Latest news with #Pretoria-based
The Citizen
an hour ago
- The Citizen
Aserie Ndlovu murder case postponed as fifth suspect joins
The murder case was postponed after the newly-arrested fifth suspect opted to appoint a private lawyer. Pretoria-based journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Mdluli were reported missing since February 2025. Picture: Facebook/Sbusiso Aserie Ndlovu The case of the five men charged in connection with the disappearance and murder of journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdluli, has been postponed to 4 July. The case was postponed to allow the fifth suspect, Thabang Isaac Hlophe, to secure legal representation after joining the other four. Father Samuel Mogowe, Lucky Sikhosana, David Madisha, and Sello Skhalo Uoane previously abandoned their bail applications. Court appearance for formal joinder The five accused, who appeared in the KwaMhlanga Magistrate's Court in Mpumalanga on Friday, are facing two counts of kidnapping and murder each. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said Friday's court appearance was for the formal joinder of Hlophe to the matter and a possible bail application on his behalf. 'However, the application did not proceed as Hlophe opted to appoint a private attorney to represent him,' Nyuswa said. All suspects have been remanded in custody. 'The [NPA] condemns acts of violent crime and remains resolute in pursuing justice for victims,' Nyuswa said. ALSO READ: Kidnapping victim saved after screaming from moving car on N1 Ndlovu and Mdluli reported missing Ndlovu and Mdluli were last seen on 18 February and were reported missing shortly after their disappearance. The accused were arrested on different occasions during a police intelligence-driven operation. The first suspect arrested was the last to be in the company of the missing couple. 'The second, third and fourth suspects that have been arrested were found with different vehicle parts believed to be those of the missing journalist,' police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said shortly after the arrests. 'One of those arrested is said to be a mechanic who builds and fixes cars in the KwaMhlanga area. Two VW Citi Golfs that were found in possession of the suspects have been seized,' Mathe added. Remains and DNA confirmation Skeletal remains with gunshot wounds, believed to be of the missing couple, were discovered in Rust de Winter along the Limpopo-Gauteng border in May after the suspects identified the location. Earlier this month, police confirmed that DNA analysis positively linked the remains to Ndlovu and Mdluli. 'The human remains were analysed and matched with the reference sample of the biological relatives of the deceased. A positive DNA match thus confirms that the discovered remains are those of the missing couple,' Mathe said at the time. NOW READ: 'Gruesome discovery': Missing teen girl found dead inside shack as stepfather linked to murder
The Citizen
16 hours ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Summit hears Pretoria company's small nuclear reactor offers independence
As South African cities confront load-shedding and economic stagnation, the search for energy independence has never been more urgent. For the Tshwane metro and other municipalities, a new option has emerged in the form of a locally developed small modular reactor, designed by Pretoria engineers, that promises to change how cities generate and control their electricity. This option was recently discussed and caught a lot of attention at the Energy Summit 2025 held at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The summit aimed to build a smarter energy system focused on powering a sustainable and inclusive future. It drew all stakeholders grappling with growing energy demands and pressure to transition towards clean, reliable energy sources, where Tshwane's energy future was the main theme. Developed by Pretoria-based company Stratek Global, the reactor offers a combination of safety, cost-efficiency, and energy security, making it an ideal fit for municipal deployment. Rekord spoke to a nuclear physicist and Stratek chairperson from Pretoria east, Dr Kelvin Kemm. He is confident that it can help municipalities. 'The reactor is designed specifically to be deployable at the municipal level. With this system, a municipality like Tshwane can own and operate its own nuclear power facility, independent of Eskom and free of geographic limitations.' He told Rekord that it is ideal for the metro, as unlike large-scale nuclear power plants, which require vast infrastructure and access to significant water sources, the reactor is self-contained and highly adaptable. He explained that gravity, natural cooling paths, and other physics functions have been used in design such that safety devices will fall into place naturally, under gravity, as cooling paths exist without active pumps running. When it comes to whether the metro would be able to use such a reactor if interested parties decide to commission the construction, he said, once the teams start building, it will take about five years to build the first reactor. 'This first one will take a year to 18 months for all the legal compliance, testing, and certification. From the second one onwards, construction will go faster.' He explained that the costs for such a reactor should be measured by how much the electricity will cost the customer. 'The electricity from the reactor will cost about the same as coal-fired electricity now. It is completely untrue that nuclear electricity will cost a huge amount,' stressed Kemm. He said there are huge economic benefits for the metro. During construction, hundreds of people will be employed in good-quality jobs, like any industrial construction. Construction materials will also be purchased from local suppliers. Tasks like forming metal parts, cutting, machining and high-integrity welding, and so on, all need to be performed and sourced. 