Top 10 stories of the day: Charges against Mchunu
News today includes the political noose seems to be getting tighter and tighter around the neck of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
Meanwhile, Johan Marais has been sentenced to 15 years for the killing of anti-apartheid activist Caiphus Nyoka by the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.
Furthermore, a top European court on Thursday said a Swiss court did not give South African runner Caster Semenya a fair trial over whether she should lower her testosterone levels to compete as a woman.
Weather tomorrow: 11 July 2025
Rough seas are forecast between the three Capes until Saturday, while cold and wet weather hits parts of the Northern and Western Cape. Rain is also expected to touch down in parts of the Eastern Cape. Full weather forecast here.
Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way.
Charges laid against Mchunu as pressure mounts on Ramaphosa to act amid national security concerns
The political noose seems to be getting tighter and tighter around the neck of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
On Thursday, the DA laid criminal charges against him at the Cape Town police station for allegedly misleading parliament.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. Picture: Gallo Images
Mchunu is accused of lying to the portfolio committee of police after he initially denied knowing Brown Mogotsi, a man accused of playing a role in capturing the South African Police Service (Saps).
CONTINUE READING: Charges laid against Mchunu as pressure mounts on Ramaphosa to act amid national security concerns
Ramaphosa to address nation following allegations by Mkhwanazi
President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver a national address on Sunday evening in response to public remarks made by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Mkhwanazi recently made damning allegations against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and senior members of the South African Police Service (Saps), accusing them of corruption and collusion with criminal networks.
President Cyril Ramaphosa at Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria on 27 March 2025. Picture: Gallo Images/Frennie Shivambu
The claims have sparked widespread concern across the country.
CONTINUE READING: Ramaphosa to address nation following allegations by Mkhwanazi
Apartheid cop sentenced for Caiphus Nyoka murder, judge says he can use time in jail to write book
Johan Marais has been sentenced to 15 years for the killing of anti-apartheid activist Caiphus Nyoka by the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.
The student activist from Daveyton, Gauteng, was killed in an alleged confrontation with police during a raid on his backyard room on 24 August 1987.
Anti-apartheid activist Caiphus Nyoka was murdered on 24 August 1987 at his Daveyton home. Picture: Supplied
Nyoka sustained at least 12 gunshot wounds, around his head, chest and hands.
CONTINUE READING: Apartheid cop sentenced for Caiphus Nyoka murder, judge says he can use time in jail to write book
'Devastated' family asks for help after South African woman killed on luxury yacht in Bahamas
The world of super yachting has been thrown into shock after the brutal murder of a young South African guest relations officer by a trusted fellow crew member below decks.
20-year-old Paige Bell — the 'meet-and-greet' face of a R230 million charter yacht called Far From It — was attacked in the engine room after the vessel moored up in the Bahamas.
Paige Bell was found murdered on a super yacht in the Bahamas. Picture: Supplied
It is said she put up a brave battle for life but was overpowered by the 39-year-old Mexican ship's mechanic, whose motive for the attack is under police investigation.
CONTINUE READING: 'Devastated' family asks for help after South African woman killed on luxury yacht in Bahamas
European court says Caster Semenya's trial wasn't fair in gender testing case
A top European court on Thursday said a Swiss court did not give South African runner Caster Semenya a fair trial over whether she should lower her testosterone levels to compete as a woman.
The double Olympic champion, who is classed as having 'differences in sexual development', has been unable to compete in her favoured 800m category since 2018, after she refused to take drugs to reduce her testosterone levels following World Athletics' introduction of new rules on women competitors.
Caster Semenya at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene. Picture:/AFP
She had hoped for the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) to also rule that she had been a victim of discrimination, but its Grand Chamber said those complaints were inadmissible as they did not fall under Switzerland's jurisdiction.
