Latest news with #DeVilliers
India.com
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
AB de Villiers set to return to cricket field with Yuvraj Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, he will play for…, tournament is…
AB de Villiers will return to cricket field after 4 years. (Photo: ANI) South Africa's legendary batter AB de Villiers is set to return to the cricket field after a gap of 4 years. The former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter announced his retirement from international cricket and IPL in 2021. Since then De Villiers has chosen to stay away from the cricket turf. Now the RCB and SA superstar will be back in cricketing action alongside former India legends Yuvraj Singh, Shikhar Dhawan and Harbhajan Singh in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 season. Apart from these stars, the tournament will also witness global icons like Brett Lee, Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Eoin Morgan. Scheduled from July 18 to August 2 across Birmingham, Northampton, Leicester and Leeds, the WCL 2025 brings together the heroes of yesteryears in a grand summer spectacle sanctioned by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). AB de Villiers will be part of South Africa Legends side Joining De Villiers in the South African legends side are dynamic names like Albie Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Hardus Viljoen, and Aaron Phangiso, promising a thrilling mix of experience, power, and precision that South African cricket is known for. 'There's nothing like playing for South Africa. Being back with this group of legends, in front of fans who've always supported us, is truly special. WCL is a celebration of cricket's spirit–and we're here not just to participate, but to compete and ultimately to win,' De Villiers said. De Villiers scored over 18000 runs in international cricket. He scored 8765 runs in 114 Tests, 9577 runs in 228 ODIs and 1672 runs in 78 T20I matches. Bollywood star Ajay Devgn is co-owner of WCL The WCL league is co-owned by Bollywood star Ajay Devgn. 'Having EaseMyTrip on board as Presenting Partner is a huge win for WCL. Their strong consumer connect, digital reach, and unwavering support for Indian sports make them the ideal partner for a league that celebrates cricketing legacy. We're excited to create many unforgettable moments together,' Ajay Devgn said. Harshit Tomar, Founder and CEO, World Championship of Legends, said, 'EaseMyTrip has been at the forefront of India's travel revolution and has consistently backed marquee sporting properties. Their continued support strengthens the foundation of WCL and helps us scale the league globally, both in visibility and experience. With the ECB's sanction and the support of brands like EMT, WCL 2025 is set to break new records.' Along with AB de Villiers this season features an all-star line-up including Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Brett Lee, Chris Lynn, Shaun Marsh, Eoin Morgan, Moeen Ali, Sir Alastair Cook, Hashim Amla, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard and more.
STV News
07-07-2025
- Sport
- STV News
Pieter de Villiers warns Scotland a ‘strong challenge' awaits against Fiji
Pieter de Villiers has warned Scotland to expect a much tougher test away to Fiji on Saturday than when the two sides last met in November. The Scots cruised to an eight-try 57-17 victory at Murrayfield eight months ago, but the visitors were under-strength as the match fell outside the designated international window. Scrum coach De Villiers anticipates the Fijians being a far more competitive opponent in Suva this weekend after running Australia close in a 21-18 defeat on Sunday. 'I think Fiji are a good side currently and they probably have a stronger squad than when we played last time, just because they've got more players available to them,' he said on Monday. 'Playing them at (their) home where there will be a lot of support and where they want to do well, I think it's quite a physical Fiji side at the moment as well. So yes, we expect a strong challenge from them and that's what we're looking forward to. 'It will be important to match the physicality that they're currently bringing to opposition. I thought they did very well against Australia as well, so we need to be up for that physical challenge.' Scotland are expected to select several more established players against Fiji after fielding a largely experimental team in the first game of their South Pacific summer tour on Saturday, a 29-26 victory over Maori All Blacks in a non-cap international in Whangarei. 'Like we often do in the summer tour, we want to use everyone that's on tour, give everyone an opportunity to express themselves and have a go or get game time on the field, so there will probably be some changes this weekend again,' said De Villiers. 'But I thought the guys who got their opportunity on Saturday really did a good job against a strong, well-organised, physical Maori side, so we're quite happy with how the boys went on Saturday.' De Villiers confirmed Glasgow forward Gregor Brown will miss the Fiji match after suffering a concussion on Saturday, while Edinburgh back-rower Ben Muncaster is recovering from a dead leg. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Citizen
07-07-2025
- The Citizen