'When the reactor is running, it will employ a couple of hundred people on a full-time basis. These range from engineers to skilled technicians to react to operators to draft craftsmen, such as plumbers and electricians. Many private companies will be involved, supplying goods and services on a regular basis.' According to Kemm, a representative from their Pretoria branch has twice travelled to a country in the Middle East to explain their proposal and architectural designs were carried out for that country, by Pretoria east architects JKDA. To him, it is a positive factor that South Africa has one of the oldest and most experienced nuclear regulators in the world. He said Stratek Global has an impressive building in Centurion, and there is a staff of some 150 people. 'They check and certify all issues concerning the design and construction of any nuclear system, to ensure the safety and protection of people and the environment.' He added that the principle of private or municipal ownership of electricity has already been established by the government for wind and solar systems. 'There is no reason why nuclear will be different. So, the metro, or groups of companies in Rosslyn, could install their own nuclear power. One reactor complex will fit easily on a piece of land the size of a football field. Such ownership is perfectly feasible. In fact, it is possible to have your own private grid,' he concluded. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Tribute held for journalist Sibusiso Ndlovu and partner Zodwa Mdluli
The memorial service of Journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Precious Mdhluli. Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers A moving tribute was held at the GCIS offices in Pretoria on Wednesday, hosted by the National Press Club, where colleagues, friends, and family gathered to honour the memory of the Pretoria-based journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdluli. Their bodies were found dumped in a bush at the border of Limpopo and Mpumalanga last month after they went missing on February 18, 2025. Legendary musician Vusi Mahlasela, speaking on behalf of the family, said the tragic loss of Ndlovu and Mdluli is hard to accept, but brings a sense of closure. He described Ndlovu as being like a son to him, known for his energetic personality, and revealed they had even co-written songs together. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ He shared that he had helped Ndlovu launch his online radio station known as Capital Live FM, with some of the first broadcasts taking place in his own recording studio. 'Sibusiso was part of me, part of my family. At home Sibusisio would be somebody who would manage some of the other things that I would ask him to do…I will miss his hand. I will miss his advice. I will miss his love,' he said. Mdluli's son, Treasure Mdluli, fondly recalled the good times with his late mother, describing her as an exceptionally kind person. 'I do not recall a day where she raised her voice at me, no matter how many mistakes I made,' he said. Ndlovu's colleague, Mpho Hadzi from Capital Live, said after working with him for 10 years, the tribute allows people to honour and celebrate his life and legacy. He shared a fond memory of how Ndlovu never let passengers play their own music in his car, but there was one exception when he made an allowance on a trip to Polokwane. The SAPS recounted the efforts that followed after Ndlovu and Mdluli were reported missing, saying the SAPS worked tirelessly day and night, walking the journey with the families from start to finish. A missing person's case was initially opened in Mamelodi, and the investigation led to KwaMhlanga, specifically Mahlabathini, their place of residence, where a break-in at a house was discovered. A case of housebreaking and theft was opened at KwaMahlanga SAPS, but two days later, a missing person report was filed for Zodwa Mdluli. Further investigation reclassified the case to house robbery, kidnapping, and recovery of stolen goods. A four-day search by the task team culminated in the discovery of two bodies in a dense, bushy area on the Limpopo-Mpumalanga border. DNA samples from relatives subsequently confirmed the remains were those of the missing couple. The case is still pending at the KwaMhlanga Magistrate's Court, with the next hearing scheduled for June 20, 2025. The arrested suspects remain in police custody, with none having been granted bail.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Public Protector uncovers serious procurement irregularities in Lesseyton Sports Facility
Public Protector finds procurement irregularities in the construction of Lesseyton Sports Facility in Enoch Mgijima Municipality. Image: Supplied Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka has found that there was mismanagement in the construction of the R22.7 million Lesseyton Sports Facility in the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality. The investigation was launched after complaints were laid with the Public Protector's office in Bisho, Eastern Cape, to probe the alleged procurement irregularities relating to the construction of the sports field. The venue, also known as Ndlovukazi Sports Stadium, was unveiled in October 2021. The stadium sparked outrage, with many questioning its exorbitant price tag. Pictures posted on social media showed a dry, bumpy field, small metal stands, soccer, and rugby uprights. It also has no working ablution facilities or electricity. This sparked investigations from the Public Protector and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), which also found that the awarding of the tender was irregular. The Cogta investigation also found that the people involved were able to change the scopes of work without following due process. The contract was awarded to a Pretoria-based company, Thalami Civils Pty Ltd. Presenting the report in the Bisho office, Gcaleka said allegations that there were procurement irregularities in the awarding of the tender to Thalami have been substantiated. She said the awarding of the tender exceeded R18.7m budget, which was approved by Cogta during the 2017/18 financial year, adding that this exceeded the budget by over R4.7m. 