Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week:
This week, This week saw South African Revenue Service (SARS) officials raid the Durban residence of Shauwn Mkhize, seizing assets amid claims of R40 million in unpaid taxes.
Meanwhile, police arrested 14 illegal miners, including a minor, during a night raid in Stilfontein as part of Operation Vala Umgodi. The miners, all Mozambican nationals, had emerged from disused shafts in an attempt to evade authorities.
On the economic front, Boxer, owned by Pick n Pay, made a historic debut on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, marking a major milestone for South Africa’s retail industry. In education, the Class of 2024 completed their final matric exams, with authorities urging celebrations to remain safe and responsible.
SA Rugby also announced the Springboks’ 2025 fixtures, including Tests against Italy, Georgia, Australia, and Argentina, promising an action-packed season for rugby fans.
Here are the top stories of the week:
SARS RAIDS SHAUWN MKHIZE’S HOME OVER R40M TAX DEBT
South African Revenue Service (SARS) officials raided the Durban home of businesswoman and socialite Shauwn Mkhize, citing nearly R40 million in unpaid taxes. Backed by a court-approved preservation order and search-and-seizure warrant, SARS aims to prevent asset dissipation and secure evidence of non-compliance.
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter emphasized that the operation underscores their resolve to combat tax evasion, stating, “No one is above the law.” Recent efforts have targeted the construction industry, ensuring adherence to tax laws. This action aligns with SARS’s strategy to hold individuals accountable regardless of status.
The raid highlights the agency’s collaboration with law enforcement to safeguard the integrity of South Africa’s tax system.
ILLEGAL MINERS ARRESTED IN STILFONTEIN, MORE STILL RESURFACING
Police arrested 14 illegal miners, including a 14-year-old boy, as they emerged from disused shafts in Stilfontein, North West, during Operation Vala Umgodi. The group, all Mozambican nationals, attempted to surface under the cover of darkness, believing the police were no longer on guard.
Some managed to flee back into the mine upon noticing law enforcement, while others were apprehended near the shaft. Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe revealed that these arrests confirm the miners are not trapped underground but are allegedly being held by heavily armed men forcing them to dig for gold.
News24 reports that seventeen illegal miners resurfaced on Thursday from two mine shafts in Stilfontein. Fourteen miners emerged from Margaret Shaft, while three came from Shaft 10.
The miners, hailing from Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, are still being processed. Around 300 other illegal miners are also appearing in the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court, facing charges related to illegal mining and violations of the Immigration Act.
HOME AFFAIRS MINISTER CALLS DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION A GAME-CHANGER FOR SA
Home Affairs Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber has highlighted the transformative potential of digitizing the department’s services. Addressing the National Council of Provinces, Schreiber stated that Home Affairs’ digital vision could revolutionize both public and private sector operations across South Africa.
He emphasized the department’s critical role in managing the National Population Register (NPR), which underpins services like social grants, healthcare, education, and financial transactions. The plan aims to automate processes, secure biometrics, and eliminate identity fraud, ensuring efficient and reliable access to essential documents like IDs and passports.
Schreiber envisions a future where citizens can access multiple government services securely via a unified digital platform, transforming governance and improving service delivery nationwide.
BOXER LISTS ON JOHANNESBURG STOCK EXCHANGE
Boxer, the soft discount retailer owned by Pick n Pay, officially listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the retail sector.
As the first soft discount retailer to go public in South Africa, Boxer’s listing is one of the most anticipated IPOs in nearly a decade, providing Pick n Pay with a multi-billion rand boost to fuel its growth and strategic goals.
Since being acquired by Pick n Pay in 2002, Boxer has grown from 35 stores with a turnover of R800 million to 500 stores nationwide, with an annual turnover of R40 billion. The debut is also seen as a sign of renewed optimism for the JSE, with more IPOs expected in 2025.
CLASS OF 2024 MATRIC FINALS END, SAFETY URGED FOR CELEBRATIONS
The Western Cape Provincial Government has urged matriculants to celebrate responsibly as the Class of 2024 wraps up their final exams today. The last papers include Agricultural Management Practices, Marine Sciences Paper 2, and Design Paper 1, marking the conclusion of a five-week exam period.
Education MEC David Maynier thanked the public for their support and emphasized safety during celebratory events like matric rage and end-of-exam parties. He advised learners to stay vigilant, avoid drinking and driving, use a buddy system, and remain in contact with parents.
