Newsnote

An audio recording allegedly featuring businessman Serge Cabonge discussing his dealings with another businessman identified as Morgan was played at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday during former deputy national police commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya’s bail application. In the recording, Cabonge alleges that he was used to facilitate a project involving Morgan but was not paid after money was transferred to another person.

A reported R2.5 million ransom demand and claims that members of the Hawks were contacted following an alleged kidnapping have emerged in an audio recording played at the Randburg Magistrates’ Court during former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya’s bail application. The 25-minute recording reportedly captures a conversation between a complainant identified as “Mr M”, the father of a 16-year-old girl, and businessman Serge Cabonge.

Fresh from their 2-0 victory over Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final, Mamelodi Sundowns will turn their attention to extending their lead at the top of the Betway Premiership when they take on Richards Bay tonight. The Brazilians head into the encounter at the summit of the league standings with 20 points from eight matches, having recorded six wins and two draws. They sit one point ahead of second-placed Orlando Pirates, who have collected 19 points from seven games.

The ANC-led coalition government in the City of Tshwane has slammed the previous Democratic Alliance (DA) administration, accusing it of creating a water-tanker crisis that it is now exploiting for electioneering purposes. The coalition, which includes the EFF and ActionSA, among others, is holding an end-of-term media briefing in Pretoria. Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise, who is also the ANC regional chairperson, even implied that former mayor Cilliers Brink lacked a basic understanding of finance.

The National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL) has issued a strong condemnation following separate shooting incidents targeting two of South Africa’s most prominent traditional leaders. The attacks targeted Morena Neo Mopeli, Chairperson of the Free State Provincial House, and Kgoshi Lameck Mokoena, Chairperson of the Mpumalanga Provincial House and current President of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA).

A smartwatch belonging to slain runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo allegedly passed through several hands before being advertised on Facebook Marketplace, as three men face charges linked to the device. Two of the accused have been granted bail of R10,000 each by the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court, while the state is opposing bail for the remaining accused. Court proceedings have focused on how the smartwatch allegedly changed hands after being obtained from an unidentified individual.

Ukraine and Russia have exchanged accusations over attacks on energy infrastructure following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a proposed energy ceasefire between the two countries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian forces struck Ukrainian energy facilities despite his claim that Ukraine had refrained from targeting energy sites in Russia overnight. He described the attacks as Russia’s response to Trump’s announcement and called for greater pressure on Moscow.

City of Tshwane Executive Mayor Nasiphi Moya has identified entering into a coalition with the Democratic Alliance (DA) as her biggest regret. Moya made the remarks as she reflected on her time in office, with the 4 November local government elections fast approaching. The coalition between the DA and ActionSA lasted only three years before a new coalition was formed, with the African National Congress (ANC) as the leading party.

The case against Atteridgeville pastor Caiphus Mkhawane and his two wives, Tsako Makhubela and Amanda Mnguni, has been postponed by the Atteridgeville Magistrates’ Court to allow for legal aid representation and further bail investigations. The trio appeared briefly in court today on several serious charges, including conspiracy to commit murder and fraud.

Suspended deputy national police commissioner Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya has resigned from the South African Police Service (SAPS) with immediate effect, with police classifying his departure as a dishonourable discharge because disciplinary proceedings were ongoing. Sibiya tendered his resignation on Monday, shortly after his internal disciplinary hearing began. His legal representative submitted the resignation letter during the proceedings, according to SAPS.