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, […]
Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister of Iran, has denied reports that Tehran sought negotiations or a ceasefire with the United States amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Araghchi described the ongoing conflict as a “war of choice” driven by the United States, Israel, and President Donald Trump. The situation has intensified concerns about global energy security, particularly as the Strait of Hormuz—a crucial maritime route through which a significant […]
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 […]
Trade-enabling infrastructure across Africa is showing steady improvement, alongside rising business confidence and stronger macroeconomic stability in key markets. This is according to Standard Bank’s latest Africa Trade Barometer, which surveyed 10 countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana. The report highlights gains across major infrastructure areas such as power supply, transport networks, ports, and digital trade systems. Businesses in the surveyed markets also reported improved logistics, stronger turnover, […]
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 […]
As the blessed month of Ramadan draws to a close, the Muslim Prisoners Board is intensifying its efforts to support Muslim inmates at Pollsmoor Prison. Preparations are underway to provide pre-packed iftar meals for prisoners across different sections of the facility, along with a special breakfast on Eid al-Fitr to help uplift their spirits. Spiritual Care Worker Muallima Faldelah Mackenzie explained that Pollsmoor is often misunderstood as a single prison, […]
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 […]
The Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) is calling for surveillance cameras and increased police visibility at the Nyanga taxi rank following a surge in violence. Last week, nine minibuses were torched, marking the second major fire in just over a year, alongside several deadly shootings. Taxi operators marched to the Nyanga Police Station demanding faster investigations. CATA Secretary Nkululeko Sityebi said the violence stems from internal disputes. “The basis of […]
VOC became the first Muslim radio station in South Africa when a special events license was granted to the station in Ramadan/January 1995. Subsequent temporary broadcast licenses were granted, permitting the station to broadcast for 24 hours.
