Podcasts about National Prosecuting Authority

AfriForum's Private Prosecution Unit is considering a private prosecution against Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane. This follows the National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) decision not to pursue charges in a multimillion-rand scandal tied to Winnie Madikizela-Mandela's funeral. Allegations claim a businessman was paid for unrendered services and directed to channel funds to politicians and companies. Nel argues the evidence is compelling and accuses the NPA of political bias in its refusal to act. Elvis Presslin spoke to Barry Bateman, spokesperson for AfriForum's Private Prosecution Unit

The Luthuli family is seeking closure as the National Prosecuting Authority presents evidence today in the Pietermaritzburg High Court to challenge the original findings on the deaths of anti-apartheid icons, former ANC President Chief Albert Luthuli and human rights lawyer Griffiths Mxenge. Following the reopening of the inquests by KwaZulu-Natal Director of Public Prosecutions Elaine Harrison, Sandile Luthuli, Albert Chief Luthuli's grandson, expressed hope to our senior producer Ronald Phiri that the inquiry will debunk claims that his grandfather died in a train accident

John Maytham is joined by Dr Jean Redpath, Senior Researcher at the Dullah Omar Institute, to explore how South Africa’s criminal justice system has lost the urgency it once had and to highlight a dramatic decline in prosecutions, court inefficiencies, and an NPA still weakened by the era of state capture. Dr Redpath explains why reforming the NPA’s independence, leadership appointments, and operational capacity is critical for justice, accountability, and the country’s democratic stability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legal journalist Karyn Maughan joins John Maytham to unpack the explosive fallout from the acquittal of Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused following one of South Africa’s most high-profile trials. Maughan discusses the Gqeberha High Court’s scathing judgment on the National Prosecuting Authority’s handling of the case, from botched cross-examinations to failures in proving guilt. Together they explore what this verdict means for victims of gender-based violence, public trust in the justice system and whether justice was truly served.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Prosecuting Authority is reviewing the acquittal of televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused, who faced 32 charges, including racketeering, trafficking, rape, and sexual assault. Initially, they faced 63 charges, but some witnesses withdrew, leading to a reduction in charges. The court's verdict cited procedural mistakes by former prosecutors and weak cross-examination.To discuss this further, Elvis Presslin spoke to Bishop Mashashane, President of the South African National Christian Forum

Various law enforcement agencies have partnered together to form and launch the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum. The initiative forms part of the intensified and coordinated effort to clamp down on corruption in this sector. The Forum is made up of the Home Affairs Department, the Border Management Authority , the National Prosecuting Authority including civil society organisations. BMA's acting commissioner and retired major general David Chilembe says this is but part of efforts to intensify the fight against corruption...

In his latest Sunday Show with BizNews, Neil de Beer, the President of the United Independent Movement, begs billionaire Elon Musk to put African National Congress (ANC) SG Fikile Mbalula in rocket and send him to another planet because “everything he says is absolutely nonsensical”. He predicts a hard fall for Johannesburg “kryptonite” Mayor Dada Marrero, who is under fire for using “influencers” as praise singers to cover up for poor service delivery in the decaying city of Egoli. He speculates that the National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) reconsideration of its decision not to take a fraud and perjury case against Deputy President Paul Mashatile to trial, could be a way to take him out of the running for President. He once again warns that former president Jacob Zuma's MKP should not be underestimated - this time after his party got a foothold in the Western Cape by taking Middelpos from the ANC with 44% in last week's by-election. De Beer also comments on the Battle for the Budget that will have to be fought line item by line item. Lastly, he speaks about the SANDF's planned withdrawal from the DRC - and gives the backstory of the wings that have disappeared from our top general's chest.

Twenty-five survivors and families of those who forcibly disappeared or were allegedly killed during South Africa's struggle for democracy have filed a court application against the President and the government, seeking constitutional damages for the political suppression of the apartheid-era cases referred by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to the National Prosecuting Authority. The application also seeks an order compelling the President to establish an independent and public commission of inquiry into the political interference that resulted in the suppression of several hundred serious crimes arising from South Africa's past. For more we are joined on the line by Director of the Foundation for Human Rights Zaid Kimmie..

