Daily Archives: June 29, 2026

Street vendors and small business operators urged to exercise extreme caution

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Picture: Street vendors and small business operators 

By STAFF REPORTER

29 June 2026 – The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade, Sonja Boshoff has called on small business operators and street vendors to exercise extreme caution on 30 June and to avoid exposing themselves to unnecessary danger. Boshoff said the concerns many South Africans have regarding the impact of illegal immigration are genuine and deserve to be heard.

She further said these concerns point to systemic failures that require decisive and lawful action by the government. Boshoff added that, however, no grievance can ever justify vandalism, intimidation, assault or any other form of criminal conduct.

“The constitutional right to protest is fundamental to our democracy, but it must always be exercised peacefully, responsibly and within the confines of the law. The rights of those who protest must be balanced with the rights of others to safety, dignity, freedom of movement and the protection of their property.

“The committee has called on street vendors, particularly foreign nationals operating in affected areas, to avoid confrontation with protesters and to exercise heightened caution until the situation has stabilised,” she said.

Boshoff said the unofficial deadline of 30 June, set by anti-illegal immigration activists, has generated significant public attention, with demonstrations taking place across parts of the country over the past two months. She said while the frustrations expressed by many communities cannot simply be dismissed, any attempt to take the law into one’s own hands must be unequivocally condemned.

“The current situation highlights the urgent need for the government to demonstrate that immigration laws are being enforced consistently, fairly and without fear or favour. Government must communicate a clear and credible plan beyond the 30 June deadline.

“Failure to do so will create risks, uncertainty and allow legitimate public concerns to be exploited by opportunists or political actors seeking to incite instability,” said Boshoff.

She also called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to uphold the constitution by acting professionally, impartially and without political interference. Boshoff said the police have a constitutional duty to protect every person within South Africa, to facilitate lawful and peaceful protest, and to act decisively against violence, intimidation, looting and criminality, regardless of who is responsible.

“Lawful protest must never be obstructed, but equally, the rule of law must prevail, and those who commit criminal acts must be held accountable. We urge all South Africans to act responsibly and peacefully.

“Our democracy is strongest when the constitution is respected, the law is applied equally and grievances are addressed through lawful processes rather than violence. South Africa must remain a country governed by the rule of law, where public order and human dignity are protected without exception,” she concluded.

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Molapisi applauds Ratlou Local Municipality for outstanding audit outcome

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Picture: North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi

By BAKANG MOKOTO

29 June 2026 – The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi has during the presentation of his departmental budget vote at the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), applauded Ratlou Local Municipality for their outstanding progress in municipal audit outcomes for the 2024/25 municipal financial year. Molapisi said Ratlou Local Municipality has registered a noteworthy improvement by moving from a disclaimer to a qualified audit opinion.

He further said the municipality successfully compiled and submitted its Annual Financial Statements (AFS) without the assistance of consultants, resulting in an estimated saving of R3 million, while simultaneously strengthening internal institutional capacity. Molapisi added that they are indeed very proud of what Ratlou Local Municipality has achieved.

“This is a clear demonstration that municipalities can produce and submit quality Annual Financial Statements without the use of consultants. We need to invest in the important skills and build internal capacity to achieve greatness. This remarkable achievement by Ratlou Local Municipality was also highlighted by the Auditor General Tsakani Maluleke when she was appearing before parliament recently.

“Maluleke praised the municipality for paying attention towards better performance, accountability and better institutional capacity. Several municipalities in the province also registered improved audit outcome demonstrating that municipalities are responding positively to the support provided by the department,” he said.

Molapisi said Moses Kotane, JB Marks, and Greater Taung Local Municipalities improved from qualified to unqualified audit opinions, joining the Bojanala Platinum District, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District and Moretele Local Municipality in the 2025/26 financial year.  He said Lekwa-Teemane moved from a disclaimer to an adverse outcome and Mamusa moved from adverse to qualified opinion.

“There are concerted efforts by the department to elevate three best performing municipalities to receive clean audit. As part of its ongoing support initiatives, the department, together with the Provincial Treasury, are implementing the Clean Audit Support Programme targeting Moretele Local Municipality, Bojanala Platinum District Municipality and Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality.

“The programme is designed to assist municipalities attain unqualified audit opinion without material findings for the 2026/27 financial year. The province also recorded a remarkable reduction in disclaimer audit opinions, from nine municipalities in 2020/21 to only one municipality in 2024/25 financial year,” said Molapisi.

He said the provincial government remains committed to ensuring that municipalities strengthen governance systems, improve financial management and account responsibly for public funds.

