Category: South Africa Government

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Breakthrough arrests in DJ Sumbody murder case

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Four men have been arrested in connection with the murder of Oupa John Sefoka, popularly known as DJ Sumbody.

Sefoka was killed in a shooting in November 2022.

The National Commissioner of the South Africa Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, has welcomed the latest breakthrough by the SAPS Political Killings Task Team working closely with Gauteng Organised Crime Detectives.

Gauteng organised crime detectives worked on the case and later roped in the SAPS Political Killings Task Team.

“The arrests were all effected in Gauteng on Monday afternoon and three of the suspects are believed to be hitmen and one is believed to have ordered the hit on the DJ.

“The weapon allegedly used in the commission of the crime was seized and has since been linked to other murders,” said the police in a statement.

All four suspects, aged between 45 and 60, are in police custody and are expected to appear in court soon. They are facing charges including murder and conspiracy to commit murder. 

Masemola said this was a significant breakthrough that would hopefully provide closure to families involved.

“Well done to the teams that have been piecing together evidence since November 2022. This is a culmination of hard work and dedication to justice. This is one of those complex cases that our teams needed to take their time in ensuring a thorough investigation so that we could ultimately bring a strong case before court,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Nearly 22 000 W Cape matrics attend ’Back on Track’ classes over school holidays

Source: Government of South Africa

The Western Cape Education MEC, David Maynier, has announced that a total of 21 700 matric learners attended the “Back on Track” programme during the winter school holidays across the eight educational districts in the province.

The classes covered a variety of subjects depending on the venue. 

Last week, Maynier visited one of the province’s winter school venues, Protea Heights Academy in Brackenfell, where learners were being tutored in mathematics and physical science. 

“Learners indicated that the extra lessons have made a big difference, as content is covered in more depth. 

“They also highlighted that attending lessons in a different environment, with learners from several other schools, had kept them interested and helped them to focus on the work more effectively,” the MEC said. 

As learners head back to school today, Maynier said matrics will continue with extra classes during the term, starting from this coming weekend.

However, extra classes for Grade 4 and 7 learners will take place on selected weekends later in the term. 

According to the MEC, the province also held intensive “Back on Track” mathematics training for Grade 10 and 11 teachers during the holidays, with 95 teachers attending across the two grades. 

Maynier believes that this training will help to improve their teaching skills and prepare for the term ahead.

“A big thank you to all the learners, teachers and tutors who participated in the programme during the holidays. While they have had to sacrifice part of their holidays to do so, they will reap the rewards when exam time comes and help to improve learning outcomes in the Western Cape.” 

Meanwhile, the Western Cape Infrastructure MEC, Tertuis Simmers, donated computers, laptops and stationery to three schools in Cape Town. 

The handover took place at Fairview Primary School in Grassy Park, Bramble Way Primary School in Bonteheuwel, and Sinethemba High School in Philippi.

What started as 67 Minutes of giving back to local communities as part of a Mandela Day event in 2024 has grown into a year-long department’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) outreach across the province. 

Other CSI events have taken place over the past year in the Central Karoo, Cape Winelands, Garden Route, West Coast and City of Cape Town districts.

The computers that were donated have been refurbished, while the stationery was donated by some of the department’s private sector partners. – SAnews.gov.za

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Bogus lawyer sentenced to prison

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

A bogus lawyer has been sentenced to six years of direct imprisonment after his conviction on multiple charges, including three counts of fraud, one count of theft, two counts of forgery, and two counts of uttering.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Johannes Tebogo Motse posed as a legal practitioner – “unlawfully representing unsuspecting clients in various courts during 2022”.

“He forged critical legal documents, including a right of appearance certificate, a fidelity fund certificate and an admission certificate to deceive his victims.

“One of the complainants paid Motse R15 000 to prosecute an appeal. After receiving no legal service, the client reported the matter to the police. Investigations revealed that Motse was not registered with the Legal Practice Council of South Africa,” the NPA said.

He pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced in the Specialised Commercial Crime Court sitting in Rustenburg.
“In aggravation of sentence, State Advocate Matshidiso Ramakgaphola highlighted the prevalence of such crimes in the court’s jurisdiction and emphasised that the offences were premeditated and meticulously executed.

“The charges of fraud, forgery, and uttering were taken together for sentencing, and he received six years of direct imprisonment. On the charge of theft, he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years on condition that he repays the complainant R15 000 by 31 August 2025. 

“He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm under Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000,” the NPA said.

Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, said: “These sentences underscore the NPA’s commitment to combating bogus legal practitioners and protecting the integrity of the legal profession and the public”. – SAnews.gov.za

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SA to launch Pandemic Fund to strengthen health preparedness 

Source: Government of South Africa

A mechanism set to support pandemic preparedness in low- and middle-income countries is set to be launched later this week. 

The Department of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), will officially launch the Pandemic Fund. 

As the project lead for this initiative, the Department of Health aims to strengthen South Africa’s capacity to prevent, prepare for, and respond to future pandemics.

