23 May 2024 – The Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests said it welcomes the judgement delivered by the Western Cape High Court on 21 May 2025, which reaffirmed a fundamental principle underpinning South Africa’s constitutional democracy.
The committee said Members of Parliament (MPs) remain bound by the Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members’ Interests, even when serving in roles outside the strict bounds of parliamentary proceedings, such as appointments to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
One of the Co-Chairpersons on Ethics and Members’ Interests, Lusizo Makhubela said the High Court’s decision in Malema v The Speaker of the National Assembly and Others confirms that Members of Parliament do not set aside their ethical obligations when performing duties on external constitutional bodies. Makhubela said rather, they carry their responsibilities as public representatives into every forum where they serve.
“This judgement follows a complaint received and investigated by the joint committee, concerning the conduct of a Member of Parliament during a JSC interview for a judicial candidate.
“The court upheld the committee’s finding that the member acted in breach of the code by failing to act in accordance with the public trust and by failing to place the public interest above personal or party-political interests,” she said.
Another Co-Chairperson, Henni Britz said the committee reaffirms the purpose of the code of ethical conduct, as set out in its preamble and item (2.1) to provide a framework for integrity, accountability and public trust in Parliament and its members. Britz said the code applies at all times to all members, whether they are sitting in the House, engaging in committee work, or representing Parliament on constitutional bodies like the JSC.
“The High Court’s judgement reinforces several key principles such as Parliament’s oversight role extends to the conduct of MPs designated to the JSC and other institutions. Accountability and integrity must be upheld by MPs in all public duties, especially in sensitive institutions like the judiciary, where independence and impartiality are paramount.
“The Code of Ethical Conduct is not limited by location or context, its reach is coextensive with the office held by any elected member. This outcome serves as a vital reminder that ethical governance is not situational,” he said.
Britz further said their democratic institutions depend on public trust, and that trust is earned through consistency, transparency and adherence to ethical standards, regardless of the platform or position. He added that the committee remains committed to upholding the integrity of Parliament and fostering a culture of ethical leadership among all public representatives.
23 May 2025- A man (43) was sentenced to 85 years imprisonment by the Rustenburg Regional Court for series of rapes. This includes possession of an unlicensed firearm.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the accused, Mziwoxolo Zozi was also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000). Myburgh said the sentencing emanated from incidents, wherein Zozi raped women aged between 17 and 34 in Rustenburg, Phokeng, Mooinooi and Marikana, between April 2018 and July 2022.
“In one of the cases reported in the early hours of Sunday morning, 15 April 2018 in Marikana, a victim (23) was sleeping inside her house in Skierlik village, when suddenly overpowered by the convict, who threatened her with a firearm and ultimately raped her.
“In another case reported on 26 March 2022, Zozi overpowered a victim (17), in Freedom Park, outside Phokeng. The victim woke up when the convict removed her blankets, pointed her with a firearm and raped her,” she said.
Myburgh further said Zozi was identified as a possible suspect following comprehensive police investigations, then traced to Marikana and arrested on 29 November 2022. She added that the convict, who was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm, was linked to the crimes through forensic DNA leads.
“There are currently five more pending rape cases against the accused in the Rustenburg Regional Court. Furthermore, Zozi was linked to cases in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal and Gauteng Provinces.
“The accused, who has been in custody since his arrest, will effectively serve 50 years in jail as some of the sentences will run concurrently with others,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, lauded the investigating Officer, Sergeant Obakeng Rasego of Rustenburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit and the state prosecutor, advocate Thebe Nong for working hard in securing these sentences. Asaneng reiterated that the police will work tirelessly to ensure that perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) are brought to book.
Picture: One of alleged illegal suspects nabbed for illegal mining/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
23 May 2025- In the quest to address, clamp down and curb crime including the ongoing illegal mining activities in the Namakwa area, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, together with the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar and accompanied by the Namakwa District Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, supported by the Provincial Heads of Corporate Communication and Liaison, Crime Intelligence and Provincial Operational Command Centre executed operations over two days at different locations in the region.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien said the objective of the operation was to dismantle the complex network of illegal mining by targeting its instruments and confiscating equipment used in illicit mining activities. Gamieldien said arresting and processing undocumented foreigners with those found guilty being deported back to their country of origin.
“The operations were executed involving various SAPS Provincial components, specialised units, police stations within the district, officials from the Department Home Affairs and the Vala Umgodi team currently deployed in the Namakwa area.
“The operations were executed in two phases over two days, commencing on 22 May 2025 and concluding on 23 May 2025. Areas targeted were the Nuttabooi informal settlement in the mining area, Koingnaas and Port Nolloth,” she said.
Gamieldien further said during the operations, a total of 18 persons were apprehended and arrested in Nuttabooi, Koingnaas and Port Nolloth and were processed by Home Affairs officials. She added that 16 persons were undocumented Zimbabwe and Lesotho nationals.
