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The deaths of two senior Centlec officials, Mbuiselo Sarel May and Okert “Ockie” Faber, have fueled suspicions of a deadly pattern within the Mangaung power utility. Picture: Supplied

Two more senior officials dead, fuelling suspicions of a deadly pattern within the troubled Mangaung power utility

By: Abigail Visagie

Centlec rocked by fresh tragedy as two senior officials die, fueling fears of a rising death toll at the Mangaung power utility. The back-to-back deaths have sent shockwaves through Mangaung, with insiders describing a cli mate of fear and uncertainty at the embattled power distributor, already under scrutiny for financial mismanagement and governance failures. It is alleged that Centlec’s health and safety manager, Mbuiselo Sarel May (51) from Grassland in Bloemspruit, was brutally gunned down in his car on Sunday. Police confirmed that a manhunt has been launched for three suspects linked to the gruesome killing. According to spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Covane, the trio fled on foot towards George Lubbe Street after the attack. One suspect was dressed in black with a balaclava, another in a grey or white jacket, and the third in a brown jacket. “Witnesses reported that the deceased was shot around 04:00 while seated in a white Toyota Vitz. He was in the company of three men when the gunfire erupted. On arrival, officers found the victim slumped behind the steering wheel with gunshot wounds to the back of his head. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was declared dead,” Covane said. May’s murder follows the sudden death of his colleague, Okert (Ockie) Faber, a SCADA specialist in Network Optimization, who collapsed and died of a heart attack at his home last Thursday. Their deaths are the latest tragedies in what many describe as Centlec’s dark and unsettling death trail following the former Centlec CEO, Andries Mgoqi, who was also shot and left dying in cold right in front of his business premises, Kofifi tavern in Bergman Square, last year. May was allegedly involved in a court case settled in May 2022, in which the defendants were held li able for R34,245.53, an amount Centlec claimed for tampering with an electricity meter box at a leased property. The dispute dates back to May 2014, when Centlec Sources allege that Mgoqi signed off on a deal with Vodacom after his contract had already expired, a move reportedly not sanctioned by then-board chair person Kenosi Moroka. The execution styles of both killings have fuelled speculation that a sinister web of death is being spun around Centlec’s high-ranking officials. Two suspects, Nkwebe Seatile and Tlotlisang Monyane, were arrested in connection with Mgo qi’s murder in February 2024, while a third suspect – a 41-year-old Lesotho national – was arrested two months ago. Seatile and Monyane are expected to stand trial in the Bloemfontein High Court in January 2026, while extradition proceedings for the Lesotho national are still underway. Contacted for comment on May’s killing, Centlec spokesperson Tseliso Leba declined to be drawn into the matter, citing sub judice. alleged that a meter box had been tampered with, potentially enabling illegal connections, and subsequently disconnected the defendant’s electricity. May, who had been employed by the utility for over 14 years in various roles, presented evidence show ing that Centlec had quoted the plaintiff approximately R34,000 for installing three-phase power at the rented property—a sum that was never paid. According to the court record, a random inspection by Centlec in 2014 revealed an illegal three-phase connection, prompting the utility to remove the meter box and cut the electricity. May testified that he could not confirm who tampered with the meter box, but suggested that the tenant stood to benefit. He also could not explain why Centlec had re moved the meter box again in 2016, noting it might have been another instance of illegal connection. This testimony ultimately concluded the case in fa vour of Centlec. The murder of Mgoqi previously made headlines amid rumours that he was entangled in a scandal that nearly cost the utility over R23 million. “Since this incident occurred outside Centlec, the utility will leave it in the capable hands of the SAPS. We will, however, visit the bereaved family to extend our deepest condolences,” said Leba.

Controversial businessman and murder-accused Katiso “KT” Molefe is set to appear before the High Court in Johannesburg as he appeals a decision denying him bail. 

The State is opposing the application, and arguments will be heard before Judge Brad Wanless.

On August 20, 2025, the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court denied Molefe’s initial bail application. Magistrate Renier Boshoff ruled that Molefe had failed to present exceptional circumstances justifying his release.

“Considering all the relevant facts and circumstances before the court, the court makes a value judgment and finds that the applicant failed to put forward exceptional circumstances justifying his release on bail,” Boshoff said. 

“His application is accordingly refused.”

Molefe, 61, is accused of masterminding the 2022 murders of music producer and nightclub owner Oupa John Sefoka, popularly known as DJ Sumbody, and his two bodyguards, Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza. 

He is charged alongside three alleged hitmen, Michael Pule Tau, Musa Kekana and Tiego Floyd Mabusela.

Magistrate Boshoff noted that Molefe also faces a pending case relating to the April 2024 murder of Armand Swart, allegedly a case of mistaken identity. 