The Democratic Alliance says it has submitted a Promotion of Access to Information Act application for Minister of Justice Thembi Simelane's VBS loan report to President Ramaphosa. The DA says It cannot be that a Minister of Justice, accused of corruption, can continue to oversee the Justice system, and more importantly the National Prosecuting Authority, the body tasked with investigating her. Elvis Presslin spoke to MP and DA Spokesperson on Justice and Constitutional Development, Adv. Glynnis Breytenbach

Dr. Jean Redpath, a Senior Researcher at the Dullah Omar Institute, joins John Maytham to discuss the shortcomings of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Act. She highlights the lack of financial independence as a primary issue, explaining that the NPA remains financially tied to the Department of Justice, limiting its autonomy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AfriForum's Private Prosecution Unit is scrutinizing the National Prosecuting Authority, NPA ,and the Police over their handling of child pornography allegations against the University of Cape Town, UCT Professor Pierre de Vos. De Vos is accused of distributing child pornography on social media. AfriForum argues that the NPA and SAPS are not treating the complaint with the same rigor as similar cases, suggesting selective prosecution. Elvis Presslin spoke to Barry Bateman, AfriForum Private Prosecution Unit spokesperson, to shed more light on this developing story

The National Prosecuting Authority, NPA has declined to prosecute anyone in relation to the Phala Phala farm case, involving President Cyril Ramaphosa and Major General Wally Roode. Director of Public Prosecutions Ivy Thenga made the decision after assessing evidence from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, following a complaint by Arthur Fraser alleging money laundering and corruption. The case centered on a theft of around 580,000 dollars at Ramaphosa's Phala Phala Farm in Limpopo. Fraser's complaint accused Ramaphosa and Roode of wrongdoing, but Thenga found insufficient grounds for prosecution. For reaction Elvis Presslin spoke to Zama Ntshona Spokesperson of the African Transformation Movement, ATM

Ann Bernstein, CEO of the Centre for the Development and Enterprise weighs in on the CDE's call to President Ramaphosa for an urgent inquiry into the National Prosecuting Authority.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opposition parties are demanding Justice Minister Thembi Simelane's suspension or resignation over a questionable VBS-linked loan. Simelane faces the ANC's integrity commission to explain a R575,600 loan from the defunct VBS Mutual Bank. Critics argue her position as Justice Minister gives her control over the National Prosecuting Authority, NPA potentially allowing her to thwart investigations into her own conduct. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to ANC Women's League Secretary-General, Nokuthula Nqaba

Citizens who fail to report suspicions of child sexual abuse could end up behind bars. This is according to Salome Scheepers, Senior State Advocate at the Sexual Offence and Community Affairs Unit of the National Prosecuting Authority. Scheepers was addressing a webinar held in line with Child Protection Week. She says failure to report sexual abuse is punishable by imprisonment. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to Sonja Carstens, spokesperson of MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, which hosted the seminar

    Clement Manyathela speaks to Advocate Shamila Batohi, National Director of Public Prosecutions about the state of the National Prosecuting Authority and how the NPA has performed in some prominent cases. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pretoria Asset Forfeiture Unit of the National Prosecuting Authority has been granted a preservation order of over R4,3 million by the Pretoria High Court to freeze the bank account belonging to Piggy Farm Trading. It's believed the company is running a Ponzi Scheme, where individuals could purchase up to 50 virtual pigs at R2 750 each, in a digital metaverse pig farm. NPA says this is a contravention of the National Consumer Protection Act and the whole scheme appeared to be a fraud. Udo Carelse spoke to NPA's Gauteng Regional Spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana

A political analyst says South Africa's speaker of parliament, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, did the honorable thing for the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party by resigning. Professor Sipho Seepe, a former Deputy Vice Chancellor for Institutional Support at the University of Zululand, says it was simply a matter of time before the National Prosecuting Authority would arrest the speaker. She has been accused of soliciting bribes worth about $240,000 from a defense contractor between 2016 and 2019 when she was Minister of Defense and Military Veterans. She said Wednesday that her resignation was not an indication or admission of guilt. Professor Sipho Seepe tells VOA's James Butty, the ANC has an internal policy that requires the resignation of any official who is criminally charged for misconduct or malfeasance..

A judge in Pretoria, South Africa, Tuesday threw out a petition brought by the speaker of parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula to prevent her arrest on corruption and money laundering charges. The National Prosecuting Authority has accused the speaker of soliciting bribes worth about $240,000 from a defense contractor between 2016 and 2019 when she was Minister of Defense and Military Veterans. Professor Sipho Seepe , a political analyst and former Deputy Vice Chancellor for Institutional Support at the University of Zululand, tells VOA's James Butty, the court ruling paves the way for the speaker's arrest, or she will probably turn herself in to the police to be charged.

