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Tag: South Africa

  • Nigerian Pastor rearrested in South Africa weeks after acquittal

    Nigerian Pastor rearrested in South Africa weeks after acquittal

    Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso has been rearrested by South African authorities just weeks after acquittal of multiple rape and human trafficking charges.

    According to police and the Department of Home Affairs, the 66-year-old pastor of Jesus Dominion International was taken into custody on Saturday morning in East London.

    Omotoso was originally arrested in 2017 and charged with 32 counts, including rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking.

    Several young women, some reportedly still in school at the time, testified that he selected them for private prayer sessions that led to abuse. They said he would “pray for forgiveness” following each encounter.

    Read Also: Eight Nigerian pastors who are siblings

    After spending nearly nine years in jail awaiting trial, Omotoso was acquitted last month of all charges.

    National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola confirmed the fresh arrest, stating, “Well, I know it’s Omotoso. He was arrested this morning around 5 o’clock in East London as he was finishing the church.”

    Masemola added the arrest was coordinated by immigration officials and special police units. “Inspectorate immigration of the Department of Home Affairs, together with the South African Police Service and TRT [Tactical Response Team], did effect the arrest.

    “The arrest is based on immigration matters. He will appear in court somewhere around Monday, and everybody will know exactly what charges he’s facing. But it’s immigration-related matters,” he said.

  • Nigeria, South Africa join forces to address Africa’s power deficit

    Nigeria, South Africa join forces to address Africa’s power deficit

    In a strategic move to combat Africa’s persistent energy challenges, Nigeria and South Africa have pledged closer collaboration in the oil and gas sector, signalling a continental shift toward sustainable, African-led energy solutions.

    The commitment was made during a high-level meeting in Abuja between Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe.

    In a statement by the special assistant on media and communication to the minister, Nneamaka Okafor, Senator Lokpobiri emphasised the need for African nations to look inward and adopt homegrown solutions to bridge the continent’s energy gap.

    “Africa must begin to look inward for sustainable solutions to its energy challenges. Boosting local production capacities and retaining our generated resources within the continent is the foundation for long-term energy security,” he said.

    The visit by the South African delegation was part of a strategic engagement aimed at strengthening bilateral energy cooperation, enhancing intra-African trade, and exploring joint initiatives to meet the continent’s growing energy needs.

    Senator Lokpobiri used the opportunity to highlight Nigeria’s progress in the energy sector, particularly under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration.

    “Nigeria has significantly enhanced its local capacity in the oil and gas sector. We are witnessing a new era where indigenous companies are taking ownership by acquiring assets from International Oil Companies that are divesting. This marks a shift toward true energy independence,” he said.

    Replying, Minister Gwede Mantashe lauded Nigeria’s advancements in local energy development and expressed South Africa’s readiness to collaborate for mutual benefit.

    “Nigeria’s progress in its energy sector is impressive. We are here to share experiences, learn from each other, and build frameworks that support mutual growth. The goal is to develop strategies that are not only beneficial to our two nations but to the African continent at large,” Mantashe said.

    Discussions during the meeting focused on developing indigenous capacity, boosting cross-border energy trade, and creating robust mechanisms for knowledge sharing and joint investments.

    Both ministers acknowledged that collaboration among African nations is key to tackling the widespread issue of energy poverty.

    “As we collaborate with South Africa, we are also learning from their experiences. Our shared insights will contribute to increased oil production and more resilient energy systems across Africa,” Senator Lokpobiri added.

    “Deepening our ties is vital to creating sustainable, African-led solutions to our energy challenges. This is not just about Nigeria and South Africa, it’s about the future of energy in Africa.”

    The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to establish working groups focused on joint investments, technology sharing, and regional energy integration.

    These efforts are expected to serve as a blueprint for broader continental cooperation and accelerate progress toward a self-sufficient African energy landscape.

  • Nigerians in South Africa demand probe into doctor’s death

    Nigerians in South Africa demand probe into doctor’s death

    The Nigeria Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) has again called for forensic investigation surrounding the death of a 54-year old Nigerian, Dr. Francis Idika, in South Africa.

