
An intelligence-driven police operation in Pretoria resulted in the arrest of a 69-year-old man and the recovery of hijacked vehicles and suspected explosives. Crime Intelligence officers, supported by Gauteng Highway Patrol and specialized units, raided a property in Silverton after receiving information about a planned heist. They discovered hijacked cars, false registration plates, and a bag of explosives believed to be connected to a series of robberies across Gauteng. Police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko stated that a cash-in-transit robbery was allegedly being planned in the Pretoria area. Officers recovered a Mercedes-Benz, reported stolen in Villieria, and a Toyota Fortuner, stolen in Hartbeespoort, both fitted with false registration plates. A five-liter container of petrol was found in the Mercedes-Benz. A white Toyota Quantum on the premises contained a bag with suspected explosives, which were seized for forensic analysis. Preliminary investigations suggest the vehicles may have been used in several cash-in-transit robberies and attempted robberies, including an incident in Silverton on May 30. The 69-year-old suspect is expected to appear in court on charges related to the possession of suspected stolen motor vehicles and explosives, with further charges possible as investigations continue.
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Electricity Minister Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has affirmed the safety of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station and the continuation of South Africa's nuclear build program, following public concern over radioactive contamination during maintenance. The minister, joined by Eskom executives, addressed three airborne contamination events at Unit Two between June 30 and July 7, which occurred due to a power outage affecting ventilation units. Officials stated that no radioactive material was released into the environment, and there was no risk to nearby communities or the public. Eskom chairperson Mteto Nyati confirmed that while elevated airborne radioactive contamination was detected, it was contained within the facility, with exposure levels for workers being very low, comparable to a dental X-ray. Chief Nuclear Officer Velaphi Ntuli explained that such localized radioactivity is common during steam generator testing, a routine process, and that strict safety protocols, including worker evacuation and monitoring, were followed. The government emphasized transparency to counter misinformation and highlighted Koeberg's 40-year safe operation, with plans for an additional 20 years of life and the introduction of 5 gigawatts of new nuclear build capacity.
President Cyril Ramaphosa participated in the Mandela Day walk and run in Johannesburg on Sunday, July 19, 2026, alongside thousands of South Africans. He highlighted that Mandela Day is about serving others and living by Nelson Mandela's values of service, compassion, and active citizenship. The President also mentioned government community projects, including the opening of 67 boreholes in Hammanskraal. Residents of Hammanskraal have experienced water quality issues for years, exacerbated by a cholera outbreak in 2023. Ramaphosa acknowledged the hardship faced by residents due to lack of access to clean water and their loss of trust in the government. He stated that the launch of the borehole projects, including the Klipdrift 50-megalitre-per-day Package Water Treatment Plant, represents progress and will bring lasting change to the community. The President urged South Africans to go beyond the annual 67 minutes of service, encouraging them to walk in Nelson Mandela's footsteps and uphold his principles and integrity.
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi is preparing to request President Cyril Ramaphosa to suspend Andrea Johnson, the head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption IDAC. This development follows intensifying scrutiny of South Africa鈥檚 anti-corruption unit due to allegations of interference and repeated delays at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Kubayi's planned request stems from testimony at the Commission alleging that IDAC officials interfered in sensitive cases. According to News24, Kubayi stated Johnson鈥檚 suspension is necessary to protect the institution's integrity during the commission's work. National Director of Public Prosecutions Andy Mothibi confirmed urgent discussions with Johnson, emphasizing that the Directorate's integrity is non-negotiable. Johnson has failed to appear before the commission multiple times, with Commission chair Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga describing a medical certificate she provided as "useless." The commission heard allegations that Johnson interfered in a criminal investigation involving suspended Crime Intelligence Major-General Feroz Khan. Retired Hawks colonel Kobus Roelofse testified that Johnson鈥檚 supervisory role complicated his handling of a protected disclosure implicating her conduct. Further evidence indicated Johnson sent Khan the contents of an assault docket before his warning statement was taken, prompting a Hawks investigation into obstruction of justice. As of May 2026, a prosecutor had been assigned to determin