Latest news with #VusimusiMatlala
News24
11-07-2025
- Politics
- News24
GNU hangs by a thread; More charges against ‘Cat' Matlala: Today's top 7 stories in 7 minutes
News24 brings you the top 7 stories of the day. Graphic: Sharlene Rood News24 brings you the top stories of the day, summarised into neat little packages. Read through quickly or listen to the articles via our customised text-to-speech feature. Thahasello Mphatsoe/News24 More charges for Vusimusi 'Cat' Matlala and co-accused - Vusimusi 'Cat' Matlala, accused of attempted murder, appeared in court with three co-accused. - The State plans to centralise two additional cases from Pretoria West and Lyttelton with the current case. - The case has been postponed to August for centralisation purposes. Mashatile dodges claims, Mantashe warns looters as ANC pledges to rebuild its image - Deputy President Paul Mashatile avoided questions about corruption allegations within the police made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. - Gwede Mantashe warned against ethical misconduct, referencing Police Minister Senzo Mchunu's current troubles, and highlighted David Mabuza's belief in ANC organisational renewal. - Mantashe revealed he persuaded Mabuza to support a unified vote at the 2017 conference, leading to Mabuza's election as deputy president. Paige Bell/Facebook Global call for stricter background checks for yacht crews after SA woman's murder - Following the murder of a South African stewardess, Paige Bell, there are increased calls for mandatory criminal background checks for all seafarers internationally. - An online petition with more than 4 200 signatures highlights the lack of universal regulations for regular background checks in the maritime industry. - Experts emphasise the vulnerability of yacht crews to abuse and the difficulties in reporting crimes due to the industry's international nature and potential for cover-ups. Interpreter delivers baby by cellphone light in cell during court power outage - The Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court in Katlehong has been without power for a week due to a substation fire, disrupting operations and raising safety concerns. - A detainee went into labour during the blackout and delivered her baby in the dark with the help of an interpreter using a cellphone's flashlight. - The Department of Justice confirmed the incident and stated that while a backup generator had a fault, it had since been repaired, and electricity is expected to be fully restored soon. GNU hangs by thread as DA digs in on budget, ANC heads into crucial NEC - The DA is threatening to sink the Appropriations Bill by refusing to support the budget votes of certain ministers, jeopardising the government of national unity. - If the Appropriations Bill fails, funding to national government departments will be severely restricted, potentially leading to a crisis in paying salaries and other essential expenses. - The ANC is facing pressure from within to review its relationship with the DA, with some suggesting ActionSA as a more suitable partner, though this would create a tenuous alliance. Oupa Bopape/Gallo Images 'Good riddance': Reality stars celebrate as Mel and Peet Viljoen hit with R71m US ruling - Mel and Peet Viljoen have been ordered by a US court to pay over R70 million for counterfeit claims related to Tammy Taylor Nails. - Fellow reality stars Nonku Williams and Beverley Steyn expressed happiness over the Viljoens' departure from South Africa, citing allegations of scamming and racism. - The court order includes the cancellation of the Viljoens' US trademark registration and a prohibition on using the Tammy Taylor name or associating their business with the brand. Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images The Bok circle of life: What latest trio of debutants bring to Rassie's grand plan - Willie le Roux is set to earn his 100th cap as Ethan Hooker, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, and Cobus Wiese are set to debut for the Springboks against Italy. - Hooker, Ntlabakanye, and Wiese have taken different paths to the Springboks, with Hooker's rise being steady, Ntlabakanye realising potential after setbacks, and Wiese finding his way back after playing abroad. - Coaches praise Hooker's leadership, versatility, and work ethic, while Ntlabakanye is recognised for his rugby intelligence and leadership qualities, and Wiese is now a bruising lock after a detour to Sale Sharks.
