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Western Cape police efforts pay off

Source: Government of South Africa

Western Cape police efforts pay off

The endeavours of the respective South African Police Service (SAPS) stations and units in the Western Cape to bring stability to crime-ridden areas have proved fruitful with the confiscation of illegal firearms and ammunitions during police operations.

On Thursday evening, the police were observing a memorial service of an extortionist in Hobo Hobo Street, Ilitha Park, Lingelethu-West when they heard gun shots (gun salute). 

They responded and followed a suspect with a firearm running to a white Toyota. The vehicle was searched, and a revolver, two spent cartridges and three .38 rounds of ammunition were found in the car. 

A 22-year-old man was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition where after a gun residue test was done on him. 

The members discovered that the firearm belonged to a deceased person from Mbekweni in Wellington. The suspect is due to appear in the Wellington Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 06 October 2025.

Also last week, the police attached to Anti-Gang unit deployed to combat and prevent the escalating gang violence between rival street gangs in Lotus River, Grassy Park area, received information of a firearm being stored at a premises in Duiker Avenue, Lotus River.

The members operationalised the information and searched the premises and its occupants. A a revolver with five rounds was found on the person of a male at the premises.

The 26-year-old suspect, who had no valid license for the firearm, was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. He is expected to appear before the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court.     
 
On Friday, members attached to Vanrhynsdorp SAPS in collaboration with Provincial Traffic was setting up a vehicle checkpoint when a Blue Mazda Etude with four occupants was pulled over. 

The vehicle and its occupants were searched, and the members found two big bags containing dagga and confiscated it. The four occupants, aged between 22 and 49, were arrested for dealing and possession of dagga. 

The suspects are due to appear in the Klawer Magistrate’s Court.

On 03 October 2025 at 09:45, SAPS members were doing crime prevention patrols in Main Road, Rondebosch area. Information was received for operational units to be on the lookout for a beige VW Polo that was stolen in the Athlone area. 

The vehicle was spotted in Main Road driving towards Cape Town, where members gave chase. A high-speed chase ensued, and the suspect turned towards Liesbeeck Parkway and collided with a marked Fidelity vehicle. 

The vehicle came to a halt, and two occupants who sat in the front seats were seen fleeing from the scene but were apprehended by SAPS members.

The two other suspects sitting at the back were arrested and the firearm found next to them was confiscated.

All four adult males were taken to Woodstock SAPS for further investigation. Two firearms, 10 rounds of ammunition, two cellphones, and four mandrax tablets were found in their possession and confiscated. 

All suspects were arrested on a charge of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition and the possession of drugs. 

On Saturday, Saldanha Crime Prevention Unit members were busy with patrols in Diazville, Saldanha, when they heard a gunshot in Vraagom Street. 

The members stopped the police vehicle and went on foot in the direction from where they heard the gunshot.  Two suspicious looking men came from the front, saw the members and tried to escape but were apprehended. 

One was found to be in possession of a 9mm firearm with its serial number removed, an extended magazine with 27 9mm rounds of ammunition. The 18-year-old suspect was arrested for possession of a prohibited firearm and will appear in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

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Deputy President to attend Invest in Senegal Forum

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President to attend Invest in Senegal Forum

The Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, is set to embark on a Working Visit to Dakar, Republic of Senegal, to attend the 2025 Edition of the Invest in Senegal Forum, taking place from 7-8 October 2025.

The Deputy President will depart on Tuesday to attend the Forum at the invitation of His Excellency, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko of the Republic of Senegal.

“The Forum is accordingly dedicated to promoting trade and investment by connecting the business communities of Senegal, Africa and the world.

“Furthermore, it provides an opportunity to highlight prospects offered to investors by Senegal’s 2025 National Transformation Agenda,” the Presidency said in a statement on Monday.

During his visit, the Deputy President will also hold consultations with Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, with the aim of further strengthening the existing bilateral, political and economic relations between South Africa and Senegal.