“They were arrested for possession of drugs. The arrested persons are expected to appear in the Springbok Magistrate’s Court soon. The suspected drug houses in Sizamele and Nollothville in Port Nolloth were raided, where it was alleged that drugs were sold and illegal activities were executed,” said Gamieldien.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, cited that the authority of the state will be restored and continuous operations of this nature will be executed to stamp down the authority of the state by forcing illegal miners to resurface and enforce the law. Otola commended all the role-players involved in the execution of the operations and appreciated their concerted efforts in restoring law and order.
23 May 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) has requested the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant Gen Koliswa Otola, to present SAPS’s plans to bring down violent crime at the provincial crime stats briefing next week, after the Northern Cape was the only province to record increases in murder and contact crimes.
The party said according to the Fourth Quarterly report for 2024/25, contact crime showed an increase of 72 cases with murder reflecting an increase of 21 cases, compared to the same time last year.
The Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) and DA Northern Cape Spokesperson for Transport, Safety & Liaison, Reinette Liebenberg said Kakamas Police Station has also joined Galeshewe, Kimberley and Rosedale Police Stations on the top 30 list for attempted murder. Liebenberg said this is the first time the province recorded four stations on this list.
“Assault with the intention to inflict grievous bodily harm increased with 82 cases. The Northern Cape further maintained its position as having the third highest rape ratio in the country, reflecting increases in rape and sexual assault.
“Commercial crime also continues to climb with 69 additional cases reported. The increasingly unsafe, violent and corrupt nature of the Northern Cape is indicative of a growing sense of lawlessness, where SAPS’s presence simply is not powerful enough to defend the scattered communities of this vast province and deter crime,” she said.
Liebenberg further said this is aggravated by the R50 million shortfall to address policing vehicle allocations to stations, as highlighted by the DA earlier this year. She said they have written to Otola, asking her to share her plans to address the growing crime levels in the violent and murderous Northern Cape, in a climate of dwindling financial and human resources.
“We also want to know how many of the 5 500 police trainees will be deployed to the province. It is further crucial that the recently announced National Policing Policy be implemented in the Northern Cape to ensure improved and specialised safety and law enforcement from SAPS,” she said.
Picture: Under 20 men celebrating after winning AFCON
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
23 May 2025 – The South African Football Association (SAFA) said it continues to celebrate the success of the South African men’s national U17 and U20 teams after their recent achievements. The SA U17 men’s national team has qualified for the FIFA U17 World Cup to be held in Qatar from 3–27 November 2025.
Coach Vela Khumalo’s side achieved the feat after they finished as runners-up to Group B winners, Burkina Faso at the CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco in March 2025.
SAFA president, Dr Danny Jordaan said SA U20 men’s national team qualified for the FIFA U20 World Cup to be held in Chile in September 2025, and also made history by winning the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in Egypt a few days ago.
“We will continue to enjoy this success and will not be distracted by disgruntled former staff members who are attempting to move the spotlight from these teams, with the latest rumbling coming on the very same week that the SA U20 men’s national team returned back home with their AFCON title.
“Coach Khumalo and Mdaka are now concentrating on preparing for their respective World Cup tournaments and we will not be distracted by naysayers,” he said.
23 May 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Mikateko Mahlaule, has called on the management of Sibanye Stillwater to spare no effort and do everything possible to rescue the over 200 workers trapped underground at the Kloof gold mine in Westonaria, Gauteng.
Mahlaule said while rescue missions are top priority, management should equally ensure the provision of necessary essentials such as food, water and medication to the trapped workers. He said in October 2024, the committee paid a visit to the same mine to conduct oversight, which focused on mine health and safety as well as illegal mining.
“The committee left somehow comforted that strengthening operational efficiency to ensure workers’ safety was fourth cost driver on the mine’s capital expenditure after energy, water and security.
“We wish the rescue team strength and wisdom and encourage it to relentlessly do everything possible to bring all the trapped miners safely to the surface,” said Mahlaule.
He said they will first get a report from the Chief Inspector of Mines and decide thereafter on the next course of action, if need be.
Picture: The community members attending child substance abuse program/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
3 May 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Sutherland in conjunction with the local Community Police Forum (CPF), Department of Social Development, Department of Education, SASSA, Karoo Hoogland Municipality and the Roggevels Windfarm, held a child protection and substance abuse program for children at the Roggeveld Primary School in Sutherland.
The executive mayor of Hantam District Municipality, Koos Alexander said this is one of many programs to follow in the interest of school safety by the SAPS. Alexander said crimes against the youth, as well as youth involvement, remain a priority for the police.
“Community engagements and outreach programmes will continue to address trending issues,” he said.
