Picture: Department of Health’s former Chief Financial Officer, Lerato Madyo
By BAKANG MOKOTO
15 October 2025- The Democratic Alliance in Gauteng said it will lay criminal charges against the Department of Health’s former Chief Financial Officer, Lerato Madyo on Thursday. This comes after the DA accuses Madyo of failing to act on slain whistle-blower, Babita Deokaran’s report on possible fraudulent transactions at Tembisa Hospital.
DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC and Member of provincial Legislature (MPL), Dr Jack Bloom said criminal charges against Madyo will be opened at the Johannesburg Central Police Station. Bloom said she is a chief suspect amongst the small number of those who could have tipped off the mastermind behind Babita’s murder.
“DA delegation will lead the process of laying charges against Madyo and will be joined by the local structures. Solly Msimanga MPL, DA Gauteng Leader of the Official Opposition, Jack Bloom MPL, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health, Madeleine Hicklin MPL and DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Health, will be part of the proceedings.
“The case will be opened at Central Johannesburg Police Station at 10am,” he said.
15 October 2025- Action SA has expressed concern by the recent conduct of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) ahead of the by-election taking place in Ramotshere Moiloa — Ward 7, North West. Action SA said during its final campaign push, it engaged with residents and observed IEC officials moving door-to-door on the day before the official voting day, including among special voters, where they were collecting voter information and ID numbers.
The Action SA Deputy President, Dr Mbahare Kekana said when questioned about the purpose of this activity, IEC representatives claimed that they were “reminding voters to go out and vote tomorrow” and that the data was being collected to report on how many people they had spoken to. Kekana said, however, this explanation raises serious red flags.
“The IEC has already issued the official voters’ roll and there is no lawful justification for officials to be collecting voter ID numbers or any personal data outside the authorised registration and voting process. We ask if the IEC’s intention was merely to monitor engagement, why are voters’ ID numbers being recorded?
“Such conduct not only blurs the lines between electoral administration and voter mobilisation, but it also directly compromises the integrity and independence of the IEC. The IEC’s role is to manage elections impartially, not to participate in activities that may influence voter turnout or raise suspicions of bias,” he said.
Kekana further said Action SA therefore calls on the IEC to urgently investigate this matter and identify the individuals responsible for this breach of protocol. He added that they demand a full and transparent explanation of why voter ID data is being collected and how it will be used.
“Action SA will be lodging a formal complaint and taking the necessary steps to ensure accountability and the protection of electoral integrity in Ward 7 and across South Africa. The credibility of our democracy depends on a truly independent IEC, one that upholds, not undermines, the public’s trust,” said Kekana.
15 October 2025- A political scientist at the North West University (NWU), Prof André Duvenhage said in October, South Africans celebrate Transport Month or should he rather say that, South Africans acknowledge it? Duvenhage said their indispensable, but ailing transport infrastructure should be the veins through which the economy flows and grows, but these veins have been clocked by corruption, maladministration and neglect.
He asked if the transport infrastructure is in danger of causing cardiac arrest to the country. Duvenhage further said this might just be the case as South Africa’s outdated transport system is underprepared to deal with modern demands.
“Generally speaking, when it comes to infrastructure in South Africa, the country is facing a major challenge, and this extends directly into the area of transport. In short, our road systems were developed for a completely different context more than 50 or 60 years ago, and they were never designed to cope with the demands placed on them today.
“There are several key variables that we need to take into account. Firstly, Transnet is, to a large extent, not functioning effectively. As a result, heavy vehicles are making extensive use of our main road networks, causing significant deterioration and damage,” he said.
Duvenhage added that South Africa’s population has almost doubled over the past 30 years. He said when combined with relatively higher living standards over the same period, this has led to a dramatic increase in the number of private vehicles on the roads.
“Maintenance remains a serious problem. In many areas, major roads are in a state of disrepair due to years of neglect. Also notes political factors that sometimes allow for road construction and maintenance contracts to be given to under-qualified operators.
“Unfortunately, this has, in some cases, resulted in poorly executed projects that do not meet professional standards. The consequences are visible in provinces such as Mpumalanga, particularly around Witbank and Middelburg,” said Duvenhage.
He said at the local government level, the situation is equally concerning. Duvenhage said between 60% and 80% of municipalities are regarded as dysfunctional.
