Author: Larson Thebe

National Assembly speaker Thoko Didiza says parliament is ready to host the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) which will be delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Cape Town City Hall on Thursday evening. Didiza said SONA is convened as a Joint Sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, and it formally opens the parliamentary programme for the year. The speaker was briefing the media in Cape Town, where she outlined parliament’s state of readiness for the occasion. She emphasised that the address is more than ceremonial, as it provides the president with the…

Two Randfontein farmers have been arrested by Eskom teams following operations conducted to curb electricity theft and protect the integrity of the network.  According to the entity, the operations form part of its ongoing efforts to protect the network, ensure fairness among customers, and promote responsible electricity usage. “The first farmer was arrested for illegally reconnecting electricity supply after being disconnected due to non-payment of an outstanding account amounting to approximately R1.1 million. The arrest also relates to meter tampering and the bypassing of Eskom infrastructure to consume electricity unlawfully. The second farmer was arrested after Eskom teams discovered an…

Forensic analyst Paul O’Sullivan will on Tuesday appear in person before the Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate allegations made by the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. O’Sullivan’s appearance follows his initial refusal to appear before the committee, citing security concerns. The controversial O’Sullivan is accused of infiltrating the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), impersonating an IPID officer, and having improper relationship with senior law enforcement officers. His appearance was announced by the chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee, Soviet Lekganyane. “This week, honourable members, we only have two days, and we have one witness…

Springbok Sevens coach Philip Snyman said he feels vindicated after the team clinched the HSBC SVNS Perth title on Sunday with a narrow 21-19 victory over a stubborn Fiji at HBF Park.  Snyman’s comments come after a disappointing performance one week ago in Singapore. “It was massive for us to finish the tour like this. We brought a couple of youngsters with us on tour, made a semi-final in Singapore, and won in Perth, so the results were great and on top of that, we have given more players the experience and exposure on the circuit. So overall, I am very happy…

Two illegal miners were killed and four others arrested, following a gun battle with the police at Blyvooruitzig Gold Mine, in Carletonville, west of Johannesburg. The incident come after the SAPS National Intervention Unit (NIU) and Gauteng Public Order Police (POP) led an intelligence driven operation in Carletonville. According to police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, police receive information that there were illegal miners in possession of a large consignment of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. “Upon arrival at the targeted house at around 04:00 on Sunday morning, members observed suspects attempting to flee by jumping out through windows. The suspects immediately…

South African will withdraw its troop contribution United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) after 27 years. President Cyril Ramaphosa has already informed the United Nations Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres about the government’s decision, which was conveyed through a telephone call on 12 January 2026diers to the South Africa ranks amongst the top 10 troop‑contributing countries to MONUSCO, with a force presence of over 700 soldiers deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in support of the Mission’s peacekeeping mandate. “In a telephone conversation, President Ramaphosa indicated that South Africa’s unilateral withdrawal decision from MONUSCO…

Police in the North West have opened an inquest docket to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a SAPS member in Phokeng. Constable Gift Mota, drowned on duty while in pursuit of a suspect linked to cases of robbery and burglary in the Phokeng policing area. According to the police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh, Mota and his colleagues, were performing patrol duties when they were approached by a community member who alleged that they had spotted a wanted suspect. “The police members accompanied the community member to the Masosobane and Raffredy sections, a bushy area with a nearby dam. …

Orlando Pirates have trashed Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila 4-1 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, to advance to the round of 16 of the Nedbank Cup. Pirates fielded three new signings Andre de Jong and Mpho Chabatsane, and Melusi Buthelezi their first caps at the club. The Buccaneers were the first to register their names in the score sheet in the tenth minute, when new recruit Jong converted from a penalty spot, after Oswin Appolis was brought down by Sithembiso Ngobe. Last year’s finalists doubled their lead in the 17th minute when a long shot by Thalente Mbatha was deflected…

Two VIP Protection Officers assigned to the Madibeng Local Municipality Mayor in the North West, have been granted bail of R20 000 each by the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on Friday. Thabang Sohole and Michael Makampe are facing charges of murder, defeating the ends of justice and operating a vehicle with blue identification lamps on an unauthorised vehicle on a public road. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) the incident occurred on 28 January 2026 when the deceased, Sergeant Michael Swanton, and his wife, who are both members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), were travelling along Eskia Mphahlele…

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has defended her decision not to accede to a request by the Ad Hoc Committee, to issue subpoenas for forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan and Brown Mogotsi. The request was made by the committee that is investigating allegations of wrongdoing within law enforcement that were made by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Some of the committee members had wanted Didiza to subpoena the two to appear virtually following their request to appear virtually at the committee, citing security concerns. Mogotsi, who is accused of a corrupt relationship with suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu, has…