    NICASA President, Mr. Frank Onyekwelu, made this known during a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.

    He expressed concern that the cause of Idika’s death, which occurred on March 30, at Vryheid Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, remained unclear.

    He lamented the absence of any official report detailing the root cause of Idika’s death, who served as Deputy Director and Medical Manager at the Vryheid Hospital in Zululand District before his passing.

    According to Onyekwelu, NICASA is aware of a documented history of alleged bullying, intimidation, and sustained persecution that Idika endured under the hospital’s management.

    “Idika was evicted from government-provided Mimosa flats by the Acting CEO, who claimed he had overstayed.

    “However, his official position entitled him to that accommodation without a fixed time limit,” he said.

    “This unjust treatment left him emotionally distressed and homeless. At times, he had no choice but to sleep in his car while searching for alternative housing.

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    “We are therefore demanding a forensic, transparent, and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his tragic demise.

    “The silence around this case is unacceptable, and NICASA will not allow it to be swept under the carpet,” Onyekwelu said.

    He urged the Federal Government, the South African Ministry of Health, and the Government of South Africa to initiate a thorough investigation and ensure that anyone responsible for what he described as a “heinous crime” was brought to justice.

    “An injustice to one is an injustice to all. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he added.

    In a related development, the Public Servants Association (PSA) also issued a statement on Idika’s death.

    It alleged that Idika had suffered victimisation, wrongful disciplinary actions, and abuse at the hands of certain managers at Vryheid Hospital over the years.

  • South Africa returnee jailed, forfeits undeclared $299,000 to FG

    South Africa returnee jailed, forfeits undeclared $299,000 to FG

    A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, presided over by Justice Deinde Dipeolu, has convicted and sentenced Okorie Sunday to six months imprisonment for laundering $299,000 and €100 into the country.

    The court also ordered that the seized sums intercepted by the Nigerian Customs Service at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, on March 19, be forfeited to the Federal Government due to non-declaration.

    Justice Dipeolu delivered the judgement after the counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC Chineye Okezie lead one witnesses from the Nigerian Customs Service service Nanaowe Tonbo who narrated how Okorie approached the declaration desk and was asked to declare what he has in his luggage.

    “My names are Nanaowe Tonbo. I work with the Nigerian customs service under anti money laundering section in MMA Lagos.

    “On the 19th of March 2025 at about 9 to 10pm. Mr Sunday Okorie approached the declaration desk and was asked that what did he has on him. He only declaration $225,000 dollars.

    “However, we were not convinced about what he said, we went on a though rough search because he was carrying four bags.

    “We discovered various amount of money in dollars. We discovered that $299,000 out $578,000 united States dollars was not declared.”

    The operative also gave evidence on how customs handed over Okorie and the cash exhibits to the EFCC for further investigation

    “My name are Filicia Paul, I’m an operative of EFCC. On the 21st of March, 2025. The Nigerian customs service handed over the defendant to the EFCC.

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    “In his statement written by his Son Emeka Okorie. He stated that the reason why he didn’t declare the remaining $250,000 was that he didn’t know the actual amount because he was given by his friends in South Africa to give the Bureau De Change man at ikeja.

    “The Bureau De Change man Sulaimon Abdulrasheed was invited to the Commission and he made statement.”

    The statement was admitted in the evidence without objection and marked exhibits 4.

    The statement of the Defendant was also tendered and Admitted in evidence without objection

    At the resumed of proceeding early on Wednesday, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC Chineye Okezie informed the court of her readiness to proceed to trial since the defendant pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned on Tuesday.

    But counsel to the defendant Okoronkwo Uche informed the court of the defendant’s intention to change his plea if the charge against the defendant was amended.

    She urged the court to strike out count 3 and 4.

    However, prior to the arraignment of the convict, a drama occured when the Registrar was about reading the amended charge to the defendant.

    The convict slumped inside the dock, forcing the trial judge to stand down the case until he was revived.

    The case was recalled at exactly 1:45 pm when the defendant had been fully stabilised.

