Stories from Johannesburg · South Africa

Absa has hired the former CEO of Deutsche Bank South Africa to lead its investment banking division.

The Office of the Auditor General has established a dispute resolution mechanism to reach consensus with various metropolitan municipalities regarding audit outcomes. Acting head of audit outcomes, Tamsa Ngozi Gordy, is briefing the standing committee on public accounts on this process. The mechanism aims to facilitate amicable resolutions with municipalities such as those in Gauteng and Mangaung.

Over 52,000 unregistered SIM cards have been linked to the graylisting of South Africa. These cards reportedly facilitated the theft of millions of rand from the country's microeconomic sector. The report suggests this issue contributed to the nation's graylisted status. This activity was cited in a report as a factor leading to South Africa's graylisting.

A regional court set bail at 30,000 rand for each defendant in a corruption case. Defendants must surrender their passports to the state before being released. They are prohibited from applying for travel documents until the matter is disposed of. The court scheduled the next appearance for May. The state may apply to bring defendants to court for inquiry if bail conditions are contravened, which could result in the forfeiture of bail and continued custody.

Police Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi and City Manager Kakeshwala Rutla are facing charges of corruption, fraud, and defeating the ends of justice. Magistrate Emmanuel MacCampa set bail at 30,000 rand each for the two individuals. The regional court case has been postponed until May.

Julius Mukwanazi and Kachiso Lerutla have been granted bail following a court application. The bail conditions require both individuals to surrender their passports to the state. Additionally, they are prohibited from directly or indirectly contacting witnesses, specifically Tabang Tsutetsi. Imbala Metropolis Deputy Chief Jhulasim Kwanazi and City Manager Gahiswale Roodla have been granted bail. Both individuals are facing charges of corruption, fraud, and defeating the ends of justice. A court in Johannesburg has granted a third bail application for musician Lefano Le Shebe Marbena Chauke. Chauke faces multiple charges including attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm. The state is opposing bail, while Chauke seeks release to receive medical attention for a leg fracture sustained in a car crash two years ago. The court has adjourned until Thursday for a final ruling.

Police are investigating a series of shootings in a Johannesburg community where multiple people were killed. Multiple killings have taken place in a Johannesburg community, according to a report from SABC News. A reporter from SABC News, Pemani Baloi, provided details on the situation. The violence is being described as potentially related to turf wars. A local ward councillor has written a letter to the Premier's office requesting an intervention to end the killings. Councillor Slachoio has written a letter to the Premier requesting an intervention to address ongoing violence in Johannesburg. Slachoio described the recent killings as frequent and characterized the current situation as a difficult week. Ward 59 councillor Dempia Sohlachwio has requested an intervention from the Premier regarding ongoing killings in Johannesburg.

A municipal executive reported that rainfall over the past six months has damaged local infrastructure. The municipality has applied for a 20 million rand disaster relief fund to repair roads. The provincial government has also acknowledged the road status, with the Premier committing 40 million rand to address the issue. The executive noted that the municipality is following an Integrated Development Plan (IDP) regarding the redirection of funds.

The inaugural Sembineh Classic, a World Athletics Continental Tour Silver meeting, will take place in South Africa. The event features a 100-meter race including Canadian sprinter Andre de Grasse. Local officials state the meeting provides South African athletes an opportunity to earn world ranking points and Olympic qualification funds domestically. The broadcast will be available on the SWC Sports Channel.

An eyewitness reported that three people were killed in a shooting at a fast food outlet in Johannesburg's city center. While several related shootings have been reported, police have not yet confirmed these specific claims. Two gunmen reportedly appeared suddenly and opened fire on the victims. The source noted that nothing was stolen from the deceased, suggesting the motive may differ from typical criminality. A local ward counselor stated the men had been operating businesses in the vicinity. Police are currently conducting post-mortems on the bodies, which are held at a mortuary. The specific nature of the men's business remains unclear. A ward counselor reported that three men of Ethiopian origin were killed in the vicinity of Small Street in Johannesburg. Their bodies are currently at a mortuary undergoing post-mortem examinations.