Category: News

The South African Police Service (SAPS) on Thursday arrested a 25-year-old woman in Houghton for possession of child pornography and money laundering.

The arrest of the woman, a web designer by profession, follows the takedown of her 35-year-old boyfriend, who was apprehended last week during a joint operation conducted by the national and Gauteng provincial Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) Units in Midrand.

An intensive investigation by the SECI Units uncovered evidence linking the woman to criminal activities, including the possession of an estimated 10 million child pornography images and videos.

These materials were discovered on various electronic devices seized during an operation last Friday.

During the arrest of the boyfriend, the SAPS team found the child pornography images and videos on various electronic devices.

The suspect is set to appear before the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Police investigations into the matter are ongoing.

The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, on Wednesday said operations at the Groblers Bridge port of entry into Botswana are still temporarily suspended due to heavy rainfall, which caused significant flooding at the various operational areas.

“We are pleased to announce that the floodwaters have now subsided, allowing for an assessment of the port infrastructure,” Masiapato said.

Masiapato said a thorough inspection was conducted by experts from various engineering disciplines to determine the extent of the damage caused by the flooding.

According to Masiapato, following the assessment conducted at the port of entry, a comprehensive project plan has been developed to address the necessary repairs and ensure the port’s readiness for operational resumption.

The key activities in the project plan include the repairing of identified damages to the port infrastructure. Water quality tests will also need to be conducted to ensure the environment is safe for operations.

Masiapato said water underground will need to be allowed to be completely dry in order to carry the weight of the cargo trucks that pass through the port.

“It is anticipated that the repair and restoration process will take approximately six days to complete.

“Upon completion of these activities, the Groblers Bridge port of entry will be fully operational, resuming its critical role in facilitating cross-border movement and trade between South Africa and Botswana,” Masiapato said.

The BMA remains committed to ensuring the safety and functionality of all ports of entry, recognising their importance in enabling economic activity and connectivity.

Masiapato said the BMA is in continuous engagement with its counterparts in Botswana at all times on these matters and further updates will be provided as progress is made.

The racketeering, trafficking in persons, rape, and sexual assault case against controversial televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his two co-accused, Lusanda Solani and Zikiswa Sitho, has been adjourned to April for judgement.

Judgement is expected to be delivered nearly eight years after the initial arrest of the accused.

According to Eastern Cape National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, Omotoso and his two South African co-accused are facing at least 32 counts in the court.

“It is alleged that Omotoso, who was addressed as ‘the man of God’, was the leader of the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church and his co-accused were his assistants. JDI had major branches in South Africa, Nigeria, and Israel, with Durban being its headquarters in the country.

“The complainants were either congregants, employees or persons selected to take part in the activities of the church when they were recruited under the pretext that they would benefit spiritually or improve the quality of their lives. Omotoso allegedly directly or indirectly through his co-accused, paid and arranged for the complainants to travel to his hotel, Durban, Israel, or Nigeria,” Tyali said.

Once at the destination, Tyali explained, the complainants were allegedly instructed to switch off their phones and “told not to contact male companions and were to further abide by his instructions”.

“The complainants and other female church members were allegedly kept in one room where they also slept. Omotoso would allegedly select one of the complainants to go to his private bedroom where he raped or sexually assaulted them,” he added.

Wheels of justice

Omotoso has tried on several occasions to have the case either dismissed or declared a mistrial – causing delays in the carriage of justice.

“The judgement will mark a remarkable milestone the case that has been marred by delays for almost eight years since the arrest of the trio.

“It follows a decision on previous applications by the televangelist for five special entries for a mistrial. Including an application made on 16 January 2024, where the defence made an application for the judge to reconsider her previous judgment on the application for discharge according to Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act.

“Judge Irma Schoeman had previously dismissed their application for discharge, and the state was ready to proceed with the remaining proceedings in the trial, meaning that the accused must present their case and they will be subject to cross-examination by the state,” Tyali said.

The NPA spokesperson acknowledged that the delays led to some of the complainants choosing to withdraw from the case.

“The numerous delays in the trial since the arrest of the Nigerian national, Omotoso, in April 2017, caused some witnesses to no longer want to proceed with giving evidence as they indicated they have since moved on with their lives and are not interested in reliving their experiences in court.

“That has led to the reduction of the charges from 63,” he said.

Despite this, the prosecution remained determined to see the case to finalisation.

“The state remains committed to ensuring that this case is finalised as soon as possible so that justice is served for the victims and believes that even on this case it has presented enough evidence to for the accused persons to be found guilty,” Tyali said.

The three accused are expected back in court for judgement on 2 April.

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has raised serious concerns about the relentless wave of infrastructure destruction, including the theft of aluminum and cables, the vandalism of traffic lights and railway lines, and the destruction of pylons.

