Here are the top stories from Africa. Tragedy struck Mamelodi as two women were found dead along a roadside, leading residents to torch a house linked to the alleged double murder suspect.
Tebogo Mnisi, 38, has since been arrested, appeared in court, and abandoned his bail bid.
In legal news, the inventor of ‘Please Call Me’ has been ordered to pay Vodacom R13 million in legal fees.
On the health front, South Africa has approved the long-acting HIV injection, Lenacapavir.
In Cameroon, 91-year-old Paul Biya secured an eighth term as president, while in Mali, a severe fuel shortage has forced schools to shut down for two weeks. Tanzania is also facing unrest, with violent protests erupting on election day and a curfew now in place. Meanwhile, the U.S. has reversed its controversial $10,000 visa bond rule for Mali. And in Kenya, at least 12 people lost their lives in a devastating air crash on the coast.
MALAWI DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY DUE TO DROUGHT
President Peter Mutharika of Malawi has officially declared a national disaster in eleven districts suffering from extreme food shortages.
The move comes after continued dry spells left millions vulnerable.
Chief Secretary Justin Saidi confirmed the declaration, explaining the president was deeply troubled by the crisis and had “noted with grave concern the impacts of food insecurity.”
A new report from MVAC shows nearly 4 million Malawians could face serious food shortages through early next year.
Saidi urged quick support: “Let’s therefore help the affected communities as soon as possible,” adding that the president is calling on both local and international partners to step in.
The affected districts are spread across all four of Malawi’s regions. This crisis is the latest in a series of food struggles driven by El Niño-related weather disruptions over the past five years.
AT LEAST 12 KILLED IN AIR CRASH ON KENYAN COAST
A tragic plane crash on 28 October 2025 claimed the lives of all 12 people on board.
The plane, registered as 5Y-CCA, was flying from Diani to Kichwa Tembo in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, a popular tourist destination.
The aircraft had 10 passengers and two crew members. Among the victims were eight Hungarians, two Germans, and the Kenyan pilot.
In a statement, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that “The aircraft had 12 persons on board. Government agencies are already on site to establish the cause of the accident and its impact.”
The airline, Mombasa Air Safari Limited, confirmed the crash and stated, “Sadly, there are no survivors.”
The aircraft reportedly belonged to a local airline that connects Mombasa to various tourist spots across Kenya. The region’s rugged and hilly terrain has been known to pose flight challenges in the past.
Authorities have begun investigating the cause of the crash, while Mombasa Air Safari says it is fully cooperating.
TWO WOMEN FOUND DEAD ALONG MAMELODI ROADSIDE
In a tragic event that has shaken Mamelodi, the bodies of two young women were discovered on Sunday morning, 26 October 2025, in Mahube Valley Extension 17, Mamelodi.
The victims, later identified as cousins Tshiamo and Baleseng Moramaga, were found lying next to each other with gunshot wounds to their heads.
According to their heartbroken relatives, Itumeleng and Maggie Moramaga, the pair had been seen alive the previous evening before their lives were brutally cut short. Tshiamo was studying beauty therapy, while Baleseng was pursuing a teaching qualification.
Police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said Mamelodi East SAPS officers responded to the scene at around 06:15 after residents discovered the bodies.
The story continues below…
RESIDENTS TORCH HOUSE ALLEGED TO BE OF MAMELODI DOUBLE MURDER SUSPECT
The double murder of two young women in Mamelodi has sparked community outrage.
Residents say the man believed to be behind the killings is a local bouncer who allegedly spent over R10,000 on alcohol during a night out with the victims before tragedy struck.
As news spread, furious residents torched the house alleged to be owned by a suspect.
The suspect is now arrested, as the story continues below….
TEBOGO MNISI, 38, ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH MAMELODI DOUBLE MURDER
A suspect identified as Tebogo Mnisi, 38 years old, has been arrested in connection with the murder of cousins Tshiamo Moramaga, 22, and Baleseng Moramaga, 21, in Mamelodi East, Pretoria.
