Cape Times
US pressure forces France to disinvite SA from G7 Summit, Pretoria says
THE United States put pressure on France to disinvite President Cyril Ramaphosa from the G7 summit in the French town of Évian in June, the presidency says. It marks the latest episode after months of fractured ties over a range of issues, from South...
Read Full Story (Page 2)
MASEMOLA SUMMONED IN R360M TENDER CASE
POLIcE commissioner-General Fannie Masemola has welcomed any investigation or due process that seeks to address allegations of wrongdoing after authorities confirmed that he was issued with a notice to appear in court over the R360 million SAPS tender...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
MINISTER CONDEMNS MURDER OF LAWYER
JUSTICE and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has condemned the fatal shooting of a 35-year-old lawyer in Johannesburg’s CBD as a direct threat to South Africa’s constitutional order. Chinette Gallichan was killed on Monday morning...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
MASHATILE SLAMS ‘FALSE MEETING’ WITH MATLALA
DEPUTY President Paul Mashatile has rejected claims that he met or planned to meet with alleged cartel leader Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala as categorically ‘untrue.’ The claims, raised by Gauteng Organised Crime Unit officer Sergeant Fannie Nkosi during...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Crime rates rival war zones with 26 000 annual deaths
PORTFOLIO Committee on Defence and Military Veterans chairperson, Dakota Legoete, has likened South Africa’s crime crisis to active conflict zones, with more than 26 000 people killed in a single year. Legoete made the stark assessment during a Peace...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
MKHWANAZI: VETTING UNIT IS ‘DIRTY’
KWAZULU-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, whose security clearance expired in 2018, said if he had the power to, he would dismiss the entire vetting unit, starting with head Major-General Feroz Khan. Mkhwanazi made the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ELITE POLICE OFFICERS DRAWN INTO CRIME
THE growing trend of highly skilled police officers being lured away by private security companies and criminal syndicates has come under scrutiny following the shocking revelation of Matipandile Sotheni’s alleged involvement in organised...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
WITNESS DISCLOSED CONFIDENTIAL SAPS DOCUMENTS TO MATLALA
GAUTENG Organised Crime Unit officer Sergeant Fannie Nkosi testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry yesterday that he shared confidential internal SAPS communications regarding the termination of a R360 million contract awarded to Vusimuzi...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
MCHUNU MAKES U-TURN ON STEP-ASIDE DECISION
NOW that preparations for his presentations before the Ad Hoc Committee and Madlanga Commission are over, suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu believes he is ready to resume his political responsibilities. Mchunu's spokesperson Sithembiso Mshengu...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
HOW MATLALA’S MONEY BANKROLLED TOP COP’S LIFESTYLE
THE Madlanga Commission has challenged suspended head of the SAPS Organised Crime Unit, Richard Shibiri’s claim that he borrowed money from Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to cover expenses, after bank records showed he spent nearly R20 000 at Gucci and Louis...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Shibiri denies discussing police matters with Matlala
SUSPENDED organised crime head, Maj-Gen. Richard Shibiri, has denied ever discussing police operations with alleged tycoon, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, despite records showing the two were in contact around the time police raided Matlala's home. Shibiri...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Court mandates review of school placement for twins
THE Western Cape Education Department (WCED) says it is exploring the option to appeal a Western Cape High Court order to review the placement of Grade 1 twins. The six-year-old boys were supposed to start their Grade 1 schooling this year, but three...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘Mogotsi and Matlala played me’ – Carrim
NORTH West businessman and ANC member, Suliman Carrim, said he was “played” by long-time associate Brown Mogotsi and alleged underworld tycoon, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a saga that left him R8.2 million out of pocket. Carrim told the Madlanga...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SOUTH AFRICANS RETURN AMID IRAN CONFLICT
MANY South Africans have begun returning home as limited flight operations resume following regional airspace closures caused by the escalating conflict in the Middle East. This follows the Department of International Relations and Cooperation's...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Abdullah Ibrahim to grace the Cape Town International Jazz Festival stage for historic performance
FEW musicians have shaped the sound and soul of South African jazz quite like Abdullah Ibrahim. The 91-year-old pianist and composer will return to the stage at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF), performing on March 27 to 28, as part...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
