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3201382	有图 <p> It was not the start the Springboks had hoped for in their first Test of 2025, but a win is... </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Springboks-Italy-test-rugby.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p>pringbok lock Eben Etzebeth charges into the Italian defence with eighthman Jasper Wiese watching on, during their incoming series clash at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday night. Picture: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images</p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>It was not the start the Springboks had hoped for in their first Test of 2025, but a win is a win and a tougher test than anticipated against Italy should only make them stronger. </p><p>The four-time world champion Springboks had to withstand a spirited second-half performance by the Italians, as they held on for a 42-24 win at Loftus in the first of two Tests, having led 28-3 at the break. </p><p>The bomb squad didn’t have the desired effect and the home side had to do most of the defending in the last quarter. </p><p>ALSO READ: Springboks made to work hard for Italy win: Four talking points</p><p>The Boks face Georgia after this series and then much tougher opposition in New Zealand, Australia and Argentina in the Rugby Championship. </p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> Boks may have to change plans for Gqeberha Test, says Rassie </p> </p> </p><p>Coach Rassie Erasmus said: “It was a very frustrating game. They left some big names at home. They had youngsters who had nothing to lose and they imposed themselves on us. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>“They manned up in the scrums, the mauling, defence and attack. It was a proper Test match and we were exposed in several areas. </p><p>“There were few new guys in this side, so there are no excuses,” the coach said. </p><p>“Yes, I would rather have this poor performance at this stage of the season but it doesn’t make it any more acceptable.” </p><p>The Springboks have not won back-to-back World Cups by fluke. </p><p> </p><p>Expect them to show a marked improvement when they travel to Gqeberha for this weekend’s second Test.</p><p>NOW READ: Faf praises Krappie after man-of-the-match display for Boks: ‘He’s showing his quality’</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics Italy Loftus Versfeld Springboks (Bokke/Boks) </p> Springboks can only improve now	查看 2325	《公民报》	2025-07-07 13:00:00 2025-07-08 00:49:54	word
3201381	有图 <p> Police have asked victims reporting GBV cases not to withdrawn them later as it undermines the integrity of the justice system. </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Police-badge-1.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p>Police have asked GBV victims not to withdraw criminal cases. Picture: Saps</p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>Police need a commitment from alleged victims of crime in order to rid communities of violence.</p><p>The Gauteng provincial legislature’s portfolio committee on community safety made the assertion during a recent oversight visit.</p><p>The committee were told that too many cases opened against offenders were being withdrawn, hampering their investigative work.</p>GBV cases withdrawn<p>Police in Fochville told committee members that at least 64 gender-based violence (GBV) cases had been withdrawn in recent weeks.</p><p>The committee stated on Sunday that this was not isolated to this particular area, but that the pattern was being seen across the province.</p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> Limpopo man gets 25 years for hacking girlfriend to death with an axe </p> </p> </p><p>“These withdrawls are often driven by financial inducements from perpetrators and pressure from families, who encourage victims to resolve matters privately,” stated the committee.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Police warned that the trend of withdrawing cases was undermining the integrity of the criminal justice system and left victims vulnerable to more serious crimes such as rape and murder.</p><p>“[This is] allowing alleged perpetrators to evade justice and remain a threat within their communities,” the committee stated.</p>Victims must not be silenced<p>A report from 2024 showed that 37% of domestic violence cases were withdrawn once making it to a court roll.</p><p>Director of the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service (CSPS) Neo Mahlangu last year presented data collected from 156 police stations across the country.</p><p> </p><p>These stations recorded just over 160 000 incidents of domestic violence but less than 82 000 cases were formally opened.</p><p>Out of 81 386 reported cases, 30 486 were later withdrawn in court, with the reasons for the withdrawals not being recorded.</p><p>“The committee calls on all stakeholders including traditional leaders, community-based organisations, and faith-based institutions to actively educate communities on the importance of reporting GBV and pursuing justice,” stated the committee on Sunday.</p><p>“Victims must be protected and supported, not silenced or coerced.” </p><p> </p><p>NOW READ: Should criminal offenders be given chance to pay off victims? — report</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics femicide Gender-based Violence (GBV) South African Police Service (SAPS) </p> Withdrawn GBV cases allow ‘perpetrators to evade justice’, hears portfolio committee \| The Citizen	查看 2856	《公民报》	2025-07-07 13:16:31 2025-07-08 00:49:54	word
3201380	有图 <p> It is unfortunate that Steenhuisen oversaw the DA’s entry into the arrangement on such disadvantageous terms. </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DA-Steenhuisen-Ramaphosa-national-dialogue-ANC-GNU.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p>DA leader John Steenhuisen at the Nieuwmeester Dome in Cape Town. Picture: Gallo Images</p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>What a cringingly embarrassing week this has been for DA leader John Steenhuisen and his party. In response to President Cyril Ramaphosa firing deputy trade minister Andrew Whitfield over an unsanctioned trip to the US in February, Steenhuisen lost the plot. </p><p>He launched into a foot-stomping, shin-kicking display of petulance worthy of a thwarted two-year-old. In the end, it had much the same effect as most childish tantrums: none. </p><p>It was the wrong move over the wrong issue at the wrong time. </p><p>ALSO READ: Steenhuisen warned of ‘insubordination’ over national dialogue stance</p><p>Yes, Whitfield had applied for permission to travel and the habitually prevaricating Ramaphosa had not replied. </p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> National dialogue is being used as the beating stick for ANC, DA </p> </p> </p><p>But the president had expressly forbidden any member of his administration to travel to the US. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Yes, Ramaphosa is firing Whitfield for a minor peccadillo while retaining several patently corrupt ministers in his Cabinet. But that is his presidential prerogative. </p><p>To aggravate matters, Steenhuisen omitted salient facts from his public rendition of what happened, which made it look like he was hiding the truth to spin the narrative. </p><p>He then made grandiose threats that fizzled, yet again, into nothing. </p><p>The DA issued a 48-hour ultimatum. Unless corruption-accused ANC ministers were fired, “all bets are off”. </p><p> </p><p>The party again failed to follow through and simply backed off. </p><p>Instead, Steenhuisen has now committed the DA to vote against the departmental budgets for ministers under a cloud. </p><p>He has also pulled the DA out of Ramaphosa’s national dialogue. These actions have great potential to backfire. </p><p>The DA is hoisted on its own petard of the “doomsday scenario”. </p><p> </p><p>READ MORE:Steenhuisen calls national dialogue a ‘band-aid on the ANC’s electoral wound’</p><p>The mantra is simple and simplistic: “The DA must remain in the ANC-led unity government because a doomsday coalition that involves the EFF and MK is too ghastly to contemplate.” </p><p>As is the fate of most mantras it has, over time, become a substitute for rational thought and is now plainly wrong. </p><p>The ANC would be happy for the GNU to collapse if the DA could be blamed. </p><p> </p><p>The DA, too, must be close to gatvol with the GNU’s negatives outweighing the positives. </p><p>In some ways, the GNU has become the “doomsday coalition” that Steenhuisen thought he was thwarting when, in June last year, he hitched his wagon to that of Ramaphosa. </p><p>The ANC is a little more urbane, a little less crass than the EFF and MK. </p><p>But in many essential and apparently irreversible aspects, it is as “hard-left” ideologically. </p><p> </p><p>On economically debilitating issues such as cadre deployment, tenderpreneurship, race quotas in employment and the bailing out of state entities, there are no substantive differences. </p><p>On expropriation, the ANC will do with a legal scalpel what the EFF and MK would find more emotionally satisfying to do with a knobkerrie. </p><p>The same is true of the political postures which the ANC shares with the radicals in the EFF and MK. </p><p>The reflexive support for pariah states and its open sympathy for terrorist outfits have begun to carry real economic costs. </p><p>READ MORE: National dialogue: Ramaphosa slams DA ‘hypocrisy’, says party will miss out on ‘biggest show in SA’</p><p>It is unfortunate that Steenhuisen, one of the staunchest proponents of the GNU, oversaw the DA’s entry into the arrangement on such disadvantageous terms. </p><p>He has since made a bad situation worse with tactical blunders that have had the ANC chortling with glee and DA supporters shaking their heads with despair. </p><p>The DA has surely reached the point where it has to decide whether the GNU, as presently constructed, is still fit for purpose. </p><p>It is a debate that inevitably links to whether its leader, too, is still fit for purpose.</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics African National Congress (ANC) Cyril Ramaphosa Democratic Alliance (DA) Government of national unity (GNU) John Steenhuisen </p> Steenhuisen has made a bad situation worse with tactical blunders	查看 4735	《公民报》	2025-07-07 13:30:00 2025-07-08 00:49:54	word
3201379	有图 <p> The Springbok loose forward also bemoaned their loss of momentum after Tshituka"s disallowed try, and the loss of the breakdown battle. </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Kwagga-Smith-Springboks.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p>Kwagga Smith says the Springboks even though they analysed Italy well during the week, they were still not up to scratch. Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images</p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>Springbok loose forward Kwagga Smith said there were several areas they needed to improve after their frustrating 42–24 victory against Italy on Saturday.</p><p>The world champions hosted the 10th-ranked side (which was also understrength) at Loftus, with the rugby worldexpecting a big win,even though Italy had been playing well.</p><p>They beat Namibia 73–6 a week ago. Additionally, since the start of last year, they have beaten Wales (twice), Georgia, Japan, Tonga, and Scotland, while drawing against France and losing to Ireland by five points and England by three.</p><p>The 18-point victory almost felt like a loss, however. While Springbok players and coach Rassie Erasmus were dejected after the game, the Italy squad were all smiles.</p>Boks did not meet their standards<p>“We want to be the best team in the world,” Smith said. “You’ve got to be honest with yourself. If you know you didn’t play to your ability and you didn’t play well, although you win by 18 points, it doesn’t matter. It’s all about your standards and living up to those standards.”</p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> Battle for Springbok No 8 jersey set to heat up this season </p> </p> </p><p>He said the Springboks knew Italy would be physical after analysing them this week. “They really did well, even though we knew it was coming. All credit to them.”</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The scoreline would have looked different if not for Italy’s disallowed try and another that was held up, while the Springboks had one try disallowed.</p><p>But it was Italy’s try from a driving maul starting around the South Africans’ 22, that silenced the crowd and appeared to emotionally hurt the Springboks, who are traditionally dominant in pack battles.</p><p>“We are disappointed in that. We never want to give away a maul try,” Smith added. “I think in the last three years we didn’t give away a lot of maul tries. So that obviously hurts. We will definitely look at that and see where we can rectify to be better next week.”</p>Springboks fail to maintain momentum against Italy<p>After leading 28–3 at the break, the Springboks lost all their momentum in the second half, scoring 14 points against Italy’s 21 in that period.</p><p> </p><p>It all seemed to change after Vincent Tshituka’s try was disallowed for an earlier obstruction. Smith said the Springboks should have “kept punching” after that.</p><p>“We allowed them in, and that obviously gave them a lot of confidence and momentum.” He said momentum is hard to stop when you cannot get continuity, “and the breakdown is a mess every time, and the ball spits out. It is difficult because you are just playing scrappy rugby, literally just fixing mistakes the whole time.”</p><p>He said the South Africans would have to analyse how they lost the breakdown battle.</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics Kwagga Smith Springboks (Bokke/Boks) </p> Kwagga says Boks did not meet their standards against Italy \| The Citizen	查看 3398	《公民报》	2025-07-07 13:39:10 2025-07-08 00:49:54	word
