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IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
'The police don't work!' Really? Let's weigh critique against evidence
Members of the South African Police Service preparing for the 2025 State of the Nation Address at the Castle of Good Hope. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers This pejorative chorus echoes from certain corners of society, often lacking context and driven by subjective, biased, and unfair characterisations. These claims, often border on disinformation- and they do a disservice to apparent facts. A simple search reveals the staggering reality: South Africa's correctional centres are critically overcrowded. As of early 2025, approximately 167,300 inmates are housed in facilities built for just 107,346 - an excess of about 60,000 individuals, resulting in an overcrowding rate of 56%. These aren't minor offenders- they include murderers, rapists, hijackers, and other hardened criminals. Let it be made abundantly clear: these inmates did not walk into custody voluntarily. Complex SAPS intelligence-led driven investigations - were coordinated by diligent, dedicated, hardworking men and women in blue, to bring about watertight cases resulting in these convictions. For instance – just recently, we have witnessed no less than noteworthy – prominent cases being brought before courts – whose outcomes were severe convictions – while others are still awaiting trials and sentences – among them they includes: Sibusiso Ncengwa, convicted for the murder of Sindiso Magaqa, was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment by the Pietermaritzburg High Court on 7 July 2025. His co-accused, Sbonelo Myeza and Mbulelo Mpofana, will face trial in October 2025. Six suspects were arrested in connection with the murder of Kiernan 'AKA' Forbes and Tebello 'Tibz' Motsoane, executed in Durban on 10 February 2023. Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, a Pretoria-based tenderpreneur, was also arrested in May 2025 following a high-profile investigation. He faces charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering, all linked to a botched hit on actress Tebogo Thobejane. But that's just the surface. 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 ✕ His company, Medicare24, cancelled by the National Commissioner of Police Fannie Masemola upon realizing that there was something untoward – when it was controversially awarded a R360 million health services tender. In July 2025, four suspects - including alleged mastermind KT Molefe and former police detective Michael Tau - were arrested for the murder of DJ Sumbody, gunned down in Woodmead in November 2022. Firearms recovered from the scene are linked to ten other high-profile cases. Meanwhile, SAPS commercial crime investigators made significant strides: At least 12 Eskom employees were arrested for corruption-related offences in 2024/25, working with NAT JOINTS and internal security teams. Eight Transnet-linked individuals, including former executives, were arrested between July 2024 and June 2025: Brian Molefe, Siyabonga Gama, Anoj Singh, and Thamsanqa Jiyane - for a R93 million locomotive tender fraud. Zakhele Lebelo and Phathutshedzo Mashamba - for R10 million in kickbacks. Garry Pita - for irregular payments in the broader procurement scandal. These breakthroughs stem from meticulous investigations into state capture-era contracts - proof that the system works when led and given the support it deserves. We are witnessing progress within state-owned entities - locomotives are transporting people and goods to their various destinations; the restoration of Eskom has brought a halt to loadshedding – whose impact have severely devastated the economy, and energy is fuelling optimism and economic momentum. While internal controls by various state owned entities deserve recognition, we must not overlook the crucial role of SAPS investigators in safeguarding national integrity. Their work against complex white-collar crime is indispensable. To those who peddle cynicism and misinformation: dissent is valid, and holding institutions accountable is necessary. But criticism must be equitable, principled, and evidence-based - not reactive, selective, or prejudicial. 'When criticism is done objectively – with the intention to develop – and empower – will be the first to acknowledge our fallibilities and take corrective measures to improve – service delivery' says the National Commissioner, Fannie Masemola. * Thabo Moetji, South African Police Service (SAPS) Media Liaison. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.
News24
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
The Lead: Has Vusi ‘Cat' Matlala run out of lives? Jeff Wicks on his arrest and tender trouble
He is languishing in a prison cell for an attempted hit on his former lover, and now the walls are closing in on tender don, Vusimusi 'Cat' Matlala, for a now cancelled R360-million SAPS health services tender allegedly unduly awarded to his company, Medicare 24 Tshwane District in 2024. Matlala's bail proceedings on Monday in connection with allegedly orchestrating the failed attempt on actress Tebogo Thobejane's life in 2023 have been postponed to 30 May. In the meantime, officials with the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) are delving into the legalities of the allegedly corrupt police tender that saw R18.5 million paid into the Cat's accounts, despite his company's 'sustained underperformance'. News24 investigative journalist, Jeff Wicks, has been on the Cat's tail for months now. 'This is a tender process perverted. What this really shows is a patent lack of due diligence and now there must be accountability.' You can read his full article here. Later in the show, host Graeme Raubenheimer catches us up on an Eastern Cape coastal town's fight against sand mining. And finally, an early winter cold front promises a dusting of snow on our mountaintops this week. Listen on YouTube: Listen on Apple Podcasts:
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.
