Category: English

The 11 suspects arrested in connection with an alleged large-scale illegal drug manufacturing facility will appear in the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court again in the North West next week, the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (HAWKS) said on Friday.

“The eleven suspects’ case was postponed for seven days for interpreters, verification of immigration status and possible formal bail application during their first appearance before the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court this morning, 15 May 2026, facing charges related to drug manufacturing, illegal possession of precious metals, illegal possession of hazardous materials and contravention of the Immigration Act,” the Hawks said.

The case has been postponed to next Friday, 22 May. 

READ | North West drug accused 11 to appear in court 

The 11, who are made up of five Mexican nationals, two Mozambican nationals, one Zimbabwean national, and three South African citizens were nabbed on Wednesday, 13 May 2026.

Their arrest follows an intelligence-driven operation conducted by Crime Intelligence Head Office, Organized Crime Head Office, and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s (DPCI) South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) based at Head Office and other stakeholders.

The operation led to the discovery of a large-scale illegal drug manufacturing facility believed to be involved in the production of methamphetamine. During the operation, law enforcement officers seized tons of equipment and chemicals used in the manufacturing of illegal drugs, as well as three firearms.

“They were remanded in custody,” said the Hawks adding that forensic experts are still processing the crime scene.

“However, approximately 481 kilograms of methamphetamine with an estimated street value amounting to millions of rands has thus far been confiscated. It is anticipated that the quantity may increase once the entire scene has been thoroughly processed. The estimated value of the illicit drug laboratory exceeds R1 billion.”

In addition, preliminary investigations indicate that the discovered laboratory is the fourth drug laboratory in South Africa with alleged Mexican links.

“At this stage, the owners of the property have not yet been located. However, the owner’s son and other relatives were among those arrested. The owners are currently required for questioning as investigations continue,” said the Hawks. – SAnews.gov.za 
 

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) has noted with serious concern a video circulating on social media depicting women allegedly handling and cocking firearms inside a house.

“From the video, it appears that the women may not be properly trained or authorised to handle firearms. SAPS therefore warns that the reckless handling and misuse of firearms pose a serious danger to both the individuals involved and members of the public,” the police said in a statement on Friday.

It further added that in terms of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000, any person handling or using a firearm must be legally authorised to do so and must be in possession of a valid firearm licence or permit where applicable.

Firearm owners also have a legal responsibility to ensure that their firearms are not accessed or used by individuals who do not possess the necessary competency certificates or firearm licences.

“The registered owner of a firearm may face criminal charges if found to have allowed unauthorised persons access to the firearm. The implications may also be significant where the object involved is a toy gun, imitation firearm, or blank gun, particularly if it is used in a manner that creates fear, intimidation, or the reasonable perception that it is a real firearm,” it explained.

The SAPS reminded the public that firearms are not toys and should never be used recklessly, displayed irresponsibly, or handled for entertainment purposes, including for social media content.

The public can report any illegal possession, misuse, or reckless handling of firearms to their nearest police station or anonymously through the Crime Stop number 08600 10111. – SAnews.gov.za

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With South Africa’s municipalities buckling under myriad challenges, President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned that local government is “the axis on which our entire economy turns” and that it must now “rise anew from the ground up”.

The President delivered an address at the closing session of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Taking Parliament to the People programme, held in the Matlosana Local Municipality in the North West province.

He did not mince words about the scale of the crisis, declaring that poor municipal performance is not just a service delivery problem but a direct threat to jobs, investment and national prosperity.

“Local government is critical in ensuring that people have water and sanitation, electricity, roads, clinics and community services. Local government is critical in determining where companies choose to establish their offices, factories, shops and outlets. 

“When companies choose to close down and move elsewhere because of poor services, jobs and livelihoods are lost and the local economy suffers. When local government works, when municipalities are well-managed and deliver on their mandates, cities, towns and villages thrive,” President Ramaphosa said.

