Category: Africa

Over 15 000 suspects have been arrested in nationwide Shanela II operations, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.

In a statement on Monday, the police said 15 798 individuals were nabbed in police operations that involved collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and participating government departments.

“Just this past week alone, police apprehended 329 alleged drug dealers and 3 242 suspects for possession of drugs between 27 July and 02 August 2026,” said the SAPS.

This as the police on Friday, 31 July 2026, seized a consignment of cocaine worth an estimated R28 million at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA). The cargo had arrived on a flight from São Paulo, Brazil, when police, with support from Customs officials and Menzies Aviation operational members, intercepted the drugs.

Police also seized 153 unlicensed firearms, which include handguns, shotguns and rifles. The majority of the handguns were recovered by police in the Eastern Cape (29), followed by KwaZulu-Natal (27), and the Western Cape (23). A total of 86 stolen and hijacked vehicles were also recovered.

In the Johannesburg central business district (CBD) in Gauteng, the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit led a multi-disciplinary operation which resulted in the seizure of counterfeit and illicit goods worth more than R5 million.

An on-site verification process by officials from the Department of Home Affairs also led to the arrest of eight individuals for contravening the Immigration Act.

In the Eastern Cape, four suspects were nabbed for an armed business robbery at a local jewellery store in Jeffrey’s Bay on Sunday, 02 August 2026.
 
Meanwhile, between 27 and 30 July 2026, the Gauteng Provincial Counterfeit Unit, working together with brand protection representatives and other law enforcement partners, executed a series of search and seizure operations across the Tshwane, West Rand, Sedibeng and Johannesburg Districts.

The operations resulted in the seizure of counterfeit and illicit goods worth more than R27 million.

In KwaZulu-Natal, the Mthunzini High Court sentenced Dumisile Sibisi (37), Thulani Mbatha (38), Ngcebo Mavuso (32), Mndeni Buthelezi (32) and Dumisani Gumede (44) to two life terms and a further one hundred years for murder, conspiracy to commit murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances as well as unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. 

The 30 July 2026 sentence comes after a thorough and skilful investigation into a murder and robbery case that occurred on 29 November 2022, at the Scayeni area in KwaNongoma.

In Mpumalanga,  a multi-disciplinary operation led by the Middelburg Flying Squad has resulted in the arrest of a 40-year-old man and the recovery of a suspected stolen vehicle and mining equipment in Middelburg. The success follows intelligence-led information regarding a stolen white Toyota Hilux GD6 Single Cab which was reported in Witbank. 

In the North West, police arrested a 27-year-old Lesotho national, Thabiso Sholo Potsoko, in connection with the fatal mass shooting at a Tavern in Kanana, near Orkney. 

The incident occurred on Saturday night, 30 May 2026, at a tavern in Kanana Extension 10, where five people were shot and killed, while five others sustained gunshot injuries. 

It is alleged that the suspects stormed the tavern and opened fire indiscriminately, killing the patrons.

The arrest follows an intelligence-driven operation involving members of the Provincial Anti-Gang Investigation Unit, North West Crime Intelligence, Sasolburg Crime Prevention Unit (Free State), and the North West Tactical Response Team (TRT).

In the Western Cape, Operation Prosper deployments to crime hotspot areas led to the confiscation of 139 mandrax tablets, 126 heroin straws and 61 small packets containing crystal meth on 31 July.  A 39-year-old suspect was arrested. 

Police also searched a dwelling in New Monwabisi informal settlement in Khayelitsha and seized 58 small plastic packets containing crystal meth, 35 half mandrax tablets and five quarter mandrax tablets. A 28-year-old suspect was arrested. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Runway operations have resumed at Cape Town International Airport following an aircraft incident that disrupted flights on Tuesday afternoon, although passengers may still face delays as airlines work to recover their schedules.

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) said a Kenya Airways aircraft, flight KQ784, experienced a tyre failure while landing at about 3:25pm on Tuesday, leaving the aircraft disabled on the airport’s primary runway.

The company said the incident temporarily disrupted airport operations, with arriving flights diverted to alternate airports.

Domestic departures continued operating, while wide-body international departures were temporarily unable to operate as airport teams worked with the airline and other stakeholders to recover the aircraft and restore runway operations.

The airport has now confirmed that runway operations have resumed. However, some flight delays may continue as airlines work to bring their schedules back to normal.

Passengers travelling through Cape Town International Airport are advised to check directly with their airline or the ACSA Mobile App for the latest information on flight times, delays and any operational changes.

ACSA had earlier urged passengers to check their flight status before travelling to the airport.

The airport thanked passengers for their patience as operations return to normal. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana has noted the High Court judgment declaring the suspension of the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) CEO, Patrick Dlamini, invalid and unlawful.

Dlamini was placed on precautionary suspension following allegations of impropriety contained in a whistleblower report.

According to court reporting, the judgment found that the PIC board had acted without the required ministerial and Cabinet approval.

“The Minister believes this judgment vindicates the actions taken by National Treasury and Cabinet to restore governance at South Africa’s largest asset management institution.

“These actions were both good and necessary, triggered in part by the hasty removal of Dlamini without due consultation and process,” the Ministry of Finance said on Tuesday.

A recent Cabinet statement announced the appointment of non-executive members to the PIC Board of Directors.