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Mokgosi to introduce contractors for various projects

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Picture: The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

29 June 2026 – The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, accompanied by the North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua and North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi, will on 30 June 2026, officially introduce contractors appointed to implement two strategic infrastructure projects aimed at improving access to public services in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality, Bojanala Platinum District. Mokgosi said the first engagement will mark the official introduction of the contractor appointed to construct the Mabeskraal Community Library, followed by the introduction of the contractor for the upgrading of the Dwarsberg to Pachsdraai Road through Pitsedisulejang.

“The official introduction of the contractors will take place at Batlhako Ba Matutu Administrative Offices (Mabeskraal Village) at 10:30am. In second activity, introduction of Contractor for Dwarsberg to Pachsdraai through Pitsedisulejang road will take place at Barokologadi Ba Ga Maotwe Tribal Offices (Pitsedisulejang Village) at 1pm,” he said.

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North West businessman, Brown Mogotsi denied bail

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Picture: The North West businessman, Brown Mogotsi

By REGINALD KANYANE

29 June 2026- The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has successfully opposed a renewed bail application by the North West businessman, Oupa Brown Mogotsi in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court. Mogotsi faces multiple charges arising from an alleged staged shooting incident in Vosloorus.

The acting National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Magaboke Mohlatlole said his renewed bail application was brought based on alleged new facts after his initial bail application was dismissed on 2 June 2026. Mohlatlole said in opposing the application, the state argued that no genuine new facts had been presented to the court and that the issues raised had already been considered and determined in the previous bail proceedings.

Senior state advocate, Thami Mpekana further submitted evidence in the form of a witness statement alleging that Mogotsi maintained communication with individuals outside the correctional facility through his wife. Mpekana added that it is alleged that she approached a witness and requested a statement relating to an address.

“The state alleges that Mogotsi orchestrated the shooting of his own vehicle before making false statements to the police and under oath concerning the circumstances of the incident. He faces charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, discharging a firearm, defeating or obstructing the administration of justice, and perjury.

“In dismissing the application, the court found that the information presented did not constitute new facts, but amounted to a rehashing of evidence that had already been considered during the initial bail application. Mogotsi’s case was postponed to 8 July 2026, for the allocation of a trial date. The NPA welcomes the court’s decision, which reaffirms the importance of protecting the integrity of the criminal justice system and ensuring that judicial processes are not undermined or abused,” he said.

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More boots on the ground in North West ahead of June 30

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Picture: More police officials deployed ahead of anticipated June 30/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

29 June 2026 – After weeks of detailed and integrated planning, the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS) under the co-Chairperson leadership of the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, would like to assure the people of North West that comprehensive and coordinated operational plans have been activated to ensure the safety and security of all residents, visitors, businesses and travellers during the planned demonstrations relating to anti-foreigner sentiments and irregular migration.

Naidoo said the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS) has intensified operational planning and coordination across the province. He further said a heightened police presence and other security entities have been deployed at identified areas, including major routes, business districts, ports of entry and other critical infrastructure, to maintain public order and respond swiftly to any incidents.

“The PROVJOC (Provincial Joint Operational Centre) is fully activated and operational on a 24-hour basis from 27 June 2026. The South African Police Service (SAPS) is ready and prepared to police any planned demonstrations across the province and there will be no shutdown tolerated.

“Essential services, businesses, ports of entry and economic activities will continue to operate, while police members remain deployed to ensure the safety and security of all community members. We would like to reiterate that SAPS fully respects and will protect the constitutional right of every person to assemble, demonstrate and protest peacefully and within the confines of the law,” added Naidoo.

However, he warned that any acts of violence, intimidation, public disorder, malicious damage to property, looting, road blockades, attacks on businesses, disruption of essential services or interference with critical infrastructure will not be tolerated and will be dealt with decisively. Naidoo said all irregular migrants are reminded to comply with the country’s immigration laws and must possess valid documentation authorising their presence in the Republic.

“The police in cooperation with the Border Management Authority, the Department of Home Affairs and other relevant government departments, will continue to support lawful operations aimed at identifying and addressing violations of South Africa’s immigration legislation. We would also like to remind individuals, organisations and community structures that they do not have the authority to enforce immigration laws or take the law into their own hands.

“Immigration enforcement remains the responsibility of authorised state agencies acting within the framework of the law. Furthermore, temporary transit processing centres were established in each district for irregular migrants, who want to go home,” he said.

