Latest news with #CatMatlala
News24
29-05-2025
- Business
- News24
Olorato's murder case shock; Cat Matlala's R360m tender splurge: Top 7 stories in 7 minutes
News24 brings you the top 7 stories of the day. 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. SAPS/Supplied Two men wanted for Olorato Mongale's murder had prior kidnapping, robbery arrests Two suspects arrested earlier this year for kidnapping and robbery are now wanted for Olorato Mongale's murder after she went on a date. Police linked the suspects, Bongani Mthimkhulu and Philangenkosi Makhanya, to a syndicate targeting women via similar methods, prompting hundreds of victim reports. A vehicle tied to Mongale's murder was located, leading to the arrest of one suspect's father, who owns the car. 9 LIVES | A Rolls-Royce, mansions and cosmetic surgery - Cat Matlala's R360m tender splurge Vusimusi Cat Matlala, a tenderpreneur, lived a lavish lifestyle funded by a R360-million police tender, while his staff and subcontractors went unpaid. Matlala and his family splurged on luxury cars, mansions, cosmetic surgery, and designer clothing, showcasing their wealth on social media. The police tender was cancelled amid fraud allegations, leading to a criminal probe and leaving Matlala's subcontractors and employees in financial ruin. Oh 'Gordy': Elephant seal makes second appearance in Cape Town A southern elephant seal nicknamed 'Gordy' surprised Cape Town residents by wandering into suburbia, sparking a nine-hour rescue effort. Gordy later appeared near the Naval Base in Simon's Town, where SPCA and City officials are monitoring him as he rests safely. Southern elephant seals, known for coming ashore to moult, can grow up to seven metres and weigh five tonnes. Interest rates cut, Kganyago punts 3% inflation target The South African Reserve Bank reduced the repo rate to 7.25%, driven by settled inflation and revised economic forecasts. Lower rates will reduce home loan payments, but economic growth was downgraded to 1.2%, with mining and manufacturing underperforming. Governor Kganyago aims to lower the inflation target to lock in reduced inflation; consumer inflation currently sits at 2.8%. SA's metro mess: Big cities regress, but contractors close to councillors, officials score South Africa's major cities awarded more than R1 billion in tenders to suppliers with close ties to municipal employees or councillors, with Johannesburg leading at R927 million. Metros are struggling with financial management, incurring R33.29 billion in irregular expenditure since 2021/22 and writing down R118.64 billion in unrecoverable consumer debt. The Mangaung metro, under national intervention, faces financial distress, spending most of its revenue on employee costs and mismanaging grant funding, leading to service delivery disruptions. From crushing Klaasen to Brevis blitz: How all of SA's 18 stars fared at this year's IPL Several Proteas batters, including Heinrich Klaasen and Aiden Markram, performed well in the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Eighteen South Africans participated in the IPL, with four making their debuts, and most have now left to prepare for the World Test Championship final. Other notable performances came from Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and Dewald Brevis, while some players like Kagiso Rabada and Quinton de Kock had less successful seasons.
News24
19-05-2025
- Politics
- News24
SAPS kills R360m deal; Mantashe named acting president: Today's top 7 stories in 7 minutes
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. 9 LIVES: Cat Matlala's R360m police deal cancelled days before criminal probe begins A R360 million police tender awarded to Vusimusi Cat Matlala's company, Medicare24 Tswane District, has been cancelled due to allegations of fraud, collusion, and procurement irregularities. The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) has launched a criminal probe into the tender, focusing on allegations of collusion, fronting, fraud, and violations of the Public Finance Management Act. Matlala faces additional legal challenges, including liquidation and copyright court applications from unpaid subcontractors, and is also charged with attempted murder in a separate case. 'Dishonest' magistrate accused of bringing justice into disrepute faces removal The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development has recommended the permanent removal of Magistrate Renie Govender and the suspension of Magistrate TF Kekana to the National Assembly due to misconduct. The committee is concerned about the R31 million paid to suspended magistrates and the slow pace of resolving disciplinary cases, urging the Magistrates Commission to consider withholding salaries where justified. The Magistrates Commission is taking steps to address these issues, including inviting magistrates to explain why they should still be paid and preventing magistrates from resigning or retiring early to avoid disciplinary action. Steenhuisen joins Ramaphosa on mission to mend US-SA relations President Cyril Ramaphosa and DA leader John Steenhuisen are in the US to mend SA-US relations, focusing on securing trade, especially in agriculture. Ramaphosa will meet with President Donald Trump at the White House to address issues like the Afrikaner "refugee" status and dispel claims of genocide. The South African government aims to correct what it sees as a distorted view of the country and its policies regarding white Afrikaners. Mantashe appointed acting president while Ramaphosa, Mashatile are overseas Gwede Mantashe has been appointed as acting president from May 18-22 while President Cyril Ramaphosa is on a working visit to the US. Ramaphosa will meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday. Deputy President Paul Mashatile is in Paris, France, on a working visit to reinforce bilateral relations. Absa launches disciplinary enquiry after forensic probe uncovers serious misconduct Absa initiated a disciplinary inquiry following an ENS Forensics investigation that found evidence of misconduct related to leaking company information. The investigation was prompted by high-profile departures, including former CEO Arrie Rautenbach, but Absa denies the investigation is linked to Rautenbach's departure. Absa will not release the investigation's findings due to legal privilege and confidentiality but confirms a small number of executives face disciplinary processes. Bulls director of rugby Jake White cut a relaxed figure after his side comprehensively beat the Dragons to finish second on the URC Shivambu/Gallo Images 'It's not like the old days': White not worried about timing of Bok alignment camp Bulls director of rugby Jake White isn't worried about the Bok alignment camp despite it occurring during his players' rest week. White says the alignment camps are now auditorium and video-based, unlike the old days when players trained on the field. The Bulls will face Edinburgh in the URC quarterfinals, a team that eliminated them from the Challenge Cup. Nissan Navara Pro SEE | Five most expensive double-cab bakkies without 4x4 The South African market has several expensive double-cab bakkies, with 20 models priced over R1 million. This article lists the five most expensive 4x2 double-cab bakkies, including the Nissan Navara, Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max, Ford Ranger, and Maxus T90 EV. The Maxus T90 EV, a Chinese-made electric bakkie, is the most expensive at R1.1 million and is only available in 4x2 configuration.
