Latest news with #Gauteng-based
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
Court postpones hearing for mother accused of child drug abuse
A Johannesburg mother faces charges of child abuse after a shocking video of her four-year-old son smoking drugs went viral. The court case has been postponed for address verification, raising concerns about child safety and parental responsibility. The case against a woman accused of giving her four-year-old son a substance to smoke has been postponed for address verification. The woman and her co-accused, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the child, appeared in court on Monday, and according to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has been postponed to August 7. "The postponement is to allow for verification of the accused's alternative residential addresses, as the investigating officer reported that the provided addresses were inaccessible during a recent visit," NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane explained. The case made headlines last week after a video of the incident went viral on social media. The video shows the child allegedly lighting a pipe with a substance in it, reportedly for his mother. "She is then seen allegedly encouraging him to smoke it himself, in the presence of the three co-accused. The accused have been charged with Child Abuse and Attempted Murder. The child has since been removed and placed in a place of safety," Mjonondwane stated. Meanwhile, Curt van Heerden, a Gauteng-based pastor who was instrumental in tracking down the family following the release of the video, said the boy has been housed in a place of safety.
IOL News
24-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
FEDUSA condemns lenient sentencing of businessman involved in R66 million fraud
A Gauteng businessman has been jailed for an effective five years in connection with R66million Transnet fraud. Image: File The Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa) has welcomed the recent yet lenient sentencing of Gauteng-based businessman, Yakub Ahmed Suleman Bhikhu. Bhikhu was found guilty on 81 counts of fraud, forgery, uttering, money laundering, and the Contravention of the Tax Administration Act in the Pretoria Regional Court. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, Bhikhu pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 10 years' direct imprisonment, of which five years were suspended for five years. IOL reported that the convicted businessman was further ordered to reimburse R300,000 to Transnet, which he received as gratification. In addition, his company was sentenced to a fine of R500,000, which was suspended on the condition that no similar offence is committed. The union, on Wednesday, said despite the light sentence imposed on the businessman, it fully supports and endorses the position taken by its affiliate, the United National Transport Union (Untu). "Like Untu, Fedusa is deeply concerned that the effective five-year sentence, following a conviction in one of South Africa's most egregious State Capture-related scandals, does not reflect the gravity of the crime nor the long-term damage inflicted on workers, the economy, and the integrity of public institutions," said Fedusa. The union added that Bhikhu's conviction for his involvement in facilitating corruption through his company, Homix (Pty) Ltd, at Transnet is a sobering reminder of the vast network of enablers, insiders, and private beneficiaries who exploited the parastatal for personal gain. This is in spite of the union's reservation about the severity of the sentence. "Fedusa believes the sentence handed down fails to deliver justice to the thousands of workers who continue to endure the consequences of this corruption, including job losses, infrastructure collapse, stagnant wages, and declining service delivery. This leniency sends the wrong message. It emboldens those who loot the state to believe they can walk away with light penalties while the public pays the price," the union stated. With South Africans bear the brunt of corruption in the private and public sectors as well as other sections of society, Fedusa believes a stronger sentence would have sent a better message to other corrupt businesspeople. "The sentence undermines confidence in our democratic institutions, particularly the National Prosecuting Authority and the judiciary, whose mandate is to protect the public interest and ensure accountability at all levels of society," it said. According to IOL, Bhikhu was last week jailed for an effective five years in connection with R66 million Transnet fraud, after he and his company, Homix (Pty) Ltd, were convicted on 81 counts that include fraud, forgery, uttering, money laundering, and the Contravention of the Tax Administration Act in the Pretoria Regional Court. [email protected]
IOL News
11-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Mkhwanazi Versus Mchunu: The Controversial Role of the Political Killings Task Team in KZN
