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IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
SANDF Soldier Killed by Elephants While on Limpopo Border Patrol
indications show that Private Raynard was fatally injured by elephants while performing his duties. 'His service weapon was recovered at the scene Image: Thobile Mathonsi/Independent Media A soldier from the South African National Defence Force tragically died after being trampled by a herd of elephants during a routine patrol near the Zimbabwe border in Limpopo. Private X. Raynard, a member of the 10 Anti-Air Regiment, was found dead late on Sunday, July 27, 2025, close to the Madimbo Operational Base. Private Raynard was serving under Operation Corona, a national initiative focused on securing South Africa's borders and fighting cross-border crimes such as smuggling and human trafficking. The operation involves soldiers patrolling remote and challenging areas, often dealing with harsh weather conditions, rough terrain, and the threat of wild animals. Rear Admiral Prince Tshabalala, spokesperson for the SANDF, confirmed the circumstances surrounding the incident. He said early indications show that Private Raynard was fatally injured by elephants while performing his duties. 'His service weapon was recovered at the scene,' Tshabalala noted. The incident is currently under thorough investigation by SANDF officials working alongside environmental and wildlife experts to determine exactly what happened. A formal board of inquiry has been set up to look into the matter. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The Madimbo area, where the tragedy occurred, is a known wildlife habitat located near the border with Zimbabwe. It is a strategic location for border patrols due to its history of illegal crossings and other criminal activity. However, the presence of wild animals, including elephants, adds a dangerous and unpredictable element to the work of soldiers stationed there. Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Private Raynard. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and colleagues of Private Raynard,' she said. 'He gave his life in service to the country, and we honour his sacrifice.' General Rudzani Maphwanywa, Chief of the SANDF, also paid tribute to the soldier's commitment and bravery. 'Private Raynard served with dedication and courage. We mourn his passing and stand with his loved ones during this difficult time,' said Maphwanywa. The soldier's next of kin, who live in Kimberley in the Northern Cape, have been formally informed of his death. The SANDF is providing support and counselling to the family and the members of the unit affected by this tragedy. Operation Corona is one of South Africa's key efforts to protect its borders. It aims to prevent illegal entry, smuggling, and other criminal activities that threaten national security. Soldiers deployed in this mission face not only human threats but also the natural dangers posed by wildlife and the environment. 'The risks taken by members of the SANDF in securing our borders are significant,' said Tshabalala. 'Private Raynard's death is a reminder of the sacrifices made daily by our men and women in uniform. We salute his courage and commitment to protecting the nation.' As investigations continue, the SANDF is committed to learning from this incident to improve safety for soldiers working in similar high-risk environments. The loss of Private Raynard is a solemn moment for the Defence Force and the country, highlighting the harsh realities faced by those who guard South Africa's borders.
