Category: South Africa Government

The Ministry of Police says it has noted various articles circulating online and in the media regarding the declassification of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) report into the Phala Phala matter. 

This information originated from a written Parliamentary response provided by the Acting Police Minister ,Firoz Cachalia.

Parliamentary questions are posed by Members of Parliament of South Africa and then referred to the relevant departments for reply. 

“In matters relating to policing and oversight, the Minister of Police is responsible for the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the three entities that fall under the Ministry, including IPID. Each entity prepares its own response within its mandate and area of responsibility, and the Minister submits these responses to Parliament on their behalf,” the Ministry said in a statement.

“With respect to IPID, it must be emphasised that it is an independent body established in terms of the IPID Act. The Minister does not direct or interfere with IPID investigations or findings. 

“The Minister’s role is strictly defined and limited by legislation to safeguard the Directorate’s independence.

“It should also be noted that IPID’s investigation pertained to the conduct of SAPS members, rather than the primary criminal matter of breaking and theft,” the Ministry said.

In this instance, the report in question was compiled by IPID following the conclusion of its investigation. 

As the custodian of the report, IPID determined its classification status, consistent with the National Strategic Intelligence Act. The report was declassified on 2 February 2026.

The Parliamentary response further clarifies that IPID reports are not intended for public release and may only be accessed through the appropriate legal channels, subject to applicable restrictions. – SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa has issued an urgent security advisory to its citizens in Israel, warning that the deteriorating security situation poses serious risks. 

Government has urged South Africans to prioritise their safety and assess their circumstances without delay.

In an advisory issued on Monday by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), government expressed deep concern for the safety and well-being of South Africans currently in Israel, calling on them to immediately evaluate their personal security and act with urgency if they feel unsafe or uncertain. 

“If you feel unsafe or uncertain, we strongly advise that you act without delay. Your safety takes absolute precedence. Avoid unnecessary movement. If compelled to leave, leave. South Africans who wish to do so should not delay taking advantage of options that might be available to do so. Note that you are responsible for your own travel arrangements,” the advisory read. 

The warning comes as Ben Gurion International Airport remains closed, with Israeli airspace shut and all flights cancelled until further notice.

With air travel suspended, government has pointed to land border crossings as possible exit routes. Border crossings with Jordan remain open at this stage and are being prioritised as a departure option for those who determine it necessary to leave.

“Accordingly, where you determine departure as necessary, we urge you to consider the Jordanian border crossings as a priority option. The land border crossing with Egypt is a further option,” government said. 

Operating hours for crossings into Jordan are currently as follows:

• Allenby/King Hussein Bridge (closest to Jerusalem, Ramallah and Jericho): 08:00 – 14:30.
• Northern Crossing (Beit She’an/Sheikh Hussein), ideal for those in Haifa, Nazareth and the Galilee region: 08:30 – 14:30.
• Southern Crossing (Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Araba): 08:00 – 20:00.

The land border crossing into Egypt, via the Menachem Begin Crossing/Taba Terminal, near Eilat, operates 24 hours a day and remains an additional option.

However, authorities have cautioned that the situation remains fluid and can change at any moment. Citizens have been urged to check the official status of their chosen border crossing on the day of departure. 

Processing times at border posts typically range between 30 and 60 minutes, but travellers have been advised to allow extra time due to potential long delays. Arriving early, travelling during daylight hours and maintaining direct communication throughout the journey are strongly recommended. 

The advisory emphasised that the information provided is for guidance purposes only, as conditions on the ground continue to evolve. – SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa has called on all its citizens currently in the Middle East to urgently contact the relevant South African embassies accredited to their countries of residence to ensure that they are registered, and that their whereabouts are known to officials amid heightened regional tensions.

In an advisory issued on Monday by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), government warned that consular support in parts of the region may be limited, particularly in the event of an emergency.

“It is important to note that South Africa’s support in these countries could be limited and that it could be assumed that no face-to-face consular assistance will be possible in an emergency, and the South African Government may not be able to help you if you get into difficulty, depending on your location,” the notice stated.

Citizens have therefore been encouraged to independently assess their safety and security, and act accordingly. 

Embassy contact details

South Africans in the region may contact the following missions:

• Tehran, Iran: +98-912-230-8968
• Doha, Qatar: +974-5583-2762
• Dubai, United Arab Emirates: +971-50-558-1235
• Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: +971-50-445-9499 / +971-50-622-4291
• Kuwait City, Kuwait: +965-9916-7899 / +965-9720-0172 / +965-9979-4483
• Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (also accredited to Yemen, Bahrain and Oman): +966-5-5812-2215
• Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: +966-56-244-5376
• Amman, Jordan (accredited to Iraq): +962-79-552-0245
• Damascus, Syria: +963-966-44-4405
• Ramallah, Palestine (also covering Israel): +972-53-2553-113

Citizens may also contact the DIRCO helpline in Pretoria on +27 12 351 1000 for further assistance.

Government further advised that additional contact details are available on DIRCO’s official website.

The advisory forms part of ongoing efforts to monitor developments in the region and ensure that South African nationals remain informed and connected to official channels during the period of heightened uncertainty. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Police Service (SAPS), through Operation Shanela, has nabbed 16 542 suspects for various crimes between 23 February and 1 March.

