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INFORMATION REGULATOR FINES CJC AND FNB R1.5 MILLION FOR POPIA VIOLATIONS
The Information Regulator has fined Central Johannesburg TVET College (CJC) R500,000 and First National Bank (FNB) R1 million for contraventions of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
🔴 Central Johannesburg TVET College: The college was fined after failing to comply fully with an enforcement notice relating to the unlawful sharing of personal information belonging to three individuals. Failures included not properly reporting a data breach, failing to develop a POPIA compliance framework and delays in issuing an apology to the complainants.
🔴 First National Bank: The bank was fined following an assessment triggered by reports of customer information being exposed through its digital home loan application platform.
The Regulator identified shortcomings in the bank’s handling of repeated security incidents, safeguards against unauthorised access and governance around the retention of personal information.
The Regulator found that FNB’s failure to implement the required security safeguards constituted an offence under POPIA.
Organisations have a legal responsibility to protect personal information. Failure to do so, or to comply with regulatory directives, can result in significant financial penalties.
The Information Regulator has urged public and private institutions to strengthen data security, improve compliance programmes and ensure that Information Officers fulfil their statutory responsibilities.
Melancoly retweeted
Police Recover Nissan Navara Double Cab Worth R780k Stolen In Durban North After Chase From Hluhluwe To Manguzi Before It Could Be Smuggled Out Of South Africa
Police in KwaZulu-Natal have recovered a Nissan Navara double cab Worth R780,000 that was reported stolen in Durban North following a multidisciplinary operation by uMkhanyakude District police on Monday, 26 October 2026. The recovery came after officers spotted the vehicle travelling along the R22 road towards Mbazwana later that evening.
The vehicle had been reported stolen at Durban North SAPS earlier on Monday. Vigilant police officers in Hluhluwe noticed a vehicle matching the description of the stolen Nissan Navara. When the driver spotted the police, he sped off, prompting officers to pursue the vehicle along the road.
Mbazwana police officers joined the chase, while Manguzi police were also mobilised as the vehicle continued towards their policing area. The pursuit eventually ended at Phelandaba, where police cornered the vehicle. The driver abandoned the Nissan Navara and fled on foot before officers could apprehend him.
A search of the recovered vehicle led to the discovery of a cloned ignition key. Police have launched a search for the suspect, who remains at large. The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by police to combat vehicle theft and other related crimes.
Melancoly retweeted
Mozambican National Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison After Being Caught Bringing a 60mm Military Mortar Bomb Into South Africa Through Lebombo Border
A 26-year-old Mozambican national, Antonio Charles Mugabe, has been sentenced to 10 years’ direct imprisonment after pleading guilty to importing a military-grade explosive device into South Africa through the Lebombo Port of Entry in Mpumalanga. The Hawks secured the conviction following an investigation into the incident, which raised serious public safety and national security concerns.
Mugabe appeared before the Boschfontein Regional Court on Monday, 26 October 2026, where he pleaded guilty to three charges: possession of an explosive device, transportation of an explosive device and importation of an explosive device into South Africa. The charges relate to an incident on 23 August 2026 at the Lebombo Port of Entry in Komatipoort.
During a joint border security operation, South African Police Service (SAPS) members and South African Revenue Service (SARS) officials were screening travellers entering South Africa from Mozambique. Officials scanning Mugabe’s luggage identified a suspicious object concealed inside his travel bag. A subsequent search uncovered a 60mm mortar bomb, prompting his immediate arrest at the port of entry.
The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit in Nelspruit investigated the case, which was transferred from the Komatipoort Magistrates’ Court to the Boschfontein Regional Court. Mpumalanga Hawks provincial head Major General Nico Gerber welcomed the sentence and praised the coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies in intercepting the explosive device before it could reach South African communities.
Melancoly retweeted
Police have arrested 116 suspected drug mules at OR Tambo International Airport over the past 24 months, with the latest major bust involving raw cocaine worth R200 million.
brnw.ch/21x6FwM
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Zimbabwean Man Arrested with Illicit Cigarettes Worth R213 000 Near Musina
A 38-year-old Zimbabwean national has been arrested after police discovered illicit cigarettes worth more than R213 000 in a vehicle along the N1 near Musina, Limpopo.
The suspect was arrested in the early hours of Friday, 23 October 2026, by members of the Vhembe District Cross-Border Task Team during an operation in the area.
Police spotted a silver-grey Volvo S40 parked off the road with two flat tyres and heavily tinted windows.
Upon searching the vehicle, officers discovered nine master boxes, 47 cartons and eight loose packs of Remington Gold cigarettes on the back seat.
The driver allegedly admitted that the cigarettes belonged to him and was immediately arrested.
Police confiscated the cigarettes, valued at approximately R213 129, along with the vehicle, estimated to be worth R360 000.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers commended the officers for their vigilance and continued efforts to combat cross-border crime.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Musina Magistrate’s Court on a charge of possession of illicit cigarettes.
Police investigations are ongoing.
