MIL Africa Engine

Three suspects are due to appear in the KuGompo Magistrate’s Court in the Eastern Cape on charges of kidnapping, armed robbery and housebreaking.

Aged between 28 and 41, the trio were arrested on Saturday, following a significant breakthrough by the KuGompo Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime investigation, working in collaboration with Provincial Crime Intelligence, in the fight against organised violent crime. 

They were nabbed in connection with the kidnapping, armed robbery and housebreaking incident that occurred in Phakamisa, Qonce where a kidnapped victim was rescued after allegedly targeted after he had received a Road Accident Fund (RAF) payout.

It is alleged that on 12 June 2026, a group of heavily armed suspects forcefully entered the victim’s residence in Phakamisa after breaking down access points to the property. 

The suspects allegedly abducted the victim, seized his bank card and transported him to an undisclosed location where he was unlawfully detained.

While holding the victim captive, the suspects allegedly used the victim’s bank card to access and spend funds from his account. 

A case was subsequently opened, and an investigation commenced. Upon receiving information regarding the incident, law enforcement agencies launched a manhunt.

The intelligence-led operation led the team to Hemingway’s Mall in KuGompo City, where the suspects were allegedly observed conducting transactions using the victim’s bank card. Preliminary investigations revealed that purchases amounting to approximately R21 650 had been made at various retail outlets.

The suspects were intercepted as they exited one of the stores and the victim’s bank card was recovered along with clothing believed to have been purchased using funds unlawfully obtained from the victim’s account.

The victim, who was found unharmed, was subsequently reunited with his family.

Investigations are ongoing and authorities are exploring the possibility of further arrests as efforts to dismantle the broader criminal network continue.

The Provincial Head of the Hawks in the Eastern Cape, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, commended the operational members for their swift intervention. 

“This successful operation demonstrates the value of intelligence-driven policing and effective collaboration among law enforcement agencies. We remain resolute in our efforts to combat violent crime and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice,” said Major General Ngwenya. – SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead the National Youth Day Commemoration which will be held at the FNB Premium Parking precinct in Gauteng on Tuesday, 16 June, 2026.

“This year’s National Youth Day marks the 50th Anniversary of the 1976 Youth Uprising, one of the defining moments in South Africa’s liberation struggle and democratic journey. The commemoration honours the courage, resilience and sacrifices of the young people who stood up against injustice and helped shape the future of a free and democratic South Africa,” the Presidency said on Monday. 

The President will deliver the keynote address at the precinct that is adjacent to the FNB Stadium in Nasrec, Johannesburg.

The commemoration forms part of a year-long national programme launched by the Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, in May 2026 to reflect on the legacy of the youth of 1976 and advance a national dialogue on the challenges and opportunities facing young people today.

READ | 2026 declared “Year of action” for South African youth

This year’s National Youth Day Commemoration is held under the theme: “RESET @50 – Our National Commitment to the Future for Freedom Lives in Every Generation.”

“As South Africa reflects on the significance of the events of 16 June 1976, the 50th anniversary provides an opportunity not only to honour the sacrifices of the youth who confronted an unjust system, but also to reaffirm the country’s commitment to building a future in which young people are empowered to realise their full potential,” said the Presidency.

The event will bring together youth formations, students, veterans of the liberation struggle, government leaders, civil society organisations, business representatives, development partners and communities from across the country.

Additionally, the President’s address will reflect on the significance of the 1976 Youth Uprising, the progress made over the past five decades, and the collective responsibility of all sectors of society to create opportunities for young people and accelerate their meaningful participation in the social, economic and political life of the nation.

“The commemoration will also serve as a platform to reaffirm government’s commitment to addressing the challenges confronting young people, including unemployment, poverty, inequality, access to education and skills development, mental health challenges, gender-based violence and social exclusion,” said the Presidency.

Part one of Tuesday’s proceedings will include a wreath laying ceremony at the Hector Pieterson Memorial site followed by the unveiling of the commemorative coin project. –SAnews.gov.za

Advancing cooperation in areas like trade, tourism, and health, will form part of talks between International Relations and Cooperation, Minister, Ronald Lamola and his counterpart, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Rwanda, Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe on Wednesday.

“The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts to rebuild and strengthen bilateral relations between South Africa and Rwanda. Discussions will focus on enhancing diplomatic engagement and advancing cooperation in priority areas, including trade, tourism, health, education, and security,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said on Monday.

The Ministers bilateral will be held at OR Tambo Building in Pretoria.

“At the conclusion of the meeting, Minister Lamola will address members of the media in a press conference, where he will outline the outcomes of the bilateral discussions and provide perspectives on the way forward in strengthening relations between the two countries,” said the department. –SAnews.gov.za

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has welcomed the decision by the Office of the Premier to place the Gauteng Traffic Police Chief Inspector, Samuel Mashaba, on suspension pending the outcome of a formal disciplinary process.

The decision followed the Chief Inspector’s testimony before the Madlanga Commission, during which admissions were made on conduct that may constitute serious acts of misconduct.

In a statement on Monday, the committee said it views the suspension as an important demonstration of government’s commitment to accountability, ethical leadership and the rule of law.

“The committee wishes to emphasise that the suspension of the Gauteng Traffic Police Chief Inspector is a precautionary administrative measure and should not be interpreted as a finding of guilt. South Africa’s constitutional democracy is founded on the principle that every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty through due process.

“However, the committee is equally resolute in its view that no public official, regardless of rank or position, should be above the law. Those entrusted with enforcing the law are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and ethical conduct.”

The committee said any conduct that undermines public trust in the institutions of state must be thoroughly investigated and where wrongdoing is established, met with appropriate consequences.

The committee added that it firmly believes that those found to have acted unlawfully or in contravention of the ethical standards expected of public servants must face the full might of the law and be held accountable for their actions. 

“Accountability is not only essential for justice to prevail but is also critical to restoring public confidence in the institutions responsible for safeguarding the people of Gauteng,” the committee said.

The committee further called for the disciplinary process to be conducted expeditiously, fairly and without fear, favour, or prejudice. 

“Delays in matters of public accountability serve only to erode confidence in governance and weaken the public’s trust in the administration of justice.

“The people of Gauteng deserve a law enforcement system characterised by integrity, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to serving the public interest. 

“The committee will continue to champion these principles as part of its broader efforts to promote safer communities and strengthen public institutions across the province.”  – SAnews.gov.za

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has forecast that a cut-off low, associated with a surface high-pressure system, will bring windy, cooler and unsettled weather to parts of South Africa from Tuesday afternoon until Saturday.

“As the system moves eastwards, it is expected to spread these conditions to the Free State and the western half of the Eastern Cape. By Friday and Saturday, it may begin to affect the North West, Gauteng and neighbouring provinces,” the weather service said.

SAWS will continue to monitor the weather outlook closely and issue updates and warnings as necessary.

“Take extra care on the roads – strong winds may cause dangerous driving conditions,” the weather service warned.

Strong to fresh winds over the western interior may enhance the risk of veld fires.  –SAnews.gov.za