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NELSPRUIT - The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi has welcomed the arrest of five suspects, aged between 29 and 40 believed to be linked to the killing of an on-duty Police Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Piet Pretorius on Thursday, 16 January 2025 in Ermelo in less than 24 hours. Yesterday, Friday, 17 January, Acting Provincial Commissioner visited the bereaved family of the late, Lt Col Pretorius.  A vehicle believed to have been used in the commission of the crime has also been found torched this morning next to Extension 7 in Ermelo. A multi-disciplinary team established by the Acting Provincial Commissioner, consisting of Hawks, Detectives, Intelligence, and a security company, has managed to track and trace the suspects in Nelspruit. As promised, the Acting Provincial Commissioner has highlighted that they will leave no stone unturned in finding these police killers.

PIETERMARITZBURG - Mountain bike rider collapsed during a ride in the forest in Karkloof in KwaZulu-Natal this morning, Saturday, 18 January. Midlands EMS K9 Search and Rescue Unit, with K9 Hunter, alongside Midlands EMS Advanced Life Support paramedics and a local Howick ambulance, were dispatched to a forest in Karkloof after a mountain bike rider collapsed during a ride. Upon arrival, resuscitation efforts were being performed by another rider. Midlands EMS Advanced Life Support paramedic took over and initiated advanced resuscitation efforts, including the use of a manual defibrillator. Despite all efforts, the patient was sadly declared deceased on scene by the Midlands EMS Advanced Life Support paramedic. Authorities were in attendance.

GAUTENG - The Correctional Services matric Class of 2024 has raised the bar higher with a pass rate of 96.2%. That's an increase of 3% from the previous year.  Correctional Services Minister, Pieter Groenewald, provided a briefing on the inmates' performance on Friday, 17 January. Out of 171 candidates who wrote the exams in correctional facilities, 165 passed, with 104 obtaining bachelor passes.  Notably, 13 out of 17 correctional facility schools achieved a 100% pass rate.

MIDRAND - The South African Police Service (SAPS) conducted a takedown operation in Midrand on Friday, 17 January 2025, leading to the arrest of a 35-year-old suspect for possession, accessing, downloading and distribution of child pornography as well as possession of drugs, and fraud. In the last two years, police arrested 21 suspects on charges related to child pornography countrywide. A team of investigators attached to the national and Gauteng provincial Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) units led by the Component Head for Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS), Major General Mmantsheke Lekhele executed a search-and-seizure warrant at a residence in Midrand. During the operation, a number of electronic devices suspected to contain child sexual abuse material (child pornography) were confiscated. A forensic analysis of these devices was conducted on scene by cyber-crime experts, an estimated number of 10 million child pornography imag...

 NORTH WEST - The Congress of the People (COPE) has decided to rally behind the growing calls for a commission of inquiry into the Stilfontein tragedy, which has led to injuries and loss of life.    "The gruesome and horrific pictures and information surfacing now show a government hellbent on using starvation, dehumanisation, and other forms of violence, which have led to the slow and painful death of desperate people trying to eke out a living in the deepest pits of the earth.    The current government miserably fails to grow an inclusive economy that creates decent jobs. It has failed to restructure the inherited structural colonial economy of mineral extraction and exploitation by using cheap local labour and those sourced from neighbouring countries. The GNU shamelessly perpetuates neocolonialism at "the expense of the majority of people," party spokesperson Pakes Dikgetsi blasted the government.    He added, "The SAPS motto of 'We Ser...

SOUTH AFRICA - The Department of Basic Education has released a list of higher education institutions that are still accepting late applicants in the country. The institutions are listed as follows: 1. DUT www.dut.ac.za- Now open 2. MUT www.mut.ac.za - Now open 3. UMP www.ump.ac.za - Now open 4. TUT www.tut.ac.za - 20-24 January 2025 5. VUT www.vut.ac.za - opening next week  6. WSU www.wsu.ac.za - won’t open  7. UJ www.uj.ac.za - Now open 8. UNISA www.unisa.ac.za - Now open 9. CPUT www.cput.ac.za - now open  "If you need assistance with applications, please contact Global Internet Cafe 0719924410. You will be assisted," the education department advised.

