Category: Africa

A 52-year-old suspect linked to rhino poaching will today appear before the Bellville Magistrate Court.

The suspect, who was about to board a flight to Singapore with his family, was arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) Western Cape, which assisted in executing the arrest warrant, as issued by the Kempton Park Magistrate Court. 

“The suspect has been linked to a Kempton Park case of possession of rhino horns and predator bones, which were discovered to have been from Haartebeesfontein in the North West. This is in contravention of sections of the National Environmental Management and Biodiversity Act. [The suspect’s arrest follows] the arrest of two Nigerian nationals on 1 December 2025,” the police said in a statement.

The rhino horns are alleged to have been from a staged robbery reported on 8 December 2025 at Voi Farm, Hartbeesfontein, where 98 rhino horns were allegedly stolen. 

Upon further investigation, it was found that 17 of the recovered rhino horns on 1 December 2025 were part of the 98 rhino horns stolen on 8 December 2025. 

“It was further established that the owner of the rhino horns was a Vietnamese national, who was suspiciously not present at the time of the robbery. 

“The vehicle which was suspected to have been used as an instrument to commit the crime was traced to Woodhill Golf Estate in Pretoria, wherein search warrants were applied for and approved. 

“The warrants were executed in joint operation by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation’s Wildlife Trafficking section headquarters (HQ), with the assistance of the Tactical Operations Management Section, SAPS K9 Pretoria, Forensic Science Laboratories and Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment HQ,” the police said. 

The operation resulted in the seizure of a Toyota Prado, which is suspected to have been used in a commission of a crime. 

The acting National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Patrick Mbotho, reiterated that the DPCI will remain steadfast in stamping out wildlife trafficking and related serious organised crime. – SAnews.gov.za

Transformation will not succeed unless all key stakeholders embrace it, defend it and implement it with conviction. 

This is according to the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau.

He was speaking during the historic engagement session between the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and all 11 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Sector Charter Councils in Pretoria on Tuesday.

The session marked the first time that all Sector Charter Councils convened collectively with the custodian of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act to assess progress, confront weaknesses, and chart a strengthened, outcomes-focused path for economic transformation in South Africa.

Opening the session, the Minister described the engagement as a landmark moment for B-BBEE, noting that while progress has been recorded, the next phase of transformation must place sharper emphasis on impact, accountability and scale.

Recent B-BBEE data presented during the session showed black ownership at approximately 29%, JSE-listed companies at 31% black ownership, black women ownership at around 12%, management control between 39% and 51%, and transaction values reaching approximately R600 billion.

“These numbers reflect a policy that has made a significant impact in undoing the injustice of the apartheid economy. But transformation works when it is implemented. It fails when it is ignored or circumvented,” said Tau.

He underscored that South Africa is at a decisive moment.

“Crossroads are not places of collapse; they are places of choice. And now, choices must be made,” he said.

A key outcome of the engagement was agreement on the need to move from a compliance-driven approach to an outcomes-based transformation framework. There was also a call to move beyond ticking boxes and focusing only on numbers.

“We must ask what has actually changed in ownership, management, skills, enterprise growth and industrial capability,” said Tau.

Discussions also focused on the effectiveness of skills development spending, with the Minister noting that over R100 billion had reportedly been spent on skills development over three years.

“With that level of investment, we should not be facing the skills crises we see today. Sectors must demonstrate tangible skills outcomes rather than expenditure alone,” he said.

The engagement concluded with consensus on a three-point action approach: addressing funding mechanisms, optimising implementation within the current legal framework, and reviewing institutional architecture where systems are not functioning effectively.

“We are not here to create conflict. We are here to fix what is not working, strengthen what is working, and ensure that transformation remains central to South Africa’s economic trajectory,” he said.

Tau confirmed that feedback from the engagement will be consolidated and presented to Cabinet as part of the ongoing review of the B-BBEE framework. Delegates further agreed that this engagement marked the beginning of a more structured and continuous platform between the government and Sector Charter Councils.

“This is not the last engagement; it is the first in this format. If this country does not transform, none of us will succeed,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, is today leading a strategic dialogue on advancing women’s leadership in South Africa’s energy transition at an event held in Johannesburg. 

Taking place on the sidelines of the South African National Energy Development Institute’s (SANEDI) Annual Energy Conference, which began on Tuesday, today’s breakfast session is themed: “Elevating Women in Energy: Driving Innovation, Inclusion, and Leadership in South Africa’s Energy Sector.”

Gina is joined by key women leaders in the sector, including Morwesi Thonga, the chairperson of the EWSETA Board and Bertha Dlamini, the head of African Women in Energy and Power.

Following the breakfast session, the spotlight will be on projects funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), to examine how science, technology, skills development, and policy can drive an inclusive, innovation-led energy future.

The Department’s Director-General, Dr Mlungisi Cele, will engage stakeholders on DSTI-funded energy projects, including outputs from the Hydrogen and Energy RDI Flagship Programmes.

The broader conference is themed: “Catalysing Just, Sustainable and Digital Energy Transition for Africa and Beyond”. – SAnews.gov.za

A multi-disciplinary team under Operation Shanela and local farm watch members conducted an intelligence-driven and crime prevention operation, concentrating on crime prevention, tracing of wanted suspects and compliance inspections at the weekend.

