Author: Radio

Six armed suspects were fatally shot during a confrontation with the South African Police Service (SAPS) on the R61 road between Mthatha and Ngcobo on Monday, authorities confirmed.

The incident occurred during an intelligence-driven operation targeting alleged extortionists operating in the Eastern Cape. SAPS Eastern Cape reported that the shootout erupted when police engaged the suspects, who were believed to be linked to extortion activities plaguing the region. Four firearms were recovered at the scene.

The R61 road remains temporarily closed as investigators process the active crime scene. SAPS has urged the public to avoid the area and use alternative routes while investigations continue.

Further details are expected as the investigation unfolds.

The Lagos State Police Command achieved a major victory in its fight against crime by arresting Wasiu Akinwande, widely known as Olori Eso, a 44-year-old wanted assassin, in a hideout in Agbado, Ogun State.

The operation, dubbed “Operation Triple Strike,” ended a ten-year pursuit of the suspect, who is implicated in numerous murders, armed robberies, and abductions across Lagos, particularly in the Mushin area.

The raid, conducted by the Command’s Tactical Squad, resulted in the recovery of multiple firearms, nine international passports, and other incriminating items.

Commissioner of Police CP Olohundare Jimoh commended the team for their precision and bravery in capturing the high-profile criminal.

Akinwande is now in custody, facing charges for several capital offenses, with ongoing investigations to uncover his accomplices.

A desperate search is underway for 17-year-old Asenanthy Nontombi Khosy, also known as Azania, who was reportedly kidnapped in the Verulam Central Business District (CBD), KwaZulu-Natal, on June 19, 2025.

The six-month-pregnant teenager’s boyfriend, a 22-year-old Malawian national, alerted Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) at 17:32 after receiving a distress message from her.

According to the boyfriend, Asenanthy left their home in Mhlasini to use an ATM in the Verulam CBD. In a text message written in Xhosa, she claimed she approached two women at the ATM, who then forced her into a vehicle and took her to an unknown location. She sent a blank Google Maps screenshot when asked to share her location via WhatsApp and later texted, urging him not to call as her captors were nearby. Her phone was subsequently switched off.

RUSA and the South African Police Service (SAPS) have launched a joint operation to locate Asenanthy, with no arrests made yet.

A horrific discovery on the R345 road near Crossroads, outside Peddie in the Eastern Cape, has shocked the local community.

On June 17, 2025, at approximately 12:30 PM, Eastern Cape police found a severely burnt vehicle containing the charred remains of five individuals, all burnt beyond recognition.

Police spokesperson Captain Siphokazi Mawisa stated that the circumstances suggest foul play, leading to the opening of five murder dockets.

“The victims’ identities are unknown due to the extensive damage, and we are working tirelessly to uncover the events leading to this tragedy,” Mawisa said.

No arrests have been made, and the motive remains unclear.

Investigators are appealing for public assistance to identify the victims or provide information about the incident.

Orlando Pirates have quashed rumors of a R31.2 million (€1.5 million) transfer of their star winger Relebohile Mofokeng to Israeli clubs Maccabi Haifa and Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The speculation, first reported by Israeli outlet Sport5 on June 18, 2025, claimed the 20-year-old Bafana Bafana international was a target, with Maccabi Haifa allegedly leading the race.

A club insider, speaking to MDN News on June 19, 2025, dismissed the claims as “baseless,” stating, “No formal contact or offer has been received from either club, and no negotiations are underway.” Orlando Pirates expressed frustration at the unfounded reports, emphasizing their policy of handling transfer matters privately and professionally.

Mofokeng, a key player for the Soweto giants, has shone with his electrifying performances, drawing interest from fans and scouts alike. The club reaffirmed its commitment to developing the young talent, calming supporters’ fears of an imminent departure. For now, Pirates fans can rest assured that their rising star remains firmly with the team.Relebohile Mofokeng

A senior official at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) was fatally shot on Thursday evening, June 19, 2025, near the Nelson Mandela Drive Campus in Mthatha, Eastern Cape.

The incident occurred near the Nkululekweni Entrance gate adjacent to the N2 highway, where police found the victim deceased inside a stationary vehicle, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed that forensic experts and detectives are actively processing the crime scene.

“The motive remains unknown, and the identity of the deceased will be released after next-of-kin notification,” Gantana said.

