Author: Silver Sibiya

Magistrates marched to the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg on Friday, demanding better working conditions and an end to what they call “financial abuse” and lack of recognition within South Africa’s judicial system. The group, representing the Judicial Officers Association of South Africa (JOASA), handed over a memorandum outlining their grievances. They say they are excluded from key employment benefits such as medical aid and housing subsidies, and lack adequate tools of trade to perform their duties effectively. Magistrates also complained that prosecutors earn more than them, despite magistrates carrying greater judicial responsibility. Many travelled from KwaZulu-Natal and various parts of…

Health and beauty retailer Clicks Group is pushing ahead with an aggressive expansion strategy, announcing plans to open up to 50 new stores and 50 additional pharmacies in the next financial year as it moves closer to its medium-term target of 1 200 stores nationally. The move comes as the broader retail sector continues to face pressure from weak consumer demand, elevated interest rates and rising operating costs. However, Clicks remains resilient, supported by the defensive nature of health and beauty spending and strong customer loyalty. For the year ended August 2025, the group reported a 14.1% increase in diluted…

South Africa’s Harmony Gold Mining Company has officially finalised its acquisition of MAC Copper Limited — owner of the high-grade CSA Copper Mine in New South Wales, Australia — marking a key milestone in the miner’s global expansion. The transaction, first announced in May, was completed on 24 October 2025 via a Jersey law Scheme of Arrangement. Harmony paid US$12.25 per share (approximately R222), valuing the deal at US$1.01 billion (~R18.4 billion). The purchase was financed through a combination of Harmony’s cash reserves and a US$1.25 billion bridge facility. Chief Executive Officer Beyers Nel said the acquisition positions the company…

The Judiciary has expressed concern over testimony given at the Madlanga Commission regarding an alleged R2.5 million bribe to secure bail for Katiso “KT” Molefe, a man facing multiple murder charges. On 21 October 2025, a police investigator, referred to as “Witness A,” told the commission that he heard from an informer that a substantial sum was earmarked to facilitate Molefe’s release on bail. However, Witness A admitted he did not know whether the money was intended for the presiding judge, Acting Judge President Ledwaba, or the Public Prosecutor. In a statement issued on behalf of the Judiciary, Chief Justice…

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has announced plans to table a motion of no confidence against Premier Panyaza Lesufi over what it calls the “failed and costly” Amapanyaza Crime Prevention Wardens programme. The announcement was made by DA provincial leader and Leader of the Official Opposition, Solly Msimanga, during a press briefing on Thursday. Msimanga said the move comes after Lesufi confirmed on Wednesday briefing that the Amapanyaza will be disbanded and retrained as fully fledged traffic officers in a phased process over the next 36 months. “The sudden disbandment vindicates us and confirms what we have always warned…

The Department of Basic Education says it is confident that the 2025 matric examinations will proceed smoothly across Johannesburg, with all systems in place to ensure minimal disruptions. Speaking to Newsnote on Thursday morning at Forte Secondary School in Dobsonville, Soweto, Chief Director for the Johannesburg Region, Dennis Makwakwa, said the department had taken every precaution to ensure readiness as thousands of matric learners sat for their first major paper — English First Additional Language. “We have made sure all our systems are in place. Our monitors and invigilators are well-trained, and our learners are ready for the exams,” said…

A young man who survived a deadly gang shooting in Westbury has spoken out about the heartbreaking moment his friend died protecting him. Carl Mentor still carries a bullet lodged beneath his ear a constant reminder of the chaos that unfolded when gunmen opened fire on a group of teenagers on Tuesday. Two young lives were lost, including 18-year-old Teagan Ruiters, who Carl says sacrificed himself to save him. Speaking outside the house where the shooting took place, Carl’s voice trembled as he recounted the horror.  “We were sitting on the stoep (porch) with my friends when about five guys…

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s (JMPD) Tactical Reaction Unit (TRU) has arrested seven South African Police Service (SAPS) officers for extortion and kidnapping. This follows an undercover sting that exposed their alleged attempt to extort an illegal miner, known as a Zama Zama on Wednesday. According to Joburg MMC for Public Safety, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, the incident unfolded when the SAPS officers allegedly demanded a R5,000 bribe from the miner after discovering gold-refining materials in his possession. The demand later ballooned to R30,000, and the officers allegedly drove their victim to a loan facility to secure the payment. Before the…

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has announced a sweeping transformation of the province’s controversial community wardens, known as Amapanyaza, who will soon serve as provincial traffic wardens, border patrol officers, and by-law enforcers. Briefing the media in Johannesburg on Wednesday, Lesufi said the move follows months of review, retraining, and legal alignment to integrate the wardens into Gauteng’s formal law enforcement framework. “The wardens will cease to exist in their current format. They will now form part of the Gauteng Traffic Police, the Special Law Enforcement Unit, and other strategic partners,” Lesufi said. The premier explained that the redeployment aims to…

Police have launched a manhunt for suspects following a gang-related shooting in Westbury, Johannesburg, that left two teenagers dead and four others injured on Tuesday evening. According to Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili, officers from the Sophiatown SAPS responded to reports of gunfire in the area and found six teenagers suffering from gunshot wounds. “Two of the victims were declared dead on arrival at hospital, while four others are receiving medical treatment,” Muridili said. Preliminary investigations suggest the shooting was linked to ongoing gang violence that has plagued the Westbury community for years. “It is reported that the six,…