In a recent incident, the department condemned the brazen actions of armed criminals who targeted government properties to steal steel, aluminum, and other valuable materials.

Late last night, security personnel at Public Works House, located in the Central Business District (CBD) of Pretoria, thwarted an attempted robbery by a group of armed intruders. The suspects were attempting to steal aluminum and steel infrastructure, including furniture, from the government premises.

The confrontation resulted in two suspects being shot after the group, armed with dangerous weapons, forcibly infiltrated the guarded property. The attackers are believed to be part of a notorious syndicate involved in the vandalism and theft of metals for sale in the scrap metal market.

Some of the suspects reportedly carried machetes (commonly referred to as pangas) to intimidate and attack security guards. Despite the violent encounter, the security team responded swiftly, wounding two intruders while others managed to escape.

“There have been numerous incidents of vandalism reported at various properties within the CBD area of Tshwane, with Public Works House being a frequent target,” the department stated. It added that fencing had also been repeatedly dismantled and stolen from government properties.

The department expressed concern that some of these crimes may be linked to individuals addicted to substances like nyaope, who sell stolen materials to scrap metal dealers for quick cash.

“The flourishing scrap metal industry and its apparent link to stolen materials are having a devastating impact on critical infrastructure and the broader economy,” the department warned.

The injured suspects were transported to a hospital, while some of the security personnel involved in the incident have been questioned as part of an ongoing police investigation.

“As investigations continue, security measures will be heightened to protect all public assets which must be used for public good,”  the statement concluded.

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has welcomed the department’s appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding a controversial R800 million Oxygen Plant tender awarded by the Independent Development Trust (IDT).

The investigation follows the IDT’s admission last year that three companies were awarded the tender despite two lacking the necessary registration with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA).

According to the department, the independent probe is expected to be completed within eight weeks. Its primary objectives include determining whether irregularities occurred during the tender process and whether officials should be held accountable.

The concerns stem from allegations made last year about potential irregularities in awarding the Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plant bids. These include claims that two of the companies lacked SAHPRA registration and that one company may have submitted fraudulent documentation.

“This follows an admission by the IDT itself last year that concerns exist regarding the R800-million tender and that these concerns warrant investigation,” the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure said in a statement.

The PwC investigation will focus on several key areas, including:

• Examining the tender process: Determining whether proper procedures were followed in appointing external service providers.
• Identifying financial misconduct: Establishing whether officials caused the IDT to incur irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure during the tender’s administration.
• Evaluating legal compliance: Assessing whether IDT officials or external individuals violated laws or duties during the tendering process or subsequent contract management.
• Quantifying financial losses: Determining the extent and value of financial losses incurred by the IDT in relation to the tender.
• Uncovering irregularities: Identifying illegal activity or irregular conduct involving IDT officials or external service providers.
• Recommending action: Proposing appropriate steps to hold responsible parties accountable where irregularities are confirmed.

“The independent investigation will determine whether irregularities occurred during the Oxygen Plant tendering process and whether further action is required against those implicated,” Minister Macpherson said.

He emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability, adding that the investigation is a crucial step in improving governance and ensuring that public funds are used responsibly.

“As Minister, I cannot turn a blind eye when serious allegations arise involving close to R1 billion of public money,” Macpherson stated. “This is why the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure will remain focused on uncovering the truth, holding officials accountable where necessary, and ensuring the integrity of public procurement processes.”

Macpherson also expressed confidence that the investigation would clear innocent individuals while holding guilty parties to account.

The minister concluded, “The independent investigation should be welcomed as a vital tool in restoring public trust and addressing any misconduct in the Oxygen Plant tendering process.”

Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has recorded an increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), with data showing that inflation increased in December to 3%, from 2.9% in November 2024.

“At the end of each year, Statistics South Africa calculates the average inflation rate for the year. The average inflation for 2024 was 4.4%, down from the average of 6% in 2023,” Stats SA Chief Director, Patrick Kelly, said on Wednesday.

Inflation for food and non-alcoholic beverages ticked up to 2.5% from 2.3% in November.

Annual price increases for bread and cereal products was steady at 3.7%. Although prices dropped by 0.2% between November and December, a number of week based products showed monthly declines, including brown bread down 0.6%, macaroni 0.7% lower, instant noodles with a negative 2.2%, and cake flour with a 1.1% decrease.

The price index for meat softened by 0.4% in the 12 months to December, representing the lowest annual rate since May 2019 (-0.9%). Products that registered the largest annual declines included sausages (down 3.3%), pork (down 2.2%) and whole chicken (down 1.7%). Several products were more expensive, however, including beef extract (up 5.1%), bacon (up 4.8%) and ham (up 4.2%).