'And there is no evidence that the municipality approached the municipal council for additional funding as required by Section 19(1) of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA),' she said. Enoch Mgijima's spokesperson, Lonwabo Kowa, did not respond at the time of publication. Gcaleka added that the tender advertisement had two different closing dates and was not placed in three different public platforms as required by regulation 22(1)(a) of the Municipal Supply Chain Management Policy. She added that the tender advertisement period was shortened from 30 days to 14 days. 'The reason provided was that the construction of the Lesseyton Sports facility was an emergency. The municipality's definition of emergency in this regard is found not to be in line with the definition in terms of Regulation 22 (2) of the Municipal Supply Chain Management Policy,' Gcaleka said. She said the evidence suggested that two bid evaluation processes took place. According to her, the first process resulted in a different service provider being the preferred bidder, and the second process utilised a different formula provided by the Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC), and this resulted in the appointment of Thalami Civils, which was the fourth highest bidder to win the tender. 'The reasons advanced by the municipality for awarding the tender to the bidder were that the bidder had recently received the tender for a similar magnitude. The reason provided by the BEC did not amount to a quote objective criterion and was not supported by any legal original authority,' she said, adding that this reason was not part of the evaluation criteria in terms of the specification determined by the BEC. 'Thalami was, therefore, appointed in contravention of Section 2(1)(e) and (f) of the PPPFA, which provides that contracts must be awarded to the tenderer who scores the highest points unless objective criteria justifying the award to another tenderer,' said Gcaleka, adding that the allegation that there were irregularities in the management of the contract and a lack of proper oversight on the sports field construction was also substantiated. The office also found that after the construction was suspended, Thalami, which was paid R15m, was reappointed and proceeded without a valid contract. Gcaleka recommended that Cogta should take action officials involved. The article will be updated when Enoch Mgijima Municipality comments. [email protected]
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Seven accused in fraudulent passport case remanded in custody
The suspects face charges of corruption, fraud, and contraventions of the Identification Act and Immigration Act. The seven suspects arrested in connection with the issuing of fraudulent passports have been remanded in custody after appearing in court on Tuesday. Philani Mmeli Zaca, 41, Fumani 'Guru' Hlayisi,35, Zime Anita Shange, 38, Bongiwe Kubheka, 48, Thandiwe Pretty Khwela, 43, Lungisani Siyanda Mzobe, 32, and Lindokuhle Bongumusa Mpanza, 31, briefly appeared in the Specialised Commercial Crimes court sitting in the Durban Magistrate's Court following their arrests by the Pretoria-based Serious Corruption Investigation component of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks). Five of the suspects were arrested on 14 June in an ongoing operation, one was arrested on Monday, while another handed himself over on Tuesday morning. They face charges of corruption, fraud, and contraventions of the Identification Act and Immigration Act. Their case was postponed to Friday for legal aid and a formal bail application. Complaint from the Department of Home Affairs Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said the operation emanated from a complaint from the Department of Home Affairs, relating to the issuance of fraudulent passports to undocumented foreign nationals between February 2020 and July 2023. The group allegedly facilitated the fraudulent acquisition of South African passports by foreign nationals at the department's offices in Durban, specifically the Commercial Street branch. ALSO READ: EFF calls for treason charges against corrupt Home Affairs officials 'These unlawful activities took place outside of regular business hours, including evenings, weekends and public holidays, when the Department of Home Affairs offices were officially closed,' Mogale said. 'Preliminary investigations by the [department] confirmed that the criminal activities were indeed conducted on off hours, where the local citizens offered R300 to R1 000 in exchange for their cooperation – especially at offices in Isipingo, Durban Central and Eshowe – resulting in a case being opened for investigation by Serious Corruption Investigation,' Mogale added. Arrests since 2022 To date, a total of 38 suspects have been arrested in connection with this matter since September 2022. Seven of them are Home Affairs officials, while 31 are private citizens. '24 individuals, of whom four are [Home Affairs] officials, have been convicted and sentenced to a combined 310 years' imprisonment,' Mogale said. She added that the Hawks are not ruling out the possibility of more suspects being arrested. More than 800 cases In May, Home Affairs Deputy Director-General for Counter Corruption and Security Conny Moitse revealed a growing number of cases under investigation by the department. According to Moitse, at least 805 cases have been investigated over the past three financial years. NOW READ: Home Affairs launches Operation New Broom to tackle illegal immigration