Boshoff said that Molefe and his co-accused are implicated in multiple related criminal matters.

Molefe was arrested in July by the SAPS Political Killings Task Team in Gauteng. He faces several charges, including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. 

At the time of his arrest, he was already out on bail in a separate assassination case.

His co-accused, Tau, Kekana and Mabusela, have not applied for bail.

Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo, SAPS Divisional Commissioner of Crime Intelligence, last week identified Molefe and businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala as ringleaders of the so-called "Big Five" cartel. 

He was testifying before the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry, which is probing alleged corruption, political interference, and criminal infiltration within South Africa’s justice system.

Khumalo, who heads the Political Killings Task Team, stated that the primary threat to police operations stems from internal sabotage, enabling criminal syndicates to penetrate state institutions.

He detailed the structure of criminal cartels, noting that each is typically led by a central figure supported by a leadership core and smaller operational units or syndicates - comprising at least 10 members. 

These syndicates are allegedly involved in drug trafficking, cross-border vehicle hijackings, tender fraud and extortion.

While only Molefe and Matlala have been named, Khumalo said investigations into the other three alleged cartel leaders are ongoing.

Meanwhile, IOL News previously reported that SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, said that an AK-47 and two pistols seized during the investigation have been forensically linked to 18 cases involving murder, attempted murder and other serious crimes.

These include:

-The attempted murder of taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni, shot outside Centurion Golf Estate on 10 August 2022

-The murders of DJ Sumbody, Mokoena and Myeza in Woodmead (November 2022)

-The murder of Don Tindleni on the N1 near the N17 offramp (March 2023)

-The mistaken identity killing of Armand Swart (April 2024)

-The attempted murder of DJ Vetties

“These three firearms, one AK-47 and two pistols, are now linked to 18 cases,” said Mathe. “Previously, we were looking at 10. That number has since increased.”

Mathe also noted that the AK-47 allegedly used in the attempted murder of actress and businesswoman Tebogo Thobejane has not yet been recovered.

“We are still looking for that particular weapon,” she said.

Police have not ruled out further links between these firearms and other crimes connected to Molefe and Matlala.

*This article was first published by IOL News

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has not responded to whether it had contacted South Africa’s late ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, to testify before the inquiry before his sudden death in Paris.

Mthethwa, a former Minister of Police and Sports, was found dead at the base of the Hyatt Regency hotel in western Paris, reportedly after falling from the 22nd floor.

His death, currently under investigation by French authorities, has sent shockwaves through political and diplomatic circles.

Just two weeks before his passing, Mthethwa was implicated in explosive testimony before the commission probing political interference in policing.

KZN Police Commissioner, Lt-Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, accused Mthethwa of obstructing justice during his tenure as Police Minister in 2011.

According to Mkhwanazi, Mthethwa pressured senior officials to halt both the prosecution and internal disciplinary proceedings against former Crime Intelligence head, Lieutenant-General Richard Mdluli.

"If you talk about political interference, that was the worst that I ever experienced. At that time, I came from the specialised operations; the only thing I knew was to chase criminals.

"I am promoted to become the acting national commissioner, and I am confronted with this in front of me, and I say, but this is not what I signed up for when I joined the police. This can’t be right," Mkhwanazi explained.

Mthethwa served as Minister of Police from 2009 to 2014, before holding other high-level posts including Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture. He was appointed South Africa’s ambassador to France in December 2023.

The commission has remained silent on whether Mthethwa was formally approached to testify before his death.

The commission has also taken a break and will resume its public hearings on October 13. This after witness, Lt-Gen. Dumisani Khumalo suddenly announced ”not well”. 

Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in. President Cyril Ramaphosa described the ambassador’s death as “a moment of deep grief for the nation,” noting Mthethwa’s long service to the country.

This is a developing story. The article will be updated pending a response from the commission.

*This article was first published by IOL News

Nigeria has launched a nationwide crackdown on foreigners who have overstayed their visas, just hours after a five-month amnesty period expired on September 30.

The operation, led by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), signals the government’s zero-tolerance approach toward visa violations, with deportations, fines, and multi-year entry bans now in effect, according to media reports.

The amnesty program, which ran from May 1, allowed foreign nationals with expired visas, including Visa on Arrival (VoA), single and multiple-entry visas, and Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permits (CERPAC), to regularize their stay without penalties. With the amnesty window now closed, enforcement actions commenced immediately.

Foreign nationals found violating Nigeria’s immigration laws now face strict penalties based on the length of their overstay. Those who have overstayed for less than three months face deportation, a daily fine of US$15 (almost R300) for every day overstayed, or a two-year entry ban.

Overstays between three months and one year carry deportation, a daily fine of $15 per day, or a five-year entry ban.

