Daily news update: Molefe’s R30m pension recovered, Meyiwa murder trial and Zuma vs Karyn Maughan

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Daily news update: 8 September

Eskom recovers R30m unlawfully paid to Brian Molefe’s pension fund

Eskom has confirmed that it has successfully recovered the R30 million it unlawfully paid to former Chief Executive Officer Brian Molefe’s Pension and Provident Fund (EPPF) during 2016.

In July 2022, the North Gauteng High Court re-affirmed a 2018 high court judgement that had reviewed and set aside a 2016 early retirement agreement between Molefe and Eskom.

In terms of the agreement, Eskom paid to the EPPF approximately R30 million to boost Molefe’s early retirement pension pay-out.

ALSO READ: Brian Molefe, Anoj Singh, two others granted bail of R50 000 each

Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha said the parastatal will not provide any further comment on the matter.

Senzo Meyiwa murder trial: Forensic officer denies covering-up mistakes at crime scene

The State’s first witness in the murder trial against the five men accused of killing former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, Senzo Meyiwa, has denied covering up mistakes in gathering evidence at the crime scene.

Forensic officer, Sergeant Thabo Mosia, on Wednesday was back in the dock in the Pretoria High Court to testify as one of the first forensic officers to arrive at the scene in 2014.

ALSO READ: Senzo Meyiwa’s murder was only reported to police after four hours, court hears

Meyiwa was shot and killed in an alleged botched robbery on 26 October, at the Vosloorus family home of his then-girlfriend and singer, Kelly Khumalo.

Sanef: Zuma private prosecution on journo an ‘attack on media freedom’

The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) says former President Jacob Zuma’s private prosecution of News24 journalist Karyn Maughan is an attack on media freedom.

Zuma launched the proceedings against Maughan and senior state prosecutor, advocate Billy Downer, in the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday.

ALSO READ: Zuma lodges private prosecution proceedings against Downer and journalist

The private prosecution comes after a criminal complaint opened by the former president in October last year at the Pietermaritzburg police station against Downer for allegedly leaking his confidential medical records to Maughan.

Life Esidimeni: Warrant of arrest issued for truant former Gauteng health director

A warrant of arrest has been issued for former Gauteng health director Dr Makgabo Manamela, after once again failing to appear at the ongoing Life Esidimeni inquest.

Makgabo’s no-show on Wednesday, again citing illness as a reason for her inability to testify, resulted in Judge Jowie Teffo issuing the warrant, held over until next week.

According to Makgabo’s medical certificate, she was unavailable to testify until 14 September, despite being subpoenaed to appear before the High Court in Pretoria.

UPDATE: Big Concerts responds to Justin Bieber’s world tour suspension

International pop star Justin Bieber made a surprise announcement early on Wednesday, that he has had to suspend his world tour, the Justice Tour once again. 

The Sorry hitmaker posted on his social media accounts that his health has taken a toll once again. 

Bieber’s last performance was in Rio, Brazil, this past weekend. He said “he gave everything,” however he has to take a break. 

Bieber first suspended his world tour in June, after being diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. 

WATCH: Sharks unveil new jersey — designed by a fan — for new URC season

The Sharks have unveiled their new-look jersey for the 2022/23 United Rugby Championship season.

According to the Sharks, the jersey was designed by a fan, namely Lee James Retief, who lives in the UK.

In 2021, the Sharks ran a competition in which fans were invited to submit their designs for a new playing jersey.

ALSO READ: Daily news update: Load shedding is back, Putco to fire 1000 workers and Senzo Meyiwa trial