News 13:00

BULLETIN 3 May 1 pm

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In this bulletin:

# The suspended SAPS crime boss Richard Shibiri’s home was raided
# President Ramaphosa awaits a Special Investigating Unit report on fraud claims against the Eastern Cape premier 
# The Taiwanese president visits Eswatini amidst harsh criticism by China

# Suspended head of Organised Crime, Richard Shibiri’s Johannesburg home was raided yesterday morning by a task team linked to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Sources say officers seized licensed firearms and electronic devices amid probes into alleged corruption, political interference and criminal syndicates within the SAPS. Shibiri is accused of corruption, taking bribes, and having illicit ties to alleged crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. He is also accused of trying to sabotage the investigation into Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart’s murder and tipping off Matlala ahead of a police raid.

# Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi has confirmed that Vosloorus spaza shop owner Mazwi Kubheka was kidnapped on 2 April. The 27-year-old arrived at the local police station yesterday following an extensive search. Lesufi says law enforcement is following strong leads and believes the case is linked to wider criminal networks. He confirmed hijacked buildings were used in the crime. He however did not confirm any arrests:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa is awaiting the Special Investigating Unit report into allegations of academic fraud against Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane. The probe relates to claims about Mabuyane’s postgraduate qualifications from the University of Fort Hare. Ramaphosa says the findings will guide any further action. The Presidency has emphasised the importance of due process and fairness. The premier has previously denied wrongdoing. The SIU investigation forms part of broader efforts to uphold accountability and integrity in public office.

# Advocacy group Blaqster Kreativ has warned that artificial intelligence could significantly displace jobs in South Africa. Speaking to SABC News, its CEO, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola, said sectors like retail, automotive, banking and administration are already seeing AI adoption. Hlubi-Majola warns that inequality and the digital divide could worsen the impact locally. She urged unions to develop policies to protect workers and prepare for the rapid transformation of the workforce:

# The visit by Taiwanese president Lai Ching-te to Eswatini has drawn harsh criticism by China who called him a “rat”. Ching-te countered by saying Taiwan has a right to engage with the world and no ‌country can stop that. China views democratically governed Taiwan as part of its territory with ​no right to state-to-state ties, a position Taiwan’s government strongly disputes, and Beijing has ​demanded countries stop any engagements with the island. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office said Lai had “skulked” his way to ​Eswatini.

# Rugby: Leinster overcame an astonishing fightback by Toulon to reach the Champions Cup final with a thrilling 29-25 win at Lansdowne Road yesterday.The Dublin-based team thought they were cruising to victory at 29-11 with just 10 minutes left. But Toulon reduced that deficit to a mere four points with four minutes remaining after a try by Gael Drean was converted by Melvyn Jaminet. Leinster will play the winners of this afternoon’s second semifinal between reigning European champions Bordeaux-Begles and Bath, in a final in Bilbao, northern Spain, on May 23.

Stay tuned for more news………….