Ghost workers suspected in Saps
De Villiers emphasised that ghost-worker fraud extends beyond isolated incidents, describing it as sophisticated criminal activity. Parliament has demanded an immediate audit of suspected ghost employees within the South African Police Service (Saps) Crime Intelligence Division after seven senior officials were arrested on corruption charges between June and July 2025. Jan Naudè de Villiers, chairperson of the portfolio committee on public service and administration, recently submitted a formal request to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, calling for an independent investigation into payroll fraud and the possible existence of non-existent workers drawing salaries from Saps. The parliamentary intervention follows the arrest of high-ranking officials who appeared before the Pretoria Regional Court on fraud and corruption charges related to appointing an unqualified civilian to a senior position. Saps mass arrests target financial oversight officials De Villiers stated that between June and July 2025, authorities arrested seven senior Crime Intelligence officials responsible for financial oversight, personnel management, and internal controls. According to the chairperson, the arrested officials include Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo, the Divisional Commissioner, and Major General Philani Lushaba, who served as chief financial officer. Additionally, others arrested were Major General Josias Lekalakala, the Gauteng Crime Intelligence head, Major General Nosipho Madondo, head of Analysis Centre, and Maj-Gen Zwelithini Gabela from Technology Services. Two brigadiers, Dineo Mokwele from Technical Systems and Phindile Ncube, head of Vetting, were also taken into custody. ALSO READ: Mkhwanazi vs Mchunu: 5 things you need to know about their explosive feud Ghost workers raise Saps systemic fraud concerns De Villiers indicated the arrests have exposed potential widespread corruption within crime intelligence. The particular concern is about ghost workers, which de Villiers described as fictitious employees who fraudulently receive salaries and benefits from the Saps payroll system. These phantom workers represent a sophisticated form of payroll fraud that may have been operating within the division for an extended period. The parliamentary chairperson specifically highlighted concerns about the Secret Services Account, a classified budget line designated for covert operations and informant payments. According to parliament, the account has historically been identified as vulnerable to abuse, and many of the arrested officials had direct responsibility for managing these funds. 'It is reasonable to expect similar malpractice in payroll management… the possibility of irregular appointments, inflated headcounts and unvetted recruits of 'ghost' employees is high,' de Villiers stated in his formal request. ALSO READ: KZN's Mkhwanazi makes damning claims about Mchunu, senior police officials Comprehensive audit of ghost employees demanded The formal request calls for coordination between the National Treasury and the Public Service Commission to conduct a comprehensive audit of the Crime Intelligence division within 90 days. The audit must verify actual headcounts against personnel physically deployed and examine all Secret Service Account payments, including informant lists and payment records. This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts by the Minister of Finance and the Department of Public Service and Administration to identify and eliminate ghost employees across the public service sector. Organised criminal networks De Villiers emphasised that ghost-worker fraud extends beyond isolated incidents, describing it as sophisticated criminal activity. 'It takes sophisticated collusion to create and maintain these ghost-worker employees, who operate like organised criminal syndicates embedded in our government systems,' he explained. The chairperson expressed confidence that under Minister Mchunu's leadership, Saps could use this situation as an opportunity to demonstrate accountability and root out embedded corruption while reclaiming public funds for legitimate intelligence and public safety services. Public trust at stake De Villiers characterised the urgent audit as essential not only for financial accountability, but also for restoring public confidence in Crime Intelligence operations. The investigation aims to ensure that South Africa's intelligence-led policing is supported by a credible, ethical, and fully functional institution. 'We trust that under Minister Mchunu's leadership, Saps will use this opportunity to lead by example – rooting out embedded corruption and reclaiming public funds for real intelligence and public safety services,' de Villiers concluded. READ NEXT: 'We don't want him to be a pop star': Allegations by KZN police commissioner Mkhwanazi sparks uproar
IOL News
06-07-2025
- IOL News
Call for audit into SAPS Crime Intelligence following arrests of senior officials
