22 July 2025- The National Consumer Commission (NCC) hereby notifies all affected consumers of a recall of 253 additional Volkswagen Polo Sedan vehicles, made available for sale from 11 August 2022 to date, as notified by the supplier. The NCC said Volkswagen of South Africa (VWSA) informed them that the recall is due to incorrectly fitted seat belts on the driver and passenger sides.
The NCC spokesperson, Phetho Ntaba said they announced a recall of 18 vehicles on 17 July 2025, affected by a vehicle manufacturing issue, which was caused by a mix-up of belt webbing. Ntaba said they received another recall affecting an additional 253 vehicles.
“According to the supplier, the recall is due to a rear right seat belt fault; both rear seat belts (left and right) require inspection. As a result of the defect, the seat belts’ restraint function may be severely limited in the event of an accident. This could lead to serious or fatal injuries for the driver. Consumers are advised to contact any VWSA-approved dealership for a check and, if necessary, a replacement of the affected component,” she said.
Ntaba further said the success of these recalls is dependent on the response by the motorists of these affected vehicles. He added that they remind consumers that the recalls are safety critical.
“Therefore, consumers must respond to any recall with urgency. The National Consumer Commission continues to monitor all the ongoing recalls,” said Ntaba.
22 July 2025 – In response to the concerning findings in the 2023/24 municipal audit outcomes, the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), will this week pilot a new joint oversight model in the Free State to address persistent governance and financial underperformance in municipalities. The committee will be joined by some members from Parliament’s standing committees on Public Accounts (SCOPA) and the Auditor-General.
Led by the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on COGTA, Dr Zweli Mkhize, the delegation will embark on a two-day oversight visit in collaboration with the Free State Legislature, the Office of the Premier and the provincial MEC for COGTA. Mkhize said this intervention follows a sharp regression in municipal performance.
“The Auditor-General identified the Free State as one of the worst-performing provinces, with 16 municipalities with unfunded budgets, over R4.2 billion in unauthorised expenditure, repeated disclaimer audit opinions, and widespread failure to submit financial statements on time.
“The Mangaung Metro, for example, faces going concern risks and returned R194 million in unspent grants for the 2023/24 financial year. Other issues include poor consequence management, ineffective oversight structures, uninvestigated irregular expenditure, and a decline in the quality of basic services and infrastructure,” he said.
Mkhize further said this joint oversight initiative aims to hold political and administrative leadership accountable, monitor the implementation of financial recovery plans and ensure consequences for persistent non-compliance. He added that members of the public are welcome to attend and observe the proceedings.
22 July 2025 – The National Assembly (NA) has, during its plenary today, adopted two important reports. The report of the Portfolio Committee on Police on the severe gang violence crisis in the Northern Areas of Nelson Mandela Bay, following a petition submitted by Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) in the Eastern Cape, Yusuf Cassim, as well as the report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration concerning unresolved pension claims by former civil servants.
The report of the Portfolio Committee on Police reveals concerning levels of gang-related violence and systemic failures in policing, with 1060 gang-related killings recorded since 2019. This included the tragic deaths of 22 children in the 2023/24 financial year and older persons.
Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Ian Cameron said among them are the murders of 3-year-old Emilio Hutchinson, 14-year-old Kurtley Roussouw, who was shot while playing soccer and 89-year-old Sophie Erasmus, murdered in her home shortly before her 90th birthday. Cameron said tabling the report the committee said the Northern Areas face a humanitarian crisis requiring immediate and coordinated intervention.
“We acknowledge the resource constraints the South African Police Service (SAPS) are subjected to but stressed that the scale of institutional failure, ranging from under-resourced police stations to allegations of police complicity with gangs, is untenable.
“The committee report also outlines systemic failures, including the collapse of the Anti-Gang Unit due to resignations and under-resourcing, inadequate crime intelligence capacity in the Eastern Cape, and critical shortages of operational vehicles and equipment. It further shows that repeated calls since 2023 for advanced policing technology such as ShotSpotter systems have gone unheeded,” he said.
