Mamelodi News

In South Africa’s volatile underworld, particularly within the taxi industry of KwaZulu-Natal, and Gauteng, hitmen known as izinkabi operate as enforcers of a brutal system fueled by greed, power, and corruption.  These hired killers, often drawn from impoverished communities, eliminate rivals for as little as R500. Yet, when izinkabi become liabilities—knowing too much about their powerful employers—they risk becoming targets themselves, either by police or the very networks they serve. This cycle of elimination, driven by systemic corruption, perpetuates violence, undermines justice, and leaves communities trapped in fear. Corruption is the lifeblood of the izinkabi system. The taxi industry, a multi-billion-rand enterprise, thrives on fierce competition over lucrative routes, with taxi bosses and even politicians allegedly hiring hitmen to eliminate rivals. A "code of secrecy and protection" shields these masterminds, often involving corrupt police officers who accept brib...

In Pretoria’s bustling suburbs of Sunnyside, Arcadia, and surrounding areas, property owners are facing a stern warning from the City of Tshwane: comply with municipal building regulations or face legal action. The issue stems from landlords illegally converting two-bedroom apartments into overcrowded five-bedroom units to maximize rental income, a practice that endangers vulnerable residents like students and young workers. Aaron Maluleka, the City’s MMC for Housing and Human Settlements, has called for immediate action to protect tenants and enforce compliance. Sunnyside and Arcadia, popular for their proximity to universities and workplaces, are hotspots for affordable rentals. To capitalize on demand, some landlords have subdivided two-bedroom units into five-bedroom spaces by adding makeshift walls, often without municipal approval. These conversions violate Tshwane’s building regulations, including the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, which require approv...

Why Does Petrol Cost More in South Africa Than in Its Neighbors? South Africa is a major fuel supplier to its neighbors—Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, and others—yet its petrol prices are often higher than in these countries. In October 2024, South Africans paid around R21.05 per litre for 95 octane petrol, while Botswana enjoyed prices as low as R19.00, and Namibia even lower at R18.50. This disparity raises a question: why is petrol cheaper in countries that rely on South Africa for their fuel? The answer lies in taxes, economic policies, and logistics. South Africa’s petrol price is determined by a mix of global and local factors. The Basic Fuel Price (BFP), tied to international crude oil costs (around $78.54/barrel in October 2024), accounts for 35–53% of the retail price. However, taxes and levies, including the General Fuel Levy (R3.98/litre) and Road Accident Fund levy (R2.18/litre), add up to roughly R6.23/litre—about 30% of the total cost. Additional expenses like tran...

 Sam Maimela, also known as "Mr. Maimela," a teacher at Vulamehlo Senior School, has gone missing, and his family is seeking urgent help from the public. Here's what we know so far: - Last Seen: Sam was last seen in Tweefontein on Friday, June 20, 2025. - Circumstances of Disappearance: He was allegedly hijacked or kidnapped at the gate while driving a silver Haval H6 by two unknown men. - Investigation Progress:     - The first car tracker was found near B2 Cemetery.     - The vehicle was later found abandoned in Vezubuhle.     - Phone tracker data shows his phone was in Gemsbokspruit (Gem-bork-spruit). The family is heartbroken and worried, pleading for anyone with information to come forward. If you have any details, please contact them at 071 239 6253 or 071 105 7131. Sharing this message widely may help bring Sam home safely. Interestingly, there seems to be some confusion with another case involving a person with a similar name, Joy Maimela, who ...

Two EMPD Officers Killed in Tembisa Ambush, Manhunt Underway. Tembisa, Gauteng – In a tragic blow to law enforcement, two Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) officers from the intervention unit were gunned down in Tembisa’s Umthambeka Section on Thursday night, June 12, 2025, while on duty. The officers were attacked by criminals who stole their service pistols and fled on foot to a nearby getaway vehicle, leaving the officers dead at the scene. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched an intensive manhunt for the suspects, with authorities urging the public to come forward with any information that could lead to their arrest. Ekurhuleni MMC for Community Safety, Alderman Sizakele Masuku, condemned the “heinous act,” vowing that the perpetrators would face justice. “Our officers risk their lives daily to protect our communities, and this senseless violence will not go unpunished,” Masuku said in a statement. The attack has sent shockwaves through Tembisa, a ...

Family Appeals for Help to Bring Home Ailing Teacher. The family of Ayanda Cija, a 22-year-old teacher who fell ill while working in South Korea, is appealing for assistance to bring him back home. Ayanda had been teaching in the country for four months and had plans to settle there permanently with his sister. However, his dreams were shattered when he fell severely ill with a mental health condition. Despite receiving treatment at Sam Jeong Hospital, doctors have been unable to determine the cause of his condition, and his situation has not improved. With his medical insurance no longer covering him, the family is facing significant costs to repatriate Ayanda. In a desperate bid to bring their son home, the family is turning to the government for help. "We are struggling to cover the costs of bringing Ayanda back home," said his family. "We kindly appeal to the government to assist us in bringing our son back to his loved ones." The family hopes that with the gove...