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In a major breakthrough in the fight against rhino poaching and wildlife-related crimes, a 54-year-old Zimbabwean national and wanted fugitive, Thomas Chauke, also known as Sazu Nkambuya, has been convicted and sentenced to 110 years’ imprisonment by the Makhanda High Court.

This follows an extensive and meticulous investigation by detectives from the South African Police Service (SAPS) Head Office, Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit.

Chauke was found guilty on six counts related to rhino poaching and wildlife related crimes, as well as three counts of escaping from lawful custody.

“The accused was a fugitive, wanted for multiple charges on rhino poaching and wildlife related cases in the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal and North West. He was also linked to several cases, including armed robbery, rape and kidnapping,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement.

The SAPS said Chauke had previously been incarcerated at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Services, where he was serving five life sentences for violent crimes, including rape, armed, robbery and kidnapping. He escaped from custody on 9 December 2020, prompting further investigation and search efforts by STES.

Following his arrest in 2024, the STES team coordinated the centralisation of multiple dockets from various provinces and liaised with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), to ensure effective coordination and successful prosecution of the accused.

On 28 February 2025, Chauke pleaded guilty to all rhino poaching and wild life related cases, including three counts of escaping from lawful custody, and was sentenced to 110 years imprisonment by the Makhanda High Court.

“The STES team remains dedicated to safeguarding both wildlife and the community from individuals engaged in criminal activities and ensuring that those responsible are brought to book and held accountable,” the SAPS said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed former Deputy Finance Minister, Mcebisi Jonas, as his Special Envoy to the United States.

In his new role, Jonas will serve as the official representative of the President and the government of South Africa.

“In this capacity, Mr Jonas is entrusted with the responsibility to advance South Africa’s diplomatic, trade and bilateral priorities. He will lead negotiations, foster strategic partnerships and engage with US government officials and private-sector leaders to promote our nation’s interests,” President Ramaphosa said in a statement on Monday.

The Head of State described Jonas as an eminent South African leader, who served as one of four Presidential Investment Envoys that he appointed in 2018 to facilitate investment into South Africa.

“As a former Deputy Finance Minister of South Africa, Mr Jonas brings extensive governmental experience to his new diplomatic role. Concurrently, he holds the position of Independent Non-Executive Chairman of the MTN Group, a role he will maintain alongside his responsibilities as my Special Envoy,” the President said.

In addition, the President believes that this appointment underscores his distinguished career and continued commitment to advancing South Africa’s national and economic interests.

“For decades, South Africa and the United States of America have maintained a historical and strategic relationship. In the interest of our country, our region and the rest of our continent, I remain committed to rebuilding and maintaining this relationship for more decades based on mutual respect, recognition of each other’s sovereignty and benefit for our respective peoples,” he added.

Meanwhile, a delegation of senior officials, led by South Africa’s Group of 20 (G20) Sherpa and the Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Zane Dangor, recently met with United States officials to clarify the country’s expropriation and equity laws.

During the visit, the delegation engaged with their counterparts in Washington, including senior officials at the White House and the State Department, to address key bilateral priorities.

Gauteng police have arrested over 1000 suspects for various crimes over the past week.

The arrests were effected through Operation Shanela.

“During the operation, a total of 81 undocumented persons were arrested, while 105 were nabbed for drunk driving and 13 for possession of drugs. About 10 unlicensed liquor outlets were closed down and a substantial amount of liquor was also seized throughout the province,” said the South African Police Service (SAPS) in a statement.

In a statement on Sunday, the SAPS said among the 1067 arrests, 840 were wanted suspects arrested by the detectives across the province during their tracing of wanted suspects operation.

Some of the arrested suspects have already been released after paying fines, while the others are expected to appear before Magistrate’s Courts across the province.

The actions conducted on the operations included roadblocks, stop and searches, liquor and second-hand goods compliance inspections, vehicle checkpoints and patrols.

“The police in Gauteng remain resolute in fighting crime and ensuring the safety of its communities,” said the SAPS.

