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Brazilian drug trafficking suspect arrested at OR Tambo airport with R8.7 million in cocaine
via The Citizen2 min read
A 26-year-old transgender suspect from Brazil was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday, April 26, 2026, after police, acting on intelligence, found cocaine valued at R8.7 million concealed in their luggage. The suspect arrived from Brazil and was apprehended upon arrival. Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe stated that the suspect will appear at the Kempton Park Magistrate鈥檚 Court on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, facing charges of drug trafficking. This arrest is part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations targeting transnational drug trafficking networks at the airport. OR Tambo International Airport police have recently achieved several successes in intercepting drug traffickers. These efforts aim to disrupt the supply of illicit drugs and strengthen the fight against organized crime. Recent incidents include the arrest of five South African drug mules on March 28, 2026, found with drugs worth over R5 million en route to China via Dubai, and drug busts on March 4 and 5, 2026, where crystal meth worth R2.2 million destined for the Philippines and dagga worth R672,000 from Morocco were discovered in cargo warehouses.
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Four academics and activists have launched Vuka Azania, a new advocacy group calling for a discussion on changing South Africa's name. The group proposes "Azania" as an alternative, reviving a name associated with liberation movements during apartheid. Reverend Dr Allan Boesak, senior counsel Dr Muzi Sikhakhane, Professor Isaac Shai, and Arthur Fraser launched the movement in Sandton. Sikhakhane clarified that Vuka Azania is not a political party. Boesak argued that the country's colonial history has led to a "spiritual degradation of the African people" and that the colonial name "South Africa" cannot encompass the memory, pain, struggle, and destiny of indigenous people. He stated that a liberated people must name themselves to restore dignity and that Vuka Azania will advocate for a decolonized post-colonial constitution. Sikhakhane emphasized the need for a "grand discussion" on the country's future, aiming for a black people's convention to discuss their condition and destiny.
Western Cape police have arrested a suspect in connection with the murder of Democratic Alliance DA councillor Sinovuyo Dyokwe. Dyokwe was shot dead near Dunoon on June 20 after campaigning for voter registration. The Serious Violent Crime Investigation unit and Special Task Force made the arrest on Saturday in Parklands. The South African Police Service Saps stated that Dyokwe was followed out of Dunoon by two armed suspects, with the arrested individual allegedly orchestrating the attack. Investigations revealed Dyokwe was being extorted for protection money and was targeted after refusing to comply. Police seized the vehicle allegedly used in the crime and seven cellular phones. The 37-year-old suspect is expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate鈥檚 Court on Monday to face charges of murder and extortion. Saps indicated that further arrests are anticipated as the investigation continues. In a separate incident, a 38-year-old foreign national was arrested in the Free State for the fatal stabbing of a woman at a tavern near Stilte Park. The suspect is expected in the Virginia Magistrate鈥檚 Court on Monday, facing charges of murder, contravention of the Immigration Act, and possession of a dangerous weapon.
The African Transformation Movement ATM and Vuyo Zungula have filed an urgent direct appeal to the Constitutional Court, requesting a review of a Western Cape High Court ruling. The High Court had granted President Cyril Ramaphosa an interim order to pause his impeachment inquiry, stemming from the Section 89 panel's report on the Phala Phala matter, until his challenge to the report is decided. Ramaphosa's review aims to overturn the report's conclusion that he has questions to answer regarding funds stolen from his farm in 2020. Zungula argues that the High Court's decision creates uncertainty regarding the Constitutional Court's authority, particularly whether a lower court can suspend the implementation of a Constitutional Court order. He emphasized the need for clarity on the constitutional relationship between the judiciary and Parliament, the separation of powers, and the supremacy of the Constitution. Zungula also noted that the High Court's decision was not unanimous and that the ruling does not exonerate the President. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, speaking at an ANC rally, urged critics to respect judicial decisions, regardless of whether they are favorable. The Presidency welcomed the High Court's judgment, reiterating Ramaphosa's commitment to due process and respect for judicial independence.