Gauteng police confirmed the arrest on Monday, October 27, 2025, after receiving a tip-off.
Captain Tintswalo Sibeko stated, “A 38-year-old man was arrested today, Monday, October 27, 2025, in connection with two counts of murder and one of attempted murder that occurred in Mamelodi East Extension 17 on Sunday, October 26, 2025.”
According to Sibeko, investigations also revealed that a third victim was shot during the same incident and is currently receiving medical care.
Police have opened two murder cases and are still trying to determine the motive behind the attack.
In response to the tragedy, the Aubrey Tau Foundation announced a donation of R250,000 to the families of the victims. The foundation also praised law enforcement, noting their “swift response and arrest” after it had offered a R250,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s capture.
The suspect has made his first appearance in court as the story continues below…
MAMELODI DOUBLE MURDER SUSPECT APPEARS IN COURT, ABANDONS BAIL APPLICATION
Tebogo Mnisi, 38, the man accused of murdering Mamelodi cousins Tshiamo and Baleseng Moramaga, made his first appearance at the Mamelodi Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 29 October.
During the hearing, he chose not to apply for bail and will instead use legal aid for his defense.
Mnisi is facing several serious charges, including two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, and the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The court has postponed the matter to 19 January 2026, which means Mnisi will remain in custody over the festive season.
Outside the court, angry residents gathered in protest, highlighting the country’s ongoing battle with Gender-Based Violence.
The case has sparked public outrage, especially after it was revealed that a third person was injured in the same attack.
NIGERIA APPROVES TINUBU’S $2.85BN FOREIGN LOAN PLAN
On Wednesday, lawmakers gave the green light for President Bola Tinubu to secure $2.85 billion in foreign loans, marking Nigeria’s first sovereign sukuk issue at $500 million.
Tinubu said the money will go toward reducing the budget shortfall and repaying Eurobonds set to mature in late 2025.
The financing could come through Eurobond sales, bank syndicates, short-term bridge funding, or direct bank deals.
‘PLEASE CALL ME’ INVENTOR ORDERED TO PAY VODACOM R13 MILLION IN LEGAL COSTS
South Africa’s Constitutional Court has overturned the Supreme Court’s earlier decision in the Please Call Me case, ordering Nkosana Kenneth Makate to pay R13 million to cover Vodacom’s legal costs.
The money will cover Vodacom’s legal expenses, including fees for three lawyers involved in the case.
The dispute traces back to 2008, when Makate claimed he created the Please Call Me concept while working at Vodacom as a trainee.
He argued that Vodacom promised to reward him but failed to do so. In response, he took legal action and rejected a R47 million settlement, saying he was entitled to a share of the full revenue.
The Supreme Court later ruled that the company should compensate Makate between 5% and 7.5% of the revenue generated by the service over 18 years.
But Vodacom challenged the ruling, saying crucial evidence was ignored.
Now, the Constitutional Court has sided with Vodacom and reversed the decision.
Still, Makate isn’t backing down. He insists on a fair share of the profits.
The case will return to the Supreme Court on November 18, 2025.
COCAINE WORTH R20 MILLION SEIZED IN MIDRAND
On Tuesday, 28 October, police seized around 80 kilograms of cocaine valued at nearly R20 million during a raid at a Blue Hills smallholding in Midrand, Gauteng.
A 56-year-old suspect, believed to be the property owner, was arrested on the spot.
The bust followed a tip-off and was carried out by a team made up of Crime Intelligence, Organised Crime Unit, SAPS JHB K9, and forensic officers.
The cocaine was hidden inside a storage room and was allegedly smuggled into the country from a neighbouring state.
Authorities believe it was destined for Cape Town.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Midrand Magistrate’s Court later this week, facing charges related to drug possession and dealing.
Police say the operation was a significant blow to organised drug networks.
KENYA: APPS LIKE UBER, GLOVO, AND E-COMMERCE PLATFORMS TO PAY 16% VAT ON EACH TRANSACTION
The High Court in Kenya has ruled that apps like Uber and Glovo must now pay 16% VAT on the full value of every transaction, not just their commission.