The days of sexual predators roaming the streets should be a thing of the past, says Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong.

The Deputy Minister said this during his visit to the family of a seven-year-old girl who was allegedly raped in Ipelegeng Township, Schweizer Reneke in the North West.

“We are encouraged that despite the matter being reported in December 2024, an arrest has finally been affected. The days of sexual predators roaming on our streets should be a thing of the past,” the Deputy Minster said.

The Deputy Minister also expressed concerns on the failure of the police to act swiftly in a case that constitutes a direct violation of the rights of the child while also describing the alleged incident as barbaric and diabolical.

He is expected to engage Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on his concerns and observations made during engagements with law enforcement agencies.

The Deputy Minister will also engage the Minister of Social Development on psychosocial support for the alleged victim and her family.

Morolong was accompanied by the Provincial leadership of the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) represented by the Provincial Chairperson and Provincial Secretary, Tshepo Khoza and Mogomotsi Mosheshe respectively.

The Deputy Minister and SANCO leadership also visited the local Ipelegeng police station.

Four suspects, who were wanted for cases of murder in the vicinity of Inanda, were shot and fatally wounded in a shootout with police on the M4 Highway in Umlazi on Tuesday afternoon.

Police had gathered intelligence about the whereabouts of the wanted suspects, and when police pounced on them at a mall in Umlazi, the suspects sped off.

“When the police caught up with them, the suspects fired shots towards the police. To protect themselves and other road users, police returned fire,” the South African Police Service said in a statement.

During the shootout, four suspects were shot and fatally wounded. No police officer sustained any injuries during the shootout.

“The suspects were found in possession of three firearms. The four suspects were wanted for at least three cases of murder in Inanda, two of which were double murders. The murders were committed in March and April 2025,” the police said.

Government has officially opened applications for the highly anticipated R500 million support fund aimed at increasing the participation of South African owned Spaza Shops in the townships and rural areas retail trade sector.

Addressing the launch of the Spaza Shop Support Fund (SSSF), Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, said the fund will transform the spaza shop landscape by creating jobs, alleviating poverty, promoting economic inclusion and empowerment as well as stimulating local economic growth.

The fund provides for funding of up to R300 000 per shop through a combination of grants and low-interest loans.

It allocates funding specifically for initial stock purchases, infrastructure improvements, business development tools, and Point of Sale (POS) system adoption.

Through the fund, shop owners will be provided with assistance in meeting hygiene and regulatory standards to ensure the provision of safe, high-quality products.

“We are committed to ensuring that every spaza shop that benefits from this fund also gains access to the necessary health and safety training and resources. This holistic approach will help create workplaces that are not only economically vibrant but also secure and sustainable for the future,” the Minister said on Tuesday in Soweto.

He indicated that studies show that small businesses account for a significant portion of job creation in South Africa.

“By equipping spaza shop owners with financial support, infrastructure upgrades, and essential business training, we are setting the stage for sustainable job creation. This means more opportunities for local talent and a reduction in poverty levels, as spaza shops expand their roles as community hubs.

“Every spaza shop supported by this fund is an engine for local growth. When these businesses thrive, they create ripple effects that boost surrounding sectors—be it suppliers, service providers, or local artisans.

“This fund is a catalyst for economic dynamism, injecting energy and resources where they are most needed. It is an investment in our people, our neighbourhoods, and ultimately, the entire South African economy,” he explained.

The fund will be jointly administered by the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEFDA).

“We want a South Africa where economic opportunities are available to all, where the informal becomes formal, and where the entrepreneurial spirit of our townships becomes a driving force for national transformation.

“With this fund, we are taking a concrete step to formalise and empower the informal sector. By supporting spaza shops, we are enabling entrepreneurs, often women and young people, to participate fully in the economic process.
“These small businesses generate employment, drive local commerce, and channel much-needed income into communities that have long been underserved,” Tau said.

In order to access the funding, applicants need to apply to the NEF and SEDFA through the prescribed application process outlined on the relevant institution’s website.

