Daily Archives: July 14, 2025

90 Days Later: Where is Mcebisi Jonas?

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Picture: Former Deputy Minister of Finance, Mcebisi Jonas

By AGISANANG SCUFF

14 July 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said more than 90 days have passed since the Republic of South Africa (RSA)President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Mcebisi Jonas as South Africa’s Special Envoy to the United States of America (USA). The DA said Jonas’ appointment came on the back of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool’ expulsion, and was billed as a critical intervention to stave off the impending collapse of vital export industries under punitive liberation day tariffs.

The DA spokesperson on International Relations and Cooperation and Member of Parliament (MP),

Emma Louise Powell said with just over two weeks to go before the 30% tariffs come into effect on 1 August, industries that support hundreds of thousands of jobs – from citrus to automotives – remain on knife’s edge.

Powell said whilst former Deputy Trade Minister Andrew Whitfield was unceremoniously fired from Cabinet for taking the initiative to travel to the USA in a bid to rebuild bilateral trust, Ramaphosa’s Special Envoy is nowhere to be seen.

“The DA will in coming days submit a Promotion of Access to Information (PAIA) application compelling the Presidency to disclose the full details of Jonas government-sponsored activities over the last 90 days.

“South Africans must now ask exactly what motivated Jonas’ appointment as the President’s Special Envoy, and whether his business interests put him entirely at odds with this mandate,” she said.

Powell further said Jonas currently serves as Chairperson of the MTN Group. She added that MTN is embroiled in serious legal action in US courts under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).

“The primary lawsuit alleges that the group violated anti-terrorism laws by providing support to militant groups in Afghanistan, including the Taliban. MTN’s business ties in Iran have drawn further criticism due to its joint venture, MTN Irancell, in which MTN holds a 49% stake.

“The remaining 51% is owned by the Iran Electronic Development Company (IEDC), a state-linked entity connected to Iran’s Bonyad Mostazafan Foundation, which has ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and is sanctioned by the US treasury,” said Powell.

She said allegations that MTN offered kickbacks to South African government officials and diplomats to secure support for its Irancell deal remain rife, and are cited in multiple court documents. Powell said in light of these grave concerns, the DA calls on the President to urgently provide full details of all engagements, negotiations, and interventions Jonas has taken in an effort to stabilise bilateral relations and safeguarded trade between South Africa and the U.S.

“If Jonas is unable to perform his functions as designated by the President, he must urgently be replaced by a suitably qualified interlocutor, whose business interests do not pose a grave conflict of interest,” she said.

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Seven suspects nabbed for alleged public violence in Kimberley

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Picture: Suspects arrested during protests/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

14 July 2025- The Public Order Police (POP) in Kimberley have arrested seven individuals, including one minor for alleged public violence. The police said the suspects were arrested on the N8 near Greenpoint on 14 July 2025.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the police continue to monitor the volatile situation. Ehlers said motorists are urged to proceed with caution and use alternative routes where possible.

“Additionally, the SAPS urge residents to refrain from posting unverified social media posts. The SAPS will issue verified statements on official platforms,” she said.

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Committee receives update on petitions

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Picture: Residents of Slovo Park doing laundry/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

14 July 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements has received updates from the Department of Human Settlements, the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements, and the City of Johannesburg, City of Tshwane and City of Cape Town on various petitions the committee is considering and has highlighted mixed reactions to the reports.

The committee said it remains of the view that all stakeholders must not rest on their laurels in bringing finality to the petitions.

SLOVO PARK INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS UPGRADING

The Chairperson of the Committee, Nocks Seabi said they welcome the progress made by both the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements and the City of Johannesburg, including the completion of the electrification of households. Seabi said also, the committee welcomed the appointment of Joburg Water for the installation of water and sewage infrastructure.

“The committee has highlighted that in the context of the history of the promises made to the residents of Slovo Park, the movement is welcomed, albeit long overdue. The committee also welcomed the collaboration between the City of Johannesburg and the provincial department to achieve the medium and long-term interventions planned for the area.

“The committee has also urged all stakeholders to expedite procurement and other related processes to ensure the achievement of targets. The committee welcomed the assurance that community engagements and sharing of information with residents have been enhanced to ensure a free flow of information between the government and the people,” he said.

