MPUMALANGA LIFESTYLE AUDITS BLOCKED @KASIBC_AFRICA

While the Mpumalanga Provincial Government, and Premier Mandla Ndlovu, are refusing to do lifestyle audits on all senior government officials in the province, six out of ten Heads of Departments (HODs) are currently being investigated, suspended, or implicated in financial misconduct.

During a sitting of the Mpumalanga Legislature on Friday, the DA introduced a debate calling on Premier Ndlovu and his administration to urgently conduct lifestyle audits on all departments HODs, Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), the Secretary of the Legislature, all senior procurement officials, senior Parastatals officials, and all managers within the Provincial Government and Municipalities. 

The DA’s call for such drastic, but necessary action, was triggered by reports that six out of ten department’s HODs in the province, are currently under investigation or suspended for financial misconduct. Implicated HODs are from the following departments: 

Education 

Sports, Culture and Recreation 

Agriculture 

Public Works 

Safety and Security 

Human Settlements 

The DA stated that the above-mentioned investigations and suspension of these senior accounting officers are good enough reasons for the Premier and his administration to conduct lifestyle audits on all senior officials who are directly or indirectly responsible for taxpayers' money in municipalities, provincial government departments, and parastatals. But to the DAs surprise, the ANC majority in the legislature decided to racialise the issue instead of agreeing to the lifestyle audits.

It seems that the DA opened Pandora's Box by introducing this debate. The ANC reacted with their backs against the wall and blamed "colonialism" and "white people not accepting that black people can be successful and have money". 

The ANC decided to ignore the fact that it is their MECs themselves that are currently investigating financial misconduct against these HODs; not the DA. Ironically, the EFF abstained from the debate.

Instead of allowing processes that will help the government in the fight against malpractice, corruption, and self-enrichment, the ANC decided to play the race card.

The DA will continue to fight corruption. But refusing to conduct lifestyle audits on the people responsible for taxpayers' money, the ANC showed their true colors. They simply don’t have the intention of fighting corruption within their ranks.

ILLEGAL GAMBLING CRISES NEEDS SPECIALIST DIGITAL AND INVESTIGATIVE SKILLS @KASIBC_AFRICA

RISE Mzansi has taken its fight against illegal gambling, and for gambling reforms to the country’s law enforcement agencies. We can today reveal that work is being done at the level of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI or Hawks) to end the scourge of illegal gambling in South Africa. We will not rest until there are gambling reforms in South Africa.

The Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, in reply to a RISE Mzansi written parliamentary question has stated that, over the last five-years:

36 illegal online gambling cases were reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS) 39 arrests were made in illegal online gambling cases

22 arrests resulted in convictions, in illegal online gambling cases, however 13 suspects had charges withdrawn in court

32,906 cases of illegal “land-based” gambling were reported to the SAPS

 

It is clear from the above that illegal gambling is fast becoming a priority crime, with the online form of gambling beginning to rear its ugly head.

RISE Mzansi is encouraged that illegal gambling is on the radar of the SAPS and Hawks.We are also given a sense of peace that the Police Minister Mchunu has stated that he is working with stakeholders such as the National Gambling Board (NGB) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and other Government Departments.

In a separate reply to a RISE Mzansi written parliamentary reply, the custodian of gambling legislation, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), Parks Tau, worryingly stated the NGB only has two people dedicated to deal with the crisis of illegal gambling websites, with an allocation only R596,000 to deal with an industry worth over R1Trillion. The paltry amount of R596,000 must also cover the costs of travel and Legal Enforcement Forum Meetings for the 2025/25 financial year.

Moreover, DTIC Minister Tau stated that the NGB Database indicates that 90 illegal gambling websites are operating in South Africa; and of those 90, ten were forwarded to Google for their removal, but to-date they remain up and running.

With regards to online gambling, Police Minister Mchunu has indicated that there were problems surrounding the validity of the search warrants, an issue that requires further probing.

It is clear that the SAPS, NPA and DTIC require specialist digital and investigative capacity to deal with illegal gambling, which not only steals money owed to the Government , but it also threatens the livelihoods of South Africans.

 

MOZAMBICAN KIDNAPPING KINGPIN SHOT AND KILLED IN FOURWAYS SOUTH AFRICA 
@KASIBC_NEWS

The South African Police Service(SAPS) Anti-Kidnapping Task Team Traced a Mozambican Kidnapping Kingpin to a block of apartments in Fourways, Johannesburg this week.

The team was tracing a kidnapped Pakistani Businessman from Pretoria West. He is still in captivity and the team are still searching for the Pakistani National. A ransom demand has been made to the businessman’s family.