3201378	有图 <p> The Bulls have removed Director of Rugby Jake White, while the Lions have yet to announce their coaching structure for the next season of the URC. </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/White-lions-coach-1.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p>Jake White has been let go by the Bulls. Picture: Paul Harding/Getty Images</p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>The Bulls’ action, in swiftly showing Director of Rugby Jake White the door at the slightest bit of discontent, is in stark contrast to the Lions’ inaction in keeping things the same, despite their struggles in the United Rugby Championship (URC).</p><p>It would be unkind to say former Springbok World Cup winning coach White hasn’t enjoyed a relatively successful spell at the Bulls since arriving at the union in 2020.</p><p>He guided them to the Super Rugby Unlocked title during Covid, as well as the Rainbow Cup SA title, which was a prelude to the URC, although they lost the overall playoff to Benetton Treviso, while they also picked up Currie Cup trophies in 2020 and 2021.</p><p>But arguably his biggest achievement was the remarkable consistency he fostered for the Bulls in the URC, with them making three finals and one quarterfinals appearance in their four seasons in the competition.</p><p>However, the Bulls were unable to lift the title, finishing runner-up each time, with their best chance coming when they hosted the final in 2024, but unfortunately slipped up against Glasgow Warriors.</p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> Five candidates who may take over from Jake White at Bulls </p> </p> </p><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=" rel="noopener noreferrer"><noscript><img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Ivan-van-Rooyen-coach-position.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"></noscript><sub>Ivan van Rooyen of the Lions. Picture: Gallo Images</sub>Final straw<p>Funnily enough it was a loss in the final that they were least likely to win, against Irish giants Leinster this past season, that proved to be the straw that broke the camel’s back, with him suffering a fallout with senior coaches and players at the union, possibly due to some of his recent utterances.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Compare that with the Lions, who have in four seasons in the URC finished outside of the playoff places each time, ending 12<sup>th</sup>, ninth twice and 11<sup>th</sup>over their most recent campaign.</p><p>It must be said that the Lions have been unable to lure major talent to the union over this time, while many of their best young stars which have risen through the ranks, have left to greener pastures, making things incredibly difficult for coach Ivan van Rooyen.</p><p>But each team that they have had available in every URC season so far, has had the potential to at least make the top eight, but have been unable to.</p><p>After missing out again this past season it seems there may now be a coaching shake up, but to what extent is still unknown, with rumours circulating that it may just be a reshuffle among the current group.</p><p> </p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics Bulls Rugby Team Ivan van Rooyen Jake White Lions rugby team United Rugby Championship </p> OPINION: Bulls' action trumps Lions' inaction in quest for URC glory	查看 3278	《公民报》	2025-07-07 13:51:37 2025-07-08 00:49:54	word
3201377	有图 <p> The Junior Springboks have signaled their intent for a run at the World Rugby U20 Championship title with two big pool wins over Australia and England. </p> <p> <img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=" rel="noopener noreferrer"><noscript><img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Riley-Norton-1.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"></noscript> <p>Junior Springbok captain Riley Norton is satisfied with his teams performances but is keeping his eye on the prize in the World Rugby U20 Champs.Picture: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images</p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>The Junior Springboks proved that they aren’t just a flash in the pan and should be considered genuine contenders for the World Rugby U20 Championship title, after their impressive 32-22 win over defending champions, England, in Italy over the weekend.</p><p>Earlier this year the Junior Boks produced an underwhelming U20 Rugby Championship (TRC) campaign on home soil, going down against New Zealand and Australia, while beating Argentina, to finish third in the Southern Hemisphere competition.</p><p>But in their first pool match of the U20 champs they erased that pain with a monstrous 73-17 win over Australia U20s, unbelievably turning around a loss from just a few months prior, into a massive victory.</p><p>If anyone was wondering whether that was just an aberration, they should have had those worries washed away by a superb follow up performance against one of the pre-tournament favourites.</p><p>Heading into the competition, France and England were clear favourites, due to the English being defending champs, while the French pipped them to the 2025 U20 Six Nations title.</p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> U18 Craven Week kicks off in Middelburg: All the first round fixtures </p> </p> </p><p>It would have been hard to pick who was more favoured as, despite France having won the previous three U20 World Championship titles before last year, England had won their last two games against the French, 21-13 in last year’s final and 27-10 in this year’s Six Nations, before slipping up against Wales.</p><p> </p><p> </p>Hat in ring<p>But the Junior Boks have firmly thrown their hat right in the ring now, and should have no trouble securing their place in the competition semifinals, with them just needing a win over Scotland in their final pool match on Wednesday.</p><p>The Scots have struggled in the world champs so far, going down 56-19 to England and 34-24 to Australia, but despite this Bok coach Kevin Foote believes they can’t be underestimated.</p><p>“We’ll take a lot of confidence from this victory (against England), but Scotland are a good side. They ran England close in the Six Nations, and we certainly will not underestimate any team ever. We’ll keep our feet on the ground and focus on the next job,” said Foote.</p><p>Junior Bok captain Riley Norton, who also tempered expectations after their monster win over Australia, was again measured in his praise after the England win, explaining that the job was far from over for his team.</p><p> </p><p>“We’re out here giving everything for our country and we’re all very proud of the win, but we’re still building, and we’ll take massive confidence from this game,” said Norton.</p><p>“To be honest, it’s not quite sunk in yet (their performances). We will celebrate, but then we go again. Next up is Scotland and we have the bigger picture in mind, so we’re very excited for the next three games.”</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics sa rugby Springboks (Bokke/Boks) World Rugby </p> Junior Springboks now genuine U20 Championship contenders	查看 3623	《公民报》	2025-07-07 13:59:01 2025-07-08 00:49:54	word
3201376	有图 <p> I’m not sold on being there with a foreign accent. </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/US-American-holiday.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p>Demonstrators gather in front of the Federal building guarded by a mix of US marines and National guards during a protest following federal immigration operations, in Los Angeles, California on 4 July 2025. Picture: Etienne Laurent / AFP</p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>Would you go to the US right now? I’ve been numerous times over the years and I’d planned to go again soon. </p><p>I’ve been hoping to take my mom and sister for a holiday since last year. </p><p>We have a house there – or rather Himself does because that’s where much of his work is done – and summer in coastal New England is heavenly: warm, sunny, sea breezes, lobster rolls, clapboard buildings, chipmunks, and lemonade. </p><p>And yet I’m not convinced. I’m not sold on going through border security. </p><p>I’m not sold on being there with a foreign accent. </p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> ‘We are family,’ McKenzie says as US celebrates Independence Day </p> </p> </p><p>ALSO READ: US private sector sheds jobs in June as hiring stalls</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>I’m not sold on supporting a country that is delighting in deporting people to random pay-to-jail destinations like El Salvador and South Sudan and, at best, a makeshift “Alligator Alcatraz” of tented cages in the steaming, mosquito-ridden Florida Everglades. </p><p>But why, asks Himself, would they be interested in you? Well, excuse me, but has he read this column ever? </p><p>The US immigration authorities are interested in all sorts of people, detaining Welsh tourists, French scientists, Canadian actresses, minors at a birthday party, a bride returning from her honeymoon, labourers in a field, restaurant dishwashers, green card holders, university students. </p><p>My friend lectures at a European college for American foreign exchange students. </p><p> </p><p>The current intake are anxious about returning home, a student born in El Salvador, a trans girl, a Jamaican lad, all legally US citizens, all potentially suspect under the current dispensation. </p><p>Customs officials are randomly swooping on queues demanding to inspect people’s phones and they are legally entitled to do so, the First Amendment be damned. </p><p>READ MORE:Over 14 million people could die from US foreign aid cuts: study</p><p>Well over half the people detained by immigration officials have no criminal record; of those who do, the majority are traffic and immigration violations. </p><p> </p><p>But they’re locking up “felons and rapists, the worst of the worst”, crows soft-bellied strongman Donald Trump, unaware of the irony of being a convicted felon and sex pest himself, unconcerned that his ICE officials are swooping on such hard targets as gardening old ladies and gay makeup artists. </p><p>With zero process, suspects may be shackled, strip-searched, and deported, not to where they came from, but wherever will take them for a few dollars. </p><p>So, do I want a holiday in Germany in 1938? No. But, man, how I miss the America I once knew.</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics Donald Trump England United States of America (USA/US) </p> US is no longer the same so no American holiday	查看 3333	《公民报》	2025-07-07 14:00:00 2025-07-08 00:49:54	word
