Tuesday, 18 August 2026

POPCRU Stages Unplanned Sit-In at DCS National Headquarters in Pretoria

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BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR

POPCRU Stages Unplanned Sit-In at DCS National Headquarters in Pretoria

The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) has initiated an unplanned sit-in at the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) National Headquarters at the Poyntons Building in Pretoria. Union leadership is currently meeting with DCS National Commissioner, Mr. Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale, to demand urgent action on long-standing workplace issues.

Key Points of the Protest

Cause: Mounting frustration over unfulfilled promises and repeated delays by the DCS in implementing formal agreements regarding working conditions, worker welfare, and rights.
Demands: Immediate, concrete, and accountable intervention to resolve workplace challenges faced by correctional officials across South Africa.
Escalation: POPCRU members from various provinces are converging at the DCS Headquarters in solidarity today before attending the union's Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting.

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Special Tribunal Authorises Sale of R10m Ferrari Linked to Tembisa Hospital Corruption Probe

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BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR

Special Tribunal Authorises Sale of R10m Ferrari Linked to Tembisa Hospital Corruption Probe

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The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed a Special Tribunal ruling authorising the curator-led sale of a luxury Ferrari SF90 Stradale tied to the MHR Maumela Family Trust.

The vehicle—originally purchased for over R11.1 million in April 2022—is among several luxury assets preserved under a September 2025 court order. The assets are connected to an ongoing SIU investigation into alleged corruption and maladministration at Gauteng’s Tembisa Hospital, where an estimated R2 billion was allegedly looted.

Key Financial Details & Court Findings

Purchase Price (April 2022): R11,126,662.22
Current Valuations: Placed between R10.165 million and R10.2 million.
Storage & Insurance Overhead: Running costs include R5,000/month for storage, R8,333.33/month for insurance, R104,857 for battery replacement, and approximately R408,000 for factory warranty reinstatement.
Approved Floor Price: The curator is authorized to sell the supercar for no less than R9.5 million (matching a direct purchase offer from Ferrari South Africa).

Special Tribunal President Judge Bernard Makgabo Ngoepe ruled that selling the supercar was a prudent measure to halt continuous storage and maintenance drain. He noted that placing the proceeds into an interest-bearing account would protect and potentially grow the asset's value pending the outcome of the main corruption trial.

Summary of Special Tribunal Orders

Asset Liquidation: Curator Jacobus Gideon Louw Van Wyk is authorized to sell the Ferrari SF90 Stradale for a minimum of R9.5 million.
Ring-Fenced Funds: Sale proceeds must be placed into a dedicated interest-bearing trust account to maintain assets under curatorship, subject to explicit SIU authorization. Proceeds cannot be used to cover curator fees.
Dismissal of Counterclaim: The "Maumela Syndicate’s" application seeking the removal of Curator Van Wyk was dismissed with costs.
Punitive Costs Award: The MHR Maumela Family Trust and Mr. Hangwani Morgan Maumela were ordered to pay all application and counterclaim legal costs on an attorney-and-own-client scale, including the fees of two counsel (one Senior Counsel).

Acting SIU Head Mr. Leonard Lekgetho emphasized that the judgment ensures preserved assets do not depreciate into financial liabilities before legal proceedings wrap up. Under Proclamation 136 of 2023, the SIU continues its broad investigation into the Gauteng Department of Health, with criminal evidence regularly referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

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South African Journalists Honoured at 2026 SADC Media Awards

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BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR

South African Journalists Honoured at 2026 SADC Media Awards

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Government Communications has congratulated two South African journalists recognized for excellence in journalism at the 2026 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Media Awards, which were announced during the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government in eThekwini (Durban).

The SADC Media Awards honor outstanding reporting that advances public understanding of regional integration, economic development, and intra-regional cooperation across SADC Member States.

2026 South African Award Winners

Siyabulela Duda — Second Prize (Photo Category | US$1,000)
- Winning Entry: “Women’s Hour”
- Details: Capturing former South African Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka congratulating Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at the State House in Windhoek, the photo highlighted regional progress in placing women in top governance and executive roles.
Seakga Relebogile Tladi — Second Prize (Radio Category | US$1,000)
- Winning Entry: “SADC Solidarity and Sanctions in Zimbabwe”
- Details: The radio feature examined the economic and social impacts of international sanctions on Zimbabwe and explored regional resilience. It featured insights from SADC officials representing Lesotho, Namibia, and Zimbabwe advocating for regional solidarity and the removal of sanctions.

