The number of people being convicted of commercial crimes has dropped significantly in the past two decades, while the number of reported crimes has increased.The National Prosecuting Authority has a dedicated unit – the Specialised Commercial Crimes Unit (SCCU) – to prosecute fraud, corruption and money laundering. In addition to the prosecuting unit, South Africa also has Specialised Commercial Crime Courts (SCCCs). Most of the SCCU’s cases are prosecuted in these courts. Both the unit and the … [Read more...] about Why Fewer People Are Being Convicted for Commercial Crimes
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Urgent Call for South Africa to Support and Join Global Efforts to Phase Out Fossil Fuels
Table of Contents One of the Co-Founders and Spokesperson from Oceans Not Oil, Janet Solomon has launched a petition encouraging South Africans to phase out fossil fuel. If you recognise the need without needing to scroll on then CLICK HERE to Sign the petition addressed to President Cyril Ramaphosa. If you still need convincing then read on…. Geopolitical Crisis and Fossil Fuel Dependence Triggered by escalating military conflict between the United States of America, Israel, and Iran—and the … [Read more...] about Urgent Call for South Africa to Support and Join Global Efforts to Phase Out Fossil Fuels
Unfenced 6 SAI Army Base Outside Makhanda Claims Another Life
The 6 SA Infantry Battalion base is located on the outskirts of Makhanda, within walking distance of many residential areas. A man believed to be a scrap metal collector from Makhanda was killed in late September when unexploded ordnance detonated while he was trespassing at the 6 SA Infantry Battalion’s training area. Large sections of the base’s perimeter fence are missing and at least six civilians, including children, have been killed or injured by military devices from the base since … [Read more...] about Unfenced 6 SAI Army Base Outside Makhanda Claims Another Life
Death Toll Rises From Makhado Bus Crash
Another person has died after a bus veered off the road in Limpopo on 12 October. Addressing families of the dead on Monday, Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba said the death toll was now 44. The families were gathered at Siloam Hospital to identify the bodies of their relatives. The death toll from the bus crash on the N1 outside Louis Trichardt on 12 October has risen to 44. Forty-three people died when the bus, carrying 91 passengers from Gqeberha to Harare, veered off the road. Limpopo … [Read more...] about Death Toll Rises From Makhado Bus Crash
Law Clinics Flooded as Home Affairs Blocks Asylum Seekers From the System
Home Affairs has stopped processing new asylum applications unless applicants have a transit visa, say lawyers. Home Affairs has not responded to our queries. Since April 2024, Refugee Reception Offices have not been processing new asylum applications unless the applicant has a valid transit visa, say lawyers. This is because of amendments to legislation that require asylum seekers to show “good cause” for not having a transit visa. The Western Cape High Court ruled in May that this requirement … [Read more...] about Law Clinics Flooded as Home Affairs Blocks Asylum Seekers From the System
NMBM Authorities Commended for Successfully Cracking down on Kidnapping Syndicate
The relevant authorities in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro (NMBM) are commended for their swift and targeted action, which led to the safe release of 73-year-old kidnapping victim Theresa Minnie. Several suspects were also taken into custody during the subsequent operation. The success of this operation clearly proves that collaboration between various role-players is essential […] The post NMBM authorities commended for successfully cracking down on kidnapping syndicate appeared first on Freedom … [Read more...] about NMBM Authorities Commended for Successfully Cracking down on Kidnapping Syndicate
We Demand Urgent Upgrades to Dangerous Eastern Cape Roads
During a recent visit by the Department of Transport to the Eastern Cape, the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) urged the Department to address the terrible condition of several key main and rural roads in the province. Oversight visits and discussions with local farmers and residents revealed that roads such as the MR470 between Kirkwood […] The post Freedom Front Plus demands urgent upgrades to dangerous Eastern Cape roads appeared first on Freedom Front Plus. During a recent visit by the … [Read more...] about We Demand Urgent Upgrades to Dangerous Eastern Cape Roads
NMBM Must Address Illegal Electricity Connections in Kragga Kamma Road