This will include deepening trade and investment relations with Senegal to create employment opportunities for citizens of both countries, transform economies through the beneficiation of the natural resources, manufacturing, industrialisation, value addition as well as increasing productivity and ensuring the competitiveness of both countries’ economies.

The Deputy President will be accompanied by Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle

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Eskom’s profit a testament to partnerships, President Ramaphosa

Source: Government of South Africa

Eskom’s profit a testament to partnerships, President Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa says Eskom’s latest financial results which show a return to profitability for the first time in eight years, is a testament to the value of staying the course and to the benefits of partnerships.

“The relative improvement in Eskom’s financial position reflects the significant recovery in Eskom’s operational performance,” President Ramaphosa said.

In his weekly newsletter, President Ramaphosa said Eskom’s improved financial position will enable it to invest in critical infrastructure and maintenance under its Generation Recovery Plan that has been pursued with diligence.

“There are plans to invest more than R320 billion in expanding existing infrastructure,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President said as the reliability of Eskom’s coal-fired plants has improved there has been less need to burn diesel, resulting in approximately R16 billion in savings on diesel costs.

“In the 2025 financial year, the country experienced loadshedding on just 13 days, down from 329 days the year before. Eskom is to be congratulated on this achievement. 

“However, there are still serious challenges. Municipal debt arrears have grown by 27% since the previous financial year. That is why we continue to work with municipalities to come up with sustainable solutions that enable municipalities to settle their accounts with Eskom, as this is key to its financial viability,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President said with grid expansion being central to getting more capacity, Eskom, in partnership with the private sector, has plans to build approximately 14 000 km of new transmission lines over the next decade. 

“On the road to achieving energy security, social partners will continue to be key. The role played by these partners in NECOM [National Energy Crisis Committee] and the Government Business Partnership has been invaluable. 

“Two years since its inception, this collaborative model continues to yield results not only around energy but also in the other workstreams of transport and logistics, crime and corruption and youth unemployment,” President Ramaphosa said.

President Ramaphosa said the ongoing structural reform process represents consistency and resilience.

“We will continue along this recovery path across the economy to achieve our goal of inclusive economic growth that creates more jobs for our people,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Qatar Participates in GCC-EU High Level Forum on Regional Security, Cooperation

Source: Government of Qatar

Kuwait City, October 5, 2025

The State of Qatar on Thursday participated in the second edition of the High-Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation Between the GCC and the European Union, held in the State of Kuwait.
HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi led Qatar’s delegation to the forum.
In Qatar’s address to the forum, HE Al Muraikhi emphasized that the second edition of the forum is taking place at a critical juncture for both the Gulf and Europe, amid escalating political, security, and humanitarian challenges. He noted the emergence of a new geopolitical reality in which the rule of force is increasingly prevailing over the principles of law and justice, and where power is often used to impose facts on the ground at the expense of others’ rights.
He also highlighted that the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza has entered its second year, describing it as the deadliest conflict of the modern era. The war, he noted, has seen an unprecedented escalation of violence and a total collapse of humanitarian conditions, with its consequences spreading across multiple countries in the region.
HE Al Muraikhi revealed that Qatar itself had been the target of a deliberate Israeli airstrike that hit a residential area housing more than 5,000 citizens and residents, including schools, kindergartens, and diplomatic missions.
The Minister expressed Qatar’s deep appreciation to the GCC states and EU member countries that stood in solidarity with Qatar and clearly condemned the Israeli attack.
Despite the challenges the country has faced, Qatar has not ceased its efforts, in coordination with the mediation partners – the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States – to achieve a comprehensive resolution that ends the war and restores stability, HE Al Muraikhi said.
He also welcomed Hamas’s recent announcement accepting the proposal put forward by former US President Donald Trump to end the war in Gaza, which includes a commitment to release all hostages as part of a negotiated exchange outlined in the plan.
HE Al Muraikhi affirmed that both the GCC and the European Union stand united in their support for peace, justice, and the preservation of a rules-based international order. He stressed the importance of intensifying efforts to end ongoing conflicts and to pursue peace through dialogue and diplomacy. 