23 May 2025- A case of assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), malicious damage to property and murder against three accused, Reginald Sepoko Moeme (30), Tumelo Ernest Riberry Bart (26) and Otlotleng Berry Kagisho Segole (28), was postponed by the Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court to 28 May 2025.
Moeme, Bart and Segole, were arrested following the outbreak of violent confrontations apparently between two local rival groups known as TRT allegedly operating from the Ahmed Kathrada Section and the Hawks Patrollers from Extension 8, in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke.
The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said in response to this violence which posed a serious threat to peace and stability in Ipelegeng Township, he immediately directed the acting Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Commissioner, Brigadier Tshelo Tlotleng, to activate the Joint Operational Command Centre (JOC).
Asaneng said the JOC was constituted by among others, local ward councillors, Community Police Forum (CPF), local businesses, taxi associations, different government departments such as the Department of Education, Health and Traffic to ensure that the situation is dealt with speedily and without further escalation of unrest and tension.
“In order to speedily respond to this public unrest, Tlotleng has further issued a stern warning to those involved and instructed that those responsible for incitement of public violence that have seen throngs of mostly youth from these rival groupings running amok in Ipelegeng, be identified, tracked and arrested.
“Unfortunately this senseless anarchy and violence has resulted in the brutal death of Onalenna Mafane (19). Mafane was allegedly found lying dead with stab wounds in the chest on Tuesday evening, 20 May 2025, along the Amalia/Schweizer-Reneke road,” he said.
Asaneng further said the reports of local residents, neighbours, friends and fellow residents, including adults brandishing and attacking one another with an assortment of dangerous weapons points to a serious disintegration of the social fabric and moral decay within Ipelegeng.
He added that, the public violence in Ipelegeng is not a spontaneous occurrence, but the result of a long primed ticking time-bomb which happened under the watch of parents and community leaders.
“Surely the signs have been there for local community leaders and parents, who should have acted swiftly and decisively. This violent confrontation involving mostly young persons could have been averted,” said Asaneng.
He said they have deployed a large contingent of police units that include Public Order Police (POP), Provincial Anti-Gang, Tactical Response Team (TRT), Mounted Unit and K9 to normalise the situation and to prevent damage to public and private property, loss of lives, injuries and the escalation of violence that may result in the disruption of day-to-day activities, which include schooling, public transport, businesses, health and emergency services.
Meanwhile, Moeme is facing four cases including two of assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), malicious damage to property and a murder. Bart and Segole are both linked to a house robbery case.
Washington D.C., United States – President Cyril Ramaphosa has described his bilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump as “robust and fruitful”, signalling a new chapter of engagement between South Africa and the United States, particularly in trade and investment.
Speaking to South African media upon the conclusion of his Working Visit to the U.S. capital, Washington D.C., President Ramaphosa said the two leaders had an “in-depth and positive exchange”, not only on lighter matters such as golf, but critically on economic cooperation and mutual concerns.
“We had a really good bilateral, although a number of issues came up, which you will all have observed, and we were able to have a robust engagement with Mr. Trump in your presence.
“Following that engagement, which you all witnessed, we retired to the Cabinet Room for lunch. We were then able to have really good in depth exchanges with President Trump and his other officials,” the President said on Wednesday.
A major outcome of the meeting was a renewed commitment to sustained engagement between the two nations, especially at the trade and industry level.
President Ramaphosa stressed that discussions will continue on several key matters, including investment flows, tariff structures, and access to the U.S. market through frameworks such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
“I want to confirm that there will continue to be engagement between South Africa and the United States officials, particularly at the trade and industry level, to deal with the package of issues that we had tabled that have to do with trade and investment.
“I was rather pleased that there’s a firm agreement and undertaking that we are going to continue engaging, so there’s no disengagement. For us, that was one of the key outcomes that we had wanted.
“Our objective in coming here was to reset relations between the two countries and to reposition our relations, which had become contaminated by some of the issues that had been raised during the engagement,” the President said.
The President said the bilateral dialogue was an opportunity to clarify concerns and address misconceptions.
“It turned out that President Trump’s concern is about the safety of the people of South Africa. Much as he zeroed it down to white farmers, we kept saying there is a security problem and we are not running away from that. There is criminality.
“We even sought to deal with it from its genesis… When the economy is not growing, when there is poverty and when there’s unemployment, one of the social ills that we get as a derivative is criminality that spreads itself around the country. It’s not only in farms — it’s in rural and even urban areas. He [President Trump] expressed his views on that, and I was rather pleased that a number of our compatriots were able to deal with that,” the President said.
During the engagement at the Oval Office, Zingiswa Losi, President of the Congress of South African Trade Unions — the country’s largest trade union– told President Trump that South Africa has a violence and crime issue rather than a race issue.
