Minister of Human Settlements Thembi Simelane has disclosed that over 200 housing projects across the country are currently stalled.
This follows Simelane’s responses to a series of parliamentary questions from MPs of the MK Party and the EFF, detailing the current housing crisis.
Asked by the MK ...
‘We are not Kids’ Families Warn Masemola “We are not kids.” Those were the sharp words from families of three Free State constables as they pushed back against National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola’s preliminary report into what they describe as the “mysterious” circumstances surrounding their loved ones’ deaths, insisting they will not accept vague explanations or half-answers. Nearly 10 months after Constables Boipelo Senoge, Keamogetswe Buys, and Cebekhulu Linda were reported missing in April 2025 — and later found dead in the Hennops River in Centurion, Gauteng — Masemola met with their families on Tuesday to provide an update on progress in the investigation. What was initially scheduled as an hour-long presentation of the preliminary report, however, stretched into a three-hour, tense back-and-forth between the National Commissioner and the families. The prolonged engagement pushed a planned 4pm media briefing well after 7pm. According to Lwazi Thepa, husband of Constable Keamogetswe Buys, the meeting dragged on as investigating officers tried to present the case as an ordinary accident. Speaking to Journal News on the sidelines of the delayed media briefing, Thepa said the families felt undermined by the police. “We are definitely not satisfied with the preliminary report. They (SAPS) made us look like we’re kids who know nothing about this CIA program and whatever work they are doing there. It is not like they are topclass or that they did their level best, which they clearly did not,” Thepa said. “Although it is presumed that this was an accident, we hope the final report tells the truth. After the final report, we can decide whether it was an accident or not.” A representative referred to as ‘Linda,’ from Cebekhulu Linda’s family, said that the family is still questioning a few intricate matters. “We had a meeting with SAPS, where we were briefed by experts about what led to the accident or what transpired, so we are still questioning some things, but we are promised that we will be given a month for a final report so that we can put the matter at rest,” said Linda. Boipelo Senoge’s mother, Jane, is not satisfied, mentioning that she will only be satisfied once the last whistle blows. “I am trying to cope, but when you lose a child as young as my daughter, it shatters you, you shatter into pieces, and you don’t know how to connect the dots,” said Senoge. Senoge said that she is encouraged by her daughter’s words. “Boipelo would always remind me of my strength. I can hear her words echoing in my head: “Mama, I know you are strong, you are my mother, so I know that you are strong,” concluded Senoge. The meeting was set to give the families a thorough progress report, and quite enough information was exchanged. Masemola confirmed that the investigation has not yet been finalised as there are several areas to divulge in and finalise, such as the forensic report and the post-mortem report, which is still not complete, nine months after the tragedy transpired. “We will be meeting with the families in a month to track our progress and how far we’ve gone,” confirmed Masemola. Masemola and his team, consisting of a special crash investigation expert, elaborated on what could have transpired in the VW Polo that the three constables were travelling in. “We know that it is an accident that has happened, but there are still a few areas that we need to investigate to support that. “We cannot conclusively say that we are done with everything. Experts who were present in terms of electronic data can account for the movement of the car and how far it went, but some reports still need to be finalised,” said Masemola. Masemola mentioned that the cause of death, post-mortem, blood and alcohol reports are still not confirmed.
National Police Commissioner to present the final report pending conclusion of investigations and toxicology report
Abigail Visagie
The South African Police Service (SAPS) National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, met with the families of deceased Constables Cebekhulu Linda, Boipelo Senoge, and Keamogetswe Buys, who tragically died in what appeared to be a car crash last year.
The meeting was intended to provide the families with a thorough progress report, and substantial information was exchanged.
Masemola confirmed that the investigation has not yet been finalised as there are several areas to investigate further, such as the forensic and post-mortem reports, which remain incomplete nine months after the tragedy transpired.
“We will be meeting with the families in a month to track our progress and how far we've gone,” confirmed Masemola.
The Commissioner’s team included a special crash investigation expert who elaborated on what could have transpired in the VW Polo that the three constables were traveling in.
“We know that it is an accident that has happened, but there are still a few areas that we need to investigate to support that. We cannot conclusively say that we are done with everything.
“Experts who were present in terms of electronic data can account for the movement of the car and how far it went, but some reports still need to be finalised,” Masemola added.
The National Police Commissioner further mentioned that the toxicology report, which determine whether there was any consumption of alcohol or any type of substances by the deceased constables, is also yet to be concluded.
Investigations are underway at the Free State Department of Health following allegations of a recruitment scam at Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital, reportedly involving an employee in the X-ray department.
Several job seekers are alleged to have fallen victim to the scam after being instructed to pay R1,800 to secure employment at the hospital.
One of the victims, Lesego Sehemo from Trompsburg, said she was approached via Facebook and referred to a contact known as “John”, who offered her an administration clerk position at Pelonomi Hospital. According to Sehemo, John insisted she was qualified and could start work immediately.
“At the time, in 2018, I was an unemployed single mother. The opportunity came at the right time, but I found it strange that I had to pay R1 800 before signing an appointment letter,” Sehemo said.
Desperate for work, she borrowed the money from a local loan shark and made the payment.
Similar allegations have since emerged on social media, with WhatsApp screenshots showing a person identified as “Lizzy” from the hospital’s X-ray department allegedly recruiting qualified doctors who studied in Russia, as well as two male drivers. Applicants were instructed to submit their CVs to a departmental email address and were told they would be assisted by an individual named Ntate Kagisho Lesia.
It is alleged that applicants were later asked to pay additional fees due to a high volume of applications.
Departmental spokesperson Bonny Sehularo confirmed that the matter is under investigation and urged job seekers to remain vigilant, stressing that all recruitment is conducted through the Department of Public Service and Administration.
