The South African Police Service Saps has arrested two suspects, aged 28 and 38, in connection with the murder of community activist Thato Molosankwe, who was killed on May 20, 2026, at his home in Lomanyaneng. Molosankwe, a Mahikeng community activist and traditional healer, was known for speaking out against crime, gender-based violence, corruption, and social decay. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene. North West acting police commissioner Major General Ryno Naidoo stated that the murder sent shockwaves throughout the province and the country. The police briefed Molosankwe's family on the developments before releasing the information publicly. The provincial murder and robbery unit launched an intensive investigation, leading to the arrest of the first suspect on May 23, who was initially apprehended for the murders of Mahikeng business owners Sergio and Marlene Gomez and has now been linked to Molosankwe's murder. The second suspect was traced and arrested at an apartment in Mmabatho Extension 39. Evidence suggests these suspects were part of the group responsible for the attack. Major General Naidoo indicated that the investigation is ongoing, with efforts to recover firearms and a getaway vehicle. The Saps believes they have disrupted a broader criminal network involved in murders, business robberies, and illegal drug dealing. While the motive for Molosankwe's murder is still under investigation, police are exploring the possibility that his activ
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Citizen.
The corruption case involving former Cabinet minister Malusi Gigaba and former Transnet executives has been postponed again by the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg until October 23. Gigaba, along with former Transnet chief financial officer Anoj Singh, former chief executives Brian Molefe and Siyabonga Gama, and former Transnet Freight Rail chief procurement officer Thamsanqa Jiyane, remains out on R50,000 bail. The postponement allows the defense more time to review the extensive case docket, which includes a significant volume of documentation and digital evidence. Ongoing procedural and administrative issues, such as uncertainty over Gigaba's legal funding and the verification of disclosed docket contents, are contributing to the delays. Investigating Directorate Against Corruption spokesperson Henry Mamothame stated the postponement ensures fairness, noting that some accused were unable to complete the docket comparison process. The state aims for a trial start in 2027, with Mamothame expressing optimism that administrative matters will be resolved by March. The charges relate to alleged irregularities in Transnet's locomotive program, where procurement processes were reportedly bypassed, leading to inflated contracts for Chinese firms CSR and CNR, costing Transnet billions. Gigaba is accused of receiving cash payments from the Gupta family while serving as public enterprises minister. In a related case, Singh, Molefe, and Gama face charges linked to a locomotive transa
The East London Regional Court has found former Enyobeni Tavern owners Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu liable for the deaths of 21 young people in June 2022. Magistrate Mkhululi Malindi delivered the judgment, stating that the owner and manager failed to enforce liquor laws. The court also cited South African Police Service officer Sergeant Thabisa Kondile for gross negligence and failure to follow up on complaints, along with bouncer Thembisa Diko and Eastern Cape liquor board inspector Zuko Lizani. The record of proceedings will be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions. The tragedy, which occurred in June 2022, involved victims aged 13 to 21. A toxicology report from the Eastern Cape Department of Health indicated that overcrowding caused the deaths. Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu were arrested in 2024 on charges under the Eastern Cape Liquor Act. In October 2024, the East London High Court ordered the demolition of the tavern structure. The South African Human Rights Commission also issued a report in April, calling for stricter regulations at taverns and making findings against several government entities.
Over 93,000 University of South Africa students experienced delays in receiving their National Student Financial Aid Scheme Personal Care Allowance, prompting Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Yusuf Cassim to intervene. Cassim met with Unisa management, student leaders, and NSFAS representatives after receiving complaints regarding delayed July allowance payments and reduced data allowances for distance learners. It was confirmed that NSFAS transferred funds to Unisa on July 2, 2026, but a system glitch at the university delayed payments. Unisa stated the technical issue was resolved on July 6, and outstanding payments are being processed. Cassim highlighted the inadequacy of the R316 monthly allowance and announced he would request a comprehensive briefing from NSFAS administrator Professor Hlengani Mathebula to review payment schedules. He noted that the NSFAS payment schedule, which transfers funds about a week into each month, needs review. NSFAS will send its finance department to Unisa to reconcile funds. Cassim also urged the Unisa Council to reconsider discontinuing the monthly data allowance and addressed allegations that some students received less than the full R316 allowance, which Unisa denied. He emphasized the importance of the Deputy Minister鈥檚 Help Desk for student grievances.