Seabi further said the issue of stakeholder engagement is critical to allay fears and eliminate any flare-up of protests. He added that it is critical that as new developments arise and some impediments delay projects, people are informed.

MAWIGA PETITION

Seabi said members of the committee were disappointed with the slow response to finding solutions to the petitioners’ challenges. He said while the committee acknowledged that there is progress with sites identified and agreed to by two petitioners, the fact that the building of top structures will only commence next year is concerning.

“Despite this, the committee called for clear monitoring of the progress to ensure that timelines are adhered to, especially in the context of the length of time it has taken to get to this point.

“The MAWIGA (Mabopane, Winterveld and Ga-Rankuwa petitioners) submitted a petition alleging maladministration against the City of Tshwane and North West Housing Corporation officials for illegally selling and transferring their properties without their consent,” said Seabi.

He said the committee has called on the City of Tshwane and the Gauteng Provincial Government to expedite the processes to obtain the clearance certificate on the identified land for Mr Mere. Seabi said the committee has mandated the city to provide regular progress reports on processes to obtain the clearance certificate.

“With regards to the North West Provincial Government, the committee is concerned that the Rustenburg Local Municipality does not have the appetite to approve a house on the military veteran’s quantum on the site identified because the site is on prime land.

“The committee has called on the department to heighten engagement to ensure that an alternative site is found and that Mr Kgasoe is engaged to ascertain that he agrees with the site,” he said.

Seabi said despite these challenges, the committee noted that commendable work has been done to resolve the petitions.

New Mandela Square (Western Cape)

He said the committee has welcomed commendable progress in achieving the project milestones promised to the committee. Seabi said despite this, the committee has called for mechanisms to ensure that the implementation of the projects is not hampered by inter-departmental dependencies, such as the procurement of private land and installation of bulk services.

“The committee is cognisant that in most cases, projects are affected by delays from varying spheres of government and has called for proactive measures to ensure that this does not hamper progress.

“The committee remains committed to receiving regular reports to ensure the resolution of the various petitions being considered by the committee,” he said.

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A man nabbed with ‘illegal’ firearm

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Picture: An illegal firearm seized/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

14 July 2025 – The weekly Joint Law Enforcement operations conducted under Operation Shanela II, have resulted in the arrest of suspects and the seizure of illegal contrabands, including illegal firearms, a variety of drugs, liquor and dangerous weapons.

In the space of a week from 7 to 13 July 2025, a total of 894 suspects were arrested for a variety of crimes. The suspects included 15 for murder, 19 for robberies, 11 for attempted murders, 21 for burglaries, 162 for assaults, five for illegal dealing of drugs, 178 for possession of drugs, 46 for selling of liquor without licences, 65 for driving under the influence of liquor, 14 for malicious damage to property and six for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said during these operations, a total of 67 illegal migrants were apprehended for contravention of Section 49 of the Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002, and are currently being processed through the courts before being deported by the department of Home Affairs back to their countries.

She further said 411 out of the 894 arrested suspects, were circulated wanted suspects after they were positively linked to the committed crimes through forensic DNA leads. Myburgh added that in Mahikeng information received was operationalized and a search warrant obtained.

“On Monday evening, 7 July 2025, the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Provincial Proactive Drug Operations Unit and Mahikeng Public Order Policing (POP) effected the warrant at an identified house in Lonely Park. Police discovered a pistol with serial numbers filed off, ammunition and suspected crystal meth.

“The police immediately arrested Poloko Lentswana (23), who appeared before the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, facing charges of illegal possession of firearm and ammunition as well as possession of drugs,” he said.  

Myburgh said Lentswana was remanded in custody until 15 July 2025.

Meanwhile, the acting North Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said the arrests of these suspects as well as the confiscations of drugs, illicit liquor and unlicensed firearms are the results of the determined, steadfast, unrelenting and tireless efforts by District Commissioners through on-going intelligence led weekly high density operations to combat and prevention serious and violent crimes.

Asaneng said these targeted weekly Operation Shanela, will continue not only to assert the authority of the state, but also to maintain public order, respect for peaceful co-existence and the rule of law by adopting a zero-tolerance approach to social fabric crimes and deviant behaviour caused by excessive drinking and use of drugs.

He said the public is advised to report crime at their nearest police stations or anonymously through the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS application.

“Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 080 091 1011,” said Asaneng.