IOL News
24-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Parliament forms Ad Hoc Committee to investigate serious allegations by KZN police commissioner
The 11-member Ad Hoc Committee mandated to investigate the allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has three months to conduct its work and report to the National Assembly by not later than October 31. Image: Thobile Mathonsi / Independent Newspapers The National Assembly on Wednesday night unanimously agreed to form an Ad Hoc Committee tasked with investigating the serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. This decision comes after the adoption of a report from the portfolio committees on Police and Justice and Constitutional Development, which were requested to consider the appropriate approach to deal with the allegations. ANC chief whip Mdumiseni Ntuli announced that the 11-member committee will consist of four members from the ANC, two each from the DA and the MK Party, one member from the EFF, and two representatives to be recommended by other parties. Ntuli said the committee will report to the National Assembly by not later than October 31. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading He said the committee's terms of reference included the alleged unlawful decision by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to disband the Political Killings Task Team, the alleged unlawful removal of 121 case dockets from the Political Killings Task Team on the direction of Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, and the alleged moratorium by Mchunu on filling vacancies within the SAPS Crime Intelligence Unit. Others are the nature and implications of the relationship between SAPS senior leadership and certain members of the public, whether the award of the R360 million contract to Vusumuzi Matlala's company for the provision of healthcare services to SAPS was irregular. The committee will also look into the alleged interference by the Investigative Directorate Against Corruption in police matters, including judicial issues, and also consider the need for legislative policy and institutional reform to restore public confidence in the criminal justice system. Parties have thrown their weight behind the Ad Hoc Committee. ANC MP Samuel Moela said the allegations made by Mkhwanazi cannot be left unexamined. 'General Mkhwanazi's assertion, if accurate, paints a disturbing picture of how certain elements might be undermining the integrity of law enforcement institutions for political or personal gain. 'Parliament has both the responsibility and the authority to get to the bottom of these claims, not for political point scoring, but to protect the democratic institutions so many South Africans fought to build,' Moela said. DA deputy spokesperson on police, Lisa Schickerling, said the evidence Mkhwanazi presented raised the greatest questions about the conduct of Mchunu, Sibiya, senior police officers, and even members of the judiciary. 'The National Assembly must hold the executive to account, even in the face of parallel investigations. We welcome the urgency with which this House has resolved to independently oversee the political and institutional dimensions of this crisis,' said Schickerling. MK Party's Sibonelo Nomvalo saluted Mkhwanazi for taking on the perceived untouchables by exposing criminal syndicates within the criminal justice system. 'Our clarion call is that Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi must appear before the Ad Hoc Committee in Parliament and expose all the police officers, prosecutors, judges, Members of Parliament, and all officials in the Department of Police who are in cahoots with criminals," he said. 'An allegation by Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi against judges justifies our valid call for a lifestyle audit against judges. It is our firm belief that judges are human beings. They are not a paragon of morality, and therefore are corruptible honourable members,' Nomvalo said. EFF MP Rebecca Mohlala said the SAPS was a seriously compromised service, and its top brass enabled the capture of the institution for nefarious reasons. Mohlala said Parliament should get to the bottom of the allegations and reassert its role in providing oversight to the executive. 'We support the recommendation of the report for the establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee to conduct an inquiry to get to the bottom of corruption,' she said.
IOL News
24-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
All Eyes on SA Reserve Bank: What to expect from July's MPC meeting
If the MPC bases its decision purely on data, the country could enjoy a rate cut, however, many other factors are at play which could see interest rates remaining unchanged at the end of the month, offering no financial relief for consumers battling the cost of living crisis in the country. Image: Thobile Mathonsi / Independent Newspapers As South Africa's economic landscape shifts with increasing complexity, all eyes are on the South African Reserve Bank's (Sarb) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) as it prepares for its pivotal interest rate decision at the end of July. If the MPC bases its decision purely on data, the country could enjoy a rate cut, however, many other factors are at play which could see interest rates remaining unchanged at the end of the month, offering no financial relief for consumers battling the cost of living crisis in the country. The current repo rate sits at 7.25%, following a slight reduction of 25 basis points earlier in May. Despite