A sophisticated online scam leveraging artificial intelligence has emerged in South Africa, falsely using the likeness of President Cyril Ramaphosa and billionaire Johann Rupert to promote a high-return investment scheme. The fraudulent operation centres on a platform branded as the “Wealthicator project,” which promises users returns of up to R250,000 from an initial deposit of…
South Africans may soon face a sharp increase in fuel prices, with the National Treasury indicating it has limited capacity to cushion the blow. Rising global oil prices, driven by escalating conflict in the Middle East, are expected to push local petrol and diesel costs significantly higher in the coming weeks. global oil shock drives…
Authorities in Limpopo have dismissed widely circulated social media claims suggesting that criminals are using a “crying doll” to lure residents out of their homes and rob them. The rumour, which has gained traction across various online platforms, alleges that a doll emitting sounds similar to a crying baby is placed outside homes during the…
A high-speed police operation in Johannesburg ended in a fatal shootout on Wednesday evening, leaving three suspects dead and a kidnapped victim safely rescued. The incident took place in the Crystal Park area, where members of the Hawks’ Tactical Operations Management Section were responding to intelligence about ongoing hijacking and kidnapping activities. High-speed pursuit turns…
South Africa’s anti-corruption drive has entered a critical phase as President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged decisive action following fresh revelations emerging from a high-level judicial inquiry into the country’s criminal justice system. Speaking at a media engagement on Thursday, Ramaphosa outlined a reform agenda that places accountability, institutional rebuilding, and economic recovery at the centre of…
South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), has moved to clarify the purpose of its planned Human Rights Day march, stating that the event is not intended as an attack on the government but as a broader call for reflection and unity. The march, described as the “People’s March,” is scheduled to take…
South Africa’s automotive sector is facing renewed scrutiny after more than 100 luxury SUVs were flagged for potential mechanical faults linked to transmission performance. Transmission fault raises safety risks Lexus South Africa has initiated a recall affecting specific units of its LX500d range following concerns identified in the vehicle’s transmission system. According to the National…
South Africa is preparing to introduce sweeping reforms aimed at regulating online shopping platforms and strengthening consumer protection in the fast-growing e-commerce sector. The proposed changes, developed in collaboration with the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud, could significantly impact international retailers operating in the country. Offshore platforms may need local representation One of the key…
South Africa’s National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has raised concerns that some students may be using government-funded allowances for online gambling, highlighting a growing challenge in safeguarding public funds allocated for education. The warning, issued in collaboration with the National Gambling Board, comes amid increasing exposure of young people to digital betting platforms. Officials…
South Africa is increasingly being identified as a major operational base for international scam networks, particularly those linked to Nigerian organised crime groups, according to a recent global report on fraud operations. The study highlights Johannesburg and Cape Town as primary centres where scam activities are coordinated. These operations range from small, decentralised units to…
