Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week:
This week, President Cyril Ramaphosa attended the inauguration of Mozambique’s President-Elect, Daniel Chapo, in Maputo, reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to strengthening ties with Mozambique.
Talking Matric Results 2024, The Free State topped the National Senior Certificate results with a 91% pass rate, marking its eighth consecutive victory. KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng followed closely, contributing to a national record-breaking pass rate of 87.3%.
In Stilfontein, the evacuation of illegal miners from Buffelsfontein mine ended with 246 arrests and 78 fatalities. Authorities highlighted ongoing safety concerns in the region.
Lastly, two suspects in the murders of Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane were denied bail, with the court ruling no new evidence was presented.
Here are the top stories of the week:
SOCIAL MEDIA PERSONALITY MUSA KHAWULA FACES CYBERCRIME CHARGES, BAIL OPPOSED DUE TO MURDER CASE
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) revealed Khawula’s pending 2022 murder case in the Free State and an outstanding arrest warrant for reckless and negligent driving. These factors led the state to oppose bail.
Sergeant Mabunda’s investigation highlighted the need for verification of Khawula’s profile and physical address, delaying his bail application. Khawula was remanded in custody until 21 January 2025, for a formal bail hearing.
BAIL DENIED FOR TWO ACCUSED IN AKA AND TIBZ MURDER CASE
Sphamandla Dlamini/Eyewitness News
Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande, two of the five men charged with the murders of Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, appeared in the Durban Magistrates’ Court this week on Wednesday for judgment on their bail application.
The pair, who sought bail based on new facts presented last week, were denied by Magistrate Vincent Hlatshwayo, who ruled that the facts were not new. The court upheld its earlier decision to refuse bail.
Gwabeni, Ndimande, and their co-accused are set to return to court on 7 February 2025, as the case continues.
President Cyril Ramaphosa traveled to Maputo on Wednesday, 15 January, to attend the inauguration of Mozambique’s President-Elect, Daniel Chapo. This event follows Mozambique’s Presidential, Legislative, and Provincial Elections held on 9 October 2024.
In a statement, The Presidency highlighted the importance of the inauguration as an opportunity for Mozambique to foster peace, democracy, and development. President Ramaphosa expressed his commitment to strengthening the already strong ties between South Africa and Mozambique and looks forward to seeing the nation embrace unity and cooperation for a prosperous future.
Accompanying President Ramaphosa are Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola and Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.
FREE STATE TOPS 2024 MATRIC RESULTS WITH 91% PASS RATE
Dep. of Education
The Free State has once again claimed the top spot in South Africa’s National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, achieving an outstanding 91% pass rate in 2024, up from 89% in 2023. This achievement marks the province’s eighth consecutive year as the best-performing region in the country.
Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube lauded the resilience of the Class of 2024, who began Grade 8 during the Covid-19 pandemic. “Their determination to excel in the face of adversity is commendable,” Gwarube noted during the results announcement.
KwaZulu-Natal followed closely with an 89.5% pass rate, while Gauteng secured third place at 88.4%. Impressively, all nine provinces exceeded an 84% pass rate, contributing to a record-breaking national pass rate of 87.3%.
Top-Performing Provinces:
1. Free State – 91%
2. KwaZulu-Natal – 89.5%
3. Gauteng – 88.4%
4. North West – 87.5%
Other notable performances include the Western Cape at 86.6%, Limpopo at 85.1%, and Mpumalanga and Eastern Cape both nearing 85%. The Northern Cape trailed slightly at 84.2%.
GOVERNMENT EXPLORES LISTING STATE-OWNED COMPANIES ON JSE
During the visit, Ramokgopa highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to collaborate with the JSE to list struggling state-owned enterprises (SOEs) on the exchange, aiming to attract investment and bolster the financial viability of these entities.
ACSA ASSURES CONTINUITY OF JET FUEL SUPPLY AT OR TAMBO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
In response, ACSA is working with the Fuel Industry Association of South Africa (FIASA) and NATREF to implement risk mitigation measures, including:
– Scheduled Fuel Deliveries: A shipment of 17,000m³ is set to arrive on 12 January, with a pipeline injection of 31,000m³ from Durban expected to reach ORTIA by 27 January.
– Increased Rail Deliveries: Additional rail capacity from Durban and Matola (Mozambique) is being used to enhance supply.
– Alternative Sourcing: Fuel is being sourced from other airports and through direct injections to NATREF.
NATREF’s damaged Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) is projected to be operational by 21 February 2025. ACSA is collaborating with FIASA and industry partners to address potential shortages anticipated between 20 and 27 January, aiming to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability.
Airlines, passengers, and stakeholders are assured that all necessary measures are being taken to maintain seamless airport operations and prevent disruptions.
POLICE INVESTIGATE MASS SHOOTING AT MPUMALANGA LIQUOR OUTLET
A specialized team of investigators has been assembled to probe the killing of eight people at a liquor outlet in Pienaar, Mpumalanga. The tragic incident occurred on Saturday morning, leaving six people dead at the scene, while two others succumbed to injuries later in hospital.
Three additional victims, including two men and a woman, are receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained during the attack. Police discovered two bullet-riddled VW Polos at the scene, with one of the victims found deceased inside one of the vehicles.
The motive for the shooting remains unclear, and no arrests have been made. A 72-hour activation plan is underway to track down the perpetrators.
ALL ILLEGAL MINERS EVACUATED FROM BUFFELSFONTEIN MINE IN STILFONTEIN
Christian Velcich/AFP
North West Acting Police Commissioner Patrick Asaneng has confirmed the successful evacuation of all illegal miners from the Buffelsfontein mine in Stilfontein. The operation, which began on Monday, 13 January 2025, reached its third and final phase, with the help of mine rescue services.
According to the latest unaudited data from the Central Energy Fund, the combination of rising international oil prices and a weaker rand against the dollar will lead to higher costs at local pumps.
The data from January 13 indicated the following price adjustments:
LESOTHO NATIONAL ARRESTED FOR MURDERING TWO FREE STATE POLICE OFFICERS
James Oatway/Reuters
A Lesotho national has been arrested in connection with the killings of two police officers in the Free State. Constables Sipho Mohapi and Gedione Motloung were fatally shot while responding to a house robbery in Phuthaditjhaba on 4 January 2024.
The suspect, who is in South Africa illegally, was traced and arrested in Phuthaditjhaba on Wednesday, following an extensive operation involving the Hawks, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team (TRT), Provincial Organised Crime, and Local Criminal Record Center (LCRC). He was apprehended while attempting to flee to Lesotho, on horseback near the Monontsha Port of Entry.
The suspect was found in possession of a cellphone stolen during the robbery and a firearm believed to have been used in the murders. He faces charges of murder, attempted murder, and robbery and will appear in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Share your thoughts on this article and join the conversation on Twitter or Facebook.
