Latest news with #EMPD
The Citizen
5 days ago
- The Citizen
Teenager dies in R24 crash near Barbara Road
Less than a minute Sharon Mdaka Less than a minute Teenager dies in R24 crash near Barbara Road A 17-year-old male died following a collision on the R24 West near the Barbara Road off-ramp on Saturday, July 26. According to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), the crash occurred at around 18:00 and involved a blue Chevrolet and a white VW Polo. EMPD Freeway Unit officers responded to the scene alongside emergency medical services. ALSO READ: Taxi crash leaves multiple injured in Delville 'One of the passengers sustained serious injuries and was transported to Tambo Memorial Hospital for medical treatment,' the EMPD confirmed in a statement. The teenager was declared dead at the scene by EMS paramedics. The circumstances surrounding the crash are under investigation.
The Citizen
24-07-2025
- The Citizen
EMPD officers dedicate 67 minutes of service in honour of Mandela Day
EMPD officers dedicate 67 minutes of service in honour of Mandela Day In celebration of Nelson Mandela Day, officers from the EMPD stepped out of their uniforms and into their communities, dedicating 67 minutes of their time to honour the late former president's legacy. Across the City of Ekurhuleni's policing regions, EMPD members participated in various outreach and service-driven activities under the theme of 'Remembering every act of service, no matter how small'. The officers marked Mandela Day by volunteering their time for clean-up campaigns, supporting local shelters, engaging with schools, and donating essentials to vulnerable residents. ALSO READ: EMPD impounds vehicles in crackdown on illegal mechanics These acts were a symbolic gesture to echo the values of compassion, service, and unity that Nelson Mandela stood for. EMPD spokespersons noted that Mandela Day serves as a reminder of the important role that law enforcement can play not only in upholding the law but also in building stronger, more caring communities. 'The dedication shown by our officers today is not just about symbolic service – it's a reflection of the ongoing commitment to public service that the EMPD strives to embody throughout the year,' the department stated. Mandela Day, commemorated annually on July 18, encourages individuals and organisations to dedicate 67 minutes of their time – representing the 67 years Nelson Mandela spent fighting for social justice. ALSO READ: Suspect arrested for fatal shooting of two EMPD officers As the city's guardians of safety and order, EMPD officers embraced this call by engaging in meaningful acts of kindness, reinforcing their role as both protectors and community partners.
The Citizen
23-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Tax season opens with expanded auto assessments, faster refunds
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has opened the 2025 tax filing season. Individual taxpayers can file returns from July 21 to October 20, while provisional taxpayers have until January 19, 2026. This year marks a significant expansion of SARS' auto assessment process, with 5.8 million taxpayers receiving automated assessments – up from 5 million in 2024. Of these, 99.6% have not been changed by taxpayers, reflecting accuracy and trust in the system. SARS has already paid out R10.6b in refunds within 72 hours of assessment. ALSO READ: SARS 2025 Tax Season: What's new on eFiling The auto assessment process uses third-party data to evaluate taxpayer returns without requiring further input from most individuals. Taxpayers only need to take action if their information is incomplete, which they can correct via eFiling or the SARS MobiApp. SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter praised the ongoing digital transformation of SARS, calling the auto assessment process 'a game changer' that aligns with the vision to 'make tax just happen'. ALSO READ: Get ready: SARS tax season starts July 7 He added that the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and data science continues to reduce the need for in-person visits to SARS service centres. Following the auto assessment period, which ran from July 7 to 20, the broader tax filing season is now underway. Most online submissions receive an assessment outcome in less than five seconds, with SARS using advanced AI to detect risks and prevent fraudulent refunds. Digital engagement with SARS continues to rise. More than 10.2 million unique users accessed the SARS eFiling platform or the MobiApp since July 4. SARS handled over 2.1m queries digitally – 1.1 million via the SARS Online Query System, 707 000 through WhatsApp, and 290 000 with the Lwazi Chatbot. To ensure a smooth filing season, SARS urges taxpayers to file accurate information promptly. ALSO READ: EMPD brokers peace between taxi drivers and scholar transport operators Only refunds over R100 will be automatically paid into taxpayers' verified bank accounts within 72 hours of assessment. Taxpayers who owe SARS should pay promptly or make arrangements to avoid penalties. SARS also warned the public to remain vigilant against scams. SARS reminds taxpayers that it will never send clickable links via SMS or email to request sensitive information. Report suspicious messages to [email protected], and the latest scam alerts are available at Kieswetter emphasised the convenience of digital platforms and advised taxpayers to avoid unnecessary visits to service centres. He encouraged all taxpayers to use eFiling and other digital services for quicker and more secure compliance. For more information, visit or contact SARS via WhatsApp on 0800 117 277, or dial 1347277#. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
22-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Joburg urged to scrap fixed electricity surcharge after Ekurhuleni decision
