Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week.
NPA SAYS IT WILL NOT PROSECUTE FIKILE MBALULA OVER MONEY LAUNDERING ALLEGATIONS
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, its inquiry into ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula turned up no proof of criminal activity.
Mbalula was the minister of sports at the time, and Busisiwe Mkhwebane, who has since been suspended, discovered that Mbalula had a vacation that was largely paid for by the sports supplier Sedgars Sport and reported the incident to the NPA.
In 2016, Mbalula and his family travelled to Dubai.
The projected cost of the trip was R680,000.
SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD BOY KILLED BY A STRAY RUBBER BULLET DURING A PROTEST IN SLOVO PARK
After their child was killed, the family of a 16-year-old from Slovo Park, south of Johannesburg, is demanding justice.
Karabo Chaka allegedly suffered a rubber bullet wound to the head from police personnel.
This took place during protests by Slovo Park residents who have been obstructing traffic on the N12 since Monday due to the absence of water and sewage services in the neighbourhood.
Karabo’s mother is pleading for justice and mentioning that she lacks the money to bury her son in a proper funeral.
CHAOS ERUPTS AT THE UNION BUILDINGS DURING UNIVERSITY STUDENTS PROTEST OVER THE NSFAS PAYMENT SYSTEM
On Wednesday, police opened fire with rubber bullets on students holding signs outside the Union Buildings.
After their demonstrations grew violent and they fought with the police, this happened.
The new National Student Financial Aid Scheme’s payment structure is being called into question by the students.
The protest resulted in the arrest of 20 students, but the remaining students have pledged to continue protesting.
Additionally, they insisted that Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande receive their memo instead of delivering it.
JULIUS MALEMA SAYS HE WILL CONTINUE TO SING ‘KILL THE BOER, KILL THE FARMER’ WHEN HE WANTS TO
Leader Julius Malema said he will sing “Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer” whenever he wants after criticism of the EFF’s 10th anniversary celebration’s chanting of the song.
This comes after the DA said it will file a complaint with the UN Human Rights Council, and last week, the Freedom Front Plus announced the opening of a criminal investigation on Malema.
During a press briefing by the EFF, Malema said there is no song, ‘Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer’.
“That is a chant. We over-explained it in court. If you have a problem with it, go to the records of the courts,” added Malema.
“Don’t be lazy to read, and ask me the same thing all over again and again. And I won in court. The court said there is nothing wrong in singing ‘Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer'”.
OVER 30 PEOPLE ARRESTED IN RIVERLEA AS POLICE HUNT FOR ZAMA ZAMA’S
37 persons were arrested by the Gauteng Police during a police operation to clear the Zamipilo informal settlement near Riverlea of illicit miners.
Five persons were killed as a result of gunfire between two rival gangs of unlicensed miners, according to the police.
To keep an eye on the area, members of the Public Order Policing and Tactical Response Teams have been sent.
TAXI OPERATIONS IN THE WESTERN CAPE HALTED
Santaco has withdrawn its taxis from Western Cape roads and is urging Uber and meter taxis to join the strike. The decision follows clashes between law enforcement and drivers over impounded vehicles. Taxi bosses are pointing the blame at the City of Cape Town.
Reports indicate that a meeting of taxi bosses resulted in the resolution to suspend all taxi services after 15 vehicles were impounded on Tuesday afternoon, leading to violent clashes with City law enforcement officers.
JOHANNESBURG GAS EXPLOSION CAUSE REVEALED WITH REPAIR COSTS ESTIMATED AT R178 MILLION
A team of experts investigating the Lilian Ngoyi Street gas explosion has ruled out terrorist actions, zama-zamas, cable theft, or foul play. It was also confirmed that emergency responses were effective and compliant, and there was no negligence or intentional actions by individuals. The specialists determined that the explosion was fueled by methane gas, lighter than air, originating from an unknown source and traveled along the services tunnel to Von Brandis Street.
The COJ team estimates repair costs at R178 million. To prevent future incidents, they’ll upgrade tunnel design based on international codes and implement continuous gas detection and alarms.
HOME AFFAIRS OPENS SEVEN MORE OFFICES FOR SMART ID CARDS AND PASSPORTS
Seven Home Affairs offices will open on Saturday, 05 August 2023, from 08h00 to 13h00, to increase access to services mainly for clients who are unable to visit offices on week days. These offices will be offering the collection of Smart ID Cards and Passports service. Offices opening this Saturday are the following:
– Home Affairs Menlyn (Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, Pretoria, Gauteng)
– Soweto: Orlando Branch (11902 Kumalo Main Road & Armitage Street, Orlando West, Soweto, Gauteng)
– Germiston Office (President Street & FH Odendaal Street, Germiston, Gauteng)
– Atamelang District Office (1093b Main Street, Golf View, Mafikeng, North West)
– Zeerust Office (48B Church Street, Zeerust, North West)
– De Aar Office (47 Voortrekker Street, De Aar, Northern Cape)
– Colesburg Office (Corner Chamberlain & Church Street, Thusong Centre, Colesberg, Northern Cape)
IEC CALLS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON ELECTORAL AMENDMENT ACT REGULATIONS
The Electoral Commission seeks public input on Regulations that support the Electoral Amendment Act, bringing changes to the participation of independent candidates in national and provincial elections. Six draft regulations were published, covering areas such as simplifying special voting procedures, online voter registration, protection of party information, and nomination requirements for independent candidates.
The amendments aim to enhance the electoral process, encourage genuine contenders, and allow independent candidates to participate more effectively. Public comments will help shape these regulations and ensure a fair and efficient election system. (Word count: 100)
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