South African news today: Your headlines in five minutes for Monday 15 October

Let’s take a look at headlines dominating South African news today. It’s been a stormy weekend in more ways than one; while bad weather literally battered Gauteng, resulting in torrential showers, dark clouds still hang over the VBS bank-heist saga, with harsh consequences looming for politicians involved in the looting spree.

South African news today: Monday 15 October

VBS Mutual Bank scandal

The topic of the VBS bank-heist has once again ruled South African news in recent weeks. The VBS Mutual Bank report, entitled The Great Bank Heist and penned by Advocate Terry Motau, has caused widespread outcry; identifying more than 50 individuals who played a part in looting R1.8 billion.

The report, commissioned by SARS, exposed some dubious figures involved in, what has been dubbed, the biggest bank robbery in history. Brian Shivambu‚ the brother of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) deputy president Floyd Shivambu is alleged to have received R16 million from “gratuitous payments”.

VhaVenda King Toni Mphephu Ramabulana and other African National Congress (ANC) affiliates have also been listed as the top looters.

DA to question President Ramaphosa over VBS scandal

Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Mmusi Maimane will be asking President Cyril Ramaphosa about his knowledge of the bank’s irregular operations. Maimane has confirmed that the official opposition party would quiz the president in Parliament on Thursday, saying:

“Our lawyers are also considering charges against the president in accordance with the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (Poca). The president was allegedly made aware of bank executives’ involvement in the wholesale graft and plunder at VBS during a meeting in Johannesburg in early 2017.”

ANC forced to act against Limpopo officials

African National Congress (ANC) executives are meeting today to discuss the fate of high-ranking Limpopo officials implicated in the VBS scandal. ANC Limpopo treasurer Danny Msiza and Vhembe district municipality mayor Florence Radzilani have been mentioned in the damning report by Motau.

It’s alleged that the ruling party is now split down the middle, with some members wanting the immediate removal of those involved, while others maintaining that they are being unfairly persecuted.

Durban bomb scare suspects to appear before court

Suspects apprehended for their alleged involvement in a fatal attack at a KwaZulu-Natal Shia mosque and the placement of several explosive devices at Durban shopping centres will appear before the Verulam Family Court today.

Sunday Times attempt to make amends

The Sunday Times has been caught up in a whirlwind of controversy, after it was found to have published false stories, such as the Cato Manor “death squad”, the Sars “rogue unit” and Zimbabwean extraditions.

The organisation has now committed to returning all prize money and awards received from the articles, saying:

“We got it wrong and for that we apologise. I believe it is only just and fitting for us to humbly reconsider our decision to accept such prestigious awards.”

Gauteng storm clears up

Gauteng was battered by a fierce storm over the weekend. On Saturday, The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a notice for severe thunderstorms across Gauteng. Motorists were caught in flash floods and severe hailstorms.

Low lying areas in Hammanskraal, Ga-Rankuwa and Soshanguve were severely affected; cars, roads and property suffered damaged as a result of flooding. Clean-up operations are now underway.

Dollar to Rand value and exchange rate

The rand has continued to firm against the dollar over the weekend and is currently trading at R14.51. The rand’s position has improved almost 1% since Tito Mboweni was appointed Minister of Finance last week.

Economic analysts see the rand avoiding the dreaded R15/$ mark, at least for now.