3201375	有图 <p> Unit 4 at Medupi Power Station, which had been offline since August 8, 2021, was returned to service ahead of schedule. </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Medupi-Power-Station-scaled-1.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p>Medupi Power Station in Lephalale, Limpopo province. Picture: iStock </p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>Eskom has hammered another nail in the load shedding coffin, announcing that Unit 4 of the Medupi Power Station was successfully returned to service eight months ahead of its original schedule.</p><p>This has added 800MW to the national grid.</p><p>This milestone strengthens South Africa’s energy security and enhances the stability of the electricity supply.</p>Repairs<p>Medupi’s return follows extensive repairs, made possible by the innovative use of a refurbished Generator Stator, an alternative to waiting for a brand-new component.</p><p>The unit had been out of service since 8 August, 2021, after sustaining significant damage from the explosion of its Generator Stator, a key component in the operation of the generation unit.</p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> Here’s Eskom’s load reduction schedule for Gauteng this week </p> </p> </p><p>ALSO READ: Eskom gets boost as Kusile’s final unit adds 800MW to grid</p><p> </p><p> </p>Back to work<p>Spokesperson Daphne Mokwena said that, as part of the utility’s Generation Operational Recovery Plan, Eskom’s engineering teams implemented strategic measures to cost-effectively fast-track the unit’s return.</p><p>“To avoid the costly delays associated with the lengthy delivery time of a new Generator Stator, Eskom sourced a used stator from the Netherlands as an interim solution, enabling the early return to service of Medupi Unit 4.</p><p>“With the return of Unit 4, all six units at Medupi are now operational and will contribute a combined capacity of 4 800MW to the national grid once the unit reaches full output in the coming weeks,” Mokwena said.</p>Milestone<p>Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane said the return of Medupi Unit 4 marks a major milestone in the parastatal’s strategic objective of achieving operational stability through the addition of 2 500MW to the grid.</p><p> </p><p>“This achievement moves us closer to consistently overcoming load shedding, which is now largely behind us due to structural improvements in the generation fleet, as we continue to build a more reliable, resilient, and sustainable power system”.</p><p>ALSO READ:Koeberg Unit 2 back online, but what caused the ‘unplanned’ trip?</p>Explosion<p>Eskom has not disclosed the cause of the explosion at Medupi Power Stationor the cost of the repairs.</p><p>While the explosion caused severe damage to the generator, seven employees were treated for shock, but no injuries or fatalities were reported.</p><p> </p><p>The explosion occurred just before 11 pm on 7 August, while hydrogen was being displaced with carbon dioxide and air to locate an external leak.</p><p>This procedure of displacing hydrogen with carbon dioxide and air is called purging</p>What does Medupi mean<p>Medupi which means “rain that soaks parched lands, bringing economic relief” is located in Lephalale, Limpopo province.</p><p>The power station holds the distinction of being one of the world’s largest dry-cooled, coal-fired power plants.</p><p> </p><p>ALSO READ: Eskom takes action after breach of online vending system</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics Electricity Eskom Load Shedding Medupi Power Station Rolling blackouts </p> Eskom hammers another nail in load shedding coffin	查看 3607	《公民报》	2025-07-07 14:20:32 2025-07-08 00:49:54	word
3201374	有图 <p> An exciting week of schoolboy rugby is in store. </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Craven-Week-preview-1.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p>It’s time for the 2025 Craven Week. Picture: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images</p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>The 2025 Craven Week for high schools kicks off at Hoërskool Middelburg in Mpumalanga on Monday.</p><p>All the teams will play three matches, with the final scheduled for Saturday.</p><p>Teams will play Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday, with all the provincial sides in action in their third matches on Saturday.</p><p>At the conclusion of the tournament, the SA Schools and SA Schools “A” teams will be announced. They will face each other at Hoërskool Middelburg on Thursday, 17 July, while the U18 International Series will follow in August.</p>Returnees to the Craven Week<p>Nine players who featured in the SA Schools and SA U18 teams last year have been included in their provincial squads again.</p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> Junior Springboks now genuine U20 Championship contenders </p> </p> </p><p>They are Josh Neill, Markus Muller, Briint Davids, Jordan Jooste (all WP), Ethan Adams, AJ Meyer (both Free State), Zekhe Siyaya (KZN), André Poulton (Lions), and Joshua McKenzie (EP).</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Eight teams are in action on the opening day of the tournament, with the Western Province XV and the Griffons meeting in the first fixture at 9.30am.</p><p>Free State, who went down to Western Province in the final match of the 2024 tournament, will face South Western Districts thereafter.</p><p>The first round of fixtures have been announced. The second and third round of fixtures will be announced after the first round.</p><p>Day One schedule (Monday, 7 July)</p><p> </p><p>9.30am: Western Province XV v Griffons</p><p>11am: Free State v South Western Districts</p><p>12.30pm: Blue Bulls v Golden Lions</p><p>2pm: Opening Ceremony</p><p>2.30pm: Pumas v Limpopo Blue Bulls</p><p>Day Two schedule (Tuesday, 8 July)</p><p>10am: Leopards v Falcons</p><p>11.30am: Border v Griquas</p><p>1pm: Sharks High Schools v Eastern Province</p><p>2.30pm: Western Province v Boland</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics sa rugby </p> U18 Craven Week kicks off in Middelburg: All the first round fixtures \| The Citizen	查看 2302	《公民报》	2025-07-07 15:11:19 2025-07-08 00:49:54	word
3201373	有图 <p> The little baby appeared to have been dumped in the drain. </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/baby-in-hospital.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p>Image used for illustrative purposes.Picture: iStock</p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>Ekurhuleni’s Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) have made a grim discovery of a newborn baby in a stormwater drain in the area.</p><p>The little baby, which appeared to have been dumped, was found on Gauteng Street near Rholihlahla Primary School in Etwatwa on Sunday.</p>Baby found <p>Dems spokesperson William Ntladi said they received the call just before 7:30 pm.</p><p>“The rescue team from the local fire station responded for intervention. On arrival, the lifeless body of a newborn was found, and crews retrieved it from the drain.</p><p>“Paramedics were summoned to the scene to assist.On their medical patient assessment, it was found that the patient didn’t respond positively, and as a result, the male newborn was declared dead,” Ntladi said.</p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> Mkhwanazi vs Mchunu: Police operations continue amid explosive allegations </p> </p> </p><p>Ntladi added that the South African Police Services (Saps) officers took over the scene to conduct investigations and arranged for the removal of the body to a pathological facility.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>ALSO READ: Fifth suspect arrested for City of Tshwane transformer theft</p>Baby reunited with family<p>Last week, a 12-day-old baby who was kidnapped from a shopping mall in Cape Town was found and reunited with his mother.</p><p>Police arrested 37-year-old Shameemah Jacobs on Monday in connection with the kidnapping of Mogamat Imaad Shamar.</p><p>Jacobs made a brief appearance in the Bellville Magistrates Court last Thursday. She is charged with kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice.</p><p> </p>Kidnapping<p>Police said the mother of the baby was at a local shopping complex in Bellville when she became nauseous.</p><p>She left the child in the care of a woman who was with her when she went to the bathroom.</p><p>Upon her return, the mother was unable to locate the woman and her baby. She reported the incident to Bellville Saps for further investigation.</p><p>Police spokesperson Captain Frederick C. van Wyk said a multi-disciplinary crime combating team worked tirelessly to find baby Mogamat Imaad Shamar. </p><p> </p><p>NOW READ: Mchunu vs Mkhwanazi: Police operations continue amid explosive allegations</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics baby Disasters Ekurhuleni emergency services newborn Police </p> Newborn baby found dumped in storm drain in Ekurhuleni	查看 2684	《公民报》	2025-07-07 15:28:46 2025-07-08 00:49:54	word
3201372	有图 <p> Dr Sizwe recently graduated from the University of South Africa. </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/sizwe-mpofu-walsh-graduation.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p>Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh with his father, Dali Mpofu, at his graduation. Picture: Instagram/@sizwempofuwalsh</p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>Author, academic and broadcaster Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh has officially added another qualification to his name.</p><p>He recently earned a law degree from the University of South Africa (Unisa), following in the footsteps of his father, Dali Mpofu, who is a prominent South African advocate and legal professional.</p><p>Taking to Instagram over the weekend, Dr Sizwe said completing his undergraduate law degree was one of the most demanding yet rewarding chapters of his life.</p><p>“I never planned to study law. Everyone thought I would because of my father, so I rebelled. But during the pandemic, while working on my second book, I found myself drawn into constitutional debates and discovered the quiet power of the law. I couldn’t look away anymore,” he wrote.</p><p>He added that transitioning from holding a doctorate in international relations to starting again as a law student was a humbling experience.</p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> Kenyan author and literary giant Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o dies </p> </p> </p><p>ALSO READ: ‘They should be embarrassed’: Mpofu slams charges as disciplinary hearing postponed</p><p> </p><p> </p>Balancing work, family and studies<p>Dr Sizwe currently lectures in international relations at Wits University and is the founder of the popular current affairs YouTube channel SMWX.</p><p>He said balancing a growing podcast, his academic duties, and parenthood while pursuing his law studies was one of the toughest professional challenges he has faced.</p><p>“I could never have known my son would be born during this journey, cheering me on in his small way as I moved from nappies to assignments, and back again. To share this moment with those I love has been the greatest gift,” he added.</p><p>While he is not stepping into the courtroom just yet, he said his focus remains on academia and growing his podcast.</p><p> </p><p>“But maybe one day, I’ll stand before a court, adding my voice to a tradition that shaped me. This graduation felt special for all these reasons.”</p><p> <p> <p> </p> <p><svg><g><g><g></g></g></g></svg></p><p> <p>View this post on Instagram</p> <p> </p><p> </p><p> </p> <p> </p><p>A post shared by Sizwe Mpofu Walsh (@sizwempofuwalsh)</p><p>NOW READ: Sun Goddess’ Vanya Mangaliso and musician Feya Faku laid to rest</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics Academic Qualifications Dali Mpofu </p> Like father, Like son: Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh earns law degree	查看 2774	《公民报》	2025-07-07 15:34:30 2025-07-08 00:49:54	word
3201371	有图 <p> Technicians are working to restore connectivity at Charlotte Maxeke and Chris Hani Baragwanath hospitals. </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/telephone-lines.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p>Image used for illustration. Picture: iStock</p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has confirmed that telephone lines at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital and Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital are currently offline due to suspected damage to optical fibre cables.</p><p>According to the department, the disruption has affected both incoming and outgoing calls at the two major public healthcare facilities, severely limiting telephone communication with patients, staff, and service providers.</p><p>The department confirmed that lines were later restored.</p>Fibre cable damage suspected<p>In a statement on Sunday, the department said technical teams had been dispatched and were working to resolve the issue.</p><p>“Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital and Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital are currently experiencing technical difficulties with their telephone systems, suspected to be linked to damaged optical fibre cables,” said the department.</p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> Water interruptions affect major Gauteng hospitals </p> </p> </p><p>“Two separate cases have been logged with Telkom, and technicians are actively working to resolve the issue and restore full telephone functionality as soon as possible.”</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>ALSO READ:Alarm raised over ‘R1.7bn fire safety gap’ at Charlotte Maxeke hospital</p>Alternative contact numbers shared<p>While efforts to repair the fibre cables are underway, members of the public have been urged to use temporary contact numbers to reach the hospitals.</p><p>“In the meantime, the public can contact the hospitals using the alternative numbers provided to reach the appropriate service points,” the department advised.</p><p>These alternative numbers are available on the department’s website and official social media platforms.