The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has formally approached National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, calling for the initiation of Section 194 proceedings to remove Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka from office.

The party argues that Gcaleka failed to adequately investigate crucial aspects of the controversial Phala Phala scandal, raising concerns about her ability to fulfil her constitutional duties impartially and effectively.

According to the MKP, subsequent findings by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) revealed that the Public Protector did not properly address or refer possible criminal conduct, alleged abuse of state resources, and irregular actions involving senior police officials linked to the matter.

The party contends that these omissions point to possible incompetence and bias, warning that institutions established under Chapter 9 of the Constitution must remain independent and act without fear, favour or prejudice.

MKP maintains that the Public Protector’s office must serve the public interest and uphold accountability, particularly in cases involving high-ranking government officials.

The request places pressure on Parliament to consider whether to begin formal proceedings under Section 194 of the Constitution, which allows for the removal of office bearers at Chapter 9 institutions on grounds such as misconduct, incapacity, or incompetence.

The move adds further political scrutiny to the ongoing fallout surrounding the Phala Phala saga and could intensify debate over the effectiveness and independence of South Africa’s oversight institutions.

Eleven suspects have been arrested in Meyerton, Gauteng, following a Hawks-led operation targeting an alleged fuel theft syndicate operating at a local fuel depot.

The suspects, aged between 27 and 46, were apprehended on Sunday after law enforcement officials received intelligence about a planned robbery at the facility. The operation, led by the Hawks’ Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS), is being hailed as another major breakthrough in the fight against organised fuel theft in South Africa.

According to authorities, the Hawks received a tip-off indicating that a fuel heist was being planned at the Meyerton depot. Acting swiftly on the information, officers launched a coordinated surveillance operation involving multiple specialised units, including the Hawks’ Non-Ferrous Metals Unit, the Vaal Rand Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, Gauteng Traffic Police Airwing, and private security tactical teams.

During surveillance, investigators observed two fuel tankers entering the depot under suspicious circumstances. Preliminary findings revealed that the facility had reportedly been placed under administration, raising further questions about possible internal vulnerabilities that may have been exploited by criminal syndicates.

Police believe some of the depot’s security personnel may have been working with the suspects, potentially enabling access to the site and facilitating the alleged theft of large volumes of fuel. Investigators are now probing the extent of the internal collusion and whether additional arrests may follow.

Fuel theft has become a growing concern across South Africa, with criminal syndicates increasingly targeting pipelines, storage depots and fuel transport vehicles. Experts say the crime not only causes millions of rands in losses for fuel companies but also poses serious risks to public safety, including environmental contamination and fire hazards.

In recent years, authorities have intensified efforts to crack down on fuel theft networks, many of which are believed to be highly organised and connected to broader economic crimes such as fraud, corruption and illegal resale operations.

The Meyerton arrests come amid broader concerns over organised criminal activity targeting strategic infrastructure in Gauteng and other provinces. Law enforcement agencies have warned that syndicates are becoming more sophisticated, often relying on insider assistance and falsified documentation to bypass security systems.

Police remained at the scene on Sunday as investigations continued. Authorities are expected to conduct forensic examinations of the tankers and fuel storage systems to determine how much fuel may have been stolen and whether similar incidents have occurred previously at the site.

The 11 suspects are expected to appear in court soon, where they could face charges related to theft, conspiracy to commit theft, organised crime, and possible corruption-related offences.

The Hawks have praised the success of the intelligence-driven operation, saying it demonstrates the importance of coordinated law enforcement efforts in dismantling criminal networks.

As investigations continue, authorities have urged members of the public and industry insiders to report suspicious activity linked to fuel depots, transport routes and storage facilities, stressing that whistleblower information remains crucial in combating organised economic crime.

Cape Town is battling severe weather conditions after a powerful cold front swept across the city, leaving several roads flooded and prompting emergency teams to remain on high alert. Authorities have urged residents and motorists to exercise extreme caution as heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerously low temperatures continue to impact parts of the Western Cape.

The City of Cape Town confirmed that heavy downpours have caused flooding on multiple roadways, creating hazardous driving conditions and slowing traffic in affected areas. The City’s Disaster Coordinating Team has been activated to monitor developments and coordinate emergency responses as the weather system intensifies. While no major incidents had been reported at the time of publication, officials warned that conditions could worsen over the coming days.

Disaster Risk Management spokesperson Sonica Lategan urged drivers to reduce speed, increase following distances, and switch on headlights to improve visibility in the wet conditions.

“We urge motorists to drive with caution and avoid flooded roads wherever possible. Emergency services remain on standby to assist where necessary,” she said.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive rainfall across Cape Town, with an Orange Level 8 alert in place for surrounding mountainous regions including Stellenbosch, Drakenstein, Breede Valley, and parts of the Overberg. The warning indicates a high risk of flooding, mudslides, and fast-flowing rivers that could endanger lives and damage infrastructure.

In addition to flooding, strong to gale-force winds and rough sea conditions are expected along the coast between Lambert’s Bay and Plettenberg Bay, raising concerns for coastal damage and dangerous navigation at sea.

The cold front has already forced the cancellation of public events, including Cape Town’s highly anticipated Absa Run Your City 10K, as authorities prioritise public safety amid the severe weather.

The latest weather emergency comes as South Africa grapples with widespread storm damage across several provinces. A national disaster has been declared in six provinces following recent flooding, storms, and snowfall that have claimed lives and caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure.

Residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas have been advised to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay updated through official weather alerts as the storm system is expected to persist until at least Tuesday.

Emergency teams remain on standby as Cape Town braces for more rain, with officials warning that the full impact of the cold front may only become clear in the coming days.