Speaking on the side-lines of the Gauteng Investment Conference on Thursday, Mashatile reiterated that he was not in the country at the time of the said meeting with Matlala.

“I don’t know Cat Matlala, in fact, when I heard about the plans to meet with me on 23 December, I was not even in the country. I don’t know what Fannie Nkosi is talking about,” Mashatile told reporters.

Mashatile’s camp has dismissed the allegations as unfounded and politically motivated, calling for evidence to support the claims.

The controversy is reminiscent of previous scandals, including the CR17 debacle, and has sparked concerns about corruption and state capture within the ANC.

The allegations are part of a broader investigation into Matlala’s dealings, including his alleged involvement in securing state tenders and funding ANC events.

Matlala’s connections to senior officials, including Colonel Smangaliso Simelane, have also come under scrutiny.

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The ruling orders all beneficiaries involved to repay the full amount.

The funding, which was meant for the development of a cultural village in Hammanskraal, Gauteng, was found to have been fraudulently obtained.

Investigations revealed that the project already existed, having been established in 2015 by the Maubane Cultural Village and Community Arts Centre using a prior NLC grant.

In a strongly worded judgment, Special Tribunal President Margaret Victor described the scheme orchestrated by Tshimangadzo and Ndoweni Mukutu as “clearly fraudulent.”

She ruled that the individuals and their associated entities acted together to defraud the NLC and are jointly liable to repay the full amount, including legal costs.

Judge Victor also issued a stark warning about the state of corruption in the country, saying it has reached “catastrophic” levels. She emphasised that funds intended to uplift communities were instead diverted through a deliberate and dishonest scheme.

The SIU investigation uncovered extensive manipulation, including the unauthorised use of a legitimate non-profit organisation’s constitution, forged signatures, fictitious leadership structures, and the creation of a bank account used to channel millions of rand.

Original members of the Madumelani Community Project confirmed they neither applied for nor had any knowledge of the grant.

Further findings revealed that millions were rapidly distributed to companies and individuals linked to the Mukutu brothers shortly after the funds were disbursed in 2018.

The probe also connected the case to broader corruption within the NLC, including payments to entities associated with former board member William Huma, who has previously been ordered to repay misused funds.

The investigation forms part of a wider probe authorised by Cyril Ramaphosa under Proclamation 32 of 2020, targeting maladministration and corruption within the NLC.

The SIU says the ruling marks a critical step toward recovering public funds and holding those responsible accountable. Criminal aspects of the case have now been referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action.

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Maringa, who was attached to the Cullinan Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit of the South African Police Service (SAPS), was convicted of stock theft involving cattle valued at R80 000. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Gauteng National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the offence dates back to 17 April 2019, when two accused persons, who later turned state witnesses, stole cattle from Zonderwater Correctional Services in Cullinan on Maringa’s instructions.

“The matter came to light after police received a tip-off from a farmer to whom the stolen cattle had been sold. When the two individuals returned to the farm to collect payment, they were arrested. Upon their arrest, the two accused cooperated with the police and revealed that Maringa was involved in planning the offence. They also indicated that he had escorted them to the Gaudveld Farm, where there is an abattoir and butchery,” she said.

Mahanjana said Maringa pleaded not guilty during the trial and denied any involvement.

“However, Regional Court Prosecutor Advocate Patsy Jacobs presented compelling evidence that proved the State’s case beyond a reasonable doubt. In mitigation of sentence, Maringa, through his legal representative, asked for leniency on the basis that no financial loss was ultimately suffered because the cattle were recovered and returned to the Department of Correctional Services.

“Advocate Jacobs opposed this, arguing that Maringa, as a police officer assigned to a stock theft unit, had a heightened duty to prevent such crimes and had instead abused his position. She urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence.

“In handing down the sentence, the Regional Court Magistrate agreed with the State, emphasising that police officers are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity and that the courts have a responsibility to protect the property rights of citizens,” she said.

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Matlala is appearing alongside thirteen accused, including senior South African Police Service (SAPS) officers and executives linked to Medicare24. The group faces charges of corruption, fraud, and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

Among the accused is Medicare24 Group managing director James Murray, as well as Matlala, who is listed as accused number one and is the majority shareholder of Medicare24 Tshwane District.

Matlala arrived late at court as he remains in custody on separate serious charges. He is currently facing more than 20 charges in the Johannesburg High Court, including 11 counts of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering.

These charges relate to multiple incidents between August 2022 and January 2024, including an alleged failed hit on his former girlfriend and socialite Tebogo Thobejane in October 2023.