Protesters block roads in Tembisa with rocks as protest turns ugly over the newly implemented electricity tariffs by the City of Ekurhuleni. Image: Supplied/EMPD ActionSA has thrown down the gauntlet to the City of Joburg and all Gauteng municipalities, after the Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni, Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, suspended the controversial fixed electricity surcharge. Calling the Ekurhuleni decision a wake-up call to municipalities, the party's Gauteng Provincial Chairperson, Funzi Ngobeni, said: 'It is no longer acceptable to balance municipal budgets by squeezing the most vulnerable residents while protecting bloated expenditure and inefficiencies in city administrations.'' This comes in the wake of public outrage and violent protests in Tembisa, where police resorted to firing rubber bullets to disperse crowds. The unrest was sparked by the City of Ekurhuleni's implementation of new electricity tariffs, which came into effect on July 1 for the 2025/26 financial year. ActionSA said the latest development reaffirms its long-standing position that the electricity surcharges are unjust, anti-poor, and were imposed without proper public consultation. The party said that the halted surcharge in Ekurhuleni is similar to the R230 monthly fixed fee levied on prepaid electricity users in Johannesburg. "These fees disproportionately affect poor and working-class households who are already battling rising food prices, unemployment, and service failures." He further stated that ActionSA plans to write to the Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to request public hearings on the implementation of fixed electricity charges across municipalities. He stressed that Gauteng residents deserve to be heard, not punished, adding that the violent protests in Tembisa were both unfortunate and could have been avoided with proper public engagement. "Leadership should never wait for protest before acting; it should act on principle and in defence of the people." Ngubeni stressed that the ANC-EFF coalition in Johannesburg must urgently scrap the fixed electricity surcharge, which has fuelled growing frustration among residents. In contrast, he pointed out that in Tshwane, under a coalition led by ActionSA, no such surcharge has been introduced, demonstrating that there are better, more people-centred alternatives. Earlier this week, Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa admitted that electricity prices have become unbearably high, placing a heavy burden on households who are now faced with the difficult choice between putting food on the table or keeping the lights on. The Democratic Alliance's Ekurhuleni caucus leader, Brandon Pretorius, said the DA firmly opposed the implementation of the surcharge from the outset, warning that it would place already struggling residents in a dire position, forcing them to choose between heating their homes or putting food on the table. The DA also stated that they have written to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa, urging the regulator to investigate what they described as flawed calculations in justifying the controversial surcharge figures. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng has expressed their solidarity with the people of Tembisa who embarked on an electricity surcharge protest on Monday morning. The EFF has described this service charge as unreasonable because of widespread poverty and concerning unemployment figures in the region. The Star [email protected]
IOL News
21-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Electricity costs are turning into a luxury for many South Africans, says Ramokgopa
Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has vowed to tackle unaffordable electricity pricing, warning it is disproportionately affecting the country's most vulnerable communities. Image: Cape Argus Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has issued a stark warning about the escalating cost of electricity in South Africa, labelling it 'unsustainable' and a significant contributor to the growing energy poverty affecting many households. In an interview with a TV broadcaster at the weekend, Ramokgopa said, 'We are revising the electricity pricing policy to address the issue of the cost of electricity. It's unaffordable.' His comments highlight the urgent need for reform as South Africans grapple with the financial strain of rising energy costs. 'I mean, it's dealing a major blow to the disposable income of households.' He said that for many families, the choice comes down to buying a loaf of bread or replenishing electricity units. 'The choice is easy. They are going to buy a loaf of bread,' he said. Ramokgopa reiterated the government's responsibility to intervene. 'The state has got a duty not to be retrenched, but to be at the forefront of the resolution of this preeminent problem,' he said. His comments come after the National Energy Regulator of South Africa's (Nersa) decision to approve a 12.74% electricity tariff increase for Eskom earlier this year. The increase was effective from April 1, 2025. The increase is part of a multi-year revenue determination process, which will also see tariffs rise by 5.36% in the 2026 and 2027 financial year and by 6.19% in 2027 and 2028. Nersa said the tariff hike aims to stabilise South Africa's energy supply by improving Eskom's financial position, which has been weakened by aging infrastructure, delayed maintenance, and ongoing load-shedding. However, the move has sparked criticism from civil society groups, business owners, and ordinary citizens who argue that consistent increases are adding pressure to an already stretched cost of living. Ramokgopa emphasised that electricity pricing reform is necessary, particularly for poor and rural communities. 'That is disproportionately affecting your peri-urban areas, villages, and, if you like, poor areas… and that's something that is receiving our attention,' he said. Meanwhile, residents of Tembisa have taken to the streets to protest high electricity costs and the new tariff hike introduced by the City of Ekurhuleni. Angry residents began gathering around midnight Sunday and vowed to shut down the township on Monday. Protesters blocked major roads with burning tires, rocks, debris, and even mobile toilets. 'The following routes are affected following yesterday's protest action in Tembisa - Link Road, Sam Molele Drive, Brian Mazibuko Drive, George Nyanga Drive, RTJ Namane Drive, and Jabu Mdunge Drive are still barricaded,' said Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) spokesperson Katlego Mphahlele. Mphahlele said EMPD and South African Police Service (SAPS) officers remained on the scene Monday morning to monitor the situation. 'No participants have been reported thus far,' Mphahlele added. In an updated statement, the EMPD said, 'The situation is still volatile. All main roads are still barricaded with burning tires. They're throwing moving vehicles with stones. Please be cautious.' The protest comes after the recently approved tariffs by the metro, which include fixed monthly fees of under R109 for single-phase connections and more than R200 for three-phase connections. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel. Cape Argus