The appointments were aimed at addressing current governance challenges at the corporation.

“The Minister of Finance will continue to drive the reforms of the PIC, as recommended by the Judge Mpati Commission, in consultation with Cabinet,” the statement said.

The Minister underscored that the PIC occupies a critical position within South Africa’s financial system.

“As the country’s largest asset manager and the custodian of a substantial portion of public sector retirement funds, trust in its governance is of systemic importance,” the Ministry of Finance said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Women are the driving force in South Africa’s healthcare system, tirelessly serving the people of South Africa.

This is according to Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi who spoke to SAnews on the sidelines of the official opening of the King Nyabela Hospital in Middelburg, Mpumalanga.

READ | New King Nyabela Hospital offers suite of health care services

Speaking as the country marks Women’s Month in August, Motsoaledi noted that women occupy every sphere of the health system.

Women’s Month is celebrated in South Africa to commemorate the 1956 Women’s March, when 20 000 women walked to the Union Buildings in protest against apartheid pass laws.

“In healthcare, women are the backbone of the healthcare system because we’ve got more female nurses than male nurses and I’ve always said that nursing is the backbone of the system.

“Even with the medical personnel too. We do have quite a number of women who are in charge. They are hospital CEOs, hospital medical managers, surgeons, gynaecologists and psychiatrists. So, there’s no difference between men and women when it comes to healthcare,” Motsoaledi explained.

Healthcare workers at the opening of the hospital on Tuesday reflected on the importance of Women’s Month.

“This Women’s Month, I call on women to stand up for themselves and for their children. They must not allow themselves to be distracted. I say forward with women and imbokodo [rock],” Gladys Masina told SAnews.

Another healthcare worker, Meikie Motau, said: “I want to praise all the women of the Department of Health; may they continue to provide lifesaving care”.

At the launch of Women’s Month on 1 August, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga reflected on the impact of the 20 000 women who marched in 1956.

“With every step, they shook the pillars of oppression. With every stride, they redrew the boundaries of possibility. They marched as the authors of our liberation and freedom, the midwives of democracy, the first architects of a more equal South Africa and the custodians of a future they would never fully see but boldly chose to build.

“They became the rhythm of a nation’s progress, echoing through every classroom, every boardroom, every parliament, every marketplace, and every enterprise led by women today.

“And, 70 years later, I see women here today, still walking in the footprints of their courage and the light of their vision. Bearing witness to the message of 1956, firmly affirming that their footsteps did not end at the Union Buildings; they continue to echo through every generation of South African women determined to rise, determined to lead, and determined to empower the nation,” Chikunga said.

South Africa will commemorate National Women’s Day on Sunday. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Government has congratulated Banyana Banyana on their outstanding victory over Burkina Faso in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026, a remarkable achievement that once again affirms South Africa’s place among the continent’s footballing giants.

The senior women’s team advanced to the quarterfinals of the tournament after beating Burkina Faso 1-0 in Casablanca, Morocco, on Tuesday night.

“The team represented South Africa with dignity and pride. Throughout the tournament, the team displayed discipline and fighting spirit that have become synonymous with South African sport,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said in a statement on Wednesday.

The GCIS said Banyana Banyana’s advancement to the next stage has added another proud chapter to South Africa’s sporting history. 

“Their achievement has inspired a new generation of athletes, strengthened the nation’s sporting legacy and reaffirmed the power of women’s sport to unite, inspire and transform lives, especially given that August is Women’s Month in South Africa; they have made us proud,” the GCIS said.

Government reaffirmed its commitment to working with the stakeholders to strengthen and advance women’s sport through sustained investment, improved development programmes and broader opportunities for female athletes. 

“Investing in women’s sport is not only critical to South Africa’s sporting future but also contributes to the continued advancement of women’s sport across the African continent.

“Banyana Banyana remain among Africa’s leading women’s football teams and Government is confident that the lessons from this campaign will serve as a foundation for future sporting events.

“Government thanks the players, technical team, support staff and all South Africans who rallied behind Banyana Banyana throughout the tournament,” the GCIS said. –SAnews.gov.za 

 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa says he is pleased with Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s recovery following a minor surgical procedure. 

According to a Presidency statement, the President visited the Deputy President on Tuesday afternoon and was assured he will soon be back at work. 

Mashatile was appointed as the Deputy President on 6 March 2023. As the Deputy President of South Africa, he has been delegated responsibilities as follows:

• Leader of Government Business in Parliament.
• Leading Government effort to fast-track land reform and the coordination of Government programmes to accelerate land reform and agricultural support.
• Implement Rapid Response interventions on service delivery and trouble-shooting in service delivery hotspots.
• Assisting the President in the roll-out of the District Development Model through effective coordination of the different spheres of government which will improve the functioning of municipalities and address community concerns.
• Leading the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) and the country’s integrated response to the challenges of HIV and AIDS.
• Special Envoy on South Sudan and leading peace missions on the continent as required.
• Leading the National Human Resource Development Council and fostering collaboration between government and social partners towards addressing the shortage of skills in critical sectors of the economy.
• Promoting Social Cohesion Initiatives with a particular focus on Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, as well as Military Veterans.
• Deputy President Paul Mashatile also chairs the following Cabinet Committees: Governance, State Capacity and Institutional Development and Justice, Crime Prevention and Security.

– SAnews.gov.za

 

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