Crime Intelligence boss Dumisani Khumalo and six colleagues appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court. Image: Screenshot from video. The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration, Jan de Villiers, has called for an independent and immediate audit into the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Intelligence Division, following the arrest of seven senior officials on corruption-related charges. The arrests, which took place between June and July 2025, were of high-ranking Crime Intelligence officials responsible for financial oversight, internal controls, and personnel management. Those arrested include: Divisional Commissioner Lieutenant-Gen Dumisani Khumalo Chief Financial Officer Major-General Philani Lushaba Gauteng Crime Intelligence Head Major-General Josias Lekalakala Head of Analysis Centre Major-General Nosipho Madondo Technology Services Major-General Zwelithini Gabela Technical Systems Brigadier Dineo Mokwele Head of Vetting Brigadier Phindile Ncube The officials are facing charges of fraud and corruption linked to the appointment of an unqualified civilian in a senior post. 'These arrests raise grave concerns about systemic corruption within Crime Intelligence, particularly in relation to payroll fraud and the possible existence of ghost workers,' said De Villiers. 'It is reasonable to expect similar malpractice in payroll management... the possibility of irregular appointments, inflated headcounts, and unvetted recruits of 'ghost' employees is high.' 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 Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading In a letter addressed to the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, the chairperson called for National Treasury and the Public Service Commission to coordinate a full audit of the Crime Intelligence division within 90 days. The audit must verify the headcount against the actual number of personnel deployed and scrutinise all payments from the Secret Services Account, a classified fund used for covert operations and informant compensation. De Villiers said the Secret Services Account 'has historically been flagged as highly vulnerable to abuse', that many of the arrested officials had direct responsibility for managing the fund. He said there is serious concern that public money may have been used to 'fund fabricated operatives or fake intelligence activities.' 'Ghost-worker fraud in government is not isolated,' he said. 'It takes sophisticated collusion to create and maintain these ghost-worker employees, who operate like organised criminal syndicates embedded in our government systems.' THE MERCURY
The Citizen
04-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Eskom strengthens system against fraudulent tokens generation
State power utility Eskom says it has taken several steps to strengthen its systems against potential threats related to the generation of fraudulent prepaid tokens. In December 2024, the power utility disclosed, as part of its full-year 2024 financial results, a forensic report detailing the breach of its Online Vending System (OVS). 'The system was exploited to generate and distribute fraudulent prepaid electricity tokens, revealing critical vulnerabilities in both the physical and cybersecurity components of the utility's prepaid electricity infrastructure. 'In response, Eskom undertook a comprehensive review and intervention strategy aimed at mitigating these vulnerabilities and restoring system integrity,' Eskom said in a statement. Eskom Chief Technology and Information Officer, Len De Villiers, said the power utility has 'successfully strengthened the protection of its current systems against potential threats'. 'All system enhancements are managed through a robust Change Management process that spans all divisions, ensuring consistent oversight and control. These measures are part of Eskom's ongoing commitment to safeguarding operations and addressing identified vulnerabilities,' De Villiers said. The latest key actions implemented include: Internal controls to deal with electricity theft have been implemented. Measures to safeguard the system by reinforcing physical infrastructure and limiting both physical and digital access. Enhanced monitoring capabilities to ensure transparency and timely reporting. On-going collaboration with law enforcement agencies to support investigations and ensure accountability. As part of this process, internal employees who have been implicated have been placed on precautionary suspension pending further review. Augmented in-house capabilities, supported by an external Information Technology (IT) firm tasked to better manage risks and safeguard operations. Coordinated system upgrades through a structured change management process. Regular reporting to the Eskom Board, which has maintained oversight throughout the remediation process. Accelerated acquisition of a new. secure vending system, designed to replace the current OVS and prevent future incidents. Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, said: 'We are fully aware of the challenges that have emerged within the OVS environment, and we have taken clear steps to address them. 'Our focus is on restoring trust, strengthening our systems, and ensuring that our customers can rely on a secure and efficient service. This is not just a technical fix, it is part of a broader commitment to transparency, operational excellence and accountability.' Eskom, in conjunction with law enforcement, is investigating with the findings to be disclosed once complete. – At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