For those who have overstayed more than a year, the penalty is deportation, a daily fine of $15 per day, or a 10-year entry ban.

*This article was first published by IOL News

A dramatic turn unfolded in the Phala Phala farm robbery trial on Wednesday when a key state witness insisted the statement presented in court was not his, forcing the Modimolle Regional Court to declare him a hostile witness.

The man, who allegedly transported suspects linked to the 2020 burglary at President Cyril Ramaphosa's farm, told the court he only received R7,000 for his role — contradicting his signed police statement, which claimed he had been paid US$30,000 in cash.

Pressed on the inconsistency, the witness said he was intimidated and “scared” when giving his statement to investigators.

“This is not my statement,” the witness, who cannot be named due to a court order, told the court.

State prosecutor Nkhetheni Munyai applied for the court to declare the witness hostile, arguing that his testimony deviated significantly from what was previously placed on record.

Defence lawyers objected, but Magistrate Peter Manthate ruled that the state could proceed under Section 190 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which allows cross-examination of a hostile witness.

According to NPA Limpopo spokesperson Mashudu Malabi, the trial against the three accused — Immanuwela David, siblings Froliana Joseph and Ndilinasho Joseph — is proceeding with the evidence of this third witness. The matter is scheduled to continue until 8 October 2025, with the next court sitting on Friday. 

The case stems from the dramatic February 2020 break-in at Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm, where suspects allegedly stole US $580,000 hidden in furniture. The accused face charges of conspiracy to commit housebreaking with intent to steal, two counts of housebreaking and theft, and money laundering (for David).

The witness’s denial of his own police statement has raised questions about witness intimidation and credibility in a case already under intense political and public scrutiny.

*This article was first published by IOL News

Activist and grandson of Nelson Mandela, Mandla Mandela, who was sailing to Gaza aboard a boat which is part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), has been kidnapped by Israeli forces who intercepted the flotilla in the early hours of Thursday.

Mandela prerecorded a message in case of interception by Israel.

"I'm a citizen of the Republic of South Africa. If you are receiving this video, it means that we have been intercepted and have been abducted by the state of apartheid Israel," he said. "I call you to request our government to exert pressure for my immediate release."

The South African group of the flotilla has condemned the interception of its vessels by Israeli occupation forces in international waters, describing the attack as a deliberate attempt to block humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Delegates aboard the flotilla, which included South African civilians, were reportedly detained and faced drone and water cannon attacks.

In a statement, the Global Sumud Flotilla (GDF) confirmed that the Israeli occupation forces ambushed the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters, detaining some of the delegates and attacking the vessels with drones and water cannons.

"These actions represent yet another attempt to silence voices of solidarity and to prevent even the smallest lifeline of relief from reaching Gaza. This is illegal under international law," the GDF said in a statement.

The organisation emphasised that the flotilla's mission was purely humanitarian and peaceful.

"The GSF was carrying civilians committed to drawing attention to the devastating conditions faced by Palestinians. Their mission is peaceful. Their objective is humanitarian. Their interception exposes once more the reality that Gaza is held under siege not only by walls and checkpoints, but by warships, drones, and policies of isolation."

The GSF called on the South African government to act immediately to ensure the safe return of its citizens.

"The Global Sumud Flotilla - RSA demands the immediate and unconditional release of all the delegates with full access to their lawyers, and for Israel to respect all international laws and measures governing the protection of civilians and humanitarian missions, the unhindered delivery of the humanitarian aid, and the lifting of the siege that continues to strangle Gaza," they said.

On Wednesday, Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), emphasised South Africa's call for restraint and adherence to international law.

"South Africa wishes to reiterate, in the strongest terms, its call for all actors to adhere strictly to international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and relevant international humanitarian law principles," he said.

Phiri stressed that the safety and security of the flotilla's participants, including South African citizens, are of paramount importance.

"The safety, security, and physical integrity of all unarmed participants aboard the Flotilla, including South African citizens, are of paramount importance," he added.

He warned that any military engagement or forceful detention of the vessels in international waters would constitute a serious breach of international norms. Phiri further highlighted the peaceful and humanitarian mission of the flotilla.

"It must be underscored that the Flotilla is a civilian-led initiative, embarked upon a peaceful and humanitarian mission. Its participants aim to draw attention to the severe and urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people in Gaza and to deliver vital aid to alleviate the widespread suffering," Phiri said.

Other South Africans who are part of the mission include Fatima Hendricks, Zaheera Soomar, Zukisa Wanner, Reaaz Moola, Bashera Soomar and Carolyn Shelver.

Former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi shared his support of Mandela. "

"Mandla Mandela! Selfless brave soul. You make us eternally proud Madiba. Strength to the Sumud Flotilla, Free Palestine," he said.

*This article was first published by IOL News