For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Thabi Shomolekae.

Making headlines: NPA drops corruption charges against top crime intelligence bosses; Border security top of SA-Zim BNC agenda as Ramaphosa hosts Mnangagwa; And, Zambian police summon opposition leader following disputed election

NPA drops corruption charges against top crime intelligence bosses

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption has formally withdrawn all corruption charges against the Divisional Commissioner of Crime Intelligence Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo, and six other high-ranking police officials.

The legal turnaround follows a direct intervention by National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andy Mothibi.

The NPA said the decision was triggered by “emerging, undisputed evidence of serious irregularities” in how the State handled the high-profile case.

The withdrawal vindicates a significant portion of the South African Police Service Crime Intelligence top brass.

Testimonies at the Madlanga Commission exposed severe procedural flaws and improper conduct in the building of the State's case.

The NPA has launched formal disciplinary processes against three suspended IDAC officials implicated in improper conduct during the Madlanga Commission hearings.

Border security top of SA-Zim BNC agenda as Ramaphosa hosts Mnangagwa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for deeper bilateral cooperation between South Africa and Zimbabwe, urging both nations to modernise respective border systems, tackle trans-border crime, and correct what he described as a “massive” trade imbalance.

Speaking at the fourth session of the South Africa–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission at the OR Tambo Building in Pretoria, Ramaphosa emphasised regional prosperity for neighbours with “vast shared potential, seamless migration and robust economic collaboration”.

Ramaphosa hosted Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa today, when he stated that to facilitate the smooth movement of citizens and commercial goods, both nations must modernise their infrastructure and border management systems.

He stressed that infrastructure upgrades must be paired with stricter security enforcement.

And, Zambian police summon opposition leader following disputed election

Zambian police have summoned opposition leader Brian Mundubile for questioning over alleged national security threats in the latest escalation of a post-election dispute that analysts say may tarnish the country's democratic reputation.

The August 13 poll was widely expected to result in a smooth re-election for President Hakainde Hichilema, who took power in 2021 in the mineral-rich Southern African nation.

Hichilema won 60% of votes, according to the electoral commission. But the opposition put in an unexpectedly strong showing, and in the days that followed opposition figures were arrested amid allegations of vote-rigging.

Two reports by independent observers found indications that Hichilema's vote count was inflated, but that he would have won anyway. Hichilema denies any fraud.

Mundubile, who plans to challenge the results in court, has gone into hiding.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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