Category: South Africa Government

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Former Msunduzi Municipality official sentenced to 10 years for corruption

Source: South Africa News Agency

Thursday, June 26, 2025

The Durban Specialised Commercial Crimes Court has sentenced a former Msunduzi Municipality official to 10 years’ direct imprisonment following his conviction on two counts of corruption.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Nhlakanipho Wiseman Dlamini (45), who was employed as an acting Fleet Control Advisor at the municipality, was found guilty of soliciting bribes from a municipal service provider.

“Dlamini was employed at Msunduzi Municipality…and a company named EWCop was contracted to supply and maintain vehicle tracking devices for the municipal vehicles. During 2018, EWCop’s contract with the municipality ended, and the contract was subsequently extended on a month-to-month basis pending the outcome of the award for a new tender.

“Dlamini then approached EWCop and solicited their offer to secure the pending tender in favour of EWCop. Dlamini further solicited R100 000 from EWCop to ensure that the outstanding payments in respect of the month-to-month contract were paid to EWCop,” the NPA said in a statement.

A trap was set up in accordance with section 252 A of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, and Dlamini was arrested between November 2019 and January 2020, after receiving the ‘trap’ money.

Dlamini was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment on each count of t corruption.  Six years of the second count run concurrently with the first, resulting in an effective 10-year sentence.

“The NPA welcomes this successful prosecution. Together with our partners in the Justice Cluster, we will ensure that corrupt officials are brought to book. Rooting out corruption remains an organisational priority,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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G20 Sherpa meeting to focus on global solidarity and sustainable development

Source: South Africa News Agency

G20 Sherpa meeting to focus on global solidarity and sustainable development

The third Sherpa meeting of the Group of 20 (G20) kicked off on Wednesday, focusing on global collaboration, sustainable development, and addressing new international challenges.

The Sun City Convention Centre was filled with representatives from the world’s largest economies and organisations as Zane Dangor, the Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and South Africa’s G20 Sherpa, delivered his opening remarks.

The meeting, which will run for three days, brings together international representatives to discuss critical global challenges and explore potential collaborative solutions.

The meeting will take place under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”.

Dangor announced that the Foreign Ministers will lead detailed discussions on global geopolitical issues, focusing on international law and mutual accountability while emphasising the need to prioritise substantive matters.

“The meeting also provides an opportunity for Sherpas to have a discussion, dare I say it, on the geopolitical issues as part of the agenda. 

“And I think, we’ve always shied away from geopolitical issues, but given the events not only of the last two years but particularly of the last month, we’re going to have some discussion in a measured but robust way,” he told delegates. 

He recognised that the G20 serves as a platform for international economic cooperation, making it a crucial focus.

“But the ongoing conflict worldwide, as it has been pointed out before, is definitely now even more detrimental not just to peace and security but economic development and the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals. 

“So, we will discuss it, but we will also make sure it doesn’t hold us back.”

However, he said, only the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and ultimately the leaders will engage in the geopolitical issues, following the example set by Brazil, while the working groups will concentrate on the technical issues.

Today’s meeting marked the beginning of a series of 10 sessions, during which Dangor announced leadership changes, including the appointment of several new Sherpas and representatives from Brazil, India, China, and the United Kingdom. 

This shift indicates a new approach to international cooperation. 

“The discussions will provide us with the opportunity to refine objectives. We will report back from some of the working groups and task teams, and we’ll look at how they align with the priorities we’ve set up to ensure that we do reach out to inclusivity and that also reflect our own collective aspirations.” 

Dangor stressed the importance of creating actionable, measurable declarations that go beyond aspirational statements, with a commitment to reducing global inequalities.

“It is our responsibility, collectively as Sherpas, to resolve the challenges that are being presented to us within the working groups or task teams, even the new emerging challenges, and there are many new emerging challenges. I do think that we should work to ensure that none of the working group fails to reach consensus.” 

According to South Africa’s G20 Sherpa, the gathering also aims to shape a clear and actionable G20 Leaders’ Declaration, with a strong emphasis on sustainable development, reducing inequalities, and achieving measurable goals.

