Category: South Africa Government

Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato says South Africa is facing one of its busiest travel periods in recent years, with traveller movements increasing sharply and enforcement operations yielding thousands of interceptions.

Briefing the media on festive season law enforcement plans for 2025/26, Masiapato said BMA immigration officers processed 9 283 658 travellers in the second quarter of the current financial year — a 23% jump from the 7 576 650 movements recorded in the same period last year.

He said the uptick in movements coincides with strengthened border enforcement supported by surveillance technology, especially drones. During the quarter, 8 135 apprehensions were recorded across ports of entry and vulnerable segments: 4 092 undocumented individuals, 2 061 inadmissible travellers, and 1 982 undesirables.

“The majority of the intercepted foreign nationals were Basotho, followed by Mozambicans, Zimbabweans and Swati nationals, reflecting a consistent long-standing migration pattern within the sub-region,” Masiapato said.

Masiapato added that since the Border Guards were first deployed in July 2022, officers have stopped about 505 065 individuals from entering the country illegally.

Interceptions during the quarter also included 15 high-powered suspected stolen vehicles, believed to have been targeted by criminal syndicates for smuggling out of South Africa. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has taken over further processing. 

“The incremental figure stands at about 349 vehicles since the deployment of the first contingent in July 2022,” Masiapato said.

BMA officers also seized 1 700 kg of counterfeit clothing and footwear valued at R1.28 million, bringing the cumulative value of counterfeit goods intercepted since July 2022 to about R220 million.

Additional seizures included half a kilogram of crystal meth, 240 grams of heroin, illicit cigarettes valued at R827 500, and 40 fraudulent travel documents confiscated mainly at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA), Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) and Vioolsdrift.

Port health operations screened 172 858 travellers, with 73 refused entry for failing to present valid yellow fever vaccination certificates. Officials processed 997 mortal remains — 964 exports and 33 imports — and returned 25 due to incomplete documentation.

Masiapato said port health teams also handled 43 729 health-related consignments, while intercepting and destroying 5 000 units of illicit birth control pills and 117 medical test kits, including skin lightening creams.

“In this regard, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has warned that many of these products contain harmful and illegal ingredients, including high concentrations of mercury, hydroquinone and tropical steroids, which pose serious health risks,” he said.

Health teams tested 969 travellers for malaria, confirming 57 positive cases, who were transferred to medical facilities. In the agricultural stream, 39 316 consignments were processed.

Boosting port security

Masiapato also announced a key operational development. The BMA, in partnership with Transnet National Ports Authority, has secured permanent operational space for Coastal Guards at the ports of Mossel Bay, Gqeberha, Richards Bay and East London.

“This is a critical development towards establishing BMA’s full-time presence in these important seaports,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has outlined measures aimed at modernising technology systems and tightening accountability across the justice sector.

At a briefing on Saturday, the Minister said the seventh administration remains committed to building “a modern, transparent and accessible justice system”, where all are equal before the law.

The Minister, supported by Deputy Minister Andries Nel and senior departmental officials, delivered a comprehensive update on progress and challenges in court operations, ICT modernisation, infrastructure upgrades and reforms to judicial governance.

She said the briefing was “an opportune time to pause and reflect on our work”, emphasising that strengthening the justice system is central to public trust and constitutional obligations.

Improving ICT and contract management

A review of the department’s ICT environment found 22 vendor contracts that had been “poorly managed and monitored”, with some extended repeatedly without delivering value for money.

“What is worrying is the brazenness and attitude of service providers,” she said, noting that some had threatened litigation when their contracts come to an end without extension.

Through Operation Vulindlela, a Standard Bank SAP [Systems, Applications and Products] specialist team has been deployed to stabilise ICT systems at the Master’s Office.

The turnaround strategy for the Master’s Office prioritises digitalisation, improved payment systems, and more efficient service delivery.

“The [specialist team has] been able to help us to resolve payment process challenges, stabilise our payment processes and restore operational integrity… 

“In this area, we continue to have loss of money, where people were stealing from our system in the Guardian’s Fund, where money would be taken out and in [some] instances, [we] would pick up that the monies have been withdrawn in casinos and in churches, and when we work with the FIC [Financial Intelligence Centre], some of the monies were irrecoverable,” Kubayi said.

