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MALEMA CALLS FOR DOCUMENTATION OF UNDOCUMENTED MIGRANTS AMID EKURHULENI MURDER PROBE

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has called for undocumented migrants already living in South Africa to be documented, arguing that better identification could assist authorities in tracing people suspected of committing crimes.

Malema made the comments on Saturday, 19 September, during the EFF’s manifesto launch at the Dr JL Dube Stadium in Inanda, north of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. He was responding to questions about the discovery of nine women’s bodies in Ekurhuleni since July.

Malema argued that documenting undocumented migrants would give authorities access to information such as a person’s identity, last known address and country of origin. He also said extradition arrangements could potentially be used if a suspect fled South Africa.

His remarks came as police continue a multidisciplinary investigation into the deaths of nine women whose bodies have been discovered in areas including Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein, Kwa-Thema and Dawn Park. Police have said they are examining possible links between the cases, but have not confirmed that all nine deaths were committed by the same person or group.

The issue has become part of a wider national debate around crime, undocumented migration, forensic identification and law enforcement capacity. Malema’s proposal specifically focused on creating records that could assist investigators in identifying and tracing suspects.

The latest investigation has also seen three suspects arrested in connection with the murder of Jabulile Ntimba, the ninth woman found dead. The arrests concern that specific case and do not establish a connection between the suspects and the other deaths.

#JuliusMalema #EFF #Ekurhuleni #SouthAfrica #CoveraTrend

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THREE SUSPECTS ARRESTED OVER NINTH EKURHULENI WOMAN’S MURDER

Three suspects — one man and two women — are expected to appear before the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court in connection with the murder of Jabulile Ntimba, whose death has become the ninth case in a series of killings involving women across Ekurhuleni and surrounding areas.

Ntimba, believed to have been around 30 years old, was found on September 17 in an open area on Lama Street in Villa Lisa, Dawn Park. Police said she was partially clothed and had suffered a fatal throat injury. The Gauteng Murder and Robbery Unit arrested the three suspects over the weekend.

The arrests come as police investigate nine women’s deaths reported across areas including Kempton Park, Rhodesfield, Olifantsfontein, KwaThema and Dawn Park over roughly two months. Several victims have been identified, while authorities are still working to confirm the identity of others.

Authorities have stressed that the nine cases have not been conclusively linked to a single perpetrator. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said investigators have identified differences in possible motives and methods, while investigations into possible connections remain ongoing.

The Acting National Commissioner of SAPS, Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, said all nine murder investigations are being treated as a priority, with investigators following available leads. Police have also increased deployments in affected parts of Ekurhuleni as authorities work to reassure communities and gather further information.

The court proceedings are expected to provide further information about the allegations against the three suspects. They remain suspects at this stage and have not been convicted. Further developments are expected as the investigation continues.

#Ekurhuleni #SAPS #WomenSafety #CrimeNews #CoveraTrend

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LAWRENCE MUDZINGANYAMA APOLOGISES AFTER VIRAL SANDTON THREATS

Lawrence Mudzinganyama has issued a public apology after a video showing him threatening women at Vlamo restaurant in Sandton went viral on social media.

In his statement, Mudzinganyama described the aggressive and threatening language he used as “unacceptable and unjustifiable” and said he accepts responsibility for his words and conduct. He also said he deeply regrets the fear and distress caused by the incident.

The apology comes after Vlamo reported the incident to police and a case of intimidation was opened. Police have since reportedly arrested Mudzinganyama and released him on warning. He is expected to appear before the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on 1 October 2026.

The fallout has extended beyond the criminal investigation. Steyn City Properties has terminated his residential lease, while Moriel Infrastructure Group has removed him as executive chairman and director. The company said he would no longer represent or act on its behalf.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has also directed the SANRAL board to investigate the appointment of Moriel Infrastructure Group and whether the company was appointed in accordance with the law and is meeting the terms of its contract. The investigation follows reports concerning a R107 million SANRAL tender.

Mudzinganyama says he will cooperate with law enforcement and undertake a conflict-management programme. The criminal allegations remain subject to the legal process, and an apology does not determine the outcome of the case.

#Sandton #WomenSafety #SAPS #SouthAfrica #CoveraTrend

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R1.5 MILLION DAGGA SEIZED AT BAOBAB TOLLGATE — TWO ARRESTED

Two Tanzanian nationals have been arrested after police allegedly discovered 991.5 kilograms of dagga, with an estimated street value of approximately R1.5 million, during an operation at Baobab Tollgate in Limpopo.

According to SAPS, members of the Beitbridge Port of Entry Task Team were conducting a roadblock at Baobab Tollgate on Friday when they stopped a white Toyota Hilux fitted with a canopy.

