Author Archives: The Guardian

Madibeng mayor’s VIP Protectors in court for alleged murder

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Picture: The deceased, Air Force Sergeant Michael Swanton

By STAFF REPORTER  

3 February 2026- Two VIP protection officers, Thabang Eugene Sohole (41) and Michael Makampe (42), assigned to the Madibeng Local Municipality mayor, Douglas Maimane, briefly appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday. They are facing charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that on 28 January 2026 at approximately 8pm, the deceased and his wife, both members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), were travelling along Eskia Mphahlele Drive towards the R80 when they were flagged down by a dark BMW SUV fitted with flashing blue lights. Mahanjana said the couple then turned onto the R80 towards Mabopane, where they were allegedly forced to pull over on the side of the road.

“It is alleged that Sohole and Makampe exited the BMW, one of them armed with an R5 rifle and approached the couple’s vehicle. The deceased was seated in the passenger seat, while his wife was the driver. The two allegedly questioned the couple about a missing rear number plate before returning to their vehicle.

“The deceased then followed them to check their identification and establish whether they were police officials with lawful authority to stop and question them. As he approached the BMW, he was allegedly shot in the head and died at the scene,” she said.

Mahanjana further said a few hours later, the two accused handed themselves over at the Hercules Police Station, claiming that they were victims of an attempted hijacking and that a shooting had occurred on the R80. She added that the matter was postponed to 4 February 2026, for a formal bail application.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson on Police and Member of Parliament (MP), Lisa Schickerling said they strongly condemn the tragic killing of Air Force Sergeant Michael Swanton and extend their deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Schickerling said the killing occurred on the Mabopane main road within Madibeng Local Municipality, where an unmarked vehicle fitted with a single blue light allegedly stopped Sergeant Swanton before he was fatally shot.

“The bodyguards involved were attached to the mayor of Madibeng Local Municipality, Douglas Maimane, and reports indicate that the vehicle had no clear official markings, while armed bodyguards dressed in civilian clothing confronted him. This raises serious questions about conduct, identification procedures, and the rules governing VIP protection operations.

“This incident once again exposes the dangerous culture surrounding the so-called “blue light brigade”, where armed bodyguards operate with impunity, intimidate road users and place innocent lives at risk. No public official or their security detail is above the law,” she said.

Schickerling further said this culture of impunity is not isolated. She added that South Africans will recall how members of a blue light convoy attached to the Deputy President were filmed assaulting a civilian motorist on a public highway, illustrating a broader pattern of abuse, lawlessness, and disregard for human life among certain VIP protection units.

“It is deeply concerning that an unmarked vehicle with limited identification was used in an operation that ended in the loss of an innocent life. This points to a serious failure in protocols, oversight and accountability within VIP protection services.

“The DA calls for a swift, transparent investigation and for those responsible to face the full consequences of the law. We further demand an urgent review of VIP protection policies to prevent the continued abuse of power and to ensure that public safety, not political privilege, remains the priority,” said Schickerling.

She said South Africans deserve leadership that respects the rule of law, not armed convoys that behave like untouchable elites.

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DA: “Lesufi reshuffles suspended officials, has no intention of rooting out corruption”

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Picture: Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi

By REGINALD KANYANE

3 February 2026- The Democratic Alliance (DA) alleged that the Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi is playing musical chairs by redeploying high-ranking officials who were placed on precautionary suspension. The DA said moving officials who have a cloud hanging over their heads is not solving the problems faced by the province, which is a lack of service delivery and corruption.

The Official Leader of the Opposition in Gauteng and Member of Provincial Legislature in Gauteng, Solly Msimanga said some officials such as Lesiba Arnold Malotana is a suspended Head of Department (HOD) for the Gauteng Health Department, Nontsikelelo Sisulu, suspended HOD for Community Safety and Mduduzi Malope, suspended Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Community Safety. Msimanga said Lesufi has provided no update on whether disciplinary action has been taken against these officials and has instead moved them to other departments that provide critical services to the province.

“While the DA is relieved that the suspended HOD for Health will not be returning to the department, the shift to the Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is of concern. This department is already failing on its core mandate to assist municipalities in delivering services to the residents of this province. The only municipality that can do so seamlessly is the DA-led Midvaal Local Municipality.

“Furthermore, the HOD for Community Safety will be deployed to the Premier’s office to assist with service delivery priorities, and the CFO for Community Safety will be deployed to the Gauteng Department of Environment to help with the financial administration process,” he said.

Lesufi further said three undisclosed officials failed the lifestyle audits and one tends to wonder if these are the officials who had failed their lifestyle audits. He added that Lesufi must disclose what these officials may have on him that is making him reward them with senior positions again within the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG).

