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…
South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) intercepted more than 500 Zimbabwean nationals trying to leave the country illegally via Botswana during the Christmas festive travel period. The individuals were stopped while attempting to cross unlawfully at the Groblersbrug port of entry over the past two days. They were returned to the official border post, processed and scheduled for deportation. BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato reported that traffic patterns had shifted noticeably during the festive season. On Christmas Eve, the Lebombo…
South Africa’s public health facilities recorded 714 babies born between midnight and midday on Christmas Day, bringing festive joy to hospitals across the country. The first Christmas baby of 2025 was welcomed at Elim Hospital in Limpopo at exactly midnight. Gauteng province recorded the highest number of births during this period, with 217 newborns delivered in public facilities. While the arrivals sparked celebrations, health authorities expressed deep concern over the persistent issue of teenage motherhood. National Health Department spokesperson Foster…
Mpumalanga authorities have seized more than 2,300 vehicles in an aggressive festive season enforcement drive aimed at curbing road chaos and saving lives during the holiday rush. From December 1 to 23, the province’s Transport Inspectorate targeted offenders under the National Land Transport Act and traffic laws, impounding public transport vehicles without permits, unroadworthy rides, overloaded trucks, and those flouting safety rules. MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport Thulasizwe Thomo hailed the operation as a strong deterrent. “Impounding over…