Author: Nomthandazo Ntisa

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched an intensive manhunt for a suspect identified only as “John,” wanted for the brutal murder of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale in Sandton, Johannesburg. This violent crime has sent shockwaves across the community and raised urgent concerns about women’s safety, prompting police to call for public assistance. ALSO READ: Cyril Ramaphosa Faces Six Key Questions in Parliament A Timeline of Tragedy SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that Mongale was last seen alive on the afternoon of Saturday, May 25, 2025. At around 15:00, the suspect picked her up from her home in Athol,…

President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to face a challenging session in Parliament on Tuesday, 27 May 2025. He will respond to six pressing questions from members of Parliament. These oral replies serve as a crucial tool in Parliament’s oversight role. This ensures that the executive remains transparent and accountable to the South African public. The upcoming Q&A will tackle a high-stakes topic. This will range from contentious racial classifications on government documents to economic challenges and South Africa’s diplomatic stance on the Ukraine conflict. These issues reflect the nation’s ongoing efforts to reconcile its complex social identity, reduce economic disparities,…

The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) has committed R100 million to expand South Africa’s electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, funding the rollout of 120 off-grid, solar-powered charging stations in partnership with Cape-based green energy company, Zero Carbon Charge (Charge). This investment marks a bold step toward building a sustainable and accessible EV network nationwide. ALSO READ: Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Gauteng: Where to Recharge and Drive the Future Driving Toward a Greener Future Zero Carbon Charge plans to create a national network of solar-powered EV charging stations that operate entirely off the grid. By positioning each of the 120…

Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital, is currently grappling with rising violent crime across several suburbs. The latest fourth-quarter crime statistics released by the South African Police Service (SAPS) for the 2024/2025 financial year (October to December 2024) have unveiled alarming trends, highlighting key suburbs where criminal activities are particularly rampant. From hijackings and armed robberies to rape and sexual offences, these crime hotspots paint a concerning picture of public safety in the city. ALSO READ: Fake Louis Vuitton, Gucci Seized: R20 Million Counterfeit Bust in Johannesburg 1. Akasia: A Rising Hotspot for Contact and Property Crimes Akasia has emerged as…

In a major operation targeting the illegal counterfeit market, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has confiscated over R20 million worth of counterfeit luxury goods in Bruma, east of Johannesburg. The bust, which included more than 24,000 fake branded items, highlights the scale of South Africa’s counterfeit industry and its potential threats to consumers, legitimate businesses, and the national economy. ALSO READ: City of Joburg Launches R500m Roadshows to Empower Township Spaza Shop Owners The Bruma Takedown Operation According to SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, the operation was a multidisciplinary effort, carried out with search and seizure warrants…

The City of Johannesburg’s Department of Economic Development (DED), in partnership with the Department of Small Business Development, has rolled out a citywide outreach campaign to promote the newly launched R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund. Running from Monday, 26 May 2025 to Wednesday, 9 July 2025, the campaign includes a series of regional roadshows designed to inform, educate, and support township and rural entrepreneurs. These sessions will not only explain how to access the fund but also update the public on the progress of Johannesburg’s spaza shop registration drive and address key challenges in the township retail sector. ALSO…

Gauteng residents should prepare for significant water outages this week, as Rand Water begins a large-scale winter maintenance programme that will impact key areas across the province. Some outages are set to last up to 107 hours, with the City of Ekurhuleni bearing the brunt of the disruptions. ALSO READ: Gauteng Government Prioritises Jobs, Safety, Ethics, and Infrastructure in 2025 Why Is Rand Water Carrying Out Maintenance? Rand Water is rolling out critical upgrades and inspections on its main infrastructure to boost pumping capacity, improve plant reliability, and enhance overall system efficiency. While these upgrades aim to strengthen long-term water…

South African Government Boosts SAPS Budget to Tackle Crime Ahead of G20 and 2026 Elections The South African government is taking decisive fiscal action to confront one of its most urgent challenges: crime. In his latest budget speech, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced a significant funding increase for the South African Police Service (SAPS). This boost aims to enhance public safety, improve police accountability, and prepare strategically. This is in preparation for the 2026 local government elections and South Africa’s upcoming presidency of the G20 Summit. ALSO READ: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Increases in Latest Budget Speech SAPS Receives a…

A 54-year-old bank executive kidnapped in Edenvale, Gauteng, was rescued in a high-intensity, multi-location operation that ended with the arrest of five suspects. The rescue operation, led by private security firm Vision Tactical in coordination with the South African Police Service (SAPS), underscores the rising threat of kidnappings targeting high-profile individuals across South Africa. The incident began earlier this week when the executive went missing in Edenvale. Authorities found his blood-stained car in Ivory Park, prompting immediate concern for his safety. Security teams launched a coordinated response that led to a dramatic breakthrough. ALSO READ: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Increases…

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has officially delivered Budget 3.0. While the nation breathes a sigh of relief over the scrapping of a VAT increase, Gauteng residents who enjoy a drink or a smoke will need to dig deeper into their pockets. The long-anticipated excise duty hikes on alcohol and tobacco remain unchanged. This reinforces the government’s intent to generate additional revenue while also addressing public health concerns. ALSO READ: Gauteng Government Prioritises Jobs, Safety, Ethics, and Infrastructure in 2025 Budget 3.0: A Compromise Without Much Consumer Relief The budget speech—Godongwana’s third in as many months—comes after two failed attempts. Budget 1.0…