Action SA has given Mpumalanga's National Prosecuting Authority 14 days to decide on whether to prosecute Individuals complicit in the Lily Mine tragedy. In February 2016, a mine collapsed in Mpumalanga leaving workers trapped underground. Pretty Nkambule, Solomon Nyirenda and Yvonne Mnisi remain trapped inside a container they were working in at the mine. Now for more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to Action SA president Herman Mashaba

Speaker of Parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula lost a court bid to prevent the authorities from detaining her over allegations of corruption, and now faces arrest. Judge Sulet Potterill handed down the ruling in the High Court in Pretoria, the capital, on Tuesday. Mapisa-Nqakula, who faces possible graft charges related to her tenure as defense minister, had launched an urgent application for the court to compel the National Prosecuting Authority to suspend plans to arrest her and share with her evidence related to the case. The controversy surrounding Mapisa-Nqakula, a senior African National Congress (ANC) leader, comes two months before South Africa holds national elections in which the party is at risk of losing its national majority for the first time since it came to power three decades ago. Opinion polls show voters are dissatisfied with the ANC over issues including its failure to deal decisively with State corruption and arrest officials accused of graft.

The Pretoria high court on Tuesday dismissed with costs the urgent application by National Assembly speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula to interdict law enforcement authorities from arresting her during corruption investigations. Last month the National Prosecuting Authority's Investigating Directorate (ID) conducted a search and seizure operation at Mapisa-Nqakula's home in Bruma, Johannesburg. The operation was was linked to an investigation into alleged corruption reportedly involving her tenure as minister of defence and military veterans from 2012 to 2021.

Parliament states that the business of Parliament will continue uninterrupted as National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula takes a leave of absence. As the speaker attempts to fend off her arrest in court today, what will become of the motion of no confidence tabled by the DA in this term's last week of parliamentary business? EWN ELECTION PIECE: THIS WEEK, EWN VISITED THE NORTHWEST – THIS IS WHERE THREE CRUCIAL MULTI-MILLION RAND PROJECTS HAVE FALLEN INTO A STATE  OF DILAPIDATION AFTER BEING NEGLECTED BY THE MADIBENG MUNICIPALITY. Lourentia Lombaard - the fourth accused linked to the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith - is back in court tomorrow. The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial continues. Sports Wrap with Mawande. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria will today hear the interdict application by Speaker of Parliament, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula. She is seeking an order interdicting the National Prosecuting Authority, NPA's Investigating Directorate from arresting her. Last week the Hawks raided her Johannesburg home over allegations of corruption. The Speaker accused of soliciting and receiving bribes amounting to R2.3 million from a defence contractor during her tenure as Defence Minister. She has since taken special leave from her position. For the merits on the application, Elvis Presslin spoke to Legal expert, Nthabiseng Dubaza from Dubazana Attorneys

ANC chief whip Pemmy Majodina says the party's parliamentary caucus will comment on the raid by the Hawks at the house of National Assembly speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula when there are “proper findings”. The National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) Investigating Directorate (ID) on Tuesday conducted a search and seizure raid at her house in Bruma, Johannesburg. 

Advocate Anton du Plessis is The Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions and he emphasizes the crucial overhaul of the National Prosecuting Authority for justice and democracy in South Africa, highlighting its methodical reconstruction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police Minister Bheki Cele believes South African Police Services' (Saps') efforts to prevent, combat and arrest criminals are proving to be effective, as he noted a reduction in the number of murders reported in the last two quarters. Cele was addressing the media, on Friday, on the third quarter crime statistics for October to December 2023, where he said Operation Shanela was making its mark and putting a dent in serious, violent and organised crime. Since its inception in May, more than 442 000 suspects had been arrested. While the number of reported murders reduced in the last two consecutive quarters, 7 710 people were murdered between October and December, an increase of 155 when compared with the same period in the previous year. "The provinces of KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Free State must be singled out and commended for being able to register a reduction in the number of people murdered during this period," Cele said. A total of 32 229 suspects were arrested for common assault and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm; 4 882 suspects were arrested for murder and attempted murder; and 4 783 suspects were arrested for sexual offences-related crimes, such as rape and attempted rape. Cele said 6 383 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs; 3 747 suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs, while 16 942 suspects were arrested for being in possession of drugs. Cele added that 2 581 suspects were arrested for being in possession of illegal and prohibited firearms and ammunition. He noted that October to December was a significantly busy holiday period and saw the Saps deploy critical resources and manpower. "I must say, we came into this festive period, well prepared …We unleashed our safer festive operational plan on the 13th of October 2023, where we deployed various policing interventions and strategies and gave strict instructions and a clear directive to our members on the ground to squeeze out all criminals in every corner of this country," he explained. Cele highlighted that attention and more resources had been allocated to stations that had the highest number of murders reported, saying the majority of the top 30 stations where murder was most reported were to be found in the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and Eastern Cape. DNA BACKLOG AND CRIMES Meanwhile, Cele explained that there had been significant progress in the rate of finalisation of DNA cases and the eradication of the historic DNA backlog, which was currently at zero, from 251 000 cases in the 2021/2022 financial year. "Further to this, the expansion of the DNA lab in Gqerberha, which was opened by the President in August 2023, has contributed immensely to the processing of more DNA samples in the country. All these efforts have contributed positively to Saps' fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) cases. For example, the National Prosecuting Authority and Saps project has led to more than 40 000 DNA forensic reports being finalised to ensure that cases of GBVF are prioritised," he said. He explained that crimes detected as a result of police action, such as the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, drug-related crime, as well as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as well as sexual offences and other crimes, registered a positive increase of 10.8%. "These are crimes that are usually not reported to the police but detected as a result of the deployment of law enforcement personnel and the employment of intelligence," he said. The statistics revealed that contact crimes, which are commonly known as the 17-community reported crimes and which include murder, rape, assault, and shoplifting, registered a slight increase of 1.5 %, Cele added.

