The South African government has reiterated that the safety and return of 17 South African citizens currently in Russia remains a top national priority, as diplomatic engagements with Russian authorities continue.The group was reportedly taken to Russia last month after being allegedly recruited by MK Party member Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla. According to reports, the men were promised specialised security training, allegedly to serve as party bodyguards. However, these claims have since been contradicted by developments on the ground.Government officials have confirmed…

National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Advocate Shamila Batohi was publicly rebuked by Justice Bess Nkabinde, chairperson of the Nkabinde Enquiry, for what the judge described as disrespectful conduct during proceedings. The enquiry is investigating the fitness of suspended South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Andrew Chauke, to hold office. The confrontation occurred after Batohi failed to return to the witness stand following a lunch adjournment, during intense cross-examination by Chauke’s lawyer, Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi. When summoned back, Batohi…

President Cyril Ramaphosa will not release the Madlanga interim report to the public, but only the full report once available next year. This was revealed by the presidency spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, during a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday.Magwenya’s comments come as Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, receive an interim report from the commission chairperson, retired Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga.“The commission will advise the president on areas that are of national security sensitivity, and how those areas will need to be managed.…