JOHANNESBURG - The 2025 Top Employers have been announced and Eskom has been recognised as a Top Employer in South Africa.  This prestigious accolade places the entity among an elite group of organisations globally acknowledged for their dedication to creating an exceptional workplace, by developing and embedding Human Resources (HR) policies and people practices. ABOUT TOP EMPLOYERS   The Top Employers Institute is the No.1 global authority on HR strategies and certification is based on a rigorous benchmarking process, which evaluates organisations across six key HR domains, covering 20 topics such as People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Wellbeing and many more. The Top Employers Institute has certified more than 2300 organisations across 121 countries/regions. These certified Top Employers positively impact the lives of millions of employees globally. MESSAGE FROM THE CEO Eskom’s Group Chief Executive...

FREE STATE - A woman (29) and man (32) are expected to appear today in the Odendaalsrus Magistrate's Court on charges of dealing and possession of drugs. On Wednesday, 15 January 2025, members attached to the Welkom Anti-Gang Unit received intelligence-led information about a couple alleged to be selling drugs to children in Nyakallong, Allanridge. Information was operationalised and led the members to the identified house in Nyakallong. As members were approaching the house, the couple was spotted outside the house. They tried to evade the police by running into the house. However, members swiftly reacted and managed to intercept the suspects in the bedroom before they could hide the drugs and money. The police confiscated crystal meth, mandrax tablets and money. The suspects were subsequently arrested and will appear today, 16 January 2025, in the Odendaalsrus Magistrate's Court.

PRETORIA - Suspects were arrested and two firearms recovered in Sunnyside on Monday, 13 January 2025, when members followed up on information about a suspicious vehicle following people from banks in the Moot area. Upon further investigation at the scene, two unlicensed firearms and false number plates were recovered. Unfortunately, the third suspect managed to evade arrest. The arrested suspects were charged for possession of unlicenced firearms and ammunition. An investigation is underway to determine whether the suspects are linked to other crimes. The recovered firearms will undergo forensic testing to ascertain their involvement in other criminal activities. Major-General Samuel Thine has commended all role players for their commitment and effective collaboration in ensuring the suspects’ apprehension. 

DURBAN - Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande, two of the five men charged with the murder of Kiernan Jarred Forbes (AKA) and Tebello Motsoane (Tibz), amongst other charges, appeared in the Durban Magistrates’ Court today, Wednesday, 15 January for judgment on their bail application.  Last week the pair made an application based on new facts. Today, the court denied them bail, with Magistrate Vincent Hlatshwayo, saying that the facts presented before him are not new. The case against Gwabeni, Ndimande and their co-accused returns, to court on 07 February 2025.  ABOUT AKA AND TIBZ TRAGEDY On 10 February 2023, AKA, then 35 years old, was scheduled to perform at a club in Durban as part of his birthday celebration. That night, as he was standing outside a restaurant with friends, a gunman ran up to AKA and fatally shot him in the head while his accomplice shot and killed his friend Tibz, after which both men fled the scene on foot.  AKA and Ti...

POLOKWANE - The Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has applauded the meticulous work of the investigators in Vhembe District, following the swift apprehension of four suspects who allegedly killed a Senior Provincial Inspector, Mr Mbulaheni Patrick Netshidzivhani attached to Mutale Traffic Station. The deceased was initially reported missing after he left his home at Hamakhuvha village on Sunday, 12 January 2025. The deceased reportedly went to Khunguni Mountain where he conducts his routine fitness exercises and later failed to return to his respective home. The matter was immediately reported to the police and a missing person inquiry was registered. The police commenced with investigation in earnest which led to the recovery of the Traffic Police officer's vehicle and the subsequent arrest of four suspects, three men and a woman from within the locality. Following the arrest of the suspects, the police went further to recov...