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12 people died across North West roads

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Picture: Twelve people died in separate car accidents/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

14 July 2025 The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said 12 people lost their lives in road accidents across the province between 11 and 13 July 2025. Morweng said one life was lost on N14 near Tshing in Ventersdorp.

He further said on Saturday, there was a hit and run on N12 road outside Potchefstroom towards Stilfontein, which claimed one life. Morweng added that still on Friday evening at around 6pm on N4 near Groot Marico, a head-on collision involving four vehicles claimed five lives.

“It is reported that two delivery vehicles belonging to the same company were towing each and driving towards Swartruggens from Groot Marico. They were allegedly overtaking over the barrier line and collided with two oncoming vehicles.

“Four women and one man in the other two vehicles succumbed to injuries. The occupants of the two vehicles that were towing each other, three Zimbabwean nationals and one Malawian, were taken to the hospital with injuries,” said Morweng.

He said on Sunday evening at around 7pm, two vehicles collided head-on on N18 approximately 40km south of Mahikeng towards Setlagole. Morweng said a light sedan with three occupants driving towards Setlagole was overtaking and collided with an oncoming light delivery vehicle with one occupant.

“All four, three men and one woman, died at the scene of the crash. Just a little further up near Madiba-a-Makgabana village, a vehicle driving towards Mahikeng hit a stray cow. The vehicle coming behind it ran over the cow and three occupants sustained serious injuries. A child traveling with them unfortunately died at the scene of the accident.

“We send a message of condolences to the bereaved families and wish speedy recovery to the injured. A case of culpable homicide is being investigated in all accidents,” he said.

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ANC welcomes establishment of Commission of Inquiry

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

14 July 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) said it welcomes the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa to establish a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the serious allegations made by the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner. Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi. The ANC said it welcomes and supports Ramaphosa’s decision to place Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu on a leave of absence pending the outcome of the inquiry.

The ANC spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu said: “This decisive action reaffirms the President’s commitment to the rule of law. It is a clear demonstration of the seriousness with which the President and government respond to allegations of corruption and criminal conduct, regardless of who is involved.

“To provide further clarity and the ANC’s expectations on this critical development, the Secretary General of the ANC will lead a media briefing at Chief Albert Luthuli House, Johannesburg on Tuesday at 2pm.”

Bhengu further said the ANC reiterates its full support for all lawful and constitutional processes that seek to uphold the integrity of the institutions and restore public trust in the state.

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Consumers urged to stay vigilant as rogue suppliers disappear without a trace

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

14 July 2025- The National Consumer Commission (NCC) said it has identified 20 additional suppliers who have accepted payments from consumers, but failed to deliver goods or services or delivered defective goods. The NCC said consumers are urged to be cautious when transacting with these suppliers.

The NCC spokesperson, Phetho Ntaba said in many cases, these suppliers have vanished from their known addresses, while some have shut down their websites, making it impossible for consumers to contact them for redress. Ntaba said consumers filed complaints with the NCC alleging that they cannot obtain redress as the suppliers are unresponsive.

“The NCC’s efforts to contact these suppliers to facilitate redress for consumers failed, as the preliminary assessment indicates that these suppliers have either closed down or never existed.

“The NCC views this conduct as a deliberate attempt to evade the law and avoid accountability. The purpose and policy of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), amongst others, is to protect consumers from unconscionable, unfair, unreasonable, unjust or improper trade descriptions, and deceptive, misleading, unfair, or fraudulent conduct,” she said. 

Ntaba further said the CPA also mandates that suppliers provide consumers with their addresses and communication channels to reach those suppliers. She added that consumers are urged to exercise caution when transacting with these suppliers.

“Suppliers who believe they have been listed erroneously are encouraged to contact the NCC. Meanwhile, the NCC has appointed tracing agents to locate these suppliers,” said Ntaba.

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Ga go dikgobalo mo kotsing ya dijanaga

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Setshwantsho: Sejanaga se amegile mo kotsing

Ka KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

14 Phukwi 2025- Sepodisi sa Vryburg se tlhalosistse fa se boloditse dipatlisiso morago ga gore dijanaga di le pedi di thulane mo tseleng ya N18 gaufi le Mompati Mall kwa Vryburg mo letsatsing la maabane. Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are ga gona ope o bone dikgobalo mo kotsing eo.

“Dijanaga ke tsone fela tse di iponetsteng ditshenyegelo, mme kgetsi ya kotsi ya dijanaga e butswe,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.