Dangor said he hoped that the G20 Leaders’ Declaration has concrete, measurable, and time-bound actions, not just aspirational statements.

He announced that, out of the 132 planned meetings, the Presidency has already hosted 70, and most of the working groups have completed their third sessions.

The Sherpa also announced the upcoming social summit. 

He concluded the opening remarks, expressing confidence in the fruitful deliberations over the next three days. – SAnews.gov.za

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SA’s G20 Presidency should focus on humanity’s most pressing challenges, says UN Resident Coordinator

Source: South Africa News Agency

As South Africa’s Group of 20 (G20) Presidency approaches its final six months, the focus should be on fostering multilateral cooperation and finding collective solutions to humanity’s most pressing challenges. 

According to the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in South Africa, Nelson Muffuh, the world’s major economies should aim to develop innovative approaches to complex global issues related to poverty, unemployment, and sustainable development.

“The countries that carry the economy of the world must come together and find each other and resolve some of the challenges. 

“They need to agree on some of the common solutions they can advance to resolve issues of inequalities, poverty, unemployment, governance, and trade. So, I think group, which is often referred to as a ‘ginger group’, is really an important platform as part of the wider multilateral system which the UN embodies.” 

Muffuh was speaking to SAnews during the third Sherpa meeting of the G20, which began on Wednesday.

The Sun City Convention Centre in the North West was filled with representatives from the world’s largest economies and organisations as Zane Dangor, the Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and South Africa’s G20 Sherpa, delivered his opening remarks.

Muffuh believes that South Africa’s G20 Presidency is making significant progress in addressing global challenges, with an emphasis on promoting solidarity, equality, and sustainability. 

Halfway through its Presidency, the country has already held 70 out of a planned 132 meetings across various working groups, focusing on critical issues affecting the international community.

“So, we need to look at where we’re with regards to the momentum towards achieving some of the envisaged outcomes around reform of the international financial architecture, capitalisation of the multilateral development banks, financing for the SDGs [Sustainable Developmental Goals] and financing for climate action, Just Energy Transition, the tackling of inequalities. A lot of these issues have been discussed extensively,” he told SAnews. 

According to the UN official, the Presidency should strengthen multilateral cooperation as global tensions hinder collective progress.

“We’re not on track to achieve the outcomes of the Sustainable Development Goals, for example. So, I think the focus really should be on ensuring we do not lose track, despite the concerns, despite the intentions to still find ways of coming together, find each other, and common ground to make progress.”

A central theme emerging from meetings is the urgent need to overcome geopolitical divisions and work collaboratively on pressing global challenges. 

Despite ongoing tensions, including notable absences like the United States, Muffuh said the G20 remains committed to creating a platform for constructive dialogue and finding common solutions.

He believes that the upcoming international gatherings, such as the Financing for Development Conference, the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30 Summit), and the UN General Assembly, will create additional opportunities to enhance the G20’s collaborative efforts and advocate for meaningful global progress. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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President Ramaphosa calls for ‘all hands on deck’ approach to transformation

Source: South Africa News Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged all South Africans, regardless of race, to work together in a united national effort to drive economic transformation, ensure inclusive growth and foster meaningful participation in the economy. 

The President was speaking during questions for oral reply session in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Parliament on Wednesday.

“The Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act remains a fundamental lever for transformation, as part of our broader strategy to achieve more rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the country. As I have said before, we must dispense with the false notion that we must make a choice between growth and transformation.

“Black economic empowerment is not only compatible with investment and growth but is essential to achieve broad-based growth and prosperity. It must be seen as a process through which we take measures to bring those who were excluded from economic activity into the economic mainstream,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that bringing previously disadvantaged people into the economic fold will not happen spontaneously.

“To think that it will happen on its own when, in the past, measures were taken including laws, to ensure that only a minority benefits, we would be deceiving ourselves. We must, therefore, be very clear and direct and make sure that this objective of achieving equality does happen.

“If we don’t do so, it will not happen. So therefore, we need to take demonstrable steps to make sure that there is clear movement,” he said.

