Author: newsnote correspondent
The high-stakes Senzo Meyiwa murder trial at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria ground to a halt on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, following a dramatic courtroom disruption and emotional plea from defense advocate Charles Mnisi. The adjournment—initially sparked by the removal of three men from the public gallery for suspected involvement in a murder conspiracy plot—escalated when Mnisi declared himself mentally unfit to proceed, citing the weight of allegations against the defense team. Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng, balancing fairness with the need for progress in this decade-long case, granted the break until Thursday, December 4, but firmly reiterated that the…
Two men believed to be acting as bodyguards for alleged Gauteng crime kingpin Katiso “KT” Molefe were arrested on Tuesday after police discovered they were carrying two AKM semi-automatic rifles and ammunition without permits. The arrests took place outside the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court where Molefe, 61, appeared for a hearing aimed at centralising his multiple high-profile murder and organised-crime cases. The two suspects, aged 24 and 36, arrived in a vehicle with mismatched registration plates, prompting officers to search them. The car has since been seized. Molefe and three co-accused – former detective Michael Pule Tau, Tiego Floyd Mabusela and…
Eben Etzebeth’s disciplinary hearing for the alleged eye-gouging incident against Wales flanker Alex Mann is underway or scheduled to occur today, but no final verdict has been announced yet. World Rugby’s process typically involves the panel reviewing evidence, including video footage, referee reports, and player submissions, with decisions often released the following day. Based on the latest reports, the outcome is expected on today. Key Details from the Hearing Preparations Offence LevelReckless Entry PointIntentional Entry PointMaximum (with Aggravation)Low-End4 weeks12 weeksN/AMid-Range8 weeks18 weeksN/ATop-End12 weeks24 weeksUp to 52 weeks (1 year) Mitigation (e.g., good record, remorse) could shorten these, while aggravation (e.g.,…
The recent handover of the G20 Presidency from South Africa to the United States on December 1, 2025, has spotlighted deepening bilateral frictions, rooted in U.S. President Donald Trump’s longstanding criticisms of South Africa’s domestic policies. These include debunked claims of a “genocide” against white Afrikaner farmers and land expropriation without compensation—narratives Trump has amplified since his return to office in January 2025. The U.S. boycotted South Africa’s G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg on November 22-23, 2025, citing opposition to the host’s agenda, particularly its emphasis on climate action, debt relief for developing nations, and Africa’s development priorities. This absence…
uspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on Tuesday began his long-awaited testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into political killings in KwaZulu-Natal, reading a prepared statement without facing immediate questioning. Appearing in person at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria, Mchunu addressed the establishment, operations and his controversial decision to disband the specialised Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) by letter in December 2024. Due to scheduling constraints, the commission—chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Sisi Khampepe—allowed Mchunu to deliver his evidence in two phases. He read his statement uninterrupted on Tuesday and is scheduled to return on Thursday afternoon…
Retired Ekurhuleni City Manager Dr. Imogen Mashazi wrapped up her testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Tuesday morning, admitting under intense cross-examination that she failed to exercise proper oversight over the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD). Her concessions came as a video of an EMPD march was screened, highlighting internal divisions tied to a 2020 drunk-driving incident allegedly involving suspended EMPD Chief Isaac Mapiyeye, in which a minor reportedly died. Commissioner Advocate Sesi Baloyi pressed Mashazi on her inaction despite awareness of Mapiyeye’s alleged favoritism toward select officers and serious misconduct claims dating back to 2016, including sexual…
South Africa’s economy grew by 0.5% quarter-on-quarter in Q3 2025, marking its fourth consecutive quarter of expansion and surpassing pre-COVID levels at R1.187 trillion (2015 prices). This modest rebound, driven by mining, agriculture, and trade, contrasts with the continent’s more robust annual projections amid global headwinds like trade tensions and inflation. Africa’s average real GDP growth is forecasted at 4.2% for full-year 2025, up from 3.3% in 2024, per the African Development Bank (AfDB). Sub-Saharan Africa (excluding South Africa) is expected to hit 4.5%, while Southern Africa’s regional growth lags at 2.2%, heavily influenced by South Africa’s subdued performance. The…
Nearly 38 years after Congress of South African Students (COSAS) activist Caiphus Nyoka was abducted, tortured and executed, the Johannesburg High Court on Monday found two former Security Branch officers guilty of his premeditated murder. Abraham “Blackie” Engelbrecht, 61, and Pieter Stander, 60, were convicted for the killing that took place on 1 August 1987 in Krugersdorp, west of Johannesburg. The court heard how Nyoka, then 19, was kidnapped from a bus stop, brutally assaulted at a police station, driven to a remote spot near the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory, shot in the head and his body destroyed with explosives…
Rapper and producer Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, has postponed his December 13 concert at Ellis Park Stadium, his team announced on Monday night. Yeezy LLC said the event is being transformed into a larger-scale production with worldwide streaming, directed personally by Ye. The original local promoter, Monyake Group, has been removed from the project for failing to meet the new requirements. All tickets sold through TicketPro will be refunded automatically. Fans have been advised to await an announcement of the new date and venue via Ye’s official channels. The postponement marks the latest development in what was set…
The announcement of Eskom’s R24.3 billion profit after tax for the six months ended 30 September 2025 marks a significant milestone for South Africa’s state-owned power utility, signaling sustained progress in its multi-year recovery plan. This figure represents a 37% increase from the R17.8 billion recorded in the same period last year, driven by higher revenue from a 12.74% tariff hike effective from April 2025 and robust cost controls, including R6.3 billion in primary energy savings. Profit before tax rose 41% to R32.5 billion, while EBITDA grew 11% to R68.5 billion, underscoring improved operational efficiency. Key Financial Highlights MetricH1 FY2026…