Author: Larson Thebe
The Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court has postponed until next Friday the case involving 11 suspects arrested during a multi-million-rand drug raid at a farm in Brakspruit near Swartruggens on Wednesday. The National Prosecuting Authority said the matter was postponed for seven days to allow for interpreters, verification of immigration status and a possible formal bail application. The accused face charges relating to drug manufacturing, illegal possession of precious metals, illegal possession of hazardous materials and contravention of the Immigration Act. All suspects remain in custody. The arrests followed an intelligence-driven operation conducted by several law enforcement agencies, during which authorities confiscated…
President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe from her position with immediate effect. In a short statement released today, the Presidency did not reveal reasons for the dismissal of Tolashe and instead announced her temporary replacement to ensure continuity at the department. “In the interim, President Ramaphosa has appointed Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga as the acting minister in the portfolio pending a full-time appointment in due course,” read the statement. According to the Presidency, Tolashe’s dismissal is in terms of Section 91(2), which empowers the President to…
The City of Johannesburg says it has in the past few months collected about R100m in revenue following its crackdown on illegal outdoor advertising across the city. The city says this landmark achievement was done through its entity, the Joburg Property Company (JPC). The city has attributed the increase in collection to its ongoing compliance and law enforcement operations aimed at ensuring adherence to the City’s Outdoor Advertising By-Laws while improving revenue collection to support service delivery. “When we started this operation in January, many media owners came forward to engage with the city and enter into formal agreements. We…
President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed not to resign and stressed that he did nothing wrong following the Constitutional Court judgment into allegations relating to the theft at his Phala Phala farm in February 2020. Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Monday night in response to Friday’s Constitutional Court judgment, which found that Parliament’s impeachment vote on the matter was invalid and unconstitutional. The case was brought by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the African Transformation Movement (ATM), who argued that Parliament violated its own rules when it failed to appoint a committee to investigate the recommendations of the independent panel.…
The North West Department of Education says processes are at an advanced stage, to collect about R114 million in staff debt, which has been accumulating since 2003. The figure was revealed in a report by the Auditor-General South Africa, which found a financial loss material irregularity in the department’s payroll system “relating to salary overpayments due to employees who had resigned, retired or died and not being timeously removed from the personnel salary system, resulting in payments for services not rendered.” The department said the staff debt has accrued largely due to manual processes involved in submitting termination documents from…
Twelve senior South African Police Service (SAPS) and a company director are expected to appear before the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Wednesday, on allegations of corruption related to the R360 million Medicare 24 contract. The company was owned by alleged crime accused, Vusimuzi Cat Matlala, and the contract was cancelled in December last year. The suspects were arrested on Tuesday night by the National Prosecuting Authority’s Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) in relation to the irregular awarding of a tender to Medicare 24. “All accused are expected to make their first appearance before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on charges of…
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has defended his and the South African Football Association (SAFA) decision to select Panama for two friendly games, in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This following criticism that the team could have instead selected a stronger opponent, to test Bafana strength against teams from the CONCACAF region. Panama is currently ranked 33 in the FIFA World rankings and are currently a strong contender in the CONCACAF region. Broos however said the two matches will be crucial in his build-up to the tournament. “It was the right decision to choose Panama to play two…
Kaizer Chiefs fans can breathe a sigh of relief, after the under pressure Naturena outfit beat a stubborn Magesi 2-0 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in the Betway Premiership on Saturday evening. The win saw the Soweto giants register their back-to-back win this year, a 1-0 victory against Durban City last weekend, following a slump that saw them exit the Nedbank Cup and losses that saw them slip away in the title race. Wandile Duba scored Chiefs first goal in the 32nd minute, and Amakhosi had to wait late in the second half when Mfundo Vilakazi sealed victory in the…
Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) Deputy Commissioner, Umashi Dhlamini, has been placed on suspension, following serious allegations levelled against him at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. According to the TMPD spokesperson, Colonel Isaac Mahamba, Dhlamini requested to be placed on suspension with immediate effect following the damning allegations. “TMPD Commissioner Yolande Faro has considered Deputy Commissioner Dhlamini’s request and duly approved it. Dhlamini was responsible for Support and Administration. His suspension took effect on Friday, 20 March 2026,” said Mahamba. Dhlamini was mentioned in the testimony of Gauteng Organised Crime Unit officer Sergeant Fannie Nkosi at the commission. According to…
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has described reports that the country will soon face a fuel shortage as misleading. The department says such reports are being spread by certain organisations, public representatives, commentators and social media users. It implored them to act responsibly and to refrain from spreading unverified or speculative claims regarding fuel supply and fuel price developments. “The department has noted with concern the circulation of statements and messages by certain organisations and individuals encouraging members of the public to rush to filling stations due to a perceived fuel shortage and anticipated fuel price increases. The…