This will apply to digital taxi apps, online delivery services, and e-commerce platforms.
It all began with Sendy, a logistics startup that linked customers with delivery drivers. After the tax authority demanded KES 82 million in VAT, Sendy claimed it was just a platform.
But the High Court ruled it actually provided the service itself—making it liable for VAT on full transactions.
EXPLOSIVES, AMMUNITION, UNLICENSED FIREARMS SEIZED DURING HEIDELBERG POLICE RAID
A 47-year-old man from Heidelberg is behind bars after police uncovered a massive stockpile of explosives and ammunition during a raid on a plot in Rietvlei.
Acting on intelligence, the EMPD Intervention Unit, SAPS, and Ekurhuleni Crime Intelligence launched the operation on Monday, 27 October 2025.
Officers were initially blocked from entering by the suspect’s wife and aggressive dogs, prompting the deployment of K9 units.
Once inside, police searched the main bedroom and found 79 9mm rounds, R5 magazines, and a full SANDF military uniform.
A second search led them to an unmounted safe packed with explosives, firearms, and 1,907 rounds of various calibres, including 9mm, R5, R1, .22, and shotgun rounds.
The man was arrested at the scene and taken to the Heidelberg police station. He is expected to appear in court soon, facing serious charges for illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and military gear.
SOUTH AFRICA APPROVES THE ANTI-HIV INJECTION ‘LENACAPAVIR’
South Africa has approved the anti-HIV injection ‘lenacapavir’, with the approval coming from the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), with the launch planned for March 2026.
The six-month injection, developed by US-based Gilead, offers long-term HIV prevention with only two doses a year.
SAHPRA conducted its review with the European Medicines for All Procedure, which aims to “accelerate access to essential medicines.” The regulator said the jab is for those “HIV negative, weigh at least 35kg, and are at risk of getting HIV,” but should be combined with safer sex practices. SAHPRA’s CEO said the approval is “a game-changer” for a country still battling high HIV prevalence.
Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said lenacapavir could be launched by March 2026, with the government aiming to fund it locally after two years.
SAHPRA’s CEO called the registration “a game-changer,” given the country’s high HIV rates.
BANYANA BANYANA HEADED TO THE 2026 WAFCON
South Africa’s Banyana Banyana are headed to the 2026 WAFCON after beating DR Congo 1-0 in their qualifier at Dobsonville Stadium.
The win sealed a 2-1 aggregate triumph after a 1-1 first-leg draw in Kinshasa.
Star striker Thembi Kgatlana stepped up when it mattered most, scoring in the final minute to send Banyana Banyana through to the March tournament in Morocco.
Lebohang Ramalepe stood tall in defense and was crowned Queen of the Match for her efforts.
Coach Thinasonke Mbuli praised her side for staying sharp under pressure, particularly during the tense closing stages.
WORLD’S OLDEST PRESIDENT, PAUL BIYA, WINS 8TH TERM AS CAMEROON’S PRESIDENT
Paul Biya has secured yet another term as president of Cameroon, following an official declaration by the Constitutional Council on October 27.
The 92-year-old leader, who’s held power since 1982, won 53.66% of the vote, beating opposition figure Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who got 35.19%.
Biya’s win locks in a possible rule until age 99, keeping him among the world’s oldest and longest-standing heads of state.
Bakary quickly dismissed the outcome as a “fictitious victory”, accusing authorities of manipulating the process and rallying supporters to resist.
Protests have since broken out across the country, as opposition groups question the credibility of the vote.
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA AWARDED HONORARY DOCTORATE BY UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has received an Honorary Doctorate in International Relations from the University of Malaya in Malaysia.
This is a recognition of his work in international relations, global development, and strategic leadership.
This prestigious honour places him alongside Nelson Mandela, the only other South African to receive such an award from the university.
In his acceptance, Ramaphosa reflected that the award comes “at a time of great turbulence and uncertainty in the world.” He emphasized that it celebrates not only his leadership but also “the principles and values that we have sought to advance in global affairs.” He acknowledged the honour as a tribute to South Africa’s ongoing struggle for justice, democracy, and freedom.