“This dysfunction means that many municipal roads are not being maintained at all. In numerous towns and cities, residents have resorted to mobilising their own funding and resources to repair roads. While this work is often not done professionally, people simply want a road that is drivable, and they are fully aware that the municipality or district will fail to deliver. This is precisely the situation in towns such as Potchefstroom.
“When it comes to transport in South Africa, we are facing serious, multi-dimensional challenges: high costs, poor road conditions, and worsening security issues, including incidents affecting freight and public transport. Overall, the country’s infrastructure is in a phase of decay, and reversing this trend will not be easy,” he said.
Duvenhage said until such a reversal, their economy may well need to keep the defibrillators close at hand.
15 October 2025- Bafana Bafana will line up against the globe’s best national soccer teams in June 2026 after coach Hugo Broos’ charges qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday night.
It was an emotional night at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga, but after shrugging off the pressure that accompanied the final day of qualifying, these gallant warriors rose to the challenge and beat Rwanda 3-0 in an exhilarating match that will rightfully occupy its own chapter on the South African sport history books.
The home side made their intentions clear very early in the match when Thalente Mbatha opened the scoring inside five minutes in the first half. Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari did not know much about the goal and was notified by the celebrating crowd as the ball kissed the back of the net.
Oswin Appollis, who had been a huge source of the numerous migraines that befell the visitors, got in on the act and scored the second of the night in the 25th minute. It was a delicate work of art that should be on high rotation on the highlight reels and mobile phones around the globe in the coming days.
Evidence Makgopa scored the third in the 71st minute to wrap up the game. Bafana Bafana were purring like a Rolls Royce engine that had just come back from full service at that stage and could have ended the game with an embarrassing final score had all the chances they created found the back of the net.
But the soccer gods were smiling on Bafana Bafana nonetheless as qualification to the next World Cup also required traditional rivals Nigeria to begrudgingly play their part and beat Benin, who had led Group C ahead of the final day of qualifying. This match also followed the script to absolute perfection as Nigeria beat Benin 4-0 in Uyo to send Bafana Bafana to the global tournament to be held in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to 19 July 2026.
Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos said: “Do not ask me what my emotions are at the moment because I do not have words for them. After the match, we celebrated the achievement because I wanted to secure qualification more than anyone can imagine.
“We tirelessly worked on this goal for months. I would like to thank the entire team for qualifying for the World Cup after years in the wilderness.”
Broos further said he was happy to work with the group of players that have been a part of the team over the past couple of years. He added that they have always made themselves available whenever the call came to represent their country.
South African Football Association (SAFA) President Dr Danny Jordaan showered the team with praise and said they have made the country proud on an incredible night in Mbombela.
Meanwhile, the Republic of South African (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa, congratulated the team and said the whole country is looking forward to SA’s flag flying high in Mexico, the United States of America and Canada.
14 October 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said last week, they had the opportunity to attend the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels at the invitation of European Union (EU) Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Ramaphosa said the forum showcases the EU’s investment initiatives in other regions of the world and is meant to advance its global relationships.
He further said South Africa’s attendance at the forum follows the South Africa-European Union Summit that was held in Cape Town in March to further advance political and economic ties between our country and EU member countries. Ramaphosa added that at the Summit in Cape Town, the EU announced an investment package of 4.7 billion Euros to support strategic projects in South Africa.
“Last week, the EU announced a further investment package that will bring the total investment value to 11.5 billion Euros, which is over R230 billion. This innovative partnership focuses on priorities that South Africa has set for itself as it strives to improve the lives of its people.
“These priorities include investment, the clean energy transition, skills and technology, connectivity and developing strategic industries. Importantly, the partnership will contribute to the work being done to create jobs,” he said.
Ramaphosa said the investment package covers areas such as critical minerals, e-battery development, green hydrogen, renewable energy and vaccines. He said this will lead to the creation of a number of jobs, skills development and transfer of technology.
“As we said in Brussels, these investments will support our effort to build the economy of the future in the South Africa of the present. They will help to accelerate South Africa’s ambitious transition to a low-carbon economy that is just and inclusive.
“The package aims to mobilise financing to invest in local processing and refining of minerals that are critical to the energy transition. It includes investments in projects to produce green hydrogen and derivatives that will set South Africa up as a world-leading producer for the local economy and for export,” said Ramaphosa.
He said the investments are also expected to accelerate large-scale solar and wind power projects, while boosting energy efficiency in industry, housing and public services. Ramaphosa said these measures will reduce reliance on coal, lower costs and improve energy security for households and businesses.
