BCD News, Pretoria (2026)

23/02/2026

SIU Exposes Alleged Corruption Syndicate at Home Affairs

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has uncovered what it describes as a deeply troubling corruption network within the Department of Home Affairs, where immigration documents were allegedly sold to the highest bidder.

This follows an interim report released on Monday after a tip-off prompted an investigation into maladministration within the department.

Acting SIU Head, Leornard Lekgetho, revealed that payments were allegedly made to Home Affairs officials, after which immigration documents were issued fraudulently. The investigation also found that some officials’ spouses were involved in the scheme.

Lekgetho stated that individuals entrusted with protecting the integrity of the department instead turned their positions into profit-making operations. External actors were also implicated, including Shepherd Bushiri, Kudakwashe Mpofu, and Nigerian rapper Prince Daniel Obioma, also known as 3GAR. According to the SIU, these individuals allegedly exploited influence, fabricated documentation, and manipulated systemic weaknesses to secure fraudulent residence permits.

“The investigation reveals that the country’s borders were not protected by law but auctioned off through corruption. South Africa was being sold one permit at a time,” Lekgetho said.

The probe into Home Affairs was authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa under Proclamation 154 of 2024. The interim report has been submitted to the President and its findings have now been made public.

09/02/2026

Nigerian National Killed During Xolani Khumalo Anti-Drug Operation in Johannesburg

Former Sizok’thola presenter and ActionSA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Xolani Khumalo is once again under scrutiny following a fatal shooting during an anti-drug operation in Johannesburg.

ActionSA has confirmed that a Nigerian foreign national was shot and killed on Sunday night during an operation in Windsor, west of Johannesburg. The party said Khumalo was part of the anti-drug campaign at the time of the incident.

In a statement, ActionSA said the deceased was identified as a suspect allegedly involved in drug trafficking. The party did not provide further details on the circumstances that led to the shooting.

“For too long, drug syndicates have terrorised our communities through violence, intimidation and total disregard for the law,” ActionSA said. “We will continue to support every decisive and lawful measure to dismantle this scourge and confront the violent resistance of criminals who believe they are untouchable.”

The party added that safety and law enforcement form a central pillar of its 10-Point Action Plan to Fix Ekurhuleni, which includes cleaning up the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department, establishing specialised units to target drug syndicates, deploying crime-mapping technology, and strengthening Community Policing Forums.

31/01/2026

BREAKING NEWS | Judge President Selby Mbenenge Escapes Impeachment

Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge has avoided impeachment after a Judicial Conduct Tribunal found him guilty of misconduct, but not gross misconduct.

The tribunal ruled that Mbenenge’s conduct including a flirtatious relationship with a court secretary breached the judicial code of conduct, but did not meet the threshold required for impeachment. He was cleared of sexual harassment allegations.

As a result, Mbenenge will remain in office. The ruling brings to an end a closely watched and high-profile inquiry into professional conduct within South Africa’s judiciary, reigniting debate around ethical standards and accountability in the justice system

30/01/2026

SOUTH AFRICA DECLARES ISRAELI DIPLOMAT PERSONA NON GRATA

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has formally informed the Government of the State of Israel of South Africa’s decision to declare Mr Ariel Seidman, the Chargé d’Affaires at the Israeli Embassy in Pretoria, persona non grata.

Mr Seidman has been given 72 hours to leave South Africa, following the official notification delivered through diplomatic channels.

DIRCO confirmed that the decision was communicated directly to the Government of Israel, marking a significant development in diplomatic relations between the two countries.

This move comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions and reflects South Africa’s evolving foreign policy posture in relation to the State of Israel.

29/01/2026

BREAKING NEWS | Special Police Unit to Probe Madlanga Commission Findings

President Cyril Ramaphosa has instructed Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia to establish a dedicated police investigations unit to probe serious allegations arising from the Madlanga Commission.

This follows the President’s consideration of the Commission’s interim report, after which he directed Cachalia, together with National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, to constitute a special investigations task team.

The referrals for investigation include individuals identified as:
Senona, Shibiri, Nkwashu, and Nkosi.

23/01/2026

KGOSI MAMPURU PRISON OWES TSHWANE R8 MILLION AS MAYOR MOYA INTENSIFIES CAMPAIGN

Dr. Nasiphi Moya has intensified the City of Tshwane’s revenue collection campaign with a high-profile visit to Kgosi Mampuru Prison, a national government facility owing the municipality approximately R8 million in unpaid utility bills.

The outstanding debt relates to municipal services, including electricity and water, as the city steps up efforts to enforce payment compliance across all sectors — including state institutions.

