Here are the top stories from Africa. Tragedy struck in Limpopo, where 42 people lost their lives in a deadly bus crash.
In South Africa, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu appeared before Parliament’s ad hoc committee following Sibiya and Mkhwanazi’s appearance.
Kenya is mourning the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who passed away at 80, while in Madagascar, the military has taken control after President Rajoelina fled the country.
Meanwhile, rights groups are raising concerns as the U.S. has deported at least 42 West Africans to Ghana since early September.
On the health front, South Africa is preparing to roll out an HIV prevention injection by March 2026. And in sports, South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, and Egypt are gearing up to represent the continent at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Check out all the top stories below:
SAPS RAID BROWN MOGOTSI’S BUSINESS PREMISES IN MAHIKENG
Police carried out a late-night raid on Thursday night (16 October) at the business premises of activist and businessman Brown Mogotsi in Seweding Village, Mahikeng.
This comes as Mogotsi’s name continues to surface in discussions around alleged political interference in South Africa’s criminal justice system—most recently during the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the raid was connected to an ongoing investigation that has already been brought before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee and the Madlanga Commission.
Speaking to the media after the raid, Mogotsi expressed fear for his safety, saying he’s fearing for his life following the incident.
In a clip aired by Newzroom Afrika, he said, “Remember I am going to the [Madlanga] Commission; a lot is coming.” Although the Commission initially gave him five days to appear, he confirmed that an extension was granted, adding that he’ll be there “in a week or two.”
U.S. HAS DEPORTED AT LEAST 42 WEST AFRICANS TO GHANA SINCE EARLY SEPTEMBER
A growing number of West Africans—at least 42 so far—have been deported to Ghana from the U.S. since September, according to Democracy Hub, an Accra-based human rights group.
The latest group of 14 arrived on Monday under what the group claims is a hidden agreement between both governments.
Democracy Hub’s Oliver Barker-Vormawor confirmed the figures and announced a lawsuit filed Tuesday against the Ghanaian government. The group argues the deportation deal is illegal, as it bypassed parliamentary approval and may violate international protections against forced returns to unsafe conditions.
The U.S. program behind these deportations began under President Donald Trump’s administration. It aims to remove undocumented immigrants, focusing on individuals with criminal histories or those difficult to deport to their original countries.
Since July, the U.S. has quietly signed similar deals with at least five African nations. Democracy Hub says the Ghana agreement is secretive, lacks public oversight, and risks human rights violations.
MORE THAN 40 PEOPLE KILLED IN A BUS CRASH IN LIMPOPO
A horror crash on Limpopo’s N1 highway has left 42 people dead and many others injured after a long‑distance bus travelling from Gqeberha to Harare overturned near Musina.
The vehicle, carrying Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals, plunged into a deep embankment around 2 p.m. on Sunday, landing upside down among thick vegetation.
Authorities said no other vehicles were involved. Investigators are probing possible fatigue or a technical fault as contributing factors. Limpopo’s Transport MEC Violet Mathye offered condolences to the affected countries and promised a full inquiry.
Rescue teams worked through the night to recover victims and assist survivors. By Monday, 38 people were being treated in local hospitals, down from 39 after a 10‑month‑old succumbed to injuries.
The route between Makhado and Musina is popular among cross‑border travellers, making the loss particularly devastating for migrant families.
SIU VOWS TO RECOVER EVERY CENT FROM TEMBISA HOSPITAL LOOTING
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is intensifying its probe into what it alleges is a R2 billion fraud network that drained funds from Tembisa Hospital between 2020 and 2022. Acting under a Special Tribunal order, the SIU preserved assets worth nearly R900 million linked to businessman Hangwani Maumela and other accused individuals.
In an October 9 raid, officials seized luxury cars, including Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Aston Martins, along with Maumela’s R70 million Sandhurst mansion. Authorities say his companies received over R80 million through inflated or undelivered hospital tenders.
SIU head Advocate Andy Mothibi vowed to “claw back every cent,” insisting that complex trust structures will not protect those implicated. Earlier August raids recovered assets valued at over R370 million, forming part of 41 ongoing civil recovery cases. Once concluded, the preserved properties could be forfeited to the state, a move the SIU says will help restore funds stolen from Gauteng’s struggling health system.
