Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week.
FORMER NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SPEAKER NOSIVIWE MAPISA-NQAKULA GRANTED R50 000 BAIL
Former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has been granted R50,000 bail after appearing in the Pretoria Magistrates Court. She surrendered to Lyttelton Police Station after her bid to halt her impending arrest was unsuccessful.
Mapisa-Nqakula faces 12 corruption charges and one count of money laundering, related to alleged kickbacks exceeding R2 million during her tenure as defence minister.
NINE SUSPECTS KILLED IN SHOOT-OUT WITH POLICE IN KZN
Police in Desia, Mariannhill, near Durban, fatally shot nine suspected criminals wanted for multiple violent offenses. Among the crimes they were linked to is a harrowing case of rape, where they allegedly assaulted a girl and forced her mother to witness. While some praise the police action, others criticize the use of lethal force.
Provincial police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda confirmed the suspects’ involvement in serious crimes, highlighting the complexity of law enforcement’s response to such incidents.
FIVE CASH-IN-TRANSIT ROBBERS KILLED IN MPUMALANGA
In a dramatic exchange of gunfire, Mpumalanga police engaged suspected cash-in-transit robbers in Tasbet Park, Witbank, resulting in five fatalities. Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo reported that authorities acted on intelligence regarding the suspects’ presence in the area following an attempted robbery in Witbank.
As police approached a suspected safe house, the suspects, driving a Toyota Quantum, opened fire upon seeing law enforcement. In the ensuing shootout, police and private security officers returned fire, resulting in the death of five suspects. Eight others were apprehended, while nine managed to evade capture.
SARS COLLECTS R2.155 TRILLION IN TAXES
Despite economic hurdles like load shedding and logistics issues, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) announced a gross tax revenue of R2.155 trillion for the 2023/24 fiscal year. Commissioner Edward Kieswetter revealed a 4.2% year-on-year growth, with net revenue reaching R1.741 trillion, surpassing estimates by R10 billion. Notably, R414 billion in refunds, the highest in SARS history, were issued, with R120 billion directed to Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises.
Despite concerns about fraudulent refunds, Kieswetter praised efforts to prevent R101 billion in improper refunds. SARS also facilitated R3.96 trillion in trade transactions, underscoring its critical role in revenue generation and trade facilitation.
SIU LAUNCHES PROBE INTO ALLEGED CORRUPTION AT KZN SPORTS, ARTS, AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is set to investigate allegations of serious maladministration and corruption within the KwaZulu-Natal Sports, Arts, and Culture department from January 2020 to March 2024. President Cyril Ramaphosa authorized the probe, focusing on procurement processes for library construction and book suppliers.
The investigation targets unauthorized expenditures and the conduct of officials and contractors. The SIU aims to identify systemic failures, recommend improvements, and, if criminal conduct is found, will refer evidence to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action.
PRASA RESTORES METRORAIL SERVICES IN GAUTENG, KWAZULU-NATAL, WESTERN CAPE
PRASA has successfully reinstated five vital Metrorail services in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape by the end of March 2024. These include routes from Cape Town to Stellenbosch, Merebank to Chatsglen, Johannesburg to Florida, Johannesburg to Nancefield, and Germiston to Elsburg. With 31 out of 40 lines partially operational, PRASA aims for full functionality, particularly focusing on extending the restored lines.
Efforts are underway to rehabilitate the Central Line, highlighting PRASA’s commitment to enhancing passenger rail services and providing efficient public transport options.
METRO COP ARRESTED FOR ALLEGED MURDER OF GIRLFRIEND
A shocking incident unfolded in Durban as a Metro Police officer was arrested for allegedly stabbing his girlfriend, also a fellow officer, to death.
The suspect allegedly shared graphic videos of the gruesome act on social media, causing widespread outrage. While details remain scant, Durban Metro Police spokesperson Boysie Zungu confirmed the incident, deferring further comment as investigations unfold. According to Provincial Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the tragic event occurred in a Durban flat, leading to the suspect’s swift arrest by Durban Central police.
The community awaits justice for the victim and accountability for the alleged perpetrator.
SOUTH AFRICANS TO PAY MORE FOR ELECTRICITY THIS WEEK, A 12 % TARIFF INCREASE CAME INTO EFFECT
Eskom is set to raise electricity tariffs by 12.72% to 12.74% this week, following NERSA’s approval last December. From July 1, 2024, local authority tariff charges will increase by 12.72%, while Eskom direct customers will see a 12.74% hike, except for the affordability subsidy charge, which rises by 25.24%.
This hike, averaging at 13.29% for key industrial and urban tariffs, includes the affordability subsidy charge increase. The subsidy aims to balance historically lower tariff increments for Homelight 20A, impacting non-municipal large industrial and urban tariffs.
8-YEAR-OLD SURVIVES LIMPOPO BUS CRASH THAT CLAIMS 45 LIVES
Amidst the devastating Limpopo bus crash tragedy over the Easter weekend, which claimed the lives of 45 people from Botswana, an eight-year-old girl emerged as the sole survivor. The fatal incident occurred when a bus, reportedly ferrying passengers from Botswana to Moria, lost control, crashing into barriers on the Mmamatlakala bridge along the R518 in Limpopo.
Subsequently, the bus plunged into a gorge, igniting in flames. Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga expressed heartfelt condolences to the grieving families impacted by the heartbreaking accident.
KAIZER CHIEFS’ LUKE FLEURS KILLED DURING A HIJACKING IN HONEYDEW
Heartfelt condolences flood in as the football community grieves the tragic loss of 24-year-old Luke Fleurs. The Kaizer Chiefs player fell victim to a fatal hijacking in Honeydew, Johannesburg, Wednesday night. According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, Fleurs was attacked at a petrol station, where two armed assailants, driving a white BMW 1 series, held him at gunpoint, fatally shooting him in the upper body.
One perpetrator fled in Fleurs’ car, while the other escaped in the BMW. The devastating loss has deeply saddened fans and colleagues alike.
CHARGES LIKELY FOR PRINCIPAL AND EDUCATORS IN LATOYA TEMILTON’S DEATH
An independent investigator’s report on the tragic drowning of 12-year-old Latoya Temilton at a Gauteng school excursion has implicated the principal and educators. The Grade 7 pupil drowned during an outing at Wag ‘n Bietjie campsite in Olifantsfontein in January. The investigation, conducted by Ntshupetsang Attorneys, revealed potential negligence by school staff. The report recommends charging the principal and educators with misconduct for allegedly providing misleading information to the department. Their testimonies reportedly conflicted with those of the students, prompting calls for accountability in this heartbreaking incident.
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