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Forfeiture order granted to the state

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By REGINALD KANYANE

14 July 2025- Kimberley High Court granted the Hawks’ Asset Forfeiture Investigation and the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit a forfeiture order amounting to R60 000 against Thandi Ngobene (52) on 14 July 2025. During March 2020, police received information regarding a white Nissan bakkie that was driving around the Griekwastad area with possible stolen copper wires.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said the police spotted the said vehicle and instructed the driver to pull over and asked permission to search the vehicle. Mnisi said the driver gave permission, and the vehicle was searched.

“During the search, copper cable valued at R15 000 was found at the back of the vehicle. The driver was immediately arrested, and the vehicle was seized for further investigation.

“The matter was therefore referred to the Hawks Asset Forfeiture Investigation, together with the Asset Forfeiture Unit for further investigation which resulted in the successful granting of forfeiture,” she said.

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Parliament to continue with its process amid establishment of Commission of Inquiry to probe Mkhwanazi’s allegations

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Picture: KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi

By OBAKENG MAJE

14 July 2025 – The Portfolio Committees on Police, Justice and Constitutional Development said they have noted the announcement by the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa to establish a Commission of Inquiry on allegations made by the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron said: “The announcement of the establishment of a commission will surely enable a process to root out corruption from the SAPS.

“It is important that the establishment of the commission is not merely cosmetic but facilitates greater reflection and steps to rejuvenate the entire criminal Justice system.”

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Xola Nqola said: “The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) as well as the Judiciary and Magistracy are pillars of the criminal justice system and constitutional rule of law.

“They are the guardians of justice and accountability, and we cannot have a question mark hanging over them, causing the public to lose confidence in our justice system.”

Cameron said while the announcement is welcomed, they both highlighted that the process announced by the President does not affect the parliamentary process. He said they said the directive from the office of the Speaker of the National Assembly was clear, and the committees will endeavour to urgently implement the directive.

“The Constitution mandates the national legislature to ensure effective oversight and accountability over the executive. It is in this context that the parliamentary process continues, especially because the credibility of the entire criminal justice system is at stake.

“As chairpersons, we underscore the importance of having an effective and efficient justice system that is capable of ensuring the safety and security of everyone. Despite the decisions made by the President, the perception of a systematic breakdown remains, and the parliamentary process might assist in ensuring openness and accountability,” he said.

Nqola said: “As a result, the committees will hold an initial meeting later this week to consider a way forward and report to the National Assembly as guided by the Speaker,” . 

Meanwhile, the South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) has applauded the establishment of an Independent Judicial Commission to probe allegations against Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, senior police officials, the judiciary including criminal syndicates announced by Ramaphosa on Sunday as a step in the right direction.

SAUCIC declared that Ramaphosa has demonstrated leadership by acting decisively and with conviction to protect the rule of law and good governance.  

“He has showed consideration to the fact that restoring the integrity of the South African Police Service (SAPS) cannot be compromised at the altar of political expediency nor precedence be set for anarchy to be entrenched as a character and or dominant feature of law enforcement and the criminal justice system,” declared SAUCIC President Cardinal Archbishop Dr Modiri Patrick Shole.

Shole said that the culture of impunity within the police service must be confronted in order to ensure that it does not degenerate into a self-serving institution. He said the safety of citizens must not be compromised during this transition.

“We expect that the leadership of the SAPS at all levels will be held accountable for operational efficiency and the highest levels of professionalism in order to safeguard our communities against violent and organised crime syndicates.

“The appointment of Professor Firoz Cachalia as Acting Minister of Police will bolster efforts to intensify the fight against corruption within the police service given his experience within the criminal justice cluster and commitment to serve,” said Shole.

He said opting for an ethical servant leader of his calibre has demonstrated impartiality and defined in no uncertain terms the objective of the unfolding process. Shole expressed hope that Parliament will suspend the establishment of adhoc committees it had set up to probe issues that the commission will be dealing with pending the finalization of reports.

“The commission is best placed to adjudicate on complex legal matters as well as broad issues such as accountability, recommend prosecution and where necessary disciplinary action taking into account abdication of responsibilities, commission and or omission on the part of anyone including the SAPS Management under the leadership of the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola.

“We commend Mchunu’s cooperation for accepting to be placed on special leave for the duration of the commission,” said Shole.

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