Cameron further said the committee recommends urgent interventions in the report to address these concerns. He added that among the recommendations is expanding the Anti-Gang Unit by doubling its personnel and experienced detectives.
“It also recommends that modern policing technologies be employed and that strict accountability measures be established for police misconduct. The committee also recommends that the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development be engaged on issues of bail reform for gang-related offences and that an interdepartmental task team be formed to coordinate education, social development and policing strategies,” said Cameron.
The NA has also adopted a report by the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration concerning unresolved pension claims by former civil servants and parastatal employees from the former homelands, Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Venda, and Ciskei. The report provides an update on efforts to resolve long-standing concerns over unpaid pensions and benefits withheld under apartheid-era policies. The matter arose from a petition by affected pensioners who were excluded from these pension payouts.
Following consultations with the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), National Treasury, the Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA), and the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), the GPAA reported that 99.3% of verified eligible cases have now been settled. However, concerns were raised by the Pension Redress Movement regarding insufficient consultation and transparency in the verification process.
To address these issues, the report recommends closer collaboration between government entities and pensioner representatives to ensure accurate verification of outstanding claims, the establishment of a fair and transparent payment process and a follow-up progress report within three months.
The NA’s approval of the report reflects its commitment to resolving this historical injustice and ensuring that all qualifying pensioners receive their due benefits.
22 July 2025- A man (37) was sentenced to three years imprisonment by the Postmasburg Regional Court for touching a woman (19) in a sexual manner without her consent. However, the sentenced against the accused, Shahabudinn Halder, was wholly suspended for five years in condition that he is not convicted of sexual assault during the period of suspension.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the victim went to buy electricity at a tuck shop, whereby she was assisted by the accused. Sam said that Halder requested a hug from the victim for which she refused and that resulted in the accused stretching his body over the counter and forcing a hug that made the victim uncomfortable as she pushed him away.
“The victim immediately reported the matter to the police, who registered a case docket. The accused was found guilty of sexual assault. The court further declared him unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
Meanwhile, the ZF Mgcawu District Police Commissioner, Major General Monica Sebili, applauded the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Gaolatlhe Mongake from the Postmasburg FCS Unit for thorough investigation and presentation of the case. Mongake said the police encourage the public to support crime-fighting efforts by participating in the “Rate Our Service” online survey.
“Community members are also urged to report any criminal activity via the MySAPS App or by contacting Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” he said.
22 July 2025 – The National Assembly (NA) today approved the Revenue Laws Amendment Bill, which marks a significant step in the country’s retirement reform agenda. The Bill proposes changes to several tax laws.
It is categorised as a Money Bill, processed under Section 77 of the Constitution and follows extensive consultations led by the Standing Committee on Finance. The Bill is part of necessary legislative reforms to support the implementation of the two-pot retirement system, which aims to give individuals limited early access to a portion of their retirement savings while preserving the remainder for retirement.
Parliament spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo said: “The system was implemented in September 2024, and the amendments will provide much-needed clarity for retirement fund members and administrators. The Bill, among other things, clarifies terms like retirement annuity fund within the broader legislative context, although some terminology issues will need to be addressed in future updates.
“The National Treasury published the draft bill in December 2024. This was followed by extensive public participation in Parliament’s Standing Committee on Finance, where public input was received from June 2025 onwards.”
Picture: North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi/Supplied
By AGISANANG SCUFF
22 July 2025- In celebrating the International Nelson Mandela Day, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi, led a successful handover of a newly-built house with furniture to Bele Martha Nkatiso (100) from Vrischgewaagt village, Atamelang.
