For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Sane Dhlamini.

Making headlines: DA turns to SARS and Reserve Bank in Ramaphosa farm theft saga, heavy security at ANC Limpopo conference and, Parliamentary committee nominates Chikane for position of inspector-general of intelligence

DA turns to SARS and Reserve Bank in Ramaphosa farm theft saga

Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen will write to South African Revenue Service Commissioner Edward Kieswetter and to the South African Reserve Bank for clarity into former spy boss Arthur Fraser’s claims against President Cyril Ramaphosa.    

Fraser has laid criminal charges against Ramaphosa for allegedly contravening the Prevention of Organised Crime Act for failing to report a theft from his farm in Limpopo, in 2020.

The Presidency did confirm that $4-million from the sale of game was stolen from Ramaphosa’s farm, however, it denied any criminal wrongdoing on the part of the President.

The DA is asking Sars to confirm whether the amount in question was declared and whether it carries tax implications.

It also wants clarification from the Reserve Bank as to whether the money forms part of illicit flow of funds and potential money laundering on the part of the President.

Heavy security at ANC Limpopo conference

As regional disputes pose a threat to the smooth running of the fiercely contested ANC Limpopo conference, proceedings kicked off today with a heavy police presence.

Among the police units at the venue were the VIP Protection Unit from Pretoria, the Limpopo Tactical Support team and ordinary SAPS officials.

At least five armoured police nyalas surrounded the venue and the police's K9 Unit was searching cars. 

Much like the recently concluded Ekurhuleni conference, which was marred by unsavoury scenes of violence, the Limpopo conference got under way with numerous outstanding disputes.

Parliamentary committee nominates Chikane for position of inspector-general of intelligence

Parliament's Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence has nominated Reverend Frank Chikane to lead the office of South Africa's inspector-general of intelligence.

Several candidates were grilled during interviews for the position in February as the term of incumbent inspector-general Setlhomamaru Isaac Dintwe ended in March.

Dintwe was in the running for re-election to the top job but did not make the cut.

Chikane is a former anti-apartheid activist and political detainee who served as director-general in the Presidency under former president Thabo Mbeki.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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