Author: Larson Thebe
The North West Department of Education says it is deeply concerned and disturbed by the increasing number of suicide incidents involving learners across the province. The department was reacting to two separate incidents involving a Grade 10 learner from Thuto Ke Maatla Secondary School in Groot Marico and a Grade 12 learner from Golfview Secondary School in Mahikeng. According to the department’s Director of Communications, Dr Elias Malindi, the tragic incidents have left the department, school communities and the families of the affected learners deeply saddened. “The loss of young lives is a matter of serious concern, and the Department…
The World Health Organization (WHO) has noted progress in the fight against the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), despite the virus continuing to spread to other regions. The virus is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids and can cause severe internal and external bleeding, as well as organ failure. “I have said before that the Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo had a big head start and we’re playing catch-up in the response. “We’re now starting to see encouraging signs that we’re gaining ground. In the most affected parts of Ituri…
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has condemned the unilateral visa restrictions announced by his US counterpart, Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This follows Rubio’s announcement on Tuesday that the restrictions would target individuals whom the US believes are responsible for policies that have resulted in race-based discriminatory legislation, threats of land expropriation without compensation, and the incitement of racial violence through dehumanising chants and slogans. Lamola has, however, hit back at Rubio, accusing him of distorting the truth about South Africa and its policies. “The announcement once again aligns with the mischaracterisation of South Africa’s domestic policies by…
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has formally withdrawn the charges against National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola. The withdrawal follows a review of the charges laid against Masemola and his subsequent arrest by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) for alleged violations of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). “In reviewing the matter, the NDPP, Advocate Andy Mothibi, invoked Section 179(5)(c) of the Constitution, read with Section 22(2)(b) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act 32 of 1998. “These provisions empower the NDPP to intervene in any prosecution process where the NPA’s policy directives have not been complied with. The NPA…
Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi and five co-accused have been denied bail by the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court in connection with the murder of Emmanuel Mbense. The six accused include businessman Cobus Janse van Rensburg, former EMPD official Adrian Mackenzie and three former South African Police Service (SAPS) officials — Bhekokwakhe Sibande, Keisha-Leigh Stols and Juan Maree Eksteen. They face charges of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and defeating the administration of justice. The State alleges that the accused assaulted and killed Mbense at his residence on 14 April 2022 after allegedly suspecting him of stealing…
President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) investigation into North West Transport Investments (NTI) and its subsidiaries amid allegations of serious maladministration, corruption and irregular expenditure. Ramaphosa signed a new proclamation and an amendment authorising the probe into NTI, North West Star and Atteridgeville Bus Service. The investigation comes after NTI’s operations collapsed earlier this year following severe financial constraints, including unpaid workers’ salaries and the withdrawal of subcontractors. According to SIU spokesperson Selby Makgotho, the investigation will examine allegations of corruption, maladministration and irregular expenditure, as well as seek to recover any financial losses suffered by…
South Africa and Lesotho police destroyed 1,787 firearms seized during crime-combating operations by the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS). Authorities said the initiative is aimed at strengthening regional cooperation in the fight against the proliferation of illegal firearms. It takes place in the context of African Amnesty Month and contributes to the African Union’s broader Silencing the Guns objective and its vision. The Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, and LMPS Police Chief, Commissioner Borotho Matsoso, jointly presided over the destruction of the firearms in Gauteng. Lieutenant General Dimpane reaffirmed SAPS’s commitment…
Botswana national football coach Morena Ramoreboli has been appointed as Bafana Bafana assistant coach to Pitso Mosimane. According to a joint statement by the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the Botswana Football Association (BFA), the South African-born coach will leave his position ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Ramoreboli was appointed Zebras coach in 2025 after previously serving as interim coach. This followed his success in leading Jwaneng Galaxy to two Botswana Premier League titles and guiding the club to the CAF Champions League group stage on two occasions. His most significant achievement came when he…
The Board of the South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SASCOC) has suspended its President, Barry Hendricks, with immediate effect. The Board said the decision was made in accordance with SASCOC’s governance protocols and ongoing internal review processes. Hendricks was suspended after anonymous complaints were lodged with the SASCOC Board over alleged breaches of the federation’s safeguarding policy and Codes Handbook. “The Board appointed retired Judge Basheer Waglay to investigate the anonymous complaints. “In his report, Judge Waglay recommended that there was prima facie evidence to warrant referral of the complaints to the SASCOC Judicial Body for further…
Two occupants of a light aircraft have sustained injuries after it crashed into a business complex at Ranges Fountain, at the intersection of New Road and Old Pretoria Main Road (R101) in Glen Austin, Midrand. The cause of the accident is still unknown at this stage. “We’ve got our private ambulance services on site treating the patients, with the local Grand Central Fire and South African Police Service in attendance. “Of course, the relevant authorities will be investigating the crash,” said Johannesburg Emergency Management Services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi. Meanwhile, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) said the accident has resulted…