</p><p> </p><p>The department apologised for the inconvenience caused and called for patience as technicians work to resolve the problem.</p><p>“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding during this time,” the statement concluded.</p><p>ALSO READ:Gauteng health officials raise alarm over baby abductions</p>Water supply restored to Gauteng health facilities<p>Furthermore, water supply has been restored to nearly all Gauteng public health facilities that were affected by Johannesburg Water’s ongoing infrastructure maintenance.</p><p> </p><p>Department spokesperson Motalatale Modiba confirmed on Saturday that Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, South Rand Hospital, Helen Joseph Hospital, and Alexandra Community Health Centre (CHC) were now back to full water supply.</p><p>“We are pleased that most of our facilities impacted by the ongoing maintenance work have had their water supply restored as of Thursday afternoon,” said Modiba.</p><p>ALSO READ:Gauteng health rubbishes claims of corpses left in ‘limbo’ at Helen Joseph Hospital</p>Hillbrow CHC still affected<p>However, Hillbrow Community Health Centre remains affected due to ongoing water supply issues in the surrounding area.</p><p> </p><p>“The entire Hillbrow area is still impacted. We continue to rely on Johannesburg Water to supply tankers to refill JoJo tanks on site,” Modiba said, adding that services at the facility have not been interrupted.</p>Call for cooperation and understanding<p>Modiba thanked the public for their patience and emphasised the importance of ongoing infrastructure maintenance.</p><p>“This maintenance work is critical for the future security of the water supply in the province,” he said.</p><p>“We must continue cooperating with utilities like Rand Water and Johannesburg Water, especially when they issue notices about planned interruptions.”</p><p> </p><p>He reiterated that while emergency plans remain in place, the department is working closely with water utilities and municipalities to minimise disruptions.</p><p>“We truly appreciate the work being done in this area,” Modiba said.</p><p>NOW READ:Water interruptions affect major Gauteng hospitals</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital Gauteng health department hospital </p> UPDATE: Telephone lines down at two major Gauteng hospitals \| The Citizen	查看 4558	《公民报》	2025-07-07 15:38:51 2025-07-08 00:49:54	word
3201370	有图 <p> "He"s a legend of football, a top player," Marc Cucurella, a teammate of Silva"s for two years. </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Thiago-Silva-scaled.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p>Thiago Silva #3 of Fluminense FC Photo: ALEX GRIMM / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP</p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>Chelsea’s young side are targeting a place in the final of the Club World Cup when they take on Fluminense in the last four on Tuesday, with the Brazilian team marshalled by former Blues defender Thiago Silva who is still going strong at the age of 40.</p><p>Silva was already a veteran when he signed for Chelsea in 2020 before going on to have an impressive four-year stint at Stamford Bridge.</p><p>One of the finest centre-backs of his generation, Silva arrived after eight years at Paris Saint-Germain and in his first season at Chelsea won the UEFA Champions League.</p><p>He played 155 games for the London club and left 12 months ago after helping oversee the development of some of the young talents now featuring regularly under Enzo Maresca.</p><p>“He’s a legend of football, a top player,” Marc Cucurella, a teammate of Silva’s for two years, told English media, adding that the two had exchanged messages about their impending reunion.</p><p>“We have the opportunity to play against him again and hopefully we can do good things, win this game and play in the final.”</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Silva initially made his name at Fluminense, featuring in the team that reached the Copa Libertadores final in 2008 before losing to LDU Quito of Ecuador.</p><p>He returned there upon leaving Chelsea, once again pulling on the green, red and white of the Rio de Janeiro outfit who won the Copa Libertadores in 2023.</p><p>The evergreen Brazil international was then reunited earlier this year with Renato Gaucho, the coach in 2008 who is now in his sixth spell in charge.</p><p>An impressive run at the Club World Cup has seen Fluminense hold Borussia Dortmund in the group stage, eliminate Inter Milan in the last 16 and get the better of Saudi powerhouse Al Hilal in the quarter-finals.</p><p> </p><p>“If you had asked me beforehand if we would have got this far I would have said we were a long way away from doing so,” Silva told broadcaster DAZN after the victory over Al Hilal.</p><p>“We know the financial size of these teams, the difference is enormous, absurd. But often our collective, the family atmosphere that we have, gives us strength that you maybe don’t think you have.”</p>– Brazilian opposition again –<p>It is not just Silva raising the average age at Fluminense. There is also 44-year-old goalkeeper Fabio, wing-back Samuel Xavier at 35 and 37-year-old Argentine forward German Cano.</p><p>But the man giving them the X-factor is 27-year-old Colombian winger Jhon Arias, unquestionably one of the players of the tournament.</p><p> </p><p>“I have watched some games that they have played and you can see that they are very well organised. They have some very good players. The manager is doing a fantastic job,” Maresca said as he prepares to face Brazilian opposition for the third time at the tournament.</p><p>They lost to Flamengo in the group stage but beat Palmeiras in the quarter-finals in Philadelphia.</p><p>“The energy from Brazilian teams in this competition has been high — probably the reason why is because they are at the start of their season while we are finished the season,” Maresca added.</p><p>Chelsea now get their first taste of the MetLife Stadium, the hulking 82,500-capacity venue in East Rutherford, New Jersey, just outside New York City.</p><p> </p><p>Many of Maresca’s players may not have been sure what to make of FIFA’s new tournament which came at the end of a campaign in which they finished fourth in the Premier League and won the UEFA Conference League.</p><p>But suddenly they stand one game from the final, in which they would face either Real Madrid or PSG.</p><p>With Silva gone, Maresca has been working with a young squad at Chelsea, and the average age of his starting line-up against Palmeiras last Friday was just 24.</p><p>There are more young players coming in too, with 23-year-old Brazilian forward Joao Pedro, formerly of Fluminense, making his debut in the quarter-finals.</p><p> </p><p>Brazil prodigy Estevao Willian, 18, will join from Palmeiras ahead of next season and 20-year-old winger Jamie Gittens has just signed from Borussia Dortmund.</p><p>Moises Caicedo, the midfield linchpin who is still only 23, will return to the midfield against Fluminense after suspension.</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics Chelsea F.C. </p> Youthful Chelsea ready for Thiago Silva reunion at Club World Cup	查看 4706	《公民报》	2025-07-07 15:42:25 2025-07-08 00:49:54	word
3201369	有图 <p> Despite a comfortable opening win over Italy, the Springboks are frustrated with their performance, which will impact their selection for the second match. </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Boks-celebrate-1.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p>Handre Pollard and Damian de Allende celebrate Morne van den Berg’s try against Italy at Loftus over the past weekend.Picture: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images</p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>After a lacklustre 42-24 win over Italy in their incoming series opener at Loftus on Saturday, the Springboks may have to change their plans heading into the second Test in Gqeberha this coming weekend, according to coach Rassie Erasmus.</p><p>The Boks were overwhelming favourites for the match after naming a strong team and coming up against a weakened and inexperienced Italy side, missing a number of their star players through being left at home and injury.</p><p>But instead it was the European visitors who impressed the most, defending like demons over the game and fighting back from a 28-3 half time deficit, to eventually trail 35-24 at a late stage, before the Boks made it safe.</p>Changing plan<p>Before the match Erasmus had already told the majority of the players who would be in action in the second Test, but admitted on Saturday evening that things might now be a bit different as they decide who to start and play off the bench to try and get the best result in the coming match.</p><p>“Internally we’ve announced the 13 or 14 players that will definitely get a run next week, and that we’d build the bench or starting line-up around those guys,” explained Erasmus.</p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> Springboks can only improve now </p> </p> </p><p>“We won’t discard those guys but some of them might move to the bench, and some of the real standout players (in the first Test) might start again. So the make-up of the team may change to handle the physicality that Italy threw at us.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>“You’d think a team that made 120 tackles in the first half would break in the second half. But it’s a team that’s fit and passionate and we have to make sure that the team that we put out next week is not just a team that can go 50 or 60 minutes, it must be a team that can go 80 minutes.</p><p>“We have to pick nine guys to go with the others we have (already chosen), and decide whether they start or come off the bench. Damian de Allende has a bit of a hamstring (niggle) but luckily, we don’t have any (big) injuries, just a few bruised egos.”</p>Italy defence<p>Italy’s rush defence managed to stop the evolving Bok attack in its tracks for the most part, despite the home team running in six tries, and ran in three tries of their own in the second 40 to win the second half, which left Erasmus scratching his head at what he called a very frustrating performance.</p><p>“It was frustrating because we had a really lekker week. The guys got really into it (training), things went well (in the build-up), and it was nice and physical. But I think we as coaches sometimes make a mistake with that,” said Erasmus.</p><p> </p><p>“We felt we were really ready for this game, but you need to drive it even more when it’s going so well during the week. So it wasn’t just the players who made mistakes, but us as coaches as well who didn’t push the right buttons.</p><p>“We can’t just point fingers at them (the players). So we will have to relook at everything. But also give Italy credit, hell they manned up, buckled down and really gave it to us, and we should have handled that a lot better. We as the coaching staff will need to get that right.”</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics Loftus Versfeld Rassie Erasmus Springboks (Bokke/Boks) </p> Springboks may change plans for Gqeberha Test, says Rassie	查看 3812	《公民报》	2025-07-07 16:02:29 2025-07-08 00:49:54	word
