TrendySA Online

PRETORIA - President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Minister Gwede Mantashe as the Acting Minister of Police, effective immediately. Mantashe will temporarily take on the Police portfolio while continuing his duties as Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. He will serve in this role until Professor Firoz Cachalia retires from the University of the Witwatersrand at the end of this month and officially assumes the position in August. These developments following the leave of absence issued to Minister Senzo Mchunu who currently faces a string of allegations pertaining to corruption and political killings disclosed by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi last week. This is a developing story.

PRETORIA - The  Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya has been reportedly placed on leave of absence amid allegations levelled against him by KZN police chief Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.  It is understood that the instruction came directly from National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola. This development comes just two days after Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu, also implicated in corruption and political killings, was given leave of absence by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday. Ramaphosa has established a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the claims made by Mkhwanazi. Meanwhile, the KZN Commissioner has received widespread support from civil organisations and private security companies and have marched for his protection. This is a developing story.

CAPE TOWN - The Cape of Good Hope SPCA Wildlife Inspectors have launched an urgent investigation into a horrific case of animal cruelty involving a Chacma Baboon that was slaughtered – allegedly for consumption. Disturbing video footage of the incident has been circulating on social media, showing the brutal killing of an adult baboon. The footage was brought to our attention yesterday, and our team immediately jumped into action. SPCA Inspectors visited Ocean View, where the incident is believed to have occurred.  "We are working closely with the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement and have requested assistance from their Safety and Security Investigation Unit (SSIU) to support our investigation.   "We are offering a R5000 reward for any information that leads to a successful conviction. Please help us bring justice for this baboon. "If you have any information, no matter how small, contact our 24/7 Inspectorate Control Room at 021 700 4158 or send a confident...

PRETORIA - On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa has offered his deep condolences to the Government and nation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, following the passing of Former President Muhammadu Buhari. President Ramaphosa’s thoughts are primarily with the family of Former President Buhari who has passed away at the age of 82. President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the family, friends, former colleagues and associates of the late President Buhari, who led the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 2015 to 2018. President Ramaphosa said: “As South Africa, we stand with the nation of Nigeria in your mourning. “President Buhari led Nigeria as a patriot and a champion not only of the best attributes of his nation during his leadership, but of the future that awaited his great country. “I had the privilege of working closely with President Buhari on building relations between our country and sharing numerous reciprocal visits...

CAPE TOWN - "In order for the Commission to execute its functions effectively, I have decided to put the Minister of Police Mr Senzo Mchunu on a leave of absence with immediate effect," said President Cyril Ramaphosa after establishing a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the crimes and leadership of various institutions implicated in the claims made by KZN Commissioner Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Ramaphosa said Mchunu has undertaken to give his full cooperation to the Commission to enable it to do its work. "I have decided to appoint Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting Minister of Police," he said. ABOUT THE ACTING POLICE MINISTER   Professor Cachalia is currently a professor of law at the University of the Witwatersrand and is the chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council. He previously served as an MEC of Community Safety in Gauteng.

KWAZULU-NATAL - Founder of Gift of the Givers, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman has defended KZN Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi after he made explosive claims about Minister, Senzo Mchunu. During a media briefing, Mkhwanazi made several startling revelations, accusing senior police leadership, including Mchunu, of interfering in investigations into politically motivated killings, corruption, and collusion with criminal networks. Mchunu has denied all allegations against him. Dr Sooliman met with General Mkhwanazi to get a better perspective about his claims. Following the meeting, he described Mkhwanazi as a Beacon of Hope for SA. "The SAPS is so often vilified, insulted, demeaned, maligned, accused of corruption, inaction and inefficiency. Yes, there are those within the SAPS, as in every institution, that have failed to perform, but to generalise and paint an entire institution with the same negativity is disingenuous, demoralising, unjust and unfair to those men and wome...

POLOKWANE - The Police in Polokwane, Capricorn District, arrested two male foreign national suspects aged 39 and 57 for fraud and for contravention of immigration Act during the operation conducted on 09 July 2025 at Seshego Homes Affairs. The operation was executed by Polokwane Detectives jointly with Department of Home Affairs officials after a complainant visited the Department (DHA) in Seshego. A 59-year-old woman visited Home Affairs for her personal inquiry, and that was when she was informed that she is married to a foreign national man without her knowledge and consent. Reports indicated that her marriage was registered at the Department of Home Affairs on 28 January 2017 by a 39-year-old male foreign national in Johannesburg. The matter was reported to the police in Polokwane on 09 July 2025. A successful joint investigation commenced leading to the arrest of a male suspect, who is a manager at Nirvana Industrial bakery in Polokwane downtown on 10 July 2025 at ar...