The University of Malaya highlighted Ramaphosa’s significant role as a statesman, diplomat, and strategic consultant on the global stage. His efforts in shaping foreign policy and strengthening South Africa’s international presence were praised as key reasons for the recognition.
Describing the honour as deeply meaningful, Ramaphosa noted that it reflects the aspirations of the South African people. “This award,” he said, “recognises the journey we have taken as a nation and the values we stand for.”
MALI CLOSES SCHOOLS FOR TWO WEEKS DUE TO FUEL SHORTAGE
Mali has suspended all school and university classes for two weeks starting Monday, blaming a severe fuel shortage caused by a militant blockade.
The fuel crisis began in early September when an al-Qaeda-linked group, JNIM, blocked imports and attacked fuel convoys trying to enter the country.
The blockade has led to the closure of fuel stations in the capital, Bamako, forcing many residents to walk or stay home.
Analysts say the blockade is a tactic by militants to pressure Mali’s military-led government by targeting the country’s economy. On Friday, Mali announced that Russia plans to send between 160,000 and 200,000 metric tons of petroleum and agricultural goods. However, Russian envoy Alexey Keulika didn’t provide exact details on what products will arrive or when.
Keulika also revealed that next month, a board meeting will be held regarding a new gold refinery being built in Mali with Russian support, further strengthening ties between the two countries.
VIOLENT PROTESTS ROCK TANZANIA ON ELECTION DAY + TANZANIA DECLARES CURFEW AFTER ELECTION DAY PROTESTS
Election day in Tanzania turned violent as protests swept through Dar es Salaam and other cities on 29 October. The unrest was sparked by the exclusion of key opposition candidates and mounting claims of vote rigging.
Crowds chanted “Hatutaki CCM” while setting fire to buses, attacking police stations, and blocking roads. Police responded with tear gas, arrests, and roadblocks, while viral videos showed running battles and burning vehicles.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, seeking re-election, faced little resistance after rivals were jailed or disqualified. Opposition parties, especially Chadema, accused the government of silencing dissent. John Heche’s arrest days earlier only heightened tensions.
As ballots were counted, rights groups and international observers called for calm. The African Union expressed grave concern amid fears over Tanzania’s democratic future.
Tanzanian police have since ordered a curfew in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday.
OUATTARA WINS FOURTH TERM IN IVORY COAST ELECTION
Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara has secured a fourth term in office after winning 89.77% of the vote in Saturday’s presidential election, according to provisional results announced on Monday by the Independent Electoral Commission.
The 83-year-old leader, who first came to power in 2011, faced four challengers but dominated the polls, with former Commerce Minister Jean-Louis Billon earning just 3.09%, and former first lady Simone Gbagbo taking 2.42%. Voter turnout was recorded at 50.1% out of 8.7 million registered voters.
Ouattara, who changed the constitution in 2016 to lift term limits, is now set to continue his long rule pending confirmation from the Constitutional Council.
The election took place amid political tension after major opposition figures, including ex-president Laurent Gbagbo and former Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam, were barred from running.
While Ouattara has pledged to tackle youth unemployment and economic inequality, critics accuse his government of ignoring rising living costs.
50 BOKO HARAM FIGHTERS KILLED BY NIGERIAN FORCES
The Nigerian military has confirmed that 50 Boko Haram fighters were killed during a series of attempted attacks early Thursday [23 Oct.] in the country’s northeast. Military spokesperson Lieut. Col. Sani Uba said the militants tried to strike bases in Dikwa, Mafa, and Gajibo in Borno state, and Katarko in Yobe, but were met with fierce resistance.
Troops pushed back the attackers with force, killing many and seizing rifles, RPGs, grenades, and thousands of rounds.
“The precision strikes, coupled with enhanced battlefield awareness provided by the theatre’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets,” helped the soldiers “respond with overwhelming and lethal force,” Uba explained.
While some soldiers were injured, they remain in stable condition.