In a further move to enforce accountability, the City of Tshwane confirmed the disconnection of electricity at the SAPS Academy, which reportedly owes the municipality R3.8 million in unpaid services.

23/01/2026

SOUTH AFRICAN MUSICIAN BRAVO LE ROUX PASSES AWAY

South African artist Bravo Le Roux, born Sinesipho Peter, has sadly passed away.

The musician, celebrated for his creativity, passion, and dedication to his craft, is remembered as a talented artist who made a meaningful impact in the music industry, as well as a devoted family man whose legacy extends beyond the stage.

The family has respectfully requested privacy during this difficult period of mourning. Funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.

22/01/2026

VAAL SCHOLAR TRANSPORT TRAGEDY: TAXI DRIVER ABANDONS BAIL APPLICATION

Twenty-two-year-old Ayanda Dludla appeared before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court this morning in connection with the devastating Vaal scholar transport crash that claimed the lives of 14 learners.

Dludla, the driver of the minibus taxi involved in the collision, is facing 14 counts of culpable homicide, three counts of attempted murder, as well as charges of reckless and negligent driving and driving without proper documentation.

He was arrested after being discharged from hospital and is currently being represented by Legal Aid South Africa.

The matter has been postponed to 5 March 2026, and Dludla will remain in custody after indicating that he will not apply for bail.

21/01/2026

CONSTITUTIONAL COURT UPHOLDS LAW ON CUSTOMARY MARRIAGES AND ANTE-NUPTIAL CONTRACTS

The Constitutional Court has declined to confirm a High Court ruling that sought to invalidate section 10(2) of the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act, reaffirming the legal position on marriages that begin under customary law and later transition into civil marriages.

In a judgment delivered on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, the apex court ruled that the contested provision is constitutionally sound and does not unfairly alter spouses’ matrimonial property rights.

The court clarified that customary marriages are placed on equal footing with civil marriages under South African law. When spouses in a customary marriage later enter into a civil marriage with each other, the customary marriage is not dissolved. Instead, the civil marriage subsumes the customary marriage, creating a single, continuous marital relationship.

According to the court, this transition is declaratory rather than transformative, meaning the marriage continues, but becomes governed by civil law once the civil marriage is concluded.

Section 10(2) of the Act confirms that where a civil marriage follows a customary marriage, the marriage will be in community of property unless the parties already have a valid antenuptial contract (ANC) regulating their matrimonial property system.

The Constitutional Court rejected concerns raised by the High Court that the provision allows spouses to change their property regime without oversight. The majority judgment held that any change to a matrimonial property system must still follow the process outlined in section 21 of the Matrimonial Property Act, which requires court approval and provides safeguards for creditors and vulnerable spouses.

The ruling effectively confirms that antenuptial contracts concluded after a customary marriage, without following the proper legal process, are not automatically valid.

19/01/2026

TRAGIC SCHOLAR TRANSPORT CRASH CLAIMS 11 LEARNERS’ LIVES NEAR VANDERBIJLPARK

Eleven learners have tragically lost their lives, while at least five others sustained injuries, following a devastating scholar transport accident near Vanderbijlpark in the Vaal.

The incident occurred when a privately operated scholar transport vehicle collided with a truck while transporting pupils to school.

According to eyewitnesses at the scene, the taxi driver was allegedly attempting to overtake five vehicles at high speed. Witnesses reported seeing the oncoming truck but remain uncertain as to why the driver continued with the manoeuvre.

16/01/2026

Inquiry Launched Into Naval Drill Directive

Defence Minister Angie Motshekga has appointed a board of inquiry to investigate whether an instruction for Iran to withdraw from South Africa’s naval exercises was ignored.

The move follows reports raising concerns about the implementation of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s directive regarding how Exercise Will for Peace 2026 should be conducted.

Minister Motshekga has emphasised that the President’s instruction was clearly communicated, agreed upon, and intended to be fully implemented by all parties involved. The inquiry will determine whether the directive was properly followed and establish accountability where necessary.

16/01/2026

BREAKING NEWS | Deadly Floods Hit Limpopo

At least nine people have died in Limpopo following severe flooding caused by persistent heavy rainfall, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has confirmed.

The deaths come as rivers have overflowed and homes have been submerged, forcing evacuations in several affected areas. Emergency services continue to monitor the situation as communities battle rising water levels and damaged infrastructure.

SAWS has issued a Red Level 10 warning for Limpopo and Mpumalanga, the highest weather alert, warning of life-threatening conditions. Residents are urged to avoid flooded roads, riverbanks, and low-lying areas, and to follow guidance from local authorities.

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