Naidoo said in Bojanala Platinum District, they can go to Ben Marais Hall in Rustenburg and Madibeng Sports Ground in Brits, in Ngaka Modiri Molema, they can go to Moshawane Community Centre in Mahikeng. He said those who are in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District can go to Kismet Community Hall in Vryburg, while in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, can go to Philemon Masinga Stadium in Khuma, Potchefstroom Trim Park, Matlosana Recreational Centre in Klerksdorp and Wolmaransstad Town Hall.

“Lastly, xenophobia, vigilantism, hate speech, or any criminal conduct directed at irregular migrants or any member of the community will not be tolerated and anyone found inciting violence, encouraging criminality or using social media or any other platform to mobilise unlawful acts will be investigated, and where sufficient evidence exists, appropriate legal action will be taken.

“We appeal to members of the public to remain calm, continue with their normal daily activities and refrain from circulating unverified information or misinformation that could create unnecessary panic or inflame tensions. Communities are encouraged to report any criminal activity or threats to the nearest police station, anonymously through the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,” said Naidoo.

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How Wahl Bartman became the ‘in situ’ National Commissioner of Police for one day

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Picture: A lecturer and researcher in Police Practice at the North West University (NWU), Cobus Steenkamp/Supplied  

By STAFF REPORTER

30 June 2026 – A lecturer and researcher in Police Practice at the North West University (NWU), Cobus Steenkamp said on 30 June 2026, as South Africa prepares for widespread anti-illegal immigration protests, the South African Police Service (SAPS) will not stand alone. Steenkamp said the Fidelity Security Group — a private commercial enterprise — is set to deploy 35 000 operational personnel, seven helicopters and an undisclosed fleet of surveillance drones (the author’s view) to assist SAPS in managing the anticipated unrest.

He further said Fidelity, it should be noted, also maintains its own independent crime risk assessment capacity and operational intelligence infrastructure. Cobus Steenkamp added that it is, by any institutional measure, a capable organisation.

“This raises a question that should unsettle every South African citizen. When a private sector CEO becomes the operational “right hand” of the National Commissioner of Police, what does that reveal about the constitutional fitness of the state?

“Wahl Bartman, CEO of Fidelity ADT, will be not merely a “force multiplier” on 30 June. He will be, in practical and operational terms, the in situ national commissioner for the day. The constitutional mandate to ensure community safety — vested exclusively in the South African Police Service under Section 205 of the Constitution — will, on that day, be partially exercised by a company whose primary legal obligation is to its shareholders, not to the South African public,” he said.

Steenkamp said this is not an indictment of Fidelity. He said it is an indictment of a system that made Fidelity necessary.

“The privatisation of public safety in South Africa is not the result of a single policy failure. It has been a gradual process — a slow constitutional haemorrhage spanning three decades — in which the private security industry evolved from a supplementary service into a commercial powerhouse whose core product is the one thing the state is constitutionally obligated to provide for free: community safety.

“The consequence is stark and morally indefensible. Safety has become a commodity. Those who can afford it, buy it. Those who cannot, wait — and hope. A recent Democratic Alliance survey of 1 025 police stations found that 56% were not operationally available at the time of the audit,” said Steenkamp.

He said for the majority of South Africans who cannot afford armed response services, this is not a statistic — it is a daily lived reality. Steenkamp said it is the silence that follows a call that is never answered.

“How did we arrive here? The deterioration was not accidental. It follows a traceable pattern, visible across at least five compounding institutional failures.

There are five signals of a system in collapse, and below I will explain them with regard to the South African Police Service in more detail.

“The police-to-population ratio in South Africa stands at approximately 1:427. When measured against the registered private security workforce, the ratio of police to security personnel is 1:3. Synthesised, this produces a sobering figure: one security officer for every 142 civilians — a figure that holds only for those civilians who live in areas with paying clients.

“South Africa now has more than 2.7 million registered private security officers, compared to fewer than 150 000 SAPS members serving a population of 62 million. This is not a resourcing challenge. It is the architecture of a parallel justice system — one in which your level of protection is determined not by your citizenship, but by your credit card limit,” he said.

Steenkamp said as one organised crime expert with more than 30 years in law enforcement has observed: “If you live in a traditional township environment, or in an informal settlement, it is few and far between that you will see security patrols — because they do not have paying customers.”

He said the South African Constitution does not contain a means-test for safety, but the market does.

“Research consistently documents a sustained, multi-decade decline in community confidence in SAPS. Public satisfaction with the police has decreased by at least 8% over the past six years, with the most recent figures placing national satisfaction at approximately 54%. The reasons cited by survey respondents are institutional rather than incidental: officers who fail to respond on time, insufficient police visibility, and perceptions of widespread corruption and incompetence.

