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2 days ago
- IOL News
Police killings rise as minister vows justice for fallen officers
South Africa's acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia, announced 27 police killings in the last financial year—a statistic that underscores a deepening crisis in law enforcement safety. Image: Picture: Kamogelo Moichela/IOL Politics With 27 police killings in the last financial year, acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia, who on Sunday visited the families of Warrant Officer Vuyisile Sintwa and Sergeant Simon Masenya, the two officers who were tragically shot and killed on Friday, has promised that no stone will be left unturned in the search for convicted criminal Jabulani Moyo, linked to the two murders. The minister also extended his sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Sergeant Lawrence Mtshweni from Schoemansdal SAPS in Mpumalanga, who was killed on Saturday while responding to a burglary incident in Schoemansdal near Komatipoort. 'These senseless acts of violence against our men and women in blue are an attack on the rule of law and the safety of all South Africans. We strongly condemn these heinous crimes, and we will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice. We call on all SAPS members to remain alert at all times and to make full and appropriate use of the tools of trade issued to them," the minister 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 Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Meanwhile, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola and Mpumalanga's Acting Commissioner Dr. Zeph Mkhwanazi, who also visited the Mpumalanga family of Sergeant Mtshweni, decried the war against law enforcement officers "He was killed while he was on duty. He was not killed at a place he was not supposed to be. He died while wearing a uniform and his boots on. This means he was a dedicated official. We call on the community, where there is necessary information that can lead to the arrest of those responsible, to share that information with the police," Mkhwanazi stated. On Saturday, Masemola said the attack on police will not go unchallenged as the force has lost three officers in 24 hours, adding that since the start of the year, the police have lost 27 men and women in blue. "In the last financial year, 27 men and women in blue died in the line of duty. From the first of April 2025 to date, six police officers have lost their lives to criminal attacks and ambushes. These are not just numbers; they were mothers and fathers who left their families behind to fend for themselves," Masemola said.
IOL News
04-08-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
MK Party condemns ConCourt's dismissal of court challenge against Ramaphosa
Judiciary's failure to hold President Cyril Ramaphosa accountable sparks outrage from MK Party Image: Kamogelo Moichela/IOL Politics The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has voiced its strong condemnation of the Constitutional Court's recent decision to dismiss a critical challenge against President Cyril Ramaphosa's actions, asserting that the judiciary has failed to hold the head of state accountable for what the party describes as 'flagrant constitutional violations.' Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela issued a statement on Monday criticising the court's move. 'To the shock of most South Africans who believed that the rule of law still prevails, the Constitutional Court has unfortunately chosen to turn a blind eye and take the easy way out by hiding behind technicalities, instead of addressing the real issues that the MK Party has presented.' He added that the court's decision to defer the matter to the High Court effectively sidesteps what the MK Party sees as a looming constitutional crisis. The challenge was rooted in President Ramaphosa's decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave and to announce Professor Firoz Cachalia as the acting Police Minister, a move the MK Party argues contravenes constitutional provisions and undermines accountability. 'The Constitutional Court has abdicated its responsibility to hold the Executive accountable,' the statement continued. 'This decision disregards the courageous efforts of whistleblowers like General Mkhwanazi and many others who are committed to fostering a safer, more accountable South Africa.' The MK Party is not backing down and announced that it is exploring all peaceful avenues to press for justice. 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 As part of its next steps, the party stated it issued a formal letter of demand to President Ramaphosa, requesting him to explain the ongoing constitutional turmoil. The party stated that among the questions posed are issues surrounding the funding of two Police Ministers and an allegedly 'illegal Commission of Inquiry', which the party says are politically motivated and fiscally irresponsible. 'We have also demanded that President Ramaphosa respond to a list of 15 questions by August 8, 2025, concerning his dealings with the CR17 and Phala Phala scandals, which continue to cast a shadow over his presidency,' Ndhlela explained. 