the central bank's move, Governor Lesetja Kganyago has continued to adopt a hawkish stance, underscoring the significance of maintaining price stability and addressing inflation risks. Recent data paints a somewhat brighter picture, with inflation now stabilising within Sarb's targeted range of 3%–6%. Notably, the headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) dropped from 5.6% in April to 5.2% in May, indicative of subdued demand-side pressures on the economy. Frank Blackmore Lead economist at KPMG told Business Report that there are several factors the MPC will need to consider ahead of the meeting, the most important being the current state of inflation in the country. "Inflation has remained below the lower band at 2.8%. Therefore, in a purely data-driven process, one might expect there to be room for a 25 basis-point reduction at the end of the month. However, the decision is not that straightforward. Inflation expectations are currently closer to the 4% mark," Blackmore said. "The Reserve Bank has also raised the possibility of lowering the inflation target, from the current midpoint of 4.5% within the 3–6% target band, down to 3%. If this is the case, and the aim is to bring inflation expectations down to that level, interest rates may need to remain slightly higher for longer. This could mean that rates remain unchanged until the end of the year to ensure inflation expectations are aligned with the revised addition, developments among our trading partners, particularly with countries like the United States, must be considered," Blackmore added. Neil Roets, CEO of Debt Rescue said that the country stands at a critical economic juncture. "The imminent threat of a 30% tariff on exports to the United States, currently set to take effect on 1 August, could have far-reaching consequences, including sharp decline in export demand, coupled with a weakening rand, which may increase the cost of imports, placing fresh upward pressure on prices, particularly on essentials like food and fuel," Roets said. Blackmore added, "Following the imposition of tariffs under President Trump, there is a market assumption that US inflation figures for June will show an uptick due to those tariffs. This would reduce the likelihood of any rate cuts in the US and, in turn, make a local rate reduction less likely as well. There are three key areas influencing the decision: 1. Current inflation and inflation expectations, which could support a rate cut; 2. The potential revision of the inflation target to 3%, which may justify holding rates steady; 3. External factors, such as the inflationary impact of US tariffs, which could also reduce the likelihood of a rate cut." Roets said that this comes at a time when most South Africans are already financially stretched. "At Debt Rescue, we continue to see how families are cutting back on even the most basic necessities. Food inflation stood at 4.8% in May, contributing significantly to overall inflation and further eroding household budgets. For many consumers, the financial margin has disappeared, leaving no space for savings, and mostly not enough to cover essentials," Roets said. "Sarb must now navigate a very delicate path. While inflation is currently within target and the repo rate sits above the neutral level, suggesting that there could be room for further easing, the global economic outlook is volatile. The U.S. tariff threats, shifting interest rate expectations abroad, and domestic price pressures all complicate the decision-making process. The upcoming Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, due on 23 July, will be one of many indicators informing the final call," the Debt Rescue CEO further added. Roets said, "A further rate cut would offer desperately needed relief to consumers, particularly the over-indebted, who are struggling to meet their monthly obligations. However, the Sarb's mandate is currency stability, and if risks to inflation mount, the Bank may be compelled to hold steady. While a cut would be welcome, especially by struggling households, the decision remains highly uncertain. With so many competing domestic and international pressures at play, predicting the outcome has become extremely difficult. The SARB will need to weigh a wide range of micro and macroeconomic factors before making its final decision." For businesses and consumers already navigating tight margins in this sluggish economy, a rate cut would provide much-needed relief. Reduced borrowing costs could stimulate demand for credit, boost consumer spending, and encourage greater business confidence, though the measurable impact would likely take time to manifest across the economy. Despite these pressures, experts maintain that the Sarb will remain vigilant, focusing on data rather than light-hearted reactions to short-term dynamics. Annabel Bishop, Chief Economist at Investec, summarised the sentiment concisely: 'We expect the Bank to remain cautious and data-dependent.' Yet, she noted, if inflation continues its downward trajectory, a cut could feasibly come as early as September. The forthcoming MPC decision is set to capture the attention of investors, businesses, and policymakers, with prevailing forecasts hinting at holding the rate steady at 7.25%. As stakeholders keenly await the meeting's outcomes, all eyes will be on the Sarb for any indications of the timing and nature of potential monetary easing. BUSINESS REPORT
IOL News
22-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Parliament acts on Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi's explosive claims with plans for ad hoc committee
