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Daily Maverick
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Faf and Mapimpi among the casualties of Rassie's Bok squad cull for Wallaby Tests
Several big names have been omitted from the 37-man Springbok squad for the Rugby Championship while three victorious world-champion Junior Boks have been invited to train with the senior team. Coach Rassie Erasmus culled his large group of players used in the recent Tests against Italy and Georgia to streamline the squad for the Rugby Championship. He wants a smaller party to allow for 'maximum outputs' at training. Despite cutting many quality players, Erasmus was able to name a strong squad for the first two Rugby Championship clashes against Australia at Ellis Park on 16 August and at Cape Town Stadium a week later. Five of the seven players who made their Test debuts against either Italy or Georgia – Ethan Hooker (utility back), Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Boan Venter (both props), Marnus van der Merwe (hooker) and Cobus Wiese (utility forward) – have been retained. Only flank Vincent Tshituka and tighthead Neethling Fouche, of the newly capped players in 2025, have missed out – for now. No 8 Jasper Wiese's name is obviously not there because he still has a three-match suspension to serve after receiving a four-match ban for a headbutt during the Boks' 42-24 first Test win over Italy. Bath prop Thomas du Toit, who was used as loosehead in the second Test against Italy and against Georgia, is also absent from the group. Officially, the reason for his omission is given as an 'agreed' two-week rest period with his English club Bath. Du Toit struggled at loosehead in those two Tests, having spent the entire English domestic season at tighthead for Bath. Du Toit remains on standby, but 'has been granted a compulsory two-week rest as agreed with the Gallagher Premiership, although he is eligible to be called up at any stage should the need arise'. His rest period will be over before the first Wallaby Test though. Expect to see Du Toit in the squad at some stage against Australia. Goodbye? Others who featured in June and July and who have been released include scrumhalf Faf de Klerk and wing Makazole Mapimpi. De Klerk gave a wonderful cameo from the bench against Georgia, but it appears Erasmus is looking to the future, with Morne van den Berg retained and Junior Bok star Haashim Pead invited to train with the squad. Pead was superb during the recent World Rugby U20 Championships in Italy where he scored six tries in five matches and was the axis on which the team's dynamic attack turned. De Klerk, though, reminded people what made him such a good player for five years with some fine work against Georgia during the Boks' 55-10 win in Nelspruit. Yet it seems that Erasmus is looking to the future at halfback. Grant Williams's return to Test rugby in July was a triumph. He was magnificent against Italy and Georgia, where he used his searing pace to open up defences on top of his dynamic and lightning-quick service. When Williams plays the Boks' attack looks sharper because his zip gives everyone outside him an extra metre or so to work in. Van den Berg is emerging as Erasmus's second-in-command for the No 9 jersey. In some ways he's similar to Williams, with good pace and quick service, although he can be prone to the odd error. Cobus Reinach provides the experienced cover at scrumhalf. As for Mapimpi, it does feel like this is the end of the road for a player who embodies the best of South Africa through his rise from such humble beginnings to the pinnacle of the sport. Mapimpi turns 35 on 26 July and with the arrival of Edwill van der Merwe, Hooker and Canan Moodie who also play wing, his Test future looks to be nearing the end. With the next World Cup 26 months away, Erasmus must look to the future in all positions and, unfortunately, it's hard to see Mapimpi in line for selection in 2027. Erasmus, though, does have some sentimentality, and he might like to get Mapimpi to 50 Test caps over the next 12 months. The great wing currently sits on 47 appearances with 33 tries. The other three players who have been cut from the squad but remain on standby (the Boks never use the word 'dropped') are Lukhanyo Am (centre), who missed the July Tests due to a knee niggle, Salmaan Moerat (lock) and Evan Roos (No 8). 'It's always challenging to reduce the squad, especially given how the expanded group of players put up their hands during the incoming series (against Italy and Georgia), but we always said we would select a smaller, more manageable squad during the Rugby Championship,' said Erasmus. 'This group includes several experienced players and a few younger guys, who grabbed their chances in the last few Tests, so we are pleased with this squad for the first two matches. 'We have also informed the players on standby what our plans are and what we expect from them, so that all of them are ready to step up if needed.' Depth Erasmus elaborated on the composition of the squad, saying: 'We probably have three players who can cover each position, which is important in this competition, so it was a thorough process to narrow down the group to 36 players. 