Top 10 stories of the day: New lottery operator | RAF CEO placed on special leave | Hawks investigate Viljoens

Picture of Chulumanco Mahamba

By Chulumanco Mahamba

Digital Night Supervisor


Here’s your daily news update for Wednesday, 28 May 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories.


News today includes the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) have announced the appointment of a new lottery operator.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Road Accident Fund (RAF), Collins Letsoalo, has been placed on special leave with full pay.

Furthermore, the Hawks confirmed this afternoon that they are investigating Peet and Melany Viljoen for fraud after a judge ordered in April that a copy of his order be forwarded to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for investigation and possible prosecution for not complying with the Companies Act.

Weather tomorrow: 29 May 2025

Damaging winds and waves are expected between Saldanha Bay and Cape Agulhas in Western Cape, otherwise the day will usher in mostly fine and cool weather across the country. Full weather forecast here.

Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way.


Big change to Lotto operations: Will tickets be on sale next week?

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) have announced the appointment of a new lottery operator.

Minister Parks Tau confirmed that he had received a report from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) confirming an agreement with their preferred bidder.

Top 10 stories of the day 28 May 2025
Picture: iStock

The report on the concluded negotiations was received on Monday, but lottery players are still in the dark as to whether they can panda, pusha, playa next week.

CONTINUE READING: Big change to Lotto operations: Will tickets be on sale next week?


Six year old’s family attempts to withdraw sexual assault case against Limpopo radio DJ

The family of a six-year-old girl in Limpopo is attempting to withdraw a sexual assault case against a Limpopo radio DJ despite legal procedures preventing such action.

A 34-year-old radio personality from Vhembe District was arrested on charges of sexually assaulting a minor who is also a relative.

Top 10 stories of the day 28 May 2025
Minor sexual assault. Image used for illustration. Picture: iStock

The DJ, who works at a radio station based in Thohoyandou, appeared before the Waterval Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for a bail application, where family members made their withdrawal request known to authorities.

CONTINUE READING: Six year old’s family attempts to withdraw sexual assault case against Limpopo radio DJ


RAF CEO placed on special leave with full pay, as MPs grill fund

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Road Accident Fund (RAF), Collins Letsoalo, has been placed on special leave with full pay.

This was confirmed during a Standing Committee on Public Accounts meeting in parliament on Wednesday. According to RAF board member Lekau Nyama, this is due to precautionary measures.

Top 10 stories of the day 28 May 2025
RAF CEO Collins Letsoalo. Picture: RAF/X

He has been implicated in alleged financial mismanagement and corruption.

CONTINUE READING: RAF CEO placed on special leave with full pay, as MPs grill fund


‘I looked for Joshlin when I was mourning my own daughter,’ community member tells court

The conviction of Joshlin Smith’s mother, Racquel “Kelly” Smith, along with her co-accused, Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn, may never fill the void left by the disappearance of the little girl, as they continue to seek answers from her mother.

The three returned to the Western Cape High Court in Saldanha on Wednesday, where victim impact statements were read out.

Top 10 stories of the day 28 May 2025
Joshlin Smith. Picture: Supplied

On 2 May, Judge Nathan Erasmus found the three guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking.

CONTINUE READING: ‘I looked for Joshlin when I was mourning my own daughter,’ community member tells court


Hawks investigating Peet and Melany Viljoen for fraud with Tammy Taylor franchises

The Hawks confirmed this afternoon that they are investigating Peet and Melany Viljoen for fraud after a judge ordered in April that a copy of his order be forwarded to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for investigation and possible prosecution for not complying with the Companies Act.

Brigadier Thandi Mbambo, spokesperson for the Hawks, confirmed that the Hawks are investigating the matter after a case was opened at the Sandton police station.

Top 10 stories of the day 28 May 2025
Peet and Melany Viljoen. Picture: Instagram/peetviljoen_ttn

Judge Joseph Raulinga made the order after a prospective Tammy Taylor franchisee, Lebohang Hlathuka, sued Tammy Taylor Global Franchising as well as both the Real Housewives of Pretoria star and her husband to get back the R600 000 she paid for a Tammy Taylor franchise.

CONTINUE READING: Hawks investigating Peet and Melany Viljoen for fraud with Tammy Taylor franchises



Yesterday’s News recap

READ HERE: RIP Presley Chweneyagae | Police hunt Olorato’s suspected killer | Ramaphosa Q&A

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