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The Department of Health has confirmed that its currently testing South Africa’s digital COVID-19 vaccine certificate to “troubleshoot” all possible glitches ahead of the official launch.

This comes after the South African COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate System portal went live on Tuesday.

The system will allow users to create a QR code showing their COVID-19 inoculation status and will be available to adults who are fully vaccinated.

However, the department explained that the system is not officially functional in a live environment, which will enable vaccinated individuals to access and download certificates.

“We had to build a lot of security into the system to protect individuals’ personal data as much as possible.”

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced last week that the department will soon roll out the vaccine certificate as proof that residents have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

The digital pass system could be used to show vaccination status to facilitate travel, access to establishments, gatherings and other forms of activity.

“Our approach is informed by the World Health Organisation guidelines and is in line with international best practice,” the President explained.

“Streamlining and standardising proof of vaccination will also go a long way towards getting a number of international travel restrictions both from and into our country eased,” he added.

According to the department, the development and release of fully-fledged COVID-19 vaccination certificates will be phased in over time.

“We request members of the public to exercise patience while we implement the final refinement as we prepare to make official the first version of the COVID-19 vaccination digital certificate.”

However, the department said it was aware that a few “lucky” people were able to access the system and download their passports.

South Africa has now crossed the 18 million mark for administered COVID-19 vaccine doses.

This comes after government distributed 184 324 in the past 24 hours.

According to the Department of Health, this means the country has now given 18 073 784 vaccines since its rollout programme.

Meanwhile, as of Monday, the number of fully vaccinated adults now stands at 9 213 503, of which 129 539 people were jabbed by Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose vaccine or the two-dose series made by Pfizer in the last 24 hours.

The dashboard also shows that 57.16% of vaccinees are females, while 42.84% are males.

Meanwhile, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) reported 429 new COVID-19 cases and 39 fatalities.

This brings the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases to 2 906 851 and 87 819 for the death toll.

According to the NICD, the vast majority of new cases were logged in the Western Cape after 93 people were confirmed to have contracted the virus.

The province is followed by 90 infections in KwaZulu-Natal, 82 in Gauteng and 41 in Free State.

“This increase represents a 2.6% positivity rate,” the public health institute said, adding that the seven-day moving average daily number of cases has decreased.

In addition, there were 52 new hospital admissions in the past day, which means 6 166 patients are currently receiving treatment for COVID-19 in both public and private health institutions across the country.

The information is based on the 17 800 434 test conducted since the last reporting cycle, of which 16 514 were conducted on Monday.

As of 4 October 2021, there have been 234 809 103 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 4 800 375 deaths and over six billion administered vaccines reported to the World Health Organisation.

Police in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal have mobilised the 72-hour Activation Plan following the attack on six police officers in separate incidents within 48 hours.

The 72-hour Activation Plan entails the mobilisation of various disciplines of the SAPS including Crime Intelligence, Forensic experts, detectives, specialised tactical units as well as the Hawks in a bid to apprehend a group of suspects who were behind the attack on the police officers.

In a statement, the SAPS on Tuesday said: “In the latest incident which happened in the early hours of Tuesday, in Orange Farm, Gauteng, two police officials were patrolling in an unmarked police vehicle when they noticed an abandoned bakkie on the side of the road.

“As the police officers approached the abandoned vehicle to investigate, a group of suspects opened fire on them wounding both members. Sadly, a reservist constable died at the scene.”

SAPS spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe said another member survived the ordeal and has been hospitalised. The group of suspects fled the scene taking with them the keys of the police vehicle.

She said a case of murder and attempted murder had been registered.

KZN incident

In Sydenham, KwaZulu-Natal, police officers were conducting patrols along Locksley Drive on Monday morning when they spotted a suspicious vehicle with three occupants.

Mathe said as the vehicle approached, shots were fired by the suspects resulting in a shootout between the police and the suspects.

“A police officer was wounded and taken to hospital for medical attention. The suspects fled the scene on foot leaving behind an unlicensed firearm and a stolen vehicle which are now in police custody. A case of attempted murder has been registered,” she said.

Separate incidents in KZN

Still in KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday evening, a police officer died and two others were wounded in two separate incidents in Greytown.

In the first incident, two members were driving from Greytown to Tugela Ferry when they stopped alongside the road. An unknown motor vehicle stopped beside the police vehicle and shot both members. Both members managed to drive to a nearby hospital for medical care. Sadly, one of them, an SAPS constable, succumbed to his injuries and the other member is still receiving medical care at a local health facility in KZN. The motive for the incident is unknown. A case of murder and attempted murder has been registered.