3201368	有图 <p> More than 713 property owners to be slammed with penalty rates. </p> <p> <img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=" rel="noopener noreferrer"><noscript><img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Tshwane-illegal-properties.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"></noscript> <p>Ensuring compliance is ‘crucial for maintaining the integrity of the city’s development plans and ensuring sustainable growth’. Picture: Supplied</p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>The Tshwane city council has approved the implementation of penalty rates on 713 property owners identified by the administration for illegal land use and failure to take remedial action.</p><p>This includes some illegal developments as well as individual properties spread all over the city that are being used for purposes in contravention of the current zoning.</p><p>These properties will now be recategorised for rates purposes as “unpermitted use” and the owners compelled to pay penalty rates.</p><p>Ben Espach, director at Rates Watch, previously said the rates for a residential property valued at R1 million amount to R1 016 per month, before applying any rebates. If the same property is classified as non-permitted use, this would increase to R7 628 per month (based on 2023/24 tariffs).</p><p>ALSO READ: Tshwane to consider demolishing houses in illegal developments</p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> Eastern Cape flood victims reportedly occupied land illegally </p> </p> </p>Missing out on billions in property rates<p>Republican Conference of Tshwane councillor Lex Middelberg calculated that the cash-strapped metro is missing out on more than R3 billion in property rates by failing to impose penalty rates on around 20 identified illegal developments comprising almost 20 000 “erven”.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The current Tshwane administration has seemingly taken this to heart and has resolved to act.</p><p>Executive mayor Dr Nasipho Moya recently appointed a sub-committee to develop a response to the increasing illegal developments.</p><p>A report by the sub-committee that Moneyweb has seen, which is expected to serve before council later this month, acknowledges penalty rates as one option, but seems hesitant in this regard.</p><p>One of the other options it proposes is to demolish illegal structures, which may affect more than 10 000 houses.</p><p> </p><p>Member of the mayoral committee for economic development and spatial planning Sarah Mabotsa has in the meantime taken action and obtained council approval for imposing penalty rates on 713 non-compliant property owners.</p><p>ALSO READ: Kleinfontein is not an illegal township, maintains CEO</p>Severe implications<p>“The non-permitted land use activities range from unauthorised commercial activities in residential zones, through to illegal construction and land encroachments,” says Mabotsa in a statement.</p><p>“The implications of these violations on the city and its residents are significant, as they can lead to loss of revenue, inability to access critical servitudes, offer unfair land use activity and commercial advantages to transgressors, increase the costs of policing for the city, and can have potential safety and legal liabilities.</p><p> </p><p>“The suburbs where these illegal land use activities have been identified are literally an ‘A to Z’ – Arcadia to Zwavelpoort – of the City of Tshwane,” she adds.</p><p>The areas or farms include Alphenpark, Annlin, Arcadia, Ashlea Gardens, Atteridgeville, Bon Accord, Booysens, Brooklyn, Capital Park, De Onderstepoort, Derdepoort, Die Wilgers, Eersterust, Elandsfontein, Eldoraigne, Ga-Rankuwa, Garsfontein, Haakdoornboom, Hartebeesfontein, Hazelwood, Kameeldrift, Kleinfontein, Kudube, Laudium, Magalieskruin, Montana, Moreleta Park, Olievenhoutbosch, Onderstepoort, Pretoria Central, Pretoria North, Silverton, Sinoville, Soshanguve, Sunnyside, The Reeds, The Willows, Waterkloof, Witfontein and Zwavelpoort.</p><p>While several large illegal township developments are included in this list – for example those occurring on one or two large properties at Elandsfontein, Haakdoornboom, Kleinfontein, Kudube, and Onderstepoort – non-permitted land use activities have also been identified several individual smaller properties in Pretoria Central, Pretoria North, Sunnyside, Sinoville, Witfontein and Silverton.</p><p>Mabotsa says the 713 properties have a combined municipal value of R1.3 billion, with the average property value being R1.9 million.</p><p> </p><p>She notes that the city’s department of economic development and spatial planning receives numerous complaints related to contraventions of zoning, national building regulations and its outdoor advertising by-law.</p><p>ALSO READ: Opposition in Tshwane offers ‘solution’ for Kleinfontein rates problem</p>Proactive and reactive measures<p>“The recommendation to implement non-permitted land use rates is one mechanism we use to encourage landowners engaged in non-[compliant] land use activities to correct their actions,” says Mabotsa.</p><p>“To identify illegal land use activities, law enforcement officials in Tshwane utilise a combination of proactive and reactive measures.</p><p> </p><p>“Proactive measures include regular inspections and patrolling, as well as satellite imagery to detect unauthorised activities. Reactive measures involve responding to complaints and reports from the public.”</p><p>Once an illegal activity is confirmed, contravention notices are served to the owners of the property to rectify the contraventions.</p><p>If the contraventions are not rectified, the matter may be referred to the courts for criminal prosecution.</p><p>ALSO READ: ‘Obvious sore point’- EFF to march to exclusive Afrikaner township Kleinfontein</p><p>Land use contraventions, if not corrected, are referred to city’s finance department to implement rates and taxes for non-permitted land use.</p><p>After the landowner has addressed the illegal activity, the economic development and spatial planning department informs the city’s property valuation section so that the finance department can reverse or terminate the tariff for that owner, Mabotsa explains.</p><p>“Ensuring more compliant land use activities is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the City of Tshwane’s development plans and ensuring sustainable growth,” she adds.</p><p>“By implementing the non-permitted land use policies, the city can better manage land use violations, protect its financial interests, and promote a more orderly and compliant, equitable development environment for all its residents.”</p><p>ALSO READ: WATCH: ‘Apartheid and Kleinfontein can’t be mentioned in the same sentence’ says Afrikaner community after MK party visit</p>Preventing chaotic urban sprawl<p>The economic development and spatial planning department has indicated that the implementation of the non-permitted land use rates and taxes, in terms of the Municipal Property Rates Act and bylaws, is currently by far the most powerful and successful manner used to force the discontinuation of illegal land uses, according to Matsopa.</p><p>“Township establishment laws are designed to prevent chaotic urban sprawl and ensure that city infrastructure keeps pace with development.</p><p>“For example, when an estate is established legally, the developers contribute to the cost of expanding roads, water, sewage and electricity services. Those costs that are then passed on to property purchasers.”</p><p>When a development happens illegally, developer contributions could unfairly be expected to be paid for by all other ratepayers.</p><p>ALSO READ: Tshwane municipality issues warning to landlords illegally subdividing apartments</p><p>“Illegal developments can also place too much strain on available electricity or other services in an area,” says Mabotsa.</p><p>“Legal development processes also protect homeowners and residents. The processes ensure that homes are built on stable land and not in environmentally vulnerable areas.</p><p>“In some illegal estates, there has also been no formal subdivision of the land.</p><p>“This means that purchasers in illegal estates may not actually own the land that they live on,” she points out.</p><p>“From a broader sustainability perspective, allowing illegal developments to flourish risks destroying prime agricultural land or biodiversity hotspots, weakening both food security and ecological resilience.”</p><p>This article was republished from Moneyweb. Readtheoriginal here.</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics City of Tshwane(COT) land occupation </p> City of Tshwane clamps down on illegal land use	查看 8631	《公民报》	2025-07-07 16:04:08 2025-07-08 00:49:54	word
3201367	有图 <p> The elders allegedly also stole the woman"s cash after trashing her home. </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Traditional-leaders-warn-initiation-schools-to-toe-the-line.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p>Image for illustrative purposes. Picture: Gallo Images / Sowetan / Thulani Mbele</p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>Four initiation ‘elders’ from Ga-Phooko village in the Sekgosese policing area have been granted bail after appearing in court on charges of malicious damage to property and theft of cash.</p><p>The men, aged between 28 and 42, allegedly damaged household items and stole money from a woman’s home after confronting her about playing loud music during initiation school periods.</p><p>Three of the accused were released on free bail while one was granted R500 bail during their second court appearance on 3 July 2025.</p><p>Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba confirmed that “three of the initiation elders were released on free bail, while Phooko Moyahabo Edwin was granted R500 bail.”</p><p>The accused are Phooko Moyahabo Edwin (42), Ramare Mpho Godfrey (36), Selowa Kabelo (28), and Makhumisane Thabang (30).</p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> More South Africans rent, but arrears and tenant risk rise </p> </p> </p>Woman’s home trashed for not respecting cultural practices <p>The charges arise from an incident on 24 June, when the four initiation elders allegedly left their initiation school to confront the woman.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>According to cultural practices during initiation school periods, community members are prohibited from playing loud music.</p><p>Mashaba explained that “upon arrival at the complainant’s premises, the initiation elders allegedly entered the property without permission and proceeded inside the house where the music was being played.”</p><p>During the confrontation, the men allegedly damaged various household items, including a DVD player, a plasma television, Wi-Fi equipment, chairs, and a microwave.</p><p>The complainant also reported that an undisclosed amount of cash was stolen during the incident.</p><p> </p><p>ALSO READ: Limpopo’s Rain Queen suspends initiation schools in 2025</p>Court proceedings<p>The suspects were arrested on 26 June following the opening of cases for malicious damage to property and theft.</p><p>Mashaba stated that the four accused made their first court appearance on 27 June, at which time they were remanded in custody until 3 July.</p><p>Police investigations continue, and the matter will return to court on 11 August, according to Mashaba.</p><p> </p><p>ALSO READ: No deaths goal set for Limpopo initiation season</p>Initiation elders warned <p>Provincial Commissioner of Police Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has called on community leaders and elders to ensure that cultural practices are conducted within the bounds of the law and that disputes are resolved through proper channels.</p><p>“No one is supposed to take the law into his or her own hands, even with the slightest provocation.</p><p>“There are avenues for members of the community to follow, including reporting the matter to law enforcement authorities or traditional leadership in their respective areas,” Lieutenant General Hadebe said.</p><p>READ NEXT: Western Cape school principal gets job back after demotion over ‘kwedini’ remark to his deputy</p><p> </p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics initiation initiation schools property South African Police Service (SAPS) </p> Initiation elders granted bail after damaging woman's home	查看 3574	《公民报》	2025-07-07 16:06:36 2025-07-08 00:49:54	word
3201366	有图 <p> Monday’s 178km Stage 3 is from Valenciennes to Dunkirk and is likely to end with a bunch sprint into the historic town of World War 2 fame. </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Tour-de-France-betting-1.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p>The Tour de France is in full swing, with Monday’s stage set to end in another bunch print finish. Picture: Anne-Christine Poujoulat / AFP</p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>Four legs gives way to two wheels. After excitement overload at the weekend, headlined by the 2025 Durban July, local horse racing takes a break with a blank Monday in the programme.</p><p>It’s a chance for punters to relax and switch focus.</p><p>The Tour de France, the world’s premier cycle race, set off on its three-week journey on Saturday. </p><p>Traversing the French countryside, towns and cities, it’s a relaxing watch on TV while also offering betting opportunities for competitive-spirited sports fans.</p><p>Every day of the Tour is a new race for the 180-odd competitors. “Odd” is appropriate as these guys are fit to the point of insanity.</p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> South African expertise used to provide real-time data for Tour de France </p> </p> </p><p>The trick for bettors is to match the stage to the rider.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Monday’s 178km Stage 3 is from Valenciennes to Dunkirk and is likely to end with a bunch sprint into the historic town of World War 2 fame.</p><p>The winner of Stage 1, also a sprint finish, speed merchant Jasper Philipsen, is one of the obvious favourites to consider at a generous R4.00 for a win with Betway.</p><p>The bookmaker’s favourite is Tim Merlier at R2.60, ahead of Jonathan Milan at R3.20. All three of these riders have been in good form this season.</p><p>Philipsen had a very efficient lead-out from his teammates in Stage 1, but that finish was a chaotic affair that worked against the other fast men – something unlikely to happen twice running.</p><p> </p><p>For anyone in search of value, Biniam Ghirmay at R15.00 and Kaden Groves at R67.00 could be interesting.</p><p>The winner of Sunday’s hilly Stage 2, Mathieu van der Poel (R34.00), is no mean sprinter himself and is clearly in fighting mood. But he might fancy an easy day after his efforts.</p><p>Hot overall Tour de France favourite Tadej Pogacar (R1.40) finished second in Stage 2 but is not likely to be challenging on Monday – as reflected by his stage odds of R81.00.</p><p>Pogacar will make his presence felt again on Stage 5 on Wednesday, a tough time trial around the city of Caen.</p><p> </p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics Tour de France </p> Tour de France: Jasper Philipsen good value for another stage win \| The Citizen	查看 2699	《公民报》	2025-07-07 16:12:43 2025-07-08 00:49:54	word