The following website can be used to apply for funding:

Spaza Shop Support Fund – www.spazashopfund.co.za
NEF – www.nefcorp.co.za
SEDFA – https://systems.sefa.org.za/SMMEPortal/

The contact details for the Spaza Shop Support Fund Call Centre are 01 1 305 8080 or via email: Spazafund@nefcorp.co.za

Contact details for the NEF Call Centre are 0861 843633, SEDFA Call Centre 012 748 9600 or an email can be sent to helpline@sefa.org.za.

The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) has unveiled a revitalisation plan for transforming derelict and unsafe inner-city buildings.

According the CoJ, the plan aims to turn those buildings into “secure, functional spaces for businesses and families”.

“As part of this initiative, the City will rehabilitate buildings that have been declared uninhabitable by the courts, with the objective of leasing them to stimulate urban renewal, attract investment, drive economic growth, and create employment opportunities.

“The revitalisation strategy…is spearheaded by the Strategic Projects Unit. It represents a coordinated, long-term approach to reclaiming the inner city, backed by cross-departmental collaboration, clear governance, and active private sector engagement,” the CoJ said.

Buildings that have been identified for the project include:

• M.O.T.H Building – Declared unsafe; the City has been instructed to relocate occupants to temporary emergency accommodation.
• Vannin Building – Declared unsafe; evacuation and relocation in progress.
• CASA MIA – Declared unfit for habitation; occupants to be relocated.
• Delvers Building – Declared unsafe; scheduled for demolition on 20 September 2024; occupants have been evacuated.
• Remington Building – Successfully redeveloped following a court-ordered evacuation on 15 September 2023.
• Wimbledon Building (Wolmarans Street) – Declared unsafe; relocation underway.
• Big Busty Building (45 Edith Cavell Street) & Florence House (65 King George Street) – Court orders served; relocation in progress.

“To support affected residents, temporary accommodation has been secured at locations including Fleurhof, South Hills, 106 Claim Street, and Regents House, with over 600 housing units ready or nearing completion,” the CoJ said.

Working together

The City is also identifying property it owns to sell to private investors while also exploring private-public partnerships.

MMC for Economic Development, Nomoya Mnisi, called on property owners to work with the city.

“Johannesburg’s inner city holds immense potential, but many buildings have been neglected or underutilised for years. As property owners, you are key partners in reclaiming, revitalising, and reimagining our city.

“Through the Joburg Property Company, the City is committed to working with investors and property owners – not against them – to unlock value and drive economic and social development,” Mnisi said.

She highlighted that the city is seized with reclaiming highjacked buildings.

“As a City, we are actively identifying and reclaiming hijacked buildings, but we also acknowledge the critical role of the private sector. Urban renewal is a shared responsibility, and through collaboration, we can restore Johannesburg’s inner city to its former glory,” Mnisi concluded.

The South African Board for Sheriffs has called on the ministers of Justice and Constitutional Development and Police to investigate “targeted attacks” on sheriffs in the country.

This after the murder of Secunda sheriff, Andrew Shabalala, last week.

“This tragedy comes in the wake of the recent loss of another colleague, the late Mr Thapelo Mojapelo [Acting Sheriff Giyani], and the attempted assassination of Mr Pramodh Ora [Acting Sheriff Vanderbijlpark] mere months ago. These incidents mark a deeply troubling and escalating trend of targeted violence against Sheriffs in the execution of their lawful duties.

“We call urgently upon the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Police to intervene decisively and work in collaboration with law enforcement agencies to investigate the origins of these targeted attacks. While the full circumstances remain under investigation, it is clear that both Mr Mojapelo and Mr Shabalala were assassinated while carrying out their duties as Sheriffs of the court,” the board said in a statement.

The board added that it will “urgently consider” measures to “enhance the safety and security of Sheriffs in the execution of their responsibilities”.

“These measures may include, but are not limited to, the special dispensation for training and expedited application and authorisation of firearms for Sheriffs and their deputies; the mandatory presence of South African Police Service members at high–risk duties, such as auctions and evictions; urgent review of the Regulations to the Sheriffs Act to provide for cover for personal risk for death and injuries sustained by Sheriffs or their deputies in the line of duty; and the establishment of a compensation or pension or group provident fund for Sheriffs.

