Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week:
This week, a dramatic police shootout in Amanzimtoti ended with the death of Philangenkosi Makhanya, the main suspect in the murder of Olorato Mongale. Two accomplices have been arrested for helping him evade capture, while his parents were questioned over possible interference.
The South African Reserve Bank cut the repo rate by 25 basis points, setting it at 7.25%. Governor Lesetja Kganyago cited declining inflation and a stronger rand for the decision, marking the first cut after a previous pause.
Three individuals—Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn—received life sentences plus 10 years for the kidnapping and trafficking of six-year-old Joshlin Smith. The Western Cape High Court handed down the ruling after a high-profile trial.
Road Accident Fund CEO Collins Letsoalo has been placed on special leave while the Special Investigating Unit conducts a probe. The move is precautionary and not considered a disciplinary measure, according to the board.
After legal disputes and intense bidding, Sizekhaya Holdings has been confirmed as the next national lottery operator, replacing Ithuba Holdings in 2025. The North Gauteng High Court dismissed earlier attempts to extend Ithuba’s involvement temporarily.
Here are the top stories of the week:
OLORATO MONGALE MURDER SUSPECT KILLED IN POLICE SHOOTOUT
A key suspect in the murder of Olorato Mongale has been shot and killed by police during a dramatic shootout in Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal. The incident took place in the early hours of Friday morning.
According to KZN police spokesperson Robert Netshuinda, the suspect was fatally wounded during an exchange of gunfire with officers. Details remain limited, as the scene is still active and investigations continue.
The suspect had been wanted in connection with the high-profile murder of Mongale, which has drawn significant public attention.
TWO ARRESTED FOR HELPING OLORATO MONGALE MURDER SUSPECT
KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has confirmed that two suspects have been arrested for assisting Philangenkosi Makhanya, the main suspect in Olorato Mongale’s murder. Makhanya was killed in a shootout with police in Amanzimtoti in the early hours of Friday.
The two individuals allegedly helped him evade arrest by transporting him. Police have also questioned Makhanya’s parents, after reports surfaced that his mother warned him about the police search.
Mongale’s body was found on Cambridge Road in Lombardy West, last Sunday. Police tracked Makhanya from Joburg to KZN, eventually locating the car linked to the case at a panel beater in KwaMashu.
VW POLO SEIZED, SUSPECTS IDENTIFIED IN OLORATO MONGALE MURDER CASE
Police have confirmed key developments in the investigation into the murder of 30-year-old journalism graduate Olorato Mongale. Her body was discovered on Cambridge Road in Lombardy West after she went on a date with a man known only as “John” on Sunday, 25 May. She was last seen being picked up in a white VW Polo with fake number plates. That same car has now been found with blood traces inside.
The suspects, Bongani Mthimkhulu and Philangenkosi Makhanya, were already out on bail for an armed robbery case from April. They were arrested in Brakpan on 20 April after allegedly being caught kidnapping and robbing another woman. Police tracked the pair through lodges in Kew, Johannesburg, and later to a residence in KwaMashu, Durban.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu commended the joint efforts of SAPS National Crime Intelligence, the Anti-Kidnapping Task Team, the Gauteng Provincial Investigation Unit, DPCI KZN Tracking Team, Durban Metro K-9, and private security teams. Investigations continue.
SARB CUTS INTEREST RATE TO 7.25% AS RAND STRENGTHENS
The South African Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has lowered the repo rate by 25 basis points, reducing the benchmark interest rate to 7.25%. This marks the first cut since the committee paused its rate-cutting cycle earlier this year.
Announcing the decision on Thursday, Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago cited lower inflation and a stronger rand as key factors behind the move. The MPC wrapped up its May meeting with a unanimous vote in favour of the reduction, offering some relief to borrowers amid sluggish economic growth.
KELLY SMITH AND CO-ACCUSED GET LIFE FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING
After months in court, the Western Cape High Court has sentenced Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn to life imprisonment for human trafficking, with an additional 10 years for kidnapping. The ruling follows their convictions in connection with the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith.
Judge Nathan Erasmus, who presided over the eight-week trial, supported the State’s argument that despite any sympathy toward Smith, life imprisonment remained the only suitable sentence. The judgment drew on the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act and stressed the gravity of the crimes.
All three have been added to the National Child Protection Register, permanently barring them from working with children. The court also directed the Minister of Social Development to report on measures taken to comply with the judgment.
CANAL+ ACQUISITION OF MULTICHOICE APPROVED WITH STRICT CONDITIONS
The Competition Commission has recommended that the Competition Tribunal approve the proposed acquisition of MultiChoice by French media group Canal+, with a list of public interest conditions attached. After reviewing the merger notification submitted in September 2024, the Commission found that the deal is unlikely to harm competition in any market.
