The arrest of Stuart James Sharnick outside the Madlanga Commission has placed renewed focus on the safety of journalists covering South Africa’s high-profile inquiry into alleged corruption and criminality within the police. Sharnick was arrested on Thursday after Sowetan journalist Herman Moloi opened an intimidation case following an alleged confrontation at the commission in Pretoria. The incident happened during a tea break while suspended MP and National Coloured Congress leader Fadiel Adams was appearing before the commission. Several journalists were…

The murder of ANC ward councillor Aubrey Tsengwa in Knysna has raised fresh concerns about political violence ahead of South Africa’s local government elections. Tsengwa, 48, was shot dead in Ngxalo Street on Wednesday night after an unknown gunman allegedly opened fire on the vehicle in which he was travelling. Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg said officers responded to the shooting at about 9:20pm and found Tsengwa with multiple gunshot wounds to his head and upper body. He was declared dead…

Investigations into several deadly building collapses in Gauteng and the Western Cape have identified non-compliance, inadequate oversight and poor record-keeping as major contributing factors. Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson briefed the media in Pretoria, outlining findings from investigations into a series of building collapses that have claimed dozens of lives and injured scores of people. Macpherson said some investigations were hampered by the absence of basic records, including documentation identifying those responsible for the design, construction and supervision…