  • 2026 WCQ: South Africa may lose points over ineligible player

    2026 WCQ: South Africa may lose points over ineligible player

    Lesotho approach FIFA over Mokoena

    Group C leaders in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa qualifiers, South Africa may  lose risk  stiff sanction  for  fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in last week’s 2-0 win over Lesotho and are likely to be docked three points.

    Mokoena reportedly accumulated two yellow cards earlier in the qualifiers, making him ineligible  in their Matchday 5  encounter against Lesotho.

    Mokoena was first  booked in Bafana’s opening match against Benin in 2023, and the fourth qualifier against Zimbabwe last year, meaning he should have served an automatic one-match ban, according to FIFA’s rule 63 governing World Cup qualifiers.

    Despite being suspended under FIFA World Cup qualifying rules, which prohibit a player from playing after accumulating two yellow cards, Mokoena was named in the starting line-up against Lesotho and was a second half substitute  in  82nd  minute for Thalente Mbatha. 

    If found guilty of the violation, South Africa could be stripped of the points, which would significantly impact their chances of securing the automatic qualification spot from Group C.

     “If players or team officials receive two cautions in one match (in matches decided by penalties) or in two different matches of the competition, they will be automatically suspended from their team’s subsequent match,” FIFA stated in the rule book.

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    Meanwhile,  Lesotho Football Association (LFA) have   reportedly confirmed they have sent a query to FIFA  over the yellow cards accumulated by  Mokoena.

    But there’s uncertainty over whether Mokoena’s first yellow card was expunged at last year’s Africa Cup of Nations, but FIFA  rules state clearly that bookings are accumulated “from round to round” – which would exclude the AFCON.

     “The question is, was a rule broken? If yes, we are fully entitled to protest and get the points. We were made aware of Mokoena’s bookings and we have since sent a formal inquiry to CAF and FIFA,” said LFA secretary-general Mokhosi Mohapi. “We have heard that Nigeria also want to protest and they too are entitled to that because the result (last Friday) prejudices everyone. Suppose it was us who fielded a defaulter and got the points, Bafana would have done the same.”

    After six round of matches, South Africa  lead Group C with 13 points and are followed by Rwanda (eight points) , Benin (eight points) Nigeria  (Seven points), Zimbabwe (six points)  while Lesotho are in the rear with four points.

  • South Africa top Group C after home win

    South Africa top Group C after home win

    Following a nervy start to the first half, South Africa found the rhythm after the break to secure a victory over their neighbours, Lesotho in a match played at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

    Goals by the in-form Relebohile Mofokeng as well as Jayden Adams secured the tops spot in Group C for the South Africans as they look to return to the global showpiece since their hosting in 2010.

    They now have 10 points from five matches.

    Benin are second in the standings on eight points after they were forced to a 2-2 draw by Zimbabwe in Durban.

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    Benin will welcome South Africa in Abidjan Tuesday in the clash of first against second.

    Rwanda dropped to third with seven points after they fell to Nigeria 2-0 in Kigali.

    The Super Eagles climbed to fourth after they recorded six points.

    Lesotho are now fifth on five points from as many games, while Zimbabwe remain rock bottom on three points.

  • How Nigeria, Cuba broke apartheid’s chain in South Africa, by Olawepo-Hashim

    How Nigeria, Cuba broke apartheid’s chain in South Africa, by Olawepo-Hashim

    The strategic partnership between Nigeria and Cuba contributed to the liberation of South Africa from apartheid rule, a former presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has said.

    Hashim spoke after a private meeting with Cuba’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Bruno Rodriguez Parilla, during the minister’s visit to Nigeria.

    The businessman said his relationship with Parilla dated back to the late 1980s when both of them were active members of the International Students’ Movement.

    The duo previously served as delegates to the 13th World Festival of Students in Pyongyang, North Korea, on the platform that fostered international solidarity among young political leaders.

    Their meeting underscored the deep diplomatic and historical ties between the Caribbean and African nations, dating back to their shared support for liberation movements across Africa.

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    Olawepo-Hashim recalled Cuba’s critical military intervention during the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale in Angola in 1988, where Cuban volunteer forces fought alongside the People’s Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola (FAPLA) against South African troops.