In the second incident, a member was walking alongside the railway line between Gugulethu and Nhlalakahle Location when he was accosted by two unknown African males.

One of the males demanded cash and cellphones. The member surrendered his possessions and thereafter managed to draw his state firearm where he shot one of the male suspects.

The other male suspect shot the member on the leg and managed to get away. The wounded suspect succumbed to his injuries on scene and was found in possession of the members stolen items. Two unlicensed firearms were also found next to the body of the deceased suspect. A case of attempted murder, inquest and armed robbery have been registered.

National Police Commissioner General Khehla Sitole has condemned the attack and killing of the police officials and directed both the Provincial Commissioners of Kwa-Zulu Natal and Gauteng to implement the 72 hour activation plan to hunt down the suspects in all cases.

In the statement, Sitole conveyed condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased members and wished all injured members a speedy recovery.

“We appeal to anyone who may have information on these attacks to please contact the SAPS on 086 00 10111. Information may also be communicated via MySAPSApp, an application which can be downloaded on any iPhone or Android,” said Mathe.

All information, she said, would be treated with strictest confidence and callers may remain anonymous.

At least 1 200 files, which include the names, banking details and contact details of those who have submitted personal information to the Department of Justice, may have been compromised during a ransomware attack on the department’s IT systems in September.

This is according to the department’s Director-General Advocate, Doctor Mashabane.

The ransomware attack left all of the department’s information systems encrypted and unavailable, with the department later recovering some functionality on its maintenance payment system.

“Since the breach occurred, the department analysed the nature and extent of the breach, and has found that there might be personal information that has been accessed or acquired by an unauthorised person/institution, whose identity is currently still unknown.

“The consequences of the breach is the selling of the personal information and its use for unlawful purposes,” Mashabane said.

The Director-General said that those who may have used the department’s services are requested to:

• Review their financial accounts and bank statements;
• Keep an eye on bank notifications in terms of purchases made and
• Inform law enforcement for any suspected or actual act of identity theft occurs.

Mashabane said the department had introduced measures to prevent a similar attack and strengthen its IT security, including:

• Enhancing access control measures;
• Upgrading of IT defensives measures and
• Upgrading of anti-virus and anti-malware software.

“The department will ensure that [all those who may be affected] are kept up to date with regard to further investigations of the nature of the personal information that was compromised,” Mashabane said.

The Special Tribunal has ordered that suspended Eskom senior manager for Coal Operations, Petrus Mazibuko, pay back at least R11 million to the state after it was found that his company indirectly benefitted from a coal transportation contract from the power utility.

This follows civil proceedings initiated against Mazibuko and his brother, Shadrack, at the tribunal by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

The tribunal found that Mazibuko improperly benefitted from contracts awarded to a company with links to a business ran by himself and his brother.

“Judge Thina Siwendu found that Petrus Mazibuko did not declare his business interests in terms of the Eskom Conflict of Interest Policy and had no permission to do the work. He acted, by failing to disclose, in a way that compromised the credibility and integrity of Eskom’s supply chain processes,” the tribunal said.

The judgement also found that the Mazibuko’s company, Thephunokheja, “concluded a joint venture agreement with Commodity Logistix Managers Africa (CLM)” to supply and transport the coal just months before the Eskom contracts were awarded to CLM.

Shortly after the contract was awarded, at least R11 million flowed from CLM to Mazibuko’s Thephunokheja.

The suspended Eskom senior manager had also failed to disclose the close ties he had to CLM.

“However…they had no experience no expertise in the coal business. Mazibuko’s conduct was found to be an unauthorized gratification and in violation of Section 3 of the Prevention and Combating of the Corrupt Activities Act  of 204 and section 4 of the Prevention of Organized Crime of 1998,” the tribunal said.

The Tribunal also found that the conduct of the Mazibuko brothers was against the law.

“Petrus and Shadrack Mazibuko as well as Thephunokheja accepted gratification, acted dishonestly, unauthorized, misused and sold information to advance their financial interests and that they knowingly embarked on the unlawful activities,” the judgement found.

Mineral Resources and Energy Minister, Gwede Mantashe, has announced a marginal decrease in the prices of petrol, while the price of diesel is expected to increase.

