President Cyril Ramaphosa says a commission of inquiry into alleged corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS) can have a profound impact.
Again, defending his decision to establish another commission in the National Assembly on Thursday, Ramaphosa said it was in line with the government’s commitment to the rule of law, fairness and transparency.
Ramaphosa came under fire from political parties during the debate on his budget vote this week for what many argued is a waste of time and money.
Ramaphosa said past inquiries have led to the revitalisation of the revenue service, the ongoing reform of state security apparatus, and the recovery of millions of rand and assets looted through state capture.
“This accountability means all those responsible for imperiling democracy through nefarious acts should face justice.”
Ramaphosa's decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave during this process has also been slammed by opposition parties, who have not only challenged the legality of the move but also the costs involved.
“We will ensure that the allegations made around corruption in the upper echelons of the South African Police Service will be fully ventilated in the commission of inquiry process.
While Ramaphosa was responding to the debate in the National Assembly, in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), acting Police Minister Gwede Mantashe also defended the commission of inquiry, saying it will give the accused an opportunity to clear their names.
*This article was first published by EWN News
Gwede Mantashe made his first appearance in Parliament as acting police minister on Thursday, where he urged members to support the judicial commission of inquiry into police corruption.
Mantashe said those implicated in alleged wrongdoing by KwaZulu-Natal Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi will now be able to respond to the allegations of corruption and interference and clear their names.
Mantashe was tabling the police’s budget in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Thursday.
Mantashe, the mineral and petroleum resources minister, was appointed acting police minister after Senzo Mchunu was placed on special leave.
He addressed the NCOP for the first time in his acting role and didn’t waste time addressing the judicial commission of inquiry.
He said his NCOP address came at a time when the leadership of the police is “under intense scrutiny” following the allegations brought to light by Mkhwanazi.
“These allegations are deeply concerning, and we welcome the announcement by his excellency, Cyril Ramaphosa, of a judicial commission of inquiry to thoroughly investigate the matter raised.”
Ramaphosa said an important principle of the commission is that those accused or implicated will now have a right to clear their name and respond to the allegations.
*This article was first published by EWN News
Police at Mhala in Mpumalanga are requesting community members’ assistance with information that could lead to arrests of suspects who allegedly broke into the Mhala traffic department and got away with an undisclosed amount of cash.
The incident took place on Wednesday, at around midnight.
“It is reported that three security officers were on duty at the said department patrolling the premises when they were attacked by six African males who were armed with firearms - pistols and a rifle,” said provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane.
The intruders allegedly pointed the security officers with firearms and forced them into one of the offices.
“They forcefully opened two burglar doors of the main entrance of the offices and broke all the burglar doors, which led to a room where there was a safe. It is further reported that the suspects damaged the safe and took an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing the scene,” said Ndubane.
“Police urge anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact Detective Sergeant Collen Nyalungu on 076 936 7222. Alternatively, members of the public can anonymously call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MySAPSApp.”
Police have pledged that all received information will be treated as confidential, and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
In September 2022, IOL reported that armed assailants attacked police officers at Grootvlei police station in Mpumalanga and forcefully took three 9mm pistols, one R5 rifle and one shotgun, as well as about 180 bullets.
At the time, Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said the assailants took one pistol from a police officer, and the other firearms were seized from the safe of the police station.
“According to the report, two suspects arrived at the police station on Friday evening, 02 September 2022 around 6pm, claiming to be from Soshanguve under the pretence of reporting a domestic violence incident,” said Mohlala.
“They played victims as if they needed help from the two members who were working at the community service centre (CSC) regarding a female who was a ‘victim’ of domestic violence. The CSC's safety door was locked at that point and they initially left and only to return later around 10pm where they complained that their concern was being disregarded by the members.”
During this second visit, the group insisted that the door should be opened for them.
*This article was first published by IOL News
In September, the High Court in Lilongwe will announce its ruling in the review application brought by controversial couple, Shepherd and Mary Bushiri pertaining to their extradition to South Africa.
The self-proclaimed prophet took to Facebook on Thursday to announce that he was awaiting justice.
"No matter how long the river may be, it has its end. We're waiting for justice, a fair trial, and safety, which we were deprived of in South Africa due to law enforcement corruption and... several assassination attempts we survived," he said.
Bushiri and his wife violated their bail conditions when they fled the country in 2020.
