Police chief admits no proof linking Mchunu to drug cartels
National police commissioner Fannie Masemola has conceded he has no evidence linking Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to alleged drug cartel activity, despite earlier claims raised during the Madlanga commission. The admission follows mounting political pressure and scrutiny over allegations of organised crime infiltration in law enforcement. The development may weaken claims of direct political involvement as investigations into corruption and criminal networks continue.
Warning over major data breach risk in Gauteng
Experts have warned that Gauteng narrowly avoided a far more damaging cyber incident after a recent 38 terabyte data breach, describing it as a sign of deeper systemic vulnerabilities. Analysts said the province’s digital infrastructure remains exposed and warned that a more severe breach is likely if urgent reforms are not implemented. The incident has raised concerns about data protection, governance failures and the growing risk of cybercrime in the public sector.
Belgian diplomat faces trial over Lumumba killing
A 93-year-old former Belgian diplomat has gone on trial over his alleged role in the 1961 murder of Congolese independence leader Patrice Lumumba. The case is seen as a landmark attempt to address colonial-era crimes and Belgium’s historical involvement in the assassination. Prosecutors argue the accused helped facilitate the killing, while the trial has reignited debate over accountability for colonial abuses.
Iran strikes Tel Aviv with cluster missiles as regional conflict intensifies
Iran fired missiles carrying cluster warheads at Tel Aviv, killing at least two people, in retaliation for Israel’s killing of senior security official Ali Larijani, while insisting its leadership remains intact and rejecting calls for de-escalation. Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei ruled out ceasefire proposals, as Israel escalated strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, drawing the region deeper into a widening conflict that has already caused thousands of deaths.
Thai zoo intruder attacked by pygmy hippo
A man has been seriously injured after entering an enclosure at a Thai zoo and being attacked by a pygmy hippo named Moo Deng. Authorities said the intruder ignored warnings and crossed barriers before being mauled by the animal. The incident has prompted renewed calls for stricter enforcement of safety rules at wildlife facilities.
Sources: News24, Daily Maverick, The Guardian, Reuters, AP