'One of our key pillars as a team is to build squad depth, and there is no better way to see what some of the younger players are capable of than to expose them to some of the top teams in the world.' Of the Junior Boks invited to train with the squad for the next two weeks, which includes wing Cheswill Jooste and flank Bathobele Hlekani, Erasmus said: 'We are tremendously proud of the Junior Springboks for winning the World Rugby U20 Championship and we were thrilled to see the talent coming through the junior ranks. 'We opted to invite three of them to join us to expose them to our structures and the standards required at top international level. 'We believe this camp will benefit them significantly, and we are excited to see how they slot in and train with us. 'Unfortunately, we had to limit the size of the squad to ensure maximum outputs and more individual attention at our training sessions, so although more players could have been invited, we could only select three.' DM Springbok squad: Forwards: Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Verblitz), Jean-Luc du Preez (Bordeaux Begles), Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Vincent Koch (Sharks), Siya Kolisi (Sharks), Wilco Louw (Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Sharks), Franco Mostert (Heat), Ox Nche (Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Bulls), Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Lions), Kwagga Smith (Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets), Marco van Staden (Bulls), Boan Venter (Edinburgh), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Bulls), Cobus Wiese (Bulls). Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Sharks), Aphelele Fassi (Sharks), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers), Ethan Hooker (Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Cheslin Kolbe (Sungoliath), Willie le Roux (Bulls), Manie Libbok (Stormers), Canan Moodie (Bulls), Handre Pollard (Bulls), Cobus Reinach (Stormers), Edwill van der Merwe (Sharks), Morné van den Berg (Lions), Grant Williams (Sharks), Damian Willemse (Stormers).
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- The Citizen
Zama zamas operating across Springs, but not at Wit Road off-ramp
Zama zamas operating across Springs, but not at Wit Road off-ramp Ward councillor Mike du Toit said cable thieves, not illegal miners, are behind underground activity near the N17 off-ramp but warns of growing zama zama operations across other parts of the area. Following a report by the SaferCity team last Thursday about possible underground activity at the N17 East and Wit Road off-ramp, ward councillor Mike du Toit told the Springs Advertiser that no illegal mining is taking place in that area. He explained that the issue at the Wit Road off-ramp is the result of a gang of cable thieves who have found access to a series of underground tunnels. This has led to two cable theft incidents since June 29. Du Toit said the thefts have caused serious electricity outages affecting parts of Nuffield and parts of Selection Park North. 'Losses to the industry have been very serious, and energy stakeholders and the private sector are looking at ways and means to secure the area,' he said. ALSO READ: Ex-Apartheid cop from Springs jailed 15 years for Caiphus Nyoka's murder He confirmed that illegal mining is taking place alongside the N17 further up, behind the old Nigel rail line, near the N17 Hospital and Pollak Park Golf Course, as well as further down behind Fulcrum. Du Toit added that while there is currently no reason to believe the N17 is under direct threat, the nature of zama zama operations could eventually pose a risk to road infrastructure. He also noted that illegal mining is occurring behind Daggafontein and the Mega City site. 'The police are well aware of these operations and conduct periodic raids wherever there are known illegal mining activities. 'However, these activities are extensive and span the entire Main Reef area, stretching from here to Klerksdorp,' said du Toit. ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni aware of exposed cables in Casseldale, repairs planned At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
12-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Springboks blank Italy: Four talking points
The Springboks shook off a 20th minute red card to Jasper Wiese to power to an impressive 38-0 win in the end. Springbok wing Edwill van der Merwe chases a chip from fullback Willie le Roux, on his way to score his second try against Italy at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday night. Picture: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images The Springboks produced a superb all-round performance, fronted by a ferocious defensive effort that led to them blanking Italy 45-0 in the second Test of their incoming series at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday night. It was still not a perfect performance, but was a step up from their 42-24 first Test win over the Italian visitors at Loftus last weekend, made more impressive by them being down a man for most of the game after a first half red card. Also, with a large number