Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week.
GAUTENG CHURCHGOERS WARNED OF RISING CRIME DURING SERVICES
Gauteng’s Community Safety MEC, Faith Mazibuko, issued a warning to South African churchgoers about the increasing criminal threat during services. Criminals perceive gatherings and churches as ‘soft targets’ for theft, prompting concerns over rising incidents of robbery, assault, kidnapping, and even murder.
Leaders from over 1,500 churches in the province met with the MEC to discuss their concerns, seeking additional security measures such as armed guards, CCTV cameras, and metal detectors. This surge in criminal activity has led to fearful congregants avoiding services, with some churches canceling evening sessions to address safety concerns. Pastors are advising worshippers not to bring cash to avoid becoming targets during collections.
SEPTEMBER FLOODS DECLARED NATIONAL DISASTER IN WESTERN AND EASTERN CAPE
The National Disaster Management Centre has officially declared the floods in September as a National Disaster for both the Western and Eastern Cape provinces. This classification enables the provincial government to seek relief funds from the National Disaster Management Centre for repairing infrastructure damage, including buildings, roads, bridges, and water networks.
The estimated damage in the Western Cape is R441 million for provincial infrastructure and R154 million for municipal damages. The provincial government plans to request support from the National Disaster Management Centre, although there is uncertainty about the amount and timing of assistance from the national government.
SABC DENIED R1.5 BILLION ADDITIONAL FUNDING; FACES FINANCIAL STRUGGLES
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has been denied the requested R1.5 billion in additional funding from the government, as revealed in the latest Auditor General’s report. The report indicates that the broadcaster is not financially self-sustainable and is currently facing a critical financial situation.
Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Philly Mapulane, disclosed that the SABC has recorded nearly R500 million in net losses within the first six months of the 2023/24 financial year. This information was presented during a briefing by the board and management to the communications and digital technologies portfolio committee, outlining the public broadcaster’s corporate plan.
STATE SPENDS R492 MILLION ON DEPLOYMENT OF 3,300 SOLDIERS TO COMBAT ILLEGAL MINING
President Cyril Ramaphosa has given the green light for 3,300 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members to work alongside the South African Police Service in Operation Prosper, aiming to help combat illegal mining activities.
The projected cost for this deployment is approximately R 492,143,296.
The SANDF, previously used to tackle gang violence in the Western Cape in 2019, will now join the SAPS in a focused operation against illegal mining from October 28, 2023, to April 28, 2024.
LAST-MINUTE RESCUE: SAMAs TO TAKE PLACE THIS NOVEMBER AT SUNBET ARENA
In a surprising turn of events, the South African Music Awards (SAMAs), initially canceled due to the withdrawal of Durban as the host city, is now set to proceed this November. The awards, estimated to cost over R20 million, faced cancellation after concerns were raised about the financial burden. However, a recent announcement from the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) revealed that the SAMAs will now be held at the SunBet Arena at Time Square, Menlyn Maine, on November 18.
The last-minute revival of the event comes in collaboration with Africa Fest, bringing relief to the music industry and fans alike.
KEY WITNESSES IN POLICE ASSAULT CASE SHOT & KILLED OUTSIDE RANDBURG MAGISTRATES COURT
A shocking incident unfolded outside the Randburg Magistrates Court as a man and a woman were shot and killed on Wednesday morning. The victims, walking towards the court, were targeted by a gunman. Tragically, both were pronounced dead at the scene. Disturbingly, it has been revealed the two foreign nationals were key witnesses in an ongoing case against police officers.
The South African Police Service is conducting a murder investigation, and a manhunt is underway to apprehend the suspect responsible for this brazen attack.