However, due to MultiChoice’s central role in South Africa’s audiovisual sector, the Commission imposed several conditions. These include protections for workers—such as a three-year moratorium on layoffs—and commitments to increase ownership by historically disadvantaged persons and employees in entities like Orbicom and LicenceCo.
Other conditions require the merged company to keep operations and its headquarters in South Africa, support local suppliers, maintain a diverse news offering, and promote export activity. Canal+ has also agreed to list LicenceCo on the JSE and continue supporting initiatives in sports and skills development.
RAF CEO COLLINS LETSOALO PLACED ON SPECIAL LEAVE AMID SIU PROBE
Road Accident Fund (RAF) CEO Collins Letsoalo has been placed on special leave with immediate effect. The Department of Transport confirmed the move following a special board meeting on 27 May.
The board clarified that the decision is precautionary and not a disciplinary action or indication of guilt. It allows ongoing investigations by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to proceed without interference.
Transport Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa, as the delegated shareholder representative, was informed by the RAF board.
In the interim, Phathutshedzo Lukhwareni has been appointed as Acting CEO to maintain operational stability.
ONLY R6M RELEASED SO FAR FROM R500M SPAZA SHOP FUND
The government has disbursed just R6 million of the R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund (SSSF) since its launch last month. The fund is designed to boost South African-owned spaza shops and food-handling outlets in townships and rural areas, offering up to R300,000 per store in grants and low-interest loans.
Progress has been slow due to inspections, citizenship verifications, and site assessments. Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams confirmed the delays but assured the public that qualifying businesses with proper operating permits will benefit.
The fund, managed by the NEF and SEFDA, also supports stock purchases, infrastructure upgrades, business tools, and adoption of POS systems.
NPA WON’T PROSECUTE IN CWECWE SEXUAL ASSAULT CASE
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed it will not prosecute anyone in the CweCwe case from Matatiele, citing a lack of sufficient evidence.
According to the NPA, a case docket involving allegations of sexual assault on a minor girl was submitted to prosecutors at the Matatiele Magistrates’ Court and the Thuthuzela Care Centre in November 2024. After reviewing the file, which included both an interview and medical examination of the child, prosecutors found no conclusive evidence to support a charge of rape or sexual assault.
With no grounds for a successful prosecution, the case has been closed.
SA BANS BRAZILIAN POULTRY IMPORTS AFTER BIRD FLU OUTBREAK
South Africa has officially suspended imports of live poultry, eggs, and fresh or frozen poultry meat from Brazil following a confirmed outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in the South American country. The outbreak was reported on 15 May 2025 by Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and was detected in breeding chickens in Rio Grande do Sul.
In response, South Africa’s Department of Agriculture has announced that no new import permits will be granted for affected products. However, poultry products that were heat-processed or packed in final packaging before 30 April 2025 will still be allowed into the country, as they pose minimal risk.
ITHUBA OUT, SIZEKHAYA IN AS NEW LOTTERY OPERATOR
After a heated bidding war and court battles, Sizekhaya Holdings has officially been named as the new operator of South Africa’s national lottery. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition confirmed the company as the fourth licence holder, replacing Ithuba Holdings, whose licence ends on 31 May 2025.
Eight companies were in the running for the lucrative contract. Initially, Minister Parks Tau proposed a temporary one-year licence, but a court challenge halted that plan. The North Gauteng High Court ordered Tau to name a new operator, dismissing arguments that only Ithuba’s sister company was equipped to run a temporary licence.
Sizekhaya now holds the licence for the next eight years, although the exact date it will take control remains uncertain.
CITY OF JOBURG UNVEILS R3BN REVAMP PLAN FOR CBD, TOWNSHIPS
The City of Johannesburg is putting serious money behind its promise to revamp the inner city. A R3 billion budget has been tabled to upgrade the CBD and other underdeveloped areas across the metro, including Eldorado Park, Lenasia South, Diepsloot, and Orange Farm.
Announced by Finance MMC Margaret Arnolds during her budget speech on Wednesday, the allocation is aimed at tackling long-standing infrastructure issues. However, opposition parties argue that the city centre’s scale of decay deserves a standalone budget.
Arnolds responded by noting that in addition to the R3 billion, each city department has its own CBD-specific funding for bulk infrastructure, housing, and road improvements. Meanwhile, the Gauteng provincial government is also running a parallel programme to rejuvenate the Joburg CBD.
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The post Top Stories in South Africa this week: Olorato Mongale Suspect Killed, Interest Rate Cut, Joshlin Smith, RAF Ceo appeared first on YOMZANSI. Documenting THE CULTURE.