The President acknowledged that although much has been achieved, “we can do better”.

“As with any other policy, we must constantly assess whether we are achieving our goals and where we can make improvements.

“The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition is therefore considering a review of broad-based black economic empowerment measures to align with government priorities of ensuring industrialisation, inclusive growth, localisation and facilitating access to finance for emerging…black enterprises.

“This should be seen as a national project. All of us must be involved in this including those who benefitted under the previous system. They must be seen to be actively involved in advancing the interests of all…failing to do so could lead to lack of growth in our economy…[and] reversals. 

“All hands – black and white – must be on deck to promote transformation in our country to enable all South Africans to play a role in the economy of our country,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President told the members of the NCOP that transformation and empowerment is for the benefit of all South Africans.

“Our economy was only structured for participation by a white minority…they even passed laws to prevent everyone from participating including for jobs. 

“So, we are saying that we want to benefit all South Africans not just a few. Therefore, the process of transformation needs to be embraced by all because it is to our collective benefit.

“We are all given a chance to correct the injustices of our past as set out in our Constitution. So, I call on all of us to join hands and embark on this process of transformation,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Protocol to improve safety in schools

Source: South Africa News Agency

When schools are unsafe, when learners, educators and support staff live in fear, it robs learners of the very essence of learning and development, says Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.

“Our country’s future rests in the hands of our children. And as parents, first and foremost, we all desire the same thing – that our children live good, meaningful lives. We know that a solid education is the foundation of that good life,” Mchunu said.

He was speaking at the launch of the Collaborative Implementation Protocol between SAPS and the Department of Basic Education in Cape Town on Tuesday.

Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and Mchunu jointly unveiled the Collaborative Implementation Protocol, pledging to create safer, child-friendly learning environments amid high statistics of violence.

The Collaborative Implementation Protocol between SAPS and the Department of Basic Education is aimed at improving safety in schools around the country.

This document will be a practical guide to bring urgent action in every district, in every province and in every school.

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the SAPS, in 2011, formed a partnership to safeguard schools from crime and violence to protect learners and teachers.

A new implementation protocol was necessary to clarify each party’s roles, ensure a proper division of work plan activities and to ensure the protocol’s objectives are executed effectively at local level. This will also include implementing joint SAPS and DBE led crime prevention programmes within schools.

The protocol focuses on the following goals: promoting collaboration between the DBE and SAPS to implement pillar two of the Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy (ICVPS) for early violence prevention and connecting schools with local police stations for swift responses to crime and violence. 

In addition, the protocol includes conducting searches and seizures in line with the South African Schools Act (SASA), when there is a reasonable suspicion of illegal substances or weapons; combatting social ills such as school-related Gender-Based Violence, sexual abuse, alcohol and drug use among learners; and addressing gangsterism in schools and surrounding communities.

Mchunu said there was a need to supplement the existing minimum safety standards in schools and that the Protocol served as one of those measures to strengthen safety and security in schools.

“During school holidays especially, we see a rise in burglary and vandalism. These are not victimless crimes. They rob our children of resources, time, and opportunity,” Mchunu said.

Criminal elements disrupt the education process and destabilise the very environments meant to nurture growth.

“As government leaders, elected by the people of this country, we carry a constitutional duty to realise the rights enshrined in our Constitution. The right to safety, the right to dignity and the right to education are not negotiable. 

“These rights must be protected and upheld in every schoolyard, in every classroom and in every community. 

“For us in the SAPS, our mandate is clear, to ensure that South Africans are and feel safe. But policing is not a one-department responsibility. It requires what we call a whole of government, whole of society approach. 

“That means government institutions must work hand in hand. It means that communities, parents, civil society organisations and schools must come together and actively participate in efforts to make our environments safe and resilient,” Mchunu said.

Mchunu said the Protocol was designed to promote a community-based, inclusive approach to school safety.

“There is a need to establish functional communication lines between schools and police stations. 

“To this end, the Protocol formalises the linkage between schools and their nearest police stations, ensuring that we have timeous, coordinated responses to incidents and proactive interventions to prevent crime,” he said.