CAPE TOWN - Western Cape Premier Alan Winde witnessed only tears of joys from parents and curious little faces when he visited a school in Cape Town to welcome the newbies this morning. The academic calendar kicked started today, Wednesday, 15 January, a significant period in many children, parents and guardians lives. "There was not a tear shed by any of our Grade 1s (but definitely by some loved ones) at Timour Hall Primary School as they kicked off the new academic year, only excitement!" Winde reflected on his visit after a candid interaction with some of the newbies. The Premier was joined by Western Cape Provincial Minister of Education David Maynier to wish some of the learners 'all the best for 2025' as they start their education journey.  "After our sterling 2024 results, I'm more excited than ever for what the future holds for these learners," said Winde. Meanwhile, Alderman JP Smith, MMC for Safety and Security, appealed to parents...

  RANDBURG - Social media personality Musa Khawula(33) appeared at the Randburg District Court on Tuesday, 14 January, facing charges of Crimen Injuria, Contravention of Section 19 of the Cyber Crimes Act 19 of 2020 and Hate Speech.  The accused is alleged to have posted derogatory statements between 10 and 12 October 2024 on his social media platform, which has a substantial following, with the alleged intention of impairing, injuring or damaging the dignity of business man Zee Nxumalo(44). In court, the state opposed bail due to the accused's pending 2022 murder case in Western Cape and an outstanding warrant of arrest for reckless and negligent driving. Furthermore, Sergeant Mabunda’s investigation further revealed that the accused's profile and physical address still need to be verified to enable the compilation of a comprehensive statement for bail application purposes. Subsequently, Khawula was remanded in custody without bail until 21 January 2025, when a fo...

JOHANNESBURG - Build One South Africa (BOSA) has reflected on the much celebrated matric results, dismissing the pass rate and accusing the Democratic Alliance (DA) for celebrating them. In a statement, BOSA indicated that the organisation is not surprised by the rank hypocrisy demonstrated by the DA in response to the release of the 2024 matric results last night. "The DA knows full well that the pass rate of 87.3% announced last night by the Minister of Basic Education – the DA’s Siviwe Gwarube – is deceptive statistical gymnastics," said acting party spokesperson Roger Solomons. "That is why for decades the DA has in opposition correctly disputed the pass rate announced by government each year, releasing what it calls the 'real' matric pass rate.  "Just six months in national government, and the DA and its own Minister of Basic Education has done a 180-degree U-turn and now promotes and defends what is essentially a lie. "The ...

DURBAN - Rising star Naledi Aphiwe Myongwane, proved to have an immaculate work-life balance after passing her matric with flying colours. The young musician attained a Bachelor's pass - becoming one of many celebrated candidates who performed exceptionally well. Naledi attended Khethokuhle Secondary School in Inanda (Durban), one of the proud schools to attain a 100% pass rate in the Class of 2024. Naledi had to juggle her bustling music career, fame and appearances while ensuring that her homework and studies were always in check. Nevertheless, there was more to celebrate for the young talent as her home province of KwaZulu-Natal emerged as the leader in Bachelor passes, recording a total of 84,470, followed by Gauteng with 66,979 and the Eastern Cape with 45,662.

PRETORIA - President Cyril Ramaphosa has commended the Matric Class of 2024 on multiple unprecedented achievements that bear testimony to learners’ personal commitment and advances in the basic education sector.   In 2024, 615 429 learners passed the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, surpassing the pass rate at any other time in the country’s history.   The national pass rate for the National Senior Certificate increased from 82.9% in 2023 to 87.3% last year.   Nearly half of learners who wrote the NSC examinations received a Bachelor pass, while nearly 320 000 distinctions were achieved.   President Ramaphosa said: “The achievements of the Class of 2024 are a proud contribution to and evidence of our progress as a nation during 30 years of freedom and democracy.   “These results reinforce our resolute development of our nation’s most valuable resource, our young people. They also provide proof that we are undoing apartheid’s planned le...

GAUTENG - Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube released the much-anticipated Matric Results for the Class of 2024 earlier today, Monday, 13 January. Achieving the highest pass rate in the history of the country, the Class of 2024 attained a remarkable 87,3%, an increase of 4,4% compared to 2023. The Class of 2023 under the leadership of Angie Motshekga had achieved 82.9%. "We are proud of each of you. Your success is a testament to your perseverance," said Gwarube. The NSC Provincial Breakdown Pass Rate: 1. Free State - 91% 2. KwaZulu-Natal - 89.5% 3. Gauteng - 88.4 % 4. North West - 87.5% 5. Western Cape - 86.6% 6. Limpopo - 85.01% 7. Mpumalanga - 84.99%  8. Eastern Cape - 84.98% 9. Northern Cape - 84.2% Minister Gwarube announced that KwaZulu-Natal has more bachelor passes, followed by Gauteng, and Eastern Cape.