'This crisis is unfolding at the expense of South Africans who deserve honest leadership and transparency.' In addition, the MK Party said it plans to write to the Chief Justice, urging the judiciary to furnish the reasons behind its recent ruling adding that once all pertinent information is obtained, the party promises to outline its next steps and inform the public accordingly. Furthermore, Ndhlela said the MK party remains unwavering in its stance that President Ramaphosa's resignation is in the country's best interest. 'Any political party or member of Parliament who votes against our forthcoming Motion of No Confidence should be prepared to face the justified anger of South Africans,' Ndhlela warned. The MK Party said it continues to organise peaceful demonstrations in support of whistleblowers and advocates for Ramaphosa's removal from office. IOL Politics
IOL News
04-08-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Ramaphosa admits SA is reeling from US tariffs, but insists it is not alone
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the United States' 30% tariff on South African imports is a harsh wake-up call, but insists the country is not alone. Image: Kamogelo Moichela/IOL Politics President Cyril Ramaphosa has conceded that South Africa is grappling with the United States' decision to impose a 30% tariff on local imports, but insists the country is not alone in facing mounting global trade challenges. In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa described the new US tariffs as a stark reminder of the urgent need to adapt to increasingly turbulent headwinds in international trade. 'The US is South Africa's second-largest trading partner by country, and these measures will have a considerable impact on industries that rely heavily on exports to that country and on the workers they employ, as well as on our fiscus,' he said. Sectors such as agriculture, automotive and textiles have historically benefited from duty-free access to the US market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which now faces disruption. Ramaphosa said that South Africa's trade relationship with the US has historically been complementary, saying local exports 'do not compete with US producers and do not pose a threat to US industry'. 'Largely, our exports are inputs into US industries and therefore support the United States' industrial base,' he said. 'South Africa is also the biggest investor from the African continent into the US, with 22 of our companies investing in a number of sectors including mining, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and the food chain.' The 30% tariff was recently announced by the Trump administration and will take effect on 7 August. South Africa is the only country in sub-Saharan Africa singled out for the steep tariff, reflecting deteriorating relations between Pretoria and Washington. Other African countries, such as Lesotho and Zimbabwe, will face a 15% tariff from the same date. The announcement is a significant blow to South Africa's economy, particularly as the government had been working to strengthen trade ties with the US. This included deals on liquefied natural gas imports, easing poultry import regulations and investments in US industries. Ramaphosa defended South African imports, arguing they ultimately benefit US consumers through greater variety and lower costs. 'For example, citrus production is counter-seasonal and does not pose a threat to US production,' he said. 'Furthermore, production by US companies has been on the decline due to low yields, citrus greening disease and other factors unrelated to competition from imports.' South Africa, the world's second-largest citrus exporter, has helped to stabilise supply and prices in the US market. 'We have been engaging the United States to enhance mutually beneficial trade and investment relations. All channels of communication remain open,' said Ramaphosa. 'Our foremost priority is protecting our export industries.' He said the government would continue to engage with US officials while also accelerating efforts to diversify export markets, particularly within Africa. 'With a view to helping our producers and exporters aggressively explore alternative markets, we have established an Export Support Desk to assist affected producers,' he said. Ramaphosa added that details of a support package for companies, producers and workers impacted by the tariffs would be announced soon. He said the intervention would also assist industries seeking to expand into regions such as the rest of Africa, Asia, the Middle East and other existing trade agreement markets. 'Strengthening regional value chains will be key to building resilience for our export markets in the longer term,' he said. 'Much as strengthening and establishing alternative value chains will take time, this moment presents us with an opportunity to push forward with the implementation and expansion of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).' Ramaphosa stressed the need to reduce South Africa's dependence on specific export markets, calling it a 'strategic imperative' to build economic resilience. 