Alex Reporter

THULAMELA COUNCILLOR BUSTED IN R70K BRIBERY PLOT TO DERAIL SIU CORRUPTION PROBE

By Mr Lee
Mbyana ya Mahungu

A Limpopo councillor has landed in hot water after allegedly trying to bribe investigators to make corruption evidence disappear.

Netshivhumbe Gumani (44), a sitting councillor at Thulamela Local Municipality, was arrested in a dramatic joint operation involving the SIU, SAPS and the Hawks after allegedly offering an SIU investigator R70,000 to interfere with an ongoing corruption investigation.

The probe centres on controversial leasing tenders awarded by the Mahikeng Local Municipality in North West, with investigators reportedly uncovering suspicious money flows from a service provider to unrelated companies and individuals.

According to the SIU, Gumani first approached one investigator, who rejected the offer. Undeterred, he allegedly targeted a senior investigator, offering R70,000 to "close one eye" and ignore incriminating evidence.

His troubles deepened on 18 June 2026 when he allegedly handed over R10,000 in cash during a meeting in Mahikeng as part of the promised bribe.

Unbeknown to him, law enforcement had already been alerted. The SIU, SAPS and Hawks set up an entrapment operation and moved in immediately after the cash changed hands.

The money was seized and counted in the presence of officers before Gumani was taken into custody.

The councillor appeared before the Molopo Magistrates' Court and his case was postponed to 29 June 2026 for a bail application.

The SIU has praised the integrity of its investigators, warning that anyone attempting to corrupt officials tasked with fighting corruption will face the full force of the law.

If convicted, Gumani could face serious consequences under South Africa's anti-corruption legislation.

STEPFATHER ARRESTED FOR ALLEGED MURDER OF 3-YEAR-OLD BOY

By Mr Lee
Mbyana ya Mahungu

A 24-year-old man has been arrested for the alleged murder of his three-year-old stepson following an extensive police investigation in Senwabarwana, Limpopo.

The arrest relates to an incident that occurred on 25 April 2026 at a rental home in Dilaeneng Millennium Park, Tlhahla Village. Police were initially called to the residence after reports that the child had died while asleep.

Upon arrival, officers noticed visible bruises on the child's body. Emergency medical personnel declared the child dead at the scene, and an inquest was opened.

Investigations later revealed that the child had allegedly been assaulted before his death. A post-mortem examination found that the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head.

Police gathered witness statements and additional evidence linking the suspect, identified as the child's stepfather, to the incident. An arrest warrant was subsequently obtained, leading to his arrest on Friday, 19 June 2026.

Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Thembi Hadebe, praised investigators for their commitment to securing justice for vulnerable victims.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Senwabarwana Magistrate's Court on Monday, 22 June 2026.

Police investigations remain ongoing.

MOTHER AND TWO CHILDREN VANISH WITHOUT A TRACE IN LEPHALALE

By Mr Lee
Mbyana ya Mahungu

A mystery has gripped Lephalale after a mother and her two young sons disappeared under unclear circumstances, leaving relatives desperate for answers.

Police have launched an investigation into the disappearance of 37-year-old Phindile Ntombifuthi Phalatse and her children, 12-year-old Lebone Abongwe and 7-year-old Lethabo Zemvelo Phalatse.

According to police, family members last had contact with the trio in January 2026. Alarm bells rang when relatives were unable to reach them for months and all communication suddenly stopped.

The mystery deepened on 13 June when a concerned relative visited the family's home in Onverwacht, Lephalale, only to discover that nobody had seen or heard from them for an extended period. Neighbours reportedly told the family that the mother and her two sons were last seen around March this year.

Investigators found one of the family's vehicles still parked at the residence, while a Ford Kuga is believed to be missing.

Police also established that Phalatse reportedly resigned from her job in June 2024 and that the children have not attended school since November 2025.

Authorities have opened enquiry dockets and are working to establish the whereabouts of the missing family and what may have led to their disappearance.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Mambo Nndwamato on 071 511 4310 or 079 765 8761, the nearest police station, or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Information can also be shared anonymously via the MySAPS App.

Police investigations are continuing.

YOUNG DETECTIVE MAKING A DIFFERENCE, ONE CASE AT A TIME

By Mr Lee
Mbyana ya Mahungu

At just 26 years old, Detective Constable Matthew Saulse is proving that age is no barrier to making a real impact in the fight against crime.

The Nyanga Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) detective is being recognised during Youth Month for his dedication to helping victims of abuse and ensuring justice is served.

Born in Somerset West and raised in Strand before moving to Genadendal, Saulse joined the South African Police Service in 2022 under Project 10 000. After starting his career in visible policing, he transferred to the FCS Unit in 2023, where he investigates some of the most sensitive and emotionally challenging cases.

Saulse says his passion for protecting children and supporting vulnerable victims inspired him to become an FCS detective.

"For me, every case is more than just a docket. There is pain behind the paper," he said.

Despite the emotional demands of the job, Saulse has already helped secure major convictions, including lengthy prison sentences for rapists and a life sentence in a child abuse case.

He credits his faith, his mother and his daughter for keeping him motivated, while remaining committed to treating every victim with compassion and respect.

Looking ahead, the young detective hopes to one day lead an FCS Unit and continue making a positive difference in the lives of victims.

"I never want to dishonour the badge," Saulse said. "I will keep that promise until I retire."

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