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Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane, has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent signing of a proclamation authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to probe the affairs of the National Skills Fund.

The SIU will investigate allegations of serious maladministration, improper or unlawful conduct by officials or employees of the NSF, and the possible mismanagement of funds allocated to the NSF.

The investigation will focus on serious allegations of maladministration, improper or unlawful conduct by NSF officials or employees, and the possible mismanagement of funds allocated to the Fund.

Particular attention will be paid to procurement and contracting processes related to skills development programmes, training projects, and the appointment of implementing agents for the projects listed in the proclamation signed by the President.

The scope of the investigation will include a wide timeframe, covering the period from 1 January 2013 to 28 March 2025. It will look into the conduct of service providers, suppliers, and other stakeholders involved.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Nkabane, who also serves as the Executive Authority of the NSF, confirmed that a meeting between the SIU and the NSF, has already taken place, where the SIU formally served NSF with a letter of intent.

She said the meeting provided an opportunity for a full brief on the scope of the investigation, and what will be required from the entity, to assist the investigation.

The Minister emphasised that the National Skills Fund, as a law-abiding entity within the Department of Higher Education and Training, will comply with the laws of our country.

This includes making available all necessary information to the SIU, and information on internal investigations initiated by the National Skills Fund and previous investigative reports.

“This we will do, not only because we are obliged by the law, but also because we believe it will allow the SIU to do its work with ease. We also believe this investigation and its outcomes will set the NSF on a new trajectory as it repositions itself as a catalytic change agent in our communities and the country at large,” the Minister said.

Nkabane reaffirmed the NSF’s important role in advancing national skills development across the country, and its ongoing commitment to support various initiatives, aimed at empowering and changing the lives of South Africa’s youth.

“We are committed to driving progress and unlocking the potential of our country’s workforce by addressing critical skills shortages,” she said.

The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management, chaired by Freddy Sonakile, has expressed its serious concern regarding a video that is circulating on social media.

In the video, the MEC for the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, is shown confronting individuals who are allegedly occupying the George Dick Montshioa Airport formerly known as Mafikeng Airport without authorisation.

“While we commend the MEC for his hands-on approach and visible oversight, the incident has raised deeply troubling questions that demand immediate investigation and full accountability,” said Sonakile.

The committee has urgently written to Morweng to initiate a thorough investigation into the matter and to submit a comprehensive report outlining the facts, remedial actions, and steps to prevent such breaches in the future.

The committee noted that George Dick Montshioa Airport is under 24-hour security surveillance by Eagle Eye Security and has a full-time site manager to oversee operations.

“It is, therefore, wholly unacceptable and implausible to suggest that no one within the department or at the airport was aware of individuals occupying state property, allegedly without paying rent.

“To assert ignorance in this case would be tantamount to attempting to pull wool over the public’s eyes. The Committee will not accept vague explanations or deflections,” Sonakile.

The leaders have requested a report from the department to determine whether there is an aviation school at George Dick Montshioa Airport and whether any lease agreements exist with relevant individuals or entities.

In addition, the committee is investigating the role of the Department of Public Works and Roads as the custodian of government properties in this context.

Sonakile expressed concern that if there are no valid lease agreements and no rental income has been collected while individuals have been using state property without compensation, then accountability must be enforced promptly and decisively.

“Permitting unauthorised and rent-free occupation of government property not only undermines the rule of law but opens the door to corruption, mismanagement, and the erosion of public trust.

“The committee is clear that in the absence of firm and visible consequences, the MEC and the department will be left to fight fires every week. The time for soft approaches is over. The people of the North West deserve transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public assets,” said the Chairperson.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) Serious Corruption Investigation component conducted a search and seizure operation at the Pretoria High Court on Tuesday.

“The operation relates to allegations of fraudulent Notices of Motion being unlawfully issued by an identified employee of that court,” the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation said in a statement.

“It is alleged that the said employee has been issuing fraudulent Notices of Motion to undocumented foreign nationals to prevent their deportation to their countries of origin.”

This matter was formally reported to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) in March 2025

“This search and seizure operation specifically targeted one office and an individual believed to be central to the commission of these offences. Exhibits were seized for further investigations,” the statement said.

Nationwide Vala Umgodi operations conducted during the month of April has led to the arrest of 1 857 suspects of different nationalities.

“These suspects were arrested for illegal mining related offences and various other crimes such as murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of explosives and possession of counterfeit goods,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement on Tuesday.

“More than 100 unpolished diamonds were seized during three separate Vala Umgodi operations in and around the areas of Kleinzee and Port Nolloth and Northern Cape leading to the arrest of 15 illegal miners,” the police said.

