
Suspended Tshwane Metro Police Department TMPD inspector, Major Lebogang Phiri, has denied allegations of unlawfully allocating security sites to Gubis85 Solutions. Phiri testified at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on April 23, 2026, in Pretoria. Gubis85 Solutions is one of 22 companies awarded a security tender by the TMPD in March 2022, which was later extended. To date, approximately R2.9 billion has been paid out to these companies. Between July 2024 and June 2025, Gubis85 Solutions received R60 million for ad hoc services, in addition to its regular monthly payment of R3.5 million for standard security services. Phiri stated that his role involved security deployments, not the creation of purchase orders. He claimed his authority for ad hoc security deployments came directly from Director Tshukudu Malatji and that he was instructed to manage the ad hoc process for water and sanitation on January 9, 2025. Phiri recounted resisting a request for immediate security deployment at two pump stations in December 2024, insisting on physical site verification due to previous vandalism. He alleged that an engineering consultant, Mr. Herman Segolela, had a deal with Gubis85 Solutions, leading Segolela to push for these deployments. Phiri also highlighted a broader issue in Tshwane concerning security and water tanker tenders, suggesting that syndicates exploit the system by vandalizing pump stations to necessitate water tanker tenders or manipulating security tenders.
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Must ReadAs the 31-member impeachment committee prepares to deliberate on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s fate in the Phala Phala farm saga, a new debate has emerged regarding proposals by the DA and ANC that only “fit and proper” Members of Parliament be allowed to serve on the committee. This move could potentially bar several members from the inquiry. Ramaphosa faces the possibility of removal from office, as MPs have established a committee to recommend whether he should be impeached. Last week, Ramaphosa did not address calls from opposition parties to clarify the Phala Phala Farm saga, despite the impending impeachment inquiry. The DA parliamentary leader, George Michalakis, argued that the committee requires integrity and higher ethical standards, proposing that the Speaker determine "fit and proper" assembly members, ensuring all parties are represented. ANC MP Mikateko Mahlaule supported this, noting that courts have defined "fit and proper." However, former President Jacob Zuma’s MK Party opposed the proposal, claiming it aims to sideline its leader, John Hlophe. MK representative Mzwanele Manyi warned that without a clearly defined decision-maker and procedure, the requirement could become arbitrary and susceptible to political manipulation. Advocate Andrew Breitenbach SC advised that an independent legal opinion might be needed. The subcommittee faces a tight deadline, with proposals due before the full rules committee on Tuesday and the National Assembly on Thursday. Other pr

A 47-year-old South African Police Service officer in the Free State allegedly shot five people, killing three and injuring two, before taking his own life. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, June 7, 2026, near Hennenman. The officer reportedly went to Whittes Plot looking for his girlfriend. After failing to find her, he and the girlfriend's uncle went to another location where family members were gathered. An argument ensued when he was informed his girlfriend was not there, and he allegedly opened fire. The victims declared dead at the scene were the girlfriend's mother, her uncle, and a 25-year-old woman. Two others sustained gunshot wounds, with one transported to a hospital and the other treated at the scene for a graze wound. The officer then returned to his vehicle and shot himself. The motive for the shooting is currently unknown and under investigation. Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia condemned the incident, extending condolences to the affected families and wishing the injured a speedy recovery. A comprehensive investigation has been ordered, with cases of murder, attempted murder, and an inquest registered and handed to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.

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