Risk body, the Institute of Risk Management South Africa (Irmsa) has warned that it is essential to deal with corruption in South Africa if the country is to begin repairing its "poly-crisis". According to the latest global ranking of perceptions of corruption, South Africa has fallen to its lowest level ever recorded, scoring 41 out of 100 on the globally respected Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). Irmsa said this finding was consistent with its own analysis in its '2023 Risk Report', and it was concerned that the CPI rating posed an even greater challenge to the risk response strategies identified in the Irmsa report, which aim to create an environment in which to retain and attract foreign investment. Irmsa chief risk adviser Christopher Palm said corruption was the central issue underlying other risks such as economic collapse, failing infrastructure and poor service delivery. "Our CPI score is another warning sign that we're edging closer to becoming a failed State. It puts us in the global spotlight, further deterring foreign investment after our concerning greylisting by the Financial Action Task Force last year," he pointed out. He believes accountability and consequence management are key in tackling corruption, however, he pointed out that officials accused of corruption during the Zondo Commission hearings had yet to be held to account while investigating and prosecuting bodies such as the National Prosecuting Authority and the Investigating Directorate need to remain independent to operate effectively. "It's clear that we have not put in place the measures required to arrest our poly-crisis fast enough. I have heard prominent chief risk officers in the public and private sectors refer to a perma-crisis, meaning that the risk profile reported and currently materialising at pace may be here to stay," said Palm. Risk managers had a role to play in ensuring that corruption was tackled within their respective organisations, he added, and advised that this could be done through the protection of whistleblowers. Further, he said the 2024 national elections presented South Africans with an opportunity to be "active citizens" by voting in ethical leaders. "We all have a part to play in tackling corruption whether it's through active democratic participation or within our organisations. While tackling corruption seems like a monumental task, it's more important than ever for us to take action by demanding accountability and fostering a culture of transparency," he ended.

Lester Kiewit speaks to Michael Marchant, head of investigations at OpenSecrets, about Shamila Batohi's five years at the helm at the National Prosecuting Authority, and whether she is making a dent in the country's massive corruption problem.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ninety-seven (97) African National Congress (ANC) bigwigs identified as looters by the Zondo Commission still have to be successfully prosecuted.  The Democratic Alliance (DA) wants an Anti-Corruption Commission (a Scorpions 2.0) to do so. The African National Congress (ANC) wants the Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) to do it. In this interview with BizNews, Glynnis Breytenbach, the DA's Shadow Minister of Justice, dissects the differences between the two. She explains that the Investigative Directorate (ID), even when it's made permanent within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), is only as independent as the NPA. “And I speak from my own experience, but we've all seen that the National Prosecuting Authority at times is not independent, and it can be interfered with. And we've seen how the Scorpions was closed down. There's no security of tenure.”  The Anti-Corruption Commission, on the other hand, would be an “elite crime-fighting unit that has all of the resources that it requires”; and be a Chapter 9 institution  - independent of the NPA - that can only be disbanded by a two-thirds majority in Parliament. However, she stresses that The Anti-Corruption Commission is not intended to be competition for the NPA. “They will run parallel to it and they will have overlapping areas of jurisdiction…the Anti-Corruption Commission will deal with the very top echelon of cases of corruption, the very top echelon of cases of organised crime, and that should free the National Prosecuting Authority up quite considerably to prosecute the thousands of other matters that it's forced to deal with every day.” - Chris Steyn