“The escalation of this violence is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to continue unchecked,” the statement read.

The board noted that it is aware of unlawful elements “operating within or around Sheriffs’ offices”.

“This, in itself, constitutes a serious criminal offence. However, the targeted killing of officers of the court in pursuit of such criminal agendas represents a direct attack on the rule of law and must be met with the full force of justice.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and assure them that the South African Board for Sheriffs, in conjunction with law enforcement agencies, will do everything in its power to ensure that those responsible for these heinous crimes are apprehended and held accountable,” the statement concluded.

Police in KwaZulu-Natal have arrested 11 780 suspects for various crimes while also recovering 341 firearms and 3 562 rounds of ammunition.

“The highest number of arrests was for contact crimes where 3 872 suspects were nabbed, with 219 of them arrested for murder, 222 for attempted murder and 160 for robberies including robbery with aggravating circumstances, house and business robbery, carjacking and cash in transit robbery,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said of the arrests made in March.

In its statement on Thursday, the SAPS said the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) detectives arrested 248 suspects for rape while 49 suspects were also arrested for sexual assault.

Additionally, 1 817 suspects were arrested for cases of assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, whilst 891 more suspects were nabbed for common assault. On property related crimes, 268 suspects were arrested for burglary at residential premises and 55 suspects were arrested for stock theft with 33 cattle and 80 goats recovered in the process.

Seventeen suspects were also arrested for theft of motor vehicles.

On drug related crimes, 1 599 suspects were arrested.

“Police visibility on the roads was maintained and 512 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and 41 people were arrested for reckless and negligent driving.

“Stop and search operations resulted in the recovery of 791dangerous weapons, of which 716 were knives. These operations will be amplified during the month of April and high police visibility will be maintained, especially during the Easter weekend,” said the police.

National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Advocate Shamila Batohi, has requested a report from the Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Barry Madolo, on the judgement in the Timothy Omotoso case.

Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, were acquitted by the Gqeberha High Court of 32 serious charges, including allegations of rape, racketeering and human trafficking, on Wednesday.

In a stinging judgement, Judge Irma Schoeman noted that the prosecution’s cross-examination of the accused was “shallow and lacking the intention to uncover the truth” – leading to the acquittal as the prosecution did not prove their case beyond reasonable doubt.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga said Batohi would “carefully study the judgment when it is made available to the parties”.

“In the meantime, she has expressed her serious concerns about adverse findings made by the judge against the prosecution team, relating to the manner in which the prosecution was conducted.

“The NDPP has called for a transcript of the proceedings and will consider it in order to determine whether the criticism of the prosecution team is warranted. Depending on the outcome of this process, the NDPP, together with the DPP: EC [Eastern Cape], will decide on appropriate action,” Mhaga explained.

He added that the DPP in the Eastern Cape has also “indicated that the team will study the judgement and decide on whether to bring an application to appeal the judgement”.

Mhaga emphasised that the NPA has demonstrated commitment to the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual offences.

“The NPA has a world-class special unit called the Sexual Offences and Community Affairs Unit which is dedicated to dealing with sexual violence and related cases. The NDPP appreciates the public outrage expressed by many in response to the judgment in view of its devastating impact on the victims in this case, and the fight against the scourge of gender-based violence in the country.

“The NDPP is proud of the NPA’s track record in providing victim-centred and professional support to victims of gender-based violence, including through the national rollout of Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) that for the past eight years have provided specialised support in almost 280 000 matters (or 34,600 matters per year).

“This recent judgement represents a travesty of justice that we cannot accept. The NDPP awaits the report from the DPP EC and will consider the next steps to ensure that this tragic outcome is dealt with swiftly and appropriately, based on the facts and the legal dimensions relevant to the judgement,” Mhaga concluded.

Meanwhile, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, has expressed her deep concern regarding the manner in which the case of Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused was handled by the prosecuting team.