🇿🇦South AfricaSouthern Africa
Suspect in Beitbridge explosives case remains in custody
via The Citizen1 min read
Edga Maroto, 42, will remain in custody until his next court appearance on April 20, 2026, after being arrested with explosives valued at nearly R1 million at the Beitbridge Port of Entry. Maroto appeared at the Musina District Magistrate's Court facing a charge of possession of explosives. Hawks spokesperson Avele Fumba stated the matter was postponed for further investigation and a formal bail application. Officials from the Border Management Authority, South African Police Service, and South African Revenue Service discovered the explosives last week. A truck allegedly entering South Africa from Zimbabwe near Musina was intercepted, leading to Maroto's arrest as he reportedly attempted to evade capture. The search of the truck uncovered blasting cartridges, connector capsules, and detonator fuses, valued at approximately R769,000. The truck, used in the alleged offense, was also confiscated, bringing the total estimated value of seized items to R2,769,000. Brigadier Lesibana Meshack Malapile, acting provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Limpopo, emphasized the operation's goal of protecting lives and communities from cross-border crime. Separately, the BMA's operational report for the 2026 Easter period, from March 31 to April 9, 2026, noted a decrease in illegal person interceptions but an increase in facilitator arrests. During this period, 4,763 individuals attempting to enter or exit South Africa illegally were intercepted, and travelle
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 10 countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Citizen.
A cabinet reshuffling is expected in the Limpopo provincial government, with Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba reportedly considering changes. Three Members of the Executive Council MECs are identified as potentially being removed: Jerry Maseko, MEC for sports, art and culture; Violet Mathye, MEC for roads and community safety; and Dieketseng Mashego, MEC for health. These three individuals did not secure positions on the ANC Limpopo provincial executive committee PEC at the party's 11th provincial elective conference, nor were they among the three co-opted members added to the PEC later. Allegations of betrayal, infidelity, and corruption have surfaced regarding those not making the cut. Party insiders suggest Maseko and Mashego are accused of having political disagreements with leaders in their region, while Mathye is criticized for not adhering to regional directives, particularly concerning the appointment of traffic officers based on merit rather than regional lists. Both the ANC Youth League and the South African National Civic Organisation SANCO in Limpopo have called for an immediate cabinet reshuffle to improve service delivery. However, the Limpopo provincial government spokesperson, Ndavhe Ramakuela, stated that no dates have been set for the reconfiguration of the executive council. The ANC in the province, through spokesperson Sebataolo Tonny Rachoene, affirmed that the appointment or adjustment of the Executive Council is the constitutional prerogative of the premier
Michael Currin, Deputy Director-General of the Government Communication and Information System GCIS, emphasized the crucial role of government communicators in shaping public understanding, building trust, and supporting effective service delivery. Speaking at the Mastering the Art of Government Communication course in Pretoria, Currin highlighted that communication can either stabilize or destabilize societies, particularly in an era rife with misinformation and disinformation. He cited the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war as examples where false information and narratives significantly influenced public behavior and geopolitical realities. Currin stressed that communicators act as a bridge between government and citizens and must uphold high standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism. The course, a joint initiative by GCIS and the National School of Government, aims to professionalize government communication and equip officials with skills to operate in volatile information environments. Craig Jansen from the National School of Government noted that a pilot program in 2024/25 was successful, training approximately 100 officials, including Media Liaison Officers and Heads of Communication. The program is slated for official launch in May by Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi.
Must ReadAlmost 18 months after food poisoning incidents led to the deaths of over 20 children, no one has been held accountable. Authorities attributed the deaths to organophosphates and poor food storage at spaza shops. While four individuals were arrested in October 2024, Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi clarified these arrests were for illegal chemical possession, not directly for the food poisoning. The Ministry of Police, in response to a parliamentary question from uMkhonto weSizwe Party's Htombenhle Mbele, stated that inquest dockets were opened for all 2024 deaths and similar child deaths since, and all remain under investigation. The ministry explained that an inquest court must determine responsibility before charges can be laid. Mbele urged the ministry to expedite investigations to reassure the public and ensure accountability. The ministry affirmed that progress would be communicated in collaboration with Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster partners, aiming to keep communities informed and uphold justice.
Must ReadSouth Africa faces a severe water crisis, attributed to systemic and institutional weaknesses at the municipal level, according to Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina. She clarified that municipalities, as Water Services Authorities, are constitutionally responsible for water supply, not the Department of Water and Sanitation. The crisis is exacerbated by inadequate maintenance, insufficient and non-ring-fenced budgets, and significant non-revenue water due to leaks, illegal connections, and poor management. Criminal networks, often referred to as the “water tanker mafia,” exploit these vulnerabilities, particularly where prolonged reliance on emergency water tankers creates opportunities for abuse. Governance failures, including the blurring of Water Services Authority and Water Services Provider functions within municipalities and the diversion of water revenues, further weaken accountability and financial sustainability. To address these issues, the government is implementing reforms. The Water Services Amendment Bill aims to clarify responsibilities, while the National Treasury has introduced a R54 billion performance-based Trading Services Grant for metropolitan municipalities, effective from the 2025/26 financial year. Access to this grant requires approved turnaround plans, ring-fencing of water revenues, and measurable improvements in service reliability. Joint law enforcement initiatives are targeting illegal connections and criminal activities. Additiona