What led to the latest delay in the Duncan Hoorn murder trial? The defence cites difficulties in contacting key witnesses as the State closes its case.

Parliament's Section 89 Impeachment Committee has resolved to appeal a Western Cape High Court ruling that halted public impeachment hearings involving President Cyril Ramaphosa.

North West businessman and alleged political fixer Brown Mogotsi will remain in custody after the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg rejected an appeal to secure his release, pending his trial in connection with an alleged attempted assassination. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that Mogotsi’s leave to appeal application against the earlier bail decision was unsuccessful. The ruling was handed down by Judge Nelisa Mali on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, following arguments presented by both the prosecution and defence during proceedings held the last week. “The high court found that he failed to present any new facts to justify reconsideration of bail and dismissed the appeal. “The NPA welcomes the judgment as it upholds principles governing bail applications and protects the integrity of the criminal justice system,” the institution’s communications officer Magaboke Mohlatlole said on Wednesday. The NPA has successfully opposed an urgent bail appeal brought by businessman Oupa Brown Mogotsi in the Gauteng Division of the High Court, Johannesburg.Report by Magaboke Mohlatlole, NPA Communications Officer pic.twitter.com/TH9MPrwyIZ— NPASouthAfrica (@NPA_Prosecutes) July 29, 2026 Brown Mogotsi bail Mogotsi lodged his application in the high court following the denial of his bail applications on two occasions. His initial bid was rejected by the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on 4 June over concerns about the reliability of his home address. The controversial figure submitted a renewed bail application, arguing new facts. However, the second attempt to be released from custody was also unsuccessful, with the lower court ruling on 29 June that no new evidence had been presented. Mogotsi had previously provided three addresses, including 4544 Mohatlhga Street in Mmabatho, North West, which he claimed to be his primary residence. Attempted assassination Mogotsi stands accused of allegedly orchestrating his own attempted assassination that took place on 3 November 2025 in Vosloorus, east of Johannesburg. He was arrested on 15 May and has been charged with defeating the ends of justice, perjury, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as discharging a firearm in a public or municipal area. The firearm Mogotsi allegedly used in the incident, which remains unaccounted for, is believed to be linked to other murder and attempted murder cases. Additionally, the North West businessman is accused of attempting to bribe investigating officer Alfred Odendaal. The Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court also previously heard that Mogotsi and his wife, Dorothy Lekhoaba, allegedly tried to persuade a key witness to alter her statement concerning their place of residence. The witness, Thandiwe Senokwane, lodged a case of intimidation against Lekhoaba with the police.

Four Junior Springboks, including fullback Luan Giliomee, have joined the Sharks matchday 23 to face the Stormers in their Currie Cup match in Cape Town on Saturday (kick-off 3pm). Giliomee made his Blitzboks and Sharks United Rugby Championship debuts last season, while starring for the SA A team against the Barbarians, and helping the Junior Springboks defend their U20 World Championship title. Both the Sharks and Stormers come off a win-and-loss record in the opening fortnight’s action, and each will be determined to rectify that record this weekend. The Sharks Next Gen, coached by Neil Powell, will also be in action as title-holders in the SA Rugby U20 Cup, taking on the Western Province Bolts in the opening round in a 12pm curtain-raiser. Baby Boks join Sharks line-up Sharks XV head coach Mike Vowles has bolstered his side with returning victorious SA U20 Baby Bok stars in his quest to inject extra excitement to his Currie Cup side, off the back of their 43-21 defeat to the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein. “We’re a team that speaks about being process-driven and we want to build on our performances from week to week, so our expectation going into this match is that we have to be better than we were in the last two games,” he said, as his side prepare for their third away match in a row. “There are certain things we did exceptionally well in the previous games that we want to build on, and to fix the stuff we didn’t quite execute as well as we should have. “So the idea would be to improve and most importantly, put in a good performance for 80 minutes. I think we fell away in that back quarter in both games, so we want to make sure we put in an 80-minute performance on Saturday.” In that regard, Vowles has made some adjustments to the group, including four U20s that have come back into the system. Giliomee starts at fullback with Khuthi Rasivhaga, Liam van Wyk and Rambo Kubheka playing off the bench. “They come with massive potential, they’re exciting rugby players and we feel that including them will give us some punch in the final quarter of the game and that they have a really positive influence on our performance,” Vowles explained. “We know the Stormers come off a big loss [losing 41-3 to the Boland Kavaliers] and there will be a response from them, they’ll come out fighting, so we anticipate a really high tempo, very physical match.” Sharks team Luan Giliomee, Christie Grobbelaar, Marnus Potgieter, Janco Purchase, Lyle Matthews, Tim Swiel, Ross Braude, Thomas Dyer (Captain), Danio Botha, Luaan Olivier, Deon Slabbert, Johan Momsen, Simphiwe Ngobese, Bryce Calvert, Cameron Dawson. Bench: Liam van Wyk, Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Hanu Pieterse, Jean-Henri Smit, Juan Loots, Albie Bester, Khuthi Rasivhaga.