CAPE TOWN - With the focus on ‘back to school’ this week, the City of Cape Town has urged scholar transport operators to brush up on regulations and ensure that their vehicles are fit for purpose, not just for the sake of their young passengers, but road safety in general.  According to the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith cautioned that just like public transport operators, scholar transport service providers are required, by law, to obtain an operating licence from the Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE). "The City's role is to monitor for compliance, but also to enforce road safety legislation," he said. According to Smith, during the 2024 academic year, the Transport Enforcement Unit conducted 72 operations focusing specifically on scholar transport across the metropole, issued 6 226 fines for various transgressions and impounded 246 vehicles, including light delivery vehicles, sedans, amaphelas and minibuses – ...

WESTERN CAPE - The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, is set to announce the 2024 matric results today, Monday, 13 January at 18h00.  The results will be made available to candidates tomorrow morning (Tuesday, 14 January). Meanwhile, the Western Cape Department of Education has high hopes to improve its Pass rate this year. Minister David Maynier, Minister of Education Western Cape, said while the percentage pass rate is an important indicator when assessing the matric results, they must also consider other indicators such as the quality and quantity of passes .   "This gives a far better picture of improving learning outcomes in the Western Cape. These indicators include the number of candidates achieving a bachelors pass, the number of candidates writing and passing, and reducing the number of underperforming schools. "We hope to improve our overall pass rate of 81.5% achieved in 2023 and our bachelors pass rate of 42.2% in 2023, and in both cases, we ...

POLOKWANE - The South African Police Service (SAPS) Operation Vala Umgodi National Intervention (Roving)Team has successfully thwarted a major smuggling operation along the Limpopo River, in the Musina policing area leading to the confiscation of goods valued at approximately R500 000-00. On the morning of 11 January 2025, at around 11:20 AM, the team was conducting a routine patrol near Tshirundu village when they received a tip-off about approximately eight (08) small boats loading goods. Upon noticing the police presence, the suspects quickly got into the boats and fled back into Zimbabwe, abandoning most of the goods behind. The confiscated items, which were likely being smuggled across the border, include alcoholic beverages, energy drinks, baked goods, flour, and other consumer goods, along with a chest fridge. The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the team for their swift and decisive action, noting that the suc...

POLOKWANE - The Police in Giyane have opened a case of Inquest following the discovery of a lifeless body of a 14-year-old boy in Ritavi river towards Ngove village on Saturday, 11 January 2025. It is alleged that on Friday, 10 January 2025 the deceased together with his four friends went to Ritavi river to view the water as it flows. They decided to enter inside the river to cross to the other side and come back to their original side of the river. While they were returning, one of them was swept by the water that was flowing. SAPS Divers were summoned to the scene and the body was retrieved on the 11 January 2025. The deceased was identified by next-of-kin at the crime scene, as Nkanelo Hlungwani, aged 14-years-old, a grade seven learner who is residing at Ngove village. The Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe is pleading with parents and guardians to ensure that children do not play in the rivers that are overflowing as it is a ...

STANGER - An IFP fleet vehicle assigned to the IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa was involved in a single-vehicle fatal accident on the N2 northbound near Stanger on Saturday, 11 January 2025, at approximately 16H30. Tragically, the driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle at the time, was declared deceased at the scene. Yesterday evening, the IFP President personally visited the family of the deceased driver to convey his condolences and inform them of the tragic news. "Out of respect for the family's privacy as they notify other relatives, the name of the deceased will not be disclosed at this time," said Ayanda Zulu, the party's spokesperson. The circumstances surrounding the accident remain unclear and are currently under investigation. "The IFP extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family, the IFP President, and his security team during this difficult time," Zulu concluded.