WINDE FACES BACKLASH OVER ETHICS
PREmIER Alan Winde has indicated his intent to appeal the Provincial Parliament's Conduct Committee findings that he breached the Code of Conduct by failing to disclose sponsored foreign travel to the United States. This comes as opposition parties in...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SANDF DEPLOYMENT SIGNALS CRIME INTEL COLLAPSE
THE deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Gauteng has been described as an admission that crime intelligence and police services have collapsed. Experts say the deployment of the defence...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
TRUMP WON’T RULE OUT SENDING TROOPS INTO IRAN
US PRESIDENT Donald Trump has refused to rule out sending ground troops into Iran as he warned that the spreading Middle East war, unleashed by US-Israeli strikes, could last longer than a month. Israel yesterday traded fire with Iran-backed group...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘NO LIMIT’ TO IRAN’S SELF-DEFENCE AMID US-ISRAEL BOMBARDMENTS
A TOP Iranian official on Sunday rejected President Donald Trump's warning not to retaliate against massive US-Israel bombardments, saying there would be “no limit” to the country's self-defense. “Nobody can tell us that you don't have any right to...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
South Africans recruited for Russia war have died
THE two South African men who died after being lured to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war were not linked to the 17 allegedly recruited via the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), but another group, says International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
TAX INCREASES OFF THE TABLE FOR NOW
THE government intends withdrawing the R20 billion in tax increases previously proposed in the May 2025 Budget, following a positive revision of tax revenue by R21.3bn. “The improving fiscal position allows us enough room to withdraw the proposed tax...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Ex-prosecutions boss implicates former minister in obstructing TRC case
FORMER Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla has been placed among the leaders who allegedly interfered with the prosecution of apartheid-era human rights violations. This emerged when former Acting National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Dr...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
HOME AFFAIRS OFFICIALS SOLD SA TO ‘HIGHEST BIDDER’
CORRUPT Home Affairs officials scored millions of rands from fraudulent Visa applications, which were underpinned by fake documentation. The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) said cellphone analysis confirmed direct communication between officials and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
BREAKTHROUGH IN GLOBAL TRAFFICKING SCAM
ON THE day the UN called on governments to clamp down on scam centres, which have mushroomed in Southeast Asia with hundreds of thousands of people trafficked into forced labour, the Hawks made a breakthrough with the arrest of two suspected human...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
MEN IN RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR NOW SAFE
THE four South African men who returned from the Russia-Ukraine conflict on Wednesday spent their first day back in the country deposing statements and handing over their phones to the police. The men had been kept in a safe place in Johannesburg to...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
TOP COP CASTS DOUBT ON PKTT ‘SUCCESSES’
SUSPENDED Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya attempted to downplay the impact of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), saying most dockets removed from the elite unit were “already stagnant” at time they were taken away. Only 18%...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Reverend Jesse Jackson hailed as servant leader for the oppressed, voiceless, and overlooked
JESSE Jackson, who died yesterday aged 84, had a three-pronged career of civil rights, liberal missions and political activism, and his White House bids in the 1980s helped lay the groundwork for the election of America's first Black president two...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SALGA PUSHES BACK ON CR’S THREAT OF CRIMINAL CHARGES
THE South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has pushed back against “forcing” municipalities to deliver water to communities under the threat of criminal prosecution. It warned that taking the municipality to court is short-sighted and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘KEEP CADRES AWAY FROM WATER CRISIS RESPONSE’
CADRE deployment in water management could worsen the crisis in the coming years despite President Cyril Ramaphosa announcing the establishment of the National Water Crisis Committee to be chaired by him. This is according to governance experts, who...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SOLDIERS TO BE DEPLOYED WITHIN DAYS, HINTS RAMAPHOSA
AREAS affected by gang violence in the Western Cape and illegal mining in Gauteng can expect the presence of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in the coming days, says President Cyril Ramaphosa. “I have directed the Minister of Police...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ALL SET FOR LAST SONA AT CITY HALL
