Latest news with #ERLombard
The Citizen
18-06-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Hawks, NPA explain why corruption investigations, prosecutions take long
The Hawks has to outsource certain skills to handle complex investigations due to internal capacity constraints. Members of Parliament (MPs) at the Good Hope Chamber on 5 May 2025 in Cape Town. Picture: Gallo Images/ER Lombard The Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) have explained the delays in investigating and prosecuting corruption cases to Parliament, citing challenges such as limited resources and complex legal processes. On Wednesday, officials from the NPA and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) appeared before the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa). They provided an update on corruption cases referred by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). SIU referrals to Hawks During the meeting, SIU head Andy Mothibi clarified that the unit refers matters to the NPA only when it believes that the evidence suggests criminal conduct. 'Whether it meets the criminal standard or not is for the NPA to decide,' he said. Mothibi noted that 3 374 referrals had been made over a five-year period between April 2020 and May of this year. These referrals often involve multiple individuals or companies. Mmeli Makinyane, component head of the Hawks' serious commercial crime, indicated that the DPCI had processed 355 dockets originating from SIU referrals. ALSO READ: Lawyer, plumber and then security professional: Inside the elaborate cons of scammers nabbed by the Hawks He stated that 58 of these cases are currently before the courts, 96 dockets are awaiting a decision from the NPA, and 201 are still under investigation. According to Makinyane, 72 cases have resulted in guilty verdicts, while one ended in acquittal. The NPA declined to prosecute 15 cases due to either insufficient evidence or poor prospects of success. Makinyane further explained that these cases involved various government departments and state-owned entities, including Denel, Eskom, and several municipalities. Watch the meeting below: Many of the cases are tied to allegations of fraud, theft, corruption, and related offences. A significant number of the referrals came from the Department of Higher Education and related to fraudulent applications to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas). He added that four cases linked to state capture had been investigated, one of which led to a conviction. In relation to Covid-19, the Hawks received 93 referrals from the SIU. Of these, 22 are now in court, 12 have been submitted to the NPA, and 59 are still under active investigation. Skills gaps continue to hamper Hawks investigations Makinyane conceded that the Hawks had to outsource certain skills to handle complex investigations due to internal capacity constraints. 'The issue of resources always comes and hits us hard when we get to the time that we take in finalising our matters,' he told MPs. Patrick Mbotho, Hawks' divisional commissioner for national priority offences, pointed out that the DPCI's forensic accounting capacity is 'very limited' and that the recruitment of the required skills is often slow. 'Our procurement is not the fastest,' he said. He also mentioned that delays in declassifying documents posed additional hurdles. 'These are the kind of challenges that we sometimes face.' NPA faces constraints in prosecution processes National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Shamila Batohi addressed the limitations faced by the NPA once it receives cases. She informed the committee that most matters are referred to the Hawks for further investigation, as the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) lacks the necessary capacity. 'IDAC is a very small part of the work in any event. There's still a large number that goes to the DPCI,' she said. Batohi stressed the difference between criminal and civil standards of proof. 'There are still investigations that need to be done in order to meet the criminal standard so that we can make the decision to prosecute.' ALSO READ: Shamila Batohi's been in the job for 6 years. Here's how many high-profile convictions she's secured She also revealed that a digital evidence unit had been established within IDAC to improve analysis of electronic evidence. 'The capacity is still small, but this is potentially something that is a game changer,' she said. Batohi emphasised that digital devices like phones and laptops are now critical sources of evidence and require rare, expensive skills that have been 'delaying a lot of these cases'. She clarified that while Directors of Public Prosecutions (DPPs) in each province are authorised to make decisions on prosecutions, the NDPP only intervenes in specific cases. 'An NDPP is a review mechanism that can review decisions of DPPs in various circumstances.' NPA explains delays in cases IDAC's chief director of investigation and information management, Matthews Sesoko, told MPs that the nature of the investigations contributes to the delays. He further highlighted that since the unit's establishment in August last year, recruitment efforts had struggled to attract individuals with the necessary skills. 'That on its own takes time for us to be properly capacitated to move quicker with our investigations.' Sesoko said many of the cases under investigation involve Eskom and Transnet contracts. Some of these cases are already in court, but others have been pending for extended periods due to the number of accused. READ MORE: 'Unacceptable': Judiciary budget constraints, shortage of judges and backlogs 'The accused persons will lodge interlocutory applications which we will have to respond to and that itself lengthens the cases. 'The accused persons will also, from time to time, change legal representations and that also delays matters moving forward.' Nkebe Kanyane, Special Director of Public Prosecutions from the Special Commercial Crime Unit, explained that most of the postponements were not caused by the state. 'There were cases where of course the docket was not in court so that is the state's fault,' she remarked. Kanyane revealed that the NPA had collected nationwide court data to determine reasons for delays. Infrastructure issues such as load shedding and water shortages, along with the unavailability of prosecutors, presiding officers, defence counsel, or the accused, were among the reasons identified. She added that there were 74 cases in which the NPA had declined to prosecute. Civil recovery Batohi spoke about the value of civil recovery through the Asset Forfeiture Unit, describing it as an effective tool in the fight against corruption. She clarified that civil recovery allowed the state to reclaim funds without needing a criminal conviction, particularly when companies disclose their involvement and cooperate with investigators. 'Individual persons are still subject to prosecution, but the benefit of the resolution is that the corporate agrees to actually work with the investigators to provide evidence against individuals.' Batohi also raised concerns about witness protection, which she identified as a key barrier to successful prosecutions. 'People coming forward to speak out against corruption put their lives at stake,' she said. She acknowledged the NPA's difficulties in retaining skilled professionals, citing competition from the SIU and South African Revenue Service. NOW READ: A national embarrassment? 'Scorpions 2.0' bill pitched to save failing NPA
The Citizen
11-06-2025
- Climate
- The Citizen
Ramaphosa urges caution as floods claims lives in Eastern Cape
Heavy rain, snow and floods have battered the Eastern Cape. President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) at Century City on 27 May 2025. Picture: Gallo Images/ER Lombard As rescue efforts continue to locate missing schoolchildren swept away in a minibus taxi in the Eastern Cape, President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives linked to the region's severe weather conditions. Residents reportedly recovered three bodies near a riverbank on Wednesday morning. It's unclear if the three bodies found were part of the children reported missing in the minibus taxi. Missing children The Citizen understands that the vehicle was found on Wednesday morning after floodwaters receded, but 11 children are still missing. Nine other bodies were also recovered since heavy rain and snow battered the Eastern Cape this week. Eight of the bodies were found around Decoligny village in Mthatha, while the ninth body was recovered at Tsolo near the Bedlana River on Tuesday. ALSO READ: Where are the kids? Eastern Cape scholar transport recovered, but children still missing [VIDEO] 'Deep condolences' Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said the president has conveyed his 'deep condolences' to the bereaved families, affected communities and Eastern Cape residents. 'The president says these incidents and others that may unfold during winter highlight the need for South Africans to display caution, care and cooperation as the worst impacts of winter weather take effect across the country'. Magwenya said Ramaphosa's thoughts are with citizens who have been affected. 'The president assures the nation that national, provincial and municipal authorities – including the National Disaster Management Centre – are giving the requisite attention to crises as they unfold.' 'Nature's forces demand that we work together' Ramaphosa has welcomed the support from businesses, the community, and faith-based organisations, as well as charities and other organisations, including the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI). 'The devastation that comes with nature's forces demand that we work together as best we can to bring relief to families and communities who need this the most. This is a time where we need to take care of ourselves in our homes and reach out to neighbours and friends who need help of any kind. Road safety Ramaphosa has urged road users to observe the bylaws and regulations that exist to protect motorists during adverse weather conditions. 'We also need to exercise caution on our roads when travelling for work or leisure, or as we get out in nature, where we may want to see such sights as snowfall or flooded rivers'. 'Our beautiful country is a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable place for all of us for most of the year, but we cannot escape winter's intensity and our own vulnerability. 'Let's show our care for each other this winter and let Ubuntu see us through to spring,' Ramaphosa said. ALSO READ: Snow hits parts of South Africa: Road closures, travel restrictions in place [PICS]
News24
04-06-2025
- Health
- News24
5 comforting homemade breads to dip, dunk and devour this winter
There is surely nothing better than a slice of warm, freshly baked bread slathered with butter on a chilly day - especially when there's a warm bowl of soup nearby. From crusty classics to soft, pillowy loaves, these five easy homemade breads are made for dipping, dunking and devouring all winter long. Need some soup inspiration? Here are six comforting bowls you can make from scratch Cheesy mielie bread with tomato and chilli butter Warm, savoury loaf that brings a comforting South African twist to classic cornbread. Delicious pan bread These soft rolls are pan-fried in olive oil rather than baked, and are worth the wait of the long resting time. Home crafted beer usually has a really good flavour and is perfect for cooking. Try baking this bread using different types of beer to taste the difference in flavours. ER Lombard Home-baked bread rolls Baking your own bread is fun, especially when you're not in a hurry and can enjoy the process. Easy onion and bacon beer bread Home crafted beer usually has a really good flavour and is perfect for cooking. Try baking this bread using different types of beer to taste the difference in flavours. Donna Lewis Shortcut cheesy mushroom bread So long as the taste isn't compromised, there's no reason why you can't take shortcuts in the kitchen. One shortcut I'm quite fond of is using store-bought dough from my nearest supermarket. Donna Lewis
The Citizen
09-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
FF Plus defends Afrikaner-only enclaves Orania and Kleinfontein, accuses EFF of being the real threat
Political parties in parliament voiced their opposition to the two areas. A view of the Good Hope Chamber in Cape Town on 5 May 2025. Picture: Gallo Images/ER Lombard The real existence of Afrikaner-only communities, Orania and Kleinfontein, has been called into questioned by members of parliament (MPs), while Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) has defended the enclaves. On Friday, the National Assembly held a virtual mini-plenary session to debate the presence of these communities in post-apartheid South Africa. The discussion was initiated by Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, who argued that Orania, situated in the Karoo region of the Northern Cape, and Kleinfontein, near Pretoria in Gauteng, pose a threat to nation-building, non-racialism, and social cohesion. The parliamentary debate followed a recent EFF protest march to Kleinfontein. Debate on Orania and Kleinfontein Opening the session, EFF MP Carl Niehaus labelled the enclaves as both 'racist' and 'exclusivist'. 'These are not mere settlements; they are deliberate, hateful strongholds of racial segregation meticulously designed to fracture our nation,' he said. Niehaus called for the total dismantling of the communities. 'They must be eradicated, their architects prosecuted, and their toxic ideology banished forever. There is no place for racism in South Africa. Not now, not ever,' he said. ALSO READ: Kleinfontein: EFF says police 'protecting insecurities of white people' (VIDEOS) The EFF MP further accused the communities of enforcing exclusionary policies. 'They enforce policies that bar black South Africans from living or even setting foot in their space; creating islands of white supremacy that mock our constitution and unravel the fabric of our society. 'This is not a passive choice; it is an active, calculated attack on nation-building.' He emphasised that the enclaves were inviting the 'horrors of Apartheid into our democratic era' and argued that they were unconstitutional. Watch the debate below: African National Congress (ANC) MP Gaolatlhe David Kgabo highlighted the timing and intent behind the formation of the communities. 'Orania was established in 1991 and Kleinfontein in the mid-90s with the explicit goal of creating a stronghold for Afrikaner culture, language and identity separated from the rest of South Africa,' he said. Kgabo described the enclaves as suffering from an 'Apartheid hangover'. 'They still believe that white people are superior [to] black people,' the ANC MP remarked. 'Fortified symbols of white supremacy' uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party MP Nkosinathi Nxumalo also criticised the communities, rejecting the idea that they are 'innocent cultural settlements'. 'They are fortified symbols of white supremacy, racism and secessionists of cultural preservation,' Nxumalo said. On the other hand, Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Janho Engelbrecht pointed out that not all Afrikaners support cultural separation. He defended the enclaves' constitutional right to freedom of association, cultural expression and self-determination. READ MORE: Orania snubs Donald Trump, but wants recognition [VIDEO] Engelbrecht, however, contended that such rights must not be distorted into a mechanism of division and exclusion. 'It is not a licence to recreate the past nor to establish enclaves that function in contradiction to the spirit of non-racialism and social cohesion.' The DA MP added that the issue is not their mere existence, but how these communities operate. 'If a community chooses to be homogenous by cultural or language preference, this should not translate into discriminatory practices that effectively exclude others on the basis of race and ethnicity.' FF Plus defends Orania and Kleinfontein Patriotic Alliance (PA) MP Ashley Sauls also weighed in, expressing concern about barriers to entry into these communities, Orania in particular. 'The rules to become part of [the]town [are] so difficult that no non-white will ever be successful to stay there,' Sauls said. Sauls agreed the enclaves posed a threat to nation-building but accused the EFF of doing the same, referencing the party's 'Kill the Boer' chant. Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) MP Corné Mulder defended the communities, arguing they were being targeted, and criticised the EFF. 'Who is the real threat to non-racialism, a political party [that] wants to cut the throats of whiteness and who wants to confiscate the property of whites?' he asked. READ MORE: High Court declares exclusive Afrikaner township in Pretoria illegal Mulder continued: 'Clearly, the EFF is the threat to social cohesion. Orania and Kleinfontein is no threat. We all know who the threat is.' Meanwhile, ActionSA MP Lerato Ngobeni pushed back against the idea that the enclaves are harmless cultural retreats. 'Behind the fences of Orania and Kleinfontein, children are not learning culture. They are being taught to fear difference, to internalise racial superiority, and to live apart rather than together,' Ngobeni remarked.
