Four men aged between 18 and 25 have been arrested in connection with a robbery and kidnapping case linked to an alleged online scam in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria. According to SAPS Rietgat, the incident took place on 29 May after a victim responded to a Facebook Marketplace advertisement offering mag rims for sale at R3,500. The victim communicated with the supposed seller and was given a location in Block PP1, Soshanguve, to complete the purchase. Upon arrival, a young man approached the victim and claimed to be connected to the seller. He then directed the victim to a nearby second location and accompanied him in the vehicle. Once there, the man exited the vehicle, allegedly to contact the seller. Shortly afterwards, an armed suspect approached the vehicle and ordered the victim into the back seat. Three additional suspects joined him and took control of the situation. The group reportedly attempted to steal the victim’s vehicle but were unable to do so. They then escorted the victim to a nearby bushy area, where they robbed him of personal belongings and forced him to provide access to his cellphone and banking application. The suspects allegedly transferred R4,000 from the victim’s Capitec bank account and stole several other items. The victim was later released without physical injury. Following an investigation, SAPS members traced and arrested four suspects on 1 June. They are expected to face charges relating to robbery and kidnapping. The case highlights the risks associated with online marketplace transactions and the importance of meeting sellers in secure public locations.

The MK Party has removed its parliamentary chief whip, Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi, and suspended her party membership with immediate effect after she was charged with fraud involving more than R230,000. According to the allegations, during her time as chief whip in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), she allegedly instructed parliamentary officials to hand over as much as 60% of their salaries, claiming the funds would be used to cover legal expenses for party leader Jacob Zuma. Mokoena-Zondi appeared in court and was granted bail of R30,000. Following a meeting between Zuma and the party’s national leadership, the MK Party announced that her membership would remain suspended while an internal investigation into the corruption allegations takes place. The party also instructed her to surrender all party documents, records, assets and other materials in her possession without delay. MK Party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu confirmed the decision, while Philasande Mkhize was appointed as the new parliamentary chief whip. Mokoena-Zondi had recently been appointed to serve on the impeachment committee and had only held the chief whip position for about four months after replacing Colleen Makhubele. Her removal is the latest in a series of leadership changes within the MK Party. In recent months, the party has also removed spokesperson and MP Nhlamulo Ndhlela over communication disputes and dismissed Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla as an MP amid allegations relating to a separate controversy involving party members and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The latest development highlights continuing internal instability and disciplinary action within the party.

Johannesburg’s Metrobus service has announced temporary reductions in its operations as the city continues to struggle with deepening financial difficulties and rising operational costs. The decision, which took effect from 1 June 2026, has been attributed to sustained budget cuts over recent financial years as well as a sharp increase in diesel prices, which has significantly increased running costs for the bus fleet. Metrobus, which carries between 12,000 and 16,000 passengers daily, said it has been forced to adjust its service levels in order to maintain financial sustainability and avoid further instability. According to managing director Bongani Radebe, the organisation has already implemented cost-saving measures, but these have not been sufficient to offset the pressure from reduced funding and higher fuel expenses. The changes will mainly affect off-peak travel, with reduced frequency on selected routes and fewer trips during low-demand periods, particularly around midday. However, Metrobus has confirmed that peak-hour services will remain prioritised to minimise disruption for commuters, especially workers, learners and other vulnerable passengers who rely heavily on public transport during rush hours. The financial strain on Metrobus reflects broader challenges within the City of Johannesburg, which is facing revenue collection shortfalls, rising debt obligations, and infrastructure backlogs estimated at over R200 billion. The metro has also struggled with Eskom debt and operational overspending, placing further pressure on service delivery. Despite these challenges, city officials maintain that efforts are underway to stabilise finances and improve governance. Metrobus has stressed that the service reductions are temporary and will be reviewed as financial conditions improve. The organisation has appealed to passengers for patience and understanding while it works to maintain essential public transport services under constrained conditions.

RISE Mzansi MP Makashule Gana has been elected as chairperson of Parliament’s Section 89 Impeachment Committee, which will assess whether President Cyril Ramaphosa should face impeachment linked to the Phala Phala scandal. Gana secured 19 votes, defeating United African Transformation leader Wonderboy Mahlatse, who received 12 votes in a closely contested election reflecting divisions between governing coalition-aligned parties and opposition groups. The committee’s establishment follows a Constitutional Court ruling that invalidated the 2022 parliamentary vote that declined to proceed with impeachment. The 31-member body is now tasked with determining whether Ramaphosa violated the Constitution or engaged in misconduct after $580,000 was stolen from his Phala Phala farm in Limpopo. An earlier independent panel found prima facie evidence suggesting possible serious violations, though Ramaphosa is challenging that report in court, arguing that the panel misinterpreted its mandate and the legal threshold under Section 89. Gana’s election was supported by parties aligned with the government of national unity, many of which have opposed calls for Ramaphosa’s removal. In contrast, Mahlatse’s candidacy was backed by opposition parties including the EFF and the MK Party, which have been vocal in demanding the president’s impeachment. The committee will now determine its programme of work and outline the next steps in its inquiry. Its composition reflects proportional party representation, with the ANC holding nine seats, the DA five, and smaller parties each represented by one member. Should the committee conclude that Ramaphosa committed serious misconduct, it could recommend his removal, which would then require a two-thirds majority vote in the National Assembly. The process marks a significant moment in South Africa’s parliamentary oversight, with potential implications for both the presidency and broader political dynamics within the GNU.

Western Cape police are investigating the fatal stabbing of 19-year-old Nhlamulo Sambo in KwaNonqaba, Mossel Bay, which occurred on Sunday, 31 May. According to police spokesperson Warrant Officer Christopher Spies, officers were called to the scene following reports of a violent altercation between the victim and another man. When authorities arrived, they found the teenager with a stab wound to the chest. Paramedics declared him dead at the scene. The suspect fled immediately after the incident and remains at large, with police confirming that no arrests have yet been made. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances that led to the killing. The incident has sparked further controversy following claims from the victim’s family. They allege that the attack took place during unrest reportedly linked to protests against foreign nationals in the area. The victim’s mother, Nkateko Sambo, stated in a video that her son was a South African citizen of Tsonga heritage from Giyani in Limpopo, rejecting claims that he was a foreign national. She also expressed deep distress, noting her financial difficulties and appealing for donations to help transport her son’s body back home for burial. In addition, a family member posted on social media alleging that the teen was forcibly removed from a house and killed in what they described as xenophobic-related violence. The family has called for justice, while police continue to treat the matter as an active murder investigation.

South Africa is showing promising progress towards meeting its climate goals, aiming to limit greenhouse gas emissions to 420 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent by 2030. Most of the country’s emissions — over 80% — come from the energy sector, largely due to coal-fired power plants and petrol and diesel vehicles. A recent R3.8 billion loan from Germany, as part of the Just Energy Transition Partnership, will support the shift to renewable energy sources like solar and wind, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. International comparisons reveal that South Africa contributes roughly 1% to global emissions, but per capita emissions are lower than in countries like Australia and the US. Trend analyses from 2000 to 2022 suggest that, despite fluctuations, the nation is on course to achieve its targets, with forecasts ranging between 360 and 470 MtCO2-eq by 2030 depending on the time period considered. Achieving these goals is vital to mitigate extreme weather events such as floods, heatwaves, and droughts, which threaten health, livelihoods, and food security. The country’s commitment aligns with the Paris Agreement, which seeks to limit global warming to below 2°C, ideally 1.5°C. Continued monitoring and investments in renewable energy are key to keeping South Africa’s climate promises on track.