The SIU recently revealed that South Africa’s immigration system had effectively been turned into a marketplace, where visas and permits were allegedly sold to the highest bidder. The findings have sparked renewed public interest in high profile immigration fraud cases, including that of Chabalala.

The Rise and Sudden Fall of “Mshengu”

Chabalala, once known for his flamboyant lifestyle and his Sam Holdings Group empire, drew national attention in 2019 when he arrived at the Durban July with a convoy of luxury vehicles reportedly stretching into the dozens. The spectacle reportedly triggered scrutiny from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks.

On 6 September 2019, Chabalala was arrested on charges including corruption, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, illegal entry into South Africa, and providing false information to authorities.

During his arrest, he claimed to have been born in Limpopo. Investigators later alleged he was in fact a Zimbabwean national.

The Affidavit and the Killing

Shortly after Chabalala’s arrest, his close associate and manager, Nkosinathi Ngcongo, provided a sworn affidavit to investigators. Days later, Ngcongo was shot and killed.

Court proceedings later resulted in a 15 year prison sentence for a bodyguard linked to the murder plot. However, allegations have persisted that a suspected gunman known as Khumalo has not been arrested.

Bail, Bribery Allegations and Disappearance

Chabalala was granted R200,000 bail at the Witbank Magistrate’s Court. Less than six months later, he was arrested again, this time accused of attempting to bribe a senior police officer to make his case docket disappear and return his seized vehicle.

He was granted R500,000 bail despite opposition from the State.

In March 2020, after being released on bail for the second time, Chabalala vanished.

Before disappearing, he allegedly left a note suggesting he intended to end his life near the Crocodile River or a game reserve along the N2 towards Hluhluwe. No remains were publicly confirmed, and his whereabouts remain unknown.

Authorities had reportedly secured two warrants for his arrest after he failed to appear in court.

SIU Findings on Immigration Corruption

The renewed attention comes after the SIU presented interim findings into corruption within the Department of Home Affairs.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber confirmed that the probe, authorised by Cyril Ramaphosa under Proclamation 154 of 2024, examined visa processes between October 2004 and February 2024.

Among the findings

More than 2,000 study visas were allegedly fraudulently issued

Financial benefits exceeding R181 million were traced to beneficiaries

Four officials earning under R25,000 per month reportedly received R16.3 million in unexplained deposits

Seventy five disciplinary cases were finalised over two financial years

Twenty officials were dismissed since April last year

High profile cases, including those involving Shepherd Bushiri and Timothy Omotoso, were also flagged during the investigation.

The Unanswered Question

Five years later, the mystery remains.

Is Sam “Mshengu” Chabalala dead. Did he flee the country. Or could new investigations into immigration corruption eventually reveal what really happened.

For now, the businessman who once dominated headlines has vanished, leaving behind unanswered questions, unfinished court cases, and a legal system still grappling with the full extent of alleged immigration corruption.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post Five Years Later Where Is Sam “Mshengu” Chabalala appeared first on MDNtv.

Likhona, a former student at Ikusasalethu Secondary School, went missing in May. Her body was discovered mutilated the next day in a case that deeply shook the communities of Braamfischerville and Durban Deep.

Mnisi, who was reportedly last seen with Likhona on the day she vanished, has consistently denied any involvement in her death. He has a criminal record, having previously served time for robbery and attempted murder. He is currently out on parole for those offences.

The State had argued against bail, citing Mnisi’s past and a witness statement alleging he was seen with Likhona shortly before she went missing. However, during his bail hearing, Mnisi’s girlfriend, Pinky Gantso, testified that he was with her in Daveyton on the night Likhona disappeared. This alibi was supported by cellphone data presented in court, which tracked Mnisi’s location to Daveyton and later to Kagiso on the same evening.

In his own words, Mnisi told the court he had travelled to Daveyton on that Saturday and only returned later that night. With the defence highlighting the lack of solid evidence, the court decided to release him on bail.

