Crimes committed while in office return to haunt former South African President Zuma as court orders him to repay $1.6m in legal fees

Crimes committed while in office return to haunt former South African President Zuma as court orders him to repay $1.6m in legal fees

In 2021, Zuma served two months in prison for contempt of court after defying a judicial order to testify at an inquiry probing corruption during his presidency. Additionally, he faces charges of corruption, racketeering, fraud, tax evasion and money laundering in relation to a multi-billion-dollar arms deal the South African government signed with a French arms manufacturer in 1999 when he was an influential politician.

Read more
Rights group sues Ghanaian government for signing ‘illegal’ deportation deal with US

Rights group sues Ghanaian government for signing ‘illegal’ deportation deal with US

The US sent a first group of five deportees to Eswatini in July, saying they had been convicted of serious crimes including murder and child rape.

Read more
Zimbabwe-bound bus with 91 travellers on board crashes in northern South Africa, kills 42 people

Zimbabwe-bound bus with 91 travellers on board crashes in northern South Africa, kills 42 people

In a statement, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa offered “his deep condolences to the nations of Zimbabwe and Malawi who have lost compatriots.”

Read more
Kisumu overtaking Nairobi as capital of vehicle theft in Kenya as police recover 17th stolen car

Kisumu overtaking Nairobi as capital of vehicle theft in Kenya as police recover 17th stolen car

Then, the criminals had networks that stretched as far as Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan and South Africa. With the help Interpol, the networks were broken but the latest high car theft incidence in Kisumu seems to suggest the networks are on a rebound or new ones have come up.

Read more
As African nations worry about AGOA trade window lapse, there are signs US is considering extension

As African nations worry about AGOA trade window lapse, there are signs US is considering extension

Experts say AGOA needs major reforms to live up to its promise. Some companies flag the requirement that eligible countries be re-certified each year as a source of uncertainty that deters long-term investments.

Read more
State capture: Role of South African Black police and ministers in crime questions ruling ANC’s credibility to confront lawlessness

State capture: Role of South African Black police and ministers in crime questions ruling ANC’s credibility to confront lawlessness

In early July 2025, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the commissioner of police in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, made some startling claims. He called a press conference and, wearing camouflage uniform, he implicated the minister of police, Senzo Mchunu, together with the deputy national commissioner for crime detection, in a scheme to close down investigations into political assassinations in the province.

Read more
South African defence crisis: One of Africa’s strongest militaries faces internal fragmentation, credibility, deterrence and maritime neglect

South African defence crisis: One of Africa’s strongest militaries faces internal fragmentation, credibility, deterrence and maritime neglect

Irregular warfare in the South African context refers to decentralised, asymmetric conflict carried out by non-state actors who use criminal violence, coercion and subversion to undermine state authority. These include armed illegal mining groups, organised criminal groups, smuggling syndicates and extremist insurgent militias. They do not engage in direct, conventional combat.

Read more
Flooding kills 50 people as 58 schools and 20 hospitals are washed away in South Africa by heavy rains

Flooding kills 50 people as 58 schools and 20 hospitals are washed away in South Africa by heavy rains

Snow covers the N2 road heading to Nolangeni, South Africa, on June 10, 2025. Credit: Greater Kokstad Municipality

Read more
South African police arrest Libyan nationals at secret military training camp in Mpumalanga province

South African police arrest Libyan nationals at secret military training camp in Mpumalanga province

The province borders neighbouring countries Mozambique and Swaziland and is an area of concern for South African authorities with regards to illegal immigration. Police and authorities have not said whether the camps are suspected of being connected to a particular group or conflict.

Read more
President Ramaphosa hails South Africa’s coalition government as united and tackling poverty

President Ramaphosa hails South Africa’s coalition government as united and tackling poverty

Cyril Ramaphosa’s address began what South Africa calls “the seventh administration” — just the seventh government to be formed since the country was freed from the racist system of apartheid in 1994 and people of all races were allowed to vote.

Read more