Latest news with #R165
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Court admits Helen Suzman Foundation as amicus curiae in apartheid litigation
The Helen Suzman Foundation (HSF) has been admitted as amicus curiae into litigation concerning the government's failure to prosecute apartheid-era crimes referred to by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Image: Leon Muller / Independent Newspapers Archives The Helen Suzman Foundation (HSF) has been allowed to join the ongoing litigation regarding the government's failure to prosecute apartheid-era crimes as a friend of the court. This was after the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, admitted the foundation as 'amicus curiae' in the case that was brought by families of the victims who were killed and disappeared during the apartheid years. The families filed the court application earlier this year, seeking constitutional damages for political interference and suppression of the cases from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). The families want the government to pay R165 million for constitutional damage and for President Cyril Ramaphosa to establish a commission of inquiry into political interference, which halted the investigations and prosecutions of the perpetrators. 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 ✕ The litigation is also supported by the Foundation for Human Rights as co-applicants. The TRC was set up in 1996. Its mission was to expose and record apartheid-era crimes and allow some of those responsible to confess their role, including members of the apartheid government's state security forces who were implicated in many killings. Some were granted amnesty from prosecution, but thousands were denied it, and others did not come forward. The commission released the first five volumes of its final report in October 1998, and the remaining two volumes were released in March 2003. The cases were referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further investigation and prosecution. However, to date, only a handful of cases have been followed up. HSF, said, as amicus curiae, will make submissions highlighting the right to truth, a right borne not only by the families of the victims, but by the South African public at large. In its application filed in March, the foundation highlighted it would present its argument and offer information on the matter. The foundation said it would also highlight the importance of completing the work of the TRC and demonstrate that it is necessary to give effect, 'inter alia', to the public's right to the truth and the realisation of constitutional ideals around reconciliation and the recognition of the injustices of the past. The foundation said it believes this would be achieved through the investigation and prosecution of those accused of apartheid-era crimes, as well as the establishment of a commission of inquiry into the failure of the government to investigate and prosecute these crimes. 'HSF also emphasises the duty incumbent upon domestic courts to ensure the prosecution of crimes against humanity, including apartheid,' read the statement. Meanwhile, Ramaphosa, who withdrew opposition to the litigation in February, in April announced he was in the process of establishing a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to establish whether attempts were made to prevent the investigation or prosecution of the crimes referred by TRC to the NPA. The establishment of the commission is the outcome of settlement discussions in a court application.
IOL News
23-04-2025
- IOL News
Fraudulent petrol claims land detective warrant officer in hot water
Officer faces charges of theft, fraud, and defeating the ends of justice, all stemming from the alleged illegal confiscation of goods valued at R165 000. Officer faces charges of theft, fraud, and defeating the ends of justice, all stemming from the alleged illegal confiscation of goods valued at R165 000. A 52-year-old Detective Warrant Officer from the Polokwane Crime Intelligence Unit has been arrested for allegedly submitting fraudulent petrol claims. According to provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the State Security Agency (SSA) grew suspicious after detecting irregularities in petrol claims submitted by the officer. "The matter came to light when a report was received from the State Security Agency (SSA) concerning suspicious petrol claims submitted by the suspect. Upon reviewing the claims, it was noted that all attached petrol slips were photocopies, prompting immediate concern." Ledwaba added that as soon as the matter was brought to the police's attention, an investigation was launched immediately, and the officer was summoned to appear in court. "A case docket was registered, and the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit took over the investigation. Once it was concluded, the suspect was formally served with a summons to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate's Court on April 23," Ledwaba added. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Major General Samuel Manala, has strongly condemned the incident and reaffirmed the SAPS's commitment to taking decisive action against any form of corruption or misconduct within its ranks. In recent months, there has been a surge in arrests of police officers implicated in criminal activities. IOL previously reported on the arrest of a Gauteng police station commander who allegedly seized goods worth R165 000 without following legal procedures. Colonel Logan Govender, station commander of Norwood Police Station, was arrested last month by the Gauteng Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit. He faces charges of theft, fraud, and defeating the ends of justice. The incident that led to Govender's arrest dates back to 21 August 2020, when he allegedly coordinated a bogus operation involving the confiscation of stock from a shop. According to police, Govender had approached the shop owner accompanied by a civilian named Oelof Abraham Du Plooy, who posed as an expert in illicit cigarettes from the Adams and Adams company. The duo claimed to have received a tip-off from the Crime Intelligence unit regarding the sale of illicit substances at the establishment. After his arrest, he appeared at the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court, which granted him bail set at R3 000. The case has been remanded to May 29, 2025. The Star
The Star