However, the measures being undertaken are leading to a reduction in the instance of fraud.

The Minister said fraud in the Guardian’s Fund had previously cost the department millions a month, but the current interventions are “showing steady improvement”.

Rebuilding capacity in the Office of the State Attorney 

The Office of the State Attorney is undergoing restructuring to address long-standing capacity shortages. Dedicated teams will soon handle Constitutional Court and Supreme Court of Appeal matters, easing pressure on provincial offices.

Staff burnout, the Minister said, remains a concern. 

“You see the signals when people are admitted into hospitals because of work,” Kubayi said, adding that efforts are underway to fill critical legal posts. 

Additionally, payments to legal practitioners, once delayed for up to six months, have now stabilised.

Accountability and disciplinary measures

The Minister said disciplinary processes involving senior officials — including in ICT and security functions — are progressing, and she has made herself available to testify, where required.

During the 2024/25 financial year, 164 labour relations cases were finalised. Fifty-four officials were dismissed for corruption, maladministration, fraud, theft, dishonesty and misconduct. Several cases were referred for criminal investigation.

“We have zero tolerance for corruption and fraud in our institutions,” Kubayi said.

Expanding prosecutorial and judicial capacity

The department is moving to strengthen the magistracy, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and court support roles.

This year, 343 aspirant prosecutors completed NPA training, and recruitment is underway for 161 additional posts. 

The process to appoint a new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) is also advancing, with interviews set for next week. However, the Minister expressed concern that only six of the 35 applicants met the requirements, saying the panel will recommend reforms to attract stronger candidates, including around tenure and remuneration.

The appointments of 68 Regional Court magistrates has been finalised, with training set for February 2026. A further 68 senior magistrate posts await final signatures, while the recruitment of 198 district magistrates is underway. 

Additionally, 68 sheriffs have been appointed nationwide to strengthen court operations.

Advancing a single, independent judiciary

Government has reaffirmed its commitment to establishing a single, fully independent judiciary by consolidating court administration and judicial governance under the Office of the Chief Justice.

Legislation will be developed following consultations with heads of courts, magistracy leadership, Treasury, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, the Department of Public Service and Administration DPSA and other key stakeholders.

Meanwhile, public-private partnerships are being expanded to modernise court buildings, including plans for the Johannesburg High Court precinct.

Water tanks, solar installations and enhanced security measures are being rolled out nationally, particularly to support presiding officers and prosecutors facing threats. Infrastructure upgrades include scanning systems, surveillance and improved coordination with law enforcement agencies.

At the lower court level, reforms are underway to strengthen Small Claims Courts. Their monetary jurisdiction will increase from R20 000 to R30 000 by April 2026, and the number of courts will grow to 418. Additional commissioners will be trained to boost access to justice.

Action against GBV

Marking the 16 Days of Activism campaign, the Minister outlined ongoing efforts to combat gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

Key achievements include:

• Expanding Thuthuzela Care Centres from 62 to 66.
• Maintaining a 70% conviction rate in sexual offence cases.
• Ensuring 72% of convicted offenders are entered into the National Register for Sexual Offences within 10 days.
• Upgrading 40 Domestic Violence Courts.
• Operationalising 79 of 92 Sexual Offences Courts.
• Appointing 103 intermediaries and distributing 150 wheelchairs to support vulnerable court users.

The department also appointed 60 staff to improve turnaround times for verification certificates linked to the Sexual Offences Register, ahead of planned legislative reforms that will expand public disclosure.

Prosecutorial directives now require prosecutors to consult complainants within 22 days, secure appropriate bail conditions, and ensure survivors fully understand their rights.

“Every day must be a day of activism,” Kubayi said, adding that South Africa “owes survivors of GBVF safety, respect and compassion”. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Home Affairs has withdrawn South Africa’s 90-day visa exemption for Palestinian ordinary passport holders, following investigations that found the provision was being deliberately abused by Israeli-linked actors involved in “voluntary emigration” efforts for Gaza residents.