Kaizer Chiefs are reportedly edging closer to securing the signature of Stellenbosch FC winger Langelihle Phili after weeks of negotiations. Amakhosi have been strongly linked with the highly-rated attacker for more than a month, and the deal now appears to be entering its final stages. According to SABC Sport, talks between Chiefs and Stellenbosch gathered significant momentum this week after the Soweto giants improved their offer for the 24-year-old. Earlier reports suggested Stellenbosch were holding out for a package worth around R16 million, which included player-swap proposals and a cash component. Chiefs closing in on Phili “Talks had previously centred around the inclusion of striker Ashley du Preez and at least one other player, but Stellenbosch remained reluctant to sanction a move, preferring either an overseas transfer or allowing Phili to see out the remainder of his contract,” SABC Sport reported. The latest developments indicate the two clubs have now reached an agreement in principle, although a few finer details still need to be resolved before the transfer can be officially completed. If those outstanding issues are finalised, Chiefs will be in pole position to wrap up the deal before the transfer window closes in September. Phili is understood to be highly regarded by both Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr. and head coach Fernando da Cruz, who see him as a key addition to strengthen the club’s attacking options ahead of the new season. Should the transfer be completed, striker Ashley du Preez is expected to head in the opposite direction as part of the proposed swap deal. Will Phili succeed at Naturena?

Popular radio personality Joe Mann will be leaving Jacaranda FM after seven memorable years on air. Since joining the station in 2019, Mann has become a familiar voice to listeners across the station’s footprint, bringing his unique energy and passion for sports to the airwaves. His time at the station has been marked by his commitment to his craft and his connection with the station’s diverse audience. Joe’s final sports bulletin on The Drive With Rob and Roz will be on 31 July 2026.  As he prepares for the next chapter in his career, the station pays tribute to his contribution and the impact he has made both on-air and behind the scenes. “We want to thank Joe for his dedication and the significant role he has played in our broadcasting team over the past seven years,” says Vuyani Dombo, Managing Director at Jacaranda FM. “He has been a valued part of our journey, and we wish him nothing but the very best as he embarks on his next chapter.” Reflecting on his time at the station, Joe says it has been a privilege to share so many moments with listeners and colleagues over the years. “Being a part of the Jacaranda FM team has been great. It reignited my love for radio and creative content that made you think, feel and laugh. The station and the people who work here will always have a special place in my heart,” Mann says. “They have been there through the challenging time of losing my parents to hearing LaMo’s first cry on radio. It’s sad when a chapter ends but it’s also an opportunity to look back and appreciate.” As Joe prepares to sign off from Jacaranda FM, he leaves behind not only seven years of memorable radio moments, but also lasting friendships and a special connection with listeners who welcomed him into their homes every day.

Government, Eskom and Standard Bank on what scaling AI across industries actually requires.

Gartner’s South African forecast, shared with TechCentral, outpaces the global rate, with data centre spending nearly doubling.