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Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Receives Telephone Call from Turkish Foreign Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, October 05, 2025

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani received Sunday a telephone call from HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkiye, Hakan Fidan.
discussion during the call focused on cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and develop them. The two sides also discussed developments in the region, particularly in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, and arrangements for holding negotiations in light of US President Donald Trump’s proposal to end the war on Gaza.
HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, during the call, reiterated the State of Qatar’s commitment to supporting all regional and international efforts aimed at ending the war on the Gaza Strip and achieving security and stability in the region. 

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The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) Condemns Terrorist Attack on Prison facility in Mogadishu

Source: APO


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The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) strongly condemns Al-Shabaab’s terrorist attack on the National Intelligence and Security Agency-controlled prison facility in Mogadishu on Saturday.

“The cowardly attack on the NISA-controlled facility is another proof of Al Shabaab’s single aim of disrupting peace and stability in the capital, Mogadishu, and its environs to deny residents the much-needed peace, security and stability,” said the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene. “This attack once again demonstrates the group’s utter disregard for human life and its attempts to reverse the hard-won gains in peace and security.”

AUSSOM commends the Somali Security Forces (SSF) for the swift response in repelling Al-Shabaab militants and minimizing fatalities in the heinous attack. The Mission also praises the medical personnel who attended to the injured for their dedication and professionalism.

Ambassador Diene extends his condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wished a quick recovery to those injured in the attack.

AUSSOM remains committed to working closely with the federal government and Somali Security Forces in the ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab and other illegal armed groups.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

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Eritrea: Sports Competitions of Defense Forces Conclude

Source: APO


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The 16th sports competitions of the Eritrean Defense Forces, which had been underway since 1 September in Keren, concluded on 4 October.

The competitions included seven types of sports such as football, basketball, volleyball, and athletics, featuring both male and female participants. Benifer Club emerged as the overall winner of the competition.

Outstanding players and exemplary coaches were awarded by various dignitaries.

The closing ceremony was attended by Ms. Askalu Menkorios, Minister of Tourism; Maj. Gen. Asmerom Gerezgihier, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics of the Ministry of Defense; Brig. Gen. Tekle Libsu, Commander of the Popular Force; army commanders; and invited guests.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets Syrian Foreign Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, October 5, 2025

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met on Sunday with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic Asaad Al Shaibani, who is visiting the country.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and explored ways to support and enhance cooperation. They also discussed the latest developments in Syria as well as several topics of mutual interest.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated the State of Qatar’s support for Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and independence, and for achieving the aspirations of its brotherly people for a dignified life and the building of a state of institutions and law. His Excellency also affirmed Qatar’s support for reconstruction, development, and stability efforts in Syria.

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President El-Sisi Meets Commanders of the Armed Forces at El Kayan, New Administrative Capital (NAC)

Source: APO


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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Republic and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, chaired a meeting of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces at the Egyptian Military Entity (El Kayan) in the New Administrative Capital, as part of celebrations in the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Armed Forces marking the 52nd anniversary of the glorious October 6th victories. 

Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, stated that the President began the meeting by extending greetings to the great Egyptian people and the valiant members of the Armed Forces on the anniversary of the October War Victory. 

The President lauded the Armed Forces for their ongoing efforts to strengthen the pillars of security and stability across all strategic directions. The meeting also discussed a number of issues in light of the regional and international developments and their connection to Egyptian national security.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Minister of Defense and Military Production, General Abdel Mageed Saqr, offered an overview of a number of topics related to the Armed Forces’ duties, including their role in protecting the state’s borders, in addition to the cooperation with all ministries and institutions to foster Egypt’s sustainable development plans across all sectors.

The President paid tribute to the righteous martyrs of the nation, emphasizing that the spirit of the October Victory will remain firmly rooted in the conscience of the Egyptian people for generations to come. 

