Ex-SARS boss in business; Loftus’ dad disputes Bheki Cele’s claims: Today’s top 7 stories | News24
– The Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court has heard that a psychiatric evaluation of Louis Liebenberg has found that he is capable of understanding his court proceedings
– Liebenberg, who is accused of running a multibillion-rand Ponzi scheme, was referred for the evaluation in August 2025.
– A photograph of thousands of wind turbine blades piled up in Texas is being circulated as “evidence” that renewable energy creates an unsustainable waste problem – including in South Africa.
– But the blades were sent to a recycling company that Texas authorities say failed to process them – so the image does not show that turbines are typically destined for landfills.
– The photograph has reached South Africa, where it is being used to question local wind development and feed wider criticism of renewable energy.
– An opinion poll asking the public who they want as the next ANC president has Patrice Motsepe in the lead, with Fikile Mbalula and Paul Mashatile in distant second and third place.
– Edward Kieswetter stepped down as SARS commissioner after seven years and established his own company, vEKtor Solutions Laboratory.
– Kieswetter reflected on career lessons, including his policy never to retrench staff, preferring to resign first instead.
– His new company advises corporate clients and state institutions on integrity, strategic leadership and performance excellence.
– Gregory Loftus rejected former police minister Bheki Cele’s claims that his son was part of a group involved in a deadly drug war, saying he was not dealing drugs.
– He told the commission he believed Bevan Loftus was killed in a police hit allegedly arranged by tow truck rival Clive Naicker, who has denied paying police to kill him.
– Loftus also detailed alleged threats by police against his son and raised questions about cash deposits and property payments involving Lieutenant Colonel Deena Govender and his wife.
– Bulls coach Johan Ackermann named an experienced squad for Saturday’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry clash against New Zealand at Loftus.
– New recruit Curwin Bosch starts at flyhalf after joining from Brive, with Hanro Liebenberg returning from Leicester Tigers.
– The All Blacks have won three of four historical encounters, with the Bulls last winning 29-27 in 1976.
– The Ford Ranger 2.3-litre EcoBoost proved useful for moving household items, including fridges and furniture, for university and relocation.
– The turbocharged engine produces 222kW and 452 Nm, with fuel consumption ranging from 10.7 to 12.7 litres per 100km.
– Ford’s Michigan testing programme compresses ten years or 240 000km of use into just four months of durability testing.
News24’s free audiobook for subscribers this month is Wisani and the Bafokeng Brothers by Thandi Moagi.
From Babita Deokaran to Mpho Mafole, whistleblowers remain at the forefront of News24’s intensive investigative work.
Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.