22 September 2026- The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has welcomed the arrest of two Eastern Cape women in connection with an alleged R1.1 million fraud case involving UIF funds.

The two women appeared in the Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Crime Court, following their arrest by the Hawks for their alleged part in the scheme.

“[One of the women] was employed by the Department of Employment and Labour within the Employer Services Section. Her responsibilities included the capturing, verification, and filing of employer declaration of employees’ forms, commonly known as UI-19 forms, on benefits files.

“The investigation alleged that prospective UIF claimants were assisted with claim forms and other documentation, despite some allegedly not meeting the requirements to receive benefits.

“It is further alleged that arrangements were made in certain instances for bank accounts through which proceeds from fraudulent claims could be received,” the Department of Employment and Labour said in a statement.

Furthermore, the Hawks found discrepancies which were “subsequently identified during an audit by the department, after which the matter was referred for further investigation”.

The two suspects are alleged to have acted together in arranging and executing the scheme.

“We welcome the work of the Hawks in pursuing allegations of fraud involving UIF funds. Every rand lost through fraudulent activity is a resource that should have been available to support workers who legitimately depend on the Fund.

“We will continue to cooperate with law-enforcement authorities to ensure that allegations of wrongdoing are thoroughly investigated and that those found to have acted unlawfully are held accountable,” UIF Commissioner Thulani Tshefuta said.

The two were released on R2000 bail each and the matter has been postponed to 5 October 2026 for legal representation.

“The UIF views the arrest as an important step in strengthening accountability and protecting the Fund’s resources, which are intended to provide social protection to eligible workers and their families during periods of unemployment and other qualifying conditions. The UIF is committed to working closely with law-enforcement agencies to investigate the financial misconduct that threatens the integrity of the Fund.

“The Fund has strengthened its measures to detect and prevent fraudulent claims and transactions, while continuing to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to safeguard UIF resources. The Fund remains committed to ensuring that UIF resources are protected and reach the workers and beneficiaries who are legitimately entitled to them at their moment of need,” the department said.

The public, employers and broader stakeholders are urged to report suspected fraudulent activities involving UIF benefits through the Department’s Anti-Fraud Hotline on Telephone Number 0800 601148 or email: fraud@labour.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

21 September 2026 – The police have made a breakthrough in the murder investigation of the ninth victim in the series of murder cases involving women currently under investigation in Gauteng. Three suspects, comprising one man and two women, were arrested over the weekend by members of the Gauteng Murder and Robbery Unit in connection with the murder. 

The police discovered the body of a ninth woman on 17 September 2026 morning in Dawn Park, Boksburg. Her body was found following the discovery of eight bodies in Ekurhuleni over the past two months. 

The trio is expected to appear on Monday before the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court.

The acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane said the police are seized with all nine murder cases, with each case receiving priority attention. Dimpane said the police remain committed to ensuring that these investigations are pursued with the urgency and determination they require.

“Our investigators are following all available leads and are working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice. Further details regarding the case will be ventilated in court. 

“After the woman’s body was found, the police appealed to community members to share any information that may assist with the investigations by calling the Crime Stop Line at 08600 10111 or by providing anonymous tip-offs on MySapsApp, which can be downloaded on any smartphone,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

16 September 2026 – The police in the North West has noted a message circulating on social media alleging that a suspect described as the “Kempton Park Serial Killer” has relocated to Potchefstroom and that an extensive police operation has been launched in the city. The police said the public is urged not to treat this circulating message as an official SAPS alert unless and until it is confirmed through SAPS communication channels.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said at this stage, the police in Potchefstroom have not found an official report or complaint confirming the specific claims contained in the circulating message, including the alleged relocation of a suspect to Potchefstroom, the alleged incident near the Bult, the description of the suspect, or claims regarding a mobile command centre, drones and specialised units. Myburgh said the police in the North West is, however, aware of the serious investigations currently taking place in the Kempton Park area.

“Recent official police communication confirms that investigations into the deaths of women in Kempton Park are continuing. This does not, on its own, establish that a suspect connected to those investigations has relocated to Potchefstroom,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Ryno Naidoo, appeals to members of the community to remain calm, vigilant and responsible when sharing information. Naidoo said the police understand the concern that a message of this nature can cause, particularly among residents and students.

“We appeal to the community not to spread unverified information or create unnecessary panic, because any genuine operational development or public safety warning will be communicated through official SAPS channels.

