news and current affairs.
ZRP nabs Walter Magaya on rape, fraud charges
Walter Magaya, a prominent Zimbabwean religious leader who founded Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries, has been taken into custody by authorities on serious criminal allegations. Police arrested the self-styled prophet during an operation conducted on Saturday, November 1, 2025, in the capital city of Harare. Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that Magaya faces accusations of rape and financial crimes involving multiple complainants whose reports date back several years. The cleric appeared before a magistrate on Monday, November 3, 2025, for proceedings related to bail while restrained in handcuffs and accompanied by legal representatives. The controversial pastor has built a massive congregation through his...
New Free State agriculture chief called ‘real diamond’
An opinion columnist has praised the Free State's new agriculture department head as a practical leader prepared to strengthen the province's farming sector. Writer Thabang Mokoka described Tshepo Mthuli Mabilo as a dedicated public servant whose career positions him well for the agricultural role under MEC Elzabe Rockman's direction. The 46-year-old administrator holds economics degrees and a master's qualification in public administration from the University of the Free State. His government background spans treasury operations, community safety divisions and transportation departments across the province. Mokoka noted that Mabilo appeared at a recent farming exhibition wearing field clothes and boots rather than business attire...
DA turns to watchdogs over mayor’s house scandal
Opposition politicians in Tswelopele Municipality plan to escalate allegations against Mayor Kenalemang Rose Phukuntsi to national oversight agencies after council members blocked an investigation motion. Democratic Alliance representatives announced on Sunday that they will contact the Public Protector and Information Regulator regarding claims that the mayor lives in a provincial property without authorization. The dispute centers on a residence at 4 Cooper Street in Hoopstad that remains registered under the Free State Department of Public Works and Transport. Documents obtained through access-to-information laws revealed provincial ownership despite the mayor's assertions that she holds title to the house. Democratic Alliance...
Saudi R9.5bn smelter deal steals Limpopo summit
Limpopo secured investment commitments exceeding 170 billion rand during a two-day economic summit held at the Ranch Hotel near Polokwane. A memorandum of understanding worth 9.5 billion rand with Saudi Arabia emerged as the headline agreement, establishing plans for a platinum group metals smelter and base metals refinery in the Waterberg district. The facilities will process raw minerals domestically rather than exporting unrefined materials. Premier Phophi Ramathuba described the Saudi partnership as a starting point for development in the mineral-rich Waterberg region. Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Investment and Ajlan & Bros Mining joined provincial authorities in the agreement. Additional pledges came from multiple sources, with...
Tourism booms as SA hits record visitor numbers
South Africa recorded more than 7.6 million international tourist arrivals during the first three quarters of 2025, representing a 17 percent increase over the comparable 2024 period. Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille characterized the figures as evidence that visitor confidence has returned and that the sector drives substantial economic expansion. Government spokesperson Aldrin Sampear indicated the country attracted approximately 120,000 additional tourists monthly through coordinated promotional efforts between public agencies and private industry partners. The Tourism Growth Partnership Plan helped coordinate destination marketing campaigns that contributed to the growth. Visa policy changes and digital outreach initiatives...
SACP dumps ANC, runs solo in 2026 local polls
South Africa's Communist Party plans to field candidates separately from its longtime coalition partner during next year's municipal contests, party leader Solly Mapaila announced at a weekend gathering. The general secretary told supporters assembled at a Klerksdorp stadium on Sunday that his organization remains dissatisfied with poverty levels and economic disparity under current arrangements with the African National Congress. Mapaila stated his group would proceed with ballot preparations while exploring potential collaborations with various organizations in certain regions. The party has already entered preliminary races as practice for the 2026 vote. He criticized present conditions for failing to guarantee employment rights...
Marumo Gallants escape injury in bus crash scare
A team bus carrying Marumo Gallants FC players and staff was struck from behind during a minor collision in Durban on Saturday evening after the squad's league match against Golden Arrows. The vehicle sustained light damage when another car pushed a private automobile into the rear of the bus amid a chain-reaction crash. Club officials announced on Sunday that all passengers emerged without injuries and medical attention was not needed beyond initial evaluations at the location. The accident happened while the group traveled from Moses Mabhida Stadium to their accommodations following a 4-0 loss in the Betway Premiership competition. Management thanked emergency responders and local officials for their swift assistance at the scene...
Top cops, minister to face grilling in crime probe
A parliamentary panel examining allegations about criminal justice corruption will question three significant figures during hearings that begin this week. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia will testify on Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the Marks Building, part of sessions investigating claims made by KwaZulu-Natal's top police official about political meddling and organized crime links within law enforcement agencies. The ad hoc committee led by MS Lekganyane arranged testimony from Deputy Police Minister PS Boshielo on Tuesday morning, followed by Cachalia's appearance. Advocate A Johno from the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption will speak on both Thursday and Friday starting at 10 a.m. and 9 a.m. respectively. Parliament...
Zulu king cancels speech as clan erupts over land
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini postponed a planned national speech that had been scheduled for Monday at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in KwaNongoma. The monarch's office disclosed the delay on Sunday, explaining that additional discussions with the Mkhwanazi clan from Mpukunyoni were necessary before proceeding. The group expressed anger after a royal order transferred territory containing valuable minerals from their control to Qiniso Ncube, who maintains connections with the king. Goodwill Mkhwanazi acknowledged receiving a summons to meet with royal officials regarding the Friday decision affecting the chiefdom. Clan representatives believe the land reassignment threatens their customary authority over the mineral-bearing...
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