Four Zimbabwean nationals based in South Africa have been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Pretoria High Court after being convicted for their involvement in the brutal killing of a South African National Defence Forces (SANDF) member, Joel Sekano, in 2022.
Cuthbert Ndlovu Malatjila (22) from Winterveldt, Talent Moyo (31) from Oukasie, James Muzora (26), and Luckson Simbarashe Ruchapu (28) from Mabopane were found guilty of premeditated murder, robbery, and attempted murder.
In addition to life sentences for the murder of Sekano and an innocent bystander, Edward Karabo Dire, the four men received 15 years’ imprisonment for four counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances and five years each for three counts of attempted murder.
The court also imposed further penalties: Malatjila, Muzora, and Moyo were sentenced to a collective 25 years for two counts of possession of unlicensed firearms, and each defendant received 12 months for two counts of possessing ammunition.
Malatjila, Ruchapu, and Muzora were sentenced to 12 months for being in South Africa illegally.
Gauteng regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Lumka Mahanjana, confirmed that these sentences will run concurrently with the life imprisonment terms.
The tragic incident occurred on June 16, 2022, when Sekano and his friend were standing outside his residence in Masakeng Section, Oukasie, when the four men approached them.
They robbed the victims of their cellphones and wallets, and during the robbery, Sekano’s friend was struck on the head with a firearm, knocking him unconscious. The robbers then fatally shot Sekano and stole his firearm before fleeing the scene. Said Mahanjana:
<blockquote>
In court, they pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, the State led compelling evidence. And the four were convicted and later sentenced.
The NPA welcomed the sentence and reaffirms its commitment for justice in the protection of South African citizens.
</blockquote>

Pindula News

Four Zimbabwean men in South Africa were sentenced to life in jail for killing a soldier, Joel Sekano. They were also convicted of robbery and attempted murder. They received additional years for possession of firearms and being in the country illegally. The incident happened in 2022 when the men robbed Sekano and his friend, leading to Sekano's tragic death. The court handed them the harsh sentences after they were found guilty. The National Prosecuting Authority confirmed that the sentences will run at the same time as the life imprisonment.

Four Zimbabwean Nationals Sentenced To Life For Killing South African Soldier

South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Lieutenant-General Peter Ntshavheni Maphaha has criticised the country’s politicians for turning the military into a “Mickey Mouse” force due to chronic underfunding.
Speaking at the funeral of Staff Sergeant Ishmael Molahlehi in the Free State over the weekend, Maphaha warned the government that the country’s borders were inadequately protected, leaving many vulnerable. He said (via <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/politicians-have-turned-the-sandf-into-a-mickey-mouse-force-top-general-speaks-out-e8ceb25f-c546-4664-ac7d-55215caea119">IOL</a>):
<blockquote>
South African borders are porous because you, the politicians, have decided you want a Mickey Mouse defence force.
</blockquote>
The term “Mickey Mouse” is often used informally to describe something as trivial, insignificant, or amateurish. For instance, referring to a project as “Mickey Mouse” suggests that it is poorly organised or lacks seriousness.
Lt-Gen. Maphaha also asserted that South Africa is regarded as a “big brother” in Africa, owing to its global standing and leadership role in both economic and geopolitical matters on the continent. He said:
<blockquote>
You cannot be a big brother if you are unable to wield a stick that will make people afraid.
</blockquote>
His sharp remarks underscore the challenges the military faces both domestically and internationally, especially as the SANDF grapples with the tragic loss of 14 soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Maphaha also said that the SANDF’s primary duty is to protect and defend the country. He said a nation’s security reflects its character, much like the protection a home provides to its inhabitants. Said Lt-Gen. Maphaha:
<blockquote>
What we give to the SANDF should symbolise that. How many of you will build an expensive and beautiful house and not fence it and protect it? I don’t think any of you will do that.
</blockquote>
He urged politicians to recognize the importance of properly equipping the troops with the necessary resources to effectively protect the country.