3201365	有图 <p> "This is a huge moment in my career," said the defensive midfielder. </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Martin-Zubimendi-scaled.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p>Arsenal on Sunday announced the signing of midfielder and Euro 2024 winner Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in a deal reportedly worth around £55 million ($75 million). Photo: JOSE JORDAN / AFP</p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>Arsenal on Sunday announced the signing of midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in a deal reportedly worth around £55 million ($75 million).</p><p>Euro 2024 winner Zubimendi had previously been a target for Liverpool and was also linked with Real Madrid.</p><p>ALSO READ: Youthful Chelsea ready for Thiago Silva reunion at Club World Cup</p><p>“This is a huge moment in my career,” said the defensive midfielder, who is understood to have put pen to paper on a five-year deal.</p><p>“It’s the move I was looking for and one I wanted to make. As soon as you set foot here, you realise how big this club and this team are.</p><p>“I set my sights on Arsenal because their style of play is a good fit for me. They have shown their potential recently and the best is yet to come.”</p><p>The Athletic reported that Arsenal paid above Zubimendi’s 60 million euro ($71 million, £51 million) buyout clause in order to spread the cost of the fee over a number of installments.</p><p>Zubimendi, 26, made 236 appearances in all competitions for Sociedad after graduating from the club’s academy and has played 19 times for Spain.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>He will reinforce manager Mikel Arteta’s midfield options after the departures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho.</p><p>Zubimendi’s arrival paves the way for Arsenal’s record signing Declan Rice to play a more attacking midfield role alongside captain Martin Odegaard.</p><p>“Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team,” said Arteta.</p><p>“He will fit in really well and he has all the attributes to be a key player for us.”</p><p> </p><p>Zubimendi is Arsenal’s second signing of the summer transfer window after goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga joined from Chelsea.</p><p>The Gunners are also expected to complete the signing of midfielder Christian Norgaard from Brentford.</p><p>Arsenal finished second in the Premier League last season for a third straight year and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League but ultimately ended up without a trophy for a fifth consecutive season.</p><p>Attention will now turn to the forward line as the Gunners try to see off champions Liverpool and Manchester City and claim a first league title since 2003/04.</p><p>ALSO READ: Real Madrid ready for ‘really big challenge’ against PSG</p><p> </p><p>Arteta’s men had to cope without a natural striker for much of last season due to long-term injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.</p><p>Reports on Sunday suggest a deal for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres is on the verge of being sealed to fill the need for a new number nine.</p><p>Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Chelsea’s Noni Madueke.</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics Arsenal F.C. Liverpool F.C. Premier League (EPL) Real Madrid CF </p> Arsenal sign Spain midfielder Zubimendi	查看 3291	《公民报》	2025-07-07 16:14:13 2025-07-08 00:49:54	word
3201364	有图 <p> "New players have come in and it is important to welcome them, and gel as a unit," said the Chiefs goalkeeper. </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Brandon-Peterson-Kaizer-Chiefs-1.jpeg" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p>Brandon Peterson. Pic – Supplied</p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Peterson says the side are currently working to the max in a pre-season camp in the Netherlands so that they can succeed when the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League campaign kicks off.</p><p>ALSO READ: Sundowns release two star players</p><p>Amakhosi arrived in Apeldoorn on Friday, and will play several friendly matches over a two week period.</p>Chiefs’ Peterson – ‘Laying foundations’<p>“At the moment we are in pre-season and laying foundations,” said the Amakhosi shot-stopper.</p><p>“This why we sweat and suffer now, so we can shine later. At the moment they are busy putting us through our paces and we are pushing the limits. We have a busy season ahead as we are also playing in the CAF Confederation Cup.</p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> Official: SuperSport United coach joins Orlando Pirates </p> </p> </p><p>“What we do now is important,” he added.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>“Not just physically but also as a team, to get togetherness and brotherhood. New players have come in and it is important to welcome them, and gel as a unit, so when the season starts people see we are one force and we hit the ground running.”</p><p>The 30-year-old Capetonian believes winning the Nedbank Cup last season, Chiefs’ first trophy in a decade, can be the stepping stone they need for a more successful campaign next season.</p><p>Despite winning the cup, Nasreddine Nabi’s side finished a disappointing tenth in the Betway Premiership, missing out on a spot in the MTN8 for the second season in a row.</p><p>“Lifting the trophy last season was a major boost,” said Peterson.</p><p> </p><p>“We didn’t have the best season, but that was a silver lining that we can use as fuel. You can see the determination on the players’ faces after lifting that trophy. We want more success and hopefully that can be one of the main building blocks for us. We can use it as a stepping stone and go out and achieve more and win more trophies.”</p><p>Chiefs have already signed six new players ahead of the new campaign. Defenders Paseka Mako, Thabiso Monyane and Nkanyiso Shinga, midfielders Ethan Chislett and Siphesihle Ndlovu and striker Flavio Silva have all joined Amakhosi.</p><p>“We know most of them, we have seen them play and they have trained with us a few times and we are excited to see them play in the first team” added Peterson.</p>‘Exciting signings’ <p>“Also the new guys (to the PSL) they are exciting signings. We are looking forward to the friendlies we are playing here, where people will get a glimpse (of them). But I think our supporters will see them for the first time in the Toyota Cup.”</p><p> </p><p>ALSO READ: Chiefs unveil sixth signing</p><p>Chiefs will play Asante Kotoko on July 26 in the Toyota Cup at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics Betway Premiership CAF Confederation Cup Kaizer Chiefs F.C (AmaKhosi/Chiefs) </p> Chiefs' Peterson - We suffer now to shine later	查看 3296	《公民报》	2025-07-07 16:22:21 2025-07-08 00:49:54	word
3201363	有图 <p> Djokovic has won two of the three matches he has previously played against De Minaur. </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/tennis-2.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p>Australian tennis player Alex de Minaur. Picture: Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images</p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>Serbian icon Novak Djokovic will be confident of reaching the Wimbledon quarterfinals on Monday, but he will have to get past Australia’s Alex de Minaur in what could be a tight fourth-round battle at the All England Club.</p><p>Djokovic, the No 6 seed, will turn out as the favourite to progress, based on his impressive record at the annual grass court Grand Slam.</p><p>Among his 24 Grand Slam titles, seven have been earned at Wimbledon, and though the38-year-old legend hasn’t won the prestigious tournament since 2022, he has reached the final at the last six successive editions.</p><p>De Minaur hasn’t got anything close to the career record boasted by Djokovic, but he too will believe he can book his place in the quarterfinals.</p><p>The Australian has reached five Grand Slam quarterfinals, including last year’s Wimbledon tournament where he handed Djokovic a walkover victory after withdrawing due to a hip injury.</p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> Underdogs targeting major upsets in Wimbledon second round </p> </p> </p><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=" rel="noopener noreferrer"><noscript><img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/tennis-1-1.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"></noscript><sub>Novak Djokovic during his third-round match at Wimbledon last week. Picture: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images</sub>Head-to-head record<p>The two players have met three times in their careers, with Djokovic winning twice, though De Minaur beat his more esteemed opponentin straight sets in last year’s United Cup quarterfinals in Perth, which will give him confidence going into Monday’s match.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>As expected, there’s not much to gain by backing Djokovic, with Betway offering 1.13 for the Serb to secure victory.</p><p>There is more cash to be won, however, if De Minaur comes out on top, with 5.00 on offer for the Australian to win.</p><p>Djokovic and De Minaur are first up on centre court on Monday, with their fourth-round match starting at 2.30pm (SA time).</p><p>Please note these Betway odds are correct at the time of publishing.</p><p> </p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics Tennis Wimbledon </p> De Minaur targeting upset victory over Djokovic at Wimbledon \| The Citizen	查看 2538	《公民报》	2025-07-07 16:26:49 2025-07-08 00:49:54	word
3201362	有图 <p> Industry association tries to argue that a consumer under debt review has cancelled their original loan agreement, allowing banks to charge even more … </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Bank-loans-Banking-Association.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p>The case lays bare the ‘abusive and deceptive practices’ of South Africa’s banks. Picture: iStock</p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>A recent high court case in Pretoria ruled that banks have no right to cancel a loan agreement once a consumer goes under debt review.</p><p>The Banking Association of SA (Basa) tried to argue, without success, that a consumer under debt review has cancelled the original loan agreement. That would allow them to charge more interest and other charges.</p><p>This is a victory for consumers, says legal consultant Leonard Benjamin.</p><p>“While the case dealt with the application of the so-called ‘in duplum’rule, it lays bare the banks’ abusive and deceptive foreclosure practices and shows that for decades the banks have been selling the homes of people when they are not, in fact, in default.”</p><p>In duplum (‘double’) is a common-law principle that says the interest on a loan stops running when the unpaid interest equals the amount of the outstanding capital.</p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> This is how Prudential Authority cracked the whip last year </p> </p> </p><p>This was later written into the National Credit Act (NCA) as a way to stop lenders clocking up interest and other charges beyond double the amount that was outstanding when the consumer first fell into default.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Benjamin questions how many homes and vehicles have been repossessed in SA due to the banks’ self-serving interpretation of the NCA and the in duplum rule.</p><p>ALSO READ: Court rules in favour of clients in Standard Bank home loan dispute</p>Debt counsellor takes action<p>The case was brought by debt counsellor Chantelle Scott against the National Credit Regulator (NCR), Basa, and the major lending banks.</p><p>Scott asked the court for a declaratory order that an application to go under debt review does not mean the original credit agreement has been replaced.</p><p> </p><p>She argued that in duplum continues to operate while consumers are under debt review – effectively placing a cap on how much banks can charge on arrears.</p><p>Basa and the major lending banks joined forces to oppose the granting of the order, arguing that the consumer was no longer in default once placed under a debt rearrangement order (DRO).</p><p>The banks argued that in duplum,which caps the amount they can charge in the event of default, stops operating the moment a DRO comes into effect.