The South African Parliament takes a decisive step to investigate police allegations, calling for a dedicated Ad Hoc Committee to uphold justice and accountability in law enforcement. This comes following explosive claims made by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Image: Thobile Mathonsi / Independent Newspapers The Portfolio Committee on Police and the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development took a significant step forward by adopting a report that calls for the establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee. This committee is aimed at investigating serious allegations made against Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS). This announcement has stirred anticipation regarding the implications for governance and accountability within South Africa's criminal justice framework. The adopted report articulates the joint committees' stance that an Ad Hoc Committee represents the most effective parliamentary tool for a comprehensive inquiry into these troubling allegations. In contrast to the ongoing oversight functions of standard portfolio committees, which often find themselves balancing multiple priorities, an Ad Hoc Committee would focus specifically on the task at hand, ensuring a streamlined process designed to reach conclusions swiftly and efficiently. Central to the report is a recommendation that the establishment of the Ad Hoc Committee should fall under National Assembly Rule 253, intended for time-bound, task-specific investigations. The committees suggested that, should the National Assembly agree to this recommendation, the inquiry should aim for a resolution within 90 days from its formation, although this timeframe can be extended if required. The gravity of the allegations associated with Lieutenant General Mkwanazi cannot be understated, as they carry significant implications for the rule of law and public trust in state institutions. The joint committees emphasised the necessity of approaching this inquiry with utmost seriousness. The establishment of a focused, multi-party committee is seen as essential to ensuring transparency, fairness, and thoroughness in the process. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Moreover, the committees underscored Parliament's constitutional obligation to oversee state institutions and uphold justice, integrity, and accountability as core principles in their deliberations. Their firm commitment to ensuring a principled handling of the matter highlights an essential aspect of parliamentary responsibility, particularly in matters as sensitive as those concerning law enforcement. As the report now heads to the National Assembly for consideration, observers await how the Assembly will respond and what the eventual committee will look like, including its members and terms of reference. This development represents a crucial moment for South Africa's justice system, with the potential to reinforce accountability at a foundational level. IOL
IOL News
18-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Secret Spies, Sacred Lies: Who guards the guardians?
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has unleashed a storm in South Africa's world of intelligence. His explosive disclosures have triggered a deluge of questions, literally opening Pandora's Box. Image: Thobile Mathonsi / Independent Newspapers 'The essential skill of a secret service is to get things done secretly and deniably.' — John Bruce Lockhurt, former Deputy Chief of SIS IT IS often suggested that prostitution is the oldest profession in the world. But from the dawn of history, people have been seeking to discover the intentions and secrets of their enemies; to penetrate the security barriers behind which their enemies work. Secret intelligence work is not for the faint-hearted, but it is an essential weapon in the armoury of any major nation. Even Secretary of State Henry Stimson of the US, who once objected to proposals to create a US intelligence agency with the remark, 'gentlemen do not read other people's mail', changed his view after the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. True, so long as our imperfect world exists, there will continue to be a need for intelligence services to seek the truth behind what Churchill called the 'bodyguard of lies'. Liars, deceivers, eavesdroppers, covert surveillance operators, thieves, burglars, lockpickers — perhaps even kidnappers or assassins. Such are some of the roles that may be required of an intelligence officer or secret agent. On the other hand, the work may consist only of humdrum administrative activities. The intelligence officer's services to the state cannot be publicly recognised, but may entail serious danger and often long, unsocial hours. So why are people prepared to devote their lives to intelligence — a profession that provides a conveniently silent scapegoat when there is a failure, but cannot be publicly congratulated on success? Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Is intelligence work important? 