No arrests have been made as the investigation continues.

The WSU community is reeling from the tragedy, with staff and students expressing shock on social media.

The university has not yet issued an official statement but is expected to address the incident soon.

The shooting follows recent unrest at the campus, including a fatal shooting in April 2025, heightening calls for improved campus security.

LOEMFONTEIN, South Africa – Residents of Mangaung’s Ward 3, particularly in Dunlop, Mill, and Hamilton Streets, are grappling with a worsening illegal dumping crisis, prompting the Democratic Alliance (DA) to launch a petition demanding urgent action from the ANC-led Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality.

The petition, led by DA Councillor Dalena Dennis, was announced on June 19, 2025, amid growing concerns over health risks, economic harm to local businesses, and a decline in quality of life.

Piles of refuse have accumulated in Ward 3, attracting pests and posing serious health hazards, while deterring customers from local shops and lowering property values.

Despite repeated attempts to engage municipal leadership, including Ward 3 Councillor Jonas, the DA reports no response or action from the municipality.

“The ANC’s neglect is unacceptable,” Dennis stated, vowing to enforce bylaws and improve waste management.

The DA is calling for regular waste collection, stricter enforcement against illegal dumping, and community education initiatives.

The petition has gained traction online, with residents urging the municipality to act swiftly to restore Mangaung’s reputation as the “City of Roses.”

MIDRAND, South Africa – Former uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu held a highly anticipated press conference on June 19, 2025, at the Mhulu Luxury Boutique Hotel in Midrand, Gauteng, to discuss his political future and South Africa’s political landscape.

The briefing, restricted to accredited media, followed his controversial removal from the MK Party leadership on June 3, 2025, amid speculation about his next move.

Shivambu, who resigned from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in August 2024 to join the MK Party, announced plans to consult traditional leaders, religious figures, and prominent South Africans to explore forming a new political movement, tentatively named “Mayibuye iAfrica.”

He dismissed claims of receiving funding from Malawian pastor Shepherd Bushiri and refuted allegations of using witchcraft to undermine MK Party leader Jacob Zuma, calling them “fake intelligence reports.”

Shivambu emphasized transparency, quoting Amilcar Cabral: “Hide nothing from the masses of our people. Tell no lies.”

He confirmed his continued membership in the MK Party, challenging the party to expel him formally, though the MK Party distanced itself from the briefing, stating it was unauthorized.

Social media buzzed with mixed reactions, with some praising Shivambu’s candor and others, including Kaya 959’s Sizwe Dhlomo, criticizing his “clumsy” media invite for including the MK logo.

The conference has fueled speculation about a potential split within the MK Party and a new chapter in Shivambu’s turbulent political career.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has issued a public warning to a foreign national, Khosi Thomson, for allegedly impersonating a police officer on Facebook.

The alert was announced on June 18, 2025, following reports of Thomson posting photos in attire resembling SAPS uniforms, falsely claiming affiliation with the Johannesburg Central Police Station.

SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that Thomson is a civilian, not a police officer, and the clothing in her photos is not official SAPS-issued gear.

“The SAPS social media team has reached out to Khosi Thomson, warning her to stop this illegal activity,” Mathe stated.

Thomson reportedly locked her Facebook profile shortly after.

The SAPS Crime Intelligence unit is actively investigating and seeking Thomson’s whereabouts.

Impersonating a police officer or using SAPS insignia without authorization violates the South African Police Service Act of 1995, carrying penalties of fines or imprisonment.

SAPS urged the public to report any suspicious activity to their nearest police station.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga as Acting President of South Africa from June 17 to 19, 2025, while he attends the G7 Leadership Summit in Canada and Deputy President Paul Mashatile visits France.

The Presidency confirmed the appointment on June 18, 2025, under Section 90(1)(b) of the Constitution.

Motshekga, a veteran politician from Soweto, has previously served as Acting President in 2019, 2021, and August 2024. Despite her temporary role, she continued her defence duties, including welcoming South African soldiers returning from a SADC mission in the DRC at Air Force Base Waterkloof. Her appointment marks a historic moment for women in South African politics, reflecting her growing stature in the government.

The public has expressed mixed sentiments on social media, with some praising Motshekga’s experience and others questioning the frequent need for acting presidents. Ramaphosa is expected to resume duties on June 20, 2025.