Police rescue 90 kidnapped Ethiopians locked up in ‘inhumane conditions’ in Joburg

Police have rescued 90 Ethiopian nationals who were found locked up in “inhumane conditions” in a building in Johannesburg.

The victims, who were allegedly being held for ransom, were discovered during a raid on the building in the city centre on Wednesday night.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said the victims were found in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, with no access to food or water.

“They were also being subjected to physical and verbal abuse,” Masondo said.

Three suspects, aged between 35 and 40, have been arrested and charged with kidnapping and extortion.

The victims are receiving medical attention and counselling.

MEC launches new racism probe at Pretoria High School for Girls after 12 pupils found not guilty

The Gauteng Education MEC has launched a new racism probe at Pretoria High School for Girls after 12 pupils were found not guilty of racism by the school’s governing body (SGB).

The MEC, Panyaza Lesufi, said the new investigation would be conducted by an independent panel.

“The panel will be tasked with investigating the allegations of racism at the school and making recommendations on how to address the issue,” Lesufi said.

The SGB’s investigation into the allegations found that there was no evidence of racism at the school.

However, Lesufi said he was not satisfied with the SGB’s findings.

“I have received a number of complaints from parents and learners about the school’s handling of the racism allegations,” Lesufi said.

“I have also seen some of the evidence that was presented to the SGB, and I believe that there is a case to be answered.”

Rwanda shuts down 185 churches – so far

The Rwandan government has shut down 185 churches so far this year for operating without a license or for violating other regulations.

The government has also arrested 10 pastors and fined 19 others.

The crackdown on unlicensed churches is part of a wider effort by the government to regulate the religious sector.

In 2018, the government passed a law requiring all churches to register with the government and to meet certain standards.

The government says that the crackdown is necessary to protect the public from unregistered churches that may be operating illegally or for criminal purposes.

CAPTURE CHRONICLES | Controversial KZN accountant bagged almost R8m from Mhlathuze Water bonanza

A controversial KwaZulu-Natal accountant has bagged almost R8 million from the Mhlathuze Water bonanza.

The accountant, Preggie Pillay, was appointed to the Mhlathuze Water board in 2015.

Since then, he has been paid almost R8 million in fees and allowances.

Pillay has been criticized for his lack of experience in the water sector and for his alleged close ties to the ANC.

In 2018, he was accused of trying to influence the awarding of a R200 million contract to a company linked to his friends.

Pillay has denied any wrongdoing.

Death and dysfunction: Murdered corruption investigator kept death threat fears secret from bosses

The murdered corruption investigator Babita Deokaran kept her fears of being killed a secret from her bosses.

This was revealed in a report by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid).

Deokaran was gunned down outside her home in Mondeor, south of Johannesburg, in August last year.

She had been investigating corruption in the Gauteng health department.

The Ipid report found that Deokaran had received numerous death threats in the months leading up to her murder.

However, she had not informed her superiors about the threats.

The report also found that the Gauteng police had failed to adequately protect Deokaran.

The report has been handed over to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), which is considering whether to prosecute any of the police officers involved.

In conclusion, it is evident that many alarming and pressing issues require attention and action in our society today. From human trafficking and racism to government misconduct and the alarming shutdown of churches, these incidents highlight the need for thorough investigations, accountability, and decisive measures to address these challenges effectively. As citizens, it is crucial to stay informed, hold our leaders accountable, and work collectively towards creating a more just and equitable society for all.