To fully give effect, there is a need to recognise the urgent need to ensure that police stations are well resourced to adequately respond to incidents and that policing is proactive, responsive, efficient and effective.

“We cannot do this without parents, they must be active participants in the fight against crime starting in their own homes, in their streets and in their communities.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Norway calls for G20 Sherpa meeting to address ongoing global conflict

Source: South Africa News Agency

Norway calls for G20 Sherpa meeting to address ongoing global conflict

Henrik Harboe of Norway has highlighted the crucial role of the third Sherpa meeting in addressing international crises, including the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as the broader tensions in the Middle East. 

“We are halfway through this year, only five months away from the summit in November, so we have a lot of work to formulate, what are the G20 recommendations to deal with all these international crises and the big issues around development and economic stability in the world,” he told SAnews. 

The third Sherpa meeting of the G20 kicked off on Wednesday morning at the Sun City Resort in the North West. 

“We’ll have a round [of discussions] about the G20’s role in the world in general. That’s very important. But then go straight into the geopolitical tensions. And then, of course, this being a group with a lot of different countries and different perspectives. 

“But I think we’ll touch upon Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the horrible crisis in Gaza as a result of Israel’s response to the terrorist attack. And then, of course, the recent developments in the broader Middle East, with both Israel and the US bombing of Iran,” he explained.

The Director of Development Policy at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed deep concern about recent developments. 

He noted that these events involve multiple violations of international law and the United Nations (UN) Charter.

“I mean, G20 is actually not about geopolitics, but we cannot avoid discussing geopolitical issues.”

In his opening remarks, Zane Dangor, the Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and South Africa’s G20 Sherpa, announced that the Foreign Ministers will have in-depth discussions on global geopolitical issues. 

These discussions will focus on international law and mutual accountability, while emphasising the importance of prioritising substantive matters.

In December last year, South Africa welcomed Norway as a G20 guest country during its Presidency. 

In an interview with SAnews, Harboe, a Norwegian Sherpa, said South Africa was poised to make history as the first African nation to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit. 

According to Harboe, the G20 focuses on sustainable development and a stable global economy to ensure growth for all countries.

As the first Presidency in Africa, Harboe believes they will use their position to highlight critical issues such as energy security, essential minerals, and sustainable development.

“All these issues are extremely important for Africa. So, we are very happy to see that and strongly support South Africa’s priority on these issues.” 

The official is of the view that South Africa serves as a microcosm of global challenges, making its perspective crucial. 

“South Africa has a huge poverty problem, job creation problem, inequality, and these are exactly the issues. 

“So, I think what we discussed around the G20 table is relevant for the world and developing countries, but also very much for Africa, and South Africa. South Africa’s own experience is extremely relevant for this broader discussion. I always encourage South African colleagues to talk about the challenges here.” 

He mentioned that he had attended a Just Energy Transition programme. He said while South Africa’s energy situation is challenging, it also serves as a valuable example for the world on how to conduct an energy transition in a fair manner while also creating job opportunities for young people.

On a lighter note, he told the SAnews that he had a wonderful stay in Sun City since his arrival. 

“I always love South Africa. It’s fantastic. Since I’m from Norway, the cold weather, I don’t mind, the fresh morning like today was just nice. The only problem this morning was a monkey, taking my bread on the breakfast table,” he said, with a chuckle. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile

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eThekwini Municipality cracks down on diesel theft

Source: South Africa News Agency

eThekwini Municipality cracks down on diesel theft

The eThekwini Municipality has called on residents to report any instances of fraud and corruption following the arrest of a man implicated in a diesel theft syndicate targeting the city’s fuel supply system.

According to the municipality, the suspect, who posed as a municipal employee, was apprehended while filling diesel at a petrol station used by the city’s fleet.

This followed a tip-off to the Municipal City Fleet Directorate, which reported suspicious activity involving certain vehicles refuelling excessively, with some more than 10 times a day.

