Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week!
On the headlines this week, a 43-year-old Limpopo police sergeant has been arrested for allegedly orchestrating insurance-related murders. She is accused of taking out life, funeral, and accidental policies in the names of vulnerable individuals, including those with disabilities, and having them killed to claim the payouts. The arrest follows an extensive investigation led by Captain Keshi Mabunda.
In the Phala Phala case, Limpopo’s Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Mukhali Ivy Thenga, has decided not to prosecute President Cyril Ramaphosa, citing a lack of evidence after a thorough investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation.
Meanwhile, Siphosoxolo Myekethe, who was on parole for a previous murder, has been identified as the suspect in the Ngobozana village massacre in Lusikisiki, which left 18 people dead. He faces multiple charges, including 18 counts of murder and possession of an unlicensed AK-47 rifle.
In Soweto’s Naledi, five children tragically lost their lives after consuming poisoned snacks from a local spaza shop, sparking protests and looting of foreign-owned businesses.
Lastly, the Department of Home Affairs has introduced the Remote Work Visitor Visa and a points-based work visa system, aiming to attract investment, boost tourism, and create jobs. Minister Leon Schreiber highlighted the transparency of the points system as a key measure to combat corruption and ensure fair visa processes.
Here are the top stories of the week:
LIMPOPO POLICEWOMAN ARRESTED FOR INSURANCE-RELATED MURDERS
A 43-year-old Limpopo police sergeant has been arrested in connection with a series of insurance-related murders.
The officer, attached to a local police station, is accused of orchestrating a string of killings to fraudulently benefit from life, funeral, and accidental policy payouts.
Following a lengthy investigation led by Captain Keshi Mabunda, the sergeant was arrested on suspicion of taking out insurance policies in the names of vulnerable victims, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds and people living with disabilities. The victims, known to her, were killed so she could claim the benefits from their insurance policies.
The investigation revealed that the sergeant’s alleged killing spree began in 2019, and she is now linked to six murders, having reportedly pocketed at least R10 million from the fraudulent claims. A warrant of arrest was executed at her police station following months of intensive investigation. The case highlights a disturbing abuse of trust and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals for financial gain.
NPA DECIDES NOT TO PROSECUTE IN PHALA PHALA CASE
The Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, Adv Mukhali Ivy Thenga, has opted not to prosecute anyone in connection with the Phala Phala case involving President Cyril Ramaphosa.
After a thorough investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (DPCI), which looked into allegations of money laundering, corruption, and possible tax violations, the DPP found no reasonable prospect of successful prosecution. The case stemmed from a complaint by Arthur Fraser following the theft of US dollars at Phala Phala Farm in Limpopo.
PAROLEE ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH EASTERN CAPE MASS SHOOTING THAT LEFT 18 DEAD
The horrific attack, which also left five people injured, took place last month and primarily targeted women.
Myekethe made his first court appearance in the Lusikisiki Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, facing 18 counts of murder and one charge for possession of an unlicensed AK-47 assault rifle. He opted for representation from a Legal Aid attorney and indicated his intention to apply for bail, despite the prosecution’s firm opposition.
NPA regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali revealed that Myekethe has prior convictions for escaping legal custody and murder, for which he had been on parole. The case has been postponed to 15 October 2024, as the court awaits a criminal profile and a report on his parole status from the Department of Correctional Services.
FIVE CHILDREN DIE AFTER EATING TAINTED SNACKS FROM SPAZA SHOP
Tragedy struck in Naledi, Soweto, as five children—Monica Sebetwana, Ida Maama, Isago Mabote, Karabo Rampou, and Njabulo Msimanga—died after allegedly consuming poisoned snacks from a local spaza shop, IOL reveals.
The incident has sparked protests and looting, particularly targeting foreign-run spaza shops, reigniting tensions over food safety and migrant-owned businesses.
Angry residents, including students, marched to the Jabulani Civic Centre to present a memorandum of demands, expressing their outrage and frustration at the devastating loss of young lives.