CAMEROON OPPOSITION CANDIDATE TCHIROMA CLAIMS VICTORY IN PRESIDENTIAL POLL
Cameroonians went to the polls on Sunday, 12 October 2025, where opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary emerged victorious, securing the presidential seat in the country’s latest election.
The Cameroonian electoral commission, Elecam, is yet to publish the results. According to the electoral timeline, the outcome should be confirmed by 26 October, following the constitutional council review.
Tchiroma urged the 92-year-old President Paul Biya to accept the people’s decision and “honour the truth of the ballot box.”
FORMER KENYAN PRIME MINISTER RAILA ODINGA DIES AT 80
Kenya is mourning the loss of longtime opposition figure Raila Odinga, who passed away at 80 after a sudden heart attack in India.
He died early Wednesday, 15 October 2025, during treatment at a Kerala-based Ayurvedic hospital.
The news was confirmed by Indian authorities and the hospital where he had been receiving care after suffering a minor stroke back home.
Known as “Baba” to many, Odinga’s death has shaken Kenya, with President William Ruto declaring seven days of national mourning and announcing a state funeral. Odinga, a five-time presidential candidate and former Prime Minister (2008–2013), played a significant role in shaping the country’s democracy.
His unexpected death comes just a day after his family denied rumours of poor health. Tributes have poured in from African leaders, with AU Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf calling him a “towering figure,” while citizens gathered in Kisumu and Nairobi to honour his memory.
President William Ruto has ordered a seven-day national mourning period from Wednesday and said Raila Odinga will be honoured with a state funeral.
During this time, all flags in Kenya and at its embassies will fly at half-mast.
COURT POSTPONES KHUMALO BAIL HEARING AS TEFFO DISRUPTS COURT
The legal battle involving SAPS Crime Intelligence boss Dumisani Khumalo took an unexpected twist when advocate Malesela Teffo tried to insert himself into the case, claiming he wanted to assist as a “friend of the court.”
Khumalo and two co-accused were in court seeking to amend their bail conditions. Arrested in June 2025 on fraud and corruption charges tied to the alleged improper hiring of Dineo Mokwele, Khumalo has denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated.
His lawyer, advocate Zandile Mshololo, swiftly challenged Teffo’s sudden appearance, saying he was ignoring legal procedure.
Prosecutors supported this, and the court ruled Teffo must formally submit his request. Khumalo and others were previously granted R10,000 bail each, which they now want adjusted to resume their official duties.
The main hearing has been postponed to November 6.
RAMAPHOSA LABELS CAPE TOWN AS WORST METRO FOR BASIC SERVICES
President Cyril Ramaphosa has criticised Cape Town for falling behind in service delivery between 2011 and 2022, naming it the worst-performing metro for access to water, electricity, sanitation, and refuse collection.
He shared this during a session in the National Council of Provinces on 14 October, using Census 2022 figures to show the city lags despite having strong financial governance.
While over 95% of residents have clean water and power, many township areas still rely on communal taps and chemical toilets. Ramaphosa blamed poor delivery on apartheid-era city design and fast urbanisation.
He said spending in informal settlements is lower than in affluent suburbs.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis dismissed the critique, arguing that the data is outdated.
However, Ramaphosa’s point remains: even cities with solid budgets aren’t doing enough to tackle deep-rooted inequality, and Cape Town must do more to reach its underserved black and coloured communities, especially in informal neighbourhoods.
SIBIYA VS. MKHWANAZI
Suspended Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has stirred fresh tension at the Parliament’s Ad hoc Committee, where he alleged KwaZulu-Natal Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi was “well funded,” citing a 2025 crowdfunding campaign run by influencer Chris Excel.
The campaign, which raised R44,074 to buy cows in appreciation of Mkhwanazi’s work, was later donated in full to the SAPS Education Trust, a gesture critics say Sibiya misrepresented.
The hearing quickly turned heated as Sibiya claimed Mkhwanazi’s online visibility and fast promotion under Jacob Zuma were signs of favouritism.
“You go to TikTok, Instagram, Twitter — everywhere is General Mkhwanazi,” he said, implying bias within SAPS.
He described Mkhwanazi’s quick promotion from major to lieutenant general as unusual but still within the rules.