“Members of the public are nevertheless encouraged to observe sensible personal-safety precautions, particularly after dark. SAPS safety guidance includes avoiding walking alone where possible, using well lit areas and remaining aware of one’s surroundings,” he said.

Naidoo further said the residents and businesses who may have information relating to an actual criminal incident should report it to the police rather than attempting to investigate or confront any person themselves. He added that in case of emergency or reporting crime, contact 10111 or your local police station, while Crime Stop 08600 10111 can be used to provide information about criminal activity.

“The public is further reminded that false or misleading information circulated through social media can cause unnecessary fear and divert police resources. SAPS has previously warned communities about the consequences of circulating unverified police related information.

“Members of the public are encouraged to obtain police information directly from official SAPS communication platforms and to verify alarming messages before forwarding them,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

15 Lwetse 2026 – Sepodisi sa mono Taung se boloditse letsholo-patlo morago ga go ngwega ga molatofadiwa wa petelelo e leng Monnapula Madienyane (38). Go begwa fa Madienyane a ngwegile morago ga go tlhagelela ka boripana kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mabapi le petelelo mo letsatsing la maabane.

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are Madienyane o ne a ntshiwa kwa kgotlhatshekelo ke batlhankela ba sepodisi morago ga go tlhagelela mabapi le petelelo. Van Rooyen are go begwa fa Madienyane a ne a tshaba.

“Batlhankela ba sepodisi ba lephata la VISPOL, ba dipitsi ga mmogo le ba dintsha kwa Vryburg, ba ile ba bolotsa letsholo-patlo. Go fitlha ga jaana, Madienyane o setse a tsene ka lenga la seloko.

“Ga re belaele fa a ka tswa a thusitswe go ngwega,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By REGINALD KANYANE

14 September 2026 – Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has welcomed the appointment of Advocate Adrian Carl Mopp as the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for the Western Cape Division.

The appointment was made by President Cyril Ramaphosa and follows a consultation process with the Minister and the NPA Head Advocate Andy Mothibi, in accordance with the National Prosecuting Authority Act, 1998 (Act No. 32 of 1998).

“Advocate Mopp brings more than 30 years of legal and prosecutorial experience to the position. He has served as Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions in the Western Cape since 2009 and previously held senior positions in the Directorate of Special Operations and the Asset Forfeiture Unit. These include serving as Regional Head of the Directorate of Special Operations in the Western Cape from 2004 to 2009.

“Admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa in 1993, Advocate Mopp has extensive experience in complex criminal prosecutions, including organised crime, serious violent crime, drug trafficking, and public transport violence. He has also contributed to national prosecutorial planning and institutional reform initiatives,” the department said in a statement on Monday.

Furthermore, Mopp holds advanced qualifications in law, criminal justice, criminology and international studies, including a Master of Philosophy in Law and a Master of Laws in Criminal Justice and Criminology.

“Minister Kubayi wishes Advocate Mopp well as he assumes this important responsibility.

“The appointment strengthens leadership within the National Prosecuting Authority and supports the continued delivery of independent and effective prosecution services in the Western Cape,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By REGINALD KANYANE

14 September 2026 – The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said over this past weekend, they were in New Delhi, India for the 18th BRICS Summit, an event that cemented the pivotal role of the group in building a more inclusive global economy and world order. Ramaphosa said at the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg in 2023, it was decided to expand the group beyond Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

He further said in addition to these five countries, BRICS now includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Ramaphosa added that together, these countries account for around half of the world’s population and around a quarter of global trade.

“For South Africa, BRICS is an important platform for building political and economic ties that benefit our country and people. Through BRICS, we can help to build a fairer multilateral world order governed by international law with the United Nations at its centre.

“Through our BRICS membership, we have deepened practical cooperation in fields such as science and technology, research, education and skills development. We have led people-to-people exchange through bodies like the BRICS Youth Council, BRICS Think Tanks Council, the BRICS Network University and others,” he said.

Ramaphosa said while BRICS Summits may seem far removed from the daily lives of South Africans, the country gains a lot from its membership of the group. He said it is an important forum for investment and trade.

“More than a fifth of South Africa’s trade is with BRICS countries. As a shareholder in the New Development Bank – also known as the BRICS Bank – South Africa has been able to access development finance to support major energy, water and transportation infrastructure investments.

“Through the BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement, South Africa is able to access a pool of $100 billion in currency reserves in the case of a liquidity crisis. We also benefit from BRICS cooperation across areas such as health, science, agriculture and skills development,” said Ramaphosa.

