Mzansi Update

South African Affairs | Politics | Sports | Trends | and Global Happenings from Around The World

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Midnight Rescue Saves Abandoned Newborn in Johannesburg

A newborn baby girl is safe after being discovered abandoned in a plastic bag in an open field in Doornfontein, Johannesburg, late on Monday night.

JMPD officers responded after residents reported hearing an infant crying and quickly located the baby.

Paramedics examined the child and confirmed she was in good health before she was transferred to a place of safety.

Police have opened a child abandonment case and are appealing to anyone with information about the incident or the child's mother to assist with the investigation.

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Residents Overpower Alleged Robbery Suspects in Daveyton After Gun Reportedly Fails

Two men accused of carrying out a string of armed robberies were left hospitalised after they were allegedly assaulted by residents in Daveyton on Tuesday, 15 July 2026.

Reports indicate the suspects were confronted by community members after their firearm reportedly malfunctioned, allowing residents to overpower them.

Police responded to the scene, while both injured suspects were taken to hospital.

Authorities are expected to investigate the incident.

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Passport Dispute Ends in Street Assault After Tensions Flare

A man believed to be associated with the March and March movement was allegedly assaulted after confronting several foreign nationals and demanding to inspect their passports.

According to reports, members of the public challenged the man, questioning his authority to request immigration documents and asking whether he was a law enforcement official.

The confrontation quickly escalated, resulting in a physical attack involving several people.

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SANDF Foils Suspected Vehicle Smuggling Bid, Recovers Stolen R900,000 SUV in Limpopo

A suspected vehicle smuggling operation was disrupted in Limpopo after South African National Defence Force members recovered a stolen Ford Everest valued at about R900,000 during a nighttime operation.

The suspects abandoned the SUV and escaped on foot when they encountered security forces.

Police later confirmed the vehicle had been reported stolen before it was handed over to SAPS for investigation.

Military officials praised the troops for the successful recovery as efforts continue to combat cross-border vehicle smuggling in the province.

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R2 Million 'Inheritance' Scam Sparks Hawks Hunt for Three Suspects

The Hawks are appealing to the public for help in tracing three men wanted in connection with an alleged R2 million fraud case in Klerksdorp.

Police say a 52-year-old woman was reportedly persuaded to hand over her pension money after being promised access to a supposed R14 million inheritance.

The suspects allegedly claimed the funds had to be "cleansed" before they could be released.

After the victim transferred about R2 million into company bank accounts, the men allegedly vanished.

The Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit is urging anyone with information on the suspects' whereabouts to contact the Hawks or the nearest police station.

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Border Bust Ends in Bribery Charge After R250 Offer Rejected

A Zimbabwean national has been arrested near the Beitbridge Border Post after National Traffic Police officers allegedly found illegal substances and 48 bottles of Benylin cough syrup during a stop on the N1 in Musina.

Police say the suspect allegedly resisted arrest before offering officers R250 as a "cold drink" in an attempt to avoid being detained. The officers refused the money and added a bribery charge.

The suspect is being held at Musina Police Station and is expected to face charges including possession of illegal substances, unlawful possession of scheduled medicine, resisting arrest and corruption.

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Afrika Mayibuye Floyd Shivambu says that the first undocumented and illegal immigrants who came to South Africa was in 1652 in the Cape, the Dutch East India Company and those who joined the DEIC in 1806.

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Fire at the S14 substation on Atlas Road in Ekurhuleni.

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King Misuzulu expressed his gratitude to President of Zimbabwe Dr Mnangagwa for the warm hospitality extended to him during his visit.

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e-hailing robbery.

Graphic ⚠️

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A suspected cigarette smuggler has been arrested after police intercepted a truck transporting illicit tobacco products valued at about R1 million near Acornhoek in Mpumalanga.

The vehicle, which had travelled from Musina, was stopped during an intelligence-driven operation involving SAPS and private security partners. A search of the truck uncovered 90 cases of illegal cigarettes, while the truck itself, worth an estimated R220,000, was also confiscated.

The suspect remains in custody as investigators work to identify others believed to be involved in the smuggling network.

Police say the operation dealt a significant blow to the illegal tobacco trade operating across provincial borders.

