South African police address gang violence and evidence mishandling, highlighting spaza shops as criminal fronts
via The Citizen5 min read
The South African Police Service Saps briefed the portfolio committee on police regarding interventions to combat gang-related violence, which they view as part of a broader organized crime environment. Major-General Leon Rabie stated that gang violence intersects with serious crimes like drug trafficking, firearm extortion, and hijacking, and that gangs are evolving into structured criminal enterprises with national and international links. An emerging trend is the use of gangs for contract killings in sectors such as taxis, construction, and politics. Saps is considering a comprehensive plan for the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, and Western Cape, estimated to cost R700 million, which includes personnel, asset accommodation, funding, and training, along with a dedicated skills enhancement plan and physical resourcing for intelligence-led operations. The plan focuses on both investigative and preventive capabilities, targeting gang structures, leadership, and economic activities, and emphasizes the need for community partnerships. KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi addressed concerns about low conviction rates, attributing some of it to deliberate mishandling of evidence by police officials, despite national instructions governing exhibit management. Mkhwanazi cited a case in KZN where a district commissioner was suspended and two members dismissed due to lost money from storage under their supervision. Saps also plans to coordinate with other law enforcement agenc
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Some members of the Democratic Alliance DA are reportedly upset about the decision to remove former DA leader John Steenhuisen from his position as agriculture minister. The discontent stems from an alleged agreement between current DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis and Steenhuisen, where Steenhuisen would retain his ministerial role if he did not seek another term as party leader. Hill-Lewis has since written to President Cyril Ramaphosa, proposing Steenhuisen's replacement by Willie Aucamp as agriculture minister, with Steenhuisen moving to deputy minister of trade, industry and competition. Ramaphosa has not yet confirmed these changes. Some DA members claim they were not consulted on the reshuffle, with one source suggesting that Hill-Lewis's decision has exposed party divisions and that Steenhuisen feels "betrayed." Political analyst Prof Theo Neethling indicated that the move might be "pure DA damage control" due to Steenhuisen's handling of the foot-and-mouth disease crisis, which alienated many farmers. Hill-Lewis, however, stated his decision was made in the best interests of the DA and the government of national unity, prioritizing public and voter loyalty.
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of party leader Jacob Zuma, stated she does not hold her father responsible for her expulsion from the MK party, instead blaming individuals surrounding the party's leadership. She made these comments at a media briefing on Sunday, following her and former national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela's expulsion from the party on Thursday. Zuma-Sambudla indicated she has not yet discussed the expulsion with her father but plans to do so next week. The party cited a series of actions, public statements, and activities by Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela as reasons for their removal. Zuma-Sambudla was accused of undermining party unity and promoting factional narratives, while Ndhlela was accused of unauthorized media briefings and misrepresenting party positions. Ndhlela claims that both his and Zuma's roles in the MK party were undermined and that he and Zuma-Sambudla will challenge their expulsions in the high court, asserting that no disciplinary hearing was held before their removal.
A Limpopo councillor, Netshivhumbe Gumani, 44, was arrested for allegedly attempting to bribe a Special Investigating Unit SIU investigator with R70,000 to disregard evidence in a corruption probe. The investigation concerns allegations of maladministration and corruption related to two tenders by the Mahikeng Local Municipality. Gumani reportedly approached three SIU investigators, offering R10,000 in cash as part of the bribe during a meeting in Mahikeng. The SIU, in collaboration with the South African Police Service and the Hawks, conducted an entrapment operation leading to Gumani's arrest. He faces corruption charges and appeared in the Molopo Magistrates' Court, with his case postponed to June 29, 2026, for a bail application. The SIU stated that its investigators maintain high integrity and that attempts to corrupt them will be met with legal action.