    “The defeat of the South African forces marked a turning point in the region’s struggle for independence, paving the way for Namibia’s independence and the eventual collapse of apartheid in South Africa.

    “Cuba’s military intervention, backed by Nigeria’s strong political and diplomatic support for the anti-apartheid movement, created the momentum that ultimately led to the fall of apartheid,” he said.

    He said Nigeria and Cuba share deep cultural ties, stressing that a significant portion of Cuba’s black and mulatto population can trace their ancestry to Nigeria’s Yoruba, Efik, and Ibibio ethnic groups.

    “The bonds between Nigeria and Cuba go beyond politics. They are rooted in shared ancestry and a common struggle for freedom and justice,” Olawepo-Hashim added.

  • Expulsion of our ambassador in U.S. regrettable, says South Africa

    Expulsion of our ambassador in U.S. regrettable, says South Africa

    The South African government has condemned the United States’ decision to expel its ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, describing the decision as “regrettable”.

    U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, had on Friday said Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool was no longer welcome in the U.S. because he was “a race-baiting politician” who hates U.S. President Donald Trump.

    But in a statement yesterday, the office of President Cyril Ramaphosa described the move as “regrettable” and urged both countries to uphold established diplomatic norms.

    Despite the setback, Pretoria reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a cooperative relationship with Washington.

    “The Presidency has noted the regrettable expulsion of South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Mr. Ebrahim Rasool,” it said in a statement.

    “The Presidency urges all relevant and impacted stakeholders to maintain the established diplomatic decorum in their engagement with the matter.

    “South Africa remains committed to building a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States of America,” the presidency added.

    The expulsion has further strained relations between the two countries.

    Rubio labelled Rasool a “race-baiting politician” with views hostile to President Trump.

    Read Also: APC chieftain hails Tinubu’s economic reforms as key to Nigeria’s growth

    The move follows escalating tensions over US policy toward South Africa.

    Last month, Trump froze US aid to Pretoria, citing concerns over land reform policies that he claimed allowed the seizure of land from white farmers.

    Rasool, a former anti-apartheid activist and veteran diplomat, has yet to comment on his expulsion.

    The expulsion of Rasool has added to rising tensions between Washington and Pretoria.

    Trump had in February frozen US aid to South Africa, citing a law in the country that he alleges allows land to be seized from white farmers.

    Last week, Trump further heightened tensions, saying South Africa’s farmers were welcome to settle in the United States after repeating his accusations that the government was “confiscating” land from white people.

    “South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in our great country,” Rubio posted on He described Ebrahim Rasool as “a race-baiting politician who hates America and hates @POTUS,” referring to Trump by his official White House X account.

    “We have nothing to discuss with him, and so he is considered PERSONA NON GRATA.”

    One of Trump’s closest allies, South African-born billionaire Elon Musk, had accused South African President Ramaphosa’s government of enforcing “openly racist ownership laws.”

  • Nigerian deaths in South Africa

    Nigerian deaths in South Africa

    Two Nigerians were reported dead in South African police custody in this year, 2025, alone. It is a trend that touches on Nigeria’s national interest and should engage keen attention of the country’s authorities towards ensuring remediation.

    Forty-year-old Benjamin Okoli died allegedly while in police custody early this February, less than a month after another Nigerian, 50-year-old old Jeremiah Okoye, died in police custody. The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) deplored recurring death of Nigerians in South African police custody and worried that they were being profiled for police brutality simply because of their nationality. The body described the pattern as intolerable and sought intervention by the Nigerian government to redress the trend.

    NICASA President-General, Frank Onyekwelu, blew the alarm on the heels of Okoli’s death. Okoli, from Akpu in Orumba South, Anambra State, was allegedly stopped and searched by the South African police and accompanied to his house with his brother for further search. “In spite of finding nothing incriminating, the officers tortured, beat and brutalised them. Okoli couldn’t withstand the assault and fell into a coma,” Onyekwelu told Nigerian media, adding that the police simply stood by and watched Okoli’s life slip away. “Paramedics later arrived and pronounced him dead,” he stated.

