This group comprised with government ministers and deputy ministers, MPs, directors-general, the president of SALGA, political party leaders, traditional leaders, NGOs, civic groups, and everyday citizens. Among them were representatives from the Progressive Forces of South Africa, including President Mthetho Ngcukayithobi, Deputy President Thabiso Makwela, National Strategist Bonang Sepoloane, and Secretary Lebogang Shovhote who also spoke as a concerned resident of Midrand.

A standout attendee was Melisizwe Mayibuye Mandela, great-grandson of Nelson Mandela and the newly appointed Gauteng spokesperson for King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo of the AbaThembu Royal House.

But what started as a promising dialogue quickly turned sour. Many participants left deeply frustrated, feeling the draft white paper still needs massive work to truly reflect the voices and realities of South Africans.

The biggest flashpoint came early: Minister Hlabisa delivered welcoming remarks but then left the venue shortly afterwards. This sparked sharp criticism, with Melisizwe Mandela openly accusing the process of showing disrespect. He pointed out the irony of inviting the public to consult, only for key government figures to miss the real discussions.

Bonang Sepoloane didn’t hold back either, arguing that the draft white paper confirms a long-standing lack of respect from government toward traditional leadership.

Lebogang Shovhote was equally blunt. She slammed the document for being available only in English, calling it an “appalling” barrier for indigenous traditional leaders who are forced to debate laws in a language once tied to oppression. She pushed hard for depoliticising councillor roles, cutting political meddling in municipal jobs, and tackling illegal immigration. As a Midrand local, she also spotlighted the area’s ongoing water supply headaches, a problem that resonated with many others in the room.

Tensions boiled over again when Fatima Abdool from the United Independent Movement challenged the programme director on fair speaking time. After a heated back-and-forth, she got the floor and powerfully highlighted how coloured communities in places like Eersterus, Noordgesig, and Eldorado Park continue to feel sidelined in local governance decisions.

The Gauteng water crisis came up repeatedly, with speaker after speaker echoing the same urgent concerns about failing service delivery.

By the end, the message from the floor was unmistakable: this draft needs to be fundamentally reworked. Participants demanded far more genuine, inclusive engagement moving forward,  real listening, not just box-ticking consultations.

The consultation laid bare deep frustrations with local government reform efforts. While the goal of making every municipality work remains widely shared, yesterday’s gathering showed there’s still a long road ahead to build trust and get the policy right.

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Mosikili’s appearance forms part of an ongoing inquiry into allegations of political interference in the justice system that were by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) top cop Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in July last year.

Other reasons for her appearance is the decision to disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).

Mosikili is testifying because she served as the Acting National Commissioner for a period when SAPS Commissioner General Fannie Masemola was on leave, during which time a directive from the suspended Minister Senzo Mchunu was brought to her attention on or after December 31, 2024.

During the media briefing, Mkhwanazi alleged that suspended Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya took control of 121 case dockets linked to political killings without proper authorisation.

“This was done without the instructions of the national commissioner, nor I, as the provincial commissioner. These dockets have, since March, been sitting at the head office, without work being done on them.

“Five of these dockets had already instructions to arrest perpetrators, but nothing has been done because a lieutenant general, Sibiya, executing the instructions of the minister, withdrew all these dockets and is sitting in his office in Pretoria. God knows why,” he said.

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Sibiya dropped explosive claims about the arrest warrants alleging pressure from political offices and even references to the “after 9” clubs.

The commissioner revisited screenshots of posts allegedly made by Blogger Musa Khawula containing serious allegations about Cat Matlala.

Evidence showed that General Shibiri messaged Musa saying, “Don’t run the story Chommie. He’s a good guy. He never bothers anyone and lives a private life.”

Commissioners suggested this looked like an attempt to shield Matlala.

Sibiya said he could not say whether anyone was protecting anyone. But the real tension erupted over an arrest warrant.