The Teams Tracing Operation began at a residential complex in Carlswald, Midrand where they seized a Mercedes Benz, a silver Pajero and arrested two kidnappers.

They proceeded to Fourways where the task team announced their arrival and a shoot-out ensued. One suspect was fatally wounded and upon further investigation, it was discovered that 40-year-old Mauro Mucambe Junior is a wanted Kidnapping Kingpin in Mozambique where he has been linked to several kidnappings. His warrant of arrest was issued by Maputo Police in August 2024.

One unlicensed firearm used by the fatally wounded fugitive of justice was seized including 10 rounds of ammunition. Four cellphones, four bank cards have also been seized.

The SAPS has full faith and confidence in the work of the anti-kidnapping task team to rescue the kidnapped businessman.

Since January 2024 to date, the team has arrested more than 170 Criminals involved in Kidnappings for ransom. More than R1.2Million has been recovered.  More than 100 victims rescued mainly in Gauteng and more than 40 vehicles used in kidnapping crimes were also seized by the team. 

The Anti-Kidnapping Task Team recently registered a breakthrough in the Olorato Mongale murder case where they led the tracing operation of Philangenkosi Makhanya. The search is still on for Bongani Mthimkhulu.

YOUTH HEALTH PLUG CAREER EXPOS

YOUTH HEALTH PLUG CAREER EXPOS 

As part of Youth Month Commemorations, the Gauteng Department of Health will host an exciting series of Youth Health Plug Career Expos aimed at exposing young people to a wide range of fulfilling and essential career opportunities in the public healthcare sector. 

These Career Expos will take place from 23 to 27 June 2025 at Gauteng College of Nursing (GCON) Campuses and hospitals across the province’s five districts. They form part of the Department’s Youth Health Plug 2025 Campaign, which is designed to empower young people through exposure, interaction, and inspiration, encouraging them to see healthcare not only as a career choice, but as a life-changing opportunity to serve and lead. 

Career Expo Schedule and Venues: Time: 09:00 to 14:30

 • Monday, 23 June 2025 at Bona Lesedi Nursing Campus at Leratong Hospital, 1 Adcock & Randfontein Streets, Chamdor (West Rand District)

 • Tuesday, 24 June 2025 at Ga-Rankuwa Nursing Campus at Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital, 9111 Setlogelo Street, Ga-Rankuwa Unit 2 (Tshwane District) 

• Wednesday, 25 June 2025 at Chris Hani Baragwanath Nursing Campus, 26 Chris Hani Road

CRIMINAL CASES AGAINST ILLEGIMATE DITSOBOTLA AGAINST TROIKA @KASIBC_NEWS

CRIMINAL CASES AGAINST ILLEGIMATE DITSOBOTLA AGAINST TROIKA @KASIBC_NEWS

The DA North West opened criminal cases against the Ditsobotla Mayor-Pretender, Cllr Molefe Morutse (ANC), the Speaker-Pretender, Cllr Manana Bogatsu (EFF), and the Municipal Manager-pretender, Mr Oloatse Bojosinyane, under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, Act 12 of 2004, for fraud, intimidation, coercion, and extortion.

These criminal cases relate to the establishment of an Illegal Parallel Ditsobotla Council at a meeting held in March 2025, where it is alleged that fraudulent resignation letters from the legitimate Mayor, Speaker and legally appointed Acting Municipal Manager were presented and where they were illegally removed from office.

After this illegal parallel Council meeting, Mr Bojosinyane managed to gain access to the Ditsobotla Municipal Offices, resulting in two gunfights which saw two persons injured and the death of another.

In addition, by some form of manipulation, it is alleged that Mr Bojosinyane gained access to the Ditsobotla Municipal Bank Account, completely subverting the authority of the legitimate Council and its officials. All transactions facilitated by Mr Bojosinyane since his hostile takeover are tantamount to fraud, if not theft.

In addition, this unlawful parallel troika and Council have not only resorted to violence but now employ mafia tactics like intimidation, coercion and extortion by withholding the salaries of Councillors and Municipal Workers who refuse to legitimise the unlawful behaviour of these pretenders, Cllr Morutse, Cllr Bogatso and Mr Bojosinyane, under the guise of an employee verification exercise.

There are no less than four High Court Judgements confirming that the legitimate Ditsobotla Troika consists of Cllr Mazwi Moruri as Mayor, Cllr Jarious Modisakeng as Speaker, and Mr Rasupang Mooketsi as the Acting Municipal Manager. The High Court handed down its judgements on 15 March, 10 April, 30 April, and 09 May 2025.