The SAPS officials facing charges include General Busi Temba, Brigadier Ofentse Tlhoaele, Brigadier Kistey Jonker, Brigadier Thembinkosi Ngema, Colonel Nehemiah Maleka, Colonel Johannes Monyai, Captain Brian Cartwright, Colonel Anthony Paulsen, Brigadier Rachelle Matjeng, Brigadier Petunia Lenono, Colonel Nonjabulo Mngadi, and Brigadier Patrick Nethengwe.

They are accused of playing a role in facilitating the irregular awarding of the 2024 Medicare24 tender.

The arrests were carried out by the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) following coordinated raids as part of a broader investigation into procurement irregularities within SAPS.

The controversial tender was later cancelled amid concerns over fronting, compliance failures, and possible undue influence in the awarding process.

The matter was previously flagged by Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu, who is currently on special leave.

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Odendaal was further sentenced to two years imprisonment wholly suspended for a period of five years, on condition that he is not convicted of contravention of section 34 (1) of the Prevention and Combatting of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA) committed during the period of suspension and that he subject himself to one year correctional supervision in terms of section 276(1) (h) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 51 of 1977.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Lumka Mahanjana said Odendaal was convicted and sentenced after entering into a plea and sentence agreement with the State in terms of section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act.

“In his capacity as the Group Audit Executive, Odendaal was negligent in that he ought to have suspected that other employees within Steinhoff group committed fraud therefore did not report to the police. Where on 21 November 2016 Iwan Peter Schelbert ( while acting on instructions from the then Chief Financial Officer, Andries Benjamin La Grange, he generated a fraudulent invoice to TG Sources SARL, a company based in Martigny, Switzerland.

“Following the generation of the invoice, Stephanus Johannes Grobler and others created supporting documentation and caused payments to be affected to falsely represent that the invoice reflected a legitimate transaction between Steinhoff at Work and TG Sources SARL. This fraudulent scheme resulted in the inflation of Steinhoff’s financial statements by more than R376 million,” she said.

The NPA said this conviction and sentence, which marks the fourth conviction secured in the Steinhoff matter.

“This outcome demonstrates the commitment of the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations (DPCI)and the NPA to holding perpetrators accountable in one of the largest and most complex corporate fraud cases in South Africa’s history. The investigation and prosecution of this matter required extensive collaboration and technical expertise due to its scale and complexity. It is to be noted that the NPA takes these nature of cases serious. Each case is treated according to its merits. The plea bargains do not militate against the seriousness of these offences,” she said.

The National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Advocate Andy Mothibi said: “These outcomes should demonstrate to the public that NPA will continue to prosecute all cases whether in public or private sector without fear , favour or prejudice.”

The case against the remaining accused, Stephanus Johannes Grobler (64), has been postponed to 14 May 2026 for further proceedings.

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Madyo is fingered to be the person who could have saved the life of Babita Deokaran who was a corruption whistle-blower.

Deokaran was assassinated in a hit-style killing outside her south Johannesburg home in August 2021 after she flagged the Tembisa Hospital corruption scandal which cost it an estimated R800 million.

In her role as Chief Director in Financial Accounting, Deokaran had been a bulwark against irregular and dubious payments.

Owing to her position, she was also in control of the evidentiary paper trail left by those who preyed on public funds.

Madyo, who was warned by Deokaran about irregular contracts at Tembisa Hospital shortly before the whistleblower’s murder, did not resign as previously claimed.

New information in the Gauteng Legislature reveals Madyo actually left the department in July 2024 through a confidential settlement while facing disciplinary charges over procurement irregularities. At the time, the department told the public she had resigned.

Madyo had also been suspended on full pay for nearly two years, reportedly earning around R3 million, before the case was quietly settled.

On Thursday Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi noted the statements and allegations made by the Democratic Alliance (DA) regarding the monetary settlement reached between the GDH and Madyo.

Lesufi dismissed any insinuation that he was part of the arrangements to release the pension payout of the department’s former CFO and would like to point out that Madyo’s disciplinary hearing commenced prior to his tenure.

“The DA knows that in terms of the Public Service Act and applicable regulations, the Premier does not possess the authority to appoint or dismiss chief financial officers employed at the deputy director’s general level. Legally, that responsibility belongs exclusively to the Executive Authority overseeing the specific department that employs the individual.

“Regarding this case and in line with the legal prescripts, the Office of the Premier did not form part of the negotiations and decision-making that led to the monetary settlement. The Department of Health did engage the Office of the Premier after the agreement had been finalised, notifying the Premier of the outcome and requesting retrospective concurrence,” the statement reads.

