Here’s your daily news update for Wednesday, 30 July 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories.
In the news today, a Joburg mother is in custody after a video of a three-year-old boy allegedly smoking drugs went viral.
Meanwhile, acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga’s inquiry into KwaZulu-Natal police chief Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s allegations is expected to cost taxpayers an estimated R147.9 million.
Furthermore, more than half a million white South Africans have left the country in the last two decades.
Weather tomorrow: 31 July 2025
The South African Weather Service (Saws) has warned of cold, wet and windy conditions on Thursday, with disruptive snow expected over the escarpments of the Eastern Cape. Full weather forecast here.
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Mother in custody after video of 3-year-old boy allegedly smoking drugs [VIDEO]
A community uproar led to an all-night ordeal to save a young child from potential abuse.
Community activists on Tuesday night went on a crusade to rescue a three-year-old boy who was filmed allegedly inhaling narcotics through a makeshift pipe.
The activists broadcast much of their mission to find the boy’s family and get assistance from police and medical professionals.
Community anti-drug activist Curt van Heerden, founder of the Institution of Grace, described how the pipe was lit before the adults encouraged the small boy to inhale.
CONTINUE READING: Mother in custody after video of 3-year-old boy allegedly smoking drugs [VIDEO]
Madlanga inquiry: How much probe into Mkhwanazi’s allegations will cost
Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga’s inquiry into KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police chief Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s allegations of criminal infiltration into the South African justice system is expected to cost taxpayers an estimated R147.9 million.
This was revealed to The Citizen by the department of Justice and Constitutional Development spokesperson Terence Manase on Tuesday.
“Regarding your specific inquiry, we can confirm that the department of Justice and Constitutional Development is responsible for the procurement process for services for the Commission in consultation with the Commission Chairperson and Secretary,” Manase told The Citizen.
Manase said that due to the timeframes, the department has applied for a “deviation from standard procurement processes” with the National Treasury for the Madlanga Commission and “is awaiting feedback.”
CONTINUE READING: Madlanga inquiry: How much probe into Mkhwanazi’s allegations will cost
Half a million white South Africans have left the country in 25 years
More than half a million white South Africans have left the country in the last two decades, according to Statistics South Africa (StatsSA)’s latest Mid-Year Population Estimates report for 2025.
The data, which includes net international migration assumptions by population group, reveals that 555 497 white citizens have emigrated from South Africa between 2001 and 2026, with consistent net losses recorded every five years.
The report shows that South Africa experienced a loss of 99 574 white South Africans between 2001 and 2006, followed by 106 787 between 2006 and 2011, 111 346 between 2011 and 2016, 90 957 between 2016 and 2021, and 94 898 expected between 2021 and 2026.
By contrast, black African, coloured and Indian/Asian population groups all show net gains from international migration over the same period.
CONTINUE READING: Half a million white South Africans have left the country in 25 years
WATCH: Charges dropped against Mnisi in Likhona Fose murder case
Mduduzi Mnisi walked out of the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court a free man on Wednesday after the state withdrew murder charges against him in the killing of 14-year-old Likhona Fose, a former pupil at Ikusasalethu Secondary School.
The case, which had gripped the West Johannesburg community since Fose’s death, took a dramatic turn after prosecutors received new information that cast doubt on Mnisi’s involvement in the crime.
A presiding magistrate confirmed that the withdrawal of charges followed the emergence of crucial evidence that was not available during Mnisi’s bail application.
CONTINUE READING: WATCH: Charges dropped against Mnisi in Likhona Fose murder case
Nomzamo Mbatha shuts down Paul Mashatile dating rumours with Airbnb receipts
South African actress and Shaka iLembe executive producer Nomzamo Mbatha-Nxumalo has clapped back at explosive social media rumours.
The rumours linked her romantically to Deputy President Paul Mashatile. However, she produced evidence that she had independently booked the luxury Constantia mansion through Airbnb years ago.
This booking was even completed before Mashatile became deputy president in 2023.
The drama erupted after an X (formerly Twitter) user, @sanelenkosiii, shared images of a R28.9 million Constantia property. The property was recently declared by Mashatile as his home.
CONTINUE READING: Nomzamo Mbatha shuts down Paul Mashatile dating rumours with Airbnb receipts
Here are five more stories of the day:
- ‘We would have no country left if Zuma, MKP didn’t fight Madlanga inquiry in ConCourt,’ says Mpofu [VIDEO]
- ‘Patients literally froze to death’: Health Ombud finds fatal negligence at Northern Cape psychiatric hospitals
- Limpopo groom sentenced to life for raping 9-year-old girl on his wedding day
- Mistakes to avoid when applying for a protection order against alleged abusers
- How successful is Operation Shanela? Here’s how many cases resulted in convictions