Molapisi further said the handover marked a special tribute to the struggle icon Nelson Mandela and highlights the government’s commitment to improving the lives of its most vulnerable citizens. He added that the fully furnished house is as a result of a successful government and private sector partnership aimed at addressing housing backlogs, as well as strengthening relations between the two sectors to deliver affordable housing and enhance social change.
“The gesture is inspired by the call Tata Mandela made, which is for everyone to take action in addressing the world’s social injustices. Today is a day of giving back and making a difference in the lives of our communities, this is exactly what Nelson Mandela stood for, which is to give back in a way which changes the lives of our people.
“It is for that reason that as the government we saw it fit to bring joy in the face of Nkatiso and her family. We are happy to see that she’s lived up to a 100 years, we are happy to have used this day with the people we’ve collaborated with to give you a house where you can live comfortably, safely and without worry,” said Molapisi.
In receiving keys to the house, Nkatiso gave gratitude to the department and stakeholders for building her family a house, she said this will mark a significant improvement in their living conditions as they have lived in a dilapidated shack divided into two sleeping areas, living space and kitchen.
“I thank the Lord for answering my prayers. I have longed for a proper home, and today, my dream has come true,” she said.
In addition to the furnished house, Nkatiso also received food parcels, blankets and toiletries courtesy of various stakeholders, who responded to the call and played their part in honour of Nelson Mandela.
22 July 2025- The police in Paballelo are requesting the public to assist in finding missing Hans Pienaar (67). The police said Pienaar was last seen by a family member on 5 June 2025.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Mashay Gamieldien said he was wearing black track pants and a grey top. Gamieldien said Pienaar left without informing anyone about where he was going and his family had been looking for him since.
“Anyone with information that can assist in finding him can contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Innocentia Sethwala, on 082 469 5824/ 054 338 5450. The public is reminded that there is no waiting period to report a missing person,” she said.
22 July 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg said criminality and underworld links seem to be entrenched in the Patriotic Alliance (PA) as their Johannesburg leader, Kenny Kunene, who was allegedly found at the home of a suspected murderer during his arrest.
The DA said Kunene’s role as MMC for Transport is absolutely untenable, after he was found by police at the home of a murder suspect, as police arrived to arrest the suspect.
DA Johannesburg Caucus Leader, Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku calls for Kunene’s immediate resignation and if he will not resign, mayor Dada Morero must fire him. Kayser-Echeozonjoku said the laughable alibi offered by Kunene on ENCA this afternoon must be rejected out of hand by any reasonable South African.
“No Kenny, you were not at a murder suspect’s house to drive a journalist there. The Patriotic Alliance shows itself more and more every day to not have the best interests of South Africa at heart.
“It is a selfish, underworld organisation that associates with crime and corruption. The people of South Africa do not deserve their local governments led by people who are at home with murder suspects,” she said.
Kayser-Echeozonjoku further said the people of Johannesburg do not deserve the underworld connections that Kunene allegedly brings to the Mayoral Committee in their City. She added that trust in politics comes from keeping promises and upholding the rule of law.
“The Patriotic Alliance never keeps their promises and does not uphold the rule of law. Historically, the DA called for Gwamanda to step down amid his criminal investigations and Kunene must do the same.
“The office of the Executive Mayor must be beyond reproach. It is a slippery slope – once a figure like Kunene associates with murder suspects, there is no law he will be afraid to break,” said Kayser-Echeozonjoku.
She said Kunene must resign or be fired immediately.
Meanwhile, Kunene refuted allegations that he might be an associate to the murder accused, Katiso Molefe. Kunene told SABC News that he was actually in the company of a certain young journalist to interview Molefe.
Molefe is linked to the murder of DJ Sumbody.
“There was a person who actually facilitated the interviews and they insisted that I must bring a journalist. He sent me the address, which we followed to the house. We got there and as if we were standing in the driveway, I do not know if it was the son or what, but he came running and said the police are kicking the gate. Molefe came out and they requested him to open the gate.