23-04-2025
- The Star
Fraudulent petrol claims land detective warrant officer in hot water
Officer faces charges of theft, fraud, and defeating the ends of justice, all stemming from the alleged illegal confiscation of goods valued at R165 000. A 52-year-old Detective Warrant Officer from the Polokwane Crime Intelligence Unit has been arrested for allegedly submitting fraudulent petrol claims. According to provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the State Security Agency (SSA) grew suspicious after detecting irregularities in petrol claims submitted by the officer. " The matter came to light when a report was received from the State Security Agency (SSA) concerning suspicious petrol claims submitted by the suspect. Upon reviewing the claims, it was noted that all attached petrol slips were photocopies, prompting immediate concern." Ledwaba added that as soon as the matter was brought to the police's attention, an investigation was launched immediately, and the officer was summoned to appear in court. "A case docket was registered, and the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit took over the investigation. Once it was concluded, the suspect was formally served with a summons to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate's Court on April 23," Ledwaba added. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Major General Samuel Manala, has strongly condemned the incident and reaffirmed the SAPS's commitment to taking decisive action against any form of corruption or misconduct within its ranks. In recent months, there has been a surge in arrests of police officers implicated in criminal activities. IOL previously reported on the arrest of a Gauteng police station commander who allegedly seized goods worth R165 000 without following legal procedures. Colonel Logan Govender, station commander of Norwood Police Station, was arrested last month by the Gauteng Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit. He faces charges of theft, fraud, and defeating the ends of justice. The incident that led to Govender's arrest dates back to 21 August 2020, when he allegedly coordinated a bogus operation involving the confiscation of stock from a shop. According to police, Govender had approached the shop owner accompanied by a civilian named Oelof Abraham Du Plooy, who posed as an expert in illicit cigarettes from the Adams and Adams company. The duo claimed to have received a tip-off from the Crime Intelligence unit regarding the sale of illicit substances at the establishment. After his arrest, he appeared at the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court, which granted him bail set at R3 000. The case has been remanded to May 29, 2025. The Star
Zawya
17-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Innovator Trust's Accelerator Programme (ITAP) strengthens SMMEs support for long-term success
South Africa's small businesses may be the backbone of the economy – but for many, staying upright is the challenge. High operating costs, limited networks, and lack of funding keep countless SMMEs from scaling. The Innovator Trust is flipping that narrative. Recognising these barriers, the Innovator Trust through their latest initiative, the Innovator Trust Accelerator Programme (ITAP), is offering more than just encouragement. Providing support beyond just lip service, SMME businesses have received structured business development support to the value of R165,000, offering them the opportunity to invest in key areas that are practical and essential for their particular business. "There's a particularly delicate balance that we cannot ignore when supporting SMMEs. Financial support alone is not enough to ensure business longevity. Yet, the financial support is equally important because these businesses have very real, practical needs too," says Tashline Jooste, CEO of the Innovator Trust. From funding to mentorship, technical assistance to customer access – ITAP is a full-circle solution for tech-focused entrepreneurs ready to scale. Beneficiaries gain access to tools previously out of reach, including high-value software, digital infrastructure, and expert guidance and mentorship. Thabo Moloi, operations director at Eagle-Trace Solutions, is one of the programme's success stories: 'The introduction of proper accounting systems helped streamline our finances. Monthly performance reviews have also encouraged accountability and planning, ensuring that the business remains competitive. The Innovator Trust has provided invaluable business development resources. Structured mentorship and technical support have helped businesses like mine enhance operational efficiency." Simangele Mphahlele, CEO of digital recruitment platform Ejoobi, highlights the strategic edge the programme provides: "I truly value that they've put us in front of potential customers, which is a big deal. If we meet the brief, we can secure direct business with them. It makes all the difference." 'It's the first programme where I felt truly seen – where people understand my needs without judgement,' Mphahlele adds. ITAP doesn't stop at the technical. It focuses on human connections, too. We can unanimously agree that technology is a necessity for business growth. Yet, many small businesses struggle with the costs of essential digital tools. Through ITAP, participants have been able to integrate technology into their business models in ways that were previously out of reach. "Innovator Trust covered some of the expensive software licenses and sales tools we needed," explains Mphahlele. "Without that support, we wouldn't be in the position we are in today. Our training was also more internationally aligned, helping us think beyond local markets." The numbers show commitment. The support – both financial and strategic – is designed to break real-world barriers. Webinars on cybersecurity, digital transformation, and automation equip entrepreneurs to compete locally and grow globally. "Having access to advanced technical support has allowed my business to improve on-site efficiency and professionalism. These advancements have positioned us competitively in the local market and will enable continuous innovation. We're better prepared to scale internationally because of this,' Moloi says. Applications are now open. If you're a South African tech entrepreneur ready to scale, visit or email keneuoe@ for more information. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
