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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Dozens of Nigerians remaining in South Africa are appealing to their government for evacuation, stating they were left behind after Abuja declared its voluntary repatriation program complete. Nigeria concluded its repatriation efforts last Thursday, with the final flight bringing 305 returnees home from Johannesburg, totaling nearly 1,490 citizens returned. The evacuation began on June 10, 2026, following increased pressure on undocumented foreign nationals by anti-immigrant groups. Other African nations, including Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, have also evacuated their citizens. Stranded Nigerians outside the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria found their hopes dashed by a notice indicating the suspension of repatriation. One Nigerian reported not being included in the evacuation flights, while another expressed concern over the lack of assistance from the high commission. Individuals described their stress and pleaded for their government to rescue them, with one man traveling from Cape Town to Pretoria for assistance only to find the program had ended.
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.