MPUMALANGA - The nation has gathered to bid farewell and honour the life of service and leadership of Former Deputy President David Dabede Mabuza today, Saturday, 12 July. Mabuza, 64, passed away on Thursday, 3 July 2025, following a short illness. The former Deputy President was honoured with a State Funeral Category 2 which features military and state dignitaries presence. Among those in attendance at the Mpumalanga funeral are  current and former heads of states, head of political parties and general members of the ANC. During his memorial service this week, Mabuza was described as a passionate political leader who cared for the people of this country.

SANDTON - The Alexandra Magistrates’ Court has postponed the case against businessman Vusimuzi Matlala to 26 August 2025. Matlala appeared alongside his partner, Sakani Matlala, and co-accused Musa Kekana and Tiego Floyd Mabusela. The State requested the postponement to allow for the centralisation of two dockets received from Pretoria, in which the accused are implicated and to allow for the matter to be transferred to the High Court of South Africa in Johannesburg. The accused face charges of Attempted Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Fraud and Attempting to Defeat the Ends of Justice. The charges emanate from alleged events that occurred in Johannesburg between 12 and 17 October 2023, during which the accused allegedly conspired to kill Tebogo Thobejane. The State further alleges that they opened fire on Thobejane and two other complainants. It is also alleged that the accused laundered over R120,000 linked to the murder plot and submitted a fraudulent invoice in an ...

PRETORIA - President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Sunday, 13 July 2025, address the nation on developments arising from a public statement by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, that details allegations against senior political and South African Police Service leadership. President Ramaphosa was attending the BRICS Summit in Brazil on Sunday, 6 July 2025, when General Mkhwanazi outlined numerous allegations at a media briefing. The President undertook to attend to this development on his return from Brazil, in view of the implications for national security. President Ramaphosa has been seized with this matter in recent days and will, following various consultations, take the nation into his confidence at 19h00 on Sunday, 13 July 2025. The President’s message will be broadcast and streamed on various platforms.

UTRECHT - The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport amd Human Settlements Siboniso Duma has pledged an investment of R700 million to fight potholes in Utrecht. “Potholes are the enemies of progress, and we are here to declare a war on them,” Duma announced. He was addressing more than 2000 people during the introduction of contractors to repair and rehabilitate the following roads in Emadlangeni, Utrecht. ● P40 – Road between Paulpietersburg and Utrecht - under Amantungwa Traditional Council. ● P41 – Road that passes through Amashandu Traditional Council – Ward 02, 03, and 06 During the address, Duma said that the project also aims to drives rural economic development through road construction in the area. "We salute Inkosi Mbatha, local leadership, and local communities for working with us to create jobs and grow the local economy. We are determined to drive rural economic development using the Department of Transport as a catalyst," he said. Duma also pointed out that...

JOHANNESURG - The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) says it has noted commentary about the social grants review process that the Agency is currently undertaking to ascertain the eligibility of identified beneficiaries suspected of having additional income that was not disclosed. SASSA has categorically stated that there has been no suspension of social grants as stated but during the review process, grants get delayed momentarily until a beneficiary has successfully completed the review process. This review is not a punitive measure to deliberately exclude any deserving beneficiary, but it is intended to ensure continued eligibility and prevent misuse of public funds. CEO, Mr Themba Matlou has assured grants beneficiaries and the public that SASSA is undertaking the social grants review process for the better good of the government fiscus, thus ensuring that grants are paid to eligible beneficiaries and all the fraudulent elements are rooted out. Matlou stressed ...

PRETORIA - President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted statements made yesterday in a media briefing by the South African Police Service KwaZulu-Natal (SAPS KZN) Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Mkhwanazi made a series of damning allegations against Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, and Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Shadrack Sibiya during his briefing. In response, President Ramaphosa said: “This is a matter of grave national security concern that is receiving the highest priority attention. It is vital that the integrity of the country’s security services is safeguarded and that the rule of law is affirmed.” “All parties to this matter are called upon to exercise discipline and restraint. The trading of accusations and counter-accusations threatens to undermine public confidence and sow confusion.  Furthermore, these actions damage the unity and focus of the police.” President Ramaphosa will outline the actions to be taken on this...