A preliminary investigation conducted by the City Integrity and Investigations Directorate revealed that a municipal fuel master card, issued by the Water and Sanitation Directorate, was being fraudulently used by privately owned vehicles.

According to the municipality, the fuel master being used was for a vehicle that has been stationary for a long time and marked for disposal.

“The suspect had duplicated the number plate and branding on the side of the car doors to make it look similar to other municipal cars. in this instance, municipal employees were working with external people to conduct fraud and corruption.

“The culprit had four vehicles fitted with a 750-litre fuel tank at the base of each single cab van. The diesel was stored in these tanks and resold. Each vehicle generated about R78 000 a day,” Director of the City Integrity and Investigations Directorate, Jimmy Ngcobo said.

Ngcobo said the suspect, who did rounds everyday filling diesel at over 15 petrol stations around the city, was caught red-handed with assistance from the Metro Police and private company, Reaction Unit South Africa.

At the time of the arrest, the suspect, who was wearing a municipal uniform admitted that he does not work for the city but employed by a private individual and earned R2000 a day.

The suspect has since appeared in court on charges of fraud and corruption. The case was remanded to August 2025.

“This is organised crime and should be dealt with seriously. The municipality has suffered a great financial loss, which is why we are calling on various stakeholders to report fraud and corruption when they see it happening,” Ngcobo said.

The public can report fraud and corruption by calling 0800 20 20 20 or send an email to ombuds@durban.gov.za – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Keynote address by Deputy Minister in The Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli on the occasion of the Youth in Action Expo opening ceremony CTICC 2, Cape Town

Source: President of South Africa –

TOPIC: “Own Your Power: Learn, Lead, and Lift Others”

Programme Director, Ms. Rene Van Den Heever,
Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder of Gift of the Givers,
Alderman Eddie Andrews, Executive Deputy Mayor of the City of Cape Town,
Ms. Tracy Mkhize, Acting CEO of CTICC,
Officials from the Presidency and local government,
Educators and parents,
Partners and sponsors,
And most importantly our young people in attendance today,

Good morning, 

I am so excited to join you at the 2025 Youth in Action Expo, hosted in this vibrant space of innovation, courage, and possibility. Thank you to the City of Cape Town, the Gift of the Givers Foundation, our education sector, civil society, and each exhibitor who has made this platform possible.

Today, we are not just addressing young people; we are speaking to the future CEOs, scientists, artists, engineers, farmers, educators, and changemakers of South Africa.

You are the hope we carry and the power we must unlock. 

I am a firm believer that young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow but rather the leaders of today as leadership is something that is shaped throughout one’s life – whether as a class rep, captain of the debating society, drama club or soccer team. We harness our leadership capabilities throughout our schooling career through our various interactions. 

Therefore let me start by congratulating all of your for making it to this year’s Expo. I am confident that your presence here today will open a completely new old of endless opportunities, bringing each and every one of you closer to your dreams. 

My fellow youth, we meet at the end of youth month commemorating 49 years since the June 16, 1976 uprising where the youth stood at the forefront of the liberation of our country. They were determined, fearless and relentless in pursuing a future South Africa they wanted to live in. 

Guided by the Freedom Charter, they fundamentally believed that South Africa belongs to all, black and white. As we celebrate 70 years of the Freedom Charter tomorrow, let us ask ourselves what lessons we can draw from the youth of 1976 to make a meaningful contribution to a future South Africa. 

The theme for this year’s youth month is “Skills for the changing world – Empowering youth for meaningful economic participation.” In this line with this, today’s expo is therefore seminal as a platform to connect young people with career pathways, educational opportunities and job prospects. 

Ladies and gentlemen,

We are all well aware of the plight of youth from our communities. Our peers are unemployed, some drowning in depression, susceptible to negative influences and finding themselves in drugs and crime. 

It is for this reason that as government, together with our social partners such as Gift of Givers commit ourselves to work tirelessly to improve the plight of youth in our country. We are working across all sectors of government to strengthen the economy, drive skills development, and connect young people with real opportunities.

Whether you are headed to a university, TVET College, or into the world of business, government has made great strides to support you on your journey.