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    The association expressed further concern that Okoli’s death occurred while investigations were yet underway into the death of Okoye, allegedly at the hands of the same police unit. “This is the same group of officers accused of killing Okoye. Now, two Nigerians have died in police custody in less than a month,” Onyekwelu stated. Okoye, who lived in Limpopo Province, had been resident in South Africa for 22 years before his death. The native of Eziniffite Nnewi, in Anambra, reportedly died while in police custody in Limpopo Province on January 13th.

    NICASA leaders in Limpopo Province said they were deeply troubled by what they perceived as a disturbing pattern of Nigerian nationals being targeted.

    Following Okoye’s death, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) made known it was investigating the circumstances of the tragedy. NiDCOM spokesperson, Abdulrahman Balogun, was reported saying the commission was aware of the situation and had launched a probe. Meanwhile, it was while Okoye’s death was being investigated that Okoli too fell victim in alleged circumstances.

    Government needs to get more earnest about ascertaining the facts of how those deaths occurred and, if need be, engage South African authorities to place more value on Nigerian lives in their country. Only last December, a 37-year-old Nigerian native from Enugu State, Julius Chukwunta. was reported attacked by four men while driving to his home in the Midrand Protea Estate in South Africa. He was attacked on December 7th and left with a severe head injury said to be the cause of his death on December 13th. Justice has not been gotten in his case. Too many deaths… 

  • How South Africa Will Lead Online Casino Trends in Africa in 2025

    How South Africa Will Lead Online Casino Trends in Africa in 2025

    The online casino industry in Africa is poised for rapid growth in 2025, and South Africa is at the forefront of this revolution. As one of the continent’s most advanced markets, South Africa is shaping trends that are set to influence how online gaming evolves across the region. From technological innovation to user-centric platforms—such as those offering promotions like Springbok Casino free spins—South Africa is cementing its reputation as a leader in the online casino space

    Innovation Meets Regulation

    One of the key factors enabling South Africa’s leadership is the balance between innovation and regulation. The country has established a robust framework for online gambling south africa, ensuring player safety while fostering innovation among operators. This regulatory environment attracts world-class developers and service providers, allowing local players to enjoy cutting-edge games and features. In 2025, expect a surge in virtual reality (VR) casino games, personalised gaming experiences, and AI-driven customer support—all trends likely to emerge first in South Africa before spreading to the rest of Africa.

    Local Payment Solutions for a Seamless Experience

    South African casinos are addressing one of the biggest barriers to entry for players: payment methods. With the rise of local solutions like 1ForYou Vouchers and Capitec Pay, players can now deposit and withdraw seamlessly, even if they lack traditional banking access. This innovation will set a precedent for neighbouring countries, making online casinos in south africa more accessible to a wider audience across the continent.

    Empowering Players Across Africa

    As South Africa leads the charge, one of the most exciting developments is the focus on player empowerment. South African operators are raising the bar by offering transparent terms, generous bonus structures, and educational resources to help players make smarter choices. Features like no deposit bonuses, free spins no deposit, real money slots, and loyalty programmes are becoming standard, providing more value to players and ensuring they stay engaged. This player-centric approach is expected to ripple across Africa, inspiring other markets to adopt similar practices.

    A Gateway for International Operators

    South Africa’s leadership is not only influencing local players but also positioning the country as a gateway for international operators looking to expand into Africa. With its robust infrastructure, tech-savvy population, and a deep understanding of the local gaming culture, South Africa is an ideal testing ground for new technologies and games. Global brands are increasingly partnering with South African affiliates and operators to introduce innovations that meet the needs of African players, further solidifying the country’s influence in the region.

    Community and Responsible Gaming at the Core

    Another significant trend is the emphasis on community and responsible gaming. South African platforms are leading the way by integrating tools for self-regulation, offering support for problem gambling, and fostering an online environment that prioritises player well-being. By blending fun with responsibility, South Africa is setting a benchmark for what sustainable online gaming should look like—not just for Africa, but for the global online casinos industry.

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