A 16-year-old boy has been arrested after allegedly entering a classroom at a private pre-primary school in Umhlali and stabbing a six-year-old girl. Police say he faces charges of attempted murder and assault.

Pieter Engelbrecht's R117.8 million remuneration package dwarfs the R64,000 annual cost-to-company figure for the retailer's lowest-paid full-time employee.

Africa Bitcoin Corporation (ABC), the JSE’s first bitcoin treasury company, has just two directors remaining after the resignation of interim CEO Stafford Masie and three other directors. This was announced in a Sens notice published on Monday where Masie and three independent directors – Norma Sephuma, Snowy Masakale and GG Alcock – resigned after receiving what are described as “aggressive” demands from the majority of shareholders seeking to remove them. The four directors opted to resign before being pushed. Masie’s departure becomes effective on 28 February 2027. ABC has been mired in controversy in recent months following a Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) decision to issue debarment notices and financial penalties on former CEO Warren Wheatley, his wife Tatum Keshwar-Wheatley, and former CIO Akshay Karan. Wheatley subsequently resigned from ABC, and all three stepped away as directors of subsidiary Altvest Credit Opportunities Fund (ACOF). The Wheatley family controls ABC through WGW Capital and related parties. Wheatley was fined R5 million and debarred for 20 years by the FSCA over findings of share price manipulation when the company was listed as Altvest. The R5 million penalty was imposed jointly on Wheatley and WGW Capital. Wheatley has disputed the FSCA findings, claiming the transactions in question amounted to just R301 and dated back to September 2022, before the company changed its name to ABC. The FSCA found that Wheatley, Keshwar-Wheatley and Karan artificially boosted the share price through a series of coordinated trades. Wheatley maintains they were testing a faulty stockbroking platform to see if the trades executed properly and that there was no intention to manipulate the share price. Shareholders call for additional non-executive directors The latest board bloodletting relates to events that transpired post the FSCA debarment. It follows a Sens notice issued on 8 October and came from WGW Capital and other shareholders with roughly 76% of the company’s ordinary shares. They called for a shareholders’ meeting to vote on appointing two additional non-executive directors. Moneyweb understands the two directors were intended to fill gaps in legal, regulatory and investment expertise following Wheatley’s and Karan’s departures. One of the proposed directors brings legal and regulatory expertise which is needed given the ongoing issues with the FSCA, while the other has considerable investment expertise. A subsequent and supplementary demand escalated the dispute by seeking the removal of the four directors who in any event resigned on Friday. “The board’s position should not be interpreted as a general comment on the professional experience or capability of the proposed candidates,” reads the 8 October Sens, with the board adding that it did not support the two appointments at this time – a stance based on its independent judgement. The board acknowledged the legality of the demand by roughly 76% of shareholders for a meeting to vote on the new appointments, but Moneyweb understands that there are concerns over the timing – coming just weeks after the FSCA debarment. Operations continue The remaining directors are Robin Coode, independent non-executive director, and Jonathan Phillips, financial director. “The remaining directors, in consultation with the company’s advisors, are addressing the steps necessary to restore the appropriate board and committee composition in accordance with applicable statutory, regulatory and listing requirements,” reads the latest Sens. The company’s executive team is still in place and will manage day-to-day operations. Complicating matters are personal financial guarantees and collateral provided by Wheatley amounting to more than R113 million, according to a company remuneration disclosure. This leaves Wheatley financially exposed in a company over which he no longer has executive leverage. The shareholders’ meeting may help resolve that issue, should the two proposed directors be appointed. This article was republished from Moneyweb. Read the original here.