</p><p>ALSO READ: Court reverses home repo judgment after Nedbank bungled calculations</p><p> </p>Shooting themselves in the foot<p>A full bench of the Pretoria High Court agreed with Scott and granted her the order.</p><p>The banks have taken the judgment on appeal.</p><p>Benjamin contends that they may not realise they are shooting themselves in the foot if they succeed in reversing the judgment.</p><p>“The banks’ argument, in fact, relies on arrears capitalisation, a debt relief measure commonly used to eliminate arrear repayments. It involves an adjustment to the existing repayment plan to allow arrears, made up of overdue repayments, to be repaid over the term of the loan as part of an adjusted repayment amount.”</p><p> </p><p>Adjusted repayment are commonly used in credit agreements, particularly where variable interest rates are involved.</p><p>ALSO READ: Gauteng man takes Absa to court over alleged unlawful car repossession</p><p>“When the interest rate changes the credit provider is obliged to also adjust the monthly repayment amount to ensure that the outstanding balance, together with interest at the new rate, will be repaid over the remaining term of the loan,” says Benjamin.</p><p>“In effect, a new repayment schedule, which supersedes the previous one, is set up each time the interest rate changes. Since the outstanding balance will include any arrears, the arrears are purged, and the consumer will no longer be in default.”</p><p> </p><p>The banks argued that a repayment plan that is put into place under debt review typically involves a term extension. A longer term results in a lower, and more affordable, monthly repayment.</p><p>However, arrears can be purged without extending the term. The debt will also be repaid by increasing the monthly payment amount instead of the term.</p><p>Arrears capitalisation occurs by adhering to the terms of the agreement when there is a change in interest rates.</p><p>ALSO READ: Standard Bank told to pay back the money</p><p>Benjamin says most banks automatically recapitalise any arrears amounts each time there is a change in interest rates, spreading the arrears over the remaining term of the loan.</p><p>But in many instances, banks continue to hound customers over alleged “arrears” when in fact the bank has purged the arrears through recapitalisation – spreading the arrears over the remaining term of the loan.</p><p>What’s happened in practice is that customers in arrears are being charged a new, higher monthly instalment while the banks also bring legal action for recovery of the now non-existent arrears – a practice known as ‘double-dipping‘.</p><p>In other cases, banks specifically exclude arrears in determining the new monthly repayment method since they appear to be aware of the double-dipping trap. Benjamin says this exclusion violates the banks own loan agreements. “In the many years that I have looked at loan agreements, I have yet to come across one that allows for this.”</p><p>ALSO READ: FNB home repossession goes horribly wrong</p>Impact on term extension on monthly repayments<p>Assume a loan agreement says the consumer must pay back a loan of R1000 over 10 months. In other words, a monthly repayment of R100 is required.</p><p>The consumer makes the first three payments and then falls into default by failing to make the fourth and fifth payments. The outstanding balance of the debt is R700, leaving an arrears of R200.</p><p>The debt is rearranged to make the payments more affordable by reducing the monthly repayment to R70, but the term of the loan must be extended by a further five months. This means that the outstanding balance of R700 must be repaid over the next 10 months.</p><p>The rearrangement means the consumer will no longer be in arrears. In the Pretoria High Court case, the banks tried to argue otherwise.</p><p>Arrears can also be purged without extending the term. The debt will also be repaid by increasing the monthly payment amount instead of the term. In the above example, if the instalment is increased to R140 a month, the outstanding balance of R700, which includes the arrears of R200, will be repaid over five months.</p><p>This article was republished from Moneyweb. Readtheoriginal here.</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics Banking Association South Africa (BASA) banks high court </p> Another slapdown for banks in high court	查看 7132	《公民报》	2025-07-07 16:28:01 2025-07-08 00:49:54	word
3201361	有图 <p> KZN police commissioner accuses minister of meddling in political killing cases. Here is what you need to know... </p> <p> <img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=" rel="noopener noreferrer"><noscript><img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/minister-vs-commisioner.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"></noscript> <p>KZN police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.Pictures: Gallo Images</p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>There has been a massive spat between the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, and KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.</p><p>During a media briefing on Sunday, Mkhwanazi made explosive revelations, accusing senior police leadership, including Mchunu, of interfering in investigations into politically motivated killings.</p><p>There are concerns that the spat might affect policing and administration.</p>Here are 5 things you need to know about the saga:Peace between a ‘criminal and a police officer’<p>In a detailed briefing, Mkhwanazi exposed the removal of 121 case dockets from his political killings task team by Deputy National Commissioner General Shadrack Sibiya, allegedly under the instruction of Mchunu.</p><p>Some of these dockets had already led to arrest orders, but no action was taken, with the files now sitting untouched in Pretoria.</p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> Magaqa’s killer sentenced to 25-year imprisonment for murder </p> </p> </p><p>Mkhwanazi also linked the targeting of his task team to its involvement in exposing a powerful Gauteng-based organised crime syndicate.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>He alleged the syndicate includes serving MPs, police officers, correctional officials, prosecutors, and even members of the judiciary—all allegedly controlled by drug cartels and business elites.</p><p>He further revealed digital evidence suggesting collusion and attempted interference.</p><p>Rejecting calls for reconciliation with Sibiya, Mkhwanazi stated, “There can never be peace between a criminal and a police officer.”</p><p>NOW READ:KZN’s Mkhwanazi makes damning claims about Mchunu, senior police officials</p><p> </p>Mchunu reacts<p>Minister Mchunu dismissed the allegations, calling them baseless and lacking evidence.</p><p>Mchunu said he will not allow his integrity or that of the police ministry to be undermined by unsubstantiated claims.</p><p>“We will be reviewing the Provincial Commissioner’s statements and consider appropriate action,” he said.</p>Ramaphosa speaks up<p>President Cyril Ramaphosa later expressed serious concern over the public statements made by Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi.</p><p> </p><p>He called the matter one of “grave national security concern.”</p><p>Ramaphosa emphasised the need to uphold the integrity of the country’s security services. He further warned that the ongoing exchange of accusations could erode public trust and disrupt the cohesion of the police.</p><p>“All parties to this matter are called upon to exercise discipline and restraint. The trading of accusations and counter-accusations threatens to undermine public confidence and sow confusion. Furthermore, these actions damage the unity and focus of the police,” the Presidency said.</p><p>Ramaphosa will announce steps to be taken once he returns from the Brics Leaders’ Summit in Brazil.</p><p> </p><p>NOW READ:‘We don’t want him to be a pop star’: Allegations by KZN police commissioner Mkhwanazi sparks uproar</p>MK party calls for minister to be arrested<p>The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has demanded that Mkhwanazi lay criminal charges against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and General Sibiya within 24 hours, accusing them of defeating the ends of justice.</p><p>The party urged National Commissioner Fannie Masemola and Mkhwanazi to act swiftly, warning that failure to do so would signal political interference and institutional protection.</p><p>NOW READ:MK party wants Mchunu arrested amid explosive allegations</p><p> </p>Will policing be affected?<p>Following Ramaphosa’s earlier warning, police on Monday confirmed that normal day-to-day policing operations across the country are continuing without disruption.</p><p>National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola assured the public that police stations and service points remain fully operational, with officers continuing their mandate to prevent and combat crime, maintain public order, and protect all inhabitants of the country.</p><p>NOW READ:Mchunu vs Mkhwanazi: Police operations continue amid explosive allegations</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics Editor’s Choice KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) political killings Senzo Mchunu South African Police Service (SAPS) </p> Mkhwanazi vs Mchunu: 5 things you need to know about their explosive feud \| The Citizen	查看 4764	《公民报》	2025-07-07 16:40:40 2025-07-08 00:49:54	word
3201360	有图 <p> Ellis says they have done their analysis on the opponents and are now ready for the match. </p> <p> <img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=" rel="noopener noreferrer"><noscript><img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Desiree-Ellis-2-scaled.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"></noscript> <p>Desiree Ellis coach of South Africa during the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations South Africa Press Conference on Sunday. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix</p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>Coach Desiree Ellis says Banyana Banyana are ready for their opening match against Ghana in the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).</p><p>The game between the African champions and the Black Queens is set to take place at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco this evening (kick-off is at 6pm SA Time). </p><p>Speaking ahead of this clash, Ellis said they have done their analysis on the opponents and are now ready for the match.</p><p>“We’ve done a lot of analysis, and I’m sure they’ve also done analysis on us too, if you’re not ready now then we have a problem,” said Ellis as quoted by SAFA media. </p><p>“We came to Morocco early to prepare, and we are now ready for the game, it’s just about using the plans tomorrow, it’s about making sure that if the one plan doesn’t work, we have another plan and another plan and another plan…. We just need to put our game plan in place and make sure that we get the result we want,” she added.</p><p>Banyana co-captain Refiloe Jane is expecting a tough match against the Black Queens. </p><p>“Obviously this is the opening game of the tournament for us, it’s going to be a very difficult one. They are a completely different team, but we are prepared for them and we’re hoping that we can perform better as a team,” said Jane.</p>Ghana are ‘underdogs’<p>New Ghana coach Kim Lars Björkegren believes they are the underdogs in this clash against Banyana.</p><p>“I have coached in many countries and growing up I used to watch the men’s AFCON. I am so happy to be here and looking forward to tomorrow’s match against South Africa. People always ask me a question about pressure and if I’m nervous and those kinds of things, for me it’s very clear if you are a coach at this level, you may be a little bit nervous, but you have to control what you can control,” Björkegren said.</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics banyana banyana Desiree Ellis </p> Banyana 'ready' for battle against Ghana	查看 2448	《公民报》	2025-07-07 16:41:32 2025-07-08 00:49:54	word
