International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has confirmed that the new US Ambassador to South Africa, Brent Bozell III, has been summoned to explain his undiplomatic remarks during a public conference. The diplomat made the comments at a BizNews event in Hermanus, Western Cape, on Tuesday, where he criticised the controversial “Kill the Boer” chant. Bozell said: “I’m sorry, I don’t care what your courts say. It’s hate speech.” Bozell highlighted growing tensions between the two countries over unresolved…

The Madlanga Commission believes there is enough evidence to prove that top police officials plotted to have blogger Musa Khawula arrested. On Thursday, the commission presented the SAPS’ suspended head of organised crime, Major-General Richard Shibiri, with WhatsApp exchanges between himself and Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, during which they appear to be updating each other on what has been shown to be joint efforts to build a criminal case against Khawula. Alleged criminal mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala had complained to his…

Residents of Westbury, west of Johannesburg, have welcomed the deployment of members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in their area as authorities intensify efforts to curb gang-related violence. The deployment follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement during the State of the Nation Address that 550 soldiers would be sent to crime-plagued communities to assist police in stabilising affected areas. The operation began in Eldorado Park before moving to Riverlea, Westbury and the Newlands Waterfall complex. Soldiers, working alongside…