The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, has withdrawn the draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy after it was found to contain fictitious references, most likely generated by AI.

In a statement on Sunday, Malatsi said that his Department had immediately raised internal questions about the matter, following media reports that fake sources were used in the policy’s reference list.

News24 first reported on the issue, identifying several references citing non-existent academic journals. Other references cited real journals, but senior editors at those journals confirmed that the articles referenced had never been published.

After confirming it was the case, Malatsi says he decided to withdraw the policy.

“This failure is not a mere technical issue but has compromised the integrity and credibility of the draft policy. As such, I am withdrawing the Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy. South Africans deserve better.”

Malatsi says the Department failed to uphold the standard that is acceptable for an institution entrusted with the role to lead South Africa‘s digital policy environment.

“The most plausible explanation is that AI-generated citations were included without proper verification. This should not have happened. In fact, this unacceptable lapse proves why vigilant human oversight over the use of artificial intelligence is critical. It’s a lesson we take with humility. I want to reassure the country that we are treating this matter with the gravity it deserves. There will be consequence management for those responsible for drafting and quality assurance.”

Malatsi did not give a timeline for when a revised draft AI policy will be published for comments.

Under the now-withdrawn version, it introduced new expectations around governance, ethics, accountability and sector-specific oversight.

Police at OR Tambo International Airport had a busy Freedom Day long weekend, notching up two big drug busts in less than 24 hours.

In the first operation, police arrested a Brazilian drug trafficker following the interception of cocaine with an estimated street value of R8.7 million.

The 26-year-old suspect was apprehended upon arrival from Brazil on Sunday, after police, acting on intelligence, conducted a search of the suspect’s luggage.

During the search, members discovered multiple blocks of cocaine wrapped and concealed inside the person’s luggage.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court today, 28 April 2026, on charges of drug trafficking.

A Brazilian national was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday, with cocaine wor...

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Less than 24 hours later, police arrested a man from the Netherlands, who was about to board a flight to London.

Officials searched his luggage and found 60kg of Khat concealed inside. He will also appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court soon.

The police’s Athlenda Mathe says these latest arrests demonstrate the vigilance and heightened operations by SAPS working closely with ACSA security, BMA officials, and SARS customs at ports of entry.

“The back-to-back successes in intercepting drug traffickers underscore the country’s firm stance against transnational organised crime and law enforcement’s commitment to safeguarding South Africa’s borders. SAPS will continue to intensify its efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks and ensure that those involved face the full might of the law.”

Police at OR Tambo International Airport have, in recent months, recorded several successes in intercepting drug traffickers attempting to smuggle narcotics into the country.

A weekend outing turned tragic when two teenagers lost their lives after being swept out to sea by rip currents at De Bakke Beach in Mossel Bay.

According to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), emergency crews were activated on Saturday afternoon following reports of a drowning in progress. Rescue swimmers and a rescue craft were dispatched, supported by police, paramedics and local emergency services.

A Good Samaritan on a bodyboard managed to reach an 18-year-old woman and bring her to safety, where paramedics attempted to resuscitate her. Despite extensive CPR efforts, she was declared dead at the scene.

A 15-year-old boy, who had been swimming with a group of friends, disappeared in the surf after being caught in the same rip current. A large-scale search operation involving rescue swimmers, drones, and police divers continued into the night.

On Sunday morning, police divers recovered a body in the search area, believed to be that of the missing teenager. Formal identification is underway.

Authorities say an inquest has been opened to determine the exact circumstances of the incident. The NSRI has extended its condolences to the families and friends of the two teenagers.