3201359	有图 <p> The arms deal case was declared trial-ready four years ago but has been delayed by Zuma"s repeated failed efforts to force the removal of Billy Downer. </p> <p> <img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Jacob-Zuma-JUDGES.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <p>Former South African President and MK party leader Jacob Zuma. Picture: Gallo Images/Daily Maverick/Felix Dlangamandla</p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>State prosecutor Billy Downer has opposed Jacob Zuma’s latest legal move, arguing that the former president’s latest bid to force his removal should only be heard if—and when—Zuma is convicted and sentenced in his arms deal corruption case, which has been dragging on for the “better part of 21 years”.</p><p>In April 2025, Judge Nkosinathi Chili dismissed Zuma’s second application bid to have Downer removed, saying he did not believe the former president’s right to a fair trial would be compromised if Downer remained as a prosecutor.</p><p>Zuma instructed his lawyer, Advocate Dali Mpofu, to petition the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) to appeal Chili’s ruling.</p>Legal framework<p>In papers filed before the SCA, Downer argues that the legal framework and arguments surrounding Zuma’s application for leave to appeal to remove him are clear and well-established.</p><p>“As the High Court’s refusal of Mr Zuma’s attempt to have me removed as a prosecutor was a decision made during a criminal trial, it may be appealed only if and when Mr Zuma is convicted and sentenced.”</p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> Mkhwanazi vs Mchunu: 5 things you need to know about their explosive feud </p> </p> </p><p>Downer also argues that Zuma’s prosecution has been dragging on for the better part of 21 years.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The delay has in large part been due to Mr Zuma’s alleged “Stalingrad strategy”, through which he allegedly seeks to avoid having to face the charges against him.</p><p>“He does this by launching and prosecuting multiple challenges of various kinds. They have all failed. He then pursues them through successive attempts to appeal. When a challenge finally peters out, he initiates a fresh challenge through another round of litigation. The purpose is contrary to his public rhetoric that he wants his day in court – to avoid ever standing trial,” Downer said.</p><p>ALSO READ: Zuma and Thales applications for summary acquittals dismissed</p>Stalingrad Strategy<p>Downer further argues that the “Stalingrad strategy” used by Zuma raises “spurious objections” which are dismissed by the court, but the former president pursues them on appeal “as far as he possibly can”.</p><p> </p><p>“Once the case is finally dismissed on appeal, he raises another point (or sometimes the same point again) in another case and repeats the exercise.</p><p>“Those who employ the Stalingrad defence do not seek merely to delay the start or the continuance of the criminal trial against them. They also use it to attempt to delegitimise the prosecuting authority and/or the prosecutors assigned to conduct the prosecution. Some accused persons use it to attempt to delegitimise the court,” Downer argued.</p>Dismiss Zuma appeal<p>Downer argued it is crucial for the SCA to summarily dismiss Zuma’s latest appeal bid.</p><p>“The state views this as yet another instalment in Zuma’s alleged ‘Stalingrad strategy’, aimed at delaying the criminal trial indefinitely. The SCA’s decision could either reinforce or challenge the judiciary’s stance on curbing such tactics.”</p><p> </p><p>Downer argues that he accepts that, subject to the court’s inherent power to curb abuses of its process, an accused has a right to raise procedural objections “however bad they might be.”</p><p>“The trial court, however, retains a discretion to order that the trial proceeds, in line with its obligation to ensure that the speedy trials for which section 35(3)(d) of the Constitution provides do take place.”</p><p>In February 2025, Mpofu argued that it was “racist and condescending” to assume that the former president’s team was following Advocate Kemp J Kemp’s Stalingrad legal strategy in fighting the state corruption in 2018.</p><p>ALSO READ:Zuma trial: ‘Downer can’t be a prosecutor and accused in same matter’ – Mpofu</p><p> </p>Trial delays<p>In the affidavit, Downer detailed how Zuma’s alleged Stalingrad Strategy had delayed his trial for years after then-acting NPA head Mokotedi Mpshe’s unlawful 2009 decision to withdraw the corruption case against Zuma and French arms company Thales was invalidated.</p><p>The charges against the duos were reinstated in 2018. Zuma and Thales then tried, and failed, to seek permanent stays of their prosecution last month.</p>Quest to remove downer<p>Zuma’s insistence that he was owed a long and complex ruling on his latest attempts to remove Downer — despite the fact that multiple courts had conclusively rejected his various complaints — was just one of many arguments he made to the SCA as part of his efforts to revive an appeal that Chili found to have no reasonable prospects of success.</p><p>Zuma’s second failed attempt to force Downer’s removal followed his unsuccessful efforts to privately prosecute Downer and journalist Karen Maughan for the alleged violation of the NPA act through the sharing of publicly available court papers, which contained a sick note from one of the former president’s doctors.</p><p> </p>Plea<p>On 26 May 2021, Zuma and Thales pleaded not guilty to charges against them.</p><p>Zuma objected to Downer leading his prosecution on behalf of the NPA, accusing the advocate of prosecutorial bias, claiming that Downer lacked the title to prosecute him.</p><p>Trial Judge Piet Koen dismissed the application, in which Zuma accused Downer of unlawfully leaking publicly available court documents and the sick note to Maughan.</p><p>Now Downer is using Koen’s unchallenged ruling on that special plea application, where the judge found there was “no scope” for Zuma to appeal the dismissal of his special plea</p><p>“In the absence of a prompt resolution of that real issue between the parties, there is no scope for an appeal prior to conviction, based on section 17(1)(c) of the Superior Courts Act, to argue the SCA should reject the former president’s latest appeal to force his removal.</p><p>ALSO READ:Zuma unsuccessful in bid to change April 2025 arms deal trial date [VIDEO]</p>Delays<p>Koen found Zuma’s “prosecution and trial have already been delayed considerably and unreasonably, which makes an intermediate appeal, which will cause even further delay, contrary to the interests of justice.</p><p>Koen said allowing an appeal at this stage would be contrary to the SCA’s duty to actively discourage preliminary and “piecemeal litigation, but obviously always within the confines of fairness.”</p>Abuse of court<p>Downer argues that this ruling stands and makes it clear that the SCA should dismiss Zuma’s latest appeal attempt, and that the former president should finally face trial.</p><p>“I respectfully submit that this application for leave to appeal is part of a continuing process of the abuse of court process. It is a further repetition of arguments which have repeatedly been rejected by the courts.</p><p>“The proposed grounds of appeal have no reasonable prospect of success. And there is no other compelling reason why the appeal should be heard, I respectfully ask that the application be dismissed with the application for condonation,” Downer said.</p><p>Zuma and Thales trial will be back in court in December.</p>Charges <p>The 81-year-old Zuma and French arms manufacturerThalesare facing multiple charges, including fraud‚ corruption, money laundering, and racketeering, in connection with the controversial multibillion-randarms dealprocurement concluded in the late 1990s while he was vice president.</p><p>It is the state’s case that Zuma was kept on acorruptretainer by his former financial advisor, Schabir Shaik, who then allegedly used his political clout to further his own business interests.</p><p>ALSO READ:Zuma suffers yet another defeat in private prosecution of Downer and Maughan</p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics arms deal Billy Downer corruption charges corruption trial Editor’s Choice Jacob Zuma National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Thales </p> Zuma can only appeal for 'my removal if he's convicted' - Downer	查看 8394	《公民报》	2025-07-07 16:55:04 2025-07-08 00:49:54	word
3201358	有图 <p> Magaqa was killed before he could reveal the information he had on alleged corruption in a KwaZulu-Natal municipality. </p> <p> <img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=" rel="noopener noreferrer"><noscript><img src="https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Sibusiso-Ncengwa-1-1.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer"></noscript> <p>Magaqa was shot in July 2017 and succumbed to his injuries after spending time in the hospital. Picture: Supplied</p> </p><p> </p> <p> <p>One of the men who killed former ANCYL secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa has been sentenced to 25 years for murder.</p><p>Sibusiso Ncengwa admitted that he was part of a group of men who were paid R120 000 to kill Magaqa in 2017.</p><p>His lawyers had pleaded for leniency. They argued that he had apologised to the Magaqa family and had shown remorse for his deeds.</p><p>Ncengwa is also serving time in prison for other crimes unrelated to Magaqa’s murder. These include armed robberies.</p>How much he got for each charge<p>Judge Nontuthuzelo Mlaba asked Ncengwa to stand as she delivered her judgement.</p><p> <p> <p> <p> Read more </p> Mkhwanazi vs Mchunu: 5 things you need to know about their explosive feud </p> </p> </p><p>“Count 1, conspiracy to commit murder, you are sentenced to 25 years imprisonment. Count 2, murder, you are sentenced to 25 years imprisonment.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>“Count 3, attempted murder, you are sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. Count 4, attempted murder, you are sentenced to five years in prison. Count 5, attempted murder, you are sentenced to five years imprisonment.</p><p>“Count 6, malicious injury to property, you are sentenced to three years imprisonment. Count 7, malicious damage to property, you are sentenced to three years imprisonment. Count 8, malicious injury to property, you are sentenced to three years imprisonment.</p><p>“Count 9, possession of a fully automatic firearm, you are sentenced to five years imprisonment.</p><p>“Count 10, unlawful possession of a firearm, you are sentenced to five years imprisonment. Count 11, unlawful possession of ammunition, you are sentenced to one year in prison,” she said.</p><p> </p><p>The other sentences will run concurrently with the 25 year murder sentence.</p>Considerations<p>Mlaba said she had taken Ncengwa’s confession as part of her sentence.</p><p>“In this case, Mr Ncengwa, you have taken the court into confidence by fully disclosing your role in the commission of all these offences. You have disclosed to the courts what the motive was and you have taken responsibility for your actions by admitting your guilt.</p><p>“Accordingly, having considered all the above factors and even in the light of the gravity of these offences, it is this court’s considered view that these factors amount to sufficient justification for a deviation from the prescribed sentences,” she said.</p><p> </p><p>Mlaba said it is in the best interests of society for Ncengwa to be imprisoned.</p><p>“Your conduct in agreeing to take the life of a person demonstrates a clear disregard for human life. The right to life is currently one that you enjoy, but one that you took away from the deceased and for selfish reasons.</p><p>“The deceased had a family. He had young children who will ever be denied the privilege of having a present father.</p><p>“You did not seem to have considered all the above when you decided to arm yourself, attack and kill the victim in this matter.”</p><p> </p>Just about the money<p>Mlaba said Ncengwe simply cared about the money he was to be paid for carrying out the hit on Magaqa.</p><p>“The brazen manner in which you committed these offences, your disregard for human life and just your lack of humanity must therefore be condemned,” she said.</p><p>ALSO READ: Two nabbed and charged for IFP deputy chief whips ‘assassination’</p>Political killings<p>Ncengwa said the state lawyers had complained that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is dealing with many cases of political killings in KwaZulu-Natal.</p><p> </p><p>“This leads this court to the conclusion that although factors justifying a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentences, the sentence proposed by your counsel would be disproportionate to the offences that you have committed,” she said.</p><p>In a recent interview with The Citizen, ANCYL president Collen Malatji said he was concerned about the involvement of politicians in Magaqa’s death.</p><p>It is claimed that Magaqa was about to blow the lid on alleged tender corruption in the uMzimkhulu municipality concerning the building of a community hall.</p><p>“The acts of these individuals do not represent what the ANC stands for, which is to build a safe and secure community, where airing your views about wrongdoing does not lead to you being murdered,” he said.</p><p>Malatji had called for life imprisonment for those who killed Magaqa.</p><p>NOW READ: Malatji condemns alleged involvement of ANC members in Magaqa murder </p> </p> <p> Read more on these topics African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) political killings Sindiso Magaqa </p> Magaqa's killer sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for murder \| The Citizen	查看 5174	《公民报》	2025-07-07 17:01:33 2025-07-08 00:49:54	word

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