Author: Silver Sibiya
Six people have been shot and killed in two separate incidents in Kanana Farm (Weilers Farm) and Thulamtwana, south of Johannesburg, on Sunday morning, with police investigating whether the attacks are linked. Eyewitnesses who spoke to Newsnote said gunmen first opened fire on two men near a tavern before driving to another location, where they allegedly shot and killed four more men. Residents believe the attacks are connected, citing a recent surge in violent crime in the area. “No one wants to talk to the media, especially in public, but we believe the incidents are linked because there have been…
The trial-within-a-trial in the case of alleged criminal kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and four co-accused was adjourned in the South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg on Friday after the defence failed to produce a South African Police Service (SAPS) National Instruction it had relied on during the cross-examination of a State witness. The proceedings form part of a trial-within-a-trial to determine whether evidence obtained following the arrest of first accused Musa Kekana in April 2024 is admissible. Kekana was arrested hours after the killing of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart. Matlala’s attorney, Advocate Annelene van den Heever, questioned State witness Captain…
Cabinet has approved a series of policy and legislative reforms, including plans to extend the validity of driver’s licences for light motor vehicles from five to 10 years, introduce legislation aimed at stabilising coalition governments, and strengthen measures to combat illegal mining. The proposed extension would apply to driver’s licence Codes A, A1, B and EB. However, motorists will continue renewing their licences under the current five-year system until the necessary legislative amendments come into effect. Heavy commercial vehicle licences and Professional Driving Permits will remain subject to their existing renewal periods. Briefing the media in Pretoria, Minister in the…
The State’s third witness in the attempted murder trial involving alleged criminal kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, his wife Tsakani and three co-accused has denied assaulting alleged hitman Musa Kekana during his arrest. The testimony forms part of an ongoing trial-within-a-trial to determine the admissibility of evidence obtained following Kekana’s arrest, hours after the murder of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart. Under cross-examination by Kekana’s lawyer, Advocate Riaan Gissing, Police Captain Phimi Sekgobela rejected allegations that Kekana was harassed or assaulted during his arrest in April 2024. Gissing put it to Sekgobela that Kekana had maintained he was tortured to such an…
The Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU) has accused Heineken Beverages South Africa of intimidating employees participating in a protected strike, alleging that workers are being pressured to abandon the industrial action. In a statement issued on Thursday, FAWU said it “strongly condemns” what it described as ongoing intimidation and pressure directed at its members during the protected strike. The union stressed that participation in a protected strike is a constitutional right and said workers should not face intimidation, coercion, threats or undue pressure for exercising that right. FAWU said it had received reports from members about conduct it believes…
Johannesburg Water and the City of Johannesburg are exploring innovative, water-efficient sanitation technologies to address a sanitation backlog affecting more than 103,000 households, particularly in informal settlements. The utility is hosting the Advancing Water-Efficient Sanitation Solutions Symposium on 30 and 31 July, bringing together government officials, researchers, industry experts, financiers, community organisations and development partners to identify practical alternatives to conventional sanitation systems. The symposium is being held in partnership with the Department of Water and Sanitation, the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), the Water Partnerships Office, the Water Research Commission and…
Defending Betway Premiership champions Orlando Pirates will launch their 2026/27 title defence against newly promoted Milford FC when the new Premier Soccer League (PSL) season kicks off this weekend. Pirates will host Milford FC at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, 1 August, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm. The fixture forms part of the opening round of matches after the PSL confirmed the official calendar for the 2026/27 season. The league campaign will run from 1 August 2026 until 22 May 2027. A further six Betway Premiership fixtures will be played during the opening weekend, although some clubs will use alternative…
Anti-illegal immigration activist and podcaster Ngizwe Mchunu has renewed his call for authorities to crack down on undocumented foreign nationals, saying police must do more to enforce immigration laws and combat crime. Mchunu was speaking outside the Hillbrow Police Station in Johannesburg on Wednesday after participating in an anti-illegal immigration march. Organisers later met with South African Police Service (SAPS) officials for an update on government efforts to address illegal immigration and related criminal activity. Addressing supporters, Mchunu said the police had a responsibility to ensure that immigration laws were enforced and that undocumented foreign nationals were removed from the…
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula says the public fallout within the leadership of the anti-immigration movement March and March is evidence that the organisation is beginning to fracture. Addressing the media at Luthuli House in Johannesburg on Tuesday, Mbalula said he had predicted that divisions would emerge within the movement because of what he described as competing political interests among its leaders. “At the end of June, forces operating under an anti-immigration banner set out to shut down parts of our country,” Mbalula said. “I was right when I told you they were going to differ because they have political interests…
Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng, who has since joined Belgian Pro League club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, emerged as the biggest winner at the 2026 Premier Soccer League (PSL) Awards, taking home the coveted Footballer of the Season award. Mofokeng beat Orlando Pirates teammate Oswin Appollis and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena to claim the league’s highest individual honour. The three players were nominated by the head coaches of the 16 Betway Premiership clubs. The talented forward also won the Betway Premiership Young Player of the Season award, capping off another outstanding campaign following his performances for the Buccaneers. The Footballer…