Author: Kgaogelo Magolego

The government has cautioned against violence ahead of the 30 June deadline imposed on illegal immigrants by several pressure groups. The Presidency, security cluster ministers, police and the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) have called on frustrated South Africans not to take the law into their own hands. Demonstrating groups have accused the government of ignoring the country’s immigration problem for many years, resulting in tensions, particularly in poor black communities where foreign nationals compete for limited opportunities with locals. President Cyril Ramaphosa used his weekly newsletter on Monday to reiterate the government’s position, which is that while it…

A Johannesburg Metro Police Department officer has poured her heart out to the Madlanga Commission, saying she felt used. This follows her admission that she helped suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and his colleagues steal precious metals under the guise of confiscation. The officer, who testified under the pseudonym Witness K, also revealed that she was in a romantic relationship with Mkhwanazi. She said she initially was supporting him financially, but his financial requests quickly became demands for her to gather intelligence, which he would in turn use to commit crimes, including robberies. She became emotional…

The Nigerian government has appealed to frustrated nationals stranded in South Africa to remain patient and appreciative of efforts being made to facilitate their return home. Hundreds of Nigerians have been gathering daily outside Nigeria’s High Commission in Hatfield, Pretoria, since the 30 June deadline issued by pressure group March and March, which called on undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa. Last month, the Nigerian government pledged to repatriate citizens wishing to return home. However, only one charter flight carrying just over 200 passengers has departed so far, leaving thousands still waiting and growing increasingly frustrated by the delays.…

Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s business partner, Mike van Wyk, has cited severe anxiety as the reason for his absence from the Madlanga Commission. The Medicare24 chief executive was expected to answer questions about how the company, which he co-owned with co-accused Matlala, secured a multimillion-rand medical tender with the police. However, he informed the inquiry through his lawyer, Sandy De Plessis, that he has been experiencing persistent panic attacks which have resulted in hospitalisation. “The panic attacks have been ongoing, and he recently suffered another severe episode. Dr Lawrence consulted with him and prescribed medication. Yesterday, when I eventually spoke to…

Former President Jacob Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) founding spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, have blamed senior party leadership for their expulsion and vowed to fight their removal and return to the party. The pair addressed the media in Johannesburg, where they singled out Secretary-General Sibonelo Nomvalo and second deputy president Tony Yengeni for their current predicament. Zuma-Sambudla said her father was being misled by those around him. “I take no responsibility. I blame the people around the leadership. I don’t feel betrayed by my father, Jacob Zuma, but I do blame those around him,” said Zuma-Sambudla.…

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has intensified efforts to encourage millions of South Africans who do not vote to register ahead of the upcoming local government elections, describing municipal polls as the most important opportunity for citizens to influence their daily lives. Speaking during a media briefing on Saturday, IEC Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Masego Sheburi urged eligible voters not to forfeit their constitutional right to participate in shaping their communities. Sheburi acknowledged that some South Africans may feel disconnected from political parties or candidates currently on offer, but stressed that registration remains a crucial first step. “You may not…

South Africa says years of planning for funding uncertainty have positioned the country to maintain its HIV/AIDS response despite reports that the United States may have withdrawn support through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The Department of Health has moved to reassure millions of South Africans who rely on public healthcare services, emphasizing that the country’s HIV treatment programme remains largely funded through domestic resources. The response follows media reports suggesting that the administration of US President Donald Trump has ended PEPFAR funding to South Africa. While officials have not received formal confirmation from Washington, the department…

Suspended KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Lesetja Senona has vehemently denied that the break-in at the police storage facility in Port Shepstone was staged. Senona, who appeared at the Madlanga Commission, said the steel door that was breached could only have been penetrated by experts. It is suspected that a key kept by Senona and frequently borrowed by other officers may have been used in the theft, with the door later broken to make it look like a robbery. However, Senona disputes this version, suggesting that a group — including someone with experience in bypassing security safes — must have carried out…

KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Major-General Lesetja Senona has defended his handling of a multimillion-rand drug consignment that was later stolen from a police storage facility in Port Shepstone, arguing that similar incidents have occurred elsewhere within the South African Police Service (SAPS). Appearing before the commission of inquiry for a second time on Friday, Senona denied wrongdoing and claimed the theft of 541kg of drugs was not an isolated incident. During his testimony, Senona referred to media reports and photographs showing senior police officials, including former Police Minister Bheki Cele, former National Commissioner General Khehla Sitole and senior SAPS leadership, posing…

Suspended KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Major-General Lesetja Senona has accused his junior officer, Karl Sander, of misleading the Madlanga Commission when he testified that he had been subjected to a polygraph test after his coffee machine was stolen from the provincial offices of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) in Durban. Sander also alleged that Senona transferred him to an administrative position as part of a cover-up relating to the theft of drugs. Returning to the commission on Friday, Senona rejected these claims, stating that Sander had been transferred on the instruction of former DPCI National Head, General Godfrey Lebeya,…