WEEKLY WRAP| TOP 10 STORIES

1.SIU ordered to return supercars believed to belong to corruption-accused businessman

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has been ordered to return seized supercars believed to belong to corruption-accused businessman Hangwani Maumela.

In September last year the SIU obtained a preservation order to seize six supercars from the Omar dealership in Witbank linked to the businessman.

The SIU collected those vehicles from the dealership after the raid at his Sandton home, where three Lamborghinis were seized in October.

On Monday, the power utility has targeted its super electricity users in transgression of the law.

It has disconnected power to three farms in Randfontein for several contraventions, including illegal connections and tampering with meters.

3. City of Johannesburg entity paid R1m for a wall that was never built

The Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSCHO) CEO, Themba Mathibe, allegedly paid R1 million to a subcontractor for the construction of a wall that was never built.

At the same time, Eyewitness News has learned that the JOSCHO disregarded its own recommendation to suspend Mathibe (29) during his tenure as the Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Mathibe has recently been thrust into the spotlight after his dramatic arrest for suspected money laundering by the Special Task Force, the South African Police Service (SAPS)’s most elite unit.

4. Joburg says it can only accommodate 70% of those on housing waiting list currently

The Johannesburg Human Settlements Department has revealed it can only accommodate 70% of the people on its housing waiting list with its current project developments.

According to MMC Mlungisi Mabaso, the housing backlog is at half a million; however, that number does not include those in informal settlements and hostels.

5. Batohi appoints legal team to represent her at inquiry into Chauke

Former National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head Shamila Batohi has now appointed a legal team to represent her at the inquiry into Gauteng prosecutions boss Andrew Chauke, but it’s unclear when she will resume her testimony.

Batohi walked out of the inquiry in December after facing tough questions during cross-examination, citing a lack of legal representation.

6. Residents threaten to punish ANC at upcoming polls after Lesufi’s water blunder

Some disgruntled 702 listeners have threatened to punish the African National Congress (ANC) at the polls at the upcoming local government elections after Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s water blunder.

7. Pretorius, implicated in fatal torture case, dies by suicide after surviving shooting

EWN understands that Wiandre Pretorius allegedly shot and killed himself at a popular restaurant franchise in Boksburg late Saturday night.

READ: Police probe attempted murder following ambush on Wiandre Pretorius

8. South Africa to withdraw troops from DRC peacekeeping mission by year-end

South Africa has announced its withdrawal of troops from a United Nations (UN) mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

9. 'They want R1 from each loaf': Small businesses highlight safety concerns to Deputy President

Mashatile is meeting young people at a Presidential Youth Roundtable in Khayelitsha, focusing on the lived realities of young South Africans.

10. Eskom cuts power to R1.1 million debtor following illegal reconnection

A farm owner in Randfontein has been arrested for illegally reconnecting his electricity.

Eskom is currently conducting a disconnection operation across various farming areas in Randfontein. The property in question owes the power utility R1.1 million.