“Following investigations and recommendations by national intelligence structures and consultations conducted within the Security Cluster – which confirmed the deliberate and ongoing abuse of the 90-day visa exemption for Palestinian ordinary passport holders by Israeli actors linked to “voluntary emigration” efforts for residents of the Gaza Strip – the Department of Home Affairs has withdrawn the exemption,” the department said in a statement on Saturday.

Short-stay visa exemptions, the department said, are a commonly used instrument by countries around the world to incentivise tourism and short-term travel. However, investigations into the recent arrival of two charter flights transporting Palestinian passport holders revealed systematic abuse of this exemption, with travel designed not for the purposes of tourism or short-stays as intended, but to relocate Palestinians from Gaza. 

“Rather than using ordinary commercial flights, entire airplanes were chartered not by the travellers themselves, but by intermediaries. Most passengers were given one-way tickets to South Africa and prohibited from bringing luggage with them, while only being allowed to carry US dollars and essentials. 

“Upon their arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, it was further discovered that many of them lacked departure verification and accommodation in South Africa, in addition to not possessing return or onward flight tickets. 

“Taken together, this constituted obvious abuse of the exemption by external actors for purposes other than its intended use,” the department said.

The department said this sequence of events also amounted to abuse of the passengers themselves, as those who arranged the flights were “apparently content to leave the travellers destitute upon their arrival in South Africa”.

The department explained that most of the travellers indicated that they did not want to claim asylum in South Africa, necessitating civil society organisations to take responsibility for their welfare. 

Investigations also indicated that the arrival of these charter flights was not intended to be a once-off events but that they may be part of a broader, ongoing effort to relocate Palestinians to other parts of the world. 

“This includes reports that a Dubai-based broker, with offices in South Africa, recently requested bulk quotations for more charter flights to commence as soon as possible,” the department revealed.

In the wake of the withdrawal of the visa exemption, the department said will duly process any asylum applications submitted by the travellers who arrived on the two charter flights, while upholding the terms of the 90-day exemption for those who do not seek asylum. 

The department said that going forward, visa applications from bona fide Palestinian travellers will be processed accordingly to enable them to visit South Africa, while any further attempts at abuse will be rejected. 

The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, said: “When the most recent charter flight landed at OR Tambo International Airport, President Cyril Ramaphosa indicated that the travellers may have been flushed out of Gaza. Subsequent investigations have confirmed this to be the case. 

“Withdrawing the visa exemption is the most effective way to prevent further flights of this nature, while ensuring that bona fide travellers from Palestine are safely able to visit South Africa without being subjected to abuse. South Africa will not be complicit in any scheme to exploit or displace Palestinians from Gaza.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has sent her condolences to the family of Marius van der Merwe, who was shot and killed in front of his family in Brakpan last night.

Van der Merwe was “Witness D” at the Madlanga Commission and had recently testified before the Commission.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time,” Kubayi said.

Addressing the media in Pretoria this morning, Kubayi said Van de Merwe was offered security but he declined the offer, saying he had his own security and he owned a security company.

“After this development, I did interacted with Advocate Khumalo, who is responsible for security at the Commission, to discuss security issues. There is a need to review security issues,” Kubayi said. 

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Van der Merwe.

Van der Merwe was a Brakpan-based security industry member and former Ekhurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department official. He was shot and killed outside his Brakpan home. 

The South African Police Service has launched a manhunt for the suspects involved in the killing of Van der Merwe. 

The Madlanga Commission — officially called the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System — this morning issued a statement on the passing of Van der Merwe.

“The Commission has noted with profound sadness the brutal killing of one of its witnesses, Mr Marius van der Merwe. 

“The Commission would like to acknowledge Mr Van der Merwe’s contribution towards uncovering serious allegations of criminality and corruption in the Ekhuruleni Metropolitan Municipality and Ekhuruleni Metropolitan Police Department.

“The Commission extends its deepest condolences to the Van der Merwe family.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has sent her condolences to the family of Marius van der Merwe, who was shot and killed in front of his family in Brakpan last night.

Van der Merwe was “Witness D” at the Madlanga Commission and had recently testified before the Commission.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time,” Kubayi said.