Through the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), we continue to expand access to universities and TVET colleges. Institutions across the country are offering programmes in engineering, technology, business, hospitality, agriculture, and so much more. Through public sector investment, the post-schooling sector has transformed to doing online applications with majority of the institutions having waivered the application fee. We therefore encourage Grade 12 learners who are yet to apply to institutions of learning to do so immediately after today. 

Through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), government ensures that students coming from poor and working class backgrounds are not left behind as a result of their inability to afford education by providing funding for qualifying students to study at the institution of their choice. I must state that myself am a beneficiary of NSFAS having completed by undergraduate degree with the help of NSFAS funding. 

Additionally, there are scholarships and bursaries offered by various government departments and private sector partners. The various stalls from the different partners will have more information and we urge you to visit them. 

Compatriots,

Because we know that education does not only happen in lecture halls, many of you are passionate about starting your own businesses or pursuing careers in sports, arts and culture, there are equally of plenty opportunities waiting for you. 

The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture supports youth through development programmes, creative arts grants, and sporting academies. We want to see more young people telling their stories, performing on stages, creating jobs, and flying the flag on the sports field. From this collective seated here today, we want to see the future Grammy Award winning artists like Tyla and Trevor Noah, World Cup winning sportsmen like Siya Kolisi and Miss Universe winning models such as Zozibini Tunzi. 

For those of you with entrepreneurial ambitions, government and its partners are investing in youth-owned businesses. From start-up funding to business mentorship programmes provided by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Department of Small Business Development among other, government is committed to creating an enabling environment for you to build and own your future.

For those of us who are still in school, we continue to invest in safe and supportive learning environments. We know that learners cannot thrive in fear. That is why we are working to promote safe schools, free from drugs, bullying, violence, and gangsterism. Our schools must be places of dignity, safety, and growth. They must be places where we Learn, Lead, and Lift Others. 

We will only Learn, Lead and Lift Others when we maintain the basic principles of discipline, dedication, respect and compassion for others. Owning our poor as youth of 2025 like the youth of 1976 can only happen when we refuse to do that which robes us of our future. 

I therefore challenge you today to remain steadfast in your path to a prosperous future – work hard, stay on cause and importantly, choose your friends wisely. 

Before I conclude,

I want to pay tribute to Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman and the Gift of the Givers as a shining example of how one organisation, powered by volunteers, can bring hope to millions.

I challenge you today: get involved. Volunteer. Give your time. Help someone without expecting something in return. Whether it is cleaning your street, tutoring a classmate, or joining a community project your hands can heal and your voice can uplift.

Volunteering teaches humility, builds networks, opens doors and more than anything it reminds us that we are powerful when we serve.

In closing, 

I want to repeat, you are not the leaders of tomorrow. You are the leaders right now!!

Let us rise with purpose. Let us choose discipline over distraction. Let us honour those who paved the way by walking it with integrity.

And as you leave this room today, ask yourself this: What am I doing with the power I already have? Am I letting it go to waste or am I working towards changing the lives of my family, transforming my community and my country? 

Let us own our power by learning, leading and lifting others. 

I thank you and wish you well. 

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KZN Premier commends arrest in Umlazi mass murder case

Source: South Africa News Agency

KZN Premier commends arrest in Umlazi mass murder case

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli, has commended the arrest of a suspect in connection with the recent brutal mass murder that shocked the Umlazi community.

This comes after the arrest of a 28-year-old man in connection with the murder of eight people on 16 May 2025, at Zama informal settlement in U-section, Umlazi, south of Durban.

The victims, including six men and two women, aged between 22 and 40 years, were found lying in a pool of blood with multiple gunshot wounds.

According to the police report, the incident took place when unknown armed men entered an informal settlement and opened fire. Eight victims died on the scene.

The mass killing, which left multiple lives lost and families shattered, drew national attention and widespread condemnation.

Ntuli visited the affected area and called for a multi-agency response to restore peace and strengthen community policing.

In a statement on Wednesday, Ntuli hailed the arrest as a significant breakthrough.

