Domestic

Nine people who are accused in a multi-billion-rand investment scam appeared in the Bronkhorst Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

The two men charged with the murders of five family members made their first appearance on Thursday in the Bityi magistrates court in the Eastern Cape. The duo – aged 22 and 39 – face multiple charges including five counts of murder, two of attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. 

A 35-year-old man who was convicted for his role in the murders of seven people on a Free State farm in 2022, has been handed life terms for each of the murders.

The Hawks are continuing the search for a businessman wanted in a R20 million SARS fraud case registered seven years ago.

Senior State Advocate Martin Molokwane addressed the court, presenting various case laws to advocate for a substantial sentence. He underscored the prevalence of corruption within the court's jurisdiction and throughout South Africa, remarking that it poses a direct threat to public safety and trust in law enforcement.

The African National Congress (ANC) which has ruled South Africa since the end of apartheid three decades ago lost its majority in May elections, forcing it into a coalition.

The Hawks on Wednesday arrested a ninth suspect in connection with a diamond investment scam. Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Lumka Mahanjana says the arrest followed as a result of a prosecution-guided multi-disciplinary operation with the Hawks in the Northern Cape.

Consumer inflation has dropped for the fourth month in a row, easing to 3.8 per cent in September. Stats SA says this is the lowest inflation print since March 2021, when the rate was 3.2 per cent. 

The eight suspects are expected to appear in the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrates Court on Thursday to face charges of fraud, money laundering, theft and racketeering.