Dunoon is one of the most overcrowded, under-serviced settlements in this city, and this land was close enough, big enough, available.

The Western Cape’s WOWRewards pilot will offer eligible public healthcare users in Mitchells Plain up to R100 a month for completing approved preventative-health activities.

A passport fraud syndicate accused of selling South African passports to foreign nationals for up to R100 000 each has been dealt another blow, with the arrest of two former Home Affairs officials linked to a scheme that exploited loopholes in the department’s outdated systems. The arrests follow a joint investigation by the Department of Home Affairs’ Counter Corruption Unit and the Hawks into a syndicate uncovered in 2022 that exploited a loophole known as “photo swapping”. Scheme The scheme allegedly allowed suspects to use the identity details of legitimate South African citizens to obtain passports bearing foreign nationals’ photographs. Home Affairs has welcomed the arrests, describing the case as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that once existed in the department’s manual systems. ‘Powerful example’ Department spokesperson Carli van Wyk said the case was a “powerful example” of why Home Affairs is pursuing an extensive digital transformation programme. “Under the Department’s ongoing digital reforms, biometric verification now links applicants to their identities throughout the application process, including when photographs are captured, closing the loophole that previously enabled criminals to substitute the photograph of a foreign national for that of a South African citizen,” she said. Van Wyk added that the same approach underpins the department’s Digital Partnership with banks, which is expanding access to Smart ID Cards through secure, digitally integrated processes. “By automating identity verification and reducing human discretion, Home Affairs is systematically removing opportunities for corruption across its systems,” she said. Reforms Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber said the case underscored the need for fundamental reforms within the department. “This case is a powerful example of why we are fundamentally reforming Home Affairs. For years, outdated manual processes created loopholes that criminal syndicates could exploit to fraudulently obtain South African passports,” Schreiber said. “Through our digital transformation, we are closing these loopholes by introducing secure biometric verification and automated systems that remove opportunities for human manipulation.” Action Since the start of the seventh administration, the department has dismissed 98 Home Affairs officials and arrested 42 as part of its anti-corruption drive. Schreiber also commended the department’s Counter Corruption Unit and the Hawks for their continued efforts to root out corruption.

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System is considering an application to hear the testimony of Acting National Intelligence Coordinating Committee (NICOC) Coordinator Dr Ntandazo Sifolo entirely behind closed doors due to the sensitive nature of the evidence he is expected to provide. The application, brought by the Commission’s evidence leaders under Rule 4.2 of the Commission Rules, seeks an order directing that Dr Sifolo’s evidence “be heard in camera.” Testimony Dr Sifolo was originally scheduled to begin testifying on 13 October 2026. However, in a late-night update on Monday, Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels confirmed that his appearance had been postponed. “Dr Sifolo’s testimony is no longer scheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday) and will be heard on a date to be determined by the Chairperson,” Michaels said. An attorney representing the Commission supports the application with an affidavit describing the anticipated evidence as highly sensitive. “His evidence relates to classified material which has been declassified for use by the Commission but not for public dissemination,” the affidavit states. Intelligence and security It adds that “unless he is to testify in camera, it will not be possible for him to give most of the evidence that the evidence leaders want him to give”. According to the affidavit, Dr Sifolo is expected to testify about the relationship between NICOC and other intelligence and security structures, as well as the identification, assessment and reporting of threats linked to organised crime and criminal syndicate infiltration of the criminal justice system. The Commission argues that the confidential information is so deeply embedded in Dr Sifolo’s evidence that it cannot realistically be separated from the rest of his testimony. “Because the details which cannot publicly be disclosed are interwoven throughout Dr Sifolo’s statement, it is not practically possible to separate them from the rest of the evidence without materially disrupting or limiting the evidence,” the affidavit states. Media In what the Commission describes as a measure aimed at ensuring openness and fairness, media organisations have been notified of the application and invited to oppose it. Any media house wishing to challenge the application must do so in writing by Thursday, 15 October 2026. If the application succeeds, the Chairperson, Mbuyiseli Madlanga, will determine who may attend the proceedings, and transcripts, recordings, and related exhibits from the session will be treated as confidential.