Among those arrested were 2 393 wanted criminals across multiple provinces linked to murder, attempted murder, rape, assault grievous bodily harm (GBH), carjacking, illegal possession of firearms, house and business robberies. 

“In ridding our communities of lethal weapons, police seized 145 firearms, including homemade guns, rifles and shotguns, and confiscated 1 402 rounds of ammunition,” the police said in a statement. 

A total of 101 suspects were arrested for illegal possession of firearms, as well as 92 suspects for illegal possession of ammunition.

“In dismantling illicit alcohol sales, 789 suspects were arrested for illegally dealing in liquor, with a staggering 20 820 litres of alcohol removed from society. 

“This menace continues to fuel violence and disorder in our communities. In addition, 749 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” the police said.

On 28 February, members of the Tactical Response Team (TRT) executed intelligence-driven operation in Pilgrim’s Rest, resulting in the arrest of two Mozambican nationals, aged 25, on charges of possession of illegal possession of precious metals (illicit gold) valued at R3 million.

“Furthermore, two suspects linked to a cash-in-transit robbery in Verulam on Monday, 23 February, were shot and killed in a shootout with police in Edendale, KwaZulu-Natal, on 24 February 2026. Police seized three firearms, two rifles and a handgun, and several rounds of ammunition, as well as numerous number plates on the scene,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za 

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A high number of private scholar transport operators continue to exhibit an intractable attitude and unwillingness to comply with passenger regulation, despite high-profile fatal crashes and intensified law enforcement.

This is according to the Road Traffic Management Corporation’s (RTMC) observations, which are supported by statistics from law enforcement operations conducted in all provinces last week.

Of the 5 386 scholar transport vehicles stopped and checked, 1 028 vehicles were found to have been operated in violation of existing traffic laws.

“Most of these vehicles (589) were privately owned, while 146 were contracted by parents, 95 were contracted by the Department of Transport and 11 were contracted by the Department of Basic Education, while seven were school owned.

“Many were found to be operating without the necessary public scholar transport permits, while others were driven by drivers who did not possess, or failed to produce driving licences and professional driving permits,” the RTMC said on Monday.

The vehicles were found to have many defects relating to tyres, brakes, and rear stop lamps.  

Law enforcement issued 500 traffic fines, 219 vehicles were impounded, and two vehicles were discontinued.

Most transgressors were found to be between the ages of 18 and 35 years, followed by those aged between 35 and 45 years.

Meanwhile, 418 other motorists were arrested for drunken driving in the same week.

The highest number of drunken driving arrests was in the Eastern Cape. Mpumalanga impounded and discontinued the highest number of vehicles. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Three senior Department of Health officials, including the department’s Director-General (DG), who were arrested on Monday, have been granted bail of R10 000 each after appearing in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria.

The three — Deputy Director General of Tertiary Health and Hospital Services Dr Malixole Percival Mahlati , Chief Financial Officer Phineas Phaswa Mamogale (45) and the Director-General, Sabelo Siyabonga Sandile Buthelezi — are facing charges of fraud worth more than R1 million and theft.

Buthelezi is facing an additional charge of contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

“It is alleged that between 30 August 2023 and 28 September 2023, the three accused acted in common purpose and irregularly appointed two service providers, Ithani Amen (PTY) Ltd and N Mbileni J Tohlang-Nkopane Inc, in a labour-related matter.

“Ithani Amen was appointed as an independent investigator, and N Mbileni J Tohlang-Nkopane as chairperson for a disciplinary hearing held against the suspended Chief Director of Labour Relations at the [department]. Both service providers were paid via the Global Fund, which aimed to assist the department in training and relief in outbreaks,” National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Gauteng spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, said.

They were reported by the Forensic Investigator to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) for investigation.

“After investigations by members of the Hawks’ National Serious Corruption Investigations, the three accused were arrested after they handed themselves over to the Pretoria Central Police station on 2 March 2026.

“In court, the State did not oppose their release on bail. The State submitted an affidavit from Investigating Officer Captain Clinton Leonard Arrikum, stating that the accused have no previous convictions or pending matters against them, that they do not pose a flight risk and that they will not disturb the public order when released on bail,” Mahanjana stated.

The case has been postponed to June for further investigations.

Meanwhile, the department said Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has noted the arrests.

“At this juncture, the Minister is still in the dark about circumstances surrounding the arrest of the three. As soon as the Minister has been fully briefed about this matter, he will issue a statement.

“For now, all the Minister can say is that whatever the circumstances, the law must take its course,” the department said in a short statement. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has announced an increase of between 20c and 65c for all forms of fuels from Wednesday.

The fuel price adjustments are based on current local and international factors.

The following fuel price adjustments will be implemented:

• Petrol 93 (ULP and LRP): 20c increase. 
• Petrol 95 (ULP and LRP): 20c increase. 
• Diesel (0.05% sulphur): 62c increase. 
• Diesel (0.005% sulphur): 65c increase. 
• Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): 44c increase.
• Single Maximum National Retail Price for Illuminating Paraffin: 58c increase. 
• Maximum Retail Price of LP Gas: 23c increase and 26c per kilogram increase in the Western Cape.