He said cooperation between BRICS countries extends beyond government. Ramaphosa said a number of sectors of society participate in BRICS activities, most notably the private sector.

“While in New Delhi, we took part in the BRICS Business Forum, where heads of state, ministers and business leaders discussed how to deepen trade and investment between our countries. We used the opportunity of being in India to strengthen links between South African and Indian business.

“We already have strong ties. India is South Africa’s fourth largest trading partner. More than 150 Indian companies have invested over $10 billion in our country, creating employment for over 18 000 South Africans. A number of leading South African firms like Naspers, FirstRand Bank, Sanlam and Momentum also have significant investments in India,” he said.

Ramaphosa said building on these links, they convened the South Africa-India CEOs Roundtable with leaders from some of India’s leading firms and a number of South African companies. He said they also held a number of meetings with individual Indian companies that either want to expand existing interests in South Africa or explore new opportunities.

“The Indian companies commended South Africa for the structural transformation that is underway in the energy, logistics, telecommunications and water sectors, and the reforms being undertaken in visas, public digital infrastructure and other areas.

“We highlighted various opportunities for investment and partnership in areas such as green industrialisation, critical minerals and beneficiation, infrastructure, agriculture and the digital economy. South Africa and India have complementary resources and capabilities that when combined can create great value for both countries,” said Ramaphosa.

He said for example, India’s strengths in pharmaceuticals and health technology can support their ambition to expand the local production of medicines and vaccines. Ramaphosa said it has capabilities in information technology, financial technology and digital public infrastructure that can support the modernisation of our own systems and services.

“Our endowment of critical minerals can feed India’s fast-growing renewable energy, battery and automotive value chains, while ensuring that more of the processing of these minerals happens on South African soil.

“To turn this potential into practical partnerships, we are keen to restore direct flights between South Africa and India. We also need closer working relationships between our business chambers. Looking ahead, our priority as South Africa is to continue to use our membership of BRICS to deepen bilateral cooperation and expand trade and investment ties,” he said.

Ramaphosa said through BRICS, they will continue to add their voice to the growing call from the Global South for an inclusive world order rooted in mutual respect and shared prosperity. He said they will continue to use their membership of BRICS to develop the economy and improve the lives of their people.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By REGINALD KANYANE

11 September 2026 – The North West public healthcare system is facing a serious medication shortage, with patients reportedly being left without essential treatment for chronic conditions. Forum for South Africa (Forum 4 SA) has raised alarm over reports that a number of public healthcare facilities across the province are running short of critical medication, including medicines required by people living with diabetes.

The organisation said some patients are being turned away or sent home without the medication they need, while family planning medication is also reportedly unavailable at certain facilities.

The National Leader of Forum for South Africa, Tebogo Mashilopane said the situation was unacceptable and placed vulnerable patients at unnecessary risk. Mashilopane said patients should not have to arrive at public healthcare facilities only to be told that their essential medication is unavailable.

“People living with chronic illnesses depend on a consistent supply of medication to manage their conditions. Forum 4 SA has expressed particular concern about communities such as Madibeng, where residents already face difficulties accessing reliable public services.

“The organisation cited the case of a Madibeng patient who reportedly received only one bottle of diabetes medication for an entire month, despite the medication allegedly not being enough to last until the next collection,” he said.

Mashilopane further said this raised serious questions about medication forecasting, procurement, stock management and distribution within the provincial health system. He added that how can government expect patients to manage chronic illnesses when the health system cannot guarantee the medication they need?

“This situation requires urgent investigation and decisive action. Forum 4 SA is calling for the immediate dismissal of the North West Health MEC, Sello Lehari, as well as an urgent province-wide audit of medication availability at public healthcare facilities.

“The organisation is also demanding a full investigation into procurement, stock management and distribution failures, together with immediate intervention to ensure that diabetic patients receive enough medication for their prescribed treatment periods,” said Mashilopane .

He said they further call for the restoration of family planning medication supplies and accountability for officials responsible for persistent shortages and poor planning. Mashilopane said the public should also receive regular information about medication stock levels at clinics and hospitals.

“Healthcare is a basic service, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford private medical care. Poor and working-class communities deserve dignity, quality healthcare and reliable access to essential medication.