A businessman is in the process of rebuilding his life after a rollercoaster relationship with the Mpumalanga government. Profitable food supply contracts turned into rotten legal battles that left Alex Masilela fighting for millions from the province while he watched his business crumble. Once providing food to over 8 000 children and having signed deals to supply seven hospitals, he was shut out of both the education and health departments. Masilela was eventually forced to shut down his dream restaurant in eMalahleni as his R15 million claim against the government hung in legal limbo. His pleading on social media eventually caught the attention Small Business Development Deputy Minister Jane Sithole who lamented that his case was not an isolated one. Food supply double blow Through his company Ngiyasebenza Food and Projects, Masilela initially entered into a food supply contract with the education department in July 2013. This was later extended to 2016 and again beyond 2020, before the global health panic intervened. A delivery in March 2020 valued at R509 000 went unpaid by the education department, but this was not the first time he had been shortchanged by the provincial government. Court papers seen by The Citizen show that Masilela was in October 2017 appointed to supply perishable and non-perishable food to the Department of Health for three hospitals. The contract was extended in November 2018 to include four more hospitals, but Masilela’s court affidavit alleges that health officials refused to accept his deliveries, having purchased stock elsewhere. “The members of the defendant’s staff, at the hospitals and institutions as aforementioned, had purchased perishable and non-perishable foods from persons and/or entities that were not appointed and/or accredited vendors of the defendant, in contradiction of the plaintiff’s appointment,” the affidavit states. Masilela argues that the department “neglected to communicate sufficiently, effectively and constructively” with his company, resulting in it suffering claimed losses of R12.7 million. The Mpumalanga government has repeatedly been asked for comment on the matter, but no response has yet been forthcoming. Long legal processes In February 2021, Masilela’s legal team contacted the department inform it that legal proceedings were pending. A summons was served on the provincial government in April 2021. In responding documents, the department disputed the claims, arguing the contracts violated procurement regulations. “Save for admitting the name of plaintiff, defendant has no knowledge of the rest of the contents hereof, does not admit same and puts to the plaintiff to the proof thereof. “The aforesaid extension of the contract is void ab initio as it did not comply with section 217 of the constitution and other procurement legal prescripts. “Plaintiff by its own admission alleges that it has been prevented from delivering the goods to various hospitals and institutions, meaning that attempted performance has not been accepted by the defendant,” the September 2021 plea by the department read. The matter continued through to the Mpumalanga High Court, which in June 2023 ordered the health department to present a discovery affidavit to Masilela’s legal representatives. Court documents show the department failed to comply, with a pre-trial meeting held in May 2024. Minutes of the meeting show the merits and quantum of the health contract were still in dispute, and that although pleadings were agreed to be closed, both parties wanted to amend their pleas. Education contract false start Surprisingly, while still locked in a legal dispute with the Mpumalanga government, Ngiyasebenza Food and Projects had its initial education food supply contract re-awarded in April 2024. However, it was short-lived, as by November 2024 the company was only receiving partial payment and by January 2025, the department refused to accept deliveries. Masilela is suing for unpaid invoices for November and December 2024, as well as expenses and damages for January through to March 2025, for a total of R2.8 million. A January 2025 mediation meeting was cancelled, but in May 2025, the education matter was placed on the unopposed motion roll in the Mpumalanga High Court, with several postponements since delaying an outcome. Both claims remain before the court, but the process drained Masilela’s resources, and he places his losses at R15 million, not counting the loss of his restaurant. “My life is a mess. Life is difficult for me. I’ve closed down the restaurant and at any time the bank will start with their procedure to recover,” Masilela told The Citizen. Deputy minister intervenes In social media posts, Masilela is seen requesting legal assistance to see the case through, which is where Sithole heard of his plight. In a letter sent to Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu and seen by The Citizen, Sithole compelled the province to honour what was owed. “Honourable Premier, Mr Masilela deserves more than continued silence and further assurances. “While payment cannot restore everything he has lost, settling the amounts lawfully owed to him is an essential first step towards accountability and redress. “I trust that your office will now treat this matter with the urgency and seriousness it warrants,” the deputy minister wrote. In response, the premier responded in a letter dated 30 September. “The province is currently engaging with Mr Masilela and the relevant stakeholders with a view to understanding the circumstances surrounding the outstanding payments and finding an amicable and sustainable resolution to the matter,” Premier Ndlovu wrote. Deputy Minister Sithole told The Citizen that governments at all spheres were hampering the growth of businesses, and that small business owners were not financially equipped for long legal battles. She said her office was dealing with several similar cases across the country and would take the issue of chronic non-payment by service providers to the president’s desk. “The bottom line is that government is not paying small businesses when they have completed work. Small businesses in South Africa are dying, small businesses are drowning, small businesses are not succeeding, and government cannot be a contributor to killing small businesses. “When a small business takes government to court, it will drain them, it will ruin them, they lose everything,” Sithole concluded.

