Africa News
Ex-Task Force Officer Sotheni Back in Court in May
The murder trial of Mathipandile Sotheni, a 41-year-old former member of the South African Police Service’s Special Task Force, was postponed today at the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court to 14 May 2026.
Sotheni is accused of carrying out the drive-by killing of Marius van der Merwe, also known as “Witness D,” who was a protected witness in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
He is facing several charges, including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, three counts of attempted murder, and unlawful possession of ammunition. These are classified as Schedule 6 offences, which make it difficult for him to be granted bail.
During his brief court appearance, Sotheni addressed the court and denied the accusations. He said he did not know his assigned lawyer, had not made any statement, and voiced frustration over the delays, adding that he was ready to speak out and share his side of the story.
The prosecution is expected to formally oppose bail at the next hearing, citing the seriousness of the charges and Sotheni’s training as a skilled marksman.
He remains in custody, and the case continues to attract public interest due to its connection to high-profile commission proceedings and alleged police involvement.
Africa News
Ngizwe Mchunu Sparks Outrage Over Alleged Assault and Remarks on Foreigners
By Staff Reporter
Ngizwe Mchunu is facing backlash after allegedly saying foreign nationals should leave Durban within six days.
The comments came after a video circulated on social media showing him reportedly assaulting a 21-year-old foreign student in South Africa.
In the video, Mchunu is seen confronting the student, which has caused public anger and renewed concern over attacks on foreign nationals. The video has not been independently verified, but it has already gone viral.

He is also reported to have said that some people are “hungry for the blood of foreigners,” a statement that has been widely criticised as dangerous and inflammatory.
Human rights groups and members of the public have called for investigations and urged authorities to take action.
They say such behaviour, if confirmed, promotes violence and harms community relations.
Police have not yet released an official statement on the incident, while the matter continues to attract strong public attention.
Africa News
Foreign Military Attachés Tour ARDA Projects, Commend Zimbabwe’s Agricultural Drive
The Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) today hosted members of the Foreign Military Attachés Association at its Antelope Estate for a familiarisation tour of key development projects being implemented across the country.
The visit offered the delegation an opportunity to appreciate Zimbabwe’s agricultural transformation efforts on the ground, particularly initiatives aimed at boosting productivity and strengthening food security.
Speaking on the sidelines of the tour, Defence Attaché for the United Kingdom to Zimbabwe, Lieutenant Colonel Alastair Kern, commended ARDA’s efforts to strengthen national food security and deliver meaningful socio-economic benefits within surrounding communities.

Echoing these sentiments, Zambia’s Defence Attaché to Zimbabwe, Brigadier General Maggie Nakamba, described the programme as impactful and worth emulating, noting that she would explore the possibility of implementing similar initiatives in her home country.
The delegation also expressed keen interest in the wheat production programme, with ARDA targeting 65,000 hectares this season as Zimbabwe consolidates gains towards wheat self-sufficiency. In Matabeleland South Province, a total of 4,000 hectares has been set aside for wheat production, with ARDA responsible for 3,100 hectares.
ARDA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tinotenda Mhiko, confirmed that planting is progressing well and remains on course to meet, and potentially surpass, the provincial target.

Director Operations Mr. Washington Katiyo shared the same sentiments, noting that ARDA remains committed to good agronomics in driving productivity and ensuring optimal yields.
The delegation comprised defence attachés from the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Zambia, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Belarus, Mozambique and Namibia, reflecting growing international interest in Zimbabwe’s agricultural development trajectory.
Africa News
Just In: Julius Malema Jailed After 2018 Rally Shooting
EFF leader Julius Malema has been handed an effective seven-year prison sentence by Magistrate Twanet Olivier in the KuGompo City Regional Court.
The ruling relates to an incident at the party’s 2018 Mdantsane rally, where Malema was found guilty of unlawfully firing a weapon.
He was sentenced to five years for the primary charge and an additional two years for a secondary offence.
He was also fined R20,000 on other charges, with the option of serving six months for each if unpaid.
All sentences will run concurrently, resulting in a total effective jail term of seven years
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