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…
A fierce debate has ignited within Cape Town’s minstrel community over a proposed rerouting of the annual Kaapse Klopse (Cape Minstrel Carnival) parade, traditionally held on Tweede Nuwe Jaar. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have joined critics in condemning the plan, accusing the DA-led City of Cape Town and the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association (KKKA) of commercialising a cherished cultural heritage event without proper consultation. The KKKA has applied to shift the 2026 parade – scheduled for Monday, 5 January…
Herman Mashaba, the former mayor of Johannesburg and leader of the opposition party ActionSA, has renewed his urgent call for reclaiming so-called “hijacked buildings” in the city’s inner core, warning that these illegally occupied structures continue to fuel crime, fires, structural dangers, and inhumane living conditions. “Hijacked buildings pose a serious and immediate threat to our communities,” Mashaba said in recent statements. “They expose our people to fires, structural collapse, crime, and inhumane living conditions. This is why reclaiming these…
Authorities in the North West have arrested 26 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol, while another 10 were taken into custody for allegedly attempting to bribe traffic officials. The arrests were made during ongoing festive season operations across the Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr Kenneth Kaunda districts. According to the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, the intensified law enforcement efforts have contributed to a notable improvement in road safety. The province has recorded a 40% reduction…