CONTINUE READING: European court says Caster Semenya's trial wasn't fair in gender testing case
Here are five more stories of the day:
Yesterday's News recap
READ HERE: Masemola on KZN task team | Mchunu downplays Mogotsi link | Viljoen's R71m slap
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
2 hours ago
- The Citizen
Man's sister laughs to the bank after suing police minister
The Minister of police sued after a man died before seeing Justice for nearly six months imprisonment on false charges. The Gauteng High Court recently awarded R800,000 in damages to the family of Thomas Mashudu Mulaudzi, who died in 2021 before seeing justice for his unlawful arrest and detention that lasted nearly six months in 2015-2016. Judge Seena Yacoob delivered the judgment on 16 July 2025, ordering the Minister of Police to pay damages with interest dating back to 2016, plus legal costs. The case was brought by Mulaudzi's sister, Patience Lutendo Mulaudzi, who serves as executrix of his deceased estate. Mulaudzi, 44, 'died in 2021, apparently from complications arising from the Covid-19 virus,' according to the judgment. He passed away five years after being found not guilty and discharged from charges related to a truck hijacking he had no involvement in. Background of the case The ordeal began on 21 December 2015 when Mulaudzi was working as a dispatch clerk at Diplomat Warehouse. He was called to his superior's office and arrested without being told what charges he faced. Police handcuffed him and took him to where his employer's hijacked truck was parked. Despite having no connection to the hijacking, Mulaudzi was denied bail because police provided the magistrate with incorrect address information. The judgment revealed that 'bail was denied because the police told the magistrate that Mr Mulaudzi had provided an incorrect address. However, he had not; the police had mixed up his address with that of the driver of the hijacked truck.' This error resulted in his detention at Modderbee Prison for nearly six months. Yacoob noted that 'the conditions in the prison were deplorable' and this was 'common cause' between both parties, supported by reports from the Judicial Inspectorate on Correctional Services. ALSO READ: Germiston woman granted bail after teen's death in hit-and-run Impact on family and life The unlawful detention had devastating consequences for Mulaudzi's family life. As a widower, he was solely responsible for three minor children. The court found that the children 'were left home alone when he was arrested' and 'he was only able to arrange for their care the following day.' The psychological impact was severe. Yacoob recorded that Mulaudzi 'testified that he would have liked to have died in prison because he was being accused of something he did not do.' The judge described how 'the effects of the arrest and detention on Mr Mulaudzi were clearly extremely traumatic and catastrophic.' The arrest damaged Mulaudzi's reputation and dignity, particularly as it occurred at his workplace. When he was eventually released, the judgment noted that 'he did not get his job back because it had already been filled.' At a subsequent CCMA hearing, his employer claimed he was involved in a hijacking. However, there was no evidence of his involvement in the hijacking. ALSO READ: NPA secures preservation order in unlawful blue lights case Previous legal findings In 2018, Judge Twala had already determined that Mulaudzi's arrest and detention were unlawful. Yacoob explained that 'my brother Twala J determined in 2018 that the arrest and detention of Mr Mulaudzi was unlawful, and that the first defendant, the Minister of Police, is 100% liable for Mr Mulaudzi's damages arising therefrom.' However, Twala dismissed claims of malicious prosecution and assault but upheld the unlawfulness of the detention. The recent judgment focused solely on determining the quantum of damages, as liability had already been established. Yacoob noted that 'the matter is now before me to determine the quantum of damages for which the minister is liable' and that ultimately 'Mulaudzi was discharged because there was no evidence against him.' Expert medical evidence Mental health experts retained by both parties agreed that Mulaudzi suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as a direct result of his arrest and detention. Yacoob described the effects as 'clearly extremely traumatic and catastrophic'. The judge described how Mulaudzi was transformed from being 'a gainfully employed, respectable member of his community and a caring father' into someone denied basic respect and proper legal procedures. The court emphasised the broader trauma of incarceration, noting 'the 'ordinary' consequences of being incarcerated in one of South Africa's overcrowded and under-resourced prisons, with all autonomy removed.' ALSO READ: 'David vs Goliath': Meta agrees to hand over child porn channel creator information Criticism of state conduct The judge strongly criticised the manner in which state officials handled the case, both during the original proceedings and the current damages assessment. 