The Commission continues to probe allegations of interference and corruption within SAPS.
SIBIYA: FALLOUT WITH MKHWANAZI BEGAN AFTER AKA MURDER ARRESTS
Suspended police boss Shadrack Sibiya appeared before Parliament’s ad hoc committee this week, where he claimed his working relationship with Lt-Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi collapsed following the arrests in the AKA (Kiernan Jarryd Forbes) murder case.
During a Cape Town operation, Sibiya told the committee that Minister Bheki Cele asked for updates on the case.
Sibiya, struggling to reach Mkhwanazi, called the KZN deputy commissioner instead.
That, he said, infuriated Mkhwanazi, who accused him of bypassing protocol and later banned him from working in the province.
“He told me we’re no longer welcome in KZN,” said Sibiya.
He alleges this fallout has blocked national efforts to fight serious crimes in the region.
According to Sibiya, there’s no cooperation from KZN, which is why, in his words, “projects from head office are stalling” and the province is now “suffering.”
“I had confidence in our relationship,” said Sibiya.
The committee heard this as part of its broader probe into alleged SAPS dysfunction and internal politics.
CONGO AND M23 SIGN CEASEFIRE MONITORING DEAL
In a step toward ending violence in eastern Congo, the government and M23 rebels have signed an agreement to form a group that will oversee a permanent ceasefire.
The agreement was confirmed by Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya and seen by Reuters. It outlines the creation of a ceasefire monitoring body with representatives from Congo, M23, and the 12-country International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).
This body will be responsible for investigating any reported violations and is expected to hold its first meeting within seven days.
It’s one of two milestones required before comprehensive peace talks can move forward. The second—an agreement on exchanging prisoners of war—was signed in September, though the actual exchange hasn’t occurred yet.
M23 has not commented publicly.
Meanwhile, the UN mission in Congo, MONUSCO, will support the process by providing logistical help and joining the monitoring body as an “additional participant.”
A NEW HIV PREVENTION INJECTION TO ROLL OUT IN SA MARCH 2026
Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has confirmed plans to launch a powerful new HIV prevention jab, lenacapavir, in March 2026.
The injection, taken only twice a year, could transform South Africa’s response to HIV by offering long-term protection with fewer clinic visits.
Unveiled at a national roundtable on 14 October, the rollout begins with 360 clinics in 23 high-risk districts, backed by a US$29 million Global Fund grant. That’s enough for 456,000 people to receive 912,000 doses in two years.
Clinical trials showed near-perfect results: 100% protection in women and 96% in other key groups. Motsoaledi said lenacapavir is easier to use than daily pills and suits people’s lifestyles better. It’s especially aimed at groups hit hardest by HIV: pregnant women, young girls, sex workers, and men who have sex with men.
The World Health Organisation already supports its use. If scaled up to millions, this jab could help South Africa get closer to ending HIV by 2030.
MALI TO CHARGE US VISITORS $10,000 VISA BOND
Starting October 23, US travellers to Mali will need to post bonds of up to $10,000 for business or tourist visas, matching a new US policy that imposes similar conditions on Malians.
This comes after the US government added Mali to its visa bond programme, requiring bonds of up to $10,000 for US business and tourist visas.
The US embassy in Mali confirmed the rule will take effect from October 23.
RAMAPHOSA DENIES TIES TO MAUMELA
Amid swirling rumours, President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly denied any family ties to Hangwani Maumela, the man alleged to be at the centre of a R2 billion tender fraud at Tembisa Hospital.
Speaking at the Union Buildings on Monday, Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya clarified that there is “no personal relationship” between the two, explaining that Maumela “is not related to him, except that he was married to his aunt many years ago.”
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) recently raided Maumela’s lavish Sandton home, seizing luxury cars as part of their probe. He’s been identified as a key suspect in a criminal syndicate accused of manipulating hospital tenders.
Despite claims on social media that Maumela is Ramaphosa’s nephew, the Presidency says these are false. Magwenya also clarified that the president has never visited Maumela’s home.
OMOKRI DENIES CLAIMS LINKING NIGERIA TO BOKO HARAM
In Abuja, Reno Omokri dismissed accusations that the Nigerian government is behind Boko Haram, saying such claims are “false, unfair, and lacking any credible evidence.”