Evidence before the commission shows Sergeant Fannie Nkosi sent Cat Matlala a copy of Musa Khawula’s arrest warrant. Sibiya agreed under questioning that sharing a warrant with a private individual would be improper. However, he strongly denied instructing anyone to send it.

Nkosi’s version is clear, he says Sibiya told him to forward the warrant to Matlala because Matlala’s security company had insight into places Musa allegedly frequented on weekends.

Sibiya rejected this outright. He said he never gave such an instruction and insisted he would not involve a private security company in executing an arrest.

The commission then pressed him about the reasoning allegedly given, that Matlala and his security team knew the venues Musa visited. That’s when an unusual detail emerged.

When asked about the locations, Sibiya described them as “after 9 clubs” referring effectively late-night gay club venues.

Sibiya initially wrote the description down before confirming verbally that he was referring to after-9 establishments.

Another major issue was why Sibiya appeared consistently updated about Musa Khawula’s arrest.

Messages showed he was informed when Musa was detained in Sandton cells and when the arrest was confirmed.

Commissioners questioned why he was kept in the loop so closely when the matter was not directly under his command structure.

Sibiya’s response was that he works closely with certain operational teams and often stays informed on arrests, especially when warrants are involved.

He denied having any special or personal interest in Musa’s case.

As if this was not enough, Sibiya was further confronted with a series of messages suggesting arrangements were being made to transport impalas to his home.

“I’ve never had impalas delivered to my home,” Sibiya said repeatedly.

The commission heard that on March 21, 2024, Matlala forwarded a voice note to Nkosi. In the recording, a man asks for a pin drop “for where the impala must go.”

Nkosi immediately forwarded the voice note to Sibiya with the message: “Morning it’s from Cat.”

Sibiya acknowledged receiving the message and confirmed that the WhatsApp number used in the exchange belongs to him.

The Madlanga Commission will resume for the fifth time today and Sibiya is expected to wrap up his testimony.

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Butt’s legal team at BDK Attorneys emphasizes fairness and the right to be heard, invoking the age-old principle of “audi alteram partem” – hearing the other side. They argue that recent evidence presented to the commission has unfairly implicated Butt in serious criminal activities, and he’s eager to appear under oath to share his perspective and counter any inferences drawn from Sibiya’s statements.

The request is straightforward and respectful: coordinate with the commission’s chairperson to arrange Butt’s appearance, provide details on timing and procedures, and clarify if he needs to submit a sworn affidavit or supporting documents ahead of time. “Our client is acting in good faith to help the commission achieve a complete and balanced understanding,” the letter states, highlighting Butt’s commitment to transparency in this probe into criminality, political meddling, and corruption.

This development adds another layer to the Madlanga Commission’s work, which has been scrutinizing deep-rooted issues in the justice system. For Butt, it’s a personal bid to reclaim his narrative in what could be a pivotal moment for accountability in South Africa. As the commission continues its inquiry, all eyes will be on how they respond to this call for due process.

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The COJ urged media owners and outdoor advertising agencies not to support companies operating without proper approval as it intensifies efforts to clamp down on illegal outdoor advertising across the city.

A large-scale enforcement operation began at Bryanston Shopping Centre and moved along Winnie Mandela Drive toward Sandton, where about 10 illegal billboards were identified, with several taken down.

Some of the signs removed had previously been disconnected from the electricity grid by City Power two weeks ago due to illegal connections and were later found to have been unlawfully reconnected.

The operation was conducted jointly by multiple entities, including Johannesburg Property Company, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, City of Johannesburg Development Planning and the Johannesburg Roads Agency.

Johannesburg Property Company CEO Musah Makunga said the City is working to ensure full compliance with by-laws by all partners and stakeholders.

“We are out here making sure that the people we do business with follow the rules of the City of Johannesburg. Behind me is an illegal site, a billboard erected without following the by-laws. We also dealt with a digital billboard owned by an entity that does have a lease with us, but which had illegally connected its electricity,” said Makunga.

Makunga added that a growing number of illegal billboards have been identified around Sandton and urged media owners to approach the City for proper application procedures.