'They were unprepared, produced evidence erratically and called irrelevant witnesses,' the judge wrote, emphasising that this criticism applied more to the minister's officials than to legal counsel. The judge noted that 'unfortunately, the same is still applicable nearly seven years later.' Despite common cause evidence and similar submissions from both sides regarding appropriate damages, settlement proved impossible. The court found that 'the matter could not be settled simply because the Minister (or the Minister's authorised representative) declined to give the appropriate instruction.' This resulted in unnecessary legal costs and the consumption of scarce judicial resources. Yacoob observed that 'court resources, which are notoriously insufficient,' were applied to 'determine a matter that could easily have been settled.' ALSO READ: Gauteng High Court rules National Dialogue should continue Damages assessment Legal representatives for Mulaudzi's family argued for damages between R700,000 and R1 million, while the state submitted that R500,000 to R700,000 would be appropriate. The judge emphasised that quantum determination 'is not a mathematical exercise, and that it is not a simple calculation of a daily, weekly or monthly rate.' She said the assessment must consider the arrest circumstances, detention conditions, duration, and the violation of basic human rights, while balancing this against the fact that damages come from public funds. After considering all factors, Yacoob determined that 'the appropriate amount to be R800 000.' I am satisfied that a slightly higher award is justified,' Yacoob stated. Punitive costs order Beyond the damages award, Judge Yacoob imposed a punitive costs order against the state, requiring payment of the plaintiff's legal costs on an attorney and client scale. The judge acknowledged that he 'would ordinarily be wary of granting a punitive costs order against the State, as it is public funds at issue and the state has many responsibilities.' However, he justified the order by finding that the way the minister's officials behaved was deserving of a punitive costs order. The court ordered the minister of police to pay R800,000 plus interest of 10.5% from 30 August 2016, to be paid within 20 days of service. Additionally, the judge ruled that the state cover all plaintiff's legal costs, including expert witness fees and interpreter fees, with interest from the tax date to the payment date. READ NEXT: George building collapse 'was entirely preventable' – report
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Roland Schoeman accuses Cyril Ramaphosa's ANC of looting 'a trillion rand' in scathing tweet
South African Olympic gold medallist Roland Schoeman has ignited a storm of political controversy, this time accusing President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) of looting 'over a trillion rand' – a claim that drew mixed reactions from South Africans across the political spectrum. The 45-year-old swimming icon, who won gold at the 2004 Olympics in Athens in the 4x100m freestyle relay and has since become a prominent online political commentator, took to social media following Ramaphosa's latest address to Parliament, writing on X (formerly Twitter): 'Imagine where the country would be if you and your party didn't steal over a trillion rand.' The post, which quickly gained traction, triggered a polarising response – some users applauded his bluntness, while others condemned his remarks as simplistic, racially charged, or disconnected from South Africa's broader social and economic realities. While many users on social media agreed with Schoeman's anti-corruption message, others challenged his narrative, pointing out issues of historic inequality, white privilege, and deep-rooted systemic dysfunction that go beyond a single administration. @hopeinbetween replied: 'If they can stop pleasing whiteness, we could be in an even better and stronger position as a country!' @Vincent62343509 added: 'They allowed population growth to spiral with poor border control… compared to our economic growth, that's unsustainable.' Others were more scathing: @HumanOpinion1 wrote: 'Imagine trying to sell 'progress' after looting a trillion rand. That's like bragging about patching one pothole after burning down the whole highway.' The comment section revealed that, while frustration over corruption is shared across racial and political lines, Schoeman's tone and framing drew accusations of bias and oversimplification. Over the years, the swimmer-turned-commentator has regularly spoken out on issues including farm murders, racial identity politics, and EFF leader Julius Malema, once applauding the UK's decision to reject Malema's visa application. His use of terms like 'civilised nations' and support for greater US influence in South African affairs has also raised eyebrows, with some accusing him of promoting neocolonial sentiment. The Presidency has not responded directly to Schoeman's post, although the ANC has in the past dismissed similar public accusations as 'uninformed and populist'. Ramaphosa himself has consistently defended his administration's anti-corruption efforts, pointing to the Zondo Commission, reforms at SARS, and crackdowns on public sector fraud. Political analysts say Schoeman's remarks underscore a growing culture of online populism, where celebrities and influencers can shape national debate – often without accountability. 'Roland taps into a very real frustration many South Africans feel,' said political analyst Thami Ndlovu. 'But attributing all of South Africa's challenges to theft alone ignores the layers of complexity in our economy and society.' Others argue that voices like Schoeman's – while provocative – are reflective of a leadership vacuum and widespread disillusionment with post-apartheid governance. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