Lt-Gen. Maphaha said politicians made the South African army weak by not giving enough money. He said the army's borders are not safe. He called the army a "Mickey Mouse" force, which means not serious. He also said South Africa should be a strong leader in Africa, but the army needs to be stronger. The army recently lost 14 soldiers in Congo. He wants politicians to give the army more resources to protect the country and its people. He compared protecting the country to fencing a house for safety.

South African Army Has Been Turned Into A Mickey Mouse Force, Says A Top General

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly rejected calls from analysts and opposition parties to withdraw South African troops stationed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) and the UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO).
These calls came in the wake of the tragic deaths of 14 South African soldiers, who were killed in the past two weeks in the eastern DRC after being attacked by the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels.
In a <a href="https://www.thepresidency.gov.za/node/8738">statement</a> to the nation on Monday, February 3, President Ramaphosa said the soldiers’ deaths occurred in violation of a ceasefire agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, a deal that had been brokered by Angolan President João Lourenço. Said Ramaphosa:
<blockquote>
In the wake of the tragic killing of our soldiers, some have questioned South Africa’s presence in the eastern DRC. Some have said that we have no business being there.
But violence and conflict in Africa is the business of all Africans. The humanitarian, economic and social effects of these conflicts are felt across borders and regions.
Instability in any part of the continent affects the prospects for growth and development across the continent.
For a lasting peace to be secured in the eastern DRC, there must be an immediate end to hostilities and a ceasefire that must be respected by all.
South Africa’s participation in the DRC is subject to the SAMIDRC mission, which has operational timeframes and an end date.
The mission will wind down in accordance with the implementation of various confidence-building measures and when the ceasefire we have called for takes root.
As this happens, securing the safety of our troops remains paramount. The situation in the areas where our troops are stationed remains highly volatile.
We are making every effort to ensure that our soldiers are well-equipped and sufficiently supported during the mission.
</blockquote>
Ramaphosa said that a ceasefire is a crucial prerequisite for peace talks, which must involve all parties to the conflict, whether state or non-state actors and regardless of their nationality, whether Congolese or non-Congolese.
He expressed support for the UN Security Council’s call for the reversal of territorial gains made by the M23 rebel group and the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from the DRC. He concluded:
<blockquote>
Achieving lasting peace and security for the eastern DRC and the region requires the collective will of the community of nations.
As a country, we have a duty to support the nations of Africa whose solidarity and material support helped secure our liberation.
South Africa will not let up in its support to the people of the DRC so that they may have the peace and security they rightfully deserve.
</blockquote>

South African President Ramaphosa says no to bringing troops back from Congo despite soldiers being killed. He believes violence in Africa affects everyone, not just one country. He wants all parties to stop fighting and follow a ceasefire. Troops will come back when peace is secured. He supports UN's call to remove rebel group and Rwandan forces from Congo. Ramaphosa thinks all nations should work together for peace in Congo. South Africa will keep supporting Congo for peace and security. Troops will stay safe and well-equipped during the mission.

Ramaphosa Rejects Calls To Withdraw South African Troops From DRC

The South African Defence Force (SANDF) confirmed that another soldier has died in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as fighting continues in North Kivu, reported <a href="https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/sandf-soldier-dies-drc/">The Citizen</a>.
The soldier succumbed to his wounds in hospital on Saturday, bringing the total number of SANDF soldiers killed in the DRC to 14.
The SANDF released the names of the fallen soldiers on Saturday. They are:
<ul>
<li>Staff Sergeant William Eddie Cola</li>
<li>Staff Sergeant Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi</li>
<li>Staff Sergeant Shwahlane Theophilus Seepe</li>
<li>Corporal Matome Justice Malesa</li>
<li>Corporal Rinae Nemavhulani</li>
<li>Lance Bombardier Itumeleng Macdonald Moreo</li>
<li>Lance Corporal Tseke Moffat Molapo</li>
<li>Lance Corporal Metse Stansly Raswiswi</li>
<li>Rifleman Sebatane Richard Chokoe</li>
<li>Rifleman Derrick Maluleke</li>
<li>Rifleman Tshidiso Andries Mabele</li>
<li>Rifleman Calvin Louis Moagi</li>
<li>Rifleman Mokete Joseph Mobe</li>
<li>Private Peter Jacobus Strydom</li>
</ul>
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga, Deputy Minister Bantu Holomisa, and other officials extended their heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and the entire defence community.

