South African MP warns against police killings as solution to crime, advocates for due process and body cameras
via The Citizen3 min read
A member of parliament has cautioned that killing suspects will not resolve South Africa's crime problem. This follows two recent suspect deaths in a shootout with police in KwaMsane, adding to at least five similar incidents in May. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate Ipid is investigating 464 cases of deaths due to police action reported in the 2025-26 financial year, with 975 deaths recorded in the previous two years. While police state they often act in self-defense against heavily armed criminals, Ipid also reported investigating 3,913 cases of police misconduct in 2025-26, including 116 alleged rapes and 3,147 assaults. Since 2021, Ipid has investigated 2,242 deaths by police action, excluding those in detention. In KwaZulu-Natal, 296 suspects were killed in shootouts with police in the last two years, a number that has since surpassed 300. Conversely, 31 police officers were killed on duty between April 2024 and March 2026. The DA's KwaZulu-Natal representative in the National Council of Provinces, Mzamo Billy, emphasized that due process should be a priority, stating that even criminals have rights in a constitutional democracy. He advocated for police to wear body cameras to provide evidence in deadly encounters, noting that while a trial is committed, underfunding remains an issue. Billy believes body cameras would ensure oversight, safeguard police, and rebuild trust with citizens, arguing that killing suspects could be seen as a shortcut rather than a
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The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption IDAC has re-enrolled the R24.9 million Nulane Investment corruption case at the Bloemfontein Magistrates' Court on June 4, 2026. This follows a June 2025 Supreme Court of Appeal SCA ruling by Judge Cagney John Musi, which overturned the case's earlier withdrawal and favored the state's reinstatement. The case centers on allegations that R24.9 million was paid to Nulane Investment for a feasibility study for the Free State province's Mohoma Mobung project, which led to the Estina/Vrede dairy project. The state alleges Nulane, contracted for its unique skills, had no employees and subcontracted Deloitte, paying them R1.5 million for the report. It is further alleged that the Deloitte report was altered to identify Paras Dairy as a suitable implementing partner for a milk processing plant in Vrede. IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame stated that the re-enrollment occurred after the accused's attempt to have the Constitutional Court overturn the SCA's ruling was dismissed. The accused, including Iqbal Sharma and his company Nulane Investment, former head of Free State Department of Agriculture FSDoA Peter Thabethe, former head of FSDoA Limakatso Moorosi, former FSDoA Chief Financial Officer Seipati Dhlamini, Ronica Ragavan and Islandsite Investment, and Dinesh Patel, appeared in court after receiving summonses. The matter has been postponed to September 22 for docket disclosure. The Nulane case was IDAC's first state-capture case to
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.
Must ReadAmid escalating anti-illegal immigrant protests in South Africa, Namibia has advised its citizens to remain vigilant and seek consular assistance if needed. The Ministry of International Relations and Trade Executive Director Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati confirmed no Namibian nationals have been reported affected but stated officials are monitoring the situation. Other countries like Kenya, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe have also urged caution among their citizens. The Border Management Authority confirmed the repatriation of 933 Mozambican nationals, with 349 deported from the Lindela Holding Facility and 584 traveling from Mossel Bay facilitated by the Mozambican High Commission. Malawi announced a voluntary repatriation program for its nationals, following a similar initiative by Ghana, which also issued a travel advisory due to a rise in what it termed "xenophobic attacks against African Nationals." The United States Embassy and Consulates in South Africa issued a warning to its citizens regarding the Menlyn Park Shopping Centre after an explosion at a Woolworths store. The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure Natjoints affirmed its commitment to enforcing the law, with chairperson Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili stating that operations will target criminal networks and ensure community safety, while urging the public to refrain from vigilantism. This follows violent unrest in KwaNonqaba, Mossel Bay, where 55 shacks were allegedly torched and two Mozambican me
The Western and Eastern Cape provinces have been impacted by mudslides, rockfalls, road closures, electricity outages, and flooding, leading to the closure of schools this week. In Bitou, Western Cape, a Mercedes-Benz was reported half-submerged, and residents were warned to avoid the municipal office on St. Patrick’s Avenue due to a lifted septic tank. Mudslides along the R340 between Wittedrift and Plettenberg have closed the road, isolating Wittedrift. Healthcare service routes in Herold, George, and Uniondale were canceled from June 3 to June 5, 2026, due to unsafe roads. The Knysna Municipality has closed several roads due to localized flooding, and water treatment facilities in Sedgefield are under pressure from ongoing Eskom power outages. Flooding has been reported at the Groot River Bridge and low-lying areas, with the Kalanderkloof River overflowing. Rockfalls and a landslide in the Western Pass have created hazardous travel conditions, leading to the suspension of emergency operations. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, adhere to road closure signs, and stay alert for hazards. Stormy weather is expected to clear towards the weekend, with schools reopening on Friday, and partly cloudy conditions with isolated to scattered rain anticipated for Friday and Saturday.