
Vuyokazi Toko, 43, and Elisa Shikwambana, 45, two of the five women arrested in a multimillion-rand drug bust at OR Tambo International Airport, have been granted R15,000 bail each. They appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate鈥檚 Court on Monday and are required to report to their nearest police stations at designated intervals as part of their bail conditions. The five women were arrested on March 28, 2026, by the South African Police Service in collaboration with Airports Company South Africa. They were intercepted before boarding an international flight to China via Dubai, allegedly concealing drugs with an estimated street value exceeding R5 million on their bodies, including in their sneakers, underwear, and private parts. National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole stated that each accused faces one count of dealing in drugs. The matter has been postponed to August 4, 2026, for further investigations. Bail applications for the remaining accused are scheduled for April 14 and 15, 2026. The NPA reiterated its commitment to combating organized crime, especially at South Africa鈥檚 ports of entry. This incident follows other drug seizures at OR Tambo, including R2.8 million worth of drugs in March 2026, and R2.2 million worth of crystal meth discovered in a cargo warehouse on March 4, 2026.
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The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has launched an independent investigation into allegations that teaching posts within the department are being sold for money and sexual favors. The probe was initiated after a viral social media video surfaced, reportedly showing the wife of the department's head of communications, Muzi Mahlambi, accusing him of involvement in these activities. In the video, she claims female teachers either paid money or exchanged sexual favors to secure employment. Head of Department Nkosinathi Ngcobo ordered the independent investigation, emphasizing that the department views these allegations seriously as they impact public administration integrity and public trust. The department stated the investigation will be fair, credible, and impartial, considering all relevant evidence without fear or prejudice. They urged the public to provide any credible information to the investigating body or law enforcement authorities, committing to act decisively on the findings.
The MK party has defended its decision to appoint eThekwini's former mayor Zandile Gumede as the party's deputy convenor in KwaZulu-Natal, despite her ongoing trial for fraud, corruption, and money laundering related to a R320 million Durban Solid Waste tender. Gumede's appointment was announced at a press briefing in Durban. MK party secretary-general Sibonelo Nomvalo stated that the party is a political organization and not prosecutors, and therefore, criminal cases do not prevent a member from joining or taking a position. He added that questions about Gumede's legal issues are not relevant to her appointment. Political analyst Theo Neethling noted that Gumede's defection is significant because she remains on trial, and her charges did not hinder her acceptance by the MK party. Neethling suggests the party prioritizes electoral advantage and organizational strength over reputational risks, especially in securing metropolitan strongholds like eThekwini. This approach aligns with the party's narrative, which, given its leader Jacob Zuma's own legal challenges, often portrays criminal charges as politically motivated.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed South Africa鈥檚 condolences following the death of former Qatari Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away on Sunday, 12 July 2026, at 74 years old. Ramaphosa described Sheikh Hamad as a visionary leader whose "legacy of peace, prosperity and global influence continues to inspire the world." He extended sympathies to Qatar's Royal Family, government, and people, highlighting South Africa's close friendship with Qatar. Ramaphosa noted that Qatar, under Sheikh Hamad's leadership, became a model of peace, development, prosperity, and global influence. Sheikh Hamad's 18-year rule saw Qatar transform from an economy reliant on oil to the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, with one of the highest per capita incomes, achieved through strategic investment in productive assets, financial institutions, infrastructure, and human capital.