Category: South Africa Government

Posted on

Body of suspected poacher found at Kruger National Park 

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, July 14, 2025

The body of an alleged poacher was found in the Kruger National Park, said Mpumalanga police.

“The body of an alleged poacher was found in the Kruger National Park on 12 July 2025 at about 8:30 am and it is suspected that he could have been shot during a shootout with Field Rangers the previous night, 11 July [Thursday] 2025 at around 9pm, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.

The discovery was made after three field rangers who were on patrol on Thursday night, came cross three suspected poachers. The rangers ordered the trio to stop, but the suspected poachers responded by opening fire at the rangers who shot back.

“The alleged poachers are said to have ran further into the dark, and due to poor light, the rangers abandoned their pursuit then returned to the camp.

“The next morning, the rangers returned to the scene to further conduct the search for the alleged poachers whilst patrolling the surrounding areas. It was during this time when they discovered the lifeless body of a male person with gunshot wound at the Lower Sabie region of the park, laying on the ground,” said the police.

A backpack was found next to the body of the deceased.

“The police from Skukuza as well as other role players were immediately notified, and the man was certified dead by the paramedics at the scene. Inside the backpack, two rhino horns were found. An investigation is underway meanwhile the man has not yet been identified,” said the SAPS in a statement on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the other two suspected poachers are still at large. –SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Parliamentary committees welcome inquiry into Mkhwanazi allegations

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, July 14, 2025

The chaipersons of Parliament’s Justice and Police committees have welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of a judicial commission of inquiry to probe allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

The provincial commissioner made several allegations about an alleged criminal syndicate that has spread into law enforcement and intelligence services as well as allegations implicating the judiciary, prosecutors, politicians and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.

The Police Minister has been placed on leave of absence by the President. 

READ | Mkhwanazi allegations: What the judicial commission of inquiry will probe

Justice and Constitutional Development Committee chairperson, Xola Nqola, said: “The National Prosecuting Authority, as well as the Judiciary and Magistracy are pillars of the criminal justice system and constitutional rule of law. They are the guardians of justice and accountability, and we cannot have a question mark hanging over them, causing the public to lose confidence in our justice system.”

Police Portfolio Committee chairperson, Ian Cameron, said: “The announcement of the establishment of a commission will surely enable a process to root out corruption from the SAPS. It is important that the establishment of the commission is not merely cosmetic but facilitates greater reflection and steps to rejuvenate the entire criminal justice system.”

Last week, National Assembly Speaker, Thoko Didiza, mandated the two committees and the Intelligence Committee to consider Mkhwanazi’s allegations.

In that regard, the committees are expected to meet this week to consider the way forward and report back to Didiza. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Condolences on passing of former Nigeria President Buhari

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, July 14, 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa has offered his condolences to the government and nation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, following the passing of the West African nation’s former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Buhari passed away at a London clinic at the age of 82.

“As South Africa, we stand with the nation of Nigeria in your mourning. President Buhari led Nigeria as a patriot and a champion not only of the best attributes of his nation during his leadership, but of the future that awaited his great country,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President reflected on the work the two of them undertook.

“I had the privilege of working closely with President Buhari on building relations between our country and sharing numerous reciprocal visits – including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These engagements were dedicated to intensifying cooperation in areas such as arts and culture, education, agriculture, trade and investment, mining, defence, immigration and science and technology.

“President Buhari’s leadership brought our two nations closer together and as we did so, this partnership contributed to Africa’s collective growth and development. This is a legacy on which we will continue to build,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

President Ramaphosa offers condolences on the passing of former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari

Source: President of South Africa –

On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the Government and nation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, following the passing of Former President Muhammadu Buhari.

President Ramaphosa’s thoughts are primarily with the family of Former President Buhari who has passed away at the age of 82.

President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the family, friends, former colleagues and associates of the late President Buhari, who led the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 2015 to 2018.

President Ramaphosa said: “As South Africa, we stand with the nation of Nigeria in your mourning.

“President Buhari led Nigeria as a patriot and a champion not only of the best attributes of his nation during his leadership, but of the future that awaited his great country.

“I had the privilege of working closely with President Buhari on building relations between our country and sharing numerous reciprocal visits – including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These engagements were dedicated to intensifying cooperation in areas such as arts and culture, education, agriculture, trade and investment, mining, defence, immigration and science and technology.

“President Buhari’s leadership brought our two nations closer together and as we did so, this partnership contributed to Africa’s collective growth and development.

“This is a legacy on which we will continue to build.”

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Posted on

Mkhwanazi allegations: What the judicial commission of inquiry will probe

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has outlined the scope of a judicial commission of inquiry that will focus on investigating “allegations relating to the infiltration of law enforcement, intelligence and associated institutions within the criminal justice system by criminal syndicates”.

The commission will be chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga.

The President made the announcement during an address to the nation on Sunday evening.

The establishment of the commission is related to serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

“Among the allegations that the commission may investigate are the facilitation of organised crime; suppression or manipulation of investigations; inducement into criminal actions by law enforcement leadership; commission of any other criminal offences and intimidation, victimisation or targeted removal of whistleblowers or officials resisting criminal influence.

“The commission will investigate the role of current or former senior officials in certain institutions who may have aided or abetted the alleged criminal activity; failed to act on credible intelligence or internal warnings; or benefited financially or politically from a syndicate’s operations.

“These institutions are the South African Police Service, National Prosecuting Authority, State Security Agency, the Judiciary and Magistracy, and the metropolitan police departments of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane,” he said.

Furthermore, the commission will also investigate if any National Executive members “responsible for the criminal justice system, were complicit, aided and abetted, or participated in the acts mentioned above”.

“The commission will be asked to report on the effectiveness or failure of oversight mechanisms, and the adequacy of current legislation, policies and institutional arrangements in preventing such infiltration. It will make findings and recommendations for criminal prosecutions, disciplinary actions and institutional reform.

“Once established, the commission shall consider prima facie evidence relating to the involvement of individuals currently employed within law enforcement or intelligence agencies.

“Where appropriate, the commission must make recommendations on the employment status of such officials, including whether they should be suspended pending the outcome of further investigations,” President Ramaphosa explained.

The commission will submit interim reports after three and six months.

“The commission will have the power to refer matters for immediate criminal investigation and urgent decisions on prosecution, taking into account the nature of the allegations and evidence the commission will uncover.

“It is critical that these matters be attended to with the necessary urgency and thoroughness. 

“The commission is expected to complete its work and submit a final report to the President. The final report of the commission will be sent to the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chief Justice,” he said.

The President noted that the commission’s establishment comes as the country is making progress in the rebuilding and strengthening of law enforcement agencies and security services.

“In recent years, the South African Police Service, the Special Investigating Unit, the Asset Forfeiture Unit and other bodies have been making important inroads in the fight against organised crime and corruption. It is essential that we maintain this momentum and that we intensify this work.

“We will ensure that the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies continue to function without hindrance as the commission undertakes its work. I call on all members of our law enforcement agencies and security services to remain steadfast in upholding the rule of law and adhering to their code of conduct.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that the establishment of the commission is a testament to “our commitment to the rule of law, transparency and accountability”.

“I call on all South Africans to support the commission in its work and, where appropriate, to provide any information or assistance the commission may require.

“In establishing this commission of inquiry, we are affirming our commitment to the rule of law, transparency and accountability, and to building a South Africa in which all people are safe and secure,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Police Minister Mchunu placed on leave of absence

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on leave of absence with immediate effect.

The President has also announced a judicial commission of inquiry – led by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga – into the allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

The President made the announcements during an address to the nation on Sunday evening.

During a media briefing last week, Mkhwanazi made several allegations about an alleged criminal syndicate that has “spread its tentacles into law enforcement and intelligence services”.

Mkhwanazi also made allegations against the Police Minister – alleging that Mchunu colluded with criminal elements to disband the Political Killings Task Team based in KwaZulu-Natal.

During the address to the nation, the President emphasised that the allegations “call for an urgent and comprehensive investigation”.

“To address these allegations and the implications of these allegations, I am establishing a judicial commission of Inquiry, chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. Justice Madlanga will be assisted by Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC and Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC.

“In order for the Commission to execute its functions effectively, I have decided to put the Minister of Police, Mr Senzo Mchunu, on a leave of absence with immediate effect. The Minister has undertaken to give his full cooperation to the Commission to enable it to do its work,” President Ramaphosa said.

Mkhwanazi had also made allegations about the uncovering of a drug cartel, implicating, amongst others, the judiciary, law enforcement, prosecutors and politicians.

The President said these allegations “raise serious concerns around the Constitution, the rule of law and national security”.

“These allegations, if proven true, threaten to undermine the confidence of South Africans in the ability of the South African Police Service to protect them and to effectively fight crime and corruption.

“South Africans are concerned about corruption and the rise of criminality in our country, which manifests itself in the killing of innocent people, gender-based violence, gang violence, kidnappings, construction mafia criminality and many others.

“As we intensify the fight against crime, it is vital that we safeguard the integrity and credibility of the police and other law enforcement agencies,” President Ramaphosa said.

With the Police Minister now on a leave of absence, Professor Firoz Cachalia has been appointed as acting Minister  in terms of Section 91(3)(c) of the Constitution.