GOVERNMENT IN ADVANCED TALKS TO REDUCE PETROL PRICE
Speaking at Africa Oil Week 2024 in Cape Town, Mantashe highlighted that while the petrol price stands at R14 per litre, additional costs such as the Road Accident Fund (RAF) and fuel levies push the price to R20. He stressed that reducing these levies is crucial as the high fuel price continues to impact the cost of living for South Africans. Talks between four Cabinet ministers are reportedly at an advanced stage.
HEATWAVE WARNING ISSUED FOR GAUTENG THIS WEEKEND
The South African Weather Service has issued a heatwave alert for Gauteng, set to last from Friday through Sunday.
Temperatures are expected to soar above 34°C, with highs reaching the mid-thirties.
Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) is on high alert and advises residents to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight, and take frequent breaks if working outdoors. The EMS urges everyone to drink plenty of water and remain cautious during the peak hours of 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
REMOTE WORK VISA AND NEW POINTS SYSTEM INTRODUCED BY HOME AFFAIRS
The Department of Home Affairs has officially gazetted the Remote Work Visitor Visa and a new points-based work visa system, following President Ramaphosa’s mandate to revamp the visa regime.
This progressive move aims to boost tourism, attract investment, and create jobs.
Minister Leon Schreiber emphasized the transparency of the new points system, which tackles corruption while protecting local employment. The Remote Work Visa allows foreign professionals to contribute to the economy by spending in South Africa, while the points-based system ensures a fair process for work visa applications.
SARS URGES TAXPAYERS TO DECLARE DIGITAL CURRENCIES INCLUDING CRYPTO ASSETS
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is urging taxpayers holding digital currencies, including crypto assets, to declare them through its Voluntary Disclosure Programme (VDP) to ensure compliance.
With over 5.8 million South Africans owning crypto assets, SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter stressed the importance of transparency in reporting income.
Kieswetter warned that technology has enhanced SARS’ ability to track non-compliance, and the agency is working with the FSCA and global tax authorities to strengthen crypto asset oversight. Non-compliance impacts the state’s ability to provide essential services, including social grants.
NASIPHI MOYA ELECTED AS NEW MAYOR OF TSHWANE
Nasiphi Moya has been elected as the new mayor of Tshwane following the ousting of Cilliers Brink through a motion of no confidence.
Moya takes the helm during a turbulent period, as the city faces severe financial challenges and ongoing service delivery issues.
ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri confirmed the party’s support for Moya, citing his capability and the urgent need to address Tshwane’s problems. Moya’s leadership is expected to play a crucial role in stabilizing the capital city during these tough times.
DRIP FOOTWEAR ENTERS LIQUIDATION, LAYS OFF EMPLOYEES AFTER COURT ORDER
Drip Footwear, the local sneaker brand founded by Lekau Sehoana in 2019, has entered liquidation following a Johannesburg High Court order, as per The Citizen report.
The decision came after Wideopen Platform, a company specializing in large-scale advertising, filed an application in February, claiming Drip owed them R20 million for advertising services.
The footwear retailer was accused of being insolvent and unable to meet its debts. Despite attempts by Sehoana to challenge the liquidation order in March, the court ultimately sided with Wideopen.
PASTOR RAY MCCAULEY, FOUNDER OF RHEMA BIBLE CHURCH, DIES AT 75
Tributes are flooding in for Pastor Ray McCauley, the founder of Rhema Bible Church South Africa, who has passed away at the age of 75.
His son confirmed that McCauley died peacefully at home, surrounded by family. McCauley was a key figure in South African religious circles, leading one of the country’s most influential churches with over 45,000 members.
BUS SERVICES IN TSHWANE DISRUPTED DUE TO DRIVER SHORTAGE
The City of Tshwane has announced slight disruptions to the Tshwane Bus Service (TBS) on Thursday, 10 October, and Friday, 11 October 2024, due to a shortage of drivers.
Thirty-one drivers affiliated with the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) will face disciplinary action for participating in an unprotected strike in May.
As a result, 15 fewer buses will operate across the usual 160 routes, leading to delays and reduced service levels. Commuters are urged to make alternative travel arrangements during this period.
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The post Top Stories in South Africa this week: Lusikisiki shooting, Ramaphosa, Ray McCauley, Heatwave, Spaza shop & more appeared first on YOMZANSI. Documenting THE CULTURE.