In a resurfaced clip from Skeem GP’s podcast, Mbuso Zulu, an ex-convict from KwaZulu-Natal, revealed that he and most of his paternal family members, including his grandmother, father, and uncle, have been imprisoned at some point in their lives. FAMILY OF PRISONERS In a Facebook clip shared by Chromocloud, Zulu told Skeem GP that although he does not blame his father for his criminal past, it was the stories he heard about his father’s influence that ultimately drove him down that path. Mbuso’s grandparents were hardly around during his childhood. His grandmother was sentenced to 10 years in prison for selling marijuana, while his grandfather was often away because he was a polygamist. This vacuum forced his father, Mafuku Themba Ncanana, to embrace crime as a means of survival, since his own mother was now imprisoned. Ncanana was already serving his 15-year prison sentence when Mbuso was born. His crimes included business robberies and cash-in-transit heists. According to Mbuso, he grew up around drugs and AK-47 firearms, which his father kept at home. LIFE AFTER PRISON Mbuso’s life has taken a positive turn since his release in September 2024. The 34-year-old recently joined SABC 1’s Uzalo as Cash Money. He has also established the Usengashintsha Foundation and serves as a brand ambassador for Xap Xap Clothing. Before his father passed away, Mbuso said he always encouraged him to prioritise education, as he did not wish his son to follow in his footsteps.

Former Bafana Bafana player and current TS Galaxy head coach Bernard Parker has dropped a bombshell about his personal life, including that he has a relationship with another woman, who is not his wife, Wendy Parker. The retired Kaizer Chiefs player also confessed to having an “addiction” that has impacted his life and loved ones. The shock statement comes on the eve of TS Galax’s clash against Orlando Pirates on Tuesday, 13 October. BERNARD PARKER DROPS BOMBSHELL STATEMENT On his social media platforms, Bernard Parker posted a statement announcing his split from a woman named Kacha Stepanovic. The 40-year-old claimed to have been in a three-year relationship with the businesswoman, who is the ex-wife of Teargas member Ntukza, also known as Bantu Hanaba. Bernard – who has two sons with wife Wendy Parker – admitted to having six children, whom he would continue to coparent with Kacha. Bernard Parker hinted at having been unfaithful to Kacha, who is half Serbian. He shared: “I want to be honest about my part in our journey. I have made mistakes and struggled with personal addictions that have affected my life and the people I love.  “Kacha, I’m truly sorry for the times I hurt you, let you down, and caused you pain. You gave me love, support, patience and kindness that I’ve never received before. I take responsibility for my mistakes, knowing that some things cannot simply be undone with an apology” He added: “Thank you for the 3 years, the memories, the lessons, the love, and for being part of my story. I will always respect you as the mother of our children and appreciate the chapter we shared” ‼️Kaizer Chiefs legend and TS Galaxy coach, Bernard Parker, admits to personal addiction a day before playing Pirates‼️ pic.twitter.com/tffQtl4RSa— Xoli Zondo (BScHONS, MBA, PDM) (@XoliswaZondo) October 12, 2026 ADDICTED TO ADULTERY? On her social media account, Kacha Stepanovic reposted Bernard Parker’s statement. She also hinted at his alleged infidelity.  She shared on her IG Stories: “Lust and addiction will strip you of your family, your work, your name and everything you built. “If betrayal was so easy, the devil would be next seated at the throne.. Make sure whatever you do is worth losing it all”. Kacha is the ex-wife of muso Ntukza, the father of her two sons. WHAT ABOUT WENDY PARKER? Bernard Parker’s statement about his personal life and new relationship has left many asking – Where is his wife, Wendy Parker? The former Bafana Bafana player and the Diski Divas reality TV star married in 2012 and have 2 sons together. The couple’s last Instagram post together was in 2024 – just two years ago. They have made no mention of a divorce or separation. Wait a minute 😳 this was 2024!! When did the 3 years start? Rather when did you end things eBoksburg? pic.twitter.com/LHsig48Kxm— Qiniso (@bosslady_za) October 12, 2026 Wendy still uses the IG handle @Mrs_WParker.

Four of Africa Bitcoin's six directors have resigned after a shareholder group moved to remove them.

The bank is holding money in detected mule accounts without visibly blocking them, leaving syndicates empty-handed.