According to the joint statement, the launch, scheduled for Thursday in Pretoria, represents a significant milestone in global health security efforts. 

The Pandemic Fund, hosted by the World Bank, is a global financing mechanism that provides catalytic funding to support pandemic preparedness and response in low- and middle-income countries. 

“South Africa’s engagement through this project reinforces its leadership and commitment to advancing health system resilience,” the statement read. 

The launch will feature keynote remarks from national and international leaders, the unveiling of South Africa’s Pandemic Fund implementation strategy, a panel discussion on pandemic preparedness, and opportunities for media engagement and networking with key stakeholders.

The gathering will feature senior officials from various departments, including Health, Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, as well as Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment.

Representatives from the WHO, UNICEF, FAO, the Pandemic Fund Secretariat, development partners, civil society organisations, and the media will also be present. – SAnews.gov.za

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Gauteng Legislature urges swift action following mass shooting incident

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has called for an intensified clampdown on illegal taverns following a shooting at a local tavern in Olievenhoutbosch.

Preliminary reports suggest that some five people were left dead and three others injured when ten people entered the tavern and fired indiscriminately at patrons.

“While the motive behind the attack remains under investigation, early indications suggest possible links to ongoing turf wars involving illegal foreign nationals allegedly connected to illicit mining operations. It has also been reported that the tavern was operating without the required licenses and that its owner is an undocumented foreign national.

“This incident underscores the urgent need for law enforcement and local authorities to intensify efforts to shut down illegal establishments operating outside the bounds of regulatory and legal frameworks,” the committee said in a statement on Monday.

Those with any information relating to Friday’s tragedy are urged to report it to police.
“The committee views this brutal attack as a direct assault on the rule of law and a grave threat to the safety and well-being of Gauteng residents and South Africans at large. It also evokes painful memories of previous mass shootings in the province, including the 2022 Orlando tavern massacre and the 2023 Daveyton tragedy.

“In light of this, the [committee]…appeals to members of the Olievenhoutbosch community and the broader public to assist in bringing the perpetrators to justice. The fight against crime cannot be won by the police alone. The more the community gets involved, the greater the chances of success.

“No piece of information is too small, and all tips will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Anyone with information is urged to contact the South African Police Service immediately,” the statement read.

Furthermore, police were urged to prioritise the case and “ensure the swift apprehension of the suspects who continue to undermine public safety and the rule of law”.

“While acknowledging the complex socio-economic factors that contribute to migration, the Committee remains deeply concerned about the involvement of some undocumented foreign nationals in serious and violent crimes. 

“It urges law enforcement agencies to strengthen efforts to curb illegal activities perpetrated by individuals operating outside the country’s legal and immigration laws,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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KZN steps up FMD fight with widespread vaccination drive

Source: Government of South Africa

While the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has made significant progress in containing the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in affected areas, non-compliance by some commercial farmers continues to undermine control efforts.

Speaking to SAnews on the sidelines of the national Foot and Mouth Disease Indaba, currently underway at the ARC-VIMP Campus in Roodeplaat, northeast of Pretoria, KwaZulu-Natal Agriculture and Rural Development Chief Director for Veterinary Services, Dr Themba Sikhakhane, said the province is on course in managing the outbreak.

“We have made great strides, especially in communal areas like Newcastle in the Amajuba District, where the initial outbreak occurred. There, we have vaccinated over 600 000 animals,” said Sikhakhane.

However, Sikhakhane expressed concern over the conduct of some commercial farmers, who hide their animals after seeing symptoms of FMD, and move them.

“When they [commercial farmers] see clear symptoms of FMD, they hide the animals, which is impossible to do because your neighbour and everyone will see it. We strongly believe that this is the reason we find feedlot that have animals coming up late on their management with the symptoms,” Sikhakhane told SAnews.

He added that effective containment will require active cooperation from the beef industry and farmer organisations, particularly in addressing these practices.

Hotspots and disease transmission

Sikhakhane said the Amajuba and uMzinyathi Districts remain the most affected by the outbreak, with recent cases also detected in one or two dairy operations.

He said investigations are underway to determine how the disease reached these facilities.

“We know FMD is spread by people [and] in communal areas, it is often due to lack of fencing and free movement of unvaccinated livestock. We know the permanent FMD sources around Hluhluwe Game Reserve and other smaller reserves, where animals test positive,” Sikhakhane said.

The department is expanding its containment measures, including the deployment of dip tank dip facilities.

Sikhakhane confirmed that 14 dip tanks will be completed this week in the King Cetshwayo District, with work beginning next week in Mtubatuba and Nongoma municipalities, where 76 additional dip tanks are planned.

“It is in control, only if we can get assistance from red meat producers to contain the spread with the commercial farmers. Our farmers in communal setup are cooperating, we just need these few commercial farmers to work with government and stop this problem,” Sikhakhane said.