“Professor Cachalia is currently a professor of law at the University of the Witwatersrand and is the chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council. He previously served as a MEC of Community Safety in Gauteng.

“Professor Cachalia will be retiring from his current position at the University of Witwatersrand at the end of July. I will appoint an Acting Minister from within Cabinet until Professor Cachalia takes up his post at the beginning of August,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

President Ramaphosa to brief the nation on national security matters at 19h30

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tonight, 13 July 2025, address the nation on developments arising from a public statement by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, that details allegations against senior political and South African Police Service (SAPS) leadership.

President Ramaphosa has been seized with this matter in recent days and will, following various consultations, take the nation into his confidence at 19h30 on Sunday, 13 July 2025.

The SABC will provide pool feed for the address.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Posted on

Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry into allegations regarding law enforcement agencies, Union Buildings, Pretoria

Source: President of South Africa –

My Fellow South Africans,

I address you this evening on a matter that concerns the security of our country, the integrity of our law enforcement agencies and the safety of our people.

Last Sunday, the 6th of July 2025, Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service, held a media briefing in which he made public serious allegations about the existence and operation of a sophisticated criminal syndicate that has allegedly infiltrated law enforcement and intelligence structures in South Africa.

Lt Gen Mkhwanazi alleged that the Minister of Police allegedly interfered with sensitive police investigations and colluded with business people, including a murder accused, to disband the Political Killings Task Team based in KwaZulu-Natal. 

Lt Gen Mkhwanazi also said that a police investigation by the task team in Gauteng unmasked a syndicate controlled by a drug cartel, which involves politicians, law enforcement officials from the SAPS, metro police and correctional services, prosecutors and the judiciary, as well as business people.

The allegations made in this media briefing raise serious concerns around the constitution, the rule of law and national security.

These allegations, if proven true, threaten to undermine the confidence of South Africans in the ability of the South African Police Service to protect them and to effectively fight crime and corruption.

South Africans are concerned about corruption and the rise of criminality in our country, which manifests itself in the killing of innocent people, gender-based violence, gang violence, kidnappings, construction mafia criminality and many others.

As we intensify the fight against crime, it is vital that we safeguard the integrity and credibility of the police and other law enforcement agencies.

These allegations therefore call for an urgent and comprehensive investigation.

To address these allegations and the implications of these allegations, I am establishing a judicial commission of inquiry chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. 

Justice Madlanga will be assisted by Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC and Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC.

The Commission will investigate allegations relating to the infiltration of law enforcement, intelligence and associated institutions within the criminal justice system by criminal syndicates.

Among the allegations that the Commission may investigate are the facilitation of organised crime; suppression or manipulation of investigations; inducement into criminal actions by law enforcement leadership; commission of any other criminal offences and intimidation, victimisation or targeted removal of whistleblowers or officials resisting criminal influence.

The Commission will investigate the role of current or former senior officials in certain institutions who may have aided or abetted the alleged criminal activity; failed to act on credible intelligence or internal warnings; or benefited financially or politically from a syndicate’s operations.

These institutions are the South African Police Service, National Prosecuting Authority, State Security Agency, the Judiciary and Magistracy, and the metropolitan police departments of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane.

The Commission will also investigate whether any members of the National Executive responsible for the criminal justice system, were complicit, aided and abetted, or participated in the acts mentioned above.

The Commission will be asked to report on the effectiveness or failure of oversight mechanisms, and the adequacy of current legislation, policies and institutional arrangements in preventing such infiltration.

It will make findings and recommendations for criminal prosecutions, disciplinary actions and institutional reform.

Once established, the Commission shall consider prima facie evidence relating to the involvement of individuals currently employed within law enforcement or intelligence agencies.

Where appropriate, the Commission must make recommendations on the employment status of such officials, including whether they should be suspended pending the outcome of further investigations.

The Commission will have the power to refer matters for immediate criminal investigation and urgent decisions on prosecution, taking into account the nature of the allegations and evidence the Commission will uncover.

It is critical that these matters be attended to with the necessary urgency and thoroughness.

The Commission is expected to complete its work and submit a final report to the President.

Interim reports are expected after 3 and 6 months respectively.

The final report of the Commission will be sent to the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chief Justice.

Acting Deputy Chief Justice Madlanga is retiring from the Constitutional Court at the end of July 2025 after years of distinguished service, and will therefore be able to give his full time and attention to the work of this commission.

In order for the Commission to execute its functions effectively, I have decided to put the Minister of Police Mr Senzo Mchunu on a leave of absence with immediate effect.

The Minister has undertaken to give his full cooperation to the Commission to enable it to do its work.

I have decided to appoint Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting Minister of Police.

Professor Cachalia is currently a professor of law at the University of the Witwatersrand and is the chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council. He previously served as an MEC of Community Safety in Gauteng.