As such, the President added, local government isn’t just a platform for development, but it is the “axis on which our entire economy turns”.

“We are determined that local government must rise anew from the ground up. Municipalities must be able to fulfil their role of building inclusive communities, expanding opportunity and upholding the dignity of all.

“To do so, it is not enough to merely paper over the cracks. Simply allocating more budgets or hiring more people is not enough, important though these may be. We have to fundamentally transform the way local government works and how it is structured. The structures developed in the past may not serve us anymore.

“We have to change how local government coordinates with national and provincial government for proper planning. We have to relook at the manner in which accountability and consequence management has been enforced in instances of non-performance,” he said.

Furthermore, government must “reclaim the constitutional spirit that is meant to guide all the affairs of local government”, where the citizenry is central through consultation and active participation in decision-making.

The President told the gathering of the draft White Paper on Local Government that proposes four major reforms, including binding intergovernmental coordination, stricter financial accountability and the professionalisation of municipal appointments.

“When there have been failures, municipalities have been able to blame each other. The aim now is to create a system where roles, responsibilities and lines of accountability are clear.

“The second issue is to make intergovernmental coordination binding, in line with the Constitution. The different spheres of government will be expected to work together on resolving problems at local level instead of in silos.

“The third issue is to reform and tighten municipal finance systems. Municipalities will be held to a stricter account on how and where they spend public money, particularly on maintaining essential infrastructure. The draft White Paper also proposes an overhaul of municipal billing and revenue collection,” President Ramaphosa explained.

The fourth challenge will be to “bring local government into the digital age” through digitisation and strengthening of data systems that are “able to facilitate and monitor service delivery”.

Rooting out corruption, ingraining accountability

The President reiterated government’s stance that corruption will not be tolerated, vowing that there will be “tougher consequence management for corruption and maladministration”.

“We must declare the days of patronage and factional politics in local government over.

“The days of those with political ambition colluding with corrupt business people to loot municipalities are over. We can no longer allow municipal infrastructure to be deliberately ruined so that preferred private companies can take over critical functions like providing water.

“This is the people’s government. Our task is to make it work for the people. Not for politicians. Not for connected businesspeople. Not for vested interests,” he warned.

Now, the President added, meaningful participation with citizens will be a hallmark with communities, businesses, civil society organisations and traditional leaders roped in as meaningful partners in rebuilding municipalities.

“Meaningful public participation in local government must be a structured partnership. We are going to be looking at the different ways in which all of society can play a more direct role in shaping how local government is administered. 

“Our country has entered a new era of hope and promise. Our economy is recovering. Investors are increasingly seeing South Africa as a favourable place in which to do business.

“Over the past few years, we have faced moments where our resolve has been sorely tested, including a global pandemic and an energy crisis. By working together, we have been able to weather these storms and emerge stronger,” the President stated.

Citing the recent flooding events in the country and how South Africans pooled together to assist those in need, the President said this proves without doubt that “we will fix local government so it can assume its rightful place as the beating heart of our democracy”.

“We must take our people’s concerns back to our offices, our legislatures and our councils, and act on them. When the next session of Taking Parliament to the People comes around, we must be able to show what we have done.

“This is about restoring confidence and trust in our government and our democracy.

“A government based on the will of the people is the promise of our democracy. It is the promise of our Constitution. And as all South Africans, we must be determined to honour it, now and into the future,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has called for urgent collaboration among stakeholders to address recurring water shortages in the Makana Local Municipality, amid ongoing water challenges in Makhanda, Eastern Cape.

The call follows public concern over water access at Settlers Hospital. 

In response, the Commission conducted an oversight visit to the facility, where it engaged with the hospital’s acting Chief Executive Officer and matron to assess the impact of water disruptions on healthcare services. 

At the time of the visit, the hospital’s water supply was stable. 

At the recent meeting, hospital management informed the Commission that recurring water disruptions are linked to longstanding infrastructure challenges, including ageing systems and outdated water mapping. 