Motorists are expected to pay four cents less per litre for 93 octane petrol, one cent less for 95 octane petrol per litre and at least 22 cents more per litre for both grades of diesel.

The wholesale price of illuminating paraffin has increased by 22 cents per litre, while the single maximum retail price (SMNRP) for illuminating paraffin has increased by 43 cents per litre.

The maximum retail price for gas has decreased by seven cents per kilogram.

In a statement, the Minister said factors such as an increase in crude oil prices and the Rand gaining strength against the Dollar led to the adjusted prices.

The new prices will take effect on Wednesday.

Police in Gauteng have vowed to intensify weekend operations aimed at reducing the levels of crime and enforcing lockdown regulations in the province.

This comes after operations over the weekend saw the arrest of more than 960 suspects. Among them were 85 suspects arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol.

In a statement, Gauteng SAPS said Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela and Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko, at the weekend led Operation O Kae Molao in Hammanskraal and Temba in Tshwane.

Provincial SAPS spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, said more than 300 suspects were arrested for crimes ranging from the Contravention of Disaster Management Act, car hijacking, attempted murder, robbery, dealing in liquor without licence, driving while under the influence of alcohol and malicious damage to property.

Meanwhile, 259 were nabbed by the police in Ekurhuleni District for crimes such as theft, murder, possession of drugs, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, possession of suspected stolen goods and driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Police in the West Rand and Johannesburg Districts arrested 240 suspects for crimes ranging from murder, possession of drugs, Contravention of Disaster Management Act, fraud, possession of unlicensed firearm and driving while under the influence of alcohol.

More than 167 suspects were arrested in the Sedibeng District for crimes that include rape, murder, and possession of suspected stolen goods, contempt of court, house breaking and theft.

All arrested suspects will appear before the different Magistrates’ Courts in Gauteng in due course.

Police have warned those who continue to contravene the Disaster Management Act, that the law will deal with them decisively.

“Police in Gauteng will continue to enforce the level one lockdown regulations, while balancing it with crime combating,” said Masondo.

Meanwhile, Mawela has welcomed the recovery of 78 unlicensed firearms of varying calibre and 102 rounds of ammunition in the province last week.

Masondo said the firearms were recovered as a result of police initiated operations such as stop and searches, crime combating, suspects tracing and also following up on tip-offs from the community.

“Four unlicensed firearms were recovered and four suspects arrested after police foiled an armed robbery in Cosmo City, Honeydew – Johannesburg on Thursday 30 September 2021.

“Police received information about suspects that were planning to rob a chain store in Cosmo City. Information was operationalised and police from the Honeydew Reaction Team spotted the vehicle that matched the description given. They pounced on the vehicle and found two suspects with two firearms.

“Police proceeded to a safe house and two more suspects were arrested after they were found with two unlicensed firearms.”

On Friday, police recovered three firearms as they were pursuing a suspect believed to be behind the killing of people in Bekkersdal and West Rand recently. Information was received about the whereabouts of the suspect.

“A search operation consisting of members from Crime Intelligence, West Rand K9 and Highway Patrol Unit was launched and they proceeded to Leratong Taxi Rank in Kagiso where the suspect was located. When the suspect saw the police he started running away towards the open veld and police gave chase. The suspect fired shots towards the police whilst running. He dropped the firearm on the ground and proceeded running into the river. Police went to search his premises and found two more unlicensed firearms.”

In Kameeldrift, in Tshwane, Police on Thursday arrested four suspects who were found in possession of three unlicensed firearms, a vehicle reported to be hijacked and a vehicle taken from a house robbery.

Masondo said through police’s crime Intelligence, information was received about a gang that is involved in vehicle hijackings and house robberies in Pretoria area.

“A team consisting of Highway Patrol, Tracker Connect and the Hawks launched an operation to search for the suspects. The suspect’s vehicle, a Mazda CX-5 with four suspects was stopped in Kameeldrift. Upon searching the car and occupants, police found three unlicensed firearms.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the car was reportedly hijacked. Further investigation led the police to Pretoria, where police found a Chev Cruze that was taken during a house robbery in Pretoria. All four suspects were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms, possession of hijacked vehicles and possession of stolen vehicle.”

The firearms have been sent to Forensic Science Laboratory for ballistic tests to establish if they were used in any other crimes.

Mawela expressed delight at how police dealt with the proliferation of illegal firearms in the province.

“These are the firearms that are used to commit serious and violent crimes in our province and I am happy that our members are working hard to recover them. I believe that we have saved the lives of innocent people that would have been killed by criminals using these firearms. Ballistic tests results will help us link these suspects to other crimes committed in our province.”