Role of Regional Media

In its statement, the South African Government highlighted the vital role played by journalists in connecting citizens across borders and fostering regional solidarity:

Promoting Civic Awareness: Visual storytelling, radio features, and investigative journalism bridge the gap between SADC policies and everyday African communities.
Strengthening Democracy: Ethical, professional reporting builds informed public discourse and holds regional governance frameworks accountable.
Advancing Shared Development: Media coverage plays a critical role in highlighting shared economic goals, infrastructure development, and continental trade opportunities.

The government commended all media professionals across South Africa and the broader SADC region who continue to report on continental integration and development with integrity and dedication.

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SADC Key Themes and Highlights from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Welcome Address

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BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR

SADC Key Themes and Highlights from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Welcome Address

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Address Overview

Event: 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government
Location: eThekwini (Durban), KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Context: Commemorating 34 years since the signing of the SADC Declaration and Treaty in Windhoek, Namibia (17 August 1992), and 24 years since the launching of the African Union in Durban.

Core Objectives & Strategic Priorities

1. Accelerating Regional Integration & Industrialisation

Local Processing & Beneficiation: Urged member states to process raw minerals and agricultural goods locally rather than exporting unrefined commodities and importing manufactured goods.
Shared Market: Focus on transforming national economies into a shared market serving over 400 million citizens across the 16 SADC nations.
AFCFTA Integration: Leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) to open access to a continental market of 1.4 billion people by addressing non-tariff barriers and harmonising standards.

2. Infrastructure, Energy & Digital Connectivity

Expand and modernize cross-border transport networks (roads, railways, and ports).
Increase power generation and cross-border grid integration via the Southern African Power Pool.
Guarantee water security through cross-border water infrastructure and widen affordable digital connectivity.

3. Health Security & Emergency Response

Ebola Outbreak Response: Expressed solidarity with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) amidst a severe Ebola outbreak (Bundibugyo virus) recording nearly 5,000 cases and over 2,300 deaths.
Action Call: Called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in conflict zones, secure access for health workers, and an end to unevidenced trade and travel restrictions.
Health Sovereignty: Encouraged sustained regional investment in disease surveillance, resilient health systems, and domestic African production of vaccines and medicines.

4. Peace, Security, & Democratic Governance

Reaffirmed that economic growth requires political stability and peace.
Called for continued reliance on preventive diplomacy, mediation, and regional bodies such as the SADC Panel of Elders and the Organ Troika to resolve conflicts.

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Monday, 17 August 2026

SAPS Hostage Negotiators End Hours-Long Standoff in Jacobsdal, Saving Lives of Victim and Suspect

SAPS Hostage Negotiators End Hours-Long Standoff in Jacobsdal, Saving Lives of Victim and Suspect

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JACOBSDAL, FREE STATE — A high-stakes hostage situation in Ratanang Township came to a peaceful conclusion on Sunday evening following an extensive multi-disciplinary operation led by South African Police Service (SAPS) hostage negotiators. Both the victim and the suspect survived the ordeal without further loss of life.

The incident began at approximately 11:45 on Sunday, 16 August 2026, when officers at the Jacobsdal Police Station received reports of an active hostage scene on Moabi Street. Xhariep District Commissioner Brigadier Mohiti Sereetsi immediately coordinated a full response, mobilizing the Bloemfontein Tactical Response Team (TRT), Crime Intelligence, specialized hostage negotiators, and emergency services.

Upon arrival, authorities established that a 25-year-old woman had been shot in the shoulder. The suspected captor was identified as a 28-year-old off-duty SAPS constable stationed in Hanover, Northern Cape.

Trained hostage negotiators initiated dialogue with the armed constable, maintaining communication through hours of tense negotiations. The strategic patience paid off at approximately 20:25, when the suspect surrendered his official service pistol and turned himself over to police officers without further violence.

Paramedics immediately treated the injured woman at the scene before transferring her to a hospital in Kimberley for further specialized care.

Police have formally opened charges of kidnapping and attempted murder. The arrested constable is currently in custody and is scheduled to appear in the Jacobsdal Magistrate’s Court shortly.

Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia praised the teams involved for their tactical restraint and focus on human life during the volatile standoff.

"This incident demonstrates the importance of professional hostage negotiation, patience, and a coordinated multidisciplinary response when dealing with volatile and potentially life-threatening situations," said Lieutenant General Lesia. "The successful resolution of this incident, without further loss of life, is a commendable achievement."

Lesia reiterated that the police service will not grant leniency to its own members, emphasizing that the constable will face the full weight of the judicial system through a thorough investigation.

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Tuesday, 18 August 2026