During broader outages affecting the town, the hospital relies on municipal water tank support.

“The CGE observed three boreholes on the premises, although additional pumping capacity is required to optimise supply. The Commission also observed acceptable standards of cleanliness across key units, including maternity, neonatal, nursery, and theatre sections,” CGE spokesperson Javu Baloyi said.

Baloyi added that regular water quality testing is conducted. 

The Commission was informed that a recent incident involving women carrying water within the hospital occurred during a temporary disruption over a long weekend.

“The hospital responded immediately after being alerted, while mothers in the paediatric section reportedly fetched water from a borehole-connected tap during the disruption,” Baloyi said.

In engagements with the CGE, Baloyi said the municipality highlighted worsening drought conditions in Makhanda and indicated that interventions are underway, including plans to expand dam capacity.

While acknowledging the historical and infrastructural nature of the crisis, the Commission expressed concern that communities, healthcare institutions, and, in particular, women continue to bear the burden of ongoing systemic failures in service delivery.

“Persistent water insecurity undermines the constitutional rights to dignity, equality, healthcare, and access to sufficient water,” Baloyi said.

Due to extended engagements, the Commission was unable to proceed with a planned visit to a local university.

The CGE said it will continue to monitor developments related to water access and service delivery challenges in Makhanda and surrounding areas. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa says investment commitments secured through the South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) are projected to create around 230 000 direct permanent jobs over time, as government intensifies efforts to tackle the country’s structural unemployment crisis. 

Responding to oral questions in the National Assembly on Thursday, President Ramaphosa said the 6th South Africa Investment Conference, held in March, secured a total of R890 billion in investment commitments.

According to the President, around R415 billion of the total came from private sector companies, while the remainder was pledged by development finance institutions and multilateral development banks.

“Of the 81 confirmed private sector investments, 53 companies submitted employment declarations at the time of signing.

“These 53 investments are projected by the companies to create approximately 230 000 direct permanent jobs,” President Ramaphosa said. 

The President noted, however, that not all investments generate employment at the same rate, with labour-intensive sectors producing more jobs than capital-intensive industries. 

“Labour-intensive investments in global business services and financial services generate approximately 3 900 jobs per R1 billion invested.

“However, capital-intensive sectors, such as renewable energy infrastructure and data centres, generate between 13 and 248 jobs per R1 billion investments,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa said several of the largest commitments, including investments by Sasol, MTN, Vodacom and Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, involve expansions of existing operations, helping sustain current jobs, while gradually increasing employment.

He said all investment pledges are being monitored through a quarterly implementation tracker to ensure projects move from commitments to execution.

The President acknowledged that South Africa’s unemployment challenge is deeply structural and cannot be resolved through investment attraction alone.

“The structural unemployment problem is rooted in skills mismatches, spatial economic concentration, slow growth of the formal private sector and barriers to small business formation,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said government’s broader economic strategy includes infrastructure investment, industrial policy reforms, skills development and efforts to remove barriers facing small businesses.

He also announced that government now aims to raise R3 trillion in new investment commitments over the next five years.

Flood victims remembered

The President took time to extend condolences to families affected by recent severe flooding across parts of the country.

“At least 10 lives have been lost and thousands of people have been displaced.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families mourning their loved ones, with those who have lost all they had and with the owners of businesses that have been destroyed.” 

He also thanked emergency personnel, disaster relief teams and community organisations assisting affected communities. – SAnews.gov.za 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended the term of the judicial commission of inquiry investigating alleged attempts to block the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes. 

The Presidency announced on Thursday that the commission will now continue its work until 18 December 2026.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended, until 18 December 2026, the term of the judicial commission of inquiry probing alleged attempts to prevent the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes,” the Presidency said. 

The commission, chaired by former Constitutional Court Justice Sisi Khampepe, was established by President Ramaphosa in May 2025.