of changes made for the match, the Boks should be satisfied with their night's work. Here are four talking points from the game: Rassie's tricks and early scrum troubles Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is a genius innovator and he was at it again as from the starting kick-off, the Boks purposefully kicked it short, setting up an early scrum from which they could try and assert early dominance over the Italian scrum. However it didn't go to plan as Thomas du Toit was penalised for early engagement, which gave Italy a free kick. It was the start of a short but difficult night for Du Toit. Italy received a second free kick from another early engagement from Du Toit, followed him being penalised with a long arm after another scrum infringement. His difficult night came to an end in the 30th minute when he was replaced by Ox Nche, with the Bok scrum immediately demolishing the Italian scrum when he came on. Du Toit is a very good player, and hopefully this was just a blip and he will be back to his best when he next gets a chance. Willie's 100th and all action Edwill Springbok stalwart Willie le Roux was given a great reception by the Nelson Mandela Bay crowd when he ran out for his 100th appearance for the national team. They also loudly cheered his first touch of the ball, which unfortunately ended in a knock on. But he soon settled into the game and enjoyed a decent day out in his milestone match, including setting up a try with a clever chip over the Italian defence. If there ever was a player who is taking his chance when given, it is Edwill van der Merwe. He was incredibly unlucky to get injured last year after his man-of-the-match debut against Wales. In his second match for the Boks against Italy, he was again brilliant, sparking the move that led to the teams first try, while he finished off their second in the corner, and scored their third after a dink from Le Roux. Overall it was another magnificent action-packed performance from the winger. Jasper's red card The Springboks went down to 14-men in the 20th minute when eighthman Jasper Wiese was shown a red for a flash of anger in a scuffle. Wiese connected with a headbutt on an Italian player, and although the impact wasn't heavy, it was still a deserved sending off for foul play, and a very silly way to end his game. It also meant that he wouldn't be able to play with his brother Cobus for the first time in their professional career, when he came off the bench in the second half. Despite being down a man, with them 10-0 up at the time, it didn't seem to slow the Boks down as they ran in another two tries over the rest of the half, to take a 24-0 lead into the break. The Boks were then down to 13 in the 44th minute, after Wilco Louw was yellow carded for head contact in a tackle, but Italy was down to 14 men themselves a few minutes later after repeated penalties, and in this time the Boks scored their fifth try. Full 80 showing Last week in the first Test at Loftus the Boks produced a decent first half effort to score four tries and lead 28-3 at the break. But followed that up with a poor second half performance that saw Italy fight back, with an eventual end score of 42-24. This weekend saw a similar showing in the first half, the Boks dotting down four tries to lead 24-0 at the break, but they followed that up with a solid second half to make sure it was a top all-round effort on the night. Despite being down to 14-men after Wiese's 20th minute red card, and even 13-men when Wilco Louw was yellowed in the second half, the Boks didn't panic, continued to dominate at the breakdown and played the territory game, kicking deep into Italy's territory and making the visitors play from deep. They also added to their try tally through a maul try to Malcolm Marx, and scores in the corner from Makazole Mapimpi and Jan-Hendrik Wessels, while their brilliant defence kept the Italians scoreless on the night.
The Star
10-07-2025
- The Star
Wimpie Manthata acquitted in SARS tax fraud case at Palm Ridge Court
In a dramatic turn at the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court, Vimpie Phineas Manthata and his company, Instrumentation for Traffic Law Enforcement (ITLE), and bookkeeper Judy Rose were acquitted of all charges in a SARS-led tax fraud case involving nearly R19 million. The charges, stemming from the 2018/2019 tax period, alleged violations of the Tax Administration Act and deliberate submission of false returns. But Magistrate Phindi Keswa ruled that the State had failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Delivering a firm yet gracious judgment, Magistrate Keswa commended the defence team for their clarity and legal precision: 'Thank you for making my job easy by preparing such good heads of argument,' she said from the bench. 