'In the coming months, we will be scaling up our trade missions into new markets in Africa and beyond, as well as the National Exporter Development Programme, whose aim is to grow the pool of export-ready companies,' he said. Relations between South Africa and the US have been under strain since Donald Trump's return to office. Trump has opposed several South African policies, including land expropriation, which he controversially claimed allowed land to be taken from white farmers. The Presidency has firmly denied such claims, including that one of genocide on white farmers. Ramaphosa met with Trump in May in a bid to mend relations, but no progress was made as things had gone worse. Despite growing tensions, Ramaphosa insisted that South Africa is not alone in facing high tariffs. 'A number of export-reliant developed and developing economies, including several on the continent, are also grappling with these measures,' he said. 'The international trading system is changing. Complacency will not serve us, and building resilience is imperative.' Meanwhile, the Minister of Departments of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola will be having a joint press briefing on Monday morning to address the issue of high tariffs. The briefing will take place at 10 a.m. at the Germiston Civic Centre, in Ekurhuleni. Meanwhile on Saturday, ANC NEC member Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa told journalists there had been a 'spirited and robust' discussion on the US tariffs. He said negotiations between the US and South Africa were ongoing, and expressed confidence that the two nations 'would be able to find each other'. [email protected] IOL Politics
IOL News
01-08-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
'We need leadership now': Ramaphosa justifies keeping Mchunu, appoints Cachalia during inquiry
President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke to the media on the sidelines of the swearing-in ceremony of the new Police Minister, Professor Firoz Cachalia. Image: Kamogelo Moichela/IOL Politics President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a clear message that leadership in the police service would not be compromised amid scandal, adding that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu would not be fired until the corruption scandal is resolved. On Friday, Ramaphosa announced the appointment of Professor Firoz Cachalia as the new Police Minister, following damning allegations levelled against Mchunu by KZN Police Commissioner Lt-Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Speaking from the Union Buildings, the president said he was confident that Cachalia would take over and do the right thing. Mchunu, who is accused by Mkhwanazi of political interference and abuse of power, will not be fired — at least not yet, Ramaphosa said, that is, until the end of investigations. Instead, he has directed a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to probe the matter swiftly, and Mchunu is expected to testify. 'We have asked, or I have directed the Judicial Commission of Inquiry to complete its work as quickly as possible,' Ramaphosa said. 'I expect a report from the commission within three months. If they ask for an extension, we'll consider that.' 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 ✕ Ramaphosa stressed the need for urgency but affirmed that due process would be followed. 'I do want this matter to be resolved as quickly as possible. But at the same time, we've had to provide leadership to the police service. We can't leave a vacuum,' he said. Mchunu has reportedly welcomed the commission, preparing to appear and 'clarify matters.' The appointment of Cachalia — a respected legal scholar and constitutional expert — is being seen as a stabilising move aimed at restoring public confidence in the police ministry during a politically sensitive moment. Cachalia has previously chaired the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council and is known for his no-nonsense stance on accountability. Ramaphosa's move comes amid rising tensions within the police ranks and growing public pressure for transparency and reform. For now, Mchunu is out temporarily — but not off the hook. IOL Politics
IOL News
10-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
'My fellow South Africans': Family meeting called to decide Senzo Mchunu's fate
Fellow South Africans, President Cyril Ramaphosa has called a family meeting on Sunday to address allegations that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and senior police leadership are linked to a criminal syndicate with ties to drug cartels. This also included politically connected figures. The meeting follows a bombshell press conference by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused Mchunu of executive overreach, specifically blaming him for orchestrating the task team's shutdown. The televised address, scheduled for 7pm on 13 July, will provide clarity on explosive claims made by Mkhwanazi during a media briefing held on 6 July. The Commissioner's remarks reportedly implicate high-ranking officials within both the South African Police Service and the political sphere.. Over the past week, the President has held consultations with key stakeholders and security officials. According to a statement from the Presidency, Ramaphosa will now 'take the nation into his confidence' following these engagements. IOL Politics