“We were inside the premises, but in the driveway. I was the journalist, the person who facilitated the interviews and I. So, before we could even sit down, the police arrived carrying rifles. They then asked who the owner of the house was and Molefe said it’s him. They handcuffed him and requested our particulars. They asked me pertinent questions like what am I doing there and asked if I have Molefe’s number,” he said.
22 July 2025- Following a thorough investigation, the police successfully traced and arrested Petrus Pontsho Mzisa (29) at Hammanskraal Township, near Pretoria and Kagiso Patricia Molefe (37) in Moruleng, near Rustenburg on 17 July 2025. The duo together with Mkhize, briefly appeared before the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 21 July 2025, on two counts of house robbery, car hijacking and kidnapping.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said their arrests emanate from a missing person case reported at Mogwase in June 2025. Myburgh said a multi-disciplinary investigation and tracking team consisting of Crime Intelligence, Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit, Rustenburg Vehicle Crime Investigating Unit (VCIU) and Mogwase Detectives, was tasked to activate a 72-hour operation to unravel the disappearance of the victim, David Filmone Monese (59).
“Monese was last seen at work on 27 June 2025. The team immediately got down to work, following a number of leads, which led to the identification and subsequent arrest of a suspect, Lucas Enock Mkhize (39) on 7 July 2025, on the N18 road, near Ramatlabama village, in Mahikeng, while evading police.
“The police took him to an address at Ramatlabama six hundred, where police confiscated cell phones and clothing believed to be ill-gotten loot from his criminal acts. He proceeded to take police to Hebron village in the Bangladesh Section, where the decomposed body of Monase was discovered in an open field, where he was dumped after being killed,” she said.
Myburgh further said a case of murder was immediately opened in Hebron against the suspect, before he was taken to Mogwase Police Cells, where further cases of kidnapping, house robbery and carjacking were opened. She added that Mkhize appeared before the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrate’s Court on 9 July 2025, on charges of murder, kidnapping, house robbery and carjacking.
“He was remanded in custody until 24 July 2025. Mzisa and Molefe were remanded in custody until 7 August 2025. Investigation into the matter continues,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, West, Major General Patrick Asaneng said: “This dastardly, barbaric and abominable crime by these heartless ruffians has robbed the family, relatives and society of a hardworking, valuable member of the community and all the available police resources and expertise shall be deployed to make sure that justice is served.”
22 July 2025- The Director of Gaptu Project Management & Construction, Gabriel Nare Nkgweng (53) and Accountant from Tseba Business Accountants, Tsekiso Moloi (43), briefly appeared before the Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court facing 13 counts of fraud and 8 counts for Contravening Section 234(d) read with Sections 1,4,23,25, 151, 153 (3) and 238 of the Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011.
The accused persons, Nkgweng and Moloi were arrested yesterday by Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation. It is alleged that Nkgweng and Moloi, on behalf of Gaptu Project Management & Construction, submitted their 2012 and 2013 Corporate Income Tax (CIT) returns with nil declaration, while the company was operational and earning an income, resulting in outstanding taxes to the amount of R9 million.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said an audit on the company’s Value Added Tax (VAT) for the period January 2014 until January 2018, was conducted as the company submitted nil VAT returns. Gunya said it was discovered that the company has been earning income, but failed to declare and South African Revenue Services (SARS) suffered an actual prejudice of over R800 000 through undeclared VAT output.
“In court, both accused were granted bail set at R20 000 each with normal bail conditions that they should not interfere with investigations or witnesses and communicate with the investigating officer when leaving the court jurisdiction.
“The case has been adjourned to 1 September 2025 for the state to provide the defence with copies of the dockets. Criminal prosecution remains a key instrument in addressing willful non-compliance with tax laws,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, together with Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi, the acting North West Hawks Head, has commended all role players for finally placing this matter on the court roll. The NPA and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI) remain committed to ensuring accountability and reinforcing a culture of tax compliance.
The Guardian 