“As a country, we have always insisted that our energy transition must be just and inclusive, and that we must take deliberate measures to protect workers, communities and businesses that would be affected.
“That is why part of the investment package is dedicated to re-skill, train and provide entrepreneurship opportunities. It will also be used to expand access to clean water, waste management and energy efficient public services,” he said.
Ramaphosa said the investment package will also support the work that South Africa is undertaking to develop their rail, road and ports infrastructure, logistics and digital connectivity. He said these investments will also support the local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals through partnerships with regulatory authorities, as well as innovative research projects, training and capacity building on biotechnology and pharmaceutical infrastructure.
“This investment package is being announced against the backdrop of the progress we are making in addressing some of the critical impediments to inclusive economic growth.
“As our country, we have made immense progress in overcoming our energy supply constraints through the improved performance by Eskom and a massive investment in renewable energy generation,” said Ramaphosa.
He said they are improving efficiencies at their ports and opening their freight rail lines to private operators. Ramaphosa said they are undertaking a massive investment in infrastructure and streamlining regulations to improve the environment for investors.
“The progress we are making with our reforms is recognised and it’s making our country an investment destination. We are seen as the gateway into the African continent. The EU investment takes place in the context of a more volatile global environment.
“There is a significant realignment of trade and investment between countries. In addition, rapid advances in technology and the escalating climate crisis are contributing to greater uncertainty,” he said.
Ramaphosa said that is why South Africa is forging ahead with the work of building a resilient and sustainable economy that addresses the needs of the present, while positioning itself for the needs and challenges of the future.
14 October 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said criminals are using online networks to traffic guns and the South African Police Service (SAPS) is struggling to stop them. The DA said it proposes a Cyber Commissioner to fight cyber-enabled crime.
The DA spokesperson on Justice and Constitutional Development, advocate Glynnis Breytenbach, who is also a Member of Parliament (MP), said this institution would help dismantle criminal networks and protect communities. Breytenbach said recent reports show criminals are increasingly using online platforms and covert couriers to move illegal firearms into the Western Cape.
She further said this exposes a major weakness in South Africa’s policing. Breytenbach added that, despite identifying the proliferation of illegal guns and the need for secure cyberspace as top priorities in its Strategic Plan, SAPS has not yet fully intercepted the digital networks driving organised crime.
“The DA believes the solution lies in creating a dedicated Cyber Commissioner, an independent Chapter 9 institution, as proposed in our 20th Amendment to the Constitution. The Cyber Commissioner would provide the government and the private sector with the tools and expertise needed to tackle cyber-enabled crime.
“It would act as a central hub to monitor online threats, coordinate training, and set clear standards to protect sensitive information. Most importantly, it would give SAPS and other law-enforcement agencies the capacity to investigate and disrupt criminal networks that use the internet to move firearms, drugs, and other illicit goods,” she said.
Breytenbach said now that the Western Cape Police Commissioner, Thembisile Patekile, has admitted that the SAPS cannot contain this situation. She said they call on the Minister of Police, Prof Firoz Cachalia to step in and fully support this initiative and ensure it is implemented without delay.
“This new institution would work hand-in-hand with existing policing measures. Intelligence-led operations, cyber-forensics teams, real-time tracking of lost and stolen firearms, and partnerships with tech and cell phone companies to flag suspicious activity would support the Commissioner’s work.
“Together, these measures would allow law enforcement to not only make arrests but also secure convictions and dismantle criminal networks,” said Breytenbach.
She said by establishing a Cyber Commissioner, the DA is putting forward a practical solution to protect communities, secure cyberspace, and stop criminals from exploiting online networks to fuel violence. Breytenbach said modern organised crime demands modern institutions and this is a decisive step toward making our country safer.
14 October 2025- A man (20) was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment by the Upington Regional Court for murder. This comes after he killed a boy (15) on 31 January 2025, in Dakotaweg in Upington.
ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said an argument over a R10, ensued between two cousins, while sitting with their friends. Masegela said the accused, Geraldo Filander (20), fatally stabbed his cousin, Calvin Brouw (15) and fled the scene.
“The case was processed by Warrant Officer Chante Ganas of the Upington LCRC. The investigating officer, Sergeant Bahedile Nkwadipo revisited the scene the following day and arrested the accused.