The operation, conducted from 23 February 2026 to 24 February 2026, within the Ehlazeni District, focusing on Calcutta, Acornhoek and Bushbuckridge, saw members visiting liquor outlets and conducting stop-and-searches as well as patrols at identified places, including Saselani and Dwarsloop in Bushbuckridge.

It was during this operation that a 30-year-old male suspect was arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Two 9mm pistols, two magazines and about 16 live rounds were seized.

Further operations led to the recovery of two firearms, with one suspected of being state-issued. 

Further information from Crime Intelligence resulted in the team recovering another 9 mm pistol with ammunition.

The two suspects, aged 25 and 30, are expected to appear at the Bushbuckridge and Acornhoek Magistrate’s Courts respectively, on Wednesday.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi commended members for their swift response and effective coordination, emphasising that integrated intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with community structures such as farm patrols remain critical in removing illegal firearms from communities.

“These coordinated efforts enhance operational quality, strengthen cohesion among law enforcement partners, and significantly contribute to proactive policing and safer communities,” said Mkhwanazi. – SAnews.gov.za

Government has welcomed the breakthrough made by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) following a thorough investigation into allegations of corruption within the Department of Home Affairs.

The investigation uncovered corruption linked to the fraudulent issuing of official documents to illegal immigrants. According to government, such criminal conduct undermines the integrity of South Africa’s immigration system, weakens public trust in State institutions, and compromises national security.

Government commended the SIU for its diligent work and reaffirmed its unwavering support for law enforcement agencies in holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.

“This case bears testament that government will take action to root out any form of corruption. This development gives effect to the commitment made by President Ramaphosa during the State of the Nation Address, where fighting corruption and strengthening the capacity of the State were reaffirmed as national priorities. 

“The successful investigation is a clear indication that government’s anti-corruption [campaign] is being actively implemented,” Acting Government Spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa said.

Government has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to corrupt activities in both the public and private sectors, which recognises that corruption prolongs an endless cycle that deprives citizens of quality service delivery and undermines confidence in institutions meant to serve them.

In 2020, Cabinet adopted the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, which focuses on preventive measures that complement the work of law enforcement agencies and constitutional bodies in responding to corruption.

“A capable, ethical and developmental State depends on collective responsibility and accountability,” Mnukwa said.

Government has called on members of the public and public servants alike to continue reporting corruption and to support efforts aimed at safeguarding the integrity of institutions. It reiterated its commitment to building a professional public service that serves the people of South Africa with integrity, transparency and respect for the rule of law.

Members of the public can report fraud and corruption anonymously through the National Anti-Corruption Hotline on 0800 701 701 (toll free) or via email at integrity@publicservicecorruptionhotline.org.za. – SAnews.gov.za 

The Gauteng Provincial Government is continuing to strengthen road safety and traffic law enforcement through high-impact stop-and-search operations.

The enforcement is led by the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI) in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).

In a statement on Tuesday, the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) said that various operations form part of a coordinated strategy to tackle lawlessness, combat criminality, and improve compliance with traffic legislation, particularly within the public transport sector.

During the week of 16–22 February 2026, intensified operations were conducted across the cities of Johannesburg and Tshwane. These operations targeted major public and scholar transport corridors identified as high-risk areas due to non-compliance and road safety violations.

As a result of the operations 19 minibuses were discontinued for failure to meet critical road safety requirements and 60 vehicles were issued with discontinue notices.

Defects identified included faulty brakes, worn tyres, broken headlights, defective brake lights or indicators, and cracked windscreens, all of which pose serious risks to road users.

In addition, officers further issued infringement notices to non-compliant public transport operators. More than 600 manual infringement notices were issued, while 877 electronic notices were processed using the GTI’s advanced e-Force devices. 

Further non-compliance identified during operations included 89 minibus taxi operators found driving without valid driving licences and 54 minibuses operating without valid licence discs.

The GPG emphasised that by law, driving a vehicle without being in possession of a driving licence is an offence, and that the offender will be issued a fine. This can also lead to the offender having a criminal record and/or impoundment if no licensed driver is present to take over the vehicle. 

Vehicle impoundments carry incremental monetary penalties for first and subsequent offences for public transport operators, in particular.

Officers also arrested fourteen motorists for several serious offences, twelve were arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), one was arrested for fraud and another arrested for reckless and negligent driving.

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has commended the GTI for its consistent and proactive enforcement approach. This, she added, reaffirms the Department of Roads and Transport’s zero-tolerance stance on negligence and non-compliance.

“These weekly results demonstrate our commitment to creating a safer, more compliant transport environment. The work of the Inspectorate to discontinue 19 minibuses, in a single week, sends a clear and uncompromising message that Gauteng will not tolerate criminality, corruption, or total disregard for road regulations.”

Diale-Tlabela noted that the stop-and-search operations are key pillars of the province’s quest for safer roads and traffic law enforcement strategy.

Through sustained visibility and decisive action, the Inspectorate continues to bolster the province’s road safety message that lawlessness on public roads will not be tolerated.

The MEC added that discontinuation of unroadworthy vehicles is a necessary step in protecting lives on the province’s public roads.

She further pleaded for patience and understanding during these operations. – SAnews.gov.za