The use of Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s abandoned plea deal statement at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has sparked a legal dispute, with his defence warning that the ruling allowing the document could undermine future plea negotiations with the state. Matlala’s legal representative, Annelene van den Heever, has indicated that the defence intends to challenge commission chairperson Mbuyiseli Madlanga’s decision permitting questions about the statement, which was prepared during negotiations with the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (Idac). The statement, which was…
The government has begun investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic deaths of two South Africans in Russia. The identities of the deceased and the reasons for their presence in the country remain shrouded in mystery as officials work to uncover the details. International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola confirmed the deaths during a media briefing held in Durban on Thursday, raising numerous questions about the nature of these tragedies amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Notably, all South African men previously recruited…
The City of Johannesburg has elected Loyiso Masuku as its first Executive Deputy Mayor (EDM) during the 36th Ordinary Council Meeting on Thursday. Masuku was elected unopposed after Council approved the creation of the new position a move aimed at strengthening executive leadership and improving governance in South Africa’s economic hub. In her new role, Masuku will support Executive Mayor Dada Morero in coordinating key programmes, strengthening oversight across municipal departments and entities, and accelerating service delivery across the metro.…
The fight against transnational organised crime in Southern Africa has taken centre stage as National Police Chiefs and senior security officials gather in the quiet northern town of Kasane. Leading the South African delegation is Fannie Masemola, National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), who arrived in Botswana for a two-day high-level consultative meeting focused on dismantling criminal networks operating across borders. The strategic meeting has drawn Police Chiefs, specialised detectives and intelligence operatives from six Southern African…