NATIONAL Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has hinted at this year's State of the Nation Address (Sona) as being the last to be delivered at the Cape Town City Hall. The hall has been made available for the gathering since a large section of Parliament...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
“I’m loyal to South Africa”: Paul O’Sullivan rejects foreign spy allegations
FORENSIC fraud examiner Paul O'Sullivan pledged his ‘loyalty' to South Africa, saying he never performed any foreign agency activities in the country. He has citizenship of three countries - South Africa, Ireland and the United Kingdom, it emerged...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ZILLE SIGNALS SUPPORT FOR HILL-LEWIS
CAPE Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis's rise to the top of the Democratic Alliance now appears all but inevitable, with political analysts saying his ascent has effectively been sealed following glowing public praise from DA federal council chairperson...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
INFORMANT QUESTIONED OVER KEY WITNESS’S MURDER
POLICE informant Wiandre Pretorius, who died by suicide at an Astron Energy filling station in Brakpan on Gauteng's East Rand, was the first person of interest questioned by the police following the brutal murder of Marius van der Merwe. Van der...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
HILL-LEWIS EYES SECOND TERM AS MAYOR
CAPE Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, who has been touted as a potential candidate to replace DA leader John Steenhuisen, has hinted at running for a second term as mayor. However he was not among newly announced DA mayoral candidates for eight...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
HPCSA opposes Dr Wouter Basson’s bid to permanently halt disciplinary proceedings linked to Project Coast
THE Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is set to oppose Dr Wouter Basson’s latest court bid to stop the disciplinary action taken against him, saying it was in the interest of justice that the man known as the head of a top-secret...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
NPA hails landmark conviction of ex-crime intel officer for fraud, money laundering
FORMER police officer Paul Scheepers has become the first to be convicted for being in possession of a cell phone grabber/locator without ministerial exemption and use of multiple accounts to conceal R5.59 million in proceeds of unlawful...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
St Francis Bay vessel fire sparks pollution fears
THE South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has issued a navigation warning due to the presence of the sunken vessel FV Western Star, which poses a hazard to maritime traffic. The 40-foot vessel owned by Knysna Fishing Company sank yesterday,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘SHUT ISRAELI EMBASSY IN SA’
THE South African government should now shutdown the Israeli embassy after the expulsion of Ariel Seidman, the Chargé d'Affaires of the Israeli Embassy. EFF leader Julius Malema made this call when addressing the first day of the party's 3rd National...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
How refusing R45m ‘Grabber’ funding for ANC ‘cost’ ex-Crime Intelligence official
FORMER Crime Intelligence's Secret Services Account head Tiyani Lincoln Hlungwani's problems intensified when he apparently refused to authorise the R45 million to buy a grabber machine for the Crime Intelligence. Hlungwana told MPs at the Ad Hoc...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ISRAELI OFFICIALS’ VISIT COULD LAND HOSPITAL CHIEFS IN HOT WATER
REFUSING Israel's donation would have amounted to defying AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, say two Eastern Cape hospitals chief executive officers as the provincial government awaits a report on alleged breach of government protocol. King...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
MATLALA ALSO BANKROLLED TOP COP’S LIFESTYLE, INQUIRY TOLD
SUSPECTED crime kingpin, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, allegedly shared information with KwaZulu-Natal SAPS Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi about a Sandton house where suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Scholar transport tragedy opens old ‘Blackheath train-crossing wounds’
POLICE Minister Senzo Mchunu allegedly promised an undercover operative “a free” and “happy life” if he provided false information to the Madlanga Commission of inquiry. The commission is probing allegations that Mchunu, who has since been placed on...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
I feel like I am dreaming, says mother of youngest scholar tragedy victim
SIX-YEAR-OLD Ofentse Jayden Vinger had only attended school three days before his life was cut short during the Vanderbijlpark scholar transport accident that also claimed the lives of 13 other children. In a moving funeral service, where Ofense,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
South Africa marks another historic step in the battle against HIV/AIDS