Although the State opposed bail, it has since accepted the court’s decision. The case is expected to return to court on Friday, July 11, as investigations continue.

This case has left a community in grief, still searching for justice for a young girl whose life was tragically cut short.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post Bail Granted to Man Accused in Heartbreaking Murder of 14-Year-Old Girl appeared first on MDNtv.

Baby Mogamat Imaad Shamar was last seen on Saturday, June 28, wrapped in a blue blanket and dressed in a white vest and white crawler with car prints. His sudden disappearance has left his family desperate for answers and praying for his safe return.

According to the mother, a woman known only as “Chivon” befriended her during her pregnancy, claiming to represent an organisation that supports young mothers with counselling and care packages. After the baby was born, the woman invited the new mother for a meal. During their outing, the mother briefly went to the bathroom due to feeling unwell. When she returned, both the woman and her baby were gone.

Flyers with Baby Shamar’s photo have since flooded social media in the hopes that someone has seen him.

In a separate, heartbreaking incident in the Eastern Cape, a four-week-old baby boy was found abandoned on Saturday. The child, discovered alive, was taken to hospital for medical evaluation. Police are now searching for the child’s mother as they investigate the case as child neglect.

Both families are facing unimaginable pain, and the public is urged to share any information that may assist in finding the missing baby or helping the ongoing investigations.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post Cape Town Family Devastated as One-Week-Old Baby Abducted appeared first on MDNtv.

Kutlwano had been missing since November 2024, his disappearance sparking outrage, fear, and desperate hope that the little boy would be found alive. But this week, police confirmed what many had feared: Kutlwano is gone.

His mother, Keneilwe Shalaba, remains in custody after her bail was denied. She is facing grave charges of human trafficking and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Investigations have revealed chilling details. Authorities say Kutlwano was allegedly sold for R75,000—the money reportedly deposited directly into Keneilwe’s bank account on the same day her child vanished.

The case took another disturbing turn with the recent arrest of a traditional healer—a sangoma—believed to be linked to the boy’s disappearance and death.

Police are continuing to investigate, and more arrests could follow.

This devastating case comes as the country focuses on the rights and safety of children, reminding all of the urgency to protect the most vulnerable in society.

Kutlwano’s story, like so many others, is a heart-wrenching reminder that for some children, home is not a safe place—and that behind every headline is a child who deserved a chance at life.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post Heartbreak as Body of Missing Toddler Kutlwano Shalaba Is Found appeared first on MDNtv.

Ndlovu and Mdhluli vanished without a trace in February, sending shockwaves through their families, friends, and the media community. This week, police made a breakthrough after raiding a hideout in Nokaneng, where they arrested the latest suspects. The location is close to where human remains—believed to be those of the missing couple—were recently found.

Authorities are currently conducting forensic tests to confirm the identities of the bodies. So far, eight people have been arrested in connection with what investigators now suspect is a double murder.

The case has gripped the public, with many calling for justice and answers as the investigation progresses.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post Three More Suspects Face Court in Disappearance of Journalist and His Partner appeared first on MDNtv.

Ndlovu and Mdhluli vanished without a trace in February, sending shockwaves through their families, friends, and the media community. This week, police made a breakthrough after raiding a hideout in Nokaneng, where they arrested the latest suspects. The location is close to where human remains—believed to be those of the missing couple—were recently found.

Read more stories

• Father of Two Arrested After Horrific Axe Attack on Mother of His Children
• Pretoria High Court Rocked by Allegations of Immigration Fraud
• Gauteng North Ready to Compete in Inter Provincial overs & UnderNetball Tournament 2025

Authorities are currently conducting forensic tests to confirm the identities of the bodies. So far, eight people have been arrested in connection with what investigators now suspect is a double murder.

The case has gripped the public, with many calling for justice and answers as the investigation progresses.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post Three More Suspects Face Court in Disappearance of Journalist and His Partner appeared first on MDNtv.