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on both the public and private sectors to unite against the scourge of corruption. Mashatile also signed the anti-corruption pledge, vowing never to take or pay bribes and to treat public resources respectfully. He also signed the pledge to commemorate International Anti-corruption Day on Saturday 9 December as another promise to act with integrity in all his dealings. This is despite reports that he had the regular use of a property owned by businessman Edwin Sodi. Sodi currently faces charges of benefitting from state capture. The Zondo Commission found that the National Prosecuting Authority should consider charging him for his role in the asbestos scandal in the Free State. Mashatile told dignitaries, including heads of Chapter 9 institutions, at the 2023 International Anti-corruption Commemoration on Friday that corruption was a scourge that continues to affect every corner of the world. "It's imperative for the public sector and private sector to unite in their dedication to good governance which is founded on transparency and accountability," Mashatile told the audience at Unisa's ZK Matthews Hall in Pretoria. He said corruption was based on selfishness and a lack of concern for the majority. Mashatile said: It is on this basis that we should be vigilant in how we address corruption, especially in the public sector. It is a persistent problem that inhibits development, fairness, and equality in our society. He also lit a candle alongside Whistleblower House executive director Cynthia Stimpel, remembering slain whistleblowers as well as those still in hiding. Stimpel said the war on corruption was far from over, adding that whistleblowers, most of whom were in hiding, were tired of excuses. "I hope this light shines bright enough for the National Prosecuting Authority to see. We are getting tired of excuses in court," she said. Stimpel read out the names of whistleblowers who are in hiding, including Athol Williams and Thabiso Zulu. She also cautioned political parties from using public funds for campaigning. "I hope this candle can burn bright enough for our government to have the courage to prevent the looting," she said.

Former Eskom CEO, Matshela Koko has accused the state of pursuing what he calls a hate crime against him and his family. Koko's remarks follow a decision by the Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court which struck the corruption case against him and 18 co-accused off the roll on Tuesday afternoon. The court found that there have been unreasonable delays in the case involving alleged corruption to the tune of over R2 billion in the construction of the Kusile Power Station, outside Emalahleni in Mpumalanga. Speaking with members of the media following the court's decision, Koko further accused the state of taking South Africans for a ride. The National Prosecuting Authority says the ruling made by the Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court has no bearing on the merits of the case except procedures. For reaction into the court's decision, Elvis Presslin spoke to Deputy Chief Executive of Labour Relations at Trade Union Solidarity, Deon Reyneke

Guest: Investigative journalist Raymond Joseph from Ground-Up brings the next revelation in the ongoing scandal. Lesley Ramulifho continues to live the high life even after The National Prosecuting Authority's Assets Forfeiture Unit (AFU) has obtained a preservation order over his assets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CEOs from some of South Africa's largest companies – including Sasol's Fleetwood Grobler, Anglo American's Nolitha Fakude, former Exxaro CEO Mxolisi Mgojo, Toyota South Africa's Andrew Kirby, Remgro's Jannie Durand, Sibanye-Stillwater's Neal Froneman and Sanlam's Paul Hanratty – have agreed to lead workstreams set up to support government in tackling the country's prevailing crises in the energy and transport sectors, as well as debilitating levels of crime and corruption. Following a meeting between organised business and government on June 6, an agreement was reached to form a partnership to tackle the three issues, which have emerged as major obstacles to growth, development and job creation. The partnership with government and State-owned companies will be pursued under the banner of Business for South Africa (B4SA), which played a key role in supporting the country's vaccination roll-out during the height of the Covid pandemic. In energy, collaboration has been under way for some time through the National Energy Crisis Committee (Necom), which was set up last year to tackle loadshedding through various supply, demand and security interventions announced as part of the Energy Action Plan. However, business has also agreed to work through Necom to develop a “confidence building national communication plan” in support of the Energy Action Plan. In transport, business will be integrated into the recently formed National Logistics Crisis Committee, or NLCC, which has been set up as a result of ongoing operational and security problems at Transnet, which have resulted in a collapse in rail volumes on certain key corridors. There are also plans to mobilise the private sector to support the implementation of the National Rail Policy and to align and integrate business' efforts into government's Freight Logistics Roadmap. Business has also agreed to provide “arms-length” support to combat crime and corruption, including by injecting expert resources to further capacitate the National Prosecuting Authority and the Investigating Directorate. It has also been agreed that the Joint Initiative to Fight Crime and Corruption, or JICC, be used as the delivery mechanism to implement the interventions. President Cyril Ramaphosa said the partnership with B4SA, which is Business Unity South Africa's (Busa's) implementation platform, was driven by a shared determination to overcome the severe challenges currently faced by South Africa. Busa VP Adrian Gore added that the partnership agreement underscored organised business' belief in the country and its commitment to achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth. The three priority workstreams have reportedly been fully mobilised, and their priorities will be continuously reassessed and reprioritised, with potential to add new areas such as water and infrastructure.