THE launch of a first-in-human clinical trial at the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation (DTHF) site at Groote Schuur Hospital has been hailed as a historic step toward contributing to the development of an HIV vaccine in Southern Africa. The first...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
TRUMP BACKTRACKS ON THREATS IN GREENLAND
GREENLAND’S government unveiled a new brochure yesterday offering advice to the population in the event of a “crisis” in the territory, which US President Donald Trump has repeatedly vowed to seize from his country’s ally Denmark. Guidance includes...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
GREENLAND NOT UP FOR NEGOTIATION – EU TELLS WEF
EUROPEAN Commission President Ursula von der Leyen drew a line in the sand in the wake of US President Donald Trump's threat to seize Greenland, saying its sovereignty and territorial integrity were not up for negotiation. Greenland's strategic...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
DEATHS OF LEARNERS SPARK CALLS TO TIGHTEN SCHOLAR TRANSPORT REGULATIONS
ONE of the drivers involved in the Vanderbijlpark deadly crash that claimed the lives of 14 learners had been reprimanded last week for reckless driving behaviour, says Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane. According to preliminary reports, the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
DECLARE W CAPE GUN VIOLENCE STATE OF EMERGENCY
THE killing of eight people during a shooting linked to extortion in Philippi East has ignited calls for the provincial government to declare gun violence in the Western Cape a state of emergency. Three suspects opened fire at a tavern in the Marikana...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
City defends baboon sanctuary plan amid growing opposition
THE City is forging ahead with the planning and development of a proposed baboon sanctuary on the Cape Peninsula despite opposition from animal welfare organisations. The Animal Survival International (ASI), has raised concerns, saying the process was...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
CLASS OF 2025 SET BAR HIGH
ALL South African education districts achieved over 80% performance in the 2025 NSC examinations. This was disclosed by Basic Education director-general Dr Hubert Mathanzima Mweli when he highlighted the unprecedented achievements from progressed...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
HELP DISPLACED DUNOON RESIDENTS RISE FROM DISASTER
THOUSANDS of Dunoon residents have no idea how they will recover from a devastating fire that left more than 5000 people homeless just days before their children are set to return to school on Wednesday. Described as the largest informal settlement...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
KNYSNA FAST APPROACHING DAY ZERO – GIFT OF GIVERS
GREATER Knysna residents will now pay 100% more on top of their current water bills, as the municipality rolls out harsh new drought tariffs to curb non-essential water use during the severe shortage. “The implementation of Level 4 water restrictions...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
CLEARED TO RETURN, HEATHFIELD HIGH PRINCIPAL ‘JUST WANTS TO TEACH’
ALL Wesley Neumann wants is to return to Heathfield High School as principal, chalk in hand, and continue his passion for education. This is according to his lawyer, Vernon Seymour who said Neumann was looking forward to resuming duty after the Labour...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SACP eyes ANC’s January 8 bash despite rising tensions
THE SACP intends to participate in the ANC's January 8 celebrations at the weekend despite plans to contest its alliance partner during the local government elections later this year. Scheduled for Saturday, January 10, at the Moruleng Stadium in...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
CITY STILL WANTS TO SPOIL MINSTREL PARTY
THE Cape Town Minstrel Carnival Association (CTMCA) has dedicated its victory against the City to every citizen who believes that their traditions were not for sale. “The judiciary has sent a clear message. The City of Cape Town is now compelled to...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
China achieves fruitful results in high-quality development during 14th Five-Year Plan period
The 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has started its fourth plenary session in Beijing on Oct. 20. The four-day meeting aims at studying the proposals for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) for national economic...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
HERO LIFEGUARD SAVES FOUR AT MILLERS POINT BEACH
SAADIQ Parker has credited his training and nine years of lifesaving experience for not hesitating to jump into action and help rescue four people, including two girls aged five and eight, from drowning at Millers Point Beach in Simon’s Town at the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
TOY GUN OR NOT, DEPUTY MAYOR MUST STILL ANSWER, SAY EXPERTS
UNDER-FIRE Bitou Municipality deputy mayor, Nokuzola Kolwapi ‘still broke the law' when discharging what she now claims to be a toy gun during traditional celebrations welcoming the return of her son from a Xhosa initiation school. This is according...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ROBBEN ISLAND MUSEUM CEO’S DEPARTURE SHROUDED IN SECRECY