The SAPS must investigate these charges swiftly to ensure arrest and successful prosecution.

In addition, the DA has also written to the National Minister of COGTA, Velenkosini Hlabisa, bringing these latest criminal developments to his attention and urging him to place the Ditsobotla Local Municipality under Section 139(7) National Government Administration, as we requested in January 2025. 

Ditsobotla Residents continue to suffer unimaginable hardship as electricity blackouts and water shutdowns continue unabated while ANC factions fight over who is Mayor and who is not. This must be put to an end immediately.

While the situation in Ditsobotla is dire, hope remains.

The DA North West will continue to pursue every mechanism at our disposal to fight for the rights and services residents are entitled to. DA Ditsobotla Councillors remain resolute and will continue to serve residents, working with community members and business stakeholders to respond to service delivery needs.

MPUMALANGA BY-ELECTIONS @KASIBC_NEWS

MPUMALANGA BY-ELECTIONS @KASIBC_NEWS

The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on the Minister of Cooperative Governance, Velenkosini Hlabisa, to intervene and compel the Mpumalanga Provincial Government to declare vacancies in two wards where by-elections are urgently needed. Service Delivery in these areas has collapsed due to the prolonged absence or resignation of the ward councillors. 

Two councillors - Jabu Zwane of Ward 14 in Govan Mbeki Local Municipality and BT Twala of Ward 26 in eMalahleni Local Municipality - have been absent from office for over a year and two months respectively. 

Yet the ANC-led Mpumalanga Government and the MEC for Human Settlements, Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Speedy Mashilo, have failed to declare vacancies to enable the holding of By-Elections. 

Councillor Twala has not been seen or active in over a year. While no formal explanation has been provided, credible sources suggest that the circumstances surrounding his disappearance are politically embarrassing to the ANC. Despite the eMalahleni Council suspending his salary, no official vacancy has been declared. 

Councillor Zwane, on the other hand, tendered his resignation to the Municipal Manager of Govan Mbeki on 28 May 2025. He has since publicly criticised the ANC and explained the reasons for his resignation, but his departure has not been formally acknowledged, seemingly because the ANC is unwilling to accept it. 

The Municipal Structures Act is unambiguous: when a councillor resigns, is incapacitated, missing, expelled, or deceased, the Council must declare a vacancy in consultation with the relevant MEC so that a By-Election can be held within 90 days. 

The DA challenges MEC Mashilo and the ANC-led councils of Govan Mbeki and eMalahleni to comply with this legislation and act in the interests of residents who are being denied access to essential services. 

The DA will escalate this matter to Minister Hlabisa through our representatives in the National Assembly, and demand that he forces the Mpumalanga Provincial Government to declare these vacancies without further delay. The people of Wards 14 and 26 deserve proper representation and functional service delivery. 

TRAGIC SHOOTING AT WALTER SISULU UNIVERSITY @KASIBC_NEWS

TRAGIC SHOOTING AT WALTER SISULU UNIVERSITY @KASIBC_NEWS

The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane, has learned with deep sorrow and concern of the fatal shooting of Mr Sinethemba Mpambane, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Institutional Support and Development at Walter Sisulu University, on the evening of 19 June 2025. 

Mr Mpambane was shot multiple times while seated in his vehicle at the entrance of the University’s Nkululekweni Facility in Mthatha. This devastating loss comes just weeks after the fatal shooting of Mr Sisonke Mbolekwa, a final-year student who was killed during a protest on the same campus in April 2025. 

The Minister visited the university and the Mbolekwa family following that tragedy to offer support and to understand the circumstances surrounding the loss. The recurrence of such violence within an institution of higher learning is deeply troubling. The Minister is profoundly disturbed that yet another life has been lost under violent circumstances at a university. 

The safety and well-being of students and staff must be prioritised at all times. The academic community cannot thrive in an environment characterised by fear and violence. Institutions of higher learning must remain sanctuaries for teaching, learning, and transformation.  

The Minister will urgently engage with the Vice-Chancellor of Walter Sisulu University, Professor Rushiella Songca, and the Chairperson of the University Council to assess existing security protocols and to identify immediate measures to ensure safety on campus. The Minister extends heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr Mpambane and the broader Walter Sisulu University community. This brutal killing must not only be condemned but must serve as a call to action to restore peace, safety, and dignity to our institutions. Our universities must not become places of violence and loss. They must remain spaces of hope, growth, and opportunity.