President Cyril Ramaphosa mourns the passing of rising football star Jayden Adams
President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his deepest condolences following the untimely death of Jayden Adams, the talented Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder who featured prominently in South Africa's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. Adams passed away at the age of 25.
The South African government confirmed the news on Saturday, with Ramaphosa expressing profound shock and sorrow over the loss of a promising young star.
In a statement, the President highlighted the contributions of the athlete, noting the joy and victories he brought to the nation. "South Africa is grateful for the joy and victories Jayden has given," the statement conveyed, praising his dedication and talent.
Adams, a key figure for Mamelodi Sundowns, started in South Africa's group stage matches against Mexico and Czechia at the World Cup and came off the bench in the decisive win over South Korea that propelled Bafana Bafana to the round of 32. His recent international performances had elevated national pride in the team's historic campaign.
No official cause of death has been confirmed. Reports indicate Adams' body was found at a premises in Cape Town's Schotsche Kloof suburb, prompting a police inquest.
Tributes have poured in from across the sporting community. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie described learning of Adams' passing as a moment of "profound shock and a heavy heart," while the South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) expressed devastation over the loss of a player who "carried the hopes of the nation with pride, courage, and distinction."
Adams' club, Mamelodi Sundowns, and national teammates are mourning the midfielder, who had only weeks earlier helped advance South Africa in the global tournament.
The nation joins President Ramaphosa in mourning this significant loss to South African football. Further details on memorial arrangements are expected in the coming days.
Happening Now 🚨
Suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi, former Ekurhuleni city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi, suspended head of legal services Advocate Kemi Behari, and suspended head of human resources Linda Gxasheka appear in the Germiston Magistrate's Court today on corruption charges.
Mkhwanazi Says Police Leadership Is in "War" Amid IDAC Summons Dispute
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has described growing tensions within South Africa's law enforcement structures as a "war" following a controversial summons issued by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).
Speaking to eNCA after arriving at Brooklyn Police Station in Pretoria today, Thursday, Mkhwanazi commented on reports that he, Crime Intelligence head Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo, and Major-General Nozipho Madondo had been instructed to report to the station by 3pm with overnight bags, sparking speculation that arrests were imminent.
The summons reportedly formed part of an investigation linked to fraud and corruption allegations, with claims circulating that arrests could take place within 48 hours. However, IDAC has since denied that any arrests were planned, describing such reports as false and the result of a misunderstanding.
Mkhwanazi and his legal team have questioned the sudden reversal, arguing that recorded instructions indicated a different course of action.
The incident has intensified scrutiny of divisions within South Africa's policing leadership, with Mkhwanazi characterising the unfolding developments as evidence of a broader internal conflict.
🚨 JUSTICE FOR MASEGO MOGOROSI🚨
Masego Mogorosi a 4th year education student from UFS was assaulted by a learner and from Lekhulong Secondary School, Rocklands, where she is completing her teaching practicals.
She was attacked with a fellow colleague while on lunch.
UFS Student Teacher Allegedly Attacked During Teaching Practical in Bloemfontein
A University of the Free State (UFS) third-year Bachelor of Education student says she was attacked near Lekhulong Secondary School in Bloemfontein while attending her teaching practical placement.
Witness I tells the #MadlangaCommission that senior officers includong Major-General Feroz Khan took control of the Aeroton drug bust, discouraged questions about the operation, and that the quantity of drugs later submitted for forensic analysis appeared to be less than what was originally seized, raising concerns about possible misconduct.
Happening Now 🚨
Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla are back in court today as their fraud, corruption and defeating-the-ends-of-justice case resumes.
The matter, which was previously postponed for further investigation, stems from allegations that the pair were involved in a scheme in which another person was allegedly paid to impersonate Lerutla in court following a 2019 speeding arrest.
The case was transferred to the Regional Court and postponed to 9 June 2026, with both accused remaining out on bail of R30,000 each while legal proceedings continue.
Breaking news
SAPS Confirms Suspension of Five More Senior Officers Over Medicare 24 Tender Scandal
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed the suspension of five additional senior officers in relation to matters arising from the Medicare 24 tender.
Among those suspended are Lieutenant General (Dr) Molefe Fani, who has been suspended on two matters, as well as Lineo Nkhuoa, Nonkululeko Edith Mavundla and Major General Thokozani N Mathonsi.
According to the SAPS, internal departmental processes are currently underway. In the interest of preserving the integrity of these processes, the police service said it would not provide further comment at this stage.
Breaking news
Malema's R1 Million Defamation Suit Against Kunene Struck Off Roll Over Filing Error
The Gauteng High Court has struck off the roll EFF leader Julius Malema's R1 million defamation lawsuit against Patriotic Alliance deputy president Kenny Kunene.