Addressing the media in Pretoria this morning, Kubayi said Van de Merwe was offered security but he declined the offer, saying he had his own security and he owned a security company.

“After this development, I did interacted with Advocate Khumalo, who is responsible for security at the Commission, to discuss security issues. There is a need to review security issues,” Kubayi said. 

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Van der Merwe.

Van der Merwe was a Brakpan-based security industry member and former Ekhurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department official. He was shot and killed outside his Brakpan home. 

The South African Police Service has launched a manhunt for the suspects involved in the killing of Van der Merwe. 

The Madlanga Commission — officially called the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System — this morning issued a statement on the passing of Van der Merwe.

“The Commission has noted with profound sadness the brutal killing of one of its witnesses, Mr Marius van der Merwe. 

“The Commission would like to acknowledge Mr Van der Merwe’s contribution towards uncovering serious allegations of criminality and corruption in the Ekhuruleni Metropolitan Municipality and Ekhuruleni Metropolitan Police Department.

“The Commission extends its deepest condolences to the Van der Merwe family.” – SAnews.gov.za

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The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has welcomed the 20-year sentence imposed on an Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) officer for the murder of his partner in 2023.

On 21 September 2023, at around 13:00, two Constables from EMPD went to fetch their colleague, Constable Robert Ngobeni from home on their way to work.

Upon arrival at 469 Canary Street, Lekaneng Section in Tembisa, they found the gate locked. A neighbour alerted the two officers that he had heard gunshot sounds coming from the accused’s room the previous night, which prompted them to enter the premises by jumping the fence.

Bloodstains were discovered at the doorstep of Ngobeni’s room. After a child provided the officers with keys to unlock the burglar door, the officers discovered the body of deceased, Constance Phalane, on the bed with multiple gunshot wounds. 

A four-year-old with a gunshot wound to the upper right shoulder and the accused, Constable Ngobeni, was lying on the floor in a pool of blood, with his firearm close to his reach.

Emergency services were summoned to the scene and the child and accused were transported to various medical facilities for medical attention. The accused was placed under police guard.

A subsequent investigation revealed a history of domestic violence between the accused and the deceased.

The South Gauteng High Court sentenced the accused to 15 years imprisonment for murder and 15 years for attempted murder. 

The court further ruled that the 10-year sentence for attempted murder will run concurrently with the 15-year murder sentence. Therefore, the deceased will serve 20 years imprisonment. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong has called on Southern Africa’s journalists to take ownership of the region’s story, saying the SADC Media Awards remain one of the most powerful platforms for shaping a shared regional identity.

Speaking at the 2025 SADC Media Awards dinner — where the 2026 competition was also launched — Morolong said the awards, established in 1996, continue to recognise media work that strengthens regional cooperation and integration.

“The story of Southern Africa cannot be left to be told by others. It must be told by us, in our voices, through our own lens and lived experiences. Through the awards, we honour excellence… and the crucial role journalists play in shaping narratives that strengthen our regional identity and solidarity,” he said at the ceremony in Pretoria on Friday. 

Morolong stressed that the awards celebrate depth, accuracy and integrity rather than sensationalism.

“The awards judge entrants not by the number of headlines they provoke, but by the depth, accuracy and integrity of their craft.

“The media professionals we celebrate today have dedicated hours, weeks and even months investigating matters of public interest.”

He said such commitment is vital in an era “dominated by disinformation and misinformation”, adding that the awards honour journalists not only as storytellers but as guardians of truth and connectors of citizens across borders.

“Through their words, images and voices, they document the collective growth and development of our people.

“By celebrating their work, we acknowledge the importance of authentic storytelling in strengthening democracy and promoting mutual respect among our peoples.”

Morolong added that every story reflecting cooperation in energy, transport, water, trade or security “serves as a thread in the greater fabric of regional unity”.

Winners reflect on the power of authentic journalism

This year, 29 entries were submitted for regional adjudication, with South Africa contributing four across all categories.

BBC Radio journalist Mpho Lakaje, who won the Radio Category (Regional), said the recognition was encouraging.

“It energises one to keep going and to do more,” he told SAnews, urging emerging journalists to “stick to the basics of journalism” and maintain authenticity.