Holiday scams are about to hit their busiest time of year. As South Africans rush to book December getaways, criminals are ready and waiting. They know families are excited, short on time and hunting for a bargain. And that’s exactly what they’re counting on. On Monday, 12 October, the South African Police Service (SAPS) launched its festive season crime-fighting operations, promising to protect travellers over one of the country’s busiest travel periods. But some of the biggest risks to your holiday won’t happen on the road. They’ll happen online, before you’ve even packed. According to the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), holiday scams often peak ahead of or during the festive season. They trick people into paying for flights, accommodation and activities that never materialise. Here are the scams to watch out for, and how to protect yourself. 1. FAKE HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION This is one of the most common holiday scams. Criminals advertise holiday homes, beach houses or guest rooms that don’t exist, or that belong to someone else. They often use stolen photos and list the property on social media, community groups or even trusted booking websites. The FIC says some scammers pose as accommodation owners, while others create fake profiles to book properties, targeting hosts too. 2. CLONED WEBSITES AND FAKE TRAVEL AGENTS Some scammers go a step further. The FIC says criminals impersonate legitimate brands, travel agencies, airlines and booking websites, and create fake social media pages. They then offer fake holiday packages and tickets for flights, buses and trains. The Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) warns that scammers also use forged booking confirmations that look perfectly real. 3. HOLIDAY SCAMS ON THE PHONE Not every scam happens online. In 2026, Airlink warned that people were phoning customers, asking them to download its app and hand over personal information or documents. If someone calls you out of the blue about a booking, hang up. Contact the company directly using the details on its official website. 4. FAKE VOUCHERS, CLUBS AND TIMESHARES The FIC’s report also lists scams involving holiday vouchers, holiday clubs and fraudulent timeshares. These usually promise cheap or free holidays, but require an upfront payment or membership fee first. 5. EVENT TICKET SCAMS December is festival season, and ticket resale scams are common. Be wary of anyone selling tickets on social media, especially if they ask you to pay into a personal bank account. Buy directly from official ticketing platforms instead. RED FLAGS TO WATCH FOR Most holiday scams share the same warning signs: The price is too good to be true. The South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) has long advised that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. You’re pressured to pay quickly. Scammers create a sense of urgency so you don’t have time to check. You’re asked to pay into a personal account. SATSA warns against making large EFT payments to personal accounts. The website address looks slightly off. A cloned site may have a URL that doesn’t match the real company’s. HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF Book through trusted platforms, and pay using their secure payment systems. Verify the business. You can check whether a tour operator is a SATSA member, or email info@satsa.co.za to confirm. Check with the local tourism office. SAPS has previously advised contacting the local tourism office in the area if you’re unsure whether a listing is real. Search the property online. If the same photos appear under different names or addresses, walk away. Turn on 3D Secure for online card payments. SABRIC has previously recommended it as an extra layer of protection. WHAT TO DO IF YOU’VE BEEN SCAMMED Act fast. Contact your bank immediately to try to stop or reverse the payment. Open a case at your nearest SAPS station, as the FIC advises. Report the scam to the platform where you found the listing, so it can be removed before anyone else is caught. I write about scams all the time, and these ones still make me angry. They don’t just steal money. They steal the holiday families have saved all year for. My advice? Slow down, check twice and never pay into a personal account. A real bargain will still be there tomorrow. HAVE YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW EVER BEEN CAUGHT BY A HOLIDAY SCAM? Let us know in the comments below…

Magistrate Hleziphi Mkhasibe has ordered prosecutors to make statements from a 16-year-old girl and an 18-year-old woman available as former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya fights for bail. Mkhasibe made the request at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 13 October, where Sibiya faces serious criminal charges, including rape, human trafficking and the sexual grooming of a minor. The State continues to oppose his release, citing concerns over possible witness intimidation. Sibiya denies the allegations. WHAT ARE THE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST SHADRACK SIBIYA? Prosecutors accuse Sibiya of grooming the 16-year-old through WhatsApp messages and telephone conversations between May and August 2026. Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Nokukhanya Ndlovu previously told the court that Sibiya allegedly requested explicit photographs and videos from the teenager and instructed her to keep their communication secret. The State also accuses him of raping the 18-year-old at a Sandton hotel after she consumed alcohol. However, Sibiya disputes the allegations. He admitted having sex with the older complainant but insisted that she had consented. He also denied grooming the younger girl, claiming her father had told him that she had a crush on him. Mkhasibe has now requested both complainants’ statements as she considers the evidence presented during the bail hearing. COURT UPDATE: Bail hearing in the case against former Deputy National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Shadrack Mongo Sibiya (59) continues in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court. He is facing rape and sexual grooming charges.📹NPA/Magaboke Mohlatlole pic.twitter.com/DwyOyBVe4E— NPASouthAfrica (@NPA_Prosecutes) October 13, 2026 EXPLOSIVE AUDIO RECORDING PLAYED IN COURT Earlier on Tuesday, prosecutors played a 25-minute recording of a conversation between businessman Serge Cabonge and a man identified as Mr M, the father of the 16-year-old complainant. Cabonge made several allegations involving his dealings with Sibiya and other prominent figures, including businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. He also claimed that a person associated with the Madlanga Commission had sought his assistance to conceal a criminal offence following a road accident in Sandton. According to Cabonge, the same individual later advised him to leave South Africa after his name surfaced during testimony before the commission. The court has not verified these claims, and the recording does not establish wrongdoing by those implicated. WITNESS CLAIMS SIBIYA THREATENED HIS FAMILY Mr M also accused Sibiya of threatening him and his family. In an affidavit, he alleged that Sibiya warned him that he knew his family and could harm them. “I know what General Sibiya is capable of,” he said. Mr M claimed that the alleged threats left him fearing for his family’s safety. Prosecutors have used the witness intimidation allegations to argue against granting Sibiya bail. His defence disputes the claims and has challenged aspects of the evidence that the State presented. The matter has been postponed to Wednesday, 14 October.

Connectivity is an important enabler of economic participation, says Paratus Namibia MD Andrew Hall.

Avert ITD, AnyDesk's official African distributor, explains how remote access can reduce costly delays.