Other items seized during Vala Umgodi operations in April 2025 include:

• 27 unlicensed firearms,
• 385 rounds of ammunition,
• 71 vehicles that include sedans, bakkies, trucks, big mining machineries, trailers, and tractors,
• 341 phendukas and 6 phenduka stands.

In the same month in the Free State, the SAPS’ Bomb Disposal and Explosive Experts, with the support of a private security company, seized 290 detonators. These explosives were allegedly left abandoned by illegal unground miners at Kopanong mine.

On 21 April 2025 in Gauteng, an intelligence-driven operation in Primrose and Rietvlei, resulted in the arrest of 10 illegal miners. In Primrose, a joint operation at Marathon/Rasta informal settlement led to the arrest of eight individuals found in possession of various equipment that include phendukas, steel balls, gas cylinders, and generators. Two of these suspects were also found in possession of unlicensed firearms and live ammunition.

In KwaZulu-Natal, an intelligence driven operation by members who are deployed to Operation Vala Umgodi in the province led to the arrest of five suspects. They were found in possession of R1.5 million worth of Eskom property in the vicinity of Empangeni and Mtunzini policing precincts on 06 April 2025.

A Vala Umgodi operation in Limpopo led to the arrest of 69 illegal miners and undocumented foreign nationals in and around Sekhukhune, Vhembe, Mopani, and Capricorn Districts between Saturday, 12 April 2025 and Sunday, 13 April 2025. Various illegal mining equipment were also seized.

On 26 April 2025, the Vala Umgodi team deployed in Mpumalanga arrested 38 suspects during a disruptive operation carried out at Simile informal settlement in Sabie and at Skoonplaas informal settlement in Pilgrims Rest.

In the North West, a total of 21 accused appeared in the Brits and Mogwase Magistrates’ Courts on 24 April 2025, for contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002.

These suspects were apprehended during Vala Umgodi operations executed on Wednesday, 23 April 2025 and Thursday, 24 April 2025, in Witrandjie village near Sun City and Majakaneng village, outside Brits respectively.

Out of 21 accused, three were found guilty by the Brits Magistrate’s Court and sentenced to six months imprisonment or a fine of R2000 wholly suspended. The court also ordered that the accused be deported to their countries of origin. The other accused were remanded in custody until their next individual appearances at both Mogwase and Brits courts.

Operation Vala Umgodi is government’s response to prevent and combat illegal mining activities in the country.

Since its inception in December 2023, more than 20 000 suspects have been arrested while over 600 firearms, that include imitation firearms (toy guns) and 14 000 rounds of ammunition have been seized through Vala Umgodi operations.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has called on 24-year-old Thato David Madisha and Sello “Skhalo” Uoane to hand themselves over to the police at their nearest police station.

The two are wanted suspects in the case of murdered journalist, Aserie Ndlovu, and his partner Zodwa Mdhluli.

Police believe the pair may have played a role or have information on the alleged kidnapping and killing of the couple.

“While tracking teams are on the ground searching for the pair, the two suspects are also advised to voluntary hand themselves over,” the South African Police Service said in a statement.

Communities who may know their whereabouts or may have any information are advised to contact the investigating officer in this case, Lieutenant Colonel Maboko on 0720302794‎‎.

Uoane is currently out on parole for rape.

Four people have been arrested in connection with the disappearance of Ndlovu and Mdhluli.

The suspects have been charged with murder, theft and car-jacking.

According to information provided by SAPS, police have discovered two lifeless bodies believed to be that of Ndlovu and Mdhluli. The couple has been missing since 18 February 2025.

The discovery of the bodies is the result of a lengthy and thorough investigation by a multi-disciplinary team of law enforcement agencies. The effort has led to the arrest of four suspects, who are currently in police custody.

A 42-year-old suspect is expected to appear before the Pretoria Magistrate Court today, following his arrest on Saturday morning in Petrus Steyn, in the Free State province, on charges of fraud and impersonating a police officer.

The suspect impersonated the National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).

In October 2024, the suspect allegedly contacted a prominent South African businessman residing in Gauteng via WhatsApp, falsely claiming to be Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, the National Head of the Hawks.

Using a profile picture and personal details resembling those of Lebeya, the suspect deceived the victim.

It is alleged that the suspect claimed that the mobile phone of the victim had been hacked and, under the pretext of assisting with a security breach, requested the victim’s personal information.

Believing that he was communicating with the real National Head of the Hawks, the victim provided personal details and contact information of close associates.

The suspect later solicited money, claiming to have successfully “de-bugged” the victim’s mobile devices. An amount that is more than R100 000 was subsequently paid by the victims.

“I am happy that the individual who pretended to be me has now been caught. Those who have been tricked should come forward,” Lebeya said.