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Police Foil Alleged Explosives Sale, Arrest Two Suspects in Free State

An intelligence-driven police operation has led to the arrest of two men, aged 37 and 47, after officers allegedly uncovered 11 cone-pack explosives at a home in Meloding, Lejweleputswa District.

Police say the suspects were allegedly planning to sell the explosives before Crime Intelligence and the Anti-Gang Unit acted on the information. The Explosives Unit secured and removed the devices, which were seized as evidence.

The pair face charges of unlawfully possessing explosives and are expected to appear in the Virginia Magistrate's Court.

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Matlala Faces Tough Questions as High-Profile Commission Hearing Begins

Businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala is expected to appear before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry today after weeks of postponements. His testimony is anticipated to be a key moment in the commission's investigation into allegations of corruption, tender irregularities, organised crime and interference within South Africa's law enforcement agencies.

Matlala has been linked to an alleged criminal network known as the "Big Five" cartel. He is currently facing charges including fraud, corruption and money laundering, along with a separate attempted murder case, all of which he has denied.

The commission is expected to examine his alleged role in the matters under investigation as public attention remains focused on the proceedings.

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Border Clampdown Nets Stolen Bakkie, Undocumented Migrants and Contraband Cigarettes

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) arrested a man after intercepting a stolen Toyota Hilux carrying 11 undocumented foreign nationals near Groblersbridge in Limpopo.

The vehicle, reported stolen in Ivory Park, Gauteng, was recovered during a border patrol.

Authorities also discovered the suspect was allegedly using fraudulent vehicle documents. He now faces charges linked

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Limpopo businessman and anti-drug activist Tsebe Phillimon "Mr Moloto" has been released on R50,000 bail after appearing in court on charges of malicious damage to property.

Prosecutors allege he set fire to his ex-partner's vehicle and rehabilitation centre signboard, causing about R800,000 in damage.

The case returns to court on 22 September.

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"Show them the spirit of Africa" Phakela Mthakathi

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Parliament Finds No Proof of Corruption Against Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu

Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee has concluded that it found no evidence linking suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to corruption, criminal cartels or any unlawful conduct related to the allegations under review.

However, the committee raised concerns about governance and accountability over Mchunu's decision to dissolve the Political Killings Task Team in December 2024.

Members are continuing to assess whether the process followed legal and constitutional requirements, including whether key authorities were properly consulted before the decision was made.

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Major Illegal Mining Crackdown Sees 105 Suspects Arrested in Pilgrim's Rest

A large-scale police operation in Pilgrim's Rest, Mpumalanga, has led to the arrest of 105 suspected illegal miners, including 95 foreign nationals. Authorities say most of the foreign suspects are believed to be undocumented.

During the week-long crackdown, officers confiscated gold-bearing material, gold-processing equipment, mining tools and R16,300 in suspected illicit proceeds. Police also destroyed machinery allegedly used in illegal mining to prevent operations from resuming.

Provincial police management praised the operation, vowing to continue targeting illegal mining syndicates across Mpumalanga. All 105 suspects are expected to appear in court on charges linked to illegal mining.

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DA Pushes for Parliamentary Probe Into R31 Million World Cup Spending

The Democratic Alliance is calling on Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie to appear before Parliament to explain nearly R31 million spent on the government's FIFA World Cup 2026 programme.

According to the department, the funds covered travel, hospitality, match tickets, fan engagement activities and cultural events linked to the tournament. Around R7.9 million was reportedly spent on travel for an 18-member official delegation, while 20 artists and cultural representatives were also funded.

The DA argues that Parliament has not received a detailed breakdown of the expenditure and is demanding an itemised account, including the names of everyone who benefited. The department says a full financial report will be released once all outstanding invoices and expenses have been finalised.

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Viral Gunpoint Robbery Suspect Finally Behind Bars After Weeks on the Run

A man accused of robbing a female e-hailing driver at gunpoint in Nellmapius, Pretoria, has been arrested more than a month after the shocking incident was captured on dashcam footage and widely shared online.

The robbery took place on 27 May 2026, when the suspect allegedly threatened the driver with a firearm before stealing her cellphone, cash and transferring money from her bank account. The victim escaped without physical injuries but was left deeply shaken.

The suspect was traced with assistance from Tshenolo Private Investigators and is now being held at Silverton SAPS. The arrest follows widespread public calls for swift action after the viral video sparked concern over the safety of e-hailing drivers.