Johannesburg faces tragedy after a building collapse kills nine; known as "The City of Gold," it's South Africa’s biggest, but struggles with neglect.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered the deployment of 550 soldiers across five provinces to combat organized crime, gang violence, and illegal mining. The move follows rising homicide rates and public concern, marking a significant escalation in efforts to restore law and order in South Africa. The deployment is set to last until March 2027.
A building under construction in Ormonde, Johannesburg, collapsed on March 2, killing nine workers. The incident is linked to a poorly constructed slab and lack of approved plans. An investigation is underway, and demolition of the unsafe structure is planned.
Several legal proceedings are ongoing: a South African case involving a shooting at Mugabe's residence, a UK protest trial over police conditions, and a Ghanaian footballer facing rape charges. These cases highlight issues of violence, protest rights, and legal accountability today.
Since the outbreak of the Middle East conflict, numerous flights have been diverted or turned back mid-flight, including dozens of 'flights to nowhere.' Dubai International Airport experienced a drone strike that caused temporary closures and diversions, impacting thousands of travelers worldwide. Flights are gradually resuming amid ongoing security concerns.
Johannesburg officials have been seeking a private partner to fix a long-closed public pool in Windsor West as Alexandria Zille highlights long-running neglect of city services. A pothole video previously attracted attention, and authorities say there are plans to partner with the private sector to rehabilitate the pool.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has caused a supply crunch, raising fuel prices worldwide. France reports internal logistical issues, while South Africa and Morocco face supply disruptions due to regional tensions and reliance on imports. Governments are implementing support measures to mitigate economic impacts.
Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe has been fined and ordered to leave South Africa after pleading guilty to pointing a toy gun and illegal entry. His cousin Tobias Matonhodze has pleaded guilty to attempted murder and related charges; he faces three years in prison and will be deported after serving. The case centers on a February shooting at a Hyde Park residence and ongoing questions over a missing firearm.
Anti-immigrant groups have organised protests in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban, urging stricter immigration enforcement and denouncing undocumented migrants. Demonstrations have disrupted commerce, drawn in political parties, and prompted police to monitor for violence and vigilantism.
An outbreak on the MV Hondius has claimed three lives and left several others ill. WHO and national health ministries confirm confirmed and suspected cases as the ship travels from Argentina to Cape Verde, with evacuations under discussion and ongoing laboratory work.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has petitioned the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, urging that xenophobic violence in South Africa be declared a grave violation of rights. At the same time, rights groups warn of escalating vigilante violence against migrants, while courts and authorities face scrutiny over protection gaps.
The Western Cape and other provinces have declared a national disaster in response to flooding, storms, and related damage. Authorities are coordinating rescue, relief, and infrastructure restoration, with thousands displaced and power, water, and schooling disrupted. Eskom and partners are restoring services while weather forecasts predict further adverse conditions.