“We would continue to monitor the situation and supporting affected patients and communities in their calls for accountability and improved public healthcare services,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Ka REGINALD KANYANE

11 Lwetse 2026 – Mapodisi a Bethanie a kopa thuso ya setšhaba go thusa ka go batlana le Jeremiah Ofentse Ditlopo (42), yo go begwang fa a timetse mo kgweding ya Sedimonthole ka ngwaga wa 2025. Go begwa fa Ditlopo o bonwe la bofelo ke tsala ya gagwe ka di 19 Sedimonthole 2025, kwa Bethanie.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono porofensneg ya Bokone Bophirima, Mokaptein Majang Skalkie are sepodisi se ile sa bolotsa letsholo-patlo, fela ga go ise go nne le katlego. Skalkie are ka nako ya fa a ne a bonwa la bofelo, Ditlopo o ne a apere borukgwe jo bokhutshwane jo bo pududu le bokete jo bo borokwa.

“O tlhalosiwa a na le mmala o montsho, mmele o o magareng, ditedu tse dintsho le lefatla. Re ikuela go mongwe le mongwe yo a ka tswang a na le tshedimosetso ka ga Ditlopo go ikgolaganya le sepodisi.

“Tshedimosetso nngwe le nngwe e ka thusa sepodisi go tsweletsa dipatlisiso le go bona monna yo o timetseng e botlhokwa,” Skalkie wa tlhalosa.

Skalkie are botlhe ba ba nang le tshedimosetso ba ka letsetsa dinomoro tsa Crime Stop mo 08600 10111 kgotsa ba ka dirisa MySAPS App go romela tshedimosetso ka sephiri. Skalkie are kgotsa ba ka ikgolaganya le seteishene se se gaufi sa sepodisi.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

11 Lwetse 2026 – Lefapha la Tsamaiso ya Dipuso se Legae, Bodudi jwa Batho ga mmogo le Tsamaiso ya Setso mono Bokone Bophirima, le tsweletse ka maiteko a go netefatsa gore malapa a a tlhokang a bona matlo a a siameng le ditlankana tse di netefatsang beng jwa matlo a bone. Se, se tla morago ga gore mokhuduthamaga wa Lefapha la Tsamaiso ya Dipuso se Legae, Bodudi jwa Batho ga mmogo le Tssmaiso ya Setso, Oageng Molapisi, o neetse malapa a a tshwanelang matlo kwa motseng wa Ditshilong, Diretsaneng le kwa motsesetoropong wa Huhudi kwa Vryburg.

Kwa Ditshilong, Molapisi o neetse malapa matlo a mabedi a a feditšweng, e le karolo ya porojeke ya matlo a le 216 a balelelwang go boleng jwa R45 million.

“Porojeke eno e solofetswe go wediwa kwa bokhutlong jwa Mopitlwe 2027. Puso e ikemiseditse go netefatsa gore malapa a a tlhokang thata a fiwa tlotlo le seriti ka go nna le mafelo a a siameng a bonno.

“Re tla tswelela go netefatsa gore batho ba ba leng mo maemong a a bokoa ga ba salele kwa morago le gore mananeo a rona a matlo a arabela maemo a mmatota a a lebaneng le baagi mo porofenseng,” ga rialo Molapisi.

O tlhalositse gape gore lefapha le tla tswelela go baya leitlho tiro ya borakonteraka go netefatsa gore matlo a agiwa ka boleng jo bo siameng le gore diporojeke di wediwa ka nako. Molapisi are ba lebeletse gore borakonteraka ba age matlo a boleng jo bo siameng, mme ba a fetse ka nako e go dumalanweng ka yone.

“Baagi ba rona ga ba kgone go itshokela tiego e e sa tlhokegeng, Kwa Huhudi Extension 25, re neetse baunngwelwa ba le lesome ditlankana tsa beng ba matlo mo letsholong la Title Deeds Friday, mmogo le ratoropo wa masepala wa Naledi, Clifton Groep.

“Mo ditlankaneng di le 68 tse di neng di tshwanetse go abiwa, lefapha le ne la kgona go neela baunngwelwa ba le 10 ka nako ya tiragalo,” Molapisi wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, Molapisi are Lefapha la gagwe le ipeile mokgele wa go aba ditlankana tsa beng ba matlo di 2450, e leng karolo ya maiteko a go fitlhelela mokgele wa bosetšhaba wa ditlankana di le 80 000 ka 2029. Molapisi are go nna le setifikeiti sa beng jwa ntlo go botlhokwa ka gonne go naya beng tshireletsego ya semolao le boshupi jwa gore dintlo tseo ke tsa bone.

taungdailynews@gmail.com