“If you go into the rural areas where the black majority are, [there is gender-based violence against] women and the elderly…The problem in South Africa is not necessarily about race, but it is about crime and we are here to [look at] how both nations can work together to reset trade relations and investment, and also help us [to] have the technology that is needed to address the level of crime we have in our country,” Losi said.
Trade and investment
On the economic front, President Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s call for increased foreign direct investment from the United States, noting that U.S. companies already play a vital role in the South African economy. He cited a recent American investment in a local lithium company as an encouraging sign of continued interest.
“In the discussions over lunch, we didn’t dwell on that issue. However, he did ask what help do we need as a country.
“The main thing we said, in terms of assistance, is investments… We require more investments from the United States, and we require a more positive disposition from the United States because once the United States government and the President emits a very positive disposition towards South Africa, it unlocks a lot of investments, and investors would then be willing to come and invest their money.
“We want foreign direct investment. We want to keep the jobs that we have that have been created by U.S. companies, and we want more and more U.S. companies to come and invest,” the President said.
G20 Summit
President Ramaphosa also touched on global multilateral cooperation, confirming that the G20 was among the topics of discussion.
President Ramaphosa, who currently chairs the G20, said he urged President Trump to attend the upcoming summit in South Africa, saying he hoped to hand over the Presidency “to a full chair, not an empty one”.
“We also discussed the G20 and we stressed that the G20, having been formed by the United States, of course, together with other countries, it is important that the United States should continue playing a key role… I want to hand over the Pesidency of the G20 to President Trump in November, and I said he needs to be there.
“I don’t want to hand over the Presidency of the G20 to an empty chair (sic). I want to hand it over to him, sitting in that chair in November, and he is going to give serious consideration to it. In fact, I expect him to be come to South Africa,” the President said.
In a light-hearted moment, President Ramaphosa shared that he and President Trump exchanged books as gifts — a golf book from South Africa and a publication from President Trump, which he said symbolised the goodwill of the meeting.
Reflecting on the overall visit, President Ramaphosa described the meeting as a “great success,” saying it had fulfilled South Africa’s key objectives.
“I do believe that our visit here has been a great success. We’ve been able to achieve what we set out to achieve: re-engagement with the U.S., to put the issues of investment and trade on the table, and to ensure that we continue engaging through the various other formations. All in all, I’m rather pleased I go back [home] having a sense that we have done well,” he said.
Back home, President Ramaphosa was widely praised for maintaining his composure during what many South Africans had anticipated might be a tense encounter.
“I know that many South Africans were filled with a great deal of concern… but that did not ensue,” the President said, referencing public expectations of confrontation.
“I know that the media wanted to see drama and something really big happening, and I’m sorry we disappointed you somewhat in that regard,” he said with a smile.
The meeting at the Oval House was attended by senior U.S. and South African officials. The South African delegation to Washington D.C. consisted of several Cabinet Ministers, notable business figures, and prominent South Africans.
President Ramaphosa was flanked by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau, and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen.
In addition, the President was accompanied by Johann Rupert, the Founder of Richemont and Chairman of Remgro. Vice President of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) Adrian Gore and President of the Congress of South African Trade Unions Zingiswa Losi also formed part of the delegation.
South African pro golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen were also in attendance.
President Trump was flanked by several key officials, including Vice President JD Vance, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Special Government Employee Elon Musk, and Dr Massad Boulos, who serves as a Senior Advisor for Africa, as well as on Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs. – SAnews.gov.za
23 May 2025- A man (32) was sentenced to 22 years imprisonment by the De Aar Regional Court for rape. On 23 September 2023, at around 8:3pm, a woman (39) was walking alone in the street when she come across her man friend.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said in what was supposed to be a safe walk with a male friend became a nightmare. Shemane said at an open field in Sunrise, the accused grabbed the victim and pushed her to the ground, and assaulted her.
“The victim pleaded with the accused to stop, but he continued and raped her. After raping the victim, he picked the victim up and carried her and raped her for the second time.
“A person heard the anguish and the screams for help and came to the victim’s rescue. When approached, the accused fled. The victim reported the rape case to the police,” he said.
Shemane further said the case was assigned to De Aar Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit for further investigation. He added that, the accused was subsequently arrested and his bail was successfully opposed.
“He remained in custody until the finalisation of the case. On 22 May 2025, the accused, Franklin Januarie was found guilty by the De Aar Regional Court.
“He was convicted and sentenced to 22 years imprisonment for two counts of rape. Furthermore, the court declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm and his name to be entered in the National Register for Sex Offenders,” said Shemane.
Meanwhile, the Pixley Ka-Seme District Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe applauded Detective Sergeant Willy Isaac’s of the De Aar Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for his meticulous investigation, which ensured that victims of crimes against women are brought to justice and incarcerated for the crimes committed.
The Guardian 