Lesufi declined to grant this retrospective approval, citing the lack of consultation or prior involvement of his office.

“An independent legal firm has since been appointed to investigate the matter and determine whether the agreement was handled correctly and to advise on any further action required. The Premier shares the public’s concern regarding any expenditure of public funds and remains fully committed to rooting out corruption and ensuring accountability.We will not hide any form of wrongdoing, especially on matters related to the unfortunate loss of life of the late Babita Deokaran,” the statement reads.

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Mafunda is facing a charge of fraud worth more than R940 000.

Gauteng National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Spokesperson Lumka Mahanjani said it is alleged that on 22 August 2023 the company was registered with the Commission of Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC).

“Nine days after the registration on 31 August 2023 the company was allegedly appointed by the NDoH to provide services of investigations in an internal disciplinary hearing.

Two months after the appointment on 02 November 2023, the accused submitted an invoice of more than R530 000 to the NDoH in her personal name and banking details.

The invoice was not paid because the company was not registered in the Central Supplier Database (CSD) as per the National Treasury instructions and the supply chain management does not pay individuals,” she said.

Mahanjana further said on 29 January 2025, three months after the appointment, the accused registered the company on CSD and thereafter total payments of more than R940 000 were paid to the company between 12 February 2024 and 14 January 2025.

“This came to light when Mafunda and her co-accused, Deputy Director General of Tertiary Health and Hospital Services, Dr Malixole Percival Mahlati, Chief Financial Officer Phineas Phaswa Mamogale and the Director General Sabelo Siyabonga Sandile Buthelezi were reported by the forensic investigator to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks).

“After investigations by members of the Hawks’ National Serious Corruption Investigations, the three senior officials at the NDoH were arrested after they handed themselves over to the Pretoria Central Police station on 02 March 2026 and Mafunda was arrested on 05 March 2026 after handing herself over to the police,” she said.

Mahanjana said Mafunda was granted R10 000 bail on condition that she attends court at all times, not commit other offences while on bail, not enter the premises if the National Department of Health (NDoH).

She should surrender her passport to the investigation officer, not interfere with state witnesses and not discuss the matter with her cousin who is also a state witness in this case.

“In court, the state did not oppose her release on bail. The state submitted an affidavit from Investigating Officer Captain Clinton Leonard Arrikum, stating that the accused have no previous convictions or pending matters against them, that they do not pose as a flight risk and that they will not disturb the public when released on bail. The magistrate found that it was in the interest of justice that the accused be granted bail,” she said.

The case was postponed to 03 June 2026 for further investigations and appearance of all four accused in the matter.

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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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The incident occurred along Freedom Road next to a grocery store boxer, when the cash van was allegedly rammed by a Mercedes-Benz.

The driver and his two crew members were reportedly forced out of the vehicle at gunpoint and assaulted before the suspects detonated explosives on the van.

According to police and Jozi FM, the suspects fired several gunshots at the scene before fleeing in a silver-grey Volvo and a dark brown BMW X5.

Gauteng police spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, confirmed the incident.

“A case of cash-in-transit robbery will be investigated after a cash van was bombed and an undisclosed amount of money was stolen by unknown suspects in Dobsonville. The suspects allegedly rammed the vehicle, forced the crew out at gunpoint and assaulted them before bombing the van,” said Nevhuhulwi.

She added that the suspects fled the scene in two vehicles after firing several shots.

The case will be investigated by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).

Police have urged anyone with information that may assist the investigation to contact the Crime Stop Line on 08600 10111 or submit anonymous tip-offs via the MySapsApp.

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Manuel, a recipient of the prestigious KwaZulu-Natal Premier’s Bursary Programme, was in the final stages of his instructor training when the light aircraft went down near Sofasonke on Thursday. His flight instructor also tragically lost their life in the accident.

The eThekwini native is being remembered as a dedicated and passionate aviator whose promising career was cut short. KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli led the tributes, describing Manuel as a “shining example” of determination and talent.

“He demonstrated remarkable hard work and commitment as he neared the completion of his training,” Premier Ntuli said. He extended heartfelt condolences to Manuel’s family, friends, and the broader aviation community, adding that the province would continue to support youth development in Manuel’s honour.

Excellentia Airline Academy, where Manuel was training, issued a statement expressing profound devastation at the loss. The academy confirmed it is cooperating fully with the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and other investigative bodies as they work to determine the cause of the crash.

Friends and family have also taken to social media to honour the young pilot’s memory, celebrating his passion for flying and the bright future ahead of him.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances of the crash, with a comprehensive technical report expected to be released in due course.

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