Melancoly retweeted
Nigerian National Arrested In Kugompo For Alleged Drug Dealing and Being in The Country Illegally
An intelligence-driven operation in Kugompo has resulted in the arrest of a Nigerian national for alleged drug dealing and contravention of immigration-related legislation. The operation was conducted by several law-enforcement agencies as part of ongoing efforts to address drug-related offences and unlawful immigration activities in the area.
The operation involved Kugompo Crime Intelligence, Kugompo South African Police Service (SAPS), the Eastern Cape Missing Person and Trafficking Unit (ECMPTU), and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) Traffic Services. The arrest followed intelligence gathered by law-enforcement agencies, which led to the joint operation. The suspect’s arrest forms part of efforts to combat alleged drug dealing and immigration-related violations in Kugompo.
The suspect is expected to appear before the relevant court, where the allegations against him will be dealt with in accordance with the law. The Eastern Cape Missing Person and Trafficking Unit said more arrests are expected as investigations continue. No further details about the suspect or the alleged offences were provided in the statement.
Melancoly retweeted
BENONI FLYING SQUAD ARRESTS 06 SUSPECTS, RECOVERS COPPER, A VEHICLE AND DRUGS
On Friday, 23 October, and Saturday, 24 October 2026, Benoni Flying Squad members arrested six (06) suspects.
On Friday morning, at around 08:00, members pulled over a white Toyota Fortuner on the N12 East at the Putfontein off-ramp. The 34-year-old driver was immediately arrested when members found suspected stolen copper in the vehicle, with an estimated value of R24 000.00.
That same afternoon, four (04) suspects aged 20 to 31 were arrested for drug-related offences, in Chris Hani Drive, Albertina Section, Etwatwa. Nyaope (heroin) was recovered in these separate incidents.
On Saturday afternoon, at about 13:00, members assisted Tracker with the arrest of a 36-year-old suspect, for possession of a stolen white Hyundai H100 in Kite Street, Rabie Ridge. The Hyundai was reported stolen in a Midrand case and booked in at Rabie Ridge SAPS.
Investigations continue in all cases.
The suspects will appear in local magistrates’ courts, facing charges of possession of suspected stolen goods, possession of drugs and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
Melancoly retweeted
Zimbabwean National Arrested With Illicit Cigarettes Worth R213,000 As Police Seize R360,000 Volvo In Musina
A 38-year-old Zimbabwean national has been arrested after police discovered illicit cigarettes worth an estimated R213,129 in a Volvo S40 along the N1 North public road in Musina, Limpopo, during an operation at approximately 03:00 on Friday, 23 October 2026. Police also seized the vehicle, valued at R360,000.
Members of the Vhembe District Cross-Border Task Team were performing operational duties when they noticed a silver-grey Volvo S40 parked off the road, facing south. The vehicle had two flat tyres and heavily tinted windows that prevented officers from seeing inside. Police requested permission to search the vehicle, which was granted.
During the search, officers discovered nine master boxes, 47 cartons and eight loose packs of Remington Gold cigarettes on the back seat. When questioned about ownership, the driver admitted that the cigarettes belonged to him. He was immediately arrested for possession of illicit cigarettes, while the Volvo was also seized.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers praised the Vhembe Cross-Border Task Team for its alertness and continued efforts to combat cross-border crime in the province. The suspect is expected to appear before the Musina Magistrate’s Court soon. Police investigations into the matter are continuing.
Melancoly retweeted
BBC News, I am a foreigner living in South Africa, and I believe your reporting is doing an injustice to this country when you highlight violence against foreigners without giving equal attention to the serious crime that fuels public frustration.
As a foreigner, I refuse to pretend that crime committed by other foreigners is not a problem simply because I am one of them. My nationality does not require me to defend wrongdoing, and my empathy for foreigners does not require me to dismiss the legitimate concerns of South Africans.
There are reports of foreign nationals implicated in drug trafficking, human trafficking, illegal drug laboratories and cable theft. A foreign national was also reportedly involved in running over a Crime Intelligence specialist. These incidents deserve serious scrutiny and consistent reporting, too.
If BBC News can report when a foreigner is beaten to death, it should also report on crimes committed against South Africans, regardless of the perpetrator’s nationality. If you believe violence against foreigners deserves international attention, surely the victims of crimes committed by foreigners deserve that same attention.
Accountability cannot be selective. Human rights apply to everyone, and so must the law.
Let me be clear: beating someone to death is indefensible, and no crime justifies mob justice. But condemning mob violence must not become an excuse to avoid discussing crime, immigration enforcement and the failures that leave communities feeling unsafe.
South Africans deserve safety, and foreigners who commit crimes must face the law. These positions are not contradictory.
Do not use the death of one person to silence an entire country’s concerns. Report the killing, condemn the violence, and give the broader issue of crime the same seriousness. That is what fair and responsible journalism should look like.