Mary De Haas On June 29, in breach of SAPS protocol, KZN Provincial Commissioner Lt-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi held an explosive media briefing, riddled with misinformation about the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) activities, linking the order from Police Minister Mchunu to disband it to his alleged corrupt relationship with a Gauteng-based criminal syndicate. While there is support for an independent inquiry into his allegations about ministerial corruption, the tissue of lies about the PKTT must be exposed. The establishment of this team followed the Moerane Commission findings into political killings in KZN, its mandate being to investigate such killings. While initially headed by an experienced detective, he retired and was replaced by Brigadier Dumisani Khumalo, who lacked any investigative experience, having, like Generals Mkhwanazi and Masemola, spent his career in Operational Response services. The close relationship of these three generals is the background to the recent media show. Khumalo, lacking Intelligence training, was also appointed to head Crime Intelligence in 2022, when allegations of funds for informers disappearing into the PKTT pockets started. It was then Minister Cele who gave instructions to Khumalo and Mkhwanazi. Most PKTT activities have evaded public scrutiny. The statistics cited recently, like those of earlier reports, lack the breakdowns needed for fact checking (but it is known that one figure citing sentencing in a specific case was inaccurate) Evaluated against a database of dozens of politically-linked killings in KZN since 2016, the team has achieved virtually nothing it was mandated to do, while costing taxpayers a small fortune. Mkhwanazi disparages the provincial team, but their achievements far outstrip those of the PKTT. Arrests made by the KZN detectives include three high-profile cases: those of the murders, those of Musawenkosi 'Maqatha' Mchunu, Newcastle ANCYL leader Wandile Ngubeni and ANC councillor Sindiso Magaqa. The PKTT withdrew charges against the high-profile accused (prominent ANC officials), one of whom subsequently died, as did a key witness. The Mchunu and Ngubeni cases disappeared, and the Magaqa case has dragged on for six years, with the hitman who pulled the trigger being deliberately denied his wish to make a confession by the prosecutor working with the task team. He finally placed it on the court record recently, confirming that those against whom charges had been withdrawn by the PKTT had ordered the killing. A large body of research material confirms that this team makes malicious arrests, covering for politically connected hitmen and tenderpreneurs. A police officer who provided evidence about who killed South Coast Speaker, Wandile Mkhize, was himself arrested and held without bail for five years until the court found, two months ago, that there was no evidence whatsoever. The Mkhize murder was not investigated. Two Umkomaas police members who arrested hitmen armed with AK47s were maliciously charged, and remain in prison without bail (the evidence used to deny bail has been shown to be lies). The team works with prosecutors who collude with them in fabricating evidence, and routinely ensures that hearings in cases lacking credible evidence are deliberately drawn out. The team itself comprises a motley bunch of members, not all of whom are detectives, and most from outside KZN. Their travel and luxurious accommodation costs are exorbitant, they are rapidly promoted, and they earn extra deployment monies. Also benefiting are members of the National Intervention Unit who, instead of dealing with armed syndicates, including those invading land under interdiction in Camperdown, and construction mafias, accompany these detectives everywhere - an unheard-of practice. These team members behave like the apartheid police. They routinely break laws with impunity, seizing phones and searching homes without orders and warrants, and use physical and mental torture to extract information from potential witnesses and accused people, to coerce them into signing fabricated statements. In referring to the Gauteng syndicate case, Mkhwanazi shows that the team is operating outside of its mandate. Such investigations, and municipal corruption (as in cases they opened in Nongoma), are the mandate of the DPCl. He refers to the Fort Hare murders, ignoring the fact that two forensic lawyers investigating corruption there were confronted by task team/NIU members armed with rifles, some wearing balaclavas, who seized legally privileged documents and maliciously charged them. If Mkhwanazi feels so strongly about syndicates, why is he ignoring the convicted drug dealer and human trafficker in his own upmarket northern Durban suburb? Mkhwanazi has, contrary to SAPS protocol, been using the media to build his image as a crime-fighting cop, winning public support. However, his recent media bombshell has sinister overtones. He should face disciplinary charges, but there are now threats on social media that, should he be touched in any way, there may be July 2021-type protests. Mkhwanazi himself could not even be reached telephonically during that mayhem, and those behind it have never been identified and charged, raising serious questions about exactly who stands to gain from his recent public relations stunt. * Mary de Haas is a violence monitor in KZN, a honorary Research Fellow at the University of KZN's School of Law and a member of the Navi Pillay Research Group on justice and human rights. ** The views in this article do not necessarily represent the views of IOL, Independent Media or The African.