“The Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng demands that Lesufi immediately explain to the residents of this province what consequences management took against these officials and the outcome of any disciplinary action. Moving officials from one department to another is not stamping out corruption. It is sending a message that if you are corrupt, no action will be taken.

“The DA Gauteng will continue to push for speedy disciplinary action to be taken against all three officials who have been placed on suspension. The DA Gauteng will be tabling further questions to the Premier through the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to determine the reasons for redeploying the implicated officials,” said Msimanga. 

He said they will also determine why no formal action has been taken against any of the officials who have been moved to new departments. Msimanga said a DA-led Gauteng provincial government would immediately suspend and take disciplinary action against any official who is accused of misconduct in the GPG.

“Yes, this can be done,” he said.

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MK Party lambasts Paul O’Sullivan and Brown Mogotsi’s refusal to appear before Parly’s Ad-Hoc Committee citing security concerns

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Picture: Paul O’Sullivan and Brown Mogotsi 

By OBAKENG MAJE

3 February 2026- The uMkhonto weSizwe Party said it disapprovingly notes the refusal by Paul O’Sullivan and Brown Mogotsi to appear before Parliament’s Ad-Hoc Committee, each citing alleged security concerns. The MK Party said that no individual is above the law and that all persons lawfully summoned to appear before the Parliamentary Ad-Hoc Committee are required to comply without exception or preferential treatment.

The MK Party national spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela said the work of the Ad-Hoc Committee is conducted in the interests of national security and constitutional accountability. Ndhlela said any attempts to evade or delay this process under the guise of unsubstantiated security concerns will not be entertained.

“With respect to O’Sullivan, we note an inconsistency between his current position in which he cites security concerns, yet his prior conduct included threats and intimidation directed at prior witnesses who appeared before the Committee.

“In relation to Mogotsi, adequate parliamentary security arrangements were offered, but he has since declined the services offered to him. The MK Party remains committed to the call to strengthen security measures surrounding the Ad-Hoc Committee for both Members of Parliament (MPs) and witnesses,” he said.

Ndhlela further said, however, they refuse to entertain unreasonable demands by individuals seeking to obstruct, delay or avoid legitimate Parliamentary processes of accountability.

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Brixton residents’ health at risk due to vermin infestation and raw sewage running in on the roads

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Picture: Alleged illegal scrapyard in Brixton/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

3 February 2026- Brixton residents’ health is put at risk daily due to the deteriorating environment. This comes after the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng made this startling discovery during a recent oversight inspection of one of the affected streets.

According to the DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Environmental Affairs and Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Leanne De Jager, the residents in the area face multiple challenges, including sewage overflowing onto streets due to overburdened infrastructure and increased vermin infestation. De Jager said residents should not have to endure untreated sewage flowing through their streets.

“This represents a fundamental failure of enforcement and coordination among responsible authorities. Furthermore, illegal businesses are operating, such as scrap metal operations in residential zones. These activities have attracted criminal elements, leading to metal theft and a general atmosphere of lawlessness that endangers law-abiding residents and devalues their property.

“The DA in Gauteng demands immediate, coordinated joint operations between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) to clamp down on crime in the area. Yes, this can be done under a DA-led Gauteng provincial government. We would conduct regular law enforcement inspections, and businesses operating illegally would be closed immediately,” she said.

De Jager further said they would accelerate sewage infrastructure upgrades and deploy additional environmental health officers and law enforcement personnel. She added that the people of Brixton deserve a safe, clean and healthy environment.

“We will continue engaging all stakeholders to resolve this crisis urgently,” said De Jager.

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AmaPanyaza now declared as Peace Officers  

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Picture: AmaPanyaza now declared as Peace Officers

By BAKANG MOKOTO

3 February 2026- The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in Gauteng said it unequivocally welcomes and supports the formal declaration of the Gauteng Traffic Wardens, popularly known as amaPanyaza as Peace Officers in terms of Section 334 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977, as gazetted by government. The structure said this decisive intervention affirms the capacity of a democratic, developmental state to correct itself, strengthen legality and advance progressive solutions in the interests of the people.

The ANCYL provincial secretary, Mpume Sangweni said following the implementation of remedial actions arising from the Public Protector’s findings, the establishment, appointment and deployment of the wardens are now firmly grounded within a sound legislative framework, restoring both legality and public confidence. Sangweni said at the centre of this declaration is the protection of over 9 000 jobs that were previously placed at risk.

“In a province confronted by the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment — with young people bearing the heaviest burden ,this intervention represents a bold and necessary act of economic justice. Any attempt to undermine or discredit this achievement is an affront to the lived realities of thousands of working-class families whose livelihoods depend on a capable and responsive state.

