Daily news update: Ramaphosa denies conflict between ministers; body in Thabo Bester’s cell identified; ANC’s plans for load shedding

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Daily news update: 23 April 2023

‘No conflict between Ramokgopa, Mantashe and Gordhan’ – Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has denied claims suggesting there is a conflict between the ministers tasked with addressing South Africa’s electricity crisis.

The ministers in question are Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Gwede Mantashe who heads the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) as well as Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan.

He said the three ministers work very well together, saying in many ways, this is a good architecture which enhances integrated government which will address the national challenge of load shedding.

READ MORE: ‘No conflict between Ramokgopa, Mantashe and Gordhan’ – Ramaphosa

Police confirm burnt body in Thabo Bester’s cell has been identified

The South African Police Service (Saps) has confirmed that the charred body found in cell 35 at the Mangaung Correctional Centre has been identified.

The body in question is believed to have been used in the escape of murderer and rapist Thabo Bester.

The identification of the body comes after a direct match was made with the DNA of the biological mother of the deceased, according to police spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe.

READ MORE: Burnt body in Thabo Bester’s cell has been identified

ANC supports Ramokgopa’s plans to deal with load shedding

The African National Congress (ANC) has thrown its full weight behind Electricity Minister Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.

There have been mixed reactions regarding Ramokgopa’s handling of the load shedding crisis, with some saying he is trying his best while others described him as a PR expert.

ANC NEC member Mmamoloko Kubayi expressed concern at what she described as attacks on Ramokgopa by the media.

“We have seen a growth of lobby groups, and while we respect their rights in terms of the Constitution, we think that we have to at some point be patriotic in terms of the country and put South Africa first.”

READ MORE: ANC supports Ramokgopa’s plans to deal with load shedding

NPA’s ability to prosecute state capture cases in doubt, says DA

The Democratic Alliance (DA) says the state’s inability to successfully prosecute those responsible for state capture is becoming increasingly clear.

This comes after the Bloemfontein High Court on Friday dismissed charges against the accused in the R24.9 million Nulane Investment fraud trial.

The DA’s Justice and Constitutional Development spokesperson, Glynnis Breytenbach, said the “dismal failure” is due to the hollowing out of the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) during Jacob Zuma’s presidency.

READ MORE: NPA’s ability to prosecute state capture cases in doubt, says DA

Load shedding ‘won’t end this year,’ says Ramokgopa as he announces timelines

Power outages will not end this year, despite the governing African National Congress (ANC) promising that Eskom load shedding will come to an end by December.

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula‘s remarks in January that power outages will stop in December were thrown out the window by Electricity Minister Kgosientsho ‘Sputla’ Ramokgopa on Saturday.

“I would want to sit here and tell the country that load shedding will end tomorrow, unfortunately, that’s not possible.”

READ MORE: Load shedding ‘won’t end this year,’ says Ramokgopa as he announces timelines

Councillors dump GOOD party for the DA in Western Cape

Three of the four GOOD party councillors at the Western Cape’s George Municipality have dumped their party for the Democratic Alliance (DA).

Ward councillors Theresa Jeyi, Richard Hector and Neville Louw, elected in 2021, were announced as new DA members on Friday.

Their departure will trigger by-elections at the Garden Route municipality. PR councillor Rosa Louw is now the only member of GOOD in council, the DA said.

READ MORE: Councillors dump GOOD party for the DA in Western Cape

Two men get life sentences for killing police detective in Durban

On Friday, two men were sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of a police officer in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Verulam Regional Court gave the life sentences to 28-year-old Nkosikhona Luthuli and 42-year-old Kusakwendoda Luthuli after they were found guilty of killing Phoenix detective Sergeant Sibongile Mbanjwa.

Mbanjwa was killed while sitting with a colleague in a state vehicle on 4 May 2021.

READ MORE: Two men get life sentences for killing police detective in Durban