National matric results will be announced on Monday, 13 January 2025, with individual results accessible from 14 January.
POLICE SEIZE R4.5 MILLION WORTH OF DRUGS IN CAPE TOWN
Police in Cape Town intercepted drugs valued at an estimated R4.5 million during a vehicle search on Robert Sobukwe Road. The Flying Squad, conducting patrols in the Belhar and Ravensmead areas, acted on intelligence and stopped a suspicious car after a brief chase.
A search of the vehicle revealed two bubble-wrapped bags and a sealed box containing 38 bags of 1,000 mandrax tablets each, along with 30 bags of uncut cocaine.
The 44-year-old driver, unable to account for the packages, was arrested for drug dealing and is being held for further investigation.
MULTICHOICE CEO MARC JURY RESIGNS
MultiChoice SA and Showmax CEO Marc Jury has resigned, with his departure set for April 2025. He will be replaced by deputy CFO Byron du Plessis, who will take over in December.
Jury, who previously served as the CEO of SuperSport, only took up the position of MultiChoice SA CEO in April last year. His resignation follows a series of senior executives leaving the pay-TV operator.
In April, Imtiaz Patel also stepped down as the chair of MultiChoice, despite earlier assurances that he would stay on until the completion of the Canal+ transaction.
POLICE BUST R100M DRUG LAB IN GAUTENG, ARREST MEXICAN NATIONAL
An intelligence-driven operation in Rietfontein, Gauteng, led to the discovery of a drug lab valued at R100 million and the arrest of a 39-year-old Mexican national on Wednesday, 27 November 2024.
The operation, spearheaded by a multi-disciplinary team that included organised crime units and tactical response teams, followed extensive surveillance of the premises. Armed with a search-and-seizure warrant, the team uncovered chemicals, drug-making equipment, and methamphetamine, commonly known as Crystal Meth or Tik.
Additionally, cash believed to be linked to the illegal operation was confiscated. The suspect faces charges of drug manufacturing, dealing, and immigration violations and is set to appear in the Atteridgeville Magistrates Court.
OVER 600,000 VEHICLE LICENCES SET TO EXPIRE IN NOVEMBER
With 624,333 vehicle licences expiring by the end of November, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has urged motorists to renew their licences and ensure roadworthiness ahead of the busy festive season.
The Western Cape leads with 152,531 discs expiring, followed by KwaZulu-Natal at 136,342 and Mpumalanga at 67,654. Another 1,026,269 licences are due for renewal in December.
Motorists can conveniently renew online at online.natis.gov.za and opt for home delivery of their discs. The RTMC also emphasized vehicle checks, including brakes, lights, tyres, and wipers, and urged public transport operators to ensure drivers’ health and valid professional permits.
To reduce risks, the RTMC advised against night driving and recommended pre-trip planning, including checking weather and road conditions.
SEVERE STORM IN RANDFONTEIN LEAVES 190 FAMILIES DISPLACED AND OVER 20 INJURED
A severe storm hit Randfontein in Gauteng’s East Rand on Wednesday, displacing around 190 families and injuring more than 20 people, as per SABC report.
The worst-hit areas include the Toekomsrus informal settlement, Greenfields Estate, and Umphakathi Mall, where the injured were treated at nearby healthcare facilities.
Randfontein Executive Mayor William Matsheke confirmed that food and temporary shelter were provided to the displaced families. However, some residents from Toekomsrus chose not to relocate to the shelter areas.
SPRINGBOKS TO HOST ITALY, GEORGIA, AUSTRALIA, AND ARGENTINA IN 2025
SA Rugby has confirmed the Springboks will face Italy, Georgia, Australia, and Argentina in 2025, as part of the Castle Lager Incoming Series and the Rugby Championship.
Italy will return to South Africa for the first time since 2013, with two Tests scheduled for 5 and 12 July. A week later, Georgia will face the Boks for the second time in South Africa, following their 2021 match in Pretoria.
The Springboks will defend their Rugby Championship title with two matches against Australia on 16 and 23 August. After that, they’ll head to New Zealand to play the All Blacks on 6 and 13 September.
The Boks will conclude the Rugby Championship with home and away matches against Argentina on 27 September and 4 October. Venue and kick-off time details will be confirmed later.
FIXTURES 2025 (venues and kick-off times TBC):
5 July: SA v Italy
12 July: SA v Italy
19 July: SA v Georgia
16 August: SA v Australia
23 August: SA v Australia
27 September: SA v Argentina
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