President El-Sisi stressed that the prosperity the country enjoys today would not have been achieved without the sacrifices of the heroes of the Crossing epic, who manifested the highest forms of selflessness for the dignity and pride of the homeland.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

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Young leaders convene at Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Headquarters for the youth creative conference 2025 on silencing the guns

Source: APO


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The ECOWAS Commission on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd October 2025, hosted the Youth Creative Conference 2025 in Abuja, Nigeria. The Conference organised in partnership with the African Union and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Youth Development was under the theme: “Silencing the Guns.” The two-day youth-led conference brought together thousands of young leaders, innovators, peacebuilders, and policymakers from across Africa to advance the African Union’s “Silencing the Guns” initiative and promote sustainable peace through non-kinetic approaches.

Delivering the goodwill message, Mr. Piex Joseph AHOBA, Head of Small Arms, ECOWAS Commission on behalf of Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, underscored the central role of the youth in the regional and continental peace and security agenda. “Our greatest resource is our youth, with over 60% of West Africa’s population under the age of 25, young people are not only the future but also the present drivers of peace, democracy, and sustainable development,” he emphasized. Highlighting ECOWAS’ ongoing youth empowerment programs, including the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre (EYDC) and various youth-led peacebuilding initiatives, he called on young people to be “leaders of today,” noting that “Silencing the Guns is not just about disarmament, it is about building societies where justice, equality, and opportunity prevail.” He further urged governments, civil society, and development partners to harness the talents of young innovators, entrepreneurs, and activists in addressing root causes of insecurity, including unemployment, marginalization, and lack of access to education.

H.E. Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, AU High Representative for Silencing the Guns, and Special Guest of Honor commended Nigeria and ECOWAS for their steadfast commitment to peacebuilding. He stressed the importance of youth as indispensable actors in conflict prevention and reconciliation: “The goal of silencing the guns by 2030 is unattainable without the full, active, and meaningful participation of Africa’s youth. Africa is the most youthful continent in the world, and this demographic is not a challenge to be managed but a strategic asset to be harnessed.” He highlighted youth-led peace initiatives across Africa from intercommunal mediation in South Sudan to digital counter-extremism in Somalia as living demonstrations of the power of youth in building sustainable peace.

Speaking on behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Honorable Minister of Budget, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu commended the African Union and ECOWAS for their steadfast partnership in advancing peace and stability. He described the Youth Creative Conference (YCC) as an imaginative and noble course that galvanizes action, particularly by empowering young people to contribute to the restoration of peace in Nigeria and across Africa. At the continental level, he emphasized that “we need to build peace, and we need our youth to help in silencing the guns” for silencing the guns implies ending their misuse for purposes other than peacekeeping. Reflecting on the past three decades of Africa’s evolution, he urged young people to confront false narratives, amplify their voices to wider audiences and embrace their unique experiences as essential assets in shaping the future and achieving what past generations may have missed.

Speaking on behalf of the organizing team, the Convener of the Youth Creative Conference, Amb. Blaise – Kizito Ndukwe expressed gratitude to ECOWAS, the AU and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Youth Development for their partnership in advancing this youth-driven agenda. He recalled the challenging journey of establishing YCC, sharing achievements including skills training, mentorship programs, and youth empowerment initiatives across several Nigerian states. “Today, I’m proud to announce that the African Union has adopted YCC as an AU-recognized youth platform, a homegrown Nigerian initiative founded by a typical village boy that has become a continental model for youth-led peacebuilding,” he declared. He also called on the Federal Government, African Union, and ECOWAS to deepen collaboration with YCC in scaling its programs across Nigeria and the region, including the creation of a sub-regional youth observatory on peace and security. He urged African youth to remain steadfast: “Tomorrow is indeed now, and together, we will shape a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come.”

As a continental movement, YCC continues to call on governments, civil society, private sector, and international partners to invest in Africa’s young peacebuilders, transforming potential frustration into productive innovation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).