“The ANCYL Gauteng further welcomes the emphasis on professionalisation, accredited training, clearly defined powers, strict jurisdictional limits and compliance mechanisms. This approach strengthens the rule of law, safeguards communities from abuse of authority and ensures that Peace Officers operate as disciplined, accountable and effective partners in crime prevention and law enforcement,” he said.

Sangweni further said they are clear and unapologetic. He added that those who posture as critics of this declaration, without offering viable alternatives, position themselves as enemies of progress and enemies of the people.

“At a time when decisive action is required to confront crime, unemployment and social instability, cynicism and obstructionism serve only to delay transformation and frustrate the developmental agenda.

Gauteng is a young, modern and dynamic province – the economic engine of South Africa and a centre of innovation and migration.

“It demands bold, integrated and forward-looking approaches to safety and development. The formalisation of the Prevention Wardens as Peace Officers strengthens state capacity, enhances visibility on the ground and reinforces the collective effort to reclaim communities from criminality. The ANCYL Gauteng remains resolute in its commitment to revolutionary, people-centred governance that defends jobs, upholds the rule of law and advances the struggle for a safe, just and transformed Gauteng,” said Sangweni.

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DA congratulates Tyla on her second Grammy win

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Picture: Two-time Grammy Awards winner, Tyla Laura Seethal

By STAFF REPORTER

3 February 2026- The Democratic Alliance (DA) congratulated South African singer, Tyla Laura Seethal on winning her second Grammy Award at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. DA said Tyla once again took home the trophy in the Best African Music Performance category for her hit single Push 2 Start, following her previous win with Water, making her the first artist to win this award twice.

DA national spokesperson and Member of Parliament (MP), Jan de Villiers said this milestone not only underscores Tyla’s extraordinary talent and global appeal, but also highlights the world-class creativity emerging from South Africa and across the African continent. De Villiers said her success on the international stage brings pride to the country and showcases the powerful influence of South African music in the global cultural landscape.

“The DA applauds Tyla’s dedication to her craft and the inspiration she provides to young artists. We wish her continued success in her career and future artistic endeavours. Congratulations, Tyla, a true trailblazer for South African music,” he said.

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Ramaphosa pays tribute to struggle veteran Leon Levy

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Picture: The deceased, Leon Levy

By REGINALD KANYANE

3 February 2026- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of Leon Levy aged 96, who was the last surviving signatory of the Freedom Charter and Accused No 4 in the 1956 Treason Trial. Ramaphosa offers his deep sympathy to the family and friends of Levy who took on numerous roles in the struggle alongside his equally committed identical twin brother, Norman, who passed away in July 2021.

He further said Levy, whose parents had emigrated from Lithuania, joined the Communist Party of South Africa when he was a teenager and became a trade unionist when he was 24 – two years before he was elected president of the South African Congress of Trade Unions that he had helped to establish. Rampahosa added that Levy was among the organisers of the Congress of the People which adopted the Freedom Charter on 26 June 1955.

“The six Charter signatories were African National Congress President Chief Albert Luthuli; Jimmy La Guma of the South African Coloured People’s Congress; Monty Naicker of the Natal Indian Congress; Pieter Beyleveld of the Congress of Democrats and Leon Levy of the South African Congress of Trade Unions.

“In December 1956, security police arrested the Levy brothers as part of a crackdown on liberation movement leaders and charged the activists with high treason, which carried the death penalty as a possible sentence. While Norman Levy was discharged later, Leon Levy remained on trial until his acquittal in 1961,” he said.

Ramaphosa said the brothers remained politically active, with Norman Levy serving three years after being convicted under the Suppression of Communism Act. He said Leon Levy was subjected to two periods of detention, after which he went into exile in England, where Norman joined him after being released from prison.

“The passing of Leon Levy is a sad moment for us as fellow human beings. It is particularly sad for us as citizens of a South Africa that attained freedom from apartheid through the hard and sacrificial activism of Leon Levy and those who were in the trenches with him, including his brother, Norman.

“As we mark 70 years since the Treason Trial of 1956, we are obliged to pay tribute to the cohort of leaders and other activists who fought the apartheid state based on their belief in the inherent equality and dignity of all people. Leon Levy attached his signature to the Freedom Charter that lives on in our Constitution whose 30th anniversary we observe as well in 2026,” said Ramaphosa.

He said Leon Levy was part of a generation whose contributions to a better life and a better world for all South Africans and humanity globally must never be forgotten or dishonoured.

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Matlosana to discuss maladministration allegation report against its mayor, Fikile Mahlophe

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Picture: The executive mayor of Matlosana Local Municipality, Fikile Mahlophe  

By OBAKENG MAJE

3 February 2026- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Matlosana said it refused to participate in an unlawfully constituted council meeting that was conducted in violation of Council’s own Rules of Order on 30 January 2026. The DA said in terms of Section 11 of the Council’s Rules of Order, promulgated as a by-law, all reports to be considered by council must be served at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

However, DA Caucus leader in Matlosana Local Municipality, Gerhard Strydom said this requirement was blatantly ignored. Strydom said certain reports were delivered only 40 hours before the meeting, additional reports were circulated just hours before the meeting and the final batch was distributed only 45 minutes prior to the meeting.











“Despite these clear procedural violations, the majority of the council voted to disregard their own legislation and proceeded with the meeting. The decision rendered the meeting unlawful. It is a well-established legal principle that any resolution taken by an unlawfully constituted meeting has no force or effect and is therefore invalid.





“The Speaker of Council once again demonstrated a failure to properly manage the council agenda and ensure compliance with applicable legislation. This conduct undermines the rule of law and erodes public trust in the governance of Matlosana,” he said.





Strydom further said in protest of this unlawful process, the DA in Matlosana withdrew from the meeting and refused to legitimise an illegal proceeding. He added that approximately 45 minutes after the DA’s departure, the meeting was adjourned.





“The DA remains committed to lawful, transparent, and accountable governance and will not hesitate to challenge any process that violates council rules and the principles of democratic oversight,” said Strydom.





Meanwhile, the meeting was supposed to discuss maladministration allegations report against the executive mayor of Matlosana Local Municipality, Fikile Mahlophe. It is alleged that the report was submitted to the council by the Ad Hoc Committee on 26 June 2026, but the municipal speaker, Stella Mondlane-Ngwenya delayed the tabling of the report.





According to a high-placed source, the report is set to be discussed on 4 February 2026.





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SA pours cold water on WAFCON hosting speculation
		

					
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Picture: The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayston McKenzie










By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI





3 February 2026- The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayston McKenzie said South Africa has expressed its willingness to support the Confederation of African Football (CAF) if required, should alternative hosting arrangements for the 2026 WAFCON become necessary. McKenzie provided clarity on the matter following remarks made by his Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe at the Hollywoodbets Super League Awards regarding the 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).





He further said these engagements form part of ongoing discussions initiated by CAF as it considers various contingencies in line with the confederation’s responsible stewardship of the continental game. McKenzie added that, at this stage, no formal decision has been taken to relocate the tournament and Morocco remains the officially designated host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.














“CAF has not yet triggered any alternative hosting process. Any potential hosting of the tournament by South Africa would be subject to established government and football governance processes, in partnership with the South African Football Association (SAFA) and other stakeholders, including formal confirmation from CAF that alternative hosting arrangements are required, approval through the relevant Cabinet processes, confirmation of host cities, stadium availability, accommodation and transport capacity and the conclusion of the necessary government guarantees and operational agreements.





“The remarks made by the Deputy Minister reflect government’s longstanding engagement on supporting African football and South Africa’s confidence in its proven ability to host major international sporting events. They do not constitute a formal confirmation or assumption of hosting responsibilities,” he said.





McKenzie said the department, with SAFA and stakeholders, will continue to engage with CAF in a structured and responsible manner. He said any further announcements will be made only once all required processes have been concluded and formal decisions taken.





“The Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture will continue to pursue a long-term strategy of hosting major sporting events to boost sport, tourism, economic growth and the image of the country on the world stage,” said McKenzie.





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Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities to visit special schools
		

					
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Picture: The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Liezl van der Merwe










By BAKANG MOKOTO





3 February 2026- The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities will this week conduct interviews for the appointment to serve on the National Council for Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NCGBVF). Last year, the committee met and shortlisted 18 candidates to be interviewed to serve on the National Council.





The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Liezl van der Merwe said the committee received 403 applications submitted through various channels – online (322), email (80) and in person (1). Van der Merwe said furthermore, the committee noted that eight applications were submitted late and 48 were identified as duplications.














“The names of the shortlisted candidates along with CVs (in compliance with POPI Act) have been published on Parliament’s website. This has provided civil society and the public at large with an opportunity to comment on and engage with the shortlist, ensuring transparency and inclusivity throughout the selection process.





“Meanwhile, on 6 February 2026, the committee will conduct an oversight at Sibonile School For the Blind and Ekurhuleni School For the Deaf. The committee will visit schools for children with disabilities to understand how children with special needs are excluded from the education system,” she said.





Van Merwe added that as continuation of the work on the statutory rape enquiry, the committee seeks to understand the severity of the problem with special schools to be visited. She said the interviews will be conducted on 3, 4 and 5 February 2026 at Protea Hotel, OR Tambo from 8:30am until 4:30pm.





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