Nicky Weimar, chief economist at Nedbank analyses the data set that seems to suggest that SA will avert a technical recession.    JP Landman, political & trend Analyst looks at SA's electricity distribution and extrapolates how the future would be.    Glynnis Breytenbach, former prosecutor for the National Prosecuting Authority and a Member of Parliament for the DA discussed her career and relationship with money.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Glynnis Breytenbach | former prosecutor for the National Prosecuting Authority  and a Member of Parliament for the DA See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule appeared briefly in the Free State High Court on Friday on charges related to a R225m asbestos tender, before the case was postponed again. The charges stem from when he was Free State premier. The case has been marred by postponements and Magashule told media the National Prosecuting Authority is “wasting time” and he has not stolen a cent from government.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has lost the political support of the African National Congress (ANC) and is "very likely" to announce his resignation as head of state in the next few hours. Ramaphosa will also resign as president of the ANC and will pull out of the race to be re-elected in just over two weeks' time at Nasrec. In accordance with the Constitution, Deputy President David Mabuza, a former premier of Mpumalanga, will step in as acting president until Parliament votes for a new president. It is expected that whoever is elected as the next ANC president mid-December will be sworn in as state president at a special sitting of Parliament at the end of the month. The Democratic Alliance has tabled a motion, arguing for Parliament to be dissolved and for an early election to be held next year. News24 has spoken to a range of senior politicians and civil servants close to the president's decision, that is likely to trigger a credibility crisis for South Africa. A source close to talks said Ramaphosa did not have to be convinced of the case to resign. The insider said Ramaphosa argued that it was in the best interest of the stability of the country for him to quit. "There is nothing we can do now," the source said. Vincent Magwenya, Ramaphosa's spokesperson, said the president would address the nation "soon". He said the president was still considering his options. "The primary concern in the president's mind is the stability of the government and the country." Ramaphosa has run out of options after a Section 89 panel, headed by former chief justice Sandile Ngcobo, found that he may have violated the Constitution and anti-corruption laws in his Phala Phala game farm dealings. News24 understands the president's legal advisors told him that, although they took the view that the Ngcobo report was "full of contradictions, flaws and mistakes", chances of successfully challenging it in court was not guaranteed. "Which court will rule that a report by a former chief justice is irrational?" one source said. Ramaphosa also does not want to put himself through a "public trial" in Parliament, in an impeachment hearing, while he was the one who suspended Busisiwe Mkhwebane, the Public Protector, to face a similar process. Ramaphosa is a multi-billionaire who built his fortune outside of politics before being plucked back into the ANC's fold as former president Jacob Zuma's deputy in 2012. He has served as deputy president and president of the country for a decade, and oversaw the "reform" agenda in the country to restore institutions and state-owned enterprises that were plundered during the so-called "lost decade" under Zuma. Some of his biggest achievements have been the credibility restoration of the National Prosecuting Authority, which has been driving state capture arrests and prosecutions, and empowering the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) with the capacity to reclaim millions of taxpayers' money lost to corruption. But Ramaphosa himself has been mired in a credibility crisis since the country's former spy boss, Arthur Fraser, opened a criminal case against the president for a burglary of millions of rands that happened at Ramaphosa's Phala Phala game farm in early 2020. Ramaphosa was accused of covering up the source of the money, allegedly stashed in furniture, and of thwarting a proper police investigation into the case. The Ngcobo report confirmed the suspicions and found Ramaphosa had to answer the case for possible impeachment. Ramaphosa had limited options, which he discussed with political and legal advisers since late on Wednesday night. News24 understands his decision was mainly influenced by the lack of political support he suffered in the ANC since the release of the report. The president has seemingly bled support on the ANC's national executive committee (NEC) over the last 18 hours following the release of the independent panel's report. This follows a marked sea-change in recent times, with frustration among supp...

The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) in KwaZulu-Natal obtained a forfeiture order to seize the Mercedes-Benz C300 Coupe belonging to accused unrest looter Mbuso Moloi. Moloi is currently facing charges of theft and public violence relating to the looting at a Woolworths store in the Glenwood area during the July unrest. "The car, which was forfeited on the basis that it is an instrumentality of the offences, was valued at approximately R500 000 at the time of the offence. Since the vehicle is still under purchase agreement from a bank, the vehicle will be handed over to the bank in due course," National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Natasha Kara said on Thursday. The criminal matter against Moloi is set down for trial from 27 to 31 March 2023. He is out on bail of R5 000. The AFU welcomed the development, saying it reinforces the NPA's strategy to focus not only on prosecutions but also on taking away assets where they are proven to be instrumental in the commission of a crime.

