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At least 14 high-ranking South African Police Service (SAPS) and Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) officials have been referred for investigation after being identified as possible wrongdoers by the Madlanga Commission.

This according to a statement released by the Presidency on the interim report of the Madlanga Commission, on Thursday.

The Commission submitted its interim report and recommendations to President Cyril Ramaphosa in December last year, which he has since studied and accepted. 

“President Ramaphosa further welcomes the referrals by the Commission of matters for immediate criminal investigation and urgent decisions on prosecution, as well as recommendations on the employment status and recommended suspension of individuals. 

“The Commission, in accordance with its terms of reference, makes several referrals concerning matters that require immediate further investigation by the relevant and impacted law enforcement institutions, including criminal investigations. 

“The Commission also makes recommendations in some instances for disciplinary measures to be taken against individuals alleged to be involved in wrongdoing, including criminal acts and corruption,” the statement read.

The Presidency explained that the Commission made referrals for investigation where it found prima facie evidence of wrongdoing.

These investigations are to be carried out by the SAPS, Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) and EMM.

“The matters highlighted for referral concern allegations of criminality, corruption, fraud, murder, perjury and other unlawful actions by officials and officers in the employ of the SAPS, City of Ekurhuleni and the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD). 

“Where IPID is already seized with certain matters, the Commission will make a referral to IPID on the status of their investigations and seek explanations for any delays,” the Presidency said.

The referrals relate to the following SAPS officials:

• Major General Lesetja Senona
• Major General Richard Shibiri
• Brigadier Mbangwa Nkhwashu
• Brigadier Rachel Matjeng
• Sergeant Fannie Nkosi

The commission also found prima facie evidence of wrongdoing regarding the following current and former employees of the EMM:

• Suspended EMPD Chief of Police, Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi
• EMPD Officer Bafana Twala
• EMPD Officer Aiden McKenzie
• EMPD Officer Kershia Leigh Stols
• EMM former City Manager, Dr Imogen Mashazi 
• EMM fleet manager/proxy, Mr Chris Steyn
• EMM Head of Department of Human Resources, Ms Linda Gxasheka
• EMM Head of Legal, Adv Kemi Behari
• Mr Etienne van der Walt

“President Ramaphosa expects all law enforcement agencies and other relevant criminal justice institutions to act with speed in implementing the recommendations of the Commission’s interim report.

“Such immediate action will help to restore public trust and strengthen operational capacity in the affected state entities tasked with fighting crime and corruption,” the Presidency said.

Investigations task team

The statement noted that some implicated individuals are expected to “return to the Commission to respond to allegations presented against them and that more witnesses are yet to deliver their evidence”.

“While the Commission emphasises that, with the exception of EMPD Chief, Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi, it has not yet heard the response of some of the relevant persons listed above, the allegations against them remain prima facie allegations only and are not findings of the Commission. 

“The nature of these allegations however warrants the referrals for further investigation and potential disciplinary, prosecutorial or regulatory action right away,” the Presidency said.

Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia and SAPS National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, have been directed to constitute a special investigations task team with its leader to report directly to the Commissioner.

“The task team will institute investigations against people identified by the Commission for investigation. Establishing a special unit is critical to ensure that these investigations take place as a matter of urgency.

“President Ramaphosa would like to express his deepest appreciation to the Commission chairperson, retired Justice Madlanga, Commissioners Baloyi and Khumalo, and to all the Commission staff for their diligent work in the delivery of the interim report. 

“The President looks forward to the finalisation of the Commission’s work and its contribution to the effective functioning of law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

Some 23 suspected members of an alleged R1 billion international scam syndicate have appeared in the Johannesburg Commercial Crimes Court on charges of contravention of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (FAIS Act).

The suspects were arrested in Gauteng this week, in a multi-agency operation, led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks.

“The arrests were the culmination of prosecutorial, internationally coordinated investigations conducted by the DPCI, the South African Police Service Crime Intelligence, the Financial Intelligence Centre, the United Kingdom National Crime Agency, the United States Department of Homeland Security Service, Australian IFW and CyberTrace investigation companies, working closely with South Africa’s private investigation company, IRS,” National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Gauteng spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane revealed.

They are alleged to have “operated call centres that provided financial services, despite not being registered as financial advisers or as representatives of the Financial Sector Conduct Authority”.

“The State alleges that more than 40 unsuspecting victims from abroad, including the United States of America, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, were scammed into investing more than R1 billion in what they believed to be legitimate investment opportunities.