Lakaje freelances for outlets including BBC Radio Africa and eNCA, and is the creator of Against All Odds with Mpho Lakaje, which aired over 200 episodes between 2012 and 2016.

Dikeledi Molobela from SAnews, winner of the Print Category (National), said the award was deeply affirming.

“Journalism can be a tough and often thankless profession, so being recognised in this way truly means a lot.

“Part of my job is to cover The Presidency, and I’ve had the privilege of reporting on President Ramaphosa’s strong commitment to peace, stability and cooperation in our region. It’s always a pleasure to tell those stories and help keep our people informed about the work being done to build a safer, more united SADC.”

Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) communicator Rinae Nemaungani, a second-time award recipient, was honoured in the Photography Category. She first won in 2023 as an intern in the GCIS Radio Unit.

“A few years ago, I was honoured to stand behind this very podium receiving a SADC Media Award in the Radio Category, and now to be recognised again, this time in Photography, is something I’m deeply grateful for,” she said.

Winning in a new category reminded her that “growth never stops”.

“For me, this journey shows how powerful storytelling can be, no matter the medium,” Nemaungani said.

The Television Category winner was Reitumetse Sankola from the SABC.

2026 competition officially open

Morolong officially opened entries for the 2026 SADC Media Awards, which close in February next year. The competition is open to journalists from all SADC member states.

Since 1996, the awards have recognised excellence in print, photo, television and radio journalism that advances regional cooperation and integration. — SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has offered his deep condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Marius van der Merwe, who recently testified before the Madlanga Commission.

Van der Merwe was a Brakpan-based security industry member and former Ekhurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department official. He was shot multiple times in full view of his family outside their Brakpan home on Friday evening, 5 December 2025.

The President has extended his deep condolences to the family of Van der Merwe and has wished them “strength for their recovery from the deadly trauma”.

“While our law enforcement agencies establish the circumstances leading to this heinous act, I am appalled and saddened by this attack on a former public servant, who recently served the cause of justice and integrity by testifying at the Madlanga Commission,” President Ramaphosa said.

President Ramaphosa established the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, better known as the Madlanga Commission, in July 2025.

“My thoughts are with the deeply traumatised family, who came under attack last night. 

“They faced death in circumstances that suggest Van der Merwe’s brave testimony angered elements in our society who want to undermine the rule of law and set back the quest for truth and consequences in the fight against corruption.

“Amid this trauma, we must remain resolute to end corruption and bring to justice those who have done wrong and are plotting to do more.

“As government, we will redouble our efforts to protect whistleblowers, including witnesses before the Madlanga Commission and the Commission itself, as they serve the nation with bravery in the face of criminal threats,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa has urged law enforcement agencies to undertake a thorough investigation and to ensure that the perpetrators face justice. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched a manhunt for the suspects who shot and killed “Witness D”, who had testified at the Madlanga Commission. 

The National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, will meet and brief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga on investigations into the murder of Witness D. Madlanga is the chair of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System. 

Masemola will utilise the opportunity to also discuss efforts to improve and enhance safety and security measures for all role-players at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. 

At the crime scene outside the home of Witness D, where he was fatally shot, various units of the SAPS, including Ballistics and crime scene experts, Crime Intelligence officers and members of the Serious and Violent Crime Unit, worked until the early hours of this morning, combing the scene for available material evidence. 

“Police can thus confirm that evidence gathered at the scene confirms an AK47 automatic rifle was used in the commission of the crime.

“According to a preliminary investigation, Witness D arrived at his home just after 20:30 with his wife and as he was about to open the gate, he was shot and sustained wounds to his upper body. 

“He was certified dead at the scene. His wife, who was a passenger in the car, escaped unharmed and it should be noted that nothing was taken from Witness D, seeing that his firearm, cell phone and wallet were still in his possession,” the police said.

A case of murder has been registered and police have launched a manhunt for the hit orderer and the hitmen who shot and killed Witness D. Police are also looking for the murder weapon. 

Masemola has also ordered the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) co-chair, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, to urgently convene a NATJOINTS meeting over the weekend to discuss and look at ways of improving the safety and security of commission officials, as well as all witnesses. – SAnews.gov.za

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