News24
15-05-2025
- Politics
- News24
Tender don arrested; Cornal Hendricks dies: Today's top 7 stories in 7 minutes
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. 9 LIVES: Tender king Cat Matlala arrested for botched hit on socialite ex-lover Vusimusi Cat Matlala, a businessman with a controversial R360 million police tender, was arrested for allegedly masterminding a hit on his former lover, Tebogo Thobejane. Thobejane survived the botched hit in October 2023, but another woman was paralysed; the hitmen are linked to another murder case involving a Transnet contract whistleblower. Thobejane pleaded with authorities for justice, fearing that Matlala's wealth and influence were obstructing the case, and highlighting the trauma and financial strain she has endured. 'AGOA is dead' – now sell our biltong to the world, say analysts at NAMPO Analyst JP Landman believes the Trump administration's tariff regime has effectively ended AGOA, urging South African producers to seek new markets. Landman suggests focusing on the Middle East and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as potential export destinations. Red Meat Industry Services CEO Dewald Olivier supports exploring ASEAN markets and promoting unique South African products like biltong for export. Baseless and misguided: Cabinet slams US' classification of Afrikaners as 'refugees' The South African Cabinet dismissed claims of persecution and genocide against Afrikaner farmers, stating police statistics don't support racially targeted violent crimes. Cabinet rejected the US administration's narrative that white Afrikaner farmers are being persecuted, deeming accusations of discrimination unfounded. The government criticised the US for granting refugee status to Afrikaners, asserting they don't meet the criteria under international refugee law. Healthcare workers protest over intern doctor's death at KZN hospital Dr Alulutho Mazwi, an intern doctor, died at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital after allegedly being forced to work while ill. Healthcare workers protested, demanding accountability for Mazwi's death and calling for investigations into the circumstances. The KZN health department and the Portfolio Committee on Health have committed to investigating the incident, while Mazwi's family is devastated. President Cyril Ramaphosa. Ramaphosa heads to White House to mend bridges with US President Donald Trump President Cyril Ramaphosa will visit the US from 19 to 22 May to meet with President Donald Trump and discuss bilateral, regional, and global issues. The visit follows Trump granting 'refugee' status to 49 Afrikaners, a move Ramaphosa disputes, asserting they are not persecuted but rather opposed to transformation in South Africa. Ramaphosa aims to reset the strategic relationship between the US and South Africa, clarifying that claims of white Afrikaner persecution are false and stem from anti-transformation groups. Former Bulls utility back Cornal Hendricks passed away on Wednesday Stewart/Gallo Images Bulls boss reveals 'Dr Death' Wouter Basson cleared Cornal Hendricks annually Cornal Hendricks, whose career was previously halted due to a heart condition, died after collapsing at his home. Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone revealed Hendricks received annual medical advice from Dr Wouter Basson regarding his heart condition. The Bulls will hold a pre-match tribute to Hendricks during their URC game on Saturday. Anele Mdoda with fiance Buzza Anele Mdoda's lobola sparks debate: Is she married or engaged? Customary law explained Anele Mdoda's lobola finalisation has sparked debate about customary marriage presumptions, with a legal expert emphasising the importance of meeting the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act requirements. According to Xhosa customs, the recent ceremony was a formal acceptance of the groom by the bride's family, but the traditional wedding with the groom's family is still pending. A legal expert says that while social appearances may suggest marriage, legal recognition requires fulfilling the criteria in Section 3(1) of the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act, including consent, age, and customary law adherence.
