The Department of Home Affairs has announced that the production of South Africa’s green barcoded ID book will officially end on 31 March 2027, giving millions of citizens an opportunity to transition to the Smart ID. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber made the announcement during a media briefing on Thursday, saying approximately 14.7 million South African citizens and permanent residents still hold only the green ID book. Schreiber said these individuals will have a further 12 months after production ends…

The State has accused the lawyer representing suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, of helping his client avoid arrest. Sibiya’s bail application on charges including rape, sexual grooming of a 16-year-old and human trafficking continued in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Thursday. Prosecutor Velile Makasana put the allegation to Sibiya’s lawyer, Rashad Moosa, who took the witness stand in his client’s defence. Makasana questioned Moosa about whether his actions, while acting on Sibiya’s instructions, amounted…

The suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, is facing an additional charge as his bail application resumes at the Randburg Magistrates’ Court. Prosecutors have added a sixth charge against Sibiya, relating to the alleged unlawful storage of a firearm. The latest development comes as the court continues to hear Sibiya’s bail application. He is facing multiple allegations, with the prosecution adding the firearm-related charge to the case. Sibiya, who has been suspended from his position…