“This erosion of trust does not occur in a vacuum. It creates a marketing opportunity. Private security enterprises do not grow in spite of policing failures — they grow because of them, leveraging fear, institutional distrust, and the visible decline of policing competency as the engine of commercial expansion,” said Steenkamp.

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Three municipal employees arrested for fraud, forgery and uttering

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

29 June 2026 – Three municipal employees aged 38, 56 and 58, at John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality in Kuruman, were arrested by the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation team based in Kathu for fraud, forgery and uttering.  The trio was arrested at their workplace today.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said the arrest is a culmination of an investigation undertaken by the office after allegations of corruption, fraud, cyber fraud, cyber forgery, uttering as well as contravention of Local Government Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2023 (MFMA) were levelled against them Thebe said allegations are that the trio (one female and two males) worked in tandem to change the competency results of the outcome of a competency assessment, which was undertaken by an external party at the request of the municipality in line with applicable legislation.

“The municipality had advertised the position of Director of Community Services back on 16 October 2022. The competency assessment results were changed to favour an undeserving candidate as his results came back basic, but was changed to competent.

“The accused will appear before Kuruman Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where they are expected to apply for bail,” he said.

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ANC councillor, Netshivhumbe Gumani granted R10 000 bail

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Picture: Embattled ANC councillor at Thulamela Local Municipality councillor, Netshivhumbe Gumani/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

29 June 2026 – ANC councillor at Thulamela Local Municipality, Netshivhumbe Gumani (34), who was arrested for allegedly attempting to bribe an investigator from the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in order to manipulate the outcome of an ongoing investigation at Mahikeng Local Municipality, was today granted bail of R10 000 by the Molopo Magistrate’s Court in Mahikeng. Gumani’s case was postponed until 18 September 2026.

The acting Head of the SIU, Leonard Lekgetho said Gumani was arrested in Mahikeng after allegedly attempting to bribe an SIU investigator with R70 000 to obstruct justice in the ongoing investigation into tenders at the Mahikeng Local Municipality. Lekgetho said it is alleged that Gumani was facilitating the bribe on behalf of Anacot Trading, a company associated with questionable financial activities involving municipal contracts.

“The SIU investigation, under Proclamation R213 of 2024, found that the appointed service provider received approximately R179 million from Mahikeng Municipality for two lease agreements. Immediately after receiving the payment, the service provider transferred R28 million to Anacot Trading, owned by Shahzaad Mohamed Hussein.

“When the SIU contacted Hussein to explain why he received R28 million, he allegedly sent Gumani to the SIU to influence the outcome of the investigation. While we acknowledge the court’s decision to grant bail, we remain confident in the strength of the case before the court,” he said.

Lekgetho further said the alleged attempt to bribe an SIU investigator is a serious attack on the integrity of South Africa’s justice system and on the fight against corruption. He added that no amount of intimidation or inducement will deter the SIU from fulfilling its mandate.

“We commend the investigator for acting with professionalism and integrity. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure that the matter is prosecuted to its conclusion.

“Immediately after securing his release on bail, Gumani was arrested by the Makhado police on an outstanding Makhado warrant for theft by false pretence. The charges stem from allegations that Gumani solicited funds from several businesspeople in Limpopo to finance political activities linked to the 2014 youth league conference in Sekhukhune District,” said Lekgetho.

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2802 shooting incidents recorded in five months

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Picture: A crime scene in Gauteng/Generic 

By REGINALD KANYANE

29 June 2026- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said Gauteng continues to top the country’s crime statistics, with a concerning rise in shooting incidents and illegal firearm-related offences. The DA said new figures reveal that 2802 shooting incidents were recorded in almost five months this year, exposing the scale of a crisis that has made gunfire a daily reality and left people in violence-plagued communities wondering whether the next bullet will shatter their home, wound a loved one, or kill an innocent life.

DA Gauteng spokesperson for Community Safety and Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Michael Sun said they call on the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to urgently address the escalating gun violence and remove illegal firearms from our communities. Sun said responding to DA questions in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) on shooting incidents, related crimes, and arrests across the province, Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi disclosed that 2802 shooting incidents were recorded between 1 January 2026 and 11 May 2026.

“Of these, 2197 cases relate to murder and attempted murder, laying bare the devastating human cost of this crisis. The City of Johannesburg (COJ), with 1077 reported cases and the City of Ekurhuleni (COE) with 848, remain the epicentres of this violence, but no community in Gauteng is insulated from the threat.