“It is further alleged that some of these funds were used to sustain the operations of the call centres,” Mjonondwane continued.

The case was postponed to next month for the bail hearing.

“The NPA, working with its partners, continues to make significant strides in tackling and dismantling organised criminal networks.

“The complex and deeply embedded scourge of organised crime continues to plague the country; however, law enforcement agencies remain equipped and committed to dealing effectively with such crimes,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

A multi-disciplinary team of government officials is working around the clock at the Senteeko Dam, near Barberton, to reduce the potential impact should the structure fail.

This follows heavy rains that led to the dam’s safety being compromised.

The dam, registered as My Own Dam and located within the Mbombela Local Municipality, has been placed under close monitoring after recent rainfall caused erosion beneath the spillway, raising the risk of collapse.

In line with government’s commitment to protecting lives and livelihoods, a coordinated response is being led by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), working alongside the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA), the Provincial Disaster Management team, the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA), the Ehlanzeni District Municipality, and local authorities.

A follow-up inspection led by DWS Head of Specialist Unit: Dam Safety, Wally Ramokopa, supported by engineers and the Appointed Professional Person (APP), confirmed that the spillway remains at high risk due to ongoing erosion underneath the structure. 

Emergency interventions are currently underway to relieve pressure on the dam while technical assessments and monitoring continue.

Risk-mitigation measures are being implemented by the dam owner, the Shamile Communal Property Association (CPA), together with its APP, under the supervision of the Department of Water and Sanitation.

As part of interventions to further reduce the disaster risk and potential impact, the emergency spillway that was excavated to redirect water out of the dam has been widened to increase the outflow and further reduce the volume of water in the dam.

“Working together with the Irrigation Board and the owners of the dam, we have restricted the flow of water on the existing spillway by opening another spillway, referred to as the emergency spillway channel.

“We have now widened that spillway to ensure that water is restricted on the existing spillway and is redirected to come out on the side. This is a temporary measure that has been put in place. We are still trying to lower the capacity of the dam to reduce the risk even if the dam fails,” Ramokopa said.

He said the department has also conducted a flood-path analysis to determine areas that may be affected in the event of dam failure. The assessment identified only farming communities along the flood path, with no densely populated areas at risk for at least 30 kilometres downstream, up to the R40 provincial road.

The analysis further confirmed that there would be no impact on neighbouring countries such as Mozambique and Eswatini.

Citrus farms affected

Meanwhile, irrigation activities for Senteeko citrus farms have been affected after pumps were submerged due to elevated water levels.

Irrigation is expected to resume once water levels subside and damaged pumps are repaired.

Disaster preparedness and evacuation readiness for downstream farmers remain ongoing. CoGHSTA, working with the Ehlanzeni District Municipality and the City of Mbombela Local Municipality, continues to engage directly with nearby farming communities to communicate flooding implications and safety measures.

While highly concentrated communities such as New Consort or Low’s Creek would not experience any impact, as they are located approximately 25  kilometres away from the dam impact point, government emphasised that all affected stakeholders are being engaged to save lives should the dam fail.

Further, consolidation of reports caused by the devastation of the recent rains and flooding are nearing completion.

The multi-disciplinary team continues to closely monitor developments at the dam and is taking all necessary precautions to protect communities.

Government has urged communities in affected areas to heed and comply to evacuation warnings as the risk of failure remains at the Senteeko Dam, despite mitigation interventions put in place.

Members of the public have also been advised to avoid low-water bridges, unnecessary travel, and activities near rivers as a precaution. – SAnews.gov.za
 

The national Foot and Mouth Disease Response Plan – the first comprehensive roadmap to decisively address FMD in South Africa in 30 years – has been developed by a Ministerial Task Team comprising experts from both the public and private sectors, including scientists, veterinarians, and academics.

The roll out of the plan outlines clear immediate, medium- and long-term interventions to combat the disease.

Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen said in a statement on Wednesday, the State had already acquired, monitored and administered two million vaccines from the Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI) to date.

The issuing of permits for private companies to import vaccines, as local agents, has already commenced.

“Import permits for the Dollvet vaccine was issued to Dunevax and an additional import permit to import the Biogénesis Bagó vaccine is imminent,” said the Minister.

The department rejected calls for what it described as a “vaccine free-for-all”, warning that such an approach was reckless and contrary to established international and local disease-control protocols.