Judge Leonard Twala removed the matter after a document filed on time via the CaseLines platform was delayed due to an administrative error. Malema had sued Kunene over public comments alleging the EFF leader's involvement in a cartel, including claims made during a February 2026 appearance on the Podcast and Chill with MacG.
The ruling represents a procedural setback rather than a decision on the merits of the case. Kunene's legal team was awarded costs on scale B. Malema's team can still re-enrol the matter once the issues are resolved.
The case forms part of a long-running public feud between the two politicians. Kunene has previously vowed not to apologise and indicated he would defend the claims in court.
Madlanga Commission Reveals Khan Allegedly Encouraged Threats Against Journalist Yusuf Abramjee
WhatsApp messages released as evidence at the #MadlangaCommission have revealed that suspended SAPS Major General Feroz Khan allegedly encouraged threats against journalist and anti-corruption activist Yusuf Abramjee.
In a July 2021 exchange with Carnilinx executive Mohammad Sayed, shortly after Abramjee, publicly called for an urgent investigation into the multibillion-rand illicit cigarette trade, Sayed wrote that "Abramjee gonna get fucked up bru." Khan replied within seconds: "F#ck him up bro" and added "He must stay in his lane."
The messages form part of material extracted from Khan's seized devices and surface as the suspended general prepares to testify before the Commission on 1 July amid ongoing probes into alleged corruption and interference within the justice system.
WhatsApp messages between General Feroz Khan & Julius Malema have been revealed.
Malema has been pushing for the firing of certain high-ranking police officials. Malema used his political influence to interfere in the work of criminal intelligence💔
Malema is indeed a criminal❗️
#MadlangaCommission releases Annexure C, a list of 17 names linked to the summons of Major General Feroz Khan (SAPS Crime Intelligence deputy head).
Names include Julius Malema, Mathipandile Sotheni, Adriano Mazotti and others.
Khan is due to testify from 1 July 2026.
President Cyril Ramaphosa says concerns about illegal immigration are valid, but argues that unemployment and poverty are driven by broader economic challenges that require growth and job creation.
#FamilyMeeting
Jacinta Ngobese Unimpressed by Ramaphosa's Immigration Strategy
Activist Jacinta MaNgobese-Zuma, co-founder of the March and March movement, has sharply criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa's Sunday address on illegal immigration, accusing his advisers of doing him "a very huge disservice".
Speaking after the President's national address from the Union Buildings, Jacinta said the government's proposed measures fail to address the scale of the crisis. "The President needs to go back to the drawing board and understand how most of the things he is suggesting won't even work," she said.
She urged Ramaphosa to personally visit Home Affairs offices, Border Management Authority (BMA) facilities, border gates, and refugee centres to gain first-hand insight before offering solutions.
In his speech, Ramaphosa reiterated the government's commitment to identifying and deporting undocumented foreign nationals, while blaming some private companies for inflating the influx by violating labour laws. He announced plans to establish dedicated immigration courts and recruit an additional 10,000 labour inspectors nationwide to strengthen enforcement.
The address comes ahead of a self-imposed 30 June 2026 deadline set by groups like March and March for undocumented foreigners to leave the country. Some immigrants from Mozambique, Malawi, and Ghana have already vacated amid rising tensions.
Jacinta and her movement have been at the forefront of protests demanding stricter border controls and mass deportations, citing high unemployment, pressure on public services, and crime concerns linked to illegal immigration. The government has warned against vigilante action and emphasised adherence to the Constitution and rule of law.
The developments highlight deepening divisions over migration management in South Africa as the deadline approaches.
SAPS RESCUES TWO KIDNAPPING VICTIMS, ARRESTS THREE SUSPECTS AND RECOVERS HIJACKED VEHICLE IN KABOKWENI
A multidisciplinary operation by the Provincial Anti-Hijacking Task Team and a private local security company led to the successful rescue of two kidnapping victims, the arrest of three suspects, and the recovery of a hijacked vehicle in Kabokweni in Mpumalanga on Thursday.
According to police reports, members acted on intelligence regarding a carjacking and kidnapping incident in the Kabokweni area and traced the suspects to a house in Manyeveni.
Upon searching the premises, three suspects aged between 28 and 35 were arrested, while two victims were found and safely rescued.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly kidnapped the two victims and forced the male victim to transfer approximately R86,000 from his bank account.
The suspects had allegedly intended to extort a larger amount of money.
Police also recovered the victims’ white Ford Ranger bakkie at aTavern in Malekutu.
Two prohibited firearms with ammunition and several cellular phones were seized during the operation.
The suspects face charges including carjacking, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of prohibited firearms, and unlawful possession of ammunition. They remain in custody and are expected to appear in court soon.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised the members for their swift response and commitment to combating serious and violent crime.
The High Court has issued an immediate warrant of arrest for the detention of Ngizwe Mchunu for contempt of court. The warrant takes effect immediately. Upon arrest, he is to be detained for 10 days in accordance with the court order.