“Mass shootings, including the recent tragedy in Cleveland in which 12 people were killed, along with the ongoing gang violence in areas such as Westbury, Eldorado Park, and Bekkersdal, underscore the severity of the crisis. The data shared by the Premier further exposes a criminal justice system under severe strain,” he said.

Sun further said of the 2802 reported cases, only 609 (21%) have led to arrests, while just 425 (15.1%) have been referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for prosecution. He added that, while SAPS statistics may show declines in certain crime categories, they offer little comfort to families who have lost loved ones to gun violence.

“They reflect a system failing to deliver timely justice, with a prosecution rate too low to deter violent crime. They also underscore a stark reality, where many communities have become conflict zones, driven by illegal firearms.

“The DA is the only party that has a solution to address the increase in shootings and illegal firearms-related cases. Through our CCC approach – Catch, Convict and Clean, we will expedite investigations and ensure prompt judicial outcomes through a dedicated SAPS–NPA task team to urgently review pending shooting cases,” said Sun.

He said they will intensify efforts to combat illegal firearms by targeting criminal networks, not law-abiding gun owners. Sun said they will also deploy technology such as gunshot detection systems and smart cameras to strengthen policing and enhance community safety partnerships.

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McKenzie hails Bafana Bafana over World Cup display

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Picture: Bafana Bafana players against Canada

By OBAKENG MAJE

29 June 2026 – The Minister of Sport, Art and Culture, Gayton McKenzie said it is with enormous pride and a heart full of gratitude that he congratulates Bafana Bafana on completing what has been the most ‘extraordinary’ chapter in the history of South African football. McKenzie said Bafana Bafana is knocked out and the pain of a late goal in Los Angeles will sting for a long time.

He further said, however, no result and final scoreline can take away what this team has given the country over the past three weeks. McKenzie added that Bafana Bafana reached the knockout rounds of a FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history.

“In their fourth World Cup appearance, after exits in 1998, 2002 and on home soil in 2010, these young men did what no South African team has ever done before. They made it through and that is not a small thing. That is history that cannot be erased, written in the gold and green on the world stage in front of billions of people.

“I also want to take this moment to congratulate Canada on a well-deserved victory, and to extend the Ministry’s congratulations to all three host nations – the United States, Canada, and Mexico – for the outstanding manner in which they have staged this tournament. This has been a World Cup that has captured the imagination of the world and the hosts deserve enormous credit for that,” he said.

McKenzie said they have been made to feel at home in both Mexico and the USA, who opened their arms to South Africa and showed them great love. He said they will never forget it.

“The manner in which this team qualified made it even more remarkable. Written off after a 2–0 defeat to Mexico in the opening match, they showed character, resilience, and tactical intelligence to draw with Czechia and, in what many will rightly describe as one of the greatest nights in our football, beat South Korea 1–0 to book their place in the Round of 32.

“That victory, earned by Thapelo Maseko’s 63rd-minute strike, lifted South Africa from fourth to second place in the group and announced our arrival on the global knockout stage. I want to pay special tribute to coach Hugo Broos. When the final whistle blew against South Korea,” said McKenzie.

He said Broos collapsed to the turf as the bench flooded the pitch. McKenzie said that image captured his years of work, belief, sacrifice and love for this team and this country.

“Coach, you have earned your place in the history of South African sport. What you have built here is something that will endure long after this tournament. I must also pay tribute to the South African Football Association (SAFA) for its commitment to this campaign.

“Results like these are the fruit of sustained investment in players, coaching staff, and the development of the game. To Ronwen Williams, who led from the front and commanded the goalkeeper’s jersey with authority and calm. To Teboho Mokoena, whose penalty against Czechia proved nerve when it mattered most,” he said.

McKenzie said Bafana Bafana player Thapelo Maseko is a young man whose personal story of setback and comeback must inspire them all. He said at the FIFA World Cup, he scored the goal that made history.

“Every young person in South Africa who has been told they are finished and that their moment has passed must know your name and your story. To every player in our squad: South Africa sees you and we thank you. We are proud of each of you – not just for the moments of glory, but for the moments no one saw: the early mornings, the doubts you needed to overcome and the commitment to your country.

“The manner of our exit, so close to extra time, will always be painful. But this is sport, and the margins at the top level are small, and they are brutal. What we must take from this, and what the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture is committed to facilitating, is that the lessons from this campaign are properly captured, honestly assessed and used to build on what has been achieved,” said McKenzie.

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