'The State could not find error. The State failed to distinguish between clerical oversight and criminal intent.' She added that the prosecution's case lacked the evidentiary burden required to secure a conviction under the Act. The State's case, built on testimony from senior SARS officials, claimed that ITLE had manipulated tax filings to avoid payment. But the defence, led by attorney Pierre du Toit, had dismantled that narrative with a piercing legal argument that Magistrate Keswa cited directly in her ruling. In his closing submission, Du Toit argued: 'This case is not about millions of rands - it is about millions of assumptions. ''The state has not shown even a single deliberate act of deceit. In our law, confusion is not a crime. The burden is not on the accused to prove innocence, but on the State to prove guilt, and it has spectacularly failed to do so.' Du Toit rooted his argument in landmark case law, including State vd Prinsloo (1975) and State vs Futché (1997), both of which emphasise the necessity of proving intent beyond negligence. Magistrate Keswa agreed: In a judgement that lasted two hours, Kheswa confirmed in Futché, intent is the foundation of any fraud charge. And Prinsloo reminds us that mere discrepancies do not constitute criminality unless the mind behind them is proven dishonest. In this case, it was not.' During the trial, SARS officials conceded under cross-examination that they had no direct evidence of falsified entries or collusion. Rose testified that she had used standard accounting software and practices. Du Toit argued that errors could easily arise in any fast-growing, mid-size enterprise, but there was no evidence of malfeasance in this case. The courtroom, tense for weeks, erupted in quiet relief as the verdict was handed down. Though Wimpie and his co-accused still face a separate corruption trial linked to a R191 million SAPS contract, today's result offers a crucial reprieve and tests the strength of the state's case against Manthata and the other accused. Legal analyst Thabo Maleka said, 'This was a masterclass in tax defence. ''Du Toit was methodical and persuasive. The court rightly held the line: assumptions, no matter how dramatic, are not evidence.' For now, Manthata walks out of Palm Ridge Court with a clean record and his freedom firmly intact.
IOL News
10-07-2025
- IOL News
Wimpie Manthata acquitted in SARS tax fraud case at Palm Ridge Court
Vimpie Phineas Manthata walks out of Palm Ridge Court with a clean record and his freedom firmly intact. In a dramatic turn at the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court, Vimpie Phineas Manthata and his company, Instrumentation for Traffic Law Enforcement (ITLE), and bookkeeper Judy Rose were acquitted of all charges in a SARS-led tax fraud case involving nearly R19 million. The charges, stemming from the 2018/2019 tax period, alleged violations of the Tax Administration Act and deliberate submission of false returns. But Magistrate Phindi Keswa ruled that the State had failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Delivering a firm yet gracious judgment, Magistrate Keswa commended the defence team for their clarity and legal precision: 'Thank you for making my job easy by preparing such good heads of argument,' she said from the bench. 'The State could not find error. The State failed to distinguish between clerical oversight and criminal intent.' She added that the prosecution's case lacked the evidentiary burden required to secure a conviction under the Act. The State's case, built on testimony from senior SARS officials, claimed that ITLE had manipulated tax filings to avoid payment. But the defence, led by attorney Pierre du Toit, had dismantled that narrative with a piercing legal argument that Magistrate Keswa cited directly in her ruling. In his closing submission, Du Toit argued: 'This case is not about millions of rands - it is about millions of assumptions. ''The state has not shown even a single deliberate act of deceit. In our law, confusion is not a crime. The burden is not on the accused to prove innocence, but on the State to prove guilt, and it has spectacularly failed to do so.' Du Toit rooted his argument in landmark case law, including State vd Prinsloo (1975) and State vs Futché (1997), both of which emphasise the necessity of proving intent beyond negligence. Magistrate Keswa agreed: In a judgement that lasted two hours, Kheswa confirmed in Futché, intent is the foundation of any fraud charge. And Prinsloo reminds us that mere discrepancies do not constitute criminality unless the mind behind them is proven dishonest. In this case, it was not.' During the trial, SARS officials conceded under cross-examination that they had no direct evidence of falsified entries or collusion. Rose testified that she had used standard accounting software and practices. Du Toit argued that errors could easily arise in any fast-growing, mid-size enterprise, but there was no evidence of malfeasance in this case. The courtroom, tense for weeks, erupted in quiet relief as the verdict was handed down. Though Wimpie and his co-accused still face a separate corruption trial linked to a R191 million SAPS contract, today's result offers a crucial reprieve and tests the strength of the state's case against Manthata and the other accused. Legal analyst Thabo Maleka said, 'This was a masterclass in tax defence. ''Du Toit was methodical and persuasive. The court rightly held the line: assumptions, no matter how dramatic, are not evidence.' For now, Manthata walks out of Palm Ridge Court with a clean record and his freedom firmly intact.
