Latest news with #politicalassassinations
Washington Post
4 days ago
- Washington Post
Virginia man who had 155 pipe bombs pleads guilty to federal crimes
A Virginia man accused of stockpiling scores of homemade bombs at his farm while voicing support for political assassinations pleaded guilty Friday to two federal crimes, each punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Brad K. Spafford, 36, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Norfolk to one count each of possessing an unregistered explosive device and possessing an unregistered short-barrel rifle. The FBI said it found 155 pipe bombs at Spafford's 20-acre farm near Newport News, Virginia, the largest cache of live explosive devices ever seized by the bureau.
The Herald
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The Herald
Ramaphosa to address nation on Sunday on Mkhwanazi's allegations
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Sunday brief the nation on developments arising from statements made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi detailing allegations against senior politicians and leaders of the SAPS. On Sunday Mkhwanazi alleged deputy national commissioner Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya obstructed justice, stalled investigations into political assassinations and organised crime and shielded politically connected suspects by taking control of more than 120 sensitive dockets. Mkhwanazi said that was done without the authority of the national or provincial commissioner. Further allegations implicated the minister of police, suggesting links to controversial figures such as Vusumuzi 'Cat' Matlala, who faces serious criminal charges, but reportedly remains politically protected while benefiting from lucrative SAPS contracts. At the time he made the allegations, Ramaphosa was outside the country attending a Brics summit in Brazil. However, he noted the statements, saying the matter is of grave national security concern.
Bloomberg
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Bloomberg
South African Parliament Denies Request to Debate Police Claims
South Africa's parliamentary Speaker Thoko Didiza denied a request by two political parties to hold a debate on allegations that the police minister and senior national officials interfered in an investigation into political assassinations. Didiza asked the portfolio committees on police, justice and constitutional development and the joint standing committee on intelligence to urgently consider the claims made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and report back to the National Assembly, parliament said in a statement on Wednesday.
Times
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Times
South Africa police minister accused of colluding with assassin gangs
South Africa's police minister has been accused by a senior police official of colluding with organised crime gangs and hampering an investigation into political assassinations. The claims made against Senzo Mchunu were 'a matter of grave national security concern' that would get urgent attention, President Ramaphosa said. The allegations emerged in a televised press conference called by Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, a provincial police chief, who alleged that Mchunu received payments from a corruption suspect and, with senior colleagues, had seized files on political killings and frozen inquiries that implicated powerful figures. President Ramaphosa said the accusations were a 'grave national security concern' ERALDO PERES/AP Flanked by armed security forces, some with their faces masked, Mkhwanazi said he had launched an investigation into the police minister and would 'fight to the end' in what he described as a 'war' with alleged corrupt elements.
Bloomberg
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Bloomberg
Ramaphosa Ally Tied to Stalling South Africa Assassination Probe
South Africa's president is facing a fresh crisis, as a key political ally is accused of stalling a probe into political assassinations. Loni Prinsloo explains. (Source: Bloomberg)
