Top cop ignored fraud warnings; VAT hike 'deception': Today's top 7 stories in 7 minutes | News24 (2025)

Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, representing the EFF, told the Western Cape High Court on Tuesday that the process by which the VAT increase was adopted was irrational. (Gallo Images/Volksblad/Mlungisi Louw)

- The DA and EFF are challenging the VAT hike in the Western Cape High Court, arguing that Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana was deceitful about the possibility of reversing the increase.

- The EFF claims Godongwana misled the public by suggesting the VAT hike was not final, while knowing it would be implemented on 1 May.

- The court questioned whether this constituted deception or a misunderstanding, with the EFF maintaining it was a misuse of power regardless of intent.

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Tender king Vusimusi Cat Matlala. (Sharlene Rood/News24)

- South African Police Service (SAPS) National Commissioner Lieutenant-General Fannie Masemola delayed canceling a dubious R360 million health services tender for two months despite warnings and audit recommendations.

- The audit report, given to Masemola in January, revealed irregularities, potential misconduct, fronting, and fraud, and recommended a criminal investigation into the tender awarded to businessman Vusimusi Cat Matlala.

- Masemola waited 54 days to send a letter threatening termination to Matlala, during which time more payments were likely made, raising concerns about Masemola's compliance with financial management regulations.

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Stellenbosch official Annalene de Beer lost her urgent court bid to lift her suspension and was ordered to pay legal costs. (Supplied/Stellenbosch Municipality Website)

- Stellenbosch municipality's suspended corporate services director, Annalene de Beer, lost her court bid to be reinstated.

- The Cape Town Labour Court struck the matter off the roll due to lack of urgency.

- De Beer was ordered to pay the costs of the application.

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Captain Wesley Lombard in the witness stand on Tuesday in the Western Cape High Court. (Lisalee Solomons/News24)

- After Joshlin Smith's disappearance, numerous leads involving TikTokkers, fortune tellers, sangomas, and even Interpol were investigated, but all proved fruitless.

- Despite extensive searches by police and the community, including door-to-door inquiries and searches of dunes and international waters, no trace of Joshlin has been found.

- The trial of three individuals accused of kidnapping and trafficking Joshlin is ongoing, with the investigating officer's testimony highlighting the extensive search efforts.

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US President Donald Trump. (Saul Loeb/AFP)

- The IMF lowered its 2025 GDP growth projection for South Africa to 1% due to global trade uncertainty stemming from US tariff policies.

- This projection is about half of the National Treasury's 1.9% estimate, which was made before the tariff announcements and factored in improved electricity supply.

- The IMF's lowered growth forecast affects almost all countries, including the US and China, reflecting a global economic slowdown.

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Norman Mbiko at the Springbok Experience museum at V&A Waterfront. (Carl Fourie/Gallo Images)

- Norman Mbiko, former Blitzboks coach and scrumhalf, has died at age 79 after a long illness.

- Mbiko was a pioneer in South African rugby, breaking barriers and captaining the African Springboks during apartheid.

- He had a significant coaching career, leading the Blitzboks and contributing to the development of numerous players.

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Iconic gospel artist Rebecca Malope. (Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

- A two-year-old video of Rebecca Malope performing in Malawi was misrepresented as her attending a recent Shepherd Bushiri Easter service.

- Malope clarified she has never been to Bushiri's church and declined invitations to perform there, emphasising her faith as the reason.

- Bushiri faces potential extradition to South Africa on charges of rape and financial crimes.

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