Following a thorough investigation, the suspect was apprehended and is expected to appear before the Pretoria Magistrate Court today.

The community is warned against making payments to police officers, as they are not authorised to solicit money for services rendered.

Police have arrested two men, aged 32 and 35, in East London for their alleged involvement in multiple crimes, including hijacking, house robberies, and cash-in-transit heists.

They are expected to appear in the East London Magistrate’s Court today.

The arrests followed a Crime Intelligence-led operation, supported by specialised police units, which tracked the suspects across the Eastern Cape, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

The suspects were allegedly holding meetings at a business in East London. Police located one of their vehicles, a stolen Toyota Starlet, on Amalinda Main Road. The 32-year-old suspect was arrested at the scene.

Further investigation led to the arrest of the 35-year-old suspect, who was found with a stolen Toyota Verso. The car had been reported stolen in Muizenberg in February 2025.

Police also recovered two more stolen vehicles — a VW Polo and a Nissan NP200 — linked to thefts in Berea and Rondebosch in 2023 and 2024.

During the operation, officers seized all the stolen vehicles, along with ammunition and a pellet gun resembling a real firearm.

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson, will sign memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with three municipalities to improve infrastructure delivery at local government level.

The signing will take place in Pretoria today.

This follows a decision taken at the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Council — chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa — to embark on this pilot project in three local municipalities.

This ‘Adopt-a-Municipality’ initiative, which will be rolled out nationwide, will see Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) work with municipalities to introduce rapid infrastructure interventions aimed at improving the implementation and delivery of infrastructure projects.

“The objective is to address cost overruns, poor workmanship and inadequate planning that have often plagued municipal infrastructure initiatives,” the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure said in a statement.

The MOUs will be signed with Metsimaholo Local Municipality in the Free State, uMngeni Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal and Govan Mbeki Local Municipality in Mpumalanga.

“These municipalities will receive targeted support as part of the first phase of the project,” the department said.

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has passed condolences to the family of murdered prosecutor, Elona Sombulula.

Sombulula, a young district prosecutor in the Eastern Cape, was shot during the evening of 29 April this year.

The Minister paid a visit to Sombulula’s family and was accompanied by National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head, Advocate Shamila Batohi and other senior officials.

“This is one of the prosecutors… who was committed and coming from our Aspirant Prosecutors programme but already showing promising signs.

“He was already dealing with complex cases and some of the suspicions are that it could be one of the cases that he was dealing that led to his demise,” she said.

The Minister said law enforcement agencies are working around the clock to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book.

“I have spoken to the Minister of Police and appealed that… they… must ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous act face the might of the law so that the family can find justice.

“We don’t want to find prosecutors being scared to do their work because they are fearing for their lives. [When our] people go to our courts, they [must] find prosecutors prepared to work, sacrificing and making sure that they do what is right but not [risk] their lives,” Kubayi said.

Last week, Batohi sharply condemned the murder as an attack on the rule of law.

“Any attack on a prosecutor is an attack on the rule of law, on justice and on the very foundation of our constitutional democracy.

“Our deepest condolences to Mr Sombulula’s family and loved ones. We will honour his memory by continuing the work he so bravely carried out,” Batohi said.

Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, has welcomed the Constitutional Court judgment handed down in respect of section 6(1)(a) of the South African Citizenship Act 88 of 1995, regarding the loss of citizenship.

In its unanimous judgment, the Constitutional Court affirmed an earlier ruling by the Supreme Court of Appeal that section 6(1)(a) of the Act is unconstitutional.

This section held that from 6 October 1995 onwards, if a South African acquired the citizenship of another country without first applying for, and obtaining ministerial permission to retain their citizenship, they would automatically lose their South African citizenship.

“This judgment settles a legal matter that has been contested for some time and lays the foundation for restoring the dignity of all South Africans who lost their citizenship due to this unconstitutional provision.

“South African law allows for dual citizenship, and there is no justification for South Africans to be deprived of their birthright in the manner that was previously done.

“Home Affairs will not only abide by this ruling, but has immediately started work to enable affected individuals to confirm their citizenship reinstatement,” Schreiber said.

To ensure compliance, Home Affairs will consider the implications of the judgment for legislative amendments, if any.

In line with the department’s vision for digital transformation, work has now commenced to build a dedicated online portal where any person who believes they were adversely affected by the unconstitutional provision can lodge an online case to confirm their citizenship reinstatement from anywhere in the world.

“It is important to note that this will only apply to cases of lost citizenship dating from 6 October 1995.

“The department is committed to speedily completing the development of this portal to facilitate effective compliance with the court ruling, and we aim for the system to go live by next month. The public will be informed once this happens,” the Minister said.