They face a string of charges, including rape, fraud and money laundering.
In April, Bushiri criticised the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) decision to sell his private jet, calling it “not only unjust but also seems to be a clear case of persecution.”
“I am commenting on this matter because it was dismissed in Malawi courts — as the court already made its ruling. The recent announcement by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of South Africa to sell my private jet has left me astonished, given the circumstances surrounding this decision,” Bushiri said in a long statement on Facebook.
This follows a ruling by the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, which reportedly granted the NPA permission to sell Bushiri’s luxury jet, valued at R50 million.
The sale is part of an ongoing legal battle tied to an investigation into alleged financial crimes.
The court’s decision was made after the NPA applied to liquidate the aircraft to recover assets linked to Bushiri's criminal case.
However, Bushiri argued that the NPA's justification for selling his private jet to recover funds allegedly lost due to crimes he committed – is based on accusations already dismissed in court in Malawi.
“The same allegations brought before the Malawi courts were dismissed as "mere accusations," and the case was removed from the court list. It is perplexing that the NPA would proceed with selling my private jet over charges that have already been dismissed by a competent court,” he said.
Bushiri urged the NPA to reconsider its decision, adding that the sale of his private jet is not only “unjust” but also seems to be a clear case of “persecution.”
“I hope that a thorough review of this matter will be conducted, and justice will be served,” he said.
Bushiri further claimed that the NPA officials and police officers have attempted to solicit bribes from him.
“Unfortunately, some of those NPA’s and police officers, are still knocking at my door that once I send some money, my case will disappear,” he said.
“Lol, in their dreams. They can go ahead and sell my private jet and even anything they want if stopping the sale would mean a private deal!” he added.
*This article was first published by IOL News
By JN Reporter
Friends, family, and comrades gathered Thursday to pay tribute to the late Kaloli Tsoene, a man widely remembered for his unwavering commitment to unity and compassion.
Known for bridging divides and bringing people together across backgrounds, Kaloli’s legacy as a unifier was at the heart of emotional speeches, songs, and shared memories during the memorial service held in his hometown of Ladybrand’s town hall.
The former ANC Chief Whip at Mantsopa Local Municipality and member of Thabo Mofutsanaya Regional Executive Committee (REC) died earlier this month at the age of 55.
The ANC and its leagues and alliances in the region, including his former ally and friend Tumelo Thebe, paid their respects through the prayer service and songs. They remembered Kaloli as a unifier and a true servant of the people.
“Comrades … Kaloli was a unifier of our movement,” said Thebe, who was a long-time friend and comrade to Kaloli. “Where differences arose within the organisation, Kaloli always knew and understood his role and played a unifier. I loved him for being honest and sticking to his decision, irrespective of how many people agreed with him.”
Another comrade and former colleague, Sylvia Visagie, said he was one of the best products the organisation has produced.
“Many people in this hall can attest that directly or indirectly, Kaloli has played a role in their lives… that includes me. I am proud to have known him and worked with him,” she said.
Kaloli will be buried on Sunday.
By JN Reporter
Friends, family, and comrades gathered Thursday to pay tribute to the late Kaloli Tsoene, a man widely remembered for his unwavering commitment to unity and compassion.
Known for bridging divides and bringing people together across backgrounds, Kaloli’s legacy as a unifier was at the heart of emotional speeches, songs, and shared memories during the memorial service held in his hometown of Ladybrand’s town hall.
The former ANC Chief Whip at Mantsopa Local Municipality and member of Thabo Mofutsanaya Regional Executive Committee (REC) died earlier this month at the age of 55.
The ANC and its leagues and alliances in the region, including his former ally and friend Tumelo Thebe, paid their respects through the prayer service and songs. They remembered Kaloli as a unifier and a true servant of the people.
“Comrades … Kaloli was a unifier of our movement,” said Thebe, who was a long-time friend and comrade to Kaloli. “Where differences arose within the organisation, Kaloli always knew and understood his role and played a unifier. I loved him for being honest and sticking to his decision, irrespective of how many people agreed with him.”
Another comrade and former colleague, Sylvia Visagie, said he was one of the best products the organisation has produced.
“Many people in this hall can attest that directly or indirectly, Kaloli has played a role in their lives… that includes me. I am proud to have known him and worked with him,” she said.
Kaloli will be buried on Sunday.
