Ramaphosa addresses Phala Phala saga amid impeachment threat, focuses on economic growth
via The Citizen3 min read
President Cyril Ramaphosa has disregarded calls from opposition parties to fully address the Phala Phala Farm saga, despite facing a potential impeachment inquiry. During a National Assembly debate, Ramaphosa focused on economic growth and solutions for the country's challenges, stating he would not be sidetracked by what he termed "political theatre" or "electoral posturing." He briefly acknowledged the Constitutional Court's judgment on the Section 89 impeachment process, affirming his respect for the constitution and the rule of law. Ramaphosa emphasized that democratic institutions must operate without interference and that he would uphold his office's integrity and abide by court rulings. He also distinguished his presidency from that of former President Jacob Zuma, highlighting efforts to rebuild the Presidency and address the damage caused by state capture, with strategic priorities now driven from his office.
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Selebalo Mokoena, a 38-year-old Lesotho national, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the premeditated murders of Tsolo Tsonamatsie and Khwezi Sishuba on a Komani farm in the Eastern Cape. Mokoena was also convicted of unlawfully entering and remaining in South Africa. The Makhanda High Court, sitting as the Komani Circuit Court, heard that Mokoena, a shepherd, harbored a grievance against both victims following a payment dispute and an altercation with Tsonamatsie. Motivated by anger and revenge, Mokoena first assaulted Tsonamatsie with an axe on May 13, 2025, causing fatal skull and brain injuries. After fleeing, Mokoena threatened Sishuba, damaging his vehicle and attempting to burn his home. Undeterred, Mokoena returned to the farm on May 25, 2025, confronted Sishuba, and fatally stabbed him multiple times. Mokoena then fled to a neighboring farm where his girlfriend alerted the police, leading to his arrest. State Advocate Thandiwe Kaleni presented extensive evidence, including post-mortem reports, crime scene photographs, DNA evidence, and victim impact statements. The court accepted the State's argument that the murders were planned, brutal, and executed with extreme violence, and found no compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence. Mokoena received life imprisonment for each murder count, with concurrent two-year sentences for immigration offenses. Acting Director of Public Prosecutions in the Eastern Cape, Advocate Samkelo Mtwana
Three members of the ANC in the Eastern Cape have approached the Eastern Cape High Court in Makhanda to nullify the party's newly imposed interim provincial task team PTT and invalidate its decisions. The PTT was appointed by the ANC national executive committee NEC to replace the expired provincial executive committee PEC and address internal squabbles between Oscar Mabuyane and Lulama Ngcukayitobi. Lwazi Rotya and two colleagues argue the PTT appointment is unconstitutional, infringes on their rights as members, and disregards party guidelines. They also contend that the appointment breached an interim court order they secured on March 26, which interdicted the 10th provincial conference. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula defended the NEC's decision as "rational and reasonable," stating it was a temporary intervention due to prolonged internal conflict. Mbalula dismissed Rotya's application as lacking urgency. The applicants seek to have the PTT's appointment reviewed and set aside, arguing it circumvents a previous court order and undermines their rights and judicial authority. This case highlights ongoing tensions and factional battles within the Eastern Cape ANC.
Must ReadThe Border Management Authority BMA confirmed the departure of 933 Mozambican nationals from South Africa through the Lebombo Port of Entry, in one of the largest coordinated repatriation operations recently. Of these, 349 individuals were deported from the Lindela Holding Facility by the Department of Home Affairs, and 584 traveled from Mossel Bay with arrangements facilitated by the Mozambican High Commission. BMA deputy assistant commissioner Mmemme Mogotsi stated that the operation involved an integrated approach with immigration, health, law enforcement, and border guard functions, in partnership with Home Affairs, Social Development, the SA Police Service, and Mozambican authorities. All travelers underwent immigration processing, including identity verification, biometric checks, and status assessments. Among those processed, 17 had overstayed their authorized period of stay, and 38 minors were processed with assistance from Social Development to ensure compliance with child protection requirements. While 926 individuals successfully departed, seven were not permitted to leave due to documentation or nationality issues, including minors without required papers, with arrangements made for them in line with legal requirements. BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato emphasized the importance of lawful and consistent management of cross-border movement within South Africa's immigration framework. Separately, Malawi announced a voluntary repatriation program for its national
Must ReadThe National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure Natjoints has reiterated its commitment to upholding the law and maintaining public order, urging citizens to avoid vigilantism and xenophobic actions. Natjoints chairperson Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili stated that operations will continue to target criminal networks and ensure community safety. Mosikili and acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, addressed concerns regarding lawlessness, violence, vigilantism, and illegal immigration in South Africa. This follows anti-immigrant protests in several provinces that led to police intervention after threats to foreign nationals and their property. Mosikili emphasized that no individual, organization, or movement has the authority to take the law into their own hands, conduct unlawful operations, intimidate communities, target individuals based on nationality, or enforce immigration laws outside legal frameworks. This statement was made in George, Western Cape, after violent unrest in KwaNonqaba, Mossel Bay, where approximately 55 shacks were allegedly torched in Asla Park informal settlement. Two Mozambican men were found dead with injuries, and an 18-year-old South African, Nhlamulo Sambo, was fatally stabbed. A 23-year-old was arrested in connection with Sambo’s death, which Mosikili clarified was not linked to the recent unrest. Natjoints reported 166 arrests for public violence in the Free State and fi