Hot beverages remains in the food and non-alcohol beverages category with the highest annual increase at 13.5%, up from November’s increase of 13.1%.

Instant coffee was 16.1% more expensive in December 2024 compared to December 2023.

“Housing rentals are measured every quarter. The annual rate for actual rentals was 2.8% in the fourth quarter of last year, down from 3.3% in the third quarter.

“Owners’ equivalent rent inflation decreased to 2.4% from 2.9% over the same period. These declines pulled an overall rate for housing and utilities category down to 4.4% from 4.7%,” Kelly said.

Vehicle inflation dropped steeply during 2024 after starting the year at 7.2% in January.

Used vehicles are on average cheaper than they were a year ago, recording an annual decline of 0.6% in December.

Fuel prices increased by 1.1% between November and December. However, fuel prices are 10.2% lower than they were in December 2023.

“Inflation for restaurants and hotels dropped to 4.2% in December, from 5.9% in November. This is largely a result of hotel room rates dropping by 4.2% between November and December, pulling the annual change for hotels down to 1.9% in December compared to 7.6% in November,” Kelly said.

The CPI release contains results of the monthly Survey of Consumer (Retail) Prices. The purpose of the survey is to collect and provide information regarding changes in the overall level of prices of all goods and services bought by the average household.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, says South Africa is undergoing a “fundamental transformation” – as it seeks to accelerate inclusive economic growth.

President Ramaphosa was speaking at the South Africa Night World Economic Forum (WEF), held at the Garden Hall in Davos Klosters, Switzerland, on Tuesday evening.

The event, hosted by Brand South Africa, celebrated the country’s G20 Presidency, an extraordinary opportunity to shape the global agenda for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

The event was held on the sidelines of the annual WEF meeting, which is taking place from 20-24 January 2025, under the theme: “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age”.

The President told the gathering that the country has introduced reforms in sectors, including water, electricity and logistics, that are serving as a base for economic growth.

“South Africa is undergoing a fundamental transformation. We have introduced bold economic reforms to overcome persistent challenges and unlock the vast potential of our country and its people.

“These reforms have underpinned the country’s economic recovery in the wake of more than a decade of stagnant growth, state capture and the worst global pandemic in more than a century. These reforms are laying a firm foundation for sustained and accelerated growth into the future,” President Ramaphosa said.

He added that the reforms, and the subsequent structural transformation are “sharpening South Africa’s competitive edge, boosting productivity and attracting investment”.

The President pointed to the establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU), as an example of the commitment from all leaders to maintain “stability, progress and partnership” in South Africa, as the country moves towards inclusive growth.

“While each party campaigned on different platforms, the Government of National Unity has agreed on a common programme to grow an inclusive economy, create jobs and build a capable state.

“Surveys have shown that South Africans have confidence in the Government of National Unity to take the country forward. It has also contributed to a marked improvement in business and investor confidence,” he said.

President Ramaphosa also pointed to partnerships that have been developed between government and social partners, in order to drive the country forward and face challenges together.

“We have a tradition of dialogue and cooperation, of working together to overcome even the most intractable of problems. As we confront the challenges of the present, social partners have been working together, in various forms and forums, to drive a programme of inclusive growth and transformation.

“A concrete example of this is the strategic partnership between the South African government and business. This collaboration focuses on innovative solutions to tackle critical issues, such as energy security, infrastructure gaps, crime and corruption, and job creation,” President Ramaphosa said.

President Ramaphosa described 2025 as “a momentous year for South Africa”, as the country takes its place as the first African country to bear the Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20).

He said through South Africa’s G20 Presidency, the country will demonstrate its unwavering commitment to global solidarity, equality, and sustainability.

“From the triumph of democracy 30 years ago, to our ongoing pursuit of inclusive growth, South Africa has demonstrated that collaboration and determination can shape a brighter future. It is this ethos we bring to the G20.

“Our Presidency provides a platform to amplify voices that have often gone unheard. It is an opportunity to advocate for solutions that prioritise the well-being of all, particularly the most vulnerable. South Africa is well placed to play this role,” he said.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has called on community members to report and stop the vandalism of electricity infrastructure.

The call follows the collapse of a substation in Khayelitsha, Kariega, due to vandalism.

The City’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Electricity and Energy, Ziyanda Mnqokoyi, said the incident, which took place last week Monday, has resulted in the loss of power supply to many households.

Mnqokoyi said the substation is currently undergoing rehabilitation, and it will take approximately two weeks to fix the damage.

“We have been conducting oversight visits throughout last week in the affected substation building, which has unfortunately collapsed due to vandalism, resulting in a loss of power supply, and we can report that work has started.