Executive Director for Development Planning Eric Raboshakga said many properties hosting illegal signs are neglected.

“The sign we are removing today is on a neglected property. Owners are making money from the structure, yet the site itself is abandoned, which affects surrounding properties and the City as a whole,” he said.

Raboshakga emphasised the need for lawful applications and responsible property maintenance.

“We urge property owners to follow the proper legal process when applying for signage and to keep their properties well maintained, so that business activities can generate employment while preserving a clean environment,” he said.

Raboshakga further said: “Operations will continue throughout the week to identify and remove additional illegal signs, noting that many pose safety risks due to their brightness or proximity to intersections.

“We urge media owners and outdoor advertising agencies not to support companies operating without approval.”

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This comes after the court found him guilty on seven counts of rape, two counts of attempted murder, three counts of robbery as well as house breaking and assault.

Mthethwa, who was terrorising the areas of Richards Bay, KwaMbonambi and Empangeni, started his raping spree in March 2017, when he raped a woman and strangled her with the intention to kill her at KwaMbonambi.

During his cold-blooded raping spree, Mthethwa also came across three women in Richards Bay.

He fired a shot at one woman and raped the other whilst forcing the other victims to witness the act.

With police realizing that there was a serial rapist on the loose, a team of dedicated detectives from the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit connected the dots and Mthethwa was stopped on his tracks in 2021.

His reign of terror ended when he was arrested and charged on 21 counts, inclusive of rape, attempted murder, business robbery, house breaking and assault.

His youngest rape victim was a 13-year-old girl whom he raped after breaking into the house she was sleeping in.

Mthethwa’s name will be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

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This comes after a dash cam captured the fatal attack of a 22-year old Nigerian e-hailing or Bolt driver Isaac Satlat in Pretoria.

The young man was assaulted, hijacked and strangled to death on Thursday night in Pretoria.

His body and the car were later found some kilometers away in Moshongo in Attridgeville just outside Pretoria.

Satlat was a student and he was due to graduate next month and plans were underway for him to move to Canada to continue with his studies.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident involving a driver operating on the platform. Our thoughts and condolences are with the victim’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

“We are aware of the video circulating online and understand the concern it has generated. We are working closely with law enforcement authorities and will provide all necessary information to support their investigation and help bring those responsible to justice,” the statement reads.

Bolt said they are conducting a thorough internal review of this case and will take any additional measures necessary to strengthen enforcement and enhance safety on the platform.

“As this is an active investigation, we will not be able to comment further at this time,” the statement reads.

So far, a male and a female have been arrested in connection with the murder of Satlat.

Gauteng police initially a female suspect, who faces charges of carjacking and murder and is expected to appear in the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court.

Law enforcement confirmed the arrest of a second individual believed to have been involved in the fatal hijacking. A third suspect is reportedly still at large. Police have urged members of the public to provide any information that could assist with the ongoing investigation.

The case remains under investigation as authorities work to apprehend all individuals responsible. Police continue to gather evidence and appeal to witnesses to come forward. Court proceedings for the arrested suspects are pending, with updates expected as the legal process unfolds.

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Volontiya is the founder and owner of GQ Creamery Ice Cream Caffé, based in Gqeberha.

Driven by passion, creativity, and a love for quality treats, Volontiyab has built GQ Creamery into a brand known for indulgent and innovative delicacies.

The menu features favourites such as bubble waffles, ice-cream crêpes, crêpe spaghetti, popping bubble tea, and a variety of premium gelato creations.

“After I recognised a gap in the ice-cream market and I did research about the growth of ice-cream over the next decade.

I used my grocery money while I was in tertiary to fund my business and the rest was history,” he said.

Volontiya said he startes his business in 2023 and currently the business employs 4 people and it is currently feeding 18 people.

“There are literally no advantages in doing business but pure luck, once you find something that people love and you can provide it with exceptional service or product then you found luck.

“The business had a hard start, where I personally didn’t make money at first but through persistence, hardwork and marketing it grew to become a bread provider to my family,” said the father of four.

