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Here’s your daily news update for Monday, 5 May 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories.
Picture: iStock / The Citizen / Cheryl Kahla
In the news today, all Mpumalanga Department of Education officials will face disciplinary action for the irregular procurement of 22 laptops for a staggering R2 million.
Meanwhile, an Eastern Cape mother can now breathe a sigh of relief after a murder charge against her – stemming from the death of a man who allegedly raped her daughter – was withdrawn.
Furthermore, the DA says the United States’ intervention in the Democratic Republic of Congo was more fruitful than the Southern African Development Community peacekeeping mission.
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R2 million laptop saga triggers disciplinary action in Mpumalanga education department
All Mpumalanga Department of Education officials, including the head of the department, will face disciplinary action for the irregular procurement of 22 laptops for a staggering R2 million.
Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu released the much-anticipated findings of an investigation into the so-called Mpumalanga laptop saga on Monday morning.
The Department of Education purchased 22 laptops and a printer for R2 million, which means each laptop cost over R91,482.50, well above the market price.
CONTINUE READING: R2 million laptop saga triggers disciplinary action in Mpumalanga education department
Murder charge dropped against EC mother who confronted daughter’s alleged rapist
A mother from the Eastern Cape can now breathe a sigh of relief after a murder charge against her – stemming from the death of a man who allegedly raped her daughter – was withdrawn.
On Monday, the 44-year-old woman made her appearance in the Cacadu Magistrate’s Court, formerly known as Lady Frere, facing a charge of murder.
The incident occurred on 5 April, when the woman reportedly caught a 65-year-old man in the act of raping her disabled daughter at his residence in a village in Cacadu.
It is alleged that the man was beaten to death by the mother and other locals. She was subsequently arrested and charged with murder but was granted R500 bail on 10 April.
CONTINUE READING: Murder charge dropped against EC mother who confronted daughter’s alleged rapist
SANDF in DRC: Trump administration did what SA couldn’t, says DA
The DA has questioned South Africa’s intervention in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after reports that the United States government is on course to broker a peace deal between rival groups in the region.
This comes as South African troops make their way home after Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces withdrew from the DRC.
DA spokesperson on defence and military veterans Chris Hattingh told The Citizen that Washington’s intervention was more fruitful than the SADC peacekeeping mission.
“The recent peace breakthrough between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda didn’t come from years of regional mediation, it came swiftly from Washington.”
CONTINUE READING: SANDF in DRC: Trump administration did what SA couldn’t, says DA
Blitzboks win Sevens World Championship in Los Angeles
South Africa’s Blitzboks saved their best for last this season as they went all the way in Los Angeles on Sunday to lift the World Championship title.
Philip Snyman’s team beat Spain in the final of the elite eight-team tournament, following the regular season.
The Blitzboks won 19-5 in California early Monday morning (SA time) to end a perfect weekend.
In the semi-final, they beat New Zealand 26-5, while on day one of the tournament they won all three of their pool matches — against France (19-10), Great Britain (12-7) and Argentina (29-21)..
CONTINUE READING: Blitzboks win Sevens World Championship in Los Angeles
Free State asbestos trial: Investigating officer denies misleading US over Cholota’s extradition
The state has denied misleading the United States (US) government to secure the extradition of Moroadi Cholota, former personal assistant to ex-Free State premier Ace Magashule.
A trial-within-a-trial began on Monday at the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein as part of the R255 million asbestos corruption case. Cholota is contesting the court’s jurisdiction and the legality of her extradition from the US.
She was extradited to South Africa on 8 August 2024 to face charges alongside Magashule and 16 others related to fraud and corruption.
Money laundering charges against her were recently withdrawn after the US declined to extradite her on those grounds.
CONTINUE READING: Free State asbestos trial: Investigating officer denies misleading US over Cholota’s extradition
Here are five more stories of the day:
- Soweto Derby Showdown: Kaizer Chiefs beat Orlando Pirates in the style game
- SASSA SRD grant to be ‘converted’ to basic income grant – Mbalula says [VIDEO]
- More than 3 500 missing persons found by police in SA annually
- Kagiso Rabada cleared to return to action after one-month suspension
- Is Cactus Jack tequila or spirit cooler? Regulatory board demands label change
Yesterday’s News recap
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