Top cop ignored fraud warnings; VAT hike 'deception': Today's top 7 stories in 7 minutes | News24 (2025)

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Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, representing the EFF, told the Western Cape High Court on Tuesday that the process by which the VAT increase was adopted was irrational. (Gallo Images/Volksblad/Mlungisi Louw)

EFF accuses Godongwana of 'deception' in VAT hike court challenge

- The DA and EFF are challenging the VAT hike in the Western Cape High Court, arguing that Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana was deceitful about the possibility of reversing the increase.

- The EFF claims Godongwana misled the public by suggesting the VAT hike was not final, while knowing it would be implemented on 1 May.

- The court questioned whether this constituted deception or a misunderstanding, with the EFF maintaining it was a misuse of power regardless of intent.

Tender king Vusimusi Cat Matlala. (Sharlene Rood/News24)

9 LIVES | National police commissioner ignored fraud warnings in R360m SAPS tender scandal

- South African Police Service (SAPS) National Commissioner Lieutenant-General Fannie Masemola delayed canceling a dubious R360 million health services tender for two months despite warnings and audit recommendations.

- The audit report, given to Masemola in January, revealed irregularities, potential misconduct, fronting, and fraud, and recommended a criminal investigation into the tender awarded to businessman Vusimusi Cat Matlala.

- Masemola waited 54 days to send a letter threatening termination to Matlala, during which time more payments were likely made, raising concerns about Masemola's compliance with financial management regulations.

Stellenbosch official Annalene de Beer lost her urgent court bid to lift her suspension and was ordered to pay legal costs. (Supplied/Stellenbosch Municipality Website)

Suspended Stellenbosch municipality director loses court bid to be reinstated – for now

- Stellenbosch municipality's suspended corporate services director, Annalene de Beer, lost her court bid to be reinstated.

- The Cape Town Labour Court struck the matter off the roll due to lack of urgency.

- De Beer was ordered to pay the costs of the application.

Captain Wesley Lombard in the witness stand on Tuesday in the Western Cape High Court. (Lisalee Solomons/News24)

Fortune tellers, TikTokkers, sangomas: Court hears about the extensive search for Joshlin Smith

- After Joshlin Smith's disappearance, numerous leads involving TikTokkers, fortune tellers, sangomas, and even Interpol were investigated, but all proved fruitless.

- Despite extensive searches by police and the community, including door-to-door inquiries and searches of dunes and international waters, no trace of Joshlin has been found.

- The trial of three individuals accused of kidnapping and trafficking Joshlin is ongoing, with the investigating officer's testimony highlighting the extensive search efforts.

US President Donald Trump. (Saul Loeb/AFP)

IMF cuts SA's growth outlook to half of Treasury's Budget target as Trump's tariffs bite

- The IMF lowered its 2025 GDP growth projection for South Africa to 1% due to global trade uncertainty stemming from US tariff policies.

- This projection is about half of the National Treasury's 1.9% estimate, which was made before the tariff announcements and factored in improved electricity supply.

- The IMF's lowered growth forecast affects almost all countries, including the US and China, reflecting a global economic slowdown.

Norman Mbiko at the Springbok Experience museum at V&A Waterfront. (Carl Fourie/Gallo Images)

Former Blitzboks coach Norman Mbiko dies

- Norman Mbiko, former Blitzboks coach and scrumhalf, has died at age 79 after a long illness.

- Mbiko was a pioneer in South African rugby, breaking barriers and captaining the African Springboks during apartheid.

- He had a significant coaching career, leading the Blitzboks and contributing to the development of numerous players.

Iconic gospel artist Rebecca Malope. (Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

'Never been to his church': Rebecca Malope debunks claims after viral Bushiri video

- A two-year-old video of Rebecca Malope performing in Malawi was misrepresented as her attending a recent Shepherd Bushiri Easter service.

- Malope clarified she has never been to Bushiri's church and declined invitations to perform there, emphasising her faith as the reason.

- Bushiri faces potential extradition to South Africa on charges of rape and financial crimes.

These summaries were written with the support of Gemini Pro AI.

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