5 hours ago
- IOL News
Exploring Nelson Mandela's legacy: Insights from the 8th annual lecture in India
Nelson Mandela Image: File / Independent Newspapers Speakers were at a loss for words on how to describe Nelson Mandela to future generations during the Nelson Mandela 8th Annual Lecture, held in India, on Friday. The lecture was organised by the India International Centre, South African High Commission and the Working Group on Alternative Strategies. The Nelson Mandela International Day 2025 was celebrated under the theme: It's still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity. Sedula Mamabolo, Counsellor at the South African High Commission in New Delhi, said the theme is a call to action that reminds us that Mandela's legacy is not confined to history. 'It is a living challenge to each one of us. Mandela was not only a statesman but a symbol of ethical resistance. A man who taught us that reconciliation is not weakness but wisdom,' Mamabolo stated. Suhas Borker, Convener of the Working Group on Alternative Strategies, said Mandela was a role model for people in India because he was rooted in his actions, character, and impact. Borker said that Mandela's humility and service-oriented leadership inspired ethical governance 'His perseverance inspires us to face adversity with strength. He was committed to racial equality and justice in his leadership role in dismantling institutionalised racism. He prioritised unity over revenge, establishing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to heal the nation's wounds,' Borker said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Anand Grover, senior advocate at the Supreme Court of India and human rights activist addressed how Mandela viewed violence and whether it was justifiable ethically by the oppressed people of South Africa. 'In India, we've had a rich history of how violence has been used and treated, whether it is justified, ethical, or otherwise. Mandela, being a pragmatic politician, used nonviolence as a tactic, not a principle. He was always conscious of what would happen after they succeeded and that is very important because it did not involve loss of life,' Grover said. Speaking of Mandela's imprisonment and the things he had to endure, Grover said: 'I want to know whether Indian politicians would ever think of doing it. He was asked to clean the old-style toilets. He was asked to clean the bucket of another prisoner. I challenge you, not one politician in India will do it, whichever party, because of our caste system. It's a sad reflection but that is the greatness of Mandela,' he said. Cedric Crowley, acting High Commissioner for the South African Embassy in India, said that after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we are now moving backwards. "The promises of the Sustainable Development Goals, which were a promissory note that no one shall be left behind, that governments will make every effort to ensure that poverty is eradicated, at least half, that there will be health care, that the population, the climate will be taken care of. "We are reversing those advances we made. What we have decided to do is to increase our defense spending to prepare for war instead of fighting the war against poverty and inequality. Mandela, today, would have been very disappointed to live in this period in this time where people are oppressed and robbed of their inalienable right to dignity and development," he added. Crowley said that Mohandas Gandhi came to South Africa suffering the same consequences of discriminatory laws, and that propelled him to become an activist. He said Gandhi created a political party and his theories on Satyagraha were developed. "When he returned to India, our country contributed to your independence because he successfully engaged in liberating India from British colonial oppression. So I think we've contributed to India in some small measure because of that experience of injustice," Crowley said. Crowley said he could not answer a student on how do we ensure that there are more Mandela's in this world and what characteristics should one exhibit, have and possess to become great like him. "I think if we try to develop theoretical frameworks of understanding Mandela, we will be at a loss because he is too complex. He is too layered as an individual. But there's one thing I think that could explain it, potentially and that is that Mandela loved deeply," he lamented.