'Indeed,' say Brian Stewart and Samantha Newbery in Why Spy? On the Art of Intelligence. The book addresses the eternal verities and basic problems that have always been part of intelligence work. In the fifth century BC, for example, Chinese generals compiled The Art of War (Bing Fa), attributed to Sun Tzu. Almost certainly the earliest book written on intelligence, it emphasises the crucial importance of intelligence. It says, 'A General who is too stingy to spend generously on intelligence is not fit to be called a General.' Sun Tzu's principles remain as valid today as they were over two millennia ago. Many successful leaders have shared this view. Niccolò Machiavelli, the Duke of Wellington, George Washington, and Dwight D Eisenhower all emphasised the importance of intelligence. Churchill was an avid consumer of intelligence throughout the Second World War. Intelligence is an essential weapon in any nation's arsenal. But being secret, it is also the most dangerous. Safeguards to prevent its abuse must be devised, revised, and rigidly applied. As Sir William Stephenson wrote in A Man Called Intrepid: 'In the integrity of that guardianship lies the hope of free people to endure and prevail.' Yet, in a democratic society, intelligence must coexist with transparency, human rights, and the rule of law. As Didier Bigo, Emma McCluskey, and Félix Treguer argue in Intelligence Oversight in Times of Transnational Impunity: Who Will Watch the Watchers?, the tension between intelligence and democratic control is inherent and unresolved. The solution, they suggest, is not to abolish intelligence, but to regulate it. KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has unleashed a storm in South Africa's world of intelligence. His explosive disclosures have triggered a deluge of questions, literally opening Pandora's Box. His press briefing resonates with wider anxieties about the 'decline of trust' in democracy and the relationship between trust and democratic institutions. Political philosopher Pierre Rosanvallon argues that distrust is the engine of democratic action — it ensures elected officials keep their promises and maintains pressure on government to serve the common good. On the other hand, trust is seen as a power-saving device for democracies, reducing the costs of citizen watchfulness and monitoring. In Africa, the temptation of corruption is strong, especially for those in positions of public trust. The intelligence community, for obvious reasons, has not been immune. As Mkhwanazi pointed out, it has been complicit in many of the country's ills. The less said about South Africa's intelligence agency, the better. The 2021 insurrectionist disturbances exposed a credibility crisis. The agency needs to rid itself of anti-state elements and rebuild its efficacy. The Senzo Meyiwa case — still unresolved a decade later — speaks volumes about the lack of a functional, effective intelligence community. The inability to solve such a high-profile case is an indictment of South Africa's intelligence and policing capabilities. Heists cannot be a daily occurrence in a country with a well-oiled intelligence community. Either our intelligence community is infiltrated by corrupt officers, or it lacks the calibre of trustworthy operatives who can serve the nation with integrity. What is not under threat is not the uncoordinated South African intelligence community, but millions of South Africans forced to endure rampant criminality. If South Africa is to remain safe from crime, effective domestic intelligence and security are needed. I recommend a new intake of intelligence operatives trained by the best in the world. Intelligence, by its nature, is rarely discussed in public — hence the 'Code of Silence'. But silence should not be confused with competence. Failure may be an orphan, but it is often closely observed. Intelligence failures are important because they often precede costly policy failures. According to Robert Jervis in Why Intelligence Fails: Lessons from the Iranian Revolution and the Iraq War, intelligence failure is both the most important and least interesting sense of the term. First, it is important because policy depends on accurate assessments. But it is uninteresting because identifying failure only requires comparing assessments with subsequent events. Second, judging intelligence failure involves distinguishing between what could have been collected and what analysts did with the information they had. Third, intelligence failures often reflect organisational routines and ways of thinking. Fourth, studying only failures leads to methodological bias — we need to compare failures with successes. Finally, intelligence failures are not rare. Even with better training, intelligence officers will continue to face challenges with limited and unreliable information. The inherent tension between intelligence and democratic control suggests that, since we cannot uninvent intelligence, it's better to regulate it. As Emma McCluskey and Claudia Aradau argue, intelligence oversight must be institutionalised but vigilantly monitored. Institutions tasked with oversight often fail to act independently without support from social movements, the judiciary, or parliament. Without such support, oversight bodies tend to pay lip service to the agencies they are meant to regulate. Mkhwanazi has exposed the weaknesses in South Africa's intelligence oversight. There is an urgent need to identify key proposals to address systemic oversight failure and impunity within the SAPS intelligence community. Intelligence oversight must move beyond trust and personal relationships. Oversight should not be based solely on trust in individuals, but on robust, depoliticised institutions that can hold intelligence agencies accountable. * Dr Vusi Shongwe works in the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture in KwaZulu-Natal and writes in his personal capacity. ** The views expressed here do not reflect those of the Sunday Independent, IOL, or Independent Media. Get the real story on the go: Follow the Sunday Independent on WhatsApp.