THE Robben Island Museum (RIM) and its now former chief executive Abigail Thulare have remained tightlipped about details of their “mutual separation of employment” following her suspension amid an investigation into management practices. This...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Proposed salary hikes for high level government officials a 'slap in the face' for struggling South Africans
THE recommendation of a 4.1% salary increase for public office bearers, which would see the President's annual salary rise by about R137 000 to approximately R3.4 million, has come under sharp criticism as ordinary South Africans struggle to make ends...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
US HINTS AT INTENSIFYING HOSTILITIES
THE Donald Trump-led administration has hinted at escalating its hostilities against South Africa, accusing Pretoria of harassing its government employees working with Afrikaners. The State Department said yesterday that passport information of US...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Slain DJ Warras’ fight against hijacked buildings ‘invited’ threats
SLAIN Warrick "DJ Warras" Stock had apparently been threatened when he intensified his work of recovering hijacked buildings in the Joburg CBD- an issue he also spoke strongly against on various social media platforms in recent months. Stock was shot...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
RAIN MUST FALL IN KNYSNA
AS THOUSANDS of local and international tourists are expected to flock to the Garden Route during this festive season, the Knysna municipality, which recently introduced heightened water restrictions, has warned of increased non-compliance and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
STILL NO JUSTICE FOR BRAVE WHISTLEBLOWER
IT has been nine months and police are no closer to catching the killers of brave whistleblower and community activist, Pamela Mabini, who was instrumental in the arrest of Nigerian televangelist pastor Timothy Omotoso for alleged sex...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
THE magic of CATS
THE iconic and much-loved musical CATS, inspired by T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, has made its return to the Artscape Opera House, set to wow audiences until early next year. Audiences can look forward to a talented South African...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ROMAIN BARATS:
Ocean adventure finalist. A diver surrounded by a pod of sperm whales. “We saw 15 whales socialising,” says Barats. “The sea was rough but when you get to see something like that, you quickly forget the conditions”. | ROMAIN BARATS Ocean Photographer...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTIONS NOTHING BUT ‘LIP SERVICE’
“HER husband died a hero, that's all I can tell her.” This is the message Nicolette Kinnear, widow of celebrated policeman and former section commander in the Anti-Gang Unit, Charl Kinnear who was murdered outside his Bishop Lavis home, said she would...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
WHISTLEBLOWER SLAMS DECEPTIVE GOVERNMENT
THE lack of protection of whistleblowers is a symptom of two tragic realities which have been perpetuated and exacerbated under the Ramaphosa government, says scholar and whistleblower Dr Athol Williams. “Disregard for human life” is tragedy one and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SLAIN WHISTLE-BLOWER MAY HAVE KNOWN HIS KILLERS
“NONE of us saw this coming. We thought now that he had concluded his evidence before the Commission, he was no longer in direct danger and that the next step would be to testify later in court.” That is how Jacques Vorster, the friend of slain...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
WCED's school admissions policy fails the test
THE Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has been ordered to produce a comprehensive management plan for late, extremely late and transfer applications within six months, after a court found its admissions policy violates the Constitution. In the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
JUSTICE FOR CAIPHUS NYOKA AFTER 30 YEARS
“JUSTICE delayed is never justice denied” was the belief that maintained the resolve of anti-apartheid activist Caiphus Nyoka's family in their quest for the truth. The 30-year long wait finally came to an end on Tuesday when the Pretoria High Court...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
HOW EXTORTION ACCUSED COPS REMAINED AT WORK
THE City returned two law enforcement officers to duty despite knowing the investigation into their alleged involvement in extortion-related crimes was ‘incomplete'. The officers were arrested again yesterday after allegedly continuing the scheme...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Surviving severe abuse: A mother’s journey to safety
I CAME to the shelter, through abuse. The perpetrator used to severely hit me when I was pregnant until I decided to run away from him. This is how I eventually ended up at Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children. I lost my first pregnancy...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Court upholds teacher’s reinstatement victory
WHAT started as an ill-conceived review application has taken the form of litigation-by-attrition, remarked Acting Labour Court judge, Veronique Barthus when turning down the Western Cape Education Department's (WCED) latest attempt to challenge a...
Read Full Story (Page 1)