“This arrest is a clear indication that our law enforcement agencies are capable, committed, and determined to restore safety and dignity in our communities. We commend the SAPS (South African Police Service), the Hawks, and all intelligence-led operations that worked relentlessly around the clock to ensure this progress,” Ntuli said.

Ntuli emphasised that people of Umlazi and KwaZulu-Natal at large deserve to live without fear, and “no individual or group has the right to undermine the safety and security of our communities.”

He added that the provincial government is intensifying its collaboration with the police and other safety structures to dismantle criminal syndicates, improve visibility in hotspots, and fast-track the installation of community-based crime prevention programmes.

The Premier also appealed to community members to work hand in hand with law enforcement agencies.

“Our fight against crime is a collective one. We urge residents to report any suspicious activities and to cooperate fully with ongoing investigations. It is only through unity and active citizenry that we can defeat crime and reclaim our communities.”

As the case proceeds through the justice system, Ntuli assured that the provincial government will continue to provide the necessary psychosocial support to the victims’ families, and work to ensure that justice is served without delay. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK

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Operation Vala Umgodi nets 142 suspects

Source: South Africa News Agency

Operation Vala Umgodi nets 142 suspects

The South African Police Service (SAPS) says Vala Umgodi operations continue to be conducted across the country to combat illegal mining and associated criminal activities.

The most recent operations have led to the arrest of 142 suspects of different nationalities for illegal mining activities.

“These suspects were arrested for illegal mining related offences and various other crimes that include, among others, trespassing, possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of unpolished diamonds, unlawful possession of explosives, contravention of Immigration Act and drug trafficking,” the police said in a statement.

Police made several notable arrests and confiscated large quantities of gold bearing material in the past week.

In a series of targeted interventions, Operation Vala Umgodi teams successfully apprehended 130 undocumented foreign nationals directly involved in illicit mining activities and related offences across the Free State province. 

Police actions led to the seizure of substantial quantities of gold-bearing material and equipment crucial to these illegal activities, as well as three unlicensed firearms, 16 rounds of ammunition and a vehicle.

In the Northern Cape, on 17 June 2025, members executed intelligence-driven operation and arrested 15 suspects for contravention of the Immigration Act, illegal mining activities and possession of suspected unpolished diamonds in the Koingnaas and Beefmaster illegal mining camps, respectively. The team seized unpolished diamonds and a significant quantity of dagga.

On 19 June 2025, four suspects were arrested for trespassing, contravention of the Immigration Act in the Free State. One suspect was also arrested for the possession of an unlicensed firearm, a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) uniform, dagga and suspected gold bearing material. The team also arrested three suspects aged between 45 and 32 years, after being found in possession of gold-bearing material at Theunissen. Police also seized packaged and sealed food items destined for the illegal miners underground, along with explosive detonators.

An intelligence-driven disruptive Vala Umgodi operation conducted at the Clovedene Informal Settlement in Crystal Park, Ekurhuleni in Gauteng, led to the arrest of eight illegal foreign nationals and suspected illegal miners. Police confiscated equipment used for illegal mining activities.

In Limpopo, on 17 June 2025, the Sekhukhune District’s Operation Vala Umgodi team apprehended nine suspects aged between 22 and 44 years for illegal mining and contravention of the Immigration Act. Several items including three wheelbarrows, a generator, a jackhammer, two shovels, three chisels, and bottles of petrol were confiscated.

In KwaZulu-Natal, on 17 June 2025,  40-year-old Sydwell Shane Mkhantswa appeared briefly in the Kwa-Mbonambi Periodical Court in connection with a case of theft of minerals over R800 000 from Richards Bay Minerals (RBM). Further investigation linked the suspect with another Kwa-Mbonambi case of theft of minerals in which he allegedly delivered RBM minerals to Isipingo in Durban, where police found over R24 million worth of suspected stolen minerals. 

“Operation Vala Umgodi remains committed to dismantling illegal mining syndicates and ensuring law and order to the affected provinces as well as safeguarding the country’s mineral resources,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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