“Filander was released on bail. On 8 October 2025, he was convicted and sentenced to 12 years imprisonment by the Upington Regional Court,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting ZF Mgcawu District Commissioner, Brigadier Peet Coetzee, applauded Sergeant Bahedile Nkwadipo for the meticulous investigation and swift conviction of the accused. Coetzee also cited that the police remain steadfast and resilient in investigating crime and ensuring that justice prevails for victims.
Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng
By REGINALD KANYANE
14 October 2025- North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng has set the tone for the North West Transport Investment (NTI) planning session held at Kings Gate Hotel in Rustenburg. Morweng said the session must come up with a comprehensive restructuring plan to turn around the NTI.
He further said they know the part of the reason the entity is where it is today. Morweng added that it is as a result of systemic failures in governance, finances and operations over the years.
“What this collective must come out of here with is a strategy that restores hope. As a department henceforth, we are going to maintain a close oversight, building on our recent interventions to stabilize the entity.
“I challenge the planning session to develop plans to pay creditors and how to ensure that going forward, the current problems which impede regular payments are avoided. This collective must come up with plans to reduce and ultimately pay all outstanding debts of the entity,” he said.
He said the session is led by the acting Chief Executive Officer (ACEO), Dr Ntlhopeng Dikobe, attended by senior officials from the entity, labour union representatives, officials from both the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management and Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport as well as the Office of the Premier.
14 October 2025 – More than 1454 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela II in North West. The police said Operation Shanela II is an enhanced crime prevention operation combating crime weekly.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the operation was conducted between 6 and 12 October 2025. Mokgwabone said the operation, among others, focused on stop and searches, roadblocks, vehicle check points (VCPs), high-visibility patrols, including foot patrols, the tracing of wanted suspects, the confiscation of illegal firearms, as well as visits to liquor outlets and taverns.
“The suspects included those arrested for murder, for robbery, rape, assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common, burglary at business and residential premises, driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, contravention of the Immigration Act, illegal dealing in liquor and possession of drugs and illegal possession of firearms.
“Out of the 1454 suspects, 447 were circulated wanted suspects apprehended after being linked to the committed crimes through forensic DNA leads. Moreover, police confiscated a variety of drugs, three firearms, 108 rounds of ammunition, three vehicles, liquor, and tobacco products,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said in Mahikeng, five Zimbabweans (four men and a woman) aged between 22 and 38, appeared in the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on 13 October 2025, for Contravention of Section 83(a)(b) of the Nature Conservation Ordinance, No. 12 of 1983. He added that they were all remanded in custody until 17 October 2025, for further investigation.
“All accused were arrested during a joint illegal fishing operation by Mahikeng Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, South African Police Service Water Wing, Departments of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation & Tourism, Home Affairs (immigration), Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Mmabatho Visible Policing and Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) on 10 October 2025, at Tontonyane village, near Mmabatho.
“The team members were on duty when they spotted massive quantities of fish on the roof of a house next to the dam. Subsequent search conducted at the house led to the discovery of eight bags and two boxes containing dry fish,” said Mokgwabone.
He said the suspects were arrested after failing to account for the possession. Mokgwabone said two of the accused, a man and a female, are also facing additional charges of Contravention of Section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act, 2002.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said: “As we usher in the start of the very busy festive season, the South African Police Service (SAPS) with all the Security Cluster and Joint Operational and Intelligence Departments, have intensified law enforcement and compliance inspection operations to create a safe, secure and conducive environment for among others, matriculation and institutions of higher learning examinations, road and tourists safety, major events security, rural safety and the general safety of the community across the province.
“These many arrests and confiscations are the results of the intensification of Operation Shanela especially in the identified crime hotspots.”
Picture: One of the suspects in Ben Gumbi’s murder case
By BAKANG MOKOTO
14 October 2025 – The accused, Zimele Mntuyazi Nkwanyana (37) is expected to appear before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 17 October 2025, for a bail application. This comes after he was arrested in Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal on 9 October 2025, for the murder of the North West businessman, Ben Gumbi in August 2023.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Nkwanyana’s arrest coincided with the sentencing of his accomplices, Sibongiseni Ngubane and Thabani Gwala, who were each sentenced to life for murder and 15 years for and unlawful possession of firearms. Mokgwabone said the pair was arrested in September and November 2023, in Gauteng Province.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, welcomed the arrest. Asaneng said the arrest is further proof and evidence of the resolve and commitment of the police to track, arrest and bring perpetrators before the courts so that they can face the consequences of their heinous crimes.
“It is hoped that the latest arrest will bring to a close a very successful prosecution led investigation after the ruthless murder of Gumbi,”
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