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), has confirmed that it has terminated its employment relationship with Chief Financial Officer, Caiphus Ramashau.

“This follows the conclusion of the disciplinary case instituted against him,” the department said in a statement on Monday.

Ramashau faced charges related to irregular expenditure incurred by the department on an unsuccessful project to purchase a piece of land in New York, United States for R118 million.

According to the department, the land was meant to accommodate South Africa’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations and New York Consulate.

Ramashau’s axing comes after the department fired its former Director-General, Kgabo Mahoai, in September, who was facing similar charges.

Ambassador Nonceba Losi has since been appointed as the Acting Director-General.

Former Ngqushwa Local Municipal Manager, Misiwe Phyllis Mpahlwa (54), and her co-accused have been  each released on R1000 bail  after they were arrested on allegations of fraud and corruption.

Mpahlwa, the municipality’s director of corporate services Mkhuseli Wiseman Mxekezo as well as former acting Chief Financial Officer, Tinus Matthysen (66), were last week arrested by the East London based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team for allegations of fraud, corruption and contravention of Municipal Financial Management Act (MFMA).

They were released on bail on Friday.

Eastern Cape Hawks spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela said it was alleged that Mxekezo deliberately or negligently created irregular expenditure by signing a memorandum dated 11 December 2019 for an event that would be held on the 12 December 2019 without procurement processes being followed. The expenditure was an amount of more than R273 000 for a Christmas event for the elderly people of the Peddie community.

She said: “It is further alleged that Matthysen failed to prevent the irregular, unauthorised fruitless and wasteful expenditure by approving payments to service providers without necessary documentation while he was on leave. Matthysen is reported to have been complying with the instruction for him to effect the payment by the municipal manager at the time, Misiwe Mpahlwa.”

Mgolodela said the arrest of the trio was subsequent to the arrest of Busisiwe Mfunda (34) on 29 July 2021. She also appeared before the Peddie Magistrates’ Court on the same day and was released on R1000 bail.

Mfunda was alleged to have signed a memorandum as an applicant requesting for procurement of goods and services for the said Christmas event.

“It is further alleged that after approval, she went on to source the quotations from various fictitious service providers for her personal enrichment by bypassing the supply chain office,” she said.

Mfunda will thus be joining her co-accused at the same court on 6 October 2021 pending further investigations.

The Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture will participate in the Dubai EXPO2020 that is underway in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“South Africa’s participation in the Dubai Expo is designed as a Recovery Plan post the COVID-19 Pandemic, and artists participation, particularly emerging artists (youth and women) taking up international platforms, is viewed as a positive story to tell and, in turn, upliftment to the economy,” Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, said.

This is the first delegation among other representations of the South African Government participation in the Dubai Expo 2020 programme, which started on 01 October and will conclude on 31 March 2022.

“Team South Africa for the EXPO2020 inauguration programme will be a representation of the various parts of South Africa, showcasing amongst others; history and heritage, cultural diversity, creativity and innovation as well as sport dynamism,” the department said.

The Expo is taking place under the theme: “Connecting Minds and Creating the Future via Sustainability, Mobility, and Opportunity”.

This Expo will place a greater emphasis on bringing global corporate delegations together to shape a future based on sustainability, mobility, and emerging opportunities.

South Africa’s theme derived from the above is “Think Opportunity. Think South Africa”.

“Under this theme, the country will participate in the Expo with the intention to position South Africa as a globally relevant player and a nation capable of competing with the best; highlighting South Africa’s capabilities as well as its strategic importance in the world,” the department said.

The Sport, Arts, and Culture sectoral emphasis at the Expo is to emphasize the significance of building relationships with arts and culture Export markets for local artists in the visual, creative, and performing arts sectors.

The department said its presence at the Expo will set the way for expanding an unexplored route in the digital world, with a particular emphasis on innovative digital commerce and investment.

“The exhibition space for October Month will emphasise the contribution that South Africa has made to the world, informing not only our knowledge about the natural and cultural world but our understanding of what it means to be human in a global space.

“The exhibition led by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture will strongly portray South African culture, heritage, identity, and sports excellence and present the country’s offerings as a partner with several prospects in the Gulf area and beyond.

“The Expo is an excellent venue for South African creative industries to showcase their finest and most distinctive skills in the world of business and trade possibilities,” the department said.