News24
11-07-2025
- Politics
- News24
More charges for Vusimusi ‘Cat' Matlala and co-accused
More charges are coming for attempted murder accused Vusimusi 'Cat' Matlala - the controversial businessman at the centre of the scandal surrounding KwaZulu-Natal top cop, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu - and his co-accused. On Friday, Matlala and the three co-accused returned to the dock of Alexandra Magistrate's Court, where they are charged with a 2023 attempt on the life of Matlala's former lover, socialite Tebogo Thobejane. During proceedings, the State revealed that it was planning on centralising two other cases: one from Pretoria West and another from Lyttelton. The case was postponed to August for that purpose.
News24
09-07-2025
- Politics
- News24
Police minister hits back at claims of links to Vusimusi ‘Cat' Matlala
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu's office released a statement on Wednesday morning in response to KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's explosive claims over the weekend. The minister claims he has never met Vusimusi 'Cat' Matlala. He also says he knows Brown Mogotsi, but that Mogotsi is 'not an associate'. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has shot back at KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's claims, insisting he doesn't know controversial tenderpreneur Vusimusi 'Cat' Matlala. In an explosive press conference in Durban on Sunday, Mkhwanazi openly declared that the minister was under criminal investigation, alleging that the police's top brass had been infiltrated by underworld actors – among them Matlala, who, News24 previously reported, scored a R360-million health services tender from the SAPS, despite being investigated for procurement fraud at Tembisa Hospital. The tender has since been cancelled. In the interim, Matlala was arrested and charged earlier this year for an attempted hit on his former lover, influencer and actress Tebogo Thobejane. Mkhwanazi said an analysis of Matlala's phone records had uncovered a secret plot to shut down the political killings task team after its members were roped in to assist with cases to which he had been linked. He also claimed Matlala was financially supporting the minister. Despite calls for restraint from President Cyril Ramaphosa, Mchunu's office said in a statement on Wednesday that he wanted to 'clarify' that he had 'never met Mr Matlala', had never 'spoken to him, nor has the minister ever requested or received anything from him'. 'The minister did, however, initiate a review of the SAPS tender awarded to him when suspicions of possible wrongdoing surfaced. It was the same tender which has since been terminated,' the statement read. Over the weekend, Mkhwanazi also pointed to communication between Matlala, a 'Brown Mogotsi', and Mchunu and claimed Matlala was bankrolling Mogotsi's political endeavours. Mchunu's office added: 'Furthermore, whilst the minister knows and has met Mr Brown Mogotsi, he is just a comrade and not an associate of the minister. The minister has never requested or received anything from him.' This is in stark contrast to his previous claims in Parliament that he did 'not know this person'.
News24
08-07-2025
- Politics
- News24
How the ‘Cat' captured SAPS; Steenhuisen on Trump tariffs; Today's top 7 stories in 7 minutes
News24 brings you the top 7 stories of the day. Graphic: Sharlene Rood News24 brings you the top stories of the day, summarised into neat little packages. Read through quickly or listen to the articles via our customised text-to-speech feature. 9 LIVES | How the 'Cat' captured the heart of the SAPS - Top cop Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alleges tenderpreneur Vusimusi 'Cat' Matlala bribed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu while Matlala was under investigation for multiple scandals. - Former police minister Bheki Cele received stays in Matlala's luxury Pretoria penthouse, despite Cele's denial of any business relationship with Matlala. - Matlala's company won a R360 million police tender while Cele was minister, and Mkhwanazi's revelations have triggered a national security concern, prompting President Cyril Ramaphosa to call for restraint. 