Author: Kgaogelo Magolego

Right-wing organisations Afriforum and Solidarity have come under widespread ridicule following their unsuccessful bid to sabotage the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. The groups celebrated prematurely when then-US President Donald Trump claimed he would boycott the summit, citing unsubstantiated allegations of a “white genocide.” However, the South African government responded with measured concern, noting that Washington’s absence could complicate the handover of the G20 presidency. The U.S. Embassy initially issued a confusing diplomatic note suggesting a delegation would attend — only for White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly to later hold a press briefing declaring, “We are not going to…

A peaceful demonstration led by 16-year-old activist Tshenolo Williams in Johannesburg on Friday rapidly grew into a mass protest, bringing parts of the CBD to a standstill as hundreds joined the call to end gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). Williams, a Grade 11 learner and founder of the NGO Justice for South Africa, initially began the protest at Gandhi Square with around a dozen supporters. Members of COSAS (Congress of South African Students) later joined after their own earlier-planned march failed to take off. “Women and children are being raped and murdered daily. Silence is no longer an option —…

Bridget Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria hosting Phase 2 of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into Political Killings and Police Criminality turned into a pressure cooker on Thursday as controversial North West businessman Brown Mogotsi, who styles himself as a high-level undercover operative, visibly crumbled during his third consecutive day on the stand. Mogotsi spent hours sighing audibly, rubbing his temples and scratching his head in clear frustration as Chief Evidence Leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson methodically tore apart his testimony. The self-proclaimed Crime Intelligence “agent” has previously made explosive allegations involving the CIA, multi-million-rand bribes, and attempts to collapse the…

As parliamentary and commission inquiries into alleged criminal infiltration, corruption and political interference within South Africa’s criminal justice system continue, witnesses aligned with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s perceived faction have increasingly faced scrutiny over their testimony and conduct. Alleged influence broker Brown Mogotsi, currently on special leave, and Mary de Haas, who admitted to incorrectly presenting herself as a professor during testimony before Parliament’s ad-hoc committee in Cape Town, appeared before the inquiry. Questioned Credentials De Haas, who teaches at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, initially maintained she was a professor but later clarified under pressure that she had not completed…

Calls for a national shutdown on Thursday remain uncertain, after various fringe groups initially mobilised around gender-based violence (GBV) but later added broader political demands, including the removal of President Cyril Ramaphosa and an end to the Government of National Unity (GNU). On Monday, a small youth-led demonstration took place in the Johannesburg CBD, despite rainy weather. The group marched to Luthuli House, the ANC headquarters, where they sang struggle songs—some calling for the removal of both the ANC and President Ramaphosa. The protest appeared leaderless and unpermitted, with participants acknowledging that they failed to secure a march permit. Protester Khensani Thwala claimed authorities refused permits as a form of “oppression,” saying the group chose to demonstrate regardless.…

Controversial North West businessman Oupa “Brown” Mogotsi took the stand as the first witness in Phase 2 of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Tuesday, launching a series of sensational allegations against senior police officials and Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini. Mogotsi, who has previously been linked to suspected crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, told the commission that his association with Matlala was part of a sanctioned intelligence-gathering operation. He denied any personal wrongdoing and claimed to have been acting under instructions from Crime Intelligence handlers. During his testimony, Mogotsi alleged that: Under cross-examination by evidence leader Advocate Anton Katz SC…

Former deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe has firmly dismissed growing speculation that he could be positioned as a candidate to succeed President Cyril Ramaphosa, saying he is not available for nomination to any ANC leadership role. Motlanthe addressed the media at Luthuli House on Monday in his capacity as head of the ANC Electoral Committee, where he stressed that all committee members are barred from standing for election. “I am not available for anything,” he said. His remarks come as internal ANC lobbying intensifies amid persistent rumours that Ramaphosa may step down before completing his term. Party insiders say factions are…

Chilling testimony details torture, killings and abduction linked to suspended EMPD deputy chief New allegations of brutality and criminality within the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) have emerged at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where two witnesses have linked suspended deputy chief Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi to extrajudicial killings, torture, and intimidation. On Friday, a witness identified only as Witness D gave harrowing testimony describing how EMPD officers — including women — allegedly tortured a robbery suspect to death before calling Mkhwanazi and a senior SAPS officer, General Khan, to the scene. His account corroborates earlier testimony from former EMPD divisional…

Controversial figure Stuart James Scharnick may have taken on more than he can handle after laying criminal charges against Crime Intelligence head, Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo. Scharnick opened the case at the Pretoria Central Police Station on Wednesday, accusing Khumalo of defamation. This follows Khumalo’s testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where he claimed Scharnick was linked to 18 cases of car hijacking. Speaking outside the police station, Scharnick dismissed the allegations, saying: “Khumalo lied and presented me as a carjacker. I have never hijacked a car. I was found guilty once for a minor car theft, and now Khumalo…

Former City of Ekurhuleni Divisional Head for Employee Relations, Xolani Nciza, has made damning allegations of corruption, maladministration, and nepotism within the municipality — particularly in its law enforcement arm, the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD). Nciza delivered animated testimony before the Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of Criminality, Corruption and Political Interference in the Criminal Justice System, also known as the Madlanga Commission, currently sitting in Pretoria. His evidence added to growing claims of systemic corruption within the EMPD, echoing earlier testimony from suspended EMPD Chief Jabulani Mapiyeye and former divisional commissioner Revo Spies. Both had previously described the…