The Border Management Authority (BMA) and law enforcement agencies have intercepted a major drug consignment weighing 713,000 grams, with an estimated street value of R998.2 million, at the Beitbridge Port of Entry. Authorities confirmed that the substance was identified as methaqualone (ABBA), commonly used in the production of mandrax, and was discovered inside a truck travelling from Malawi into South Africa. The vehicle was subjected to a non-intrusive inspection using a cargo scanner, which flagged suspicious substances. This led officials…

Widespread municipal tariff increases are expected as the City of Ekurhuleni tables its new budget for the 2026/27 financial year. The city has warned of increasing pressure on its ability to deliver services, driven by rising operational costs and significant revenue losses. The City’s MMC for Finance, Jongizizwe Dlabathi, confirmed that property rates will increase by 2%, which is below the current inflation rate. Electricity tariffs will rise in line with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA)-approved guideline…

The IEC has warned the public and political parties against making unsubstantiated claims about how it conducts elections. The commission launched its media campaign for the upcoming Local Government Elections in Midrand and said it aims to counter misinformation at every turn. The commission’s chairperson, Mosotho Moepya, said the implications of unsubstantiated allegations could cast aspersions on an otherwise credible election. “Unfounded attacks on the integrity of our processes do not merely damage individual or institutional reputations. They inflict lasting…