Category: South Africa Government

Cabinet has welcomed the enhanced policing interventions through Operation Shanela 2, which resulted in significant success, with police arresting 17 000 suspects nationwide between 27 July and 2 August 2025.

This was shared by the Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, during a media briefing on Thursday about the outcomes of the meeting that took place the previous day.

According to the Minister, 2 911 wanted suspects were apprehended for serious crimes, including murder, car hijackings and rape, while 1 763 individuals were arrested for assault GBH [grievous bodily harm].

Meanwhile, Operation Vala Umgodi targeted illegal mining, resulting in 550 arrests in Barberton, Mpumalanga.

In addition, Ntshavheni said the Executive welcomed the appointment of the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System and the gazetting of the Terms of Reference. 

“The establishment of the commission affirms the President’s commitment to use constitutional processes to thoroughly investigate allegations of wrongdoing, uphold the integrity of our institutions, build public trust and hold anyone who transgresses our nation’s laws accountable,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

Twelve undocumented foreign nationals are expected to appear in the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court today on charges of Contravention of the Immigration Act.

“The suspects were apprehended during Operation Vala Umgodi on the N4 Road near a mall in Witbank,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga said in a statement ahead of Thursday’s court appearance.

The 12 who are aged between 18 and 28, were arrested on Tuesday. This as combat members conducted stop-and-searches and it was during this time when they apprehended the twelve.

The investigators were working in collaboration  with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain the status of the suspects. 

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi, said he is grateful for the notable and great work done by the team executing their duties in relation to Operation Vala Umgodi in the province. – SAnews.gov.za

Five men have been arrested in connection with the theft of property from Hodisa Technical School in Bloemfontein, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Free State said.

The suspects, aged between 21 and 34, were found in possession of stolen air conditioners, copper pipes, a Bosch grinder and a Bosch drill.

“The arrest took place on Wednesday after police had received a tip-off about a group of males grinding stolen property at a house in the Rocklands area of Bloemfontein,” the SAPS said in a statement.

The arrests were made in a joint operation between Kagisanong police and the Bloemfontein Flying Squad.

Upon arrival, officers discovered the suspects actively grinding the air conditioners and cutting copper pipes, which were later identified as having been stolen from the school.

“The theft at Hodisa Technical School occurred in the early hours of Wednesday. Suspects broke into the school’s Technical Lab, making off with the items recovered by police,” the police said while also urging communities to work with law enforcement to prevent similar crimes.

Additionally, the investigating team is searching for more suspects allegedly involved in recent school burglaries, resulting in the theft and damage of property intended for student learning.

Anyone with information regarding the case or the whereabouts of other suspects or stolen property is encouraged to contact Kagisanong Police Detective Sergeant Teboho Monnye on 082 465 5945. 

Anonymous tips can also be reported via the police crime stop line at 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS App.

The five suspects are expected to appear in court soon for possession of suspected stolen property. More arrests are imminent. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has expressed concern over the increasing trend of uniformed members posting obscene photos and videos on their personal social media accounts while wearing military uniforms.

“While the SANDF respects the personal freedoms of its members, the public display of such content, particularly explicit, suggestive, or inappropriate, undermines the dignity of the uniform and the values of the SANDF. 

“The SANDF wishes to remind all members that their conduct, both on and off duty, reflects directly on the integrity and discipline of the force. In light of the recent incident, the SANDF strongly condemn the misuse of our uniform by publishing or sharing explicit photographic or video material on personal social media platforms while in uniform,” the statement read. 

According to the SANDF, such actions are “strictly” prohibited and constitute a serious breach of military discipline, professional ethics and the SANDF Code of Conduct. 

“Members are expected to uphold the highest standards of behaviour and to preserve the dignity of the uniform they wear.” 

The Chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya, along with the entire Military Command Council, issued a firm warning to all SANDF members. 

They made it clear that such conduct is a criminal offence under military law and will not be tolerated or go unpunished within the SANDF. 

“Any misuse of the uniform in public or online spaces is considered a criminal act under the Military Discipline Code,” the SANDF said on Wednesday. – SAnews.gov.za

Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has appointed Councillor Loyiso Masuku as Finance Member of Mayor Committee (MMC) following the election of former MMC Margaret Arnolds as the Speaker of Council.

Masuku leaves her role as MMC for Group Corporate and Shared Services.

“In this regard, the Executive Mayor has officially appointed…Councillor Sithembiso Zungu as the new MMC for Group Corporate and Shared Services.

“These appointments are crucial as the City seeks to strengthen financial governance, uphold fiscal discipline, and enhance revenue collection to serve its residents better,” the Mayor’s office said in a statement on Wednesday.

The office reiterated Morero’s commitment to “fostering stability, which is essential for maintaining productivity and labour harmony within Johannesburg”. 

“This dedication positions the City as a high-performing organisation that is responsive, professional, and attuned to the needs of its residents.

“The Executive Mayor believes that the leadership, experience, and commitment to public service demonstrated by these appointees will significantly contribute to the success of the administration’s service delivery agenda, facilitating the implementation of the City’s turnaround plan as we collectively work towards building the Johannesburg we envision,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

Government has raised concerns with the Kingdom of Eswatini over the arrival of dangerous criminals to that landlocked country and the impact it would have on South Africa’s national security.

“South Africa has raised concerns with the Kingdom of Eswatini following confirmation by the acting spokesperson of the Government, Mrs Thabile Mdluli, that a group of dangerous criminals of various nationalities landed in Eswatini after being transported from the United States of America on a special flight with the potential of more criminals of this profile to follow,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said.

The department said that the arrival of this group was accompanied by a notification from the United States Department of Homeland Security that this group, consisting of individuals from several countries, includes some who have been convicted of serious offenses and crimes and have been deported from the United States and have now arrived in the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Reports indicate that these criminals were deported to Eswatini after attempts to send the men from Laos, Cuba, Jamaica, Vietnam, and Yemen back to their own countries were rejected. 

“DIRCO, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of South Africa, noted the aforementioned statement wherein Eswatini and the United States indicated that they would collaborate with the International Organisation for Migration to facilitate the transit of these inmates to their countries of origin. 

“DIRCO also noted that the countries of origin of these deportees are unlikely to receive them,” the statement read. 

While respecting the decision of the Government of Eswatini, South Africa expressed deep concern about “the profile of these individuals and the potential adverse impact on South Africa’s national security and immigration policy, given the geographical proximity between the two sisterly countries”. – SAnews.gov.za