If you want to check their stock kindly visit: www.gqcreamery.com

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These were the words of the Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, during the Strategic Planning Session on Thursday.

Mkhwanazi said these words as dueing the last day of a three-day session which kicked off with a Provincial Management Forum (PMF) on Tuesday, and a Quarterly Performance Review Session on Wednesday.

“When I came into the province in 2021, we set three main targets for ourselves. We said we wanted to reduce crime, we had our aims set on attaining a clean audit and, lastly, we wanted to ensure that our clients are satisfied with our services. The 2021 riots affected our plans because we had to redirect our resources to deal with the crisis.

“That was followed by the Local Government Elections, after which we had to deal with the disaster as a result of flooding in 2022. From there, the province stabilised somewhat and we could focus on our key priorities. Today, the crime picture, in comparison with 2021, shows signs of improvement and we can still do a lot more,” he said.

Mkhwanazi further said the internal audit report shows that they are on the right trajectory towards the realisation of a clean audit.

“It is your responsibility as managers to understand qualified and unqualified audits, disclaimers and clean audits. These audits show how we are using public funds and we must be accountable. Every single cent must go where it is supposed to. Lastly, numbers may show a reduction in crime and we may achieve a clean audit, but what remains is how our clients, who are community members, view us.

“If the communities we serve are not happy with our work, if they do not trust us and if they are still reluctant to partner with us to fight crime, then we still have a long way to go. We are happy that people out there appreciate the direction we have taken of Station Commanders holding community meetings every month to account on crime and provide feedback on major cases, as well as addressing developing crime trends,” said Mkhwanazi as he invited attendees to engage in robust discussion in the development of an Annual Operational Plan.

In attendance at the Strategic Planning Session were Deputy Provincial Commissioners, District Commissioners, Provincial Heads, Provincial Commanders, MIC officials from all levels, labour unions, Community Policing Forums and Youth Crime structures.

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Masuku who was investigating the alleged killing of Emmanuel Mbese whose body was dumped in dam in Nigel, told the commission this case which involved SAPS officers, EMPD officers and civilians linked to private security companies made her and her family become targets.

Masuku described a series of threats that began during sensitive investigations involving law enforcement officials.

Masuku detailed that the threats were not abstract, they were specific, planned and communicated to her through intermediaries who warned her that arrangements were being made to harm her.

She mentioned three prominent incidents which she claims were meant to take her out.

The first incident where she would recieve desth threats direct, the second incident was the shooting of her son who was driving her around and when her vehicle was shot at while she was driving but she survived.

“At one point, I was informed that individuals were allegedly planning a hit. Someone who knew me contacted me privately, warning that although my name was not mentioned directly, the description matched mine. The department was notified, and investigators in my office were instructed to carry firearms due to the seriousness of the threat,” she said.

Masuku said the threats did not stop. She explained that investigators often receive threats but must still report for duty the next morning. In her case, the danger moved beyond intimidation.

“My son was shot and became wheelchairbound. Luckily he survived, but his life changed permanently. He was left wheelchair-bound for a period,” sje said.

Masuku told the commission he is now trying to walk again.

She became emotional while recounting that moment, thanking God that he did not lose his life.

“My son was targeted because he had taken it upon himself to drive and accompany me during the height of the threats. He would take me to work, to police stations and to court appearances, trying to protect me. He was unarmed, simply standing by his mother.

“I believe those targeting me realised that harming him would isolate me and cause me deep pain. Eliminating him may have been seen as a way to leave me vulnerable and alone. It did not stop her from doing her job,” she said.

Masuku told the commission that investigating law enforcement officers is not easy and that delays in cases often have explanations rooted in safety concerns.

“I had to face individuals in court whom I knew were allegedly planning to harm me. At one point, I confronted them directly, telling them I had heard about their plans and even gave them my home address. The IPID provided protection at our homes for a period, but it was stragetic protection. Me and my colleagues still had to move around the country conducting investigations without mobile security,” she said.

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