at the scene. His wife, who was a passenger in the vehicle, sustained slight injuries and was transported to a local hospital for medical attention. A case of culpable homicide has been opened at Ganyesa Police Station, and investigations are underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision. Lieutenant General Adams has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of both deceased members. He has also extended his thoughts to those who were injured in the incidents. He also extended his sincere condolences to the bereaved families and wished those injured a speedy recovery. Members of the public are urged to allow the police to conduct their investigation without interference and to provide any relevant information or footage directly to the investigating officers.

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WOMAN APPEARS IN COURT FOR ALLEGEDLY STAGING HER OWN KIDNAPPING @NPA_Prosecutes Ntombifuthi Mavis Rumo (37) appeared briefly in the Kwa-Thema Magistrates’ Court. Her co-accused, Bonginkosi Mndebele (27), appeared in absentia because he is in hospital. They are both facing a charge of defeating the administration of justice. It is alleged that on 07 October 2026, Rumo, Mndebele and a suspect who has not yet been charged met and discussed staging Rumo’s kidnapping because they were experiencing financial difficulties. The three allegedly contacted Rumo’s family and demanded money for her release. When the family was unable to pay, the three allegedly released Rumo on 12 October 2026 and left her at Vlakfontein Road. They then asked her family to collect her from there. Following a police investigation into the reported kidnapping, Rumo was arrested on 20 October 2026 after her husband brought her to the police. After her arrest, She pointed out Mndebele to the police. In court, the matter was postponed to 29 October 2026 for bail investigations and for Mndebele to appear in court. The State intends to oppose bail for both accused.

Congratulations to Tim Modise, who was honoured by North-West University with an honorary doctorate this morning. A well-deserved recognition for a veteran broadcaster who has made an immense contribution to journalism and broadcasting in South Africa. Congratulations, Tim! Well deserved. @TimModise @theNWU