PHALA PHALA FARM THEFT SUSPECTS DENIED BAIL
Two suspects accused of stealing over $500,000 from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm in 2020 have been denied bail. Namibian nationals Imanuwela David, 39, and Froliana Joseph, 30, faced the Bela-Bela magistrate’s court on Tuesday on charges including housebreaking and theft. They are part of a group alleged to have stolen millions from the president’s farm in February 2020. The suspects will remain in custody until their formal bail application on Friday. The case highlights the audacity of criminal activities targeting even high-profile figures.
VIP PROTECTION UNIT ASSAULT TRIAL SET FOR MAY 2024
The trial of eight members of the VIP protection unit, caught on camera assaulting civilians on the N1 highway, is scheduled to begin in May 2024.
The Randburg Magistrate’s Court set the date for the trial, where the accused face 12 charges, including assault, pointing of a firearm, and defeating the ends of justice. The incident, recorded in July, involved the accused, who were part of Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s security detail.
ANC OPENS CRIMEN INJURIA CASE AGAINST BUSINESSMAN ACCUSING PARTY LEADERS OF R500M BRIBERY
The African National Congress (ANC) has taken legal action against businessman Mthunzi Mdwaba, filing a case of crimen injuria. Mdwaba had accused top ANC officials, including Secretary General Fikile Mbalula and three Cabinet ministers, of soliciting a R500 million bribe from him. The allegations claim that Mbalula and the ministers sought a 10% bribe to facilitate Mdwaba’s R5 billion deal with the Unemployment Insurance Fund Scheme. Mbalula, Nxesi, Nzimande, and Godongwana have all denied the accusations.
JUB JUB’S COURT CASE POSTPONED TO DECEMBER
TV personality and rapper Molemo ‘Jub Jub’ Maarohanye will face further court proceedings on December 11, 2023. The Johannesburg Magistrates Court hearing on charges of assault, rape, and attempted murder, stemming from incidents in 2006 and 2009, was postponed. In July, Jub Jub surrendered at the Brixton Police station after a warrant of arrest was issued, securing R10,000 bail.
The case was delayed as the defense sought additional details from the State.
TRANSPORT MINISTER SINDISIWE CHIKUNGA ROBBED WITH BODYGUARDS ON N3
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, along with her VIP protection unit, fell victim to a robbery on the N3 between Vosloorus and Heidelberg. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday morning when the convoy stopped to repair tires damaged by spikes across the road. The robbers made off with firearms and cell phones.
Police are investigating the case, and Minister Chikunga and her team are receiving support and counseling from the SA Police Service’s employee health and wellness unit.
XOLANI KHUMALO FIRED FROM MOJA LOVE
Moja Love has decided to part ways with Xolani Khumalo, the presenter of the popular show “Sizok’thola,” amid a murder charge related to an incident during the show’s taping. The channel released a statement confirming the termination of its relationship with Khumalo and refrained from commenting further on the matter. The decision follows concerns about crime scene contamination, failed prosecutions, and other unfortunate incidents linked to the show.
CITY POWER TAKES OVER LOAD-SHEDDING FROM ESKOM
City Power is set to manage most of Johannesburg’s load shedding after reaching an agreement with Eskom. This shift aims to limit power cuts in these areas to a maximum of two hours. However, the transition faced challenges, with customers reporting longer hours of load shedding.
City Power acknowledges the concerns and is working to address issues, particularly in the northern suburbs. The move is intended to bring relief to residents and implement a more efficient load shedding schedule.
WOMAN KILLS COP BOYFRIEND BECAUSE ‘HE WAS TOO ROUGH DURING SEX’
In a shocking turn of events, Zanele Mkhonto, 28, has pleaded guilty to pre-meditated murder charges for allegedly killing her police partner, Happy Thwala, 45.
Mkhonto claimed her actions were triggered by a difficult sexual encounter, stating that Thwala was too rough during intercourse earlier that evening. The case is unfolding in the Kanyamazane Magistrate’s Court, with Mkhonto’s plea shedding light on a bloody night that ended in tragedy.
Share your thoughts on this article and join the conversation on Twitter or Facebook.
