Thando Kubheka-Madulini
In a shocking display of attempted media manipulation, suspended IDT CEO Tebogo Malaka and spokesperson Phasha Makgolane were caught on video offering a R60 000 bribe to Daily Maverick investigativejournalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh to kill an investigation.
Meanwhile, over 500 Zama Zamas were arrested in a massive crackdown in Barberton, revealing the deep-rooted crisis of illegal mining in South Africa.
Across the border in Eswatini, outrage is growing after the US deported five dangerous criminals to the tiny kingdom, sparking fears and legal threats.
In Sudan, the suffering in Al Fashir has reached heartbreaking new levels, with families resorting to eating animal feed as the brutal siege continues.
And on Legal Matters, we broke down your rights when dealing with banks, police, and tricky legal scenarios , because knowing the law could make all the difference. It’s been a week of big revelations, bold action, and some serious reflection.
Here are our Top 5 Stories of the Week:
1. Suspended IDT CEO Caught Offering Journalist R60K Bribe to Stop Investigation
In what could be one of the boldest bribery attempts caught on video in South African journalism history, Daily Maverick released exclusive footage showing suspended IDT CEO Tebogo Malaka and spokesperson Phasha Makgolane offering investigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh R60 000 in cold, hard cash. The alleged bribe took place at a Stellenbosch wine farm, where the pair tried to shut down a damning investigation involving a government contract linked to one of Malaka’s luxury properties. They even promised more rewards if the journalist played along. But the camera was rolling. Phemelo speaks to Daily Maverick’s Pieter-Louis Myburgh about how it all unfolded.
Listen to the full interview here:
2. 500+ Arrests in Illegal Mining Crackdown in Barberton
A major operation to shut down illegal mining in Mpumalanga has resulted in over 500 Zama Zamas being arrested at the Sheba Gold Mine in Barberton. They face charges ranging from immigration violations to trespassing and illegal mining. The police are working with mine security and the Department of Minerals and Energy in Operation Vala Umgodi. Police have described the operation as a massive clampdown of its kind. Phemelo chats to mining expert David van Wyk and Mpumalanga safety spokesperson Moeti Mmusi about the scale of the problem, and how authorities plan to deal with the crisis.
Listen to the full discussion here:
3. ‘Too Dangerous for the US’ – Criminal Deportees Cause Uproar in Eswatini
Five convicted criminals deported from the United States to Eswatini have sparked a wave of outrage. The men, reportedly involved in violent crimes and labelled too dangerous to return to their countries of origin, were quietly flown into Eswatini under a controversial diplomatic agreement. They’re now locked in high-security prison cells and the backlash is growing. The opposition party PUDEMO says the move threatens public safety and national sovereignty, accusing the government of “selling out” to the US. They’re planning court action and protests. Meanwhile, the government insists the deportation was legal and followed months of talks with Washington. Phemelo dives into the complex political and human rights implications with The Nation Magazine editor Bheki Makhubu.
Listen to the full interview here:
4. Sudan Siege: Al Fashir Residents Eat Animal Feed to Survive
Al Fashir, the capital of North Darfur, is on the brink of catastrophe. For more than a year, the city has been under siege by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who’ve blocked nearly all food, fuel, and medical supplies. With fighting closing in and supplies almost gone, some families have turned to eating animal feed just to survive. Roads are dangerous, homes are under threat, and aid convoys can’t get through. Volunteers use donkey carts to deliver what little food remains. It’s a humanitarian disaster with no end in sight. Phemelo speaks to Mohamed Osman from Human Rights Watch about the crisis and the desperate call for international intervention.
Listen to the full discussion here:
5. Legal Matters: Know Your Rights About Banks, Police, and the Law
This week’s Legal Matters dives into three real-life legal situations that could affect anyone: What happens to your money when you die? We unpack the duties of banks when dealing with accounts of deceased clients. Can police arrest you for filming them? One attorney found out the hard way but did the cops overstep? Legal expert Nthabiseng Dubuzana answers so some of your everyday legal dilemmas.