The vehicle was being driven by a 32-year-old man, accompanied by a 41-year-old passenger. Police said the pair indicated that they did not have the keys to the canopy's padlock, prompting officers to direct them to the Beitbridge border facility for further inspection.

At the border, police opened the canopy in the presence of the occupants and allegedly discovered 33 bags containing dagga weighing 991.5kg.

Both men were arrested and are expected to appear before the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 21 September, facing charges relating to dealing in dagga. The allegations will be tested through the legal process.

Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers commended the officers for their vigilance, saying teamwork and operational alertness remain important in efforts to disrupt drug trafficking.

🚔 Nearly one tonne of dagga seized. Two suspects arrested. Investigation continues.

#SAPS #Limpopo #DrugTrafficking #CrimeNews #CoveraTrend

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WATCH | MASKED GUEST LEAVES SOUTH AFRICANS STUNNED AT LIMPOPO WEDDING

A traditional wedding in Limpopo has become the latest social-media talking point after footage showing a masked guest moving through the celebration went viral.

The unusual appearance quickly caught the attention of viewers online, with many South Africans reacting to the unexpected sight at the wedding.

The video, shared by Techguy Seloane Sibanyoni, shows the masked individual making their way through the wedding gathering while other guests continue with the celebration.

It remains unclear from the available reports why the guest was wearing the mask or whether there was a particular cultural or personal reason behind the appearance.

The clip has since become another example of how quickly unexpected moments at South African celebrations can turn into viral social-media content.

🎥 WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO BELOW — WHAT DO YOU MAKE OF THIS?

#Limpopo #ViralVideo #EishWena #Mzansi #CoveraTrend

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GAUTENG MAN ABANDONS BAIL APPLICATION AFTER SPRING DAY STABBING

A 53-year-old Gauteng man accused of fatally stabbing 21-year-old Tshepang Nyathi during Spring Day celebrations in Refilwe has abandoned his bail application at the Cullinan Magistrate’s Court.

The incident allegedly happened on 1 September 2026 in Refilwe Extension 3, where a group of young people had gathered to celebrate Spring Day by pouring water on one another and passersby.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the accused was walking past when members of the group allegedly attempted to pour water on him. It is alleged that he then took out a knife and stabbed Nyathi.

Nyathi was reportedly rushed to a local clinic, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The accused was arrested later that day at Ekangala Hospital, where he had sought medical treatment after allegedly being apprehended and assaulted by community members.

The man’s identity has not been disclosed by the NPA. However, reports indicate that he was allegedly Nyathi’s neighbour.

The matter has been postponed to 27 October 2026 for further police investigations. The accused remains before the court and has not been convicted.

#GautengNews #CrimeNews #JusticeForTshepang #SouthAfricaNews #CoveraTrend

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LIGHT AIRCRAFT CRASH CAUSES MAJOR TRAFFIC DISRUPTIONS IN MIDRAND

A light aircraft crashed at the intersection of New Road and Old Pretoria Main Road, also known as the R101, in Glen Austin, Midrand, on Tuesday.

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) said Emergency Management Services were attending to the aircraft crash when a secondary motor vehicle accident occurred at the same location. The additional collision further complicated rescue operations and caused serious traffic congestion.

JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla said officers were deployed to manage traffic, secure the crash scene and implement road diversions while emergency responders continued working.

Authorities have not yet confirmed how many people were injured or whether there were any fatalities in either the aircraft crash or the subsequent road accident. Officials said further information would be released once the details had been verified.

Motorists have been urged to avoid the affected intersection and allow emergency vehicles unrestricted access to the scene. Drivers travelling through the area are advised to use the N1 highway via the Allandale Road or Olifantsfontein Road interchanges.

Alternative routes include Allandale Road, Olifantsfontein Road, Lever Road and Dale Road. Motorists are encouraged to exercise extreme caution and expect significant delays around Glen Austin and surrounding areas.

#Midrand #AircraftCrash #TrafficAlert #SouthAfricaNews #CoveraTrend

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RAMAPHOSA FACES FRESH COURT CHALLENGE OVER IMPEACHMENT EVIDENCE LEADER

President Cyril Ramaphosa allegedly had no legal right to object to Advocate Thandazani Madonsela SC being appointed to lead evidence against him in Parliament’s impeachment inquiry, according to an urgent application filed in the Western Cape High Court.

The application was brought by the African Legal Professionals Association (ALPA), which is asking the court to declare Parliament’s decision to withdraw Madonsela’s recommendation unconstitutional, unlawful and invalid.

