Author: Kgaogelo Magolego

Alleged criminal mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala says he now hates fellow criminally accused Brown Mogotsi, whom he accuses of causing significant problems in his life. Matlala made the admission while testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, after acknowledging that he had been swindled by Mogotsi, who has been described as an alleged fixer and imposter. When Evidence Leader Mahlape Sello asked whether he remained in contact with Mogotsi, Matlala was unequivocal. “I don’t have a relationship, actually I hate him,” Matlala said. “He caused me a lot of problems in my life,” he added. ‘I realised these guys are…

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry was forced to repeatedly intervene on Monday as it sought answers from alleged criminal mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, whose evidence was at times hindered by objections from his lawyer, Anelene Van Der Heever. Commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga had to rein in Van Der Heever after she repeatedly interjected while Evidence Leader Mahlape Sello questioned Matlala about his alleged relationships with senior police officials and other key figures. At one point, Justice Madlanga reminded the lawyer that Matlala, not his legal representative, was the witness before the commission. “Miss Van Der Heever, you are not…

Alleged criminal mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala is expected to appear before the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, commonly known as the Madlanga Commission. The inquiry said on Sunday that it had brought forward Matlala’s testimony and scheduled it for two days, after initially postponing it to September. “The commission will on 17 and 18 August 2026 hear the testimony of Mr Vusimuzi Matlala. Mr Matlala first appeared before the Commission on 15 July 2026 but, in terms of a ruling handed down by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, his testimony was postponed…

ANC leaders have expressed a deep sense of loss following the passing of the party’s Gauteng spokesperson, Mzi Khumalo, who was laid to rest in Ruimsig, Johannesburg, on Saturday. Deputy President Paul Mashatile added his voice, describing Khumalo as a true servant of the people. “Comrade Mzi, as he was affectionately known, was a true servant of the people whose life was defined by humility, dedication and unwavering commitment to the betterment of his community and our nation,” said the Deputy President. “Throughout his service in government, Mr Khumalo embodied the values of service and stewardship. His work touched many…

A group that has installed itself as the leadership of Soweto-based community radio station Jozi FM is refusing to hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) to formally elect a board of directors. This follows ICASA’s rejection of the group’s claim that it had removed the station’s properly constituted board and replaced it with a new one. Without providing supporting evidence, the group’s lawyer, Brian Dile, claims that ICASA’s insistence on a properly constituted AGM is unlawful. “I’m saying to you, I’m not sure if the people who are actually responsible for drafting those terms of reference probably had legal advice,…

There has been widespread rejection of attempts by right-wing groups in Europe to blame Morocco for last month’s invasion of Ceuta by tens of thousands of migrants. Anti-migrant pressure groups accused Morocco of relaxing security at its borders to benefit politically from the chaos that followed, when more than 70,000 people reportedly swam and marched into the enclave, overwhelming the border and outnumbering police officers. However, human rights groups and activist movements have hit back, criticising what they describe as Europe’s historical extractive dealings with Africa, which they argue have contributed to instability and state fragility across the continent. While…

The City of Tshwane has reached a significant milestone in its Electricity Stabilisation Plan following the completion of the installation of a new 40 MVA transformer at the Mamelodi 2 Substation. The new transformer replaces the existing 20 MVA unit and forms part of the City’s ongoing efforts to strengthen and modernise its electricity network, increase capacity and improve the reliability of electricity supply to Mamelodi and surrounding areas. The municipality said the Electricity Stabilisation Plan is focused on addressing capacity constraints, strengthening critical infrastructure and improving the resilience of the electricity network. The project involved extensive technical modifications, including…

Former DA, ActionSA and uMkhonto weSizwe Party member Abel Tau has set his sights on the City of Tshwane mayoral chain after resurfacing in a new political home. Tau, who briefly served as mayor between 2019 and 2020, has entered the race for the city’s top political position as the mayoral candidate for the newly formed United Progressive People’s Alliance (UPPA). Announcing his candidacy during a media briefing in Pretoria on Wednesday, Tau said his experience as both an acting mayor and a Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) put him in a strong position to lead the capital. Tau…

Despite acknowledging that he does not have evidence to substantiate his claims, IPID KZN Deputy Director for Investigations Len John is adamant that police in the province are involved in extrajudicial killings for which they are rarely held accountable. John testified at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and claimed that KZN police often report killing suspects in shootouts, yet officers rarely sustain injuries. John based his allegations against KZN police on the claim that none of the officers involved in reported shootouts had sustained injuries. “Despite allegedly being shot at by five suspects, none of the members of the task…

The government is moving to repeal more than 100 apartheid-era laws in a bid to bring the country’s legislative framework in line with the Constitution. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi announced during a media briefing in Pretoria on Tuesday that outdated laws, including the Riotous Assemblies Act, which was used to suppress anti-apartheid activism, would be repealed. “Our laws have got to align with the current dispensation. Some of these laws that are being repealed were put in place in response to circumstances at the time, during apartheid. But now we have a rights-based Constitution, including the Bill of Rights,” Kubayi…