According to the Presidency, the inquiry was formed to investigate “allegations regarding efforts or attempts having been made to stop the investigation or prosecution of Truth and Reconciliation Commission cases.”

The establishment of the commission followed settlement discussions in a court application brought by families of victims of apartheid-era crimes.

“The establishment of the commission of inquiry is part of an agreement reached in settlement discussions in a court application brought by families of victims of apartheid-era crimes,” the statement read. 

The commission is tasked with examining whether there were deliberate attempts to interfere with or delay investigations and prosecutions linked to cases emerging from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission process.

Commission requested more time

The Presidency said the commission recently approached the President requesting an extension in order to complete its work and submit a final report.

After considering submissions both supporting and opposing the extension, President Ramaphosa approved the request.

“Having considered the Commission’s request as well as submissions opposing and supporting the extension, President Ramaphosa has given the Commission until 18 December 2026 to submit its final report,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has congratulated the country’s agricultural sector, following South Africa’s milestone achievement of becoming the world’s largest citrus exporter by volume.

According to the department, the country exported 2.9 million tons of citrus in 2025, surpassing long-standing leader Spain.

“This great achievement is one that should be celebrated by all South Africans. To overtake a citrus export giant like Spain, even by a small margin, is no easy feat. We are known for our world-class quality fruit and strict compliance with international plant health standards,” the Minister said in a statement on Thursday.

The Minister noted, however, that the figures reflect a unique set of global dynamics. While South Africa now leads in export volume, countries including China, Brazil and Spain continue to dominate in terms of total production, focusing heavily on their domestic markets.

He also pointed out that Spain’s export performance in 2025 was affected by increasingly complex climatic challenges, which contributed to the shift in global rankings.

Steenhuisen emphasised that South Africa and Spain play complementary roles in the international citrus market. Spain supplies fruit during the Northern Hemisphere season, while South Africa ensures continuity during the summer months.

This seasonal coordination ensures that consumers worldwide have year-round access to fresh citrus, thereby maintaining category stability and shelf presence.

The Minister also commended the Citrus Growers Association (CGA) for its strategic leadership in navigating a period of significant volatility.

He reaffirmed the Department of Agriculture’s commitment to expanding market access and reducing the trade costs.

“Our production growth must be met with intensified diplomacy and infrastructure support. We are continuously looking for new market opportunities while working to ensure that we expand our current markets,” Steenhuisen said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, has ordered the urgent evacuation of the overwintering team at Marion Island, following the delayed departure of the SA Agulhas II relief voyage to Marion Island. 

With the weather in Cape Town having cleared, the helicopters that will evacuate the overwintering team were able to land on the vessel, which is now ready to sail. 

“The voyage delays were caused by the unavailability of crucial fuel products that are mixed with normal diesel and are used to create the special polar diesel required to keep the base running within extremely low outside temperatures that would crystallise normal diesel,” Aucamp said on Thursday.

He added that, due to uncertainty about when these fuel products would be available, the government could not wait any longer at the expense of the team’s well-being. 

“Our people’s lives come first,” the Minister said.

The team comprises experts from various disciplines, including meteorology, engineering, medicine, and communications. Each member plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of South Africa’s Antarctic research programme. 

After the Minister’s evacuation order, the vessel will now depart on 14 May 2026 and is expected to reach Marion Island on Monday, 18 May 2026. 

The crew is expected to be at the base for about three to five days before embarking on the voyage back to South Africa. 

They are expected to return to South Africa on 28 May 2026. The entire duration of the operation is highly dependent on weather conditions experienced at sea as well as at the base.

The Minister has assured the public, especially the overwintering team on base and their loved ones, that he and his department are working around the clock to ensure their safe return. 

To this end, the Minister has instructed that he must be updated regularly and he must also be debriefed by the overwintering team upon their return. 

Their valuable experience will assist the department in improving the overall experience of overwintering teams at all three South African bases located in remote areas.

The department will issue another update in due course. –SAnews.gov.za

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