Stories from South Africa

The non-profit organization Public Interest Essays has formally registered a criminal complaint against Andrea Johnson, head of the Investigating Directorate against Corruption. The complaint was lodged with the Hawks in Pretoria.

Finance Minister Edan Godungwada announced a suspension of the 93 cents per litre diesel tax from May 6 to early June 2026. The measure aims to protect the economy from steeply increasing oil prices. The relief will reduce the diesel tax level to zero during this period. The suspension is expected to last until early June 2026. South Africa will decrease the general fuel level from 96 cents per litre to zero per litre. The fuel tax will remain at 110 cents per litre. Agriculture Minister John Stan Hasen is currently in Argentina to secure foot and mouth disease vaccines and travel to Brazil for agricultural import deals. He met with the biosecurity agency in Argentina to study their foot and mouth disease control methods. South Africa signed a cooperation agreement with Argentine vaccine manufacturer Biogenesis Bego to secure the supply of foot and mouth disease vaccines.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) recovered more than 3 million rand in stolen Lotto funds intended for community development. The SIO stated that repayment and settlement agreements do not absolve the entities of their obligations. The money had been diverted into private enrichment schemes used for luxury property purchases. The recovery is part of efforts to increase enforcement and deter illegal activity. Improved infrastructure and visible enforcement are expected to intercept and deter future illegal activities, according to the report. SIU spokesperson Savi Mahoto confirmed that the funds were returned along with signed acknowledgments of debt. The organization noted that these settlements do not absolve individuals from criminal referrals. Public Interest Essays has formally registered a criminal complaint regarding the matter.

South African boxers Lerato Dlamini and Siko Kotole are preparing for major international bouts in May. Dlamini is scheduled to face Mikito Nakano in Tokyo on May 6th.

The Office of the Auditor General in Johannesburg is evaluating audit-related matters following implications of officials at the Matlanga Commission. Some allegations presented as evidence before the Commission may not have been identified during the previous auditing cycle.

South African Ministers of Finance and Mineral and Petroleum Resources confirmed the extension of a temporary reduction in the general fuel levy. The relief measures, originally introduced in April, will remain in effect until June 2. The National Treasury announced that diesel will attract no fuel levy during this period to mitigate global price spikes. This joint move aims to shield citizens from price increases. The decision follows the discovery of fake AI-generated sources within the policy's reference materials. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced the move to cushion the economy against rising oil prices. The general fuel levy for petrol will remain at 110 cents per litre. The general fuel levy for diesel will decrease from 96 cents per litre to zero per litre during this period.

Police are investigating three cases of murder following a mob justice incident in Motherwell, Eastern Cape. Investigators found the burnt bodies of three men in the street. Initial findings suggest the victims were targeted due to suspicions of vandalizing and stealing property from a local school. The investigation is currently underway, according to the report.

Commodity resource stocks declined by more than 5 percent today. The drop was driven by weaker prices for gold, platinum, and palladium. Oil prices were the only commodity in the sector that did not move to the downside.

State advocate Anna Twenne submitted that Manla Amtina is receiving a large portion of proceeds from Gubis' contracts with the city of Tzwani. The submission noted that Amtina is the nephew of Mr. Sibanyoni.

Advocate Chaskolson reported that Karim Suleiman submitted a medical certificate indicating he is confined to bed and will not appear in court tomorrow. Suleiman was reportedly in the ICU two weeks ago. Additionally, Brahma Khortzi is seeking the recusal of Advocate Chaskolson as the lead evidence leader for his testimony. Lawyers for Karim Suleiman expect to file a substantive application regarding his inability to appear in court by the end of the day tomorrow. The report follows the Madlanger Commission proceedings.