Lee-Yandra Paulsen

Action Society has warned of an escalating cold case crisis in South Africa, expressing concern that stalled investigations, forensic delays, and inadequate communication are depriving victims’ families of answers. The organisation asserts that serious cases, including murders and child abuse, are losing momentum, thereby revealing systemic weaknesses within the criminal justice system. National spokesperson Juanita du Preez highlighted the challenges facing forensic services, stating, “I know there were plans for […]

A former member of the police’s Special Task Force has been identified as the alleged killer of a key witness who testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Matipandile Sotheni appeared in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court facing six charges, including murder, following the fatal shooting of Marius van der Merwe in December. Van der Merwe, who testified under the pseudonym Witness D, was gunned down outside his home in Brakpan, […]

Cape Town is facing increased pressure on its water supply as an intense heatwave drives temperatures up to 42 degrees Celsius. City officials have warned that water restrictions could be introduced earlier than expected if consumption continues to rise. Dam levels in the metro currently stand at 51.8%, which is 17.5% lower than at the same time last year. Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation Zahid Badroodien said residents […]

President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured Parliament that the recommendations of the Madlanga Commission, which is investigating corruption, political interference, and criminality in South Africa’s criminal justice system, will be implemented. Speaking in the National Assembly, he said legal processes are already underway to hold those implicated accountable. “Now people want to see people being arrested. Processes, legal processes, are underway, and those processes in our own country, in terms of […]

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) says US Ambassador to South Africa Brent Bozell has expressed regret over remarks in which he dismissed a South African court ruling on the “Kill the Boer” chant. International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola confirmed that Bozell had been summoned by the department to explain what the government described as “undiplomatic” comments. The ambassador later clarified that although he personally believes the chant […]

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) has released a report raising concerns about corruption risks, governance failures, and the quality of student housing within the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) accommodation system. The investigation found that recent structural changes have significantly altered how billions of rand in public funds are managed within the student accommodation pipeline. According to NSFAS, steps are being taken to improve accreditation, monitoring, and payment […]