Author: newsnote correspondent
During recent proceedings at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into criminality, political interference, and corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system, Chairperson Madlanga raised concerns over the timing of information shared by suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya regarding the controversial Medicare24 contract. The contract, valued at R360 million and awarded to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s company Medicare24 in June 2024 for providing medical services to the South African Police Service (SAPS), was abruptly cancelled by National Commissioner Fannie Masemola on 13 May 2025 following an internal audit that flagged irregularities. However, evidence presented at the commission revealed…
Kaizer Chiefs vice-captain Zitha Kwinika has acknowledged the importance of improving the team’s goal difference as they resume their Betway Premiership campaign on Wednesday. Chiefs will host Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium in their first league match of the month. Amakhosi currently occupy fourth place on the standings with 30 points from 15 matches. While they still have games in hand, their goal difference — with an 11-goal gap in goals scored — remains an area of concern. Kwinika said the team’s experience in the CAF Confederation Cup highlighted the importance of both scoring and defensive discipline. “We reflected on…
In a dramatic turn during the ongoing Senzo Meyiwa murder trial at the Pretoria High Court, Accused 2 Bongani Ntanzi has disputed his own 2023 testimony regarding his relationship with Accused 5 Fisokuhle Ntuli. Ntanzi, who previously claimed he knew Ntuli “by sight” only, now asserts that he had never seen Ntuli before and only met him during their first joint court appearance in Boksburg. This revelation came on February 23, 2026, amid intense cross-examination, adding another layer of complexity to the high-profile case. The trial centers on the 2014 shooting death of Senzo Meyiwa, the beloved former Bafana Bafana…
Suspended National Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya is set to return to the witness stand on Monday morning at the Madlanga Commission, where he will continue to face cross-examination over his conduct in relation to the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). The commission, tasked with probing allegations of corruption and interference within South Africa’s criminal justice structures, is expected to intensify questioning around Sibiya’s role in decisions affecting the specialised task team, which previously investigated politically linked killings. A central focus of the proceedings will be Sibiya’s alleged relationship with attempted murder accused Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Evidence…
In a commanding start to their Super 8 campaign, South Africa’s Proteas defeated the defending champions and co-hosts India by a convincing 76 runs, echoing their triumph in the 2024 final. Electing to bat first, the Proteas found themselves in early trouble, slumping to 20 for three after just four overs. However, a explosive 97-run partnership between Dewald Brevis and David Miller turned the tide, propelling the team to a competitive total of 187 for seven. Miller led the charge with a blistering 63 off 35 deliveries, providing the backbone of the innings. The South African bowlers then delivered a…
The Activists and Citizens Forum urged police to treat the attempted murder case linked to the son of Robert Mugabe as a serious criminal matter. The call followed the arrest of Bellarmine Mugabe and another man after the shooting of a gardener at the Mugabe family home in Hyde Park, Johannesburg earlier that week. The victim remains in a critical condition in hospital, while police continued to search for the firearm used in the attack. Spokesperson Dennis Bloem said police have to ensure that the two accused did not receive preferential treatment so that justice could be served. “Crime, and…
Former multi-weight world champion Floyd Mayweather is set to emerge from retirement for his first official professional fight in nearly a decade. The news was revealed on Friday by his newly launched promotion, CSI Sports/Fight Sports, though details on his opponent remain under wraps. Before stepping back into the professional arena, the undefeated icon will first face off in an exhibition bout against fellow boxing heavyweight Mike Tyson. While the exact date and venue for this clash of titans have yet to be confirmed, anticipation is already building for what promises to be a spectacle. At 48 years old, Mayweather…
President Cyril Ramaphosa lauded the courage and dedication of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) during a stirring keynote address at the annual Armed Forces Day commemoration, drawing parallels to the heroic final moments of soldiers aboard the ill-fated SS Mendi over a century ago. In his speech, Ramaphosa recounted the tragic sinking of the SS Mendi on February 21, 1917, during World War I, where more than 600 South African troops perished in the icy waters of the English Channel. He highlighted survivors’ accounts of the soldiers’ “final death drill,” where the men stomped their feet and chanted…
A complex underground rescue operation to reach five miners trapped at the Ekapa mine in Kimberley is expected to take longer than anticipated as emergency teams battle rising water levels nearly one kilometre below the surface. The miners have been trapped since Tuesday after a mudslide blocked access routes deep underground, triggering an urgent multi-agency response. Rescue crews have been working around the clock to reach the workers, but deteriorating conditions inside the mine are complicating efforts. Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe visited the Northern Cape site on Friday to assess progress and meet with mine management and…
Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, returned to the stand for the third day at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, facing escalating accusations of unilaterally interfering with the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) dockets. The commission, chaired by retired Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, is probing criminality, political interference, and corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system. Evidence leader Adila Hassim SC grilled Sibiya over his decision to redirect 121 PKTT dockets—114 of which were already on the court roll—to General Khosi Senthumule, bypassing instructions from Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and National Commissioner Fannie Masemola. Hassim asserted…