The Minister highlighted the recent illegal importation of vaccines into KwaZulu-Natal by certain farmers as an example of the serious risks posed by unregulated vaccine use.

The scientific pathway to restoring South Africa’s FMD-free status with vaccination is clear and guided by international standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), he said.

“In order to regain the ‘FMD-free status with vaccination’ from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), South Africa must prove there has been no virus transmission for at least 12 months. This requires a strictly controlled vaccination rollout; official surveillance; strict movement controls and systematic vaccination coverage that is able to be documented and verified,” the Minister said.

Without centralised monitoring and State-led control over the process, Steenhuisen warned that the country risks failing to achieve FMD-free status, causing long-term damage to agricultural exports, and negating the entire strategy of vaccination.

The Minister stressed that the private sector and industry bodies have been included throughout the process, from the initial FMD lekgotla, to participation in the Ministerial Task Team, and now through the FMD Industry Coordination Council. The department has also committed to working with private veterinarians and animal health technicians as the vaccination rollout progresses. – SAnews.gov.za

In response to recent heavy rains that caused widespread road damage and debris buildup, Makgetsi Construction Enterprise has stepped in to assist the Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality with urgent road rehabilitation and clean-up operations in affected areas.

The black female-owned local construction company deployed teams and equipment to support the municipality by removing storm debris and patching damaged road surfaces to restore access, improve safety for residents and motorists, and ensure the continuity of essential services.

Speaking on the initiative, Sekibela Mahalefa, founder of Makgetsi Construction Enterprise, said the decision was driven by a strong commitment to community development and responsible business leadership.

“We were deeply concerned by the impact the heavy rains had on our community. As a local business, we could not stand by while roads became unsafe and access was disrupted. Supporting the municipality in times of need is part of our responsibility to the people of Tzaneen,” Mahalefa said. 

The company confirmed that multiple teams were deployed to address the most affected streets, with priority given to high-traffic and high-risk areas.

“This was not just about road repair; it was about restoring dignity, safety, and mobility for residents. We believe that when business and local government work together, recovery happens faster and more effectively,” Mahalefa added.

Makgetsi Construction Enterprise said the initiative forms part of its broader strategy to strengthen partnerships with the Greater Tzaneen Municipality in preparation for future emergency responses and ongoing infrastructure support.

“This initiative reflects our values of giving back and being part of long-term solutions. We remain committed to supporting efforts that build resilience and strengthen local infrastructure,” Mahalefa said. 

Residents have welcomed the intervention, describing it as timely and impactful in addressing the challenges posed by the recent storms.

“Makgetsi is highly commendable for this strong commitment to social and corporate responsibility. This ethical business practices, and care for the Tzaneen community, demonstrates that success goes beyond profit. This sets a positive example for others and shows a genuine desire to make a lasting difference in society,” expressed a community member on one of the local digital platforms.

Makgetsi Construction Enterprise is a South African-based construction company providing infrastructure development, road maintenance, and civil construction services. – SAnews.gov.za

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is set to launch a probe into the affairs of the uMzinyathi District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal to investigate allegations of serious maladministration and improper or unlawful conduct.

“The probe covers allegations of serious maladministration; misconduct by officials or employees; illegal appropriation or spending of public funds or assets; irregular acts involving state property; intentional or negligent loss of public funds or damage to public property; relevant offences under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (Act No. 12 of 2004); and any unlawful or improper conduct resulting in harm to the public interests,” the SIU said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a proclamation authorising the corruption busting unit to investigate the municipality.

“Proclamation 305 of 2026 empowers the SIU to probe matters relating to procurement and contracting by the municipality, including the supply, installation and maintenance of ground dual static tanks and fuel, as well as the lease and subsequent purchase of a generator for the Vants Drift Water Treatment Plant in Nquthu.

“The investigation will determine whether these contracts and related payments were conducted in a manner that was not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable or cost-effective.

“The SIU will also probe any potential violations of applicable legislation, National Treasury guidelines, and the municipality’s own policies and procedures,” the unit added.

The Proclamation covers the time between 1 November 2020 and 23 January 2026 and empowers the unit to “investigate any conduct before or after this period that is relevant or connected to the matters under investigation, including contracts where services were paid for but not delivered”.

“In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action.

“The SIU is also authorised to initiate civil proceedings in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigation and to recover financial losses suffered by the State, including funds paid for services not rendered,” the SIU stated. – SAnews.gov.za