“However, to restore power, a comprehensive scope of work is required, including the building of the distribution substation, procurement and installation of switchgear, and testing and commissioning,” Mnqokoyi said.

She said the team has made it clear that given the complexity of the work, ordinarily a completion timeframe for this type of work would take at least six months.

“However, they are working diligently to expedite the process, aiming to complete the project by 31 January 2025,” Mnqokoyi said.

Mnqokoyi has condemned the “blatant criminality”, and appealed to residents to stop vandalising infrastructure, as this affects service delivery.

The MMC also called on any resident with information regarding the incident to report it to the municipality’s law enforcement agencies, or the South African Police Service, in order to bring the perpetrators to book.

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, is part of the South African delegation, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, attending the 55th World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.

The annual meeting is taking place from 20 – 24 January 2025, under the theme: ‘Collaboration for the Intelligent Age’.

“The meeting will convene global leaders to address key global and regional challenges, which include responding to geopolitical shocks, stimulating growth to improve living standards, and stewarding a just and inclusive energy transition,” the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) said.

During its Group of 20 (G20) Presidency in 2025, South Africa will endeavour to create equitable opportunities for all by addressing systemic disparities and promoting unity and mutual support to address shared global challenges collaboratively.

As part of the contribution of the DSTI, Nzimande participated in WEF panel discussions on Tuesday.

The discussions focused on scaling solutions for Africa’s economic future and getting the electric vehicles supply chain right.

Today, the Minister will take part in another session focused on the theme: ‘Space: Leaving No Country Behind’.

President Cyril Ramaphosa touched down in Davos on Tuesday and has already delivered a special address to the WEF, where he presented the economic priorities of South Africa’s Government of National Unity and the country’s G20 Presidency.

During the week, the President will undertake numerous bilateral meetings with Heads of State and Government and leaders of international organisations.

He will also participate in diverse activities in different sectors of the WEF annual meeting.

The President is accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola; Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau; Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa; Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi; Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Environment, Dr Dion George; Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen.

Learners in uMkhanyakude, in the uMtubatuba region of northern KwaZulu-Natal, received a boost at the start of the school year when the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Nomalungelo Gina, led a back-to-school campaign.

In partnership with Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa and the Izimpande Foundation, the Deputy Minister on Tuesday delivered 132 new school shoes to Bathathe and Mfekayi primary schools.

Both schools are no-fee institutions that provide accessible, quality education to their communities.

These schools are pivotal in uplifting the Mtubatuba region by fostering educational growth and opportunities for young learners.

Gina reaffirmed her belief that every learner deserves the necessary resources to thrive academically.

The Deputy Minister also extended her efforts to KwaNxusa High School in the uMthonjaneni Municipality and Qantayi High School in the uMhlathuze Municipality, where she donated essential stationery earlier this month.

Inspired by her initiative, Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa and the Izimpande Foundation partnered with the Deputy Minister to expand the campaign and provide much-needed school shoes.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education District Director, Thanduyise Motha, emphasised that providing children with adequate resources from the foundation phase sets a strong base for their academic success.

He said uMkhanyakude has risen to become KwaZulu-Natal’s top-performing district for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) Class of 2024, securing the third spot nationally.

Motha said when he was first appointed to the position, the district was ranked 75th countrywide, highlighting the incredible progress made in improving educational outcomes in the region.

Referring to the donation of school shoes, Motha said the gesture helps to contribute to the excellent pass rate in the district, which motivates learners to study further and harder.

He believes that this also motivates teachers to commit more to the success of the learners.

“This shows that government delivers on its promises at the basic education level, and I thank the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation for gracing us with this much-needed support,” Motha said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister expressed her gratitude to the private sector for its role in the initiative.

“I thank the private sector for partnering with government in this initiative to positively impact our children, planting a seed from which the learners will reap benefits for their future,” she said.

During her interaction with the learners, Gina was inspired by their ambitions, as some learners expressed aspirations of becoming doctors, while another learner shared his dream of pursuing a career as a social worker.

The Deputy Minister encouraged all learners to stay committed to their studies and thanked parents for their essential role in supporting their children’s education.

Izimpande Foundation’s Sihle Ngobese highlighted the importance of supporting male learners in society, an initiative that led to the formation of the non-profit organisation in 2019, and the donation of school resources to various schools around the country.

“The idea of donating school resources is more than anything personal, where I was even assisted by someone I did not even know (sic). This planted a seed in me that I will also help others, just as I was helped.”

The principals of both schools expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the generous donation.

They both expressed hopes for continued support to further improve their school infrastructure and educational resources for the betterment of their learners.

The back-to-school campaign underscored the transformative power of partnerships in addressing challenges faced by underprivileged learners and ensuring they have the tools and support needed to excel in their education.