“The average Brent Crude oil price increased from 64.08 US Dollars (USD) to 69.08 USD during the period under review. The main contributing factors are higher shipping rates and geopolitical uncertainty caused by the tension between the US and Iran, which could result in the disruption of crude oil supply in the Strait of Hormuz.

“The average international product prices followed the increasing trend of the crude oil price. These factors led to higher contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel, and illuminating paraffin by 37.53 cents a litre, 81.36 cents a litre, and 63.81 cents a litre, respectively.

“The prices of Propane and Butane increased during the period under review due to the cold weather in the Northern Hemisphere and tighter global supply,” the DMPR said.

Furthermore, the Rand strengthened against the dollar during the period under review, strengthening from R16.31 to R16.00 per USD.

“This led to higher contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel, and Illuminating Paraffin by 16.96 c/l, 19.20 c/l, and 19.21 c/l respectively,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The eThekwini Municipality has officially unveiled the SINAWE “We are with you” Wellness Centre, marking a significant milestone in its mission to deliver faster, smarter and more people-centred services to communities.

The state-of-the-art facility, located at 350 Montpelier Road in Morningside, opposite Mitchell Park Zoo, is designed to strengthen the wellbeing, resilience, and productivity of municipal employees in support of service delivery excellence.

The initiative underscores the municipality’s firm belief that empowered employees are the foundation of exceptional public service delivery, and that investing in employee health directly strengthens the city’s efficiency, responsiveness, and capability.

Speaking on behalf of eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba, Chairperson of the Governance and Human Resources Committee, Nkosenhle Madlala, described the launch as a transformative step toward building a healthier, and high-performing workforce.

“This significant milestone demonstrates the municipality’s commitment to building a healthy, resilient and high-performing workforce,” Madlala said.

He emphasised that the wellness centre represents more than the opening of a facility, as it signals the municipality’s dedication to a people-centred administration.

“This initiative recognises that our employees are our greatest asset and that their physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing is fundamental to service delivery excellence,” Madlala said.

The SINAWE Wellness Centre offers a comprehensive suite of emotional, psychological, and general wellness services tailored to promote holistic wellbeing and strengthen resilience among employees.

It forms part of a broader network of regional wellness hubs established to ensure all municipal employees have access to professional support, regardless of their location.

Director of the Human Resources Directorate, Sihle Mkhize, reiterated that employee wellness is central to the municipality’s ability to deliver quality services.

“By prioritising employee wellbeing, we are not only changing lives but also strengthening our ability to serve communities with excellence,” Mkhize said.

He noted that when employees are supported and thriving, communities experience tangible improvements in service delivery.

“A healthy workforce directly translates into improved productivity and enhanced service delivery to communities. When we invest in the wellness of our staff, we strengthen the very foundation upon which the municipality serves residents with dignity, efficiency, and compassion,” explained Mkhize.

The opening of the SINAWE Wellness Centre reflects the municipality’s unwavering commitment to putting employees first, driving organisational excellence and delivering meaningful results for communities.

It underscores the understanding that workforce wellbeing powers the city’s progress and propels eThekwini toward sustained service excellence.

Public invited to comment on draft annual report

Meanwhile, the municipality has invited and encouraged residents to submit comments and proposals on how the city can improve service delivery and enhance the wellbeing of all its citizens.

The 2024/25 Draft Annual Report is available on the municipal website at http://durban.gov.za, as well as Sizakala centres and libraries.

Copies of the report may also be requested via email at Noky.Nyasulu@durban.gov.za, or by calling 031 311 4208 for the report to be emailed, or for more information.

The deadline for public comments is Friday, 6 March 2026. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, and the Transport Deputy Minister, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, have expressed their condolences to the bereaved family after one person died at sea and five crew members went missing, following the sinking of the MW Leo vessel near Mossel Bay.

The vessel had a total of 18 crew members on board, all confirmed to be Nigerian nationals. 

Twelve crew members have since been rescued alive. One body has been recovered, with five crew members still missing.

“Creecy and Hlengwa have expressed their pain and condolences to High Commissioner Tope Ajayi, who is grappling with this maritime incident, and emphasized the urgent need to find the missing crew members. They have also expressed messages of support to the families whose loved ones are still missing at sea,” the Department of Transport said on Monday.

The MW Leo, registered under the Comoros flag, transmitted a distress signal reporting uncontrolled water ingress on the evening of 28 February 2026. 

At the time, the vessel was approximately 80 nautical miles south of Mossel Bay, on a single voyage from Durban to Nigeria. 

The vessel is owned by Nigerian company Magnet Energy Limited, based in Lagos.

The crew reportedly abandoned ship onto the vessel’s life rafts, and the vessel subsequently sank in the early hours of 1 March 2026.

The South African Maritime Authority (SAMSA) has initiated a preliminary investigation.

The incident is being coordinated by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Cape Town.

The Federal Republic of Nigeria’s High Commissioner, HE Tope Ajayi, is kept abreast of the developments on an ongoing basis. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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