'Urgent reform' needed: Steenhuisen sees red over Trump's 30% tariff on SA exports to US - Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen is concerned that US President Donald Trump's 30% tariff on South African exports could end the African Growth and Opportunity Act. - Steenhuisen says the agriculture sector, particularly citrus, wine, nuts and table grapes, is especially vulnerable. - Trump's letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa suggests the US might reduce the tariff if South Africa lowers its barriers to US imports. X/@OCJ_RSA 'I'm a Xhosa man': Mbenenge uses culture as a defence against sexual harassment accusations - Eastern Cape High Court Judge President Selby Mbenenge is accused of sexual harassment by a judge's secretary, Andiswa Mengo, and is under investigation by a JSC tribunal. - Mbenenge has defended his actions, claiming his persistent requests for intimate images were consensual and acceptable within Xhosa culture, where women don't immediately agree to sexual advances. - Mengo testified that Mbenenge's advances were unwanted, but Mbenenge interpreted her responses, including emojis and certain comments, as flirtatious and an invitation to pursue her. Driver arrested after dramatic Cape Town high-speed chase - A driver was arrested for reckless driving in Muizenberg after a high-speed chase that began in Wynberg. - Police fired shots at the car's tires to stop it after the driver drove into oncoming traffic and damaged multiple vehicles. - The arrested man faces charges including reckless driving, drug possession, malicious damage to property and resisting arrest, with the public and officials praising the police's swift action. Court backlash hits Joburg's bid to control private CCTV networks - Two organisations, OUTA and Sapoa, are challenging the City of Johannesburg's new CCTV by-law in court, arguing it's irrational, cumbersome and potentially hinders community policing. - The by-law introduces a strict registration system for CCTV cameras, requiring permits, fees and specific rules about footage access and confidentiality. - The organisations claim the City lacks the authority to pass the by-law, citing flawed public participation and infringement on constitutional rights. Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images Bok prop Thomas no longer the tank engine that thought it could after treble win with Bath - Thomas du Toit, despite being a Springbok for seven years, has only 23 Test caps due to competition from Frans Malherbe and Vincent Koch. - Du Toit's move to Bath under Johann van Graan has helped him find his best form, contributing to the club winning a treble and instilling a winning belief. - With Malherbe injured and Koch aging, Du Toit, now 30, has an opportunity to become a permanent fixture in the Springboks' matchday squad, leveraging his ability to play both sides of the scrum. 'My heart will always choose you': Miss SA Mia le Roux engaged to partner Luke Tenover - Miss South Africa, Mia le Roux, announced her engagement to her partner of three years, Luke Tenover. - The couple has been engaged for a while but chose to keep it private until now. - Tenover has been a supportive partner throughout Le Roux's reign as Miss South Africa. *These summaries were written with the support of Gemini Pro AI. Show Comments ()
The Herald
08-07-2025
- Politics
- The Herald
Integrity commission must investigate rot in SAPS — MP Ian Cameron
'I go as far as saying we need to go through an entire integrity commission to get to the bottom of the rot in the SAPS,' said Cameron. Mkhwanazi alleged on Sunday he had evidence linking police minister Senzo Mchunu and his associate Brown Mogotsi from the North West to businessman Vusimusi 'Cat' Matlala. Matlala was awarded a R360m contract from the police in 2024. He is in custody for the attempted murder of socialite Teboho Thobejane and her friend, who was seriously wounded in a shooting. Mkhwanazi said investigations have revealed Matlala is financially supporting Mchunu. Cameron said if the allegations were true it explained the police's ineffectiveness in arresting criminals. 'The allegations are not only damning to a few individuals. It indicates a systematic weakening of the police to enable corruption and to undermine the rule of law.' Urgent action was needed from President Cyril Ramaphosa against police officials implicated in wrongdoing. 'We cannot continue one day [more] with criminals masquerading as police. 'The president has the responsibility to implement an intensive investigation into the corruption allegations at [the] SAPS to protect and promote the credibility of [the] SAPS,' he said. On Sunday, Ramaphosa, who is in Brazil for the Brics summit, described the allegations against Mchunu as a matter of grave national security. 'It is vital that the integrity of the country's security services is safeguarded and the rule of law is affirmed,' Ramaphosa said, calling on the affected parties to exercise discipline and restraint. 'The trading of accusations and counteraccusations threatens to undermine public confidence and sow confusion.' SowetanLIVE
