Carletonville News Digest: 11 Feb 2026

The first eleven days of February saw a community balancing the grief of past tragedies with the immediate demands of modern-day safety, law enforcement, and local celebration.

1. Safety & Enforcement: The Scholar Transport Drive

Scholar transport safety has become a central focus for the Merafong community and Gauteng provincial authorities following a series of tragic incidents.

• Intensified Inspections: On February 8, 2026, the Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, convened a major stakeholder meeting. In the week following, local traffic authorities in Carletonville and Fochville conducted a "blitz" on scholar transport vehicles.

• Compliance Crackdown: Over 100 unroadworthy minibuses were removed from Gauteng roads between February 1 and 7, many of which were operating in the West Rand. Key violations included expired discs, lack of valid permits, and mechanical defects like faulty brakes.

• The "Zero Tolerance" Stance: Provincial authorities reiterated that operators must have formal contracts with parents and endorsement letters from School Governing Bodies (SGBs). In Carletonville, this move has been met with both support from parents and concern from operators struggling with the licensing backlog.

2. Law Enforcement: Specialized Mine Security Operations

Law enforcement remains in a state of high alert following the significant security incident on February 8 at the Blyvooruitzicht Mine.

• Task Team Deployment: The SAPS National Intervention Unit has established a semi-permanent presence in the area to combat illegal mining networks.

• Continuing Investigations: Following the fatal shootout that left two suspects dead, police are now tracking the origin of the high-caliber weaponry recovered, including an AK-47, to determine if these cells are linked to larger criminal syndicates operating across the West Rand.

3. Public Safety: Criminal Alerts and Local Developments

Beyond organized crime, several localized incidents have impacted the community:

• The Keiskama Street Murder: Investigation continues into the February 7 murder of a 43-year-old resident. While no arrests have been made, the incident has prompted neighboring streets to form a temporary "neighborhood watch" to patrol during the early evening hours.

• Blybank Discovery: On 8 February, SAPS recovered the body of a man who had been reported kidnapped earlier in the month in the Blybank area.

• Extortion Scam Update: By February 11, more business owners in Carletonville and Oberholzer came forward reporting the "Head of Disconnection" scam. Police have clarified that municipal officials will never demand cash payments or immediate electronic transfers on-site to prevent power cuts.

4. Agriculture and Rural Security

In a major development for the local economy, the West Rand Agriculture Association appointed new leadership in early February.

• The Appointment: On 8 February, a prominent Fochville farmer was elected to lead the association.

• The Mandate: The new leadership is tasked with addressing the rising cases of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in the district and coordinating a unified response to the security threats facing rural farming communities in Merafong.

5. Local Sports: Breaking Records and Chasing Dreams

• The Road to France: The community's support for Cornel Metcalfe grew throughout the week as her qualification for the UTMB Mont-Blanc was finalized. Local businesses have begun pledge drives to assist with her training and travel costs.

• Fochville Athletics: Following the house sports meet on February 9, Hoërskool Fochville announced its final athletics team for the upcoming inter-high competitions, with several junior sprinters being highlighted as "ones to watch."

• Significance: Known as the "pinnacle" of world trail running, the race involves a 170km trek through Italy, Switzerland, and France. Metcalfe’s qualification follows her recent record-shattering performance where she set a new SA Ladies W50-54 record.

6. Community & Lifestyle

• Sanitary Drive Success: The 2025 Miss CJ Senior, Lesego Ratlebyane, officially handed over the final batch of collected sanitary products on February 10, successfully reaching her goal of supporting learners at three local schools.

• Heritage and Art: The "Kasi Jam Sessions" at Merafong 360 Online Radio saw a record number of local registrations on February 11, with organizers promising a "diverse mix" of talent for the upcoming live sessions.

• SPCA Pet Adoption: The Carletonville SPCA featured several "long-term residents" on 9 February, encouraging families to adopt pets that have been at the facility since the 2025 festive season.

• Valentine’s Retreat: Local organizers have invited women to a two-day "Valentine’s Experience" at the Abe Bailey Nature Reserve on 14-15 February, focused on self-reflection and empowerment.

Key Summary Table: 1 – 11 February 2026

Date	Category	Headline Event
Feb 5	Finance	AG issues qualified audit; concerns raised over municipal billing.
Feb 7	Crime	43-year-old resident fatally attacked in Keiskama Street.
Feb 8	Police	Fatal shootout at Blyvooruitzicht mine; two suspects deceased.
Feb 8	Transport	Provincial authorities announce intensified scholar transport blitz.
Feb 9	Sport	New sprinting records set at Hoërskool Fochville house sports.
Feb 10	Sport	Cornel Metcalfe qualifies for the world-renowned UTMB (France).
Feb 11	Safety	Community alert issued regarding municipal "disconnection" scam.

As February 2026 unfolds, Carletonville remains a town defined by its proactive spirit. Whether it is the urgent push for safer scholar transport, the specialized policing of its mines, or the collective pride in an athlete heading for the global stage, the community continues to lead where formal structures often lag. The next few weeks will be pivotal as the "Kasi Jam" cultural movement gains momentum and the local farming association begins its new security mandate.

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