ALPA is also seeking an order preventing the committee from calling for new nominations or appointing another evidence leader. The association wants the matter returned to the committee for reconsideration.

The legal challenge is the second application against the decision, following an urgent court bid by the Economic Freedom Fighters to have Madonsela reinstated.

Madonsela was initially recommended by the committee on 5 August after receiving nine votes against seven for Advocate Kate Hofmeyr SC, with 11 members abstaining. Parliament later authorised his appointment, but Ramaphosa objected, raising concerns about Madonsela’s previous involvement with the Judicial Service Commission and legal opinions on impeachment matters.

ALPA argues that the committee was already aware of those issues before recommending Madonsela. The association says Parliament’s own legal advisers found no actual conflict of interest, no evidence of animosity, no misuse of confidential information and no objection from the ANC, which had previously been Madonsela’s client.

The committee later reversed its decision by 18 votes to nine. ALPA chairperson Sthembiso Mbhele claims the reversal was based on allegations that were not supported by facts and were never properly put to Madonsela.

The impeachment process remains suspended from public hearings after Ramaphosa secured an interim interdict while challenging the Ngcobo report, which found that he had a case to answer over the theft of approximately $580,000 in foreign currency from his Phala Phala farm.

The committee is expected to decide whether to oppose the latest applications and whether to recommend a new evidence leader. ALPA’s case is scheduled to be heard next week.

#CyrilRamaphosa #PhalaPhala #SouthAfricaPolitics #Parliament #CoveraTrend

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VODACOM CFO RAISIBE MORATHI TAKES HOME R202 MILLION OVER SIX YEARS

Vodacom Group Chief Financial Officer Raisibe Morathi has reportedly earned R202.28 million in pre-tax remuneration over six financial years since joining the telecommunications giant on 1 November 2020.

The figure includes earnings from a partial FY2021 through to FY2026 and works out to approximately R102,160 for every day she has held the position. Her base salary contributed R57.32 million, while short-term incentives accounted for R50.35 million and long-term incentives added R74.64 million. Dividends brought in a further R7.44 million.

Morathi’s biggest payday came in FY2026, when her total pre-tax remuneration reached R68.86 million. A major portion of that amount came from long-term incentive vestings worth R40.71 million, following a performance achievement score of 145.8% against targets set in 2023.

Her reported annual earnings increased from R14.01 million in her partial first year to R28.47 million in FY2022, R28.36 million in FY2023, R30.11 million in FY2024 and R32.47 million in FY2025 before the significant FY2026 increase.

Morathi’s journey to the Vodacom boardroom began in Polokwane, Limpopo. She completed high school in four years after skipping Grade 9, later earning a BCom from the University of Venda and qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. She also holds advanced qualifications from GIBS, Wits, UJ and INSEAD.

During her career, she held senior positions at institutions including HSBC Investment Bank, the Industrial Development Corporation, African Merchant Bank, Sanlam and Nedbank, where she spent more than 13 years across two periods, including 11 years as Group CFO.

Vodacom has defended its remuneration approach, stating that executive pay is benchmarked against the market to remain competitive and help retain senior female executives. Morathi has also been involved in major strategic developments at the group, including Vodacom’s 55% acquisition of Vodafone Egypt in 2022.

What are your thoughts on executive pay of this scale in South Africa?

#Vodacom #RaisibeMorathi #SouthAfricaBusiness #CorporateNews #CoveraTrend

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The March and March movement has announced plans to stage a march and picket outside the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, under the theme: “It’s time to fetch your people.”

The movement says the action forms part of its ongoing campaign against undocumented foreign nationals in South Africa. Its spokesperson, Sandile Dube, also announced plans for a second wave of its June 30 National Day of Action, calling for what the movement described as a major national mobilisation.

March and March is demanding stricter visa controls, changes to asylum policies, action against employers who employ undocumented workers and greater accountability within law enforcement. The movement has also called on South Africans to report suspected criminal activity to the authorities rather than taking the law into their own hands.

The planned protest comes amid heightened tensions around migration and xenophobia in parts of South Africa. President Cyril Ramaphosa has meanwhile condemned discrimination and mistreatment of foreign nationals, warning that such actions undermine efforts to build stronger regional relations.

Speaking in Durban, Ramaphosa said South Africa cannot advocate for deeper Southern African integration while people from neighbouring countries face intimidation, harassment and violence.

The upcoming demonstration is likely to put the country's immigration debate firmly in the spotlight as South Africa seeks to strengthen its role within SADC. 🇿🇦🌍

What are your thoughts on the planned protest?

#MarchAndMarch #SouthAfrica #SADC #Immigration #Africa

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