I am appointing Prof Cachalia in terms of Section 91(3)(c) of the Constitution, which empowers the President to select no more than two Ministers from outside the National Assembly. 

Professor Cachalia will be retiring from his current position at the University of Witwatersrand at the end of July.

I will appoint an Acting Minister from within Cabinet until Professor Cachalia takes up his post at the beginning of August.

This Commission is being established against the backdrop of significant progress in rebuilding and strengthening our country’s law enforcement agencies and security services. 

In recent years, the South African Police Service, the Special Investigating Unit, the Asset Forfeiture Unit and other bodies have been making important inroads in the fight against organised crime and corruption.

It is essential that we maintain this momentum and that we intensify this work.

We will ensure that the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies continue to function without hindrance as the commission undertakes its work. 

I call on all members of our law enforcement agencies and security services to remain steadfast in upholding the rule of law and adhering to their code of conduct.

I call on all South Africans to support the commission in its work and, where appropriate, to provide any information or assistance the commission may require.

In establishing this Commission of Inquiry, we are affirming our commitment to the rule of law, to transparency and accountability, and to building a South Africa in which all people are safe and secure.

I thank you.

Posted on

ACSA, RTMC top officials placed on precautionary suspension

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Transport has confirmed the precautionary suspension of Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) Chief Executive Officer, Advocate Makhosini Msibi.

The precautionary suspension came into effect at the beginning of July.

“The Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa, as the delegated shareholder responsible for the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), has officially been informed of the precautionary suspension of the Chief Executive Officer of the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), Adv Makhosini Msibi, by the Board of Directors of RTMC following the board meeting held on 13 June 2025,” the department said.

In a short statement, the department noted that the precautionary suspension is valid for 30 days and may be extended to 60 days or “any further period as may be reasonably necessary”.

“In its letter to the Ministry, the Board indicated that it took this decision following whistleblowing allegations of financial misconduct, irregular expenditure and governance failures at the entity.

“Based on the seriousness of the allegations, the Board has taken a decision to institute a forensic investigation into these allegations.

“The Board has also advised the Ministry of the appointment of Ms Refilwe Mongale as an Interim Chief Executive Officer, with effect from the 1st of July 2025 until further notice, to ensure continuity and stability within the RTMC while the forensic investigation is underway,” the department explained.

Meanwhile, the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has placed its Group Executive for Enterprise Security and Compliance, Lt-General Mzwandile Petros, on precautionary suspension “pending the outcome of an independent investigation into allegations of operational irregularities”.

“The decision to place…[Petros] on precautionary suspension is a crucial measure to protect the integrity of the investigative process and any current and subsequent processes.

“The day-to-day functions of ACSA will not be affected by this decision. In the interim, Ms. Mary-Ann Joubert, has been appointed to act as GE:ESC to ensure continuity and maintain operational stability. ACSA will report back once the matter is finalised,” the company said. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Deputy President undertakes strategic working visit to China

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President undertakes strategic working visit to China

Deputy President Paul Mashatile is expected to embark on a Working Visit to the People’s Republic of China from tomorrow (Monday).

He will be accompanied by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Thandi Moraka; Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams; Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau; Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen.

While there, the Deputy President will participate in the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE).

“In its third year, CISCE is the world’s first national-level expo dedicated to global supply chains. It is hosted under the auspices of the Chinese Central Government and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade [CCPIT].

“This high-level participation by the Deputy President and the South African Delegation is a pivotal opportunity to advance the South Africa–China All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era. It also reinforces South Africa’s position as a gateway to Sub-Saharan Africa for trade, investment, and industrial cooperation,” the Presidency said in a statement.

South Africa has been accorded Guest Country status for the expo under the theme “South Africa: Your Pathway to Supply Chain Resilience”.

The visit will focus on:

  • Promoting strategic sectors such as renewable energy, logistics, pharmaceuticals, mineral beneficiation, and the digital economy;
  • Showcasing a robust pipeline of investable projects to attract targeted Chinese investment, particularly into Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and critical infrastructure;
  • Enhancing bilateral collaboration on clean technologies, digital skills development, and industrial standards; and
  • Advancing South Africa’s objectives for supply chain resilience, accelerated industrialisation, and deeper integration within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

“In addition, the visit will include a dedicated bilateral programme aligned with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and the Ten-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2020–2029) between South Africa and China, with a particular emphasis on Chapter Two on Mutual Beneficial Economic Cooperation and Trade.

“The visit is also part of the evolving strategic trajectory of the South Africa-China relationship and reaffirms both countries’ commitment to deepening mutual cooperation in support of inclusive economic growth and sustainable development,” the Presidency’s statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

31 views