“ So many people are afraid of taking risks. And they are so afraid of betting on themselves just in case they fail. But I've come to realise that people aren't afraid of failure, people are afraid of failing in front of other people. And I think once you take that out of the equation, and you're like, you know what, even if I do fail, I would rather be the person in the ring, fighting for what I want, and falling a few times and stumbling, then be the person in the audience judging and pointing and saying how that person could have done it better. So, I think when you take a risk on yourself, you realise it's really about choosing you and choosing the life you were destined to live. ” Candice Mama Top Five Tips For Harnessing in Power          1.         Overcoming difficulties          2.         Using pain as fuel         3.         Taking a risk on yourself         4.         Listening to your intuition          5.         Choosing youTIME STAMP SUMMARY01:07 How trauma shapes us 02:51 The story of forgiveness11:32 Failure is a lesson16:15 Summary of the Top Five TipsWhere to find Candice?LinkedIn                                  https://www.linkedin.com/in/candice-mama Website                                  http://www.candicemama.com/  Who is Candice Mama?My name is Candice Mama, I was born in 1991 in South Africa a country that was gripped by the grossly violent and oppressive system of Apartheid and this is my story. In September 2014 , The National Prosecuting Authority reached out to my family to enquire about whether or not we would like to meet Eugene de Kock ( a former South African Police colonel, torturer, and assassin, active under the apartheid government. Nicknamed “ Prime Evil” and sentenced to 212 years in prison under 89 charges). As many would imagine, it wasn't a decision we came to without many dinner-table discussions and some trepidation from members of the family. We agreed to schedule our meeting for the following Tuesday. In the days to come, a sense of self-reflection enveloped me. My dad, Glenack Masilo Mama, was brutally killed in a vicious and unjust time in our country's history. My memories of him were nothing but compilations of different people's stories and pictures we collected over time. However, the one thing I knew for sure about my father was that he had been tortured and then burnt to death by a man named Eugene de Kock. I went on to read numerous articles and books about the man dubbed Prime Evil and his legacy, which was that of being the face and embodiment of an unjustifiable system of hate and oppression. Growing up in a house where reading and introspection were encouraged allowed me to be able to contextualise my dad's killing. Which, in my mind, made his death mean something.  He died fighting a system and wanting a different country for my brother and myself, which we are extremely fortunate to now be living in. This made me realise I couldn't hate De Kock because love and hate cannot operate in the same space.  If I wanted to resent him, I would never be able to fully enjoy the life my dad and so many others willingly or unwillingly died

The National Prosecuting Authority has confirmed it won't be prosecuting State advocate Billy Downer over the charges laid against him by former president Jacob Zuma.

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) believes South Africans can take heart from the recent arrest of several former Transnet and Gupta loyalists. Just in the last week, the National Prosecuting Authority's Investigating Directorate, together with the Hawks, effected the arrests of five high-profile individuals linked to allegations of state capture at parastatal Transnet. The accused include former Transnet chief executive Siyabonga Gama, former Transnet acting CFO Garry Pita, former Transnet Treasurer Phetolo Ramosebudi, former Trillian Capital executive Daniel Roy, and Regiments Capital shareholder Eric Wood. The five accused, arrested on 27 May, join Kuben Moodley, a Gupta-fixer and the director of Albatime, in the dock on charges of fraud, corruption, money laundering and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act. Moodley, however, was arrested in September 2021 already. The accused are all out on bail on various amounts of between R25 000 and R250 000 and are due back in the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court on 13 July 2022. For more on the exact nature of the allegations click here.

Head of private prosecutions at Afriforum Adv Gerrie Nel responds to the unexpected death of key state witness Brigadier Philani Ndlovu, and whether he agrees with the National Prosecuting Authority, which stated in a statement that Ndlovu was not regarded as a crucial witness because his role was limited. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katlego Mokoena obtained her law degree from the University of the Witwatersrand. After obtaining her undergrad she studied and obtained her post graduate diploma in corporate law at the University of Johannesburg whilst completing the compulsory Practical Legal training (PLT). She started her legal career when she joined the National Prosecuting Authority under the Aspirant Prosecutor Program.  She then started prosecuting in the district courts and shortly after went to act as a Regional Court Prosecutor.  Having completed her PLT in order to be admitted as an Attorney Katlego left the NPA and pursued to complete her articles at Legal Aid South Africa. She is an admitted Attorney of the High Court. From Articles she went on to practice for her own account as one of the Directors under the name and style Mokoena and Dhlamini Attorneys Incorporated. 5 years after that she got an opportunity to act as a Magistrate stationed in Soweto. She was recently appointed as a permanent Magistrate in 2021. Katlego has been in the legal fraternity for 12 years and an admitted attorney for 9 years. When ones looks at her short track record she has literally been on all sides of the fence. A State Prosecutor, A Defence Attorney and now the bench being a Magistrate. Katlego is pursuing her studies as she plans to equip herself in understanding the multifaceted aspects of the law.   ____________________________________________________________________________________ Don't forget to tag us on Instagram @sister_in_law_ and to leave a review on Apple podcast. Share this podcast with as many family and friends as possible and don't forget to email your season 3 guest suggestions to advice@sisterinlaw.co.za I love hearing from you so please leave any reviews and other suggestions on the same email. Thank you for taking this journey with me. I hope season 3 continues to be a great platform of learning and spreading awareness of not only what happens in the legal industry, but in society and the globe as a whole. Visit our website on: www.sisterinlaw.co.za --- Send in a voice message and you could be featured on our next episode as a student/graduate/young professional: https://anchor.fm/tebello-motshwane/message     --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/tebello-motshwane/message