Boko Haram has terrorized the region since 2009, with thousands killed and millions displaced—despite ongoing military progress, Borno still faces the threat of future attacks.
NIGERIA NOBEL AUTHOR WOLE SOYINKA SAYS U.S REVOKED HIS VISA
Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka says the US consulate in Lagos has cancelled his visa.
“I’m very content with the revocation,” he said at a news conference, calling the letter he received (seen by AFP) “a rather curious love letter from an embassy.”
Soyinka, who famously tore up his US green card after Donald Trump’s first election, suspects the decision may be tied to his recent remarks comparing Trump to Uganda’s Idi Amin.
He revealed that the consulate had earlier invited him for a visa reassessment interview, which he declined to attend.
The letter cited rules giving officials power “to revoke a nonimmigrant visa at any time.”
Laughing, Soyinka told organisers “not to waste their time” trying to invite him to the US, adding, “I have no visa. I am banned.”
The embassy in Abuja said it could not comment due to privacy laws.
DANGOTE TO VISIT ZIMBABWE TO FINALISE $1BN IN CEMENT AND ENERGY VENTURES
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is gearing up for a major visit to Zimbabwe in mid-November, with plans to inject $1 billion into cement, coal, and power projects. The announcement was made on Monday, with local firm Bard Santner in Nigeria helping to finalize the details.
President Mnangagwa’s investment adviser, Paul Tungwarara, confirmed the preparations, adding that “the richest man in Africa is coming to Zimbabwe” and that both parties have been in “constant communication” to ensure the visit delivers results unlike Dangote’s 2015 trip, which ended poorly due to reports of bribery by a cabinet minister.
This time, the government hopes to seal the deal. Journalist and business adviser Josephine Mahachi is credited with reviving Dangote’s interest in Zimbabwe.
At 68, Dangote commands a $30 billion fortune, per Forbes, and is behind Africa’s largest refinery, a $20 billion project that opened in Nigeria in May 2023.
His company, Dangote Cement, operates across 10 African nations, producing 52 million tonnes a year.
The billionaire’s recent expansion includes a plan to build fuel storage tanks in Namibia to supply petrol and diesel across southern Africa.
ZANU PF MOVES TO EXTEND MNANGAGWA’S PRESIDENCY TO 2030
Zanu PF is laying the foundation to keep President Emmerson Mnangagwa in power until 2030, despite constitutional limits that say his time should be up in 2028.
At its annual conference in Bulawayo, party delegates erupted as Patrick Chinamasa declared that Zanu PF had officially backed a resolution for Mnangagwa’s term of office as President to be extended beyond 2028 to 2030.
Currently serving his second term, Mnangagwa is bound by law to step down after 2028.
Changing that will require serious legal manoeuvring, including a constitutional amendment and perhaps a national referendum.
Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, who also serves as Zanu PF’s legal secretary, confirmed that party leaders had asked the government to draft such a law.
However, he also claimed that Mnangagwa had rejected the proposal, even as delegates continued to lobby for its extension.
U.S. REVERSES $10,000 BOND VISA RULE FOR MALI VISITORS
In a recent update, the US has excluded Mali from a list of countries whose nationals are required to pay a $10,000 bond to obtain a B1/B2 visa.
The revision was made public on October 23, the same date the policy was scheduled to take effect for Malian travelers.
The initial announcement came on October 8, when the US stated that Malian nationals would be subjected to the bond policy.
In response, Mali imposed an identical requirement on American visitors beginning October 12.
As explained by Mali’s foreign ministry, this decision followed “the principle of reciprocity,” ensuring “the same conditions and requirements” for both sides.
Now removed from the bond list, Mali joins nations no longer affected by the measure. However, the US continues to apply the bond requirement to six African countries: Mauritania, São Tomé and Principe, Tanzania, The Gambia, Malawi, and Zambia, with bond amounts reaching up to $15,000.
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The post Top Stories in AFRICA this week: Mamelodi double murder, Vodacom’s Pls Call Me, Paul Biya appeared first on YOMZANSI. Documenting THE CULTURE.