Held under the theme: “Building a Resilient System to Fight FMD,” the FMD Indaba comes at a time when South Africa is grappling with widespread outbreaks across several provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, and most recently, the Free State.

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, alongside Deputy Minister Nokuzola Capa, is leading the national effort in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC).

The Indaba has drawn participation from provincial leaders, including Free State MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs Elizabeth Cornelia Rockman, KZN Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, and Limpopo Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Nakedi Sibanda-Kekana.

Maintaining FMD-free zones 

In his opening address, Steenhuisen emphasised the need to confront the infrastructure deficit in the country’s protection zones.
He underscored the urgent need to address infrastructure gaps within the country’s FMD protection zones.

“As long as animals are forced to be moved illegally because of the absence of local abattoirs or feedlots, we will never be able to enforce movement control effectively,” the Minister said.

He stressed that the issue extends beyond veterinary science,

“This is not just a veterinary issue; it is a spatial planning and rural development issue. That is why we will be earmarking funds in this fiscal year to support the establishment of feedlots and abattoirs within the protection zones, particularly in Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga.

“These facilities will provide alternatives to illicit trade. They will create rural jobs. Furthermore, they will help us enforce the very measures we need to maintain our FMD-free zones,” the Minister said – SAnews.gov.za

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Discharge application dismissed in State Capture linked case

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

The Johannesburg High Court has dismissed an application for a discharge brought by the accused in a high-profile State Capture corruption case linked to the rehabilitation of mines.

The accused include former Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) Deputy Director-General Joel Raphela, as well as Ronica Ragavan, Pushpaveni Govender, and entities linked to the Gupta family’s Optimum Coal Mine, Koornfontein Mines, and Tegeta Exploration and Resources.

In the main case, they are facing a raft of charges including fraud, forgery, uttering, perjury and money laundering related to R107.5 million rehabilitation funds meant for the Optimum Coal Mine and Koornfontein Mine trust accounts in 2016.
Their application for a discharge was brought in terms of Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act.

“The court also ruled in favour of the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption [IDAC], granting leave to amend the indictment on certain charges against the accused. 

“This development follows the closure of the State’s case. The defence’s application was brought thereafter,” IDAC spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said in a statement on Monday.

The case will resume in court on 25 May 2026 and is set down until 12 June 2026, “during which period the defence is expected to call its witnesses”.

The accused have pleaded not guilty. – SAnews.gov.za

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President suspends Advocate Andrew Chauke 

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended the South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Andrew Chauke, with immediate effect, pending an inquiry into his fitness to hold office.

In a statement on Monday evening, The Presidency said the suspension was effected in terms of Section 14(3) read with Section 12(6)(a) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Act.

“Having asked Adv Chauke to provide reasons why he should not be suspended, President Ramaphosa has decided suspension is the correct course of action pending an inquiry,” the Presidency said. 

The President has since informed Advocate Chauke of his decision in writing.

Additionally, President Ramaphosa indicated that both the Presidency and the public would benefit from an independent assessment of the issues at hand, particularly where there are disputes of fact.

He further expressed concern that Advocate Chauke’s continued presence at the helm of prosecutions in South Gauteng, while serious accusations are levelled against him, could negatively affect the reputation of the NPA as a whole. 

“President Ramaphosa is also concerned that Adv Chauke will not be able to fulfil his functions optimally while facing an inquiry,” the Presidency said. 

This decision follows prolonged concerns regarding Advocate Chauke’s conduct in critical cases and represented a significant step toward restoring public trust in the NPA. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Ramaphosa suspends South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has, in terms of section 14(3) read with 12(6)(a) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act, suspended South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv Andrew Chauke, with immediate effect pending an inquiry into Adv Chauke’s fitness to hold office.

Having asked Adv Chauke to provide reasons why he should not be suspended, President Ramaphosa has decided suspension is the correct course of action pending an inquiry.

President Ramaphosa has informed Adv Chauke of his decision in writing and indicated that the President and the public would benefit from an independent assessment of issues that require elucidation and on which there are disputes of fact.

The President believes Adv Chauke’s continued tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions – while facing serious accusations – would negatively affect the reputation of the National Prosecuting Authority as a whole.

President Ramaphosa is also concerned that Adv Chauke will not be able to fulfil his functions optimally while facing an inquiry.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President Ramaphosa removes Dr Nkabane and appoints new Minister and Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has removed Dr Nobuhle Nkabane from the role of Minister and Higher Education and Training and has, in terms of Section 91 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, appointed Mr. Buti Kgwaridi Manamela as Minister of Higher Education and Training. Mr. Manamela was, until this appointment, serving as Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training – a role he held from the 6th Administration. 

Consequently, President Ramaphosa has, in terms of Section 93 (b) of the Constitution, appointed Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube as Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training. Dr Dube’s long Government leadership experience includes serving as MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Province, amongst other roles. Section 93 (b) empowers the President to appoint no more than two Deputy Ministers from outside the Assembly. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria