Latest news with #R4m
TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- TimesLIVE
Congolese man in court regarding R10m drugs bust
A Congolese man charged with possession of more than R10m worth of drugs appeared in the Durban magistrate's court on Friday. Ombeni Mulumesde, 37, is charged with possession of 10kg of cocaine worth more than R4m, heroin to the value of R6.6m and morphine and pethidine. He is also charged with possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition. National Prosecuting Authority senior prosecutor Gayle Greyling opposed bail. 'There are other issues which need to be verified before we can proceed with bail. Other charges are likely to be added,' said Greyling. Though the defence maintains Mulumesde is in South Africa legally with papers dating back to 2023, the state intends to investigate his immigration status. Defence lawyer Sizwe Cele told the court his client alleged he was assaulted while in police custody and he wanted a doctor's report. He also wanted a Swahili interpreter for the next hearing. KwaZulu-Natal SAPS drugs and firearms unit members acted on information about a man who was allegedly selling drugs and found the stash of drugs. Several sources close to the investigation told TimesLIVE the suspect was allegedly distributing large quantities of drugs and using a residential storage facility to conceal them. The suspect has two addresses linked to him. Magistrate Quim De Freitas ordered that Mulumesde be detained at the Durban central police cells. The matter was adjourned to July 4.
TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
More than R5m in taxpayers' money spent to fund suspended police salaries — Mchunu
SAPS has spent more than R5m to fund the salaries of 11 suspended police officers over the past three years. This was revealed by police minister Senzo Mchunu in a written reply to a recent parliamentary question by Build One SA (Bosa). By May 16, two lieutenant-generals suspended since 2022 have been paid more than R4m without working. Other officers suspended with full pay include sergeants and constables, with their payments ranging from R35,000 to R56,000 each. Bosa spokesperson Roger Solomons criticised the payments, citing a shortage of police resources to respond to crime. 'This is an affront to every South African living in fear, waiting hours for the police to respond, only to be told there are no vehicles, no officers and no capacity. Meanwhile, senior officers who should be leading the fight against crime are being paid millions to sit at home. 'While communities are under siege, SAPS continues to waste resources on suspended officials instead of bolstering front-line policing.' Mchunu previously said the country has a shortage of detectives, with 2,344 vacant posts. Solomons said this shows SAPS's failure in leadership and accountability. 'A culture that tolerates delayed disciplinary processes, shields incompetence and rewards misconduct cannot deliver safety to the people of South Africa. 'Bosa calls for urgent disciplinary case finalisation for suspended officers and transparency reports every quarter on SAPS suspensions and costs.'
The Citizen
13-06-2025
- The Citizen
Mpumalanga premier warns against interruption of government projects
The Mpumalanga premier, Mandla Ndlovu, has warned against the interruption of government projects at the Mthethomusha Nature Reserve near the Mpakeni Settlement. This as the government is spending R4m on infrastructure upgrades and R10m on drilling and the installation of water ponds there. The projects are under threat as the Ward 24 councillor, Mandla Siboza, and members of the local Traditional Council were intimidated by suspected syndicates, who demand a share in the projects. Siboza was attacked at his home in Daantjie (Oggo Section) near the nature reserve on May 31 at around 02:00. His house and vehicle were fired at with high-calibre firearms and he later told Lowvelder Express that he believed that the attack was a warning against his involvement in the projects at the nature reserve. ALSO READ: Bail for seven in Lydenburg shoot-out case Siboza's belief was echoed by the Office of the Premier when calling for the government projects to continue without interference. 'Any interruption of government projects will not be tolerated,' warned Ndlovu. He said the project was designed to provide water to wild animals and to upgrade infrastructure, to prevent them from crossing into local villages and farms. 'The project is under threat as a local councillor and members of the Traditional Authority are intimidated to accede to the demands of people who want a share,' added Ndlovu. He has so far met with the security cluster, led by the MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Jackie Macie, and the acting provincial police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, in Mbombela on Tuesday, June 3. The MEC for economic development and tourism, Makhosazana Masilela, and other senior government officials also attended the meeting. 'Perpetrators of these threats must be arrested to face the full might of the law. The victims must lay criminal charges for police investigation,' said Ndlovu. He added that the Mthethomusha project would benefit communities living on the edges of the reserve, through job creation and contract opportunities. 'The project will provide water for elephants that break out of the nature reserve in search of the natural resources outside,' said Ndlovu. The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has confirmed that the projects at Mthethomusha were ongoing. 'R4m is being spent on infrastructure that includes the building's renovation and entrance gate, while R10m is for the bulk water and resuscitation of water ponds for the animals,' said the MTPA's spokesperson, Simphiwe Shungube. Police investigators have so far met with Siboza on several occasions in order to connect the dots after this publication had reported about his belief that his attack was related to the projects at the nature reserve. No arrest has been made in connection with the shooting at Siboza's home thus far. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
12-06-2025
- TimesLIVE
Bail granted to 10 of 11 accused in Sassa fraud and theft case
The Lenasia magistrate's court on Thursday granted bail to 10 of the 11 accused in the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) R4m fraud and theft case. 'Bail amounts range between R10,000 and R30,000,' said National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane. 'The fourth accused, Ethiopian national Abenezer Tilahyn, was denied bail after the court ruled he posed a flight risk.' The case postponed to September 2 for further investigation. 'As part of the bail conditions, the accused are required to surrender their travel documents and are prohibited from interfering with the ongoing investigation or any state witnesses.' Shumani Khwerana and his 10 co-accused face multiple charges, including cybercrime, fraud and theft. 'It is alleged that they orchestrated a sophisticated scheme involving the creation of fake Sassa profiles, through which over R4m was fraudulently deposited and withdrawn at various Sassa pay points.'
The Citizen
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Mercedes-AMG SL 63 confirmed for South Africa
Spiritual successor of the 300 SL, the all-new Mercedes-AMG SL 63 has now been confirmed for South Africa and will cost local buyers a shade under R4m. Here is what you will get for their money. Looking for a new or used Mercedes-Benz? Find It here with CARmag! Mercedes-AMG has revived the legendary SL nameplate in what it calls its most performance-focused form yet. The new Mercedes-AMG SL 63 marks a return to the model's 300 SL roots and reintroduces a classic soft top and a purist 2+2 layout. This latest iteration of the storied moniker has been developed entirely in Affalterbach by Mercedes-AMG, with a bespoke platform and architecture that shares no components with its predecessors or other models in the Mercedes-Benz line-up. Most importantly, the V8 lives on here… Related: 2025 Mercedes-AMG E53 Lands in Mzansi – Pricing and Specs Speaking of which, the beating heart of the SL 63 is AMG's 4l V8 biturbo engine which continues the tradition of being hand-assembled under AMG's 'One Man, One Engine' philosophy. Producing 430kW and 800Nm, it launches the roadster from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 315km/h. The engine benefits from extensive refinement, including revised intercoolers, active crankcase ventilation, and enhanced exhaust gas flow for improved performance and efficiency. Power is channelled through a nine-speed automatic transmission, which uses a wet start-off clutch instead of a torque converter for sharper response and quicker shifts. For the first time in SL history, all-wheel drive comes standard, with AMG Performance 4Matic+ distributing power to all corners while active rear-axle steering is said to enhance agility at lower speeds and stability at higher ones. Related: The Six Cylinder E53 Mercedes-AMG is Coming to SA in 2025 Harking back to its 1950s forebear, the SL 63 retains a long bonnet, with a wide stance and short overhangs. The fabric soft top, which replaces the heavier metal vario roof of recent SLs, weighs 21kg less and folds away in just 15 seconds at speeds of up to 60km/h. When its down, a better look inside shows the 'hyperanalogue' cockpit. The fully digital instrument cluster is housed in a three-dimensional visor, while the central touchscreen can be adjusted for better visibility with the roof down. AMG sports seats come standard, featuring integrated headrests and the brand's signature Airscarf system, which blows warm air around the neck and shoulders. Outfitted with a plethora of aerodynamic tech, the two-stage Airpanel system controls airflow through vertical and horizontal louvres to improve cooling and reduce lift, while the deployable rear spoiler adjusts its position based on speed and driving dynamics. The optional active front underbody element extends at 80km/h to create a Venturi effect, further enhancing stability. Combined with a choice of aerodynamically optimised 19-, 20-, or 21-inch wheels, Mercedes-AMG state these features give the SL exceptional composure and responsiveness. Mercedes-AMG SL 63 pricing Mercedes-AMG SL 63 – R 3 943 156 Total Price includes VAT incl and five-year/100 000km PremiumDrive Comfort Care Service and Maintenance Plan. Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Confirmed for South Africa – Pricing and Spec appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