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) has asked the acting City Manager of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro (NMBM), Mr Ted Pillay, to immediately address the illegal electricity connections in Kragga Kamma Road. This street, which runs through various residential neighbourhoods in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), is a hotspot for illegal electricity connections. These connections form […] The post NMBM should address illegal electricity connections in Kragga Kamma Road appeared first on Freedom Front Plus. The … [Read more...] about NMBM Must Address Illegal Electricity Connections in Kragga Kamma Road
SIU to probe National Skills Fund, DPWI, among others
SIU to probe National Skills Fund, DPWI, among others President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed five proclamations – two new and three amendments – authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration in the affairs of the National Skills Fund and the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. In addition, the President has amended existing proclamations to expand the scope of investigations into the South African … [Read more...] about SIU to probe National Skills Fund, DPWI, among others
Creecy unveils private sector role in revitalising rail and port infrastructure
Creecy unveils private sector role in revitalising rail and port infrastructure Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has officially unveiled a groundbreaking Request for Information (RFI), aimed at transforming the country’s struggling rail and port infrastructure through strategic partnerships with the private sector. “Today, I am launching an online request for information to develop an enabling environment for Private Sector Participation (PSP) and enhance investment in rail and port … [Read more...] about Creecy unveils private sector role in revitalising rail and port infrastructure
Latest African Penguin Protection Measures Find Favour
Dear EditorThe DA welcomes an historic agreement between the fishing industry and conservation organisations that will put fishing closures in place to protect the critically endangered African Penguin, as announced yesterday by Minister Dion George. This agreement to put fishing closures in place is an important and urgent win for a species that, without intervention, was projected to go extinct within the next decade. The availability of pelagic fish such as sardine and anchovy in the … [Read more...] about Latest African Penguin Protection Measures Find Favour
How a Durban Company Came to Illegally Uplift a Railway Line in the Eastern Cape
Former PRASA acting CEO Mthuthuzeli Swartz and Cape Town businessman Nadir Mohiudeen stand accused of fraudulently selling off a railway line in the Eastern Cape. The general manager of Durban company Akisisa testified they were led to believe Mohiudeen had a 12-month deal with Metrorail to sell off used rail. In February 2013, upliftment of the rail was stopped by Transnet, who owned the rail that was being uplifted, and a case was opened at the Elliot police station in the Eastern Cape. The … [Read more...] about How a Durban Company Came to Illegally Uplift a Railway Line in the Eastern Cape
Settlement Reached in African Penguin Case
Conservationists argued that current no-fishing zones are inadequate to prevent the African Penguin’s extinction. The government, seabird conservation groups and the pelagic fishing industry have reached a settlement agreement in a High Court case. The agreement includes significant changes to no-fishing zones around several African Penguin breeding islands. Previously declared closures were insufficient to protect penguin breeding grounds, environmental groups argued. African Penguins, … [Read more...] about Settlement Reached in African Penguin Case
Kariega Protesters Demand to See Mayor, Boo Ward Councillor
The R334 was temporarily closed by hundreds of protesters from Area 11 informal settlement in Gunguluza in Kwanobuhle, Kariega. They demanded electrification, an end to bucket system and to be relocated to a nearby open field. In a second protest since Friday, about 200 people blocked the R334 road with rubble and burning tyres in Kariega from 5am on Wednesday. Blowing whistles and singing songs, the protest by shack dwellers from Area 11 informal settlement in Gunguluza stretched into the … [Read more...] about Kariega Protesters Demand to See Mayor, Boo Ward Councillor
Former PRASA Acting CEO Pleads Not Guilty to Stealing Railway Line
Between December 2012 and February 2013, 42km of railway line were stolen in the Eastern Cape. The upliftment of the rails was stopped by Transnet security guards, who opened a case at the Elliot police station. In January 2019 – six years later – PRASA’s former acting CEO Mthuthuzeli Swartz and businessman Nadir Mohiudeen were arrested. This week, another six years after their arrest, the trial finally got underway. Former PRASA acting head Mthuthuzeli Swartz and businessman Nadir Mohiudeen … [Read more...] about Former PRASA Acting CEO Pleads Not Guilty to Stealing Railway Line
