Inside hit on Hawks officer; MKP loses in court: Today's top 7 stories in 7 minutes

News24

24-06-2025

News24 brings you the top stories of the day, summarised into neat little packages. Read through quickly or listen to the articles via our customised text-to-speech feature.
MKP loses bid to force IEC to hand over election records... which it had already been given
- The MK Party, led by Jacob Zuma, has repeatedly challenged the results of the May 2024 national election, claiming widespread rigging without providing sufficient evidence.
- The Electoral Court dismissed the MK Party's application to compel the IEC to provide voter records, noting the party had been given access but failed to download the data.
- The judge found the MK Party's claims that it lacked access to election information 'incomprehensible' and 'baseless', as representatives had access to result slips on the NROC database.
Gigaba's bid to block ex-wife's tell-all interview postponed to July
- Malusi Gigaba's urgent application to block his ex-wife's TV interview, featuring claims of infidelity and misuse of funds, has been postponed to July.
- Gigaba argues the interview would harm his reputation and affect his children, while media companies have rejected his request for access to the episode before broadcast.
- The court has ordered both legal teams to submit final papers by 3 July, and the episode will not air until a decision is made.
Supplied/Hawks
Fake hijacking, ISIS abduction, Hollywood-style hit on Hawks cop: elite soldiers on trial
- Twelve members of the South African Special Forces have been arrested in connection with the 2023 murder of Hawks detective Frans Mathipa, who was investigating the kidnapping of two ISIS leaders.
- The accused allegedly staged a fake hijacking of a BMW used in Mathipa's murder and filed a fraudulent insurance claim to dispose of the vehicle and obstruct the investigation.
- Intelligence reports suggest the group was involved in other high-profile operations, and Mathipa was seeking access to classified military documents related to their activities before his murder.
Mandel Ngan/AFP
Sharon Seretlo/Gallo Images
Tau pleads for time to probe reports of Mashatile family links to new lotto operator
- Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau is investigating reports of Deputy President Paul Mashatile's sister-in-law's stake in the new lotto operator, Sizekhaya Holdings.
- Tau is also looking into claims that a member of the NLC bid committee was sanctioned by audit regulators, seeking advice on potential political interference or conflicts of interest.
- The NLC previously investigated and dismissed concerns about Sizekhaya members having ties to the ANC, stating they didn't qualify as political office bearers under the Lotteries Act.
Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
FIRST TAKE | Not-so festive Boks choose Test quality side for BaaBaas 'exhibition'
- The Springboks' selection for the Barbarians match focuses on addressing current team weaknesses and evaluating potential players for the 2027 World Cup.
- Four uncapped players will audition to fill potential gaps at tighthead prop, blindside flank and hooker.
- The match also marks the return of Lood de Jager and provides an opportunity for Japan-based Springboks to reintegrate into the team.
Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Qatar, regional airspace shutdowns could affect SA trips – even without Doha on your ticket
- Qatar's airspace has reopened after a brief closure due to an Iranian missile threat, but airlines warn of significant delays as schedules reset.
- Travellers are advised to build in extra connection time, choose flexible fares and monitor airline alerts to mitigate potential disruptions.
- South African travellers should consider alternative routes that avoid the Gulf region if flexibility is limited or delays would cause significant disruption.