Fourteen soldiers from South Africa have been killed in a conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The names of the fallen soldiers have been released by the South African Defence Force. The Minister of Defence and other officials have expressed their condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers. Fighting is still ongoing in North Kivu, where one soldier recently died in the hospital from his injuries. The soldiers who lost their lives are being honored and remembered for their sacrifice in the line of duty.

South Africa Names 14 Soldiers Killed In DRC Conflict

South African opposition leader Julius Malema has called for the withdrawal of South African soldiers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where they are deployed as peacekeepers under the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC).
Malema’s call comes after 13 South African soldiers were killed in recent days while fighting M23 rebels in Eastern DRC.
In a post on X on Wednesday, Malema claimed that South African soldiers had surrendered to the M23, a rebel group reportedly supported by Rwanda.
However, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) denied these claims on Tuesday, stating that its soldiers had not surrendered to the rebels. Wrote Malema:
<blockquote>
The truth is undeniable, the SA army has surrendered, and M23 is disarming them. Today’s portfolio committee meeting has been postponed simply because the Minister of Defence chose not to appear. 
We cannot stand by and be complicit in this situation; we must take a stand and demand the immediate withdrawal of our soldiers from the DRC.
It is imperative that we increase the military budget, and all military equipment tenders must be halted without delay.
Denel must be empowered with the mandate to produce military equipment, and our soldiers must undergo re-training before considering redeployment. We will not accept anything less.
</blockquote>
Denel SOC Ltd is a South African state-owned aerospace and military technology conglomerate that designs, integrates, and supports a wide range of products, including artillery, munitions, missiles, aerostructures, aircraft maintenance, unmanned aerial vehicle systems, and optical payloads.
Meanwhile, some South African security experts and retired military generals have warned that a withdrawal from the DRC would weaken South Africa’s position and portray it as vulnerable.
These experts argue that South African troops should not retreat in the face of a rebel group backed by a small country like Rwanda.
They pointed out that South Africa is a major power, not only in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region but across the entire African continent.

South African leader Julius Malema wants soldiers out of Congo after 13 killed by rebels. He says soldiers surrendered, but military denies. Malema demands immediate withdrawal, more money for defense, and new training for soldiers. Experts warn that leaving Congo would weaken South Africa's power. They say South Africa should be strong and not back down from rebels. South Africa is a big player in Africa and should not look weak.

Malema Calls For Troop Withdrawal From DRC After M23 Rebel Attack Kills 13 Soldiers

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has denied claims that its soldiers deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have surrendered to the M23 rebels.
This follows a video circulating on social media showing a South African soldier raising a white flag.
SANDF clarified that the white flag was raised as part of an agreement to allow M23 to recover their dead and injured near the South African base, a common practice in war to facilitate a truce.
In a statement, the SANDF said that it remains committed to its peacekeeping duties under the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) and the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (SAMIDRC).
Fighting has intensified recently, with conflicting reports about the control of the city of Goma. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has noted with concern the widespread circulation of a video on social media accompanied by misleading claims suggesting that SANDF forces surrendered to M23 rebels. We wish to set the record straight.
The footage in question depicts a white flag raised, which is an outcome of discussions between the opposing fighting forces to agree on a truce to allow M23 to recover their dead and injured in the vicinity of our base.
This will also open the route for our troops to access medical facilities. This is common practice in any war. 
Let members of the public not be alarmed by a video clip and its meaning.
The SANDF remains fully committed to its peacekeeping responsibilities under the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) and the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (SAMIDRC).
Our troops continue to operate with resolve, courage, and discipline in pursuit of peace and stability in the region.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, SANDF has confirmed that 13 South African troops were killed while assisting DRC troops in efforts to prevent M23 rebels from overtaking the city of Goma.
Clashes between the Congolese military and M23 rebels have resulted in the deaths of 17 civilians.

