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Kidnapped businessman rescued, wanted Mozambican kidnapper fatally wounded

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KEMPTON PARK - The South African Police Service (SAPS) Anti-Kidnapping Task Team has safely reunited an Indian businessman with his family following a shootout with an alleged mastermind behind the businessman’s kidnapping. The businessman was found in Alexandra in a shack shortly after midnight on Thursday, 04 September 2025. His rescue follows a shooting in which the alleged mastermind behind his kidnapping was shot and killed during confrontation with police officers near the R21 in Kempton Park on Wednesday evening. The suspect who goes by the nickname “Dollarman” is a wanted kidnapping kingpin in both SA and in Mozambique. He is on SERNIC which is Mozambique’s wanted persons database where he was a wanted for several kidnapping for ransoms cases. In SA he was also linked to at least five kidnapping for ransom cases as well as other cases of housebreaking, carjacking and possession of unlicensed firearms. From July 2021 to date more than 337 kidnappers have been arrest...

MANDELA DAY Celebrated under the theme: “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity.”

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GAUTENG - This year’s Nelson Mandela International Day on 18 July will be celebrated under the theme: “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity.”   Nelson Mandela, in addressing the scourge of poverty, suffering and deprivation, said: "It is in your hands to make our world a better one for all, especially the poor, vulnerable and marginalised." These profound words by our global icon and father of our nation are at the heart of our actions this Nelson Mandela Day in tackling poverty, fighting inequality and building a society based on justice.  The day is an opportunity for citizens to recognise their individual power to change the world for the better. We can also play a part by raising awareness and expanding the reach of Mandela’s values which include fighting injustice, helping people in need and advancing reconciliation. Government encourages citizens to donate their time to make a difference in their communities this Nelson Mandela Day. Thr...

Polokwane private vehicle testing station manager to appear in court for corruption

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   CENTURION - A manager from a privately owned vehicle testing station is scheduled to appear before the Polokwane magistrate court after attempting to bribe a police investigating officer. The manager from Seshego Private Vehicle Testing Station was arrested on Monday after offering a bribe of R8000 to an officer investigating fraud and corruption at his station.   The manager allegedly wanted the investigating officer to release cellphones seized during an earlier search and seizure operation conducted by the National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit – division of the 2 / 2 Road Traffic Management Corporation and the Limpopo Hawks anti-corruption investigation unit. An entrapment order was obtained and the investigation officer arranged to meet with the manager on Monday (14 July 2025). At the meeting in Polokwane, the manager allegedly handed a sum amounting to R5000 to the investigating officer. He was immediately arrested and the money seized as an exhi...

NSPCA welcomes long-awaited reform for lion captivity breeding ban

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CAPE TOWN - The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has  welcomed the announcement by Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, on the imminent publication of the Lion Prohibition Notice banning new captive lion breeding facilities.   This long-awaited reform marks a pivotal milestone in dismantling an industry built on systemic cruelty, reflecting years of legal action, public advocacy, and inspections by the NSPCA. The prohibition confirms what the NSPCA has long exposed: the captive lion industry has operated largely unabated for decades, inflicting severe animal welfare violations, damaging South Africa’s conservation reputation, and flouting constitutional obligations to protect sentient beings. While limited to new facilities, this ban sends a clear signal that the commodification of lions for tourism, hunting, and the bone trade is no longer defensible. The NSPCA’s decade-long investigations have laid bare the industry’s brutality. O...

Actor Oscar Mgudlwa known for playing Madluphuthu has passed away

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Oscar Mgudlwa aka Madluphuthu  BENONI - Actor and comedian Oscar Mgudlwa, affectionately known as Madluphuthu is no more. Mgudlwa's untimely passing has shocked the film and television fraternity, leaving it mourning. It is reported that Mgudlwa from Daveyton reportedly died at a hospital in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 16 July following a sickness. The passing was confirmed by his family and close friends. He died at the age of 50. His passing happens after recently joining eTV’s The Black Door. Mgudlwa will be remembered for his portrayal of the character Madluphuthu in the early 2000s - a local film that featured the late Winnie Khumalo. Memorial and Funeral details are yet to be released by the family.

Kaizer Chiefs Chairman befittingly conferred with Wits Honorary Doctorate

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JOHANNESBURG - In recognition of his substantial contribution to South Africa’s business landscape over many decades, Kaizer Chiefs Executive Chairman, Dr. Kaizer Motaung, was bestowed with a second honorary doctorate on Tuesday, this time by Wits University’s Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management. Motaung, a successful businessperson, soccer administrator and philanthropist, delivered a speech that struck a chord with graduates from the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management. He delivered his address after Wits University awarded him an Honorary Doctorate in Commerce on 15 July at the Wits Great Hall. This honour acknowledges his role in the betterment of South African society, the development of soccer in the country, and uplifting disadvantaged youth, amongst others. Bearing witness were other student achievers "Thank you, Wits University, for honouring our Chairman—an inspiring recognition of his visionary leadership and impact. "The Kaizer Chiefs Family p...

Minister Gwede Mantashe appointed as the Acting Minister of Police

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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.

Deputy National Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya placed on leave of absence

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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.

Deep house sensation Senior Oat cries for gigs, not donations

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LIMPOPO - In 2022, when all hope was lost by many due to the effects of COVID-19, deep house sensation Senior Oat uplifted the masses with his soothing hit All in You . Featuring the talented, Kemy Chienda, the song became a hit across board. However, this producer from Limpopo enjoyed little success from the song due to the rapid rise of a new genre that was taking the music world by storm. Amapiano vanguarded by the likes of Kabza de Small and DJ Maphorisa, left little room for other genres to breathe - suffocating the rise of Senior Oats and the likes. Frustrated by the lack of gigs and mounting personal bills, the DJ took to his socials to plead with promoters and club owners for gigs. "Hey guys, I wanna share something real. My heart has been heavy lately. I’m going through a tough time financially, I’m behind on bills and it’s really bad. "Finding gigs lately has been really difficult, and it’s made things even harder," he said "I’m not asking for...

GRAPHIC: SPCA probes brutal killing or slaughter of baboon

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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...

President Ramaphosa offers condolences on the passing of former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari

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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...

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