Deputy Police Minister Polly Boshielo addressed law enforcement officers at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, issuing deployment orders in anticipation of June 30 anti-illegal immigration protests. Speaking on behalf of acting police minister Firoz Cachalia, Boshielo emphasized that all individuals in South Africa, regardless of their status, are entitled to constitutional protection. She reiterated a zero-tolerance policy for threats, incitement, xenophobia, or any form of violence, stating that officers are deployed to prevent violence, not just respond to it. The marching orders for officers include acting on threats and incitement, investigating complaints, identifying organizers of harmful messages, opening dockets for criminal incitement or intimidation, and making lawful arrests when necessary. They are also instructed to respond immediately to violence, using minimum force to protect life, property, and restore order. Acting national police commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane urged officers to remain disciplined and professional, reminding them that South Africans are relying on them to ensure lawful activities occur safely and peacefully. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi also addressed the parade, stating that while the government is not against protesting, it opposes those who hijack genuine concerns to attack property or act against the constitution. Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, chairperson of NatJOINTS, affirmed that the deployment signifies the govern
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.
Joseph Tshepo Mamasela, 71, and Michael Daliwonga Macitinga, 66, former apartheid Security Branch members, appeared before the Pretoria High Court in Benoni on Thursday, facing charges related to the mass killing of Congress of South African Students Cosas members during "Operation Zero-Zero" in June 1985. The charges include eight counts of murder, eight counts of attempted murder, crimes against humanity, and unlawful use of explosives. Mamasela faces an additional 19 murder counts linked to Cosas members and youth activists, along with charges of kidnapping, arson, and unlawful possession of firearms. The duo allegedly infiltrated Cosas structures, posing as ANC members sent to train recruits. They are accused of supplying tampered explosives to victims who were instructed to attack targets in Duduza, Tsakane, and Kwa-Thema, leading to eight deaths and eight injuries when the explosives detonated prematurely. Mamasela is also accused of using a similar method in Mamelodi Township, resulting in the "Mamelodi 10" and "KwaNdebele 9" incidents, where victims were lured and killed. The state did not oppose bail, citing no flight risk. Mamasela was released on R5,000 bail, and Macitinga on warning due to a medical condition and financial constraints, with conditions including court attendance, monthly police station reporting, and not leaving Gauteng without informing the investigating officer. The trial is set for February 1, 2027.
Veteran anti-apartheid activist Mxolisi Malinga recently saw Joseph "Joe" Mamasela, a former Vlakplaas askari, appear in Benoni Regional Court. Malinga survived two massacres in 1986, the Mamelodi 10 and KwaNdebele nine, which he links to Mamasela. In both instances, Mamasela allegedly lured young activists with false promises of joining uMkhonto weSizwe MK via Botswana, only for them to be ambushed by security agents. Malinga narrowly escaped death on June 26, 1986, when his mother sent him on an errand, preventing him from boarding a minibus with 10 comrades who were subsequently killed. Days later, on July 15, he again avoided a similar fate, staying behind due to illness while nine other comrades were killed. Mamasela, 74, and co-accused Michael "Tebogo" Macitinga, 66, face multiple charges including 15 counts of murder, arson, kidnapping, and unlawful possession of explosives and firearms. Mamasela was released on R5 000 bail, and Macitinga on warning. The case has been transferred to the High Court in Johannesburg, with the next appearance scheduled for February 1 next year. Malinga, now 56, expressed a desire for closure and to understand why these acts were committed.
Johannesburg's M2 highway faces a potential collapse, confirmed by authorities including the Joburg Road Agency JRA and the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources DMPR. The threat stems from illegal mining activities, specifically the excavation of sand containing gold from bridge support structures. The JRA has identified extensive infrastructure defects beneath sections of the M1 and M2 motorways, including embankment erosion, collapsed paving, damaged bridge abutments, deep cavities, and sinkholes linked to illegal tunneling. These issues are exacerbated by the use of tailings waste as building material during the apartheid-era construction of the bridges, as noted by mining expert David van Wyk. He also highlighted the long-term environmental and geological concerns posed by abandoned mines south of the M2, where acidic water accumulation is eroding the dolomitic substructure, potentially leading to seismic activity and sinkholes. The JRA is collaborating with the Joburg Metro Police Department to monitor hotspots and remove illegal structures. Short-term interventions include extensive stormwater maintenance and the use of alternative materials to stabilize embankments. For a long-term solution, the JRA has appointed a consultant to investigate and design permanent repair solutions for affected abutments and parapet walls, incorporating environmental and heritage studies, hazardous materials cleaning, and enhanced security measures post-construction. These issues