The South African military says its soldiers did not surrender to rebels in the DRC. A video shows a soldier raising a white flag, but it was to allow a truce for the recovery of dead and injured. The military is committed to peacekeeping duties in the DRC. 13 South African troops died helping DRC troops defend Goma. Fighting between Congolese military and rebels has killed 17 civilians. The soldiers are working hard for peace and stability in the region.

South African Military Clarifies DRC White Flag Incident

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has reported a rise in the number of pregnant women from Zimbabwe illegally crossing the border to access social grants for their children.
Major Shihlangoma Mahlahlane, speaking to the media last week, revealed that there is an increase in pregnant women entering the country so they can register their children as South African citizens.
To tackle this issue, the SANDF’s Operation Corona conducted night patrols on Thursday aimed at curbing illegal immigration.
Mahlahlane said that many of these crossings occur after dark to evade detection, with some illegal immigrants resorting to bribing officials to gain entry.
He attributed the surge in border crossings to the high cost of living and widespread unemployment in neighbouring countries, which have left many people, particularly pregnant women, desperate to seek a better life in South Africa. Said Mahlahlane (via <a href="https://www.citizen.co.za/news/sandf-pregnant-women-entering-south-africa-illegally-grants/">The Citizen</a>):
<blockquote>
Pregnant females cross into South Africa and, after giving birth in the South African hospital, they will try to register their child as South African to obtain the child grant.
</blockquote>
During a tactical operation in Musina on Thursday night, the SANDF apprehended two women along with a minor.
According to the SANDF, the mother of the child fled, leaving the child behind with one of the women.
Although both women were South African citizens, they were caught crossing the border illegally. The military police handed the case over to law enforcement for further processing.
Major Mahlahlane added that many foreigners are so desperate to live in South Africa that, even after being deported, they attempt to cross the border repeatedly until they are successful.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Many pregnant women from Zimbabwe are coming to South Africa illegally to have their babies and get child grants. The South African Defence Force is trying to stop this illegal immigration by patrolling at night. Some women even bribe officials to get in. Living costs and unemployment in neighbouring countries are pushing people to seek a better life in South Africa. Two South African women were caught helping a minor cross the border illegally. Even if deported, some people keep trying to come back.