Crowd of 50 beats foreigner to death in South Africa bbc.in/4kc04wh
Melancoly retweeted
VHEMBE CROSS-BORDER TASK TEAM NABBED A 38-YEAR-OLD ZIMBABWEAN NATIONAL WITH ILLICIT CIGARETTES WORTH OVER R213 000 AT MUSINA PRECINCT
Members of the Vhembe District Cross-Border Task Team arrested a 38-year-old Zimbabwean male suspect for possession of #IllicitCigarettes on Friday 23 October 2026 at about 03:00.
Police were performing operational duties along the N1 North public road when they noticed a silver-grey Volvo S40 motor vehicle parked off the road facing in a southerly direction. The motor vehicle had two flat tyres and heavily tinted windows that obstructed visibility into the interior.
Police stopped and requested permission to search and it was granted. Upon searching, police discovered illicit cigarettes placed on the back seat consisting of 09 master boxes, 47 cartons and 08 loose packs of Remington Gold.
When questioned about ownership, the driver confessed that the cigarettes belonged to him.
The suspect was immediately placed under arrest. The estimated street value of the illicit cigarettes is R213 129.00.
During the apprehension, police also seized the Volvo motor vehicle valued at R360 000.
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers lauded the Vhembe Cross Border Task Team for their alertness and continued commitment to fight all forms of #CrossBorder crimes in the Province.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Musina Magistrate's Court soon facing a charge of possession of illicit cigarettes.
Police investigations are continuing.
@SAPoliceService @TaxJustice_SA
Melancoly retweeted
Zimbabwean national arrested for illegal hunting
arrr.co.za/nF1S3
#ArriveAlive #IllegalHunting @SAPoliceService
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ANOTHER DRUG LAB UNCOVERED NEAR SUN CITY -FOUR ARRESTED
Police have uncovered another suspected clandestine drug laboratory at Ramokokastad, near Sun City in North West.
The operation on Friday, 23 October, led to the seizure of 20 bags of suspected drug material, weighing approximately 40kg each, along with large quantities of chemicals, gas cylinders, generators, cooking equipment, water tanks and other materials allegedly used in drug manufacturing.
Preliminary observations suggest the premises may have been used to manufacture Mandrax and crystal methamphetamine.
Four suspects, aged between 19 and 71, were arrested. A fifth suspect reportedly fled and is being sought.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Mogwase Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 26 October, facing charges of manufacturing and dealing in illicit drugs.
The operation involved SAPS units, the Hawks and other specialised police teams.
North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams praised the coordinated, intelligence-driven operation, warning that drug manufacturing and distribution pose a serious threat to communities, particularly young people.
The fight against drugs continues. Criminal networks must be dismantled, and those responsible brought to justice.
Melancoly retweeted
A Zimbabwean lawyer accused of fraud involving Road Accident Fund (RAF) compensation claims and the alleged theft of money intended for clients has been denied bail in a case involving potential financial losses of more than R20 million.
Read on tinyurl.com/k3my45c7
#RAFFraud #PreciousMuleya #Hawks
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ZIMBABWEAN NATIONAL ARRESTED FOR ILLEGAL HUNTING IN LIMPOPO
A 34-year-old Zimbabwean national was arrested in the Sekhukhune District for alleged illegal hunting, possession of game meat and contravening the Immigration Act.
The arrest followed an intelligence-driven operation by the Sekhukhune Tactical and Investigation Team after police received information about illegal hunting at a farm near Groblersdal.
Police discovered two dead sable antelopes, valued at R44,000, allegedly caught in snares and killed. Meat believed to be linked to the animals was found at a homestead in Bloompoort village, with portions cut into strips and hung on trees to dry into biltong.
The suspect appeared in the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 23 October 2026. He was remanded in custody, with his bail application postponed to Monday, 26 October.
Police investigations are continuing.
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35-Year-Old Nigerian National Goodness Sokoh Sentenced To 21 Years In UK Prison For Raping And Sexually Assaulting Four Teenage Girls
Nigerian national Goodness Sokoh, 35, has been sentenced to 21 years’ imprisonment in the United Kingdom after being convicted of multiple sexual offences against four teenage girls. Sokoh, of North Street, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, was sentenced at Amersham Law Court on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, following a Thames Valley Police investigation.
A unanimous jury found Sokoh guilty on 4 August of three counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, two counts of sexual assault by penetration, two counts of causing a child to watch a sexual act and one count of inciting a child into sexual activity. The court also imposed a restraining order prohibiting him from contacting the victims.
According to police, Sokoh contacted the four girls through Snapchat between 31 October and 17 December 2025, using the username “GWDY_SXNGS”. He allegedly met them in Pitstone, Buckinghamshire, under the pretence of offering free vapes and cannabis before raping and sexually assaulting them. He was arrested on 17 December 2025 and charged two days later. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Detective Constable Natalie Palmer, who led the investigation, praised the victims for their courage and cooperation throughout the investigation and trial. Police said investigators were keeping an open mind about the possibility of additional victims and urged anyone with information to come forward. The victims have requested privacy and do not wish to participate in media interviews at this time.
