South africa Condemns US Human Rights Report as ‘Disinformation’

JOHANNESBURG – The Department of International Relations & Cooperation (DIRCO) has voiced strong disapproval of the United States’ (US) recently published human rights report, labeling it a purposeful disinformation campaign.

The US state Department’s report alleges government involvement in arbitrary and unlawful killings, a claim vehemently denied by South African officials.

A key point of contention remains the issue of expropriation without compensation, which was formally enacted into law earlier this year, and continues to draw criticism from Washington.

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The report also mischaracterizes the horrific case of Lucodia Ndlovu and Mariah Makgato, allegedly killed and fed to pigs by a Limpopo farmer, as extrajudicial killings perpetrated by the government. DIRCO has described this portrayal as false and misleading.

DIRCO officials used strong language to describe the US report, citing “a-contextual information, discredited accounts, misleading and distortion.” They further criticized the US for refusing accountability through the UN human Rights Council’s multilateral peer review system.

South Africa maintains a transparent system with freely available information, contrasting sharply with what DIRCO considers a “one-sided, fact-free report” produced without due process or engagement.

Minister Ronald Lamola’s spokesperson,Chrispin Phiri,stated: “We register our profound disappointment with this report. We reject it. It is inaccurate and deeply flawed.”

While the US objects to South Africa’s land reform policies, the UN human Rights office has previously recognized expropriation without compensation as a potentially critical step towards addressing ancient injustices and achieving redress.

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Johannesburg – A 41-year-old man, Thabo Theletsane, remains in custody after being denied bail by the Hatfield Magistrates Court. He is accused of impersonating Godfrey lebeya, the former head of the Hawks, and defrauding individuals.

Details of the Impersonation Scheme

theletsane was re-arrested earlier this year facing charges of fraud and impersonating a police official. The alleged scheme began in october 2024, while he was already on parole for a previous fraud conviction.

Investigators say Theletsane contacted a businessman via WhatsApp, falsely claiming the man’s phone had been compromised. He then offered assistance from a fictitious Cybercrime Unit official, requesting contact numbers and a fee for “repairing” the alleged hack.

Even though the businessman provided his contacts, he did not pay the requested fee.Theletsane then allegedly used those contacts to scam another individual out of R50,000, employing the same deceptive tactics.

Court Decision and Prosecution Arguments

The national Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson,Lumka Mahanjana,confirmed the case has been postponed to September for transfer to the Pretoria Magistrates Court. The state successfully opposed bail, arguing Theletsane poses a continued risk to the public.

Prosecutors emphasized that the alleged offenses occurred shortly after Theletsane’s release on parole, suggesting a pattern of repeat offending.

Disclaimer: This article provides news coverage and should not be considered legal or financial advice. if you believe you have been a victim of fraud, please contact your local law enforcement agency.

Opposition parties in the National Assembly have voiced strong disapproval of the Presidency budget presented by President Cyril Ramaphosa. They leveled accusations of presiding over a corrupt government, casting a shadow over the administration’s financial proposals.

the MK Party‘s parliamentary leader, John Hlophe, directly accused Ramaphosa of corruption, labeling him as “broken beyond repairs.” Similarly, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) asserted that South Africa is now vulnerable to criminal syndicates.

During the debate on the Presidency budget vote, Ramaphosa defended the establishment of commissions and emphasized the critical need to combat corruption. He highlighted the importance of these initiatives in strengthening governance and restoring public trust.

“The Presidency we debate today is not the house of the peopel,” Hlophe stated,expressing deep dissatisfaction. “It has become a fortress of a conflicted and compromised president, a president broken beyond repairs.”

EFF MP Nontando Nolutshungu echoed these sentiments,rejecting the budget and characterizing the current administration as fundamentally flawed. her remarks underscored a widespread sentiment of disillusionment among opposition benches.

“Today, we have gathered to debate the Presidency budget of an administration which is rotten from the head and which has surrendered our nation to criminal syndicates and drug cartels,” Nolutshungu declared, painting a grim picture of the nation’s state.

These criticisms come at a time when the government is facing increased scrutiny over its anti-corruption efforts and overall governance effectiveness. The opposition’s stance signals a challenging political landscape for the Presidency’s agenda.

For further insights into the President’s agenda and government initiatives, you can refer to official statements and reports from the Presidency. Understanding the broader context of national policy is crucial for informed public discourse.

The debate also touched upon the efficacy of current anti-graft measures and the allocation of resources towards combating illicit activities. Opposition parties are demanding greater accountability and tangible results in the fight against corruption.

The rejection of the budget by key opposition parties highlights notable political divisions and raises questions about the future direction of governance in South Africa. the coming weeks will likely see further debate and potential challenges to the administration’s proposals.

Learn more about south Africa’s political landscape and governance challenges by visiting reputable news sources and government publications. Staying informed is key to participating in democratic processes.