The South African
08-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs tick key CAF requirement before new season
Kaizer Chiefs have officially unveiled a game-changing partnership with Springs Home Sweepers Football Club, ensuring their eligibility for the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup. Following their triumphant Nedbank Cup victory in May 2025, the Glamour Boys secured their place in continental competition. However, CAF club licensing rules demand participating teams either operate or formally partner with a women's team, prompting Chiefs to seal the deal with the Gauteng-based outfit. The chosen partner, Home Sweepers, competes in the Gauteng Sasol League and calls Kwa Thema Stadium in Springs home. The club boasts a rich connection to Amakhosi history. It is owned by Joseph 'Skeshekeshe' Mkhonza, a former Kaizer Chiefs player and father of the late Siphiwe Mkhonza, who also donned the black and gold. Club Chairman Dr Kaizer Motaung expressed pride in the agreement. 'I am excited to see this partnership coming to fruition. Equally, I am happy that finally we have an agreement with the women's team, Home Sweepers, owned by our very own Kaizer Chiefs legend, Joseph Mkhonza.' He emphasised the club's ambition to empower women and promote inclusivity in football. 'This collaboration is a significant milestone for our club… We believe in empowering women in sport and providing opportunities for them to shine.' This move mirrors recent steps by other Betway Premiership clubs. Stellenbosch FC aligned with the Stellenbosch University Women's Team for their maiden CAF stint, while Orlando Pirates joined forces with UJ Ladies for their 2023 Champions League return. Commercial and Marketing Director Jessica Motaung believes the alliance marks a shift towards sustainability in the women's game. 'We are thrilled to formalise this relationship with Home Sweepers. This partnership is about more than just football, it's about creating a sustainable ecosystem for women's football in South Africa.' She added that linking with professional clubs raises standards and increases visibility for the women's game. 'This partnership will… contribute to the broader development of women's football through shared resources, mentorship and visibility.' Will Kaizer Chiefs fans support Home Sweepers? 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.
The Citizen
07-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Mkhwanazi vs Mchunu: 5 things you need to know about their explosive feud
KZN police commissioner accuses minister of meddling in political killing cases. Here is what you need to know... There has been a massive spat between the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, and KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. During a media briefing on Sunday, Mkhwanazi made explosive revelations, accusing senior police leadership, including Mchunu, of interfering in investigations into politically motivated killings. There are concerns that the spat might affect policing and administration. Here are 5 things you need to know about the saga: Peace between a 'criminal and a police officer' In a detailed briefing, Mkhwanazi exposed the removal of 121 case dockets from his political killings task team by Deputy National Commissioner General Shadrack Sibiya, allegedly under the instruction of Mchunu. Some of these dockets had already led to arrest orders, but no action was taken, with the files now sitting untouched in Pretoria. Mkhwanazi also linked the targeting of his task team to its involvement in exposing a powerful Gauteng-based organised crime syndicate. He alleged the syndicate includes serving MPs, police officers, correctional officials, prosecutors, and even members of the judiciary—all allegedly controlled by drug cartels and business elites. He further revealed digital evidence suggesting collusion and attempted interference. Rejecting calls for reconciliation with Sibiya, Mkhwanazi stated, 'There can never be peace between a criminal and a police officer.' NOW READ: KZN's Mkhwanazi makes damning claims about Mchunu, senior police officials Mchunu reacts Minister Mchunu dismissed the allegations, calling them baseless and lacking evidence. Mchunu said he will not allow his integrity or that of the police ministry to be undermined by unsubstantiated claims. 'We will be reviewing the Provincial Commissioner's statements and consider appropriate action,' he said. Ramaphosa speaks up President Cyril Ramaphosa later expressed serious concern over the public statements made by Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi. He called the matter one of 'grave national security concern.' Ramaphosa emphasised the need to uphold the integrity of the country's security services. He further warned that the ongoing exchange of accusations could erode public trust and disrupt the cohesion of the police. 'All parties to this matter are called upon to exercise discipline and restraint. The trading of accusations and counter-accusations threatens to undermine public confidence and sow confusion. Furthermore, these actions damage the unity and focus of the police,' the Presidency said. Ramaphosa will announce steps to be taken once he returns from the Brics Leaders' Summit in Brazil. NOW READ: 'We don't want him to be a pop star': Allegations by KZN police commissioner Mkhwanazi sparks uproar MK party calls for minister to be arrested The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has demanded that Mkhwanazi lay criminal charges against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and General Sibiya within 24 hours, accusing them of defeating the ends of justice. The party urged National Commissioner Fannie Masemola and Mkhwanazi to act swiftly, warning that failure to do so would signal political interference and institutional protection. NOW READ: MK party wants Mchunu arrested amid explosive allegations Will policing be affected? Following Ramaphosa's earlier warning, police on Monday confirmed that normal day-to-day policing operations across the country are continuing without disruption. National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola assured the public that police stations and service points remain fully operational, with officers continuing their mandate to prevent and combat crime, maintain public order, and protect all inhabitants of the country. NOW READ: Mchunu vs Mkhwanazi: Police operations continue amid explosive allegations
