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  --- In a major breakthrough against corruption, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) arrested five suspects in Durban on Saturday, 14 June 2025, in connection with a large-scale passport fraud syndicate. The arrests stem from a long-running investigation into the illegal issuance of South African passports to undocumented foreign nationals. The criminal operation allegedly involved employees of the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), local citizens, and foreign nationals working in collusion. Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale confirmed that the arrests followed multiple warrants issued after an intensive probe led by the Hawks' Serious Corruption Investigation Unit. The investigation was triggered by a formal complaint from the DHA regarding suspicious passport applications. --- ### **Syndicate Unmasked** Between February 2020 and July 2023, corrupt officials and facilitators reportedly operated outside official working hours — including evenings, weeken...

**Bloemfontein, South Africa** — It’s been ten painful days since 19-year-old Kamogelo Baukudi, a Grade 11 learner at Martie du Plessis Special School, was allegedly abducted by two men pretending to be police officers. As the search continues, Free State Education MEC Mantlhake Maboya has made a heartfelt plea to the public: *“Help us bring this boy back home.”* Kamogelo was last seen on **June 5**, when he was reportedly picked up from school by a man identified as Daniel Malebatso. According to police spokesperson Lt-Col Thabo Covane, the two were traveling in a Suzuki Ertiga along Vereeniging Drive in Ehrlich Park when a white Toyota Hilux GD-6, flashing blue lights and allegedly fitted with a police radio, pulled them over. Inside the Hilux were two men—one dressed in a police uniform, the other in a blue tracksuit. Claiming the vehicle was suspected of transporting drugs, the men separated Kamogelo from Malebatso and instructed them to head to Park Road police station in convoy. ...

A fresh wave of deadly attacks between Israel and Iran has reignited global fears of a broader Middle East war, as US President Donald Trump claimed the conflict "can be easily ended"—while simultaneously warning Tehran against targeting American interests. Overnight into Sunday, missiles lit up the skies across Israel and Iran. In the Israeli city of Ashkelon, scenes of destruction played out as Iranian rockets were intercepted mid-air. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes devastated several sites in Tehran, including energy facilities and residential areas. Israeli authorities confirmed **at least seven deaths**, including a 10-year-old boy, a young girl, and a woman in her 20s, with over **140 injured** in the latest barrage. Rescue operations in Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv, continued after a missile collapsed an eight-story building. Dozens remain missing. Iran responded with fury. According to state media, **78 Iranians were killed** on the first day of Israel's campaign, and an...

A fresh group of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers is scheduled to arrive back on home soil this **Sunday afternoon**, marking the ongoing phased withdrawal of troops deployed in the **Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)**. According to SANDF officials, the **second group of returning troops** will land at **Air Force Base Waterkloof** in Pretoria between **3pm and 5pm**. A **third and final group** is expected to touch down on **Monday afternoon**, concluding South Africa’s contribution to the **SADC peacekeeping mission**. The returning soldiers are part of a mission that began in **December 2023**, aimed at supporting the DRC government in its fight against **M23 rebel groups** in the country’s eastern conflict zones. South African troops played a critical role in securing strategic regions and protecting civilians amid escalating violence. The SANDF has confirmed that upon arrival, the soldiers will undergo a **standard demobilisation programme**, including **med...

In a bold diplomatic push to prevent further chaos in the Middle East, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom have extended an urgent invitation to Iran for immediate negotiations over its nuclear programme. Germany’s Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, made the announcement during his visit to the region, expressing deep concern over escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran. > “Germany, together with France and Britain, is ready. We’re offering Iran immediate negotiations about the nuclear programme,” Wadephul told public broadcaster ARD. “I hope the offer is accepted.” The move comes as missile exchanges between Iran and Israel intensify, with civilian areas in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem under attack and retaliatory strikes by Israeli forces reportedly causing widespread destruction in Tehran. The international community is on edge, fearing the conflict could spill over and destabilize not just the region, but global peace. ### **Europe Steps In: A Plea for Peace** Wadephul emph...

The Soweto community has been left reeling after the shocking murder of Linda Makhubo, a beloved teacher at Tetelo Secondary School in Protea North. Makhubo, 34, was found dead in a veld in Meadowlands after reportedly requesting an e-hailing ride last Thursday. ### A Ride That Ended in Tragedy Makhubo’s colleague and close friend, Thandeka Nkambule, broke down as she described the pain of discovering his fate. “We were hopeful, but our worst fears came true when someone sent a photo of his body, dumped with his pants pulled down,” she said. According to Nkambule, Makhubo messaged her and their school principal last Thursday to say he wouldn't be at work, citing an appointment with lawyers. However, the tone of the message felt off, raising suspicions in hindsight. By Friday, with his phone off and messages unanswered, concern turned into panic. Nkambule visited his Protea Glen home only to find the gate unlocked and windows open — unusual behavior for Makhubo, who was known to be ...

As South Africans gear up to celebrate Father’s Day, one name on Gagasi FM's airwaves is striking a deeper chord this year — **DJ Sphectacula**. Best known as one half of the powerhouse DJ duo *Sphectacula & DJ Naves*, he’s now also becoming known as a proud, hands-on father who balances booming beats with baby bottles. In an exclusive sit-down with **TshisaLIVE**, the veteran DJ shared heartfelt insights into how fatherhood has reshaped his music, values, and daily life. > “It’s more than just school runs and bedtime stories. It’s about showing up, creating memories, and building a legacy,” he said. From remixing lullabies to navigating tantrums between gigs, Sphectacula’s journey shows that the decks may spin, but life’s most important rhythm plays at home. --- ### A Soundtrack of Love and Legacy As a father to two kids — including a three-and-a-half-month-old baby — Sphectacula doesn’t take the title “Dad” lightly. > “There’s nothing like that moment on a video call wh...