A Hawks investigator has admitted that detectives undermined their own undercover operation by alerting a colleague to an entrapment sting linked to an alleged R250,000 bribery scheme. Warrant Officer Phuti Mashala made the concession while testifying before the Madlanga Commission, where he faced questions over the handling of an investigation involving the alleged theft of R1.5 million from businessman Ali Raja. The case centred on JMPD officer Eric Mphahlele, who has since been convicted. Mashala told the commission that fellow…
Eleven suspects, including ten foreign nationals suspected of illegal mining activities, are scheduled to appear in the Westonaria Magistrate’s Court today following their arrest last week in connection with the possession of unlicensed firearms. The group was apprehended on Wednesday, December 24, during a joint operation by South African Police Service (SAPS) units and Sibanye-Stillwater mine security in the Westonaria area. Among those arrested are nine Lesotho nationals, one Mozambican national, and one South African citizen – a mine employee…
The South African Police Service (SAPS) Diving Unit in Mpumalanga is facing mounting challenges in the search for a missing South African National Defence Force (SANDF) member, as heavy rains cause the Nkomazi River to swell and flow faster. The incident occurred on Christmas Day, 25 December 2025, when a military vehicle carrying two SANDF soldiers on border patrol duties under Operation Corona was swept away while crossing a low-water bridge near the Lebombo Border Post with Mozambique. One soldier’s…
Persistent severe weather conditions over the festive season have led to a significant increase in electricity faults across Eskom supply areas nationwide. The utility says heavy storms, flooding and strong winds have damaged infrastructure in several provinces, worsening supply disruptions. Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena said while much of the damage in the Eastern Cape has been resolved, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and the Free State remain heavily affected. “Eskom teams are on the ground repairing damaged infrastructure to restore supply in affected…