KwaZulu-Natal police detain thousands in crime crackdown

Operation Shanela targets violent and organised crime Police in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province have arrested nearly 12,000 suspects during a month-long crime-fighting campaign that targeted violent offences, drug-related crimes and illegal firearms. The arrests were made during Operation Shanela, a nationwide policing initiative, along with routine law enforcement operations conducted throughout February 2026. According to…

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Mercedes considers factory partnership with Great Wall Motor in South Africa

Potential co-manufacturing plan under discussion Mercedes-Benz Group is exploring the possibility of sharing its vehicle manufacturing facility in South Africa with Chinese automaker Great Wall Motor (GWM), according to people familiar with the discussions. The talks involve Mercedes’ long-standing assembly plant in the coastal city of East London, one of South Africa’s most significant automotive…

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Brazil urges deeper defence ties with South Africa during Ramaphosa state visit

Emerging powers discuss military cooperation Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has called for closer defence cooperation between Brazil and South Africa, warning that emerging economies must strengthen their military preparedness to guard against potential external threats. Lula made the remarks during a joint media briefing with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the…

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Police seize drugs worth R2.8 million at OR Tambo International Airport

Police in Gauteng have intercepted two separate drug shipments at OR Tambo International Airport with a combined street value of approximately R2.8 million, authorities confirmed. The discoveries were made during routine policing operations at cargo warehouses within the airport precinct earlier this month, according to police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe. In the first incident, officers…

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South Africa reassures public after study finds chemicals in menstrual products

South Africa’s Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has reassured the public that sanitary products available in the country remain safe to use despite recent research identifying small amounts of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in menstrual products. The comments came after a study conducted by the Department of Chemistry at the University of Free State earlier in…

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Water outage disrupts operations at OR Tambo International Airport

A temporary water outage disrupted operations at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg over the weekend, leaving passengers and businesses without access to basic facilities for several hours. Five-hour shutdown affects terminals and airport businesses The interruption occurred on 6th of March Saturday morning between 6am and 11am and affected both the domestic and international…

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Infant formula recall expands in South Africa amid contamination concerns

South African regulators have announced another recall of infant formula products, raising renewed concerns over contamination risks in baby nutrition supplies. The National Consumer Commission (NCC) confirmed that two formula products manufactured by Nutricia Southern Africa have been withdrawn from retail shelves across the country. The affected items include Aptamil Nutribiotik 2 (800g) and Aptajunior…

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38 pet food products recalled in South Africa over Salmonella contamination risk

Food manufacturer RCL Foods has issued a nationwide recall of several dry pet food products in South Africa after identifying potential contamination with Salmonella. The recall affects limited batches of several popular pet food brands, including Bobtail, Bonzo, Catmor, Canine Cuisine, Feline Cuisine, Optimizor and Ultra Pet Dog Food. Recall triggered by contamination concerns The…

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South Africa recalls nearly 26,000 VW Polo Vivo cars over handbrake safety concern

Nearly 26,000 Volkswagen Polo Vivo vehicles have been recalled in South Africa due to a potential safety issue involving the handbrake mechanism, according to the National Consumer Commission (NCC). The recall affects 25,729 vehicles sold nationwide between February 2025 and February 2026 by Volkswagen Group Africa. Safety concern linked to handbrake component In a statement…

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