PRETORIA - President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the former Deputy President David Dabede Mabuza will be honoured with a State Funeral Category 2 on Saturday, 12 July 2025. Deputy President Mabuza, 64, passed away on Thursday, 3 July 2025, following a short illness. In terms of the State, Official and Provincial Official Funeral Policy Manual of The Presidency, the State Funeral Category 2 is reserved for the Deputy President of the Republic, an Acting President and Former Deputy Presidents. The State Funeral Category 2 is conducted with prescribed military ceremonial honours. The funeral of Former Deputy President Mabuza will take place in Mpumalanga. Closer details will be announced in the coming days. While preparations unfold, President Ramaphosa has declared that Days of National Mourning be observed from tomorrow, Monday, 07 July 2025, until the evening of Saturday, 12 July. During this period, the National Flag must be flown at half mast at all flag stations ar...

DURBAN - Government says it has noted with serious concern the reported incidents where certain groups and communities have blocked foreign nationals from accessing healthcare services at public facilities. Government has, in a statement on Saturday, called on all communities to uphold the rule of law, respect human dignity, and continue to work together to build a united and inclusive South Africa. It said the South Africa Police Service, along with other law enforcement agencies, was implementing an operational plan to address the protests. “While government understands the genuine frustrations of many citizens regarding the pressures on public services, including overburdened clinics and exhausted healthcare workers, members of the public are urged to raise such concerns through lawful and appropriate channels.  “Taking the law into one’s own hands is unacceptable and undermines the values enshrined in our democratic Constitution,” said a statement issued by the Gove...

PINETOWN - The MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, has expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims of a horrific accident along the N3, just after the Mariannhill Toll Plaza. Yesterday, Friday, 4 July, an accident involving a taxi claimed a number of casualties, including a law enforcement officer. At 23h00, MEC Duma received a final report from a highly dedicated team from Road Traffic Inspectorate confirming the recovery of five bodies, including one female police officer who was in full uniform.   Duma remarked: "We are saddened by the death of five people in this accident caused by a Polo driver, just after the Mariannhill Toll Gate." "The minibus taxi veered off the road and plunged 50 metres down the embankment. The recovery of bodies has been completed. We lost four women and one male. Of the four women, one was a member of the South African Police Service in full uniform." "We express our deepest con...

PRETORIA - The Secretary General of the African National Congress (ANC) Fikile Mbalula has confirmed the unexpected passing of former Deputy President David Mabuza. Mbalula tweeted as follows on X: It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we learn of the passing of former Deputy President of the Republic and stalwart of our movement, Comrade David Dabede Mabuza. Comrade Mabuza dedicated his life to the service of the people of South Africa. From his days in the struggle against apartheid to his leadership as Premier of Mpumalanga and later as Deputy President, he was a committed cadre who carried the values of unity, discipline, and transformation. On behalf of the African National Congress, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, comrades, and the people of South Africa. We have lost a patriot, a freedom fighter, and a leader who served with humility and conviction. May his soul rest in peace, and may we honour his legacy by continuing the work of ...

DURBAN - A suspected hit or attempted hijacking that occurred on Avoca Road in the Greenwood Park area has resulted in the death of one person this morning, Thursday, 3 July. KZNVIP Medics were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports from community members requesting urgent medical assistance. Upon arrival, it was established that while an Indian male was exiting a driveway, a white Toyota Etios pulled up next to his vehicle whilst an African male suspect allegedly exited the Etios and fired multiple shots at the driver before fleeing in an unknown direction. Paramedics from KZNVIP attempted to stabilise the patient, who was in critical condition. Sadly, after a lengthy time working together with another private ambulance service, the patient was declared deceased due to the extent of his injuries. The circumstances leading up to the shooting cannot be confirmed at this time pending SAPS investigation.

KATLEHONG -  A total of 15 residents escaped unharmed when the building they were in caught fire last night, Wednesday, 2 June. The Ekurhuleni emergency services in Zonkezizwe received a call to the incident in Katlehong just before 9pm. The swift action by the fire and rescue response team contained the blaze and prevented it from spreading to adjacent structures. Due to the intensity of the fire, reinforcements were called in from Brakpan, Germiston and Alberton fire stations. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Report fire and rescue emergencies to 011 458 0911.

PRETORIA - The South African Police Service (SAPS) on Monday launched its much anticipated e-Recruitment drive on its official website for 5 500 aspiring police officers to join its ranks. For the first time in the history of the existence of the organisation, SAPS is utilising an Electronic Recruitment System, through which youth from all walks of life can submit their applications to be considered for entry level Police Trainee posts. The shift to a digital platform is expected to reduce paperwork, curb corruption and nepotism, and prevent lost applications. It will also enhance fairness, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and improve the integrity and speed of the recruitment process. The nationwide recruitment drive began on Monday, 30 June 2025, with online applications closing on 18 July 2025. It targets young men and women aged 18 to 35 to join as police trainees for the 2025/26 financial year. Qualifying young men and women without criminal records and/or pending crimi...