Pregnant Zimbabwean Women Flock To South Africa For Births And Child Grants

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has said the damage to the fence along the Limpopo border is creating challenges for its members deployed to protect the border.
As reported by <a href="https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2024-11-29-damaged-sa-zimbabwe-border-fence-a-challenge-for-soldiers-guarding-against-illegal-crossing-smuggling/">TimesLive</a>, soldiers deployed under “Operation Corona” recently took journalists on their daily patrols as they intensified their operations along the border.
The R37 million fence between South Africa and Zimbabwe has been cut, allowing Zimbabweans to cross into South Africa.
While parts of the fence still stand, some sections are missing, creating openings for illegal migrants and the transport of goods.
Operation Corona aims to ensure national border control and protect South Africa’s territorial integrity and its people in accordance with the constitution and international law.
This includes curbing cross-border crimes such as the illegal smuggling of dagga (cannabis), stolen vehicles, and undocumented people.
The deployment, covering 1,038 km from Pafuri to Rooibokkraal, started on September 1 and will continue until April 30, 2025.
The commander of Bravo Company, Maj Shihlangoma Mahlahlane, said the damaged fence poses a major challenge. He said:
<blockquote>
The fence is down because of the same people who are carrying groceries out. It was fine two years ago, but unfortunately, they took advantage that we are not all over to cut the fence for exits and entries.
It is extremely bad. It is very difficult to stop them because there are a lot of exits and that is where the contraband can cross over. When we patrol towards the east, they go towards the west because they know the area is vulnerable.
</blockquote>
Mahlahlane said another challenge is that people crossing the border take advantage of the no man’s land between SA and Zimbabwe, while a lot of people pay corrupt officials to cross over.
Capt Jacobus Theunissen, senior staff officer of operational communication at the joint operations division, said:
<blockquote>
We don’t have control over that but it does make our job much more difficult. Unfortunately, we are stretched to our maximum, with all our other commitments on other border lines we need to protect.
We are also assisting with illegal mining operations, Eskom and our deployment in [Democratic Republic of] Congo.
</blockquote>
On Thursday night, on the borderline a few metres from the Beitbridge post, South African soldiers pounced on three suspects.
One of the suspects, a mother, fled and left her child behind when she spotted the soldiers. A smuggler also ran away, leaving a fire in the bush.
The two women and the young boy were handed to military police, who will hand them over to the police.
About 12km away, at a second point, people crossing illegally ran away when they spotted soldiers.
They crossed back to the Zimbabwean side using man-made bridges on the Limpopo River. When they reached their side, the men threw insults at the South African soldiers.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The fence along the border between South Africa and Zimbabwe is damaged, making it easy for people to cross illegally. The South African National Defence Force is trying to protect the border, but it's a big challenge. The damaged fence allows for illegal activities like smuggling goods and people. The soldiers are on patrol to stop this, but they are facing difficulties because of the damaged fence. They are also stretched thin with other duties. Some suspects were caught near the border, but others managed to escape back to Zimbabwe. It's a tough job for the soldiers to protect the border.

Damage To Limpopo Border Fence Creating Challenges For SANDF

A 23-year-old Zimbabwean man who was allegedly shot dead by a South African soldier at Limpopo River was buried in Bulawayo on Friday.
Mduduzi Mbulelo Mlilo was reportedly assisting border jumpers and smugglers at an illegal crossing point on 02 April when the soldier shot him once in the breast, killing him instantly.
Mlilo was among a group of 16 smugglers who were intercepted by South African soldiers at an illegal crossing point.
His body was taken to Tshilidzini Mortuary in Limpopo Province where it was kept pending police investigations.
The soldier who shot him has since been arrested and charged with murder and is set to stand trial at the Musina Regional Court on 15 May.
Mduduzi’s father, Dubayi Mlilo, told <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/zim-man-killed-by-sa-soldier-buried-in-bulawayo/">the Chronicle</a> that his son was buried at Luveve cemetery. He said:
<blockquote>
This is devastating; my son was killed just like that. If they were really implementing the law, they could have arrested him and taken him to court.
We have had an update from the police and we will follow the case with interest.
We are quiet saddened by this incident and we hope he will get justice.
</blockquote>
Mlilo said according to witnesses, Mduduzi was shot while assisting people to smuggle an assortment of goods, mainly onions.
He said he was told that the soldier jumped from a vehicle and opened fire at Mduduzi while standing on the river bank.
He then fell into the water and his body was later retrieved and taken to the mortuary around 8 PM after lying on the riverbed for almost six hours.
On 15 February this year, a member of the South African Border Guard shot and killed a Zimbabwean man at Beitbridge Border Post.
The man was allegedly shot for reprimanding the Border Guards for assaulting an old woman who was picking up empty cans and plastic containers for recycling.
The incident occurred at the foot of the New Limpopo Bridge (NLB) on the South African side of the border at around 4 AM.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean Man Shot Dead By South African Soldier Buried

Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) commander, General Philip Valerio Sibanda, is visiting South Africa as a guest of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
The SANDF reported that Sibanda and his delegation were being hosted by SANDF Chief, General Rudzani Maphwanya. A statement released by SANDF on Tuesday, 25 October reads:
<blockquote>
The Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Rudzani Maphwanya​ is hosting the Chief General of Zimbabwe Philip Valerio Sibanda and his delegations, at the Armscor Sports Ground in Pretoria, where the parade was taking place when welcoming the guests.
The main aim of the General’s visit is to strengthen the existing cooperation between the two countries Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The Generals and the delegates enjoyed the beautiful sounds of trumpets, drums, and saxophones, as the welcoming parade was taking place.
They then later proceeded to the headquarters at Huvo conference room where the meeting was taking place.
After lunch and exchanging of gifts, General Maphwanya ​and his guests proceeded to have dinner together.
In his speech, he highlighted that the evening is about breaking bread and reminiscing about Africans and celebrating being one.
</blockquote>

ZDF Commander In South Africa For Meetings With Counterpart

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) said it will not be deployed against citizens but to protect health, life and property.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has the executive authority to deploy soldiers but he is obliged to inform Parliament.
An internal SANDF document revealed that soldiers were placed on standby for deployment in light of the insecurity in the country. Director for the SANDFs corporate communication, Brigadier-General Andries Mahapa:
<blockquote>
Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Maphwanya, would like to reiterate that should the deployment of the SANDF be authorised according to Section 201/2 of the Constitution, it will be mainly for the preservation of health, life and property, not against the people of South Africa.
</blockquote>
Mahapa said that military generals had stressed that the document was never intended for public consumption, and it remains an internal document meant for planning and coordinating purposes internally within the SANDF.
Two protesters were shot dead in South Africa on Monday during a demonstration against the rising cost of living.
The protest took place in the township of Tembisa, in the east of Johannesburg, where angry residents, demonstrated over electricity prices, blocking roads with burning tyres and setting fire to a public building.
The country has also witnessed mass shootings at taverns across the country as well as clashes between residents and illegal miners in recent days.
More: <a href="https://ewn.co.za/0001/01/01/sandf-soldiers-won-t-be-deployed-against-the-people-of-south-africa">EWN</a>

SA Military: Soldiers Will Not Be Deployed Against The People

Eight serving members of the South Africa National Defence Force (SANDF) have been arrested for allegedly smuggling vehicles into Zimbabwe.
The first seven soldiers were arrested in the Free State, Northern Cape and North West on 21 June during a sting operation involving the Hawks, the National Intervention Unit and SANDF members.
The accused are Rapula Reuben Maidi, 49, from Ikageng; Edward Lepokola, 48, from Sebokeng; Bulelani Danti, 29, from Qonce; Ludwe Gwedashe from Gqeberha; Thembani Mjelo, 31, from East London; Marks Funeka, 49, from Carletonville; and Peter Thato Namane, 51, from Soshanguve.
The eighth soldier was nabbed on Wednesday in the Northern Cape, Hawks spokesperson Captain Matimba Maluleke said.
It is alleged that the accused accepted bribes to allow stolen vehicles to cross the border to Zimbabwe. Said Maluleke:
<blockquote>
The accused were deployed at the Beitbridge border post to defend and protect the territorial integrity of the Republic of South Africa between 2017 and 2019.
It is alleged that during their deployment period, they connived with vehicle-smuggling syndicates to smuggle stolen vehicles through the Limpopo River in exchange for money.
It is further alleged that the suspects would demand R15 000 per vehicle that would be shared among themselves.
</blockquote>
The eighth soldier, Valentine Sedimosang Phetoe (30), who holds the rank of private appeared in the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. He was granted R3 000 bail.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/eighth-solider-arrested-in-connection-with-cross-border-vehicle-smuggling-ring-20210917">News24.com</a></h4>