These comments came after Senator Ted Cruz publicly suggested some Nigerian officials may be involved.
Omokri, joined by Mayor Mike Arnold and Prof. Khalid Aliyul, urged Cruz to be specific. “If you believe that Nigerian state officials are facilitating terror, mention them, name them. Help us name them,” he insisted.
He also argued there’s no genocide in Nigeria, explaining that “a genocide is when you have a deliberate act of policy by a state actor… against a particular ethnicity or religion.” He said plainly, “of course there isn’t” such a situation in the country.
Omokri said Cruz’s comments only damage Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and warned that misinformation helps no one.
SANDF STRUGGLES TO SECURE BORDERS DUE TO UNDERFUNDING
South Africa’s border security is facing serious challenges due to underfunding and poor coordination.
This was the main takeaway from a site visit by Parliament’s defence committees, who toured Limpopo border zones near Musina this week.
The Joint Standing Committee on Defence and the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans said the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is stretched too thin to monitor the country’s borders with Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Mozambique.
Dr Malusi Gigaba, co-chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, explained that South Africa’s border patrol is falling short. He noted that while “we should have 22 military companies patrolling our borders,” only 15 are currently in place.
Even those, he said, are “struggling due to shortages of personnel, vehicles and modern technology, such as drones.”
He warned that soldiers are being asked to cover vast stretches of terrain with limited support.
Informal settlements along the Limpopo River are also making things harder, with some locals allegedly helping with illegal border crossings. The committees further raised concern that government departments are failing to work together, leaving South Africa’s borders “effectively open.”
RAMAPHOSA SUSPENDS INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF INTELLIGENCE
President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended Inspector-General of Intelligence Imtiaz Fazel with immediate effect.
This comes as Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI) investigates a complaint into his conduct.
According to Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, the suspension is allowed by law.
He explained that under Section 7(5) of the Intelligence Services Act, “if the Inspector-General is the subject of an investigation by the (JSCI) in terms of subsection (4), he or she may be suspended by the President pending a decision in such investigation.”
Fazel, who took up the role in November 2022, previously served as Chief Operating Officer in the same office and as a Deputy Director-General at the State Security Agency.
MADAGASCAR MILITARY TAKES CONTROL AS PRESIDENT FLED THE COUNTRY
Madagascar’s military has taken control of the country following intense protests and the sudden fleeing of President Andry Rajoelina.
Rajoelina resisted calls to resign until lawmakers voted to impeach him. He later fled the island, claiming he left “for his own safety.” His current location is unknown.
The unrest was driven by Gen Z activists frustrated by power cuts, rising prices, joblessness, and corruption.
A 2025 Gallup poll revealed that most citizens felt their lives were getting worse.
Colonel Michael Randrianirina of the CAPSAT unit announced, “We have taken the power,” and said the military would dissolve all institutions except the National Assembly.
He explained that a military-led committee would govern alongside a transitional body for two years before holding elections.
Randrianirina confirmed to the Associated Press, he is “taking the position of president.”
MCHUNU MAKES APPEARANCE BEFORE PARLY AD HOC COMMITTEE
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu appeared before Parliament’s ad hoc committee on Thursday and is expected to return on Friday and again next week.
Mchunu continues to face questions at the committee over alleged links to crime syndicate members accused of trying to influence the disbanding of the political killings task team.
On his first day before Parliament, Mchunu rejected any claims linking him to crime networks, saying General Mkhwanazi “knows in his conscience that I am not a criminal.”
He described the disbanding of the political killings task team as a move driven by “optimisation,” tied to SAPS’ internal challenges with resourcing. Budget problems were a recurring theme, with Mchunu pointing out that even in early meetings, SAPS flagged that there was “no money” to act on key issues.
Pressed about the timing of the disbandment order—sent on 31 December while the National Commissioner was on leave—he defended it, stating that the date “is a working day for Police.” And when asked about the urgency, Mchunu insisted that “immediate” did not necessarily mean it had to happen right away.
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The post Top Stories in AFRICA this week: Limpopo bus crash, Mchunu, Sibiya, Mkhwanazi, 2026 FIFA World Cup appeared first on YOMZANSI. Documenting THE CULTURE.