Aubrey speaks to representatives from the country's law enforcement agencies, the Special Investigating Unit, the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority, about the progress they are making in fighting corruption. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ace forensic investigator Paul O'Sullivan takes a hard look at the first volume of the report by the Zondo Commission, offering a "so far, so good" verdict. But he draws on personal experience to share how the National Prosecuting Authority should approach miscreants like Dudu Myeni - and put them behind bars without stumbling through years of courtroom treacle. Classic O'Sullivan - courageous, forthright and opening eyes to the murky underworld.

John Endres, Director at the Centre for Risk Analysis, warns South Africans to temper their expectations in the wake of the release of the first instalment of findings by the State Capture Inquiry. While the quest for greater accountability grows, South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority is struggling under the burden of dwindling resources and mounting pressure from the public for action.

Today's Daily Friend Show with Sara Gon, Nicholas Lorimer and Michael Morris. They discuss a lawsuit which aims to get the National Prosecuting Authority to prosecute politcally connected people, the concern over Covid-19 and Matric Rage and the fall of CNN's Chris Cuomo. Subscribe on Google Podcasts · Subscribe on Apple Podcasts · Subscribe on Spotify

A few months ago I appeared on ENCA to express my views on the events surrounding Trump, the insurrection and how the Republican Party in USA has become the personality cult of Trump. How that personality gave rise to the insurrection on the Capital on January the 6th. The events that have unfolded over the past few days here in South Africa has shone a spotlight on our vulnerable society and how political leaders and personalities use the status quo to advance their own agendas and to protect their own selfish interests. What we saw here in the province of KZN and Gauteng was a well orchestrated attempt by the faction of the ANC aligned to Jacob Zuma who has been imprisoned for contempt of court. Zuma and his RET faction has always been a Cult of Zuma within the ANC organization itself. With the RET faction realising that their Zuma faction was slowly being rooted out and confronted by the Ramaphosa faction, it was time for them to stage a fight back to protect their criminality and own looting of the state coffers for over a decade. Their aim was to destabalise the economy and SA as a whole by crippling our supply chain and infrastructure. The names of those responsible are already known according to the Minister of Police and Minister of State Security. A reformed National Prosecuting Authority has put key players like suspended Secretary-General Ace Magashule on the defensive as he faces Free State-related corruption charges in court in August. The ANC itself has put its own reform into top gear. In the past week, it has suspended RET spokesperson Carl Niehaus, Mpumalanga leader Michael Ngrayi Ngwenya and on Wednesday suspended the Eastern Cape renegade politician, Andile Lungisa. And as I've said before in a podcast on political cults that history is littered with examples of this. Show people the contradicting statements and utterances of these characters and cognitive dissonance sets in. Their minds simply short circuits in an attempt to justify and legitimise the contradictions and flip flops. Some people will wake up and some won't. There is no doubt that the criminal element took over the chaos which was instigated by the hidden hands under the veil. Many were opportunist going along with the masses and got swept up in herd mentality. And as this dies down within the next few days, and communities pick up the pieces in the aftermath, this will have an effect on peoples mental health, physical health and overall well being. But they will rebuild. Those who instigated this madness should be held accountable. South Africa has a fragile economy and may have survived this past week of violence and mayhem. But only just. It might not be so lucky the next time. #SouthAfricaUnrest #ANC #Zuma

In this week's episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, the politics team discusses whether or not the mass resignation of MPs is indicative of a self-serving governing party, and the debate gets heated. They also hotly argue the potential political interference at the National Prosecuting Authority, and finally they touch on top political issues to keep a wary eye on in coming weeks.