8 SA Soldiers Arrested For Smuggling Stolen Vehicles Into Zimbabwe

More soldiers have been deployed to join the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Cape Town, to put an end to the ongoing taxi wars.
Since the start of the year, at least 80 people have been killed in taxi-related shootings.
eNCA reports that over the last two weeks, violence has erupted again in the city despite a peace agreement between warring factions.
Now, local government and police are focused on restoring calm.
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4Z9a3iBbRcY?feature=oembed" title="Taxi Wars | Maximum SANDF and SAPS deployment" width="640"></iframe></div>
eNCA’s Monique Mortlock shares more details in the video above.
Violence is very common on South Africa’s various taxi routes.
Mini-bus taxi owners are part of a multi-billion Rand industry in South Africa and the recent killings in the Western Cape show just how far some are willing to go to take out competitors for a piece of the lucrative pie.
In February this year, Western Cape Transport MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela says efforts have been made by the provincial government to resolve the feuds between rival taxi associations but says the taxi industry has a tendency not to obey the law.
More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw">Pindula News</a>; <a href="https://www.enca.com/news/more-soldiers-deployed-end-cape-town-taxi-wars">eNCA</a>

South Africa Taxi Wars: More SANDF, SAPS Deployed

South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers were shot at by three suspects while on patrol near the Zimbabwean border.
SANDF managed to arrest one of the suspects and handed them over to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The soldiers were reportedly conducting their routine foot patrol near Boerdery Farm, near the Zimbabwean border when they spotted three suspicious men standing on top of a lone hill.
“Upon approaching the suspects, the suspects fired four shots at the SA National Defence Force members,” said Captain M.E. Semono in a statement. Pindula News publishes the statement by SANDF posted on their Facebook page:
<blockquote>Deployed soldiers were busy with their routine foot patrol on Republic of South Africa/Zimbabwe border near Boerdery Farm when they spotted three suspicious-looking males wearing black clothes on top of a lone hill.
Upon approaching the suspects, the suspects fired four shots at the SA National Defence Force members.
The soldiers approached the suspects and successfully managed to arrest one suspect with one pistol (Vektor), 3 x rounds and 4 x cellphones in his possession.
The other two suspects escaped across the border into Zimbabwe. The suspect was handed over to the SA Police Service and a case of possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of live ammunition as well as entering Republic of South Africa without documentation.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Ngwasheng and his platoon confiscated 20 master boxes of Remington Gold valued at R266 940.00.
The illicit cigarettes were also handed over to SA Revenue Service/Customs.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/sandf-shot-at-near-zim-border-and-confiscates-dagga-close-to-lesotho-18-june-2021/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The South African</a></h4>

South African Soldiers Shot At Near Zimbabwean Border

Some South African soldiers are reportedly facilitating the illegal entry of Zimbabweans into that country in exchange for huge kickbacks which they distribute to all, including the command element.
South African Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Nosiviwe Mapisa Nqakula appearing before that country’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Accounts suggested that she was unaware of the illegal activities although the soldiers have on numerous occasions been caught on camera escorting illegal cross border traders.
Ngakula defended the soldiers arguing that they were merely assisting “needy Zimbabweans purchase food supplies and medication”.
Sources who spoke to the Herald claimed that by being bush immigration and customs officials for Zimbabweans and other nationalities, soldiers were making a killing. Lovemore Ndlovu, who is tuckshop owner in Gwanda said:
<blockquote>Many people who cross daily to the South African side are traders operating along the border seeking to restock their wares.
During this lockdown period, we have to pay between 300 rands to 500 rands for safe passage into South Africa.</blockquote>
Some cross border traders also claimed that South African soldiers were now acting as messengers to fetch groceries for traders from as far as Musina and deliver them to sites along the Limpopo.
Traders said this was less expensive for them since soldiers were able to buy goods from cheaper suppliers. The traders also told the Herald that they were saving a lot by evading duty and avoiding transport costs.
The closure of borders due to the coronavirus reportedly worsened illegal entry into South Africa as cross border traders sought to keep their businesses afloat.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/rogue-sa-soldiers-facilitating-illegal-entry-of-zimbabweans/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a>

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