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

Making headlines: Parliament arson accused Zandile Mafe's bail application to be heard again in court; Senior Home Affairs official dismissed for approving Bushiri residency applications; And, State employee arrested in connection with Digital Vibes contract

 

Parliament arson accused Zandile Mafe's bail application to be heard again in court

The Western Cape High Court is once again expected to hear the bail application of alleged Parliament arsonist Zandile Mafe next week.

Mafe is charged with housebreaking with intent to commit arson, terrorism and theft. 

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said the bail appeal application would be heard on Monday.

A third judge has been appointed. In April, Judge James Lekhuleni and Judge Daniel Thulare heard marathon arguments in the bail application appeal and reserved judgment.

In April, during the application for leave to appeal the bail refusal, Mafe's pro-bono lawyer, advocate Dali Mpofu, argued that Mafe was being denied his constitutional right to freedom.

 

Senior Home Affairs official dismissed for approving Bushiri residency applications

A senior Department of Home Affairs official has been dismissed for approving the permanent residency application of self-proclaimed prophet and fugitive Shepherd Bushiri.

Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said in a statement that chief director Ronney Marhule was found guilty of two counts of misconduct relating to dishonesty and negligence.

The disciplinary hearing lasted almost a year.

Bushiri, his wife Mary, and three others are accused of fraud involving around R102-million.

At the time of their bail hearing, Home Affairs officials suggested that the Bushiris should be considered a flight risk and refused bail. However, they were granted bail of R200 000 bail each.

In 2020, the Bushiris fled to Malawi.

 

And, State employee arrested in connection with Digital Vibes contract

A state agency employee has been charged with corruption in connection with a multimillion-rand contract that was awarded to communications company Digital Vibes in 2018.

Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent employee Lizeka Tonjeni was arrested on Tuesday morning and appeared in the Pretoria Commercial Crimes Court.

She is accused of accepting a bribe of R160 000 from Digital Vibes to further the company's interests. It's alleged that the money was paid to her while she was the project manager of the contract awarded to Digital Vibes in 2018.

MISA falls under the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and at the time, Zweli Mkhize was the minister. One of the indirect owners of Digital Vibes, Tahera Mather, was his spokesperson. 

 

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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