In a landmark ruling, the Constitutional Court of South Africa has ordered Cash Paymaster Services (CPS) to repay the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) over R81 million in undue profits. The unanimous decision marks a major victory for the agency and reinforces constitutional accountability in the distribution of social grants.

The amount represents adjusted profits derived from a contract previously declared invalid, following extensive litigation aimed at ensuring compliance with constitutional standards.

Welcoming the ruling, SASSA CEO Themba Matlou described the judgment as a powerful affirmation of the South African legal system.

“The judgment delivered yesterday affirms the rule of law and the supremacy of the apex court in South Africa. We are satisfied with the order handed down by the justices of the Constitutional Court. We believe this is a vital precursor to addressing other outstanding issues concerning CPS and finally close the chapter.”

Matlou also stressed that SASSA would comply fully with the Court’s directives.

“SASSA will abide by all the directives issued by the Constitutional Court and put the matter to bed,” he added.

Telkom has warned customers of a scam in which fraudsters are impersonating Telkom representatives and falsely informing individuals that they have won a car as part of the recent Summer Campaign.

In reported incidents, customers are then asked to make a payment to “release” or claim the prize.

Telkom has emphasised that it will never request any form of payment, deposit, administration fee, or voucher purchase for customers to claim prizes or rewards.

“Any communication that asks for payment to unlock a prize, requests sensitive information such as banking PINs or OTPs, or directs customers to suspicious links should be treated as fraudulent and avoided.”

Telkom also confirmed that its Summer Campaign car giveaway officially closed on 31 January 2026, and all competition processes have been concluded.

A total of five Toyota Starlet Cross vehicles were awarded to five verified winners, and there are no additional vehicles being given away under this campaign.

Telkom has urged customers to take the following steps if they receive a suspicious call, SMS, WhatsApp message or email claiming they have won a car or other prizes:

• Do not make any payment or share bank details, PINs, passwords or OTPs.
• Do not click on suspicious links or download unknown attachments.
• End the call or stop responding to the message immediately.
• Report the incident to Telkom’s customer care on 10210 (from a Telkom line) or via the online fraud reporting form at: Telkom.co.za
• Report suspected fraud to the South African Police Service (SAPS) via your nearest police station or the Crime Stop number 08600 10111.

For more information or to verify any Telkom-related prize communication, customers can contact: Telkom customer care: 10210 or www.telkom.co.za

Over 109 000 illegal immigrants have been sent home since the formation of the GNU. The Home Affairs Minister, Leon Schreiber, says this is an exponential increase in yearly deportations since the Government of National Unity was formed two years ago.

Over 109 000 illegal immigrants sent home after GNU-formation

The minister says the marked increase in law enforcement against immigration violations demonstrates the department’s and its partners’ commitment to enforcing and restoring the rule of law. A total of 109 344 deportations were carried out over the past two financial years. Schreiber says during the first year of the current administration, the number of deportations increased by 30%. This is up from 39 672 in 2023/24 to 51,560 in 2024/25. He says this was followed by a further annual increase of 12%, to 57,784, in 2025/26.

Those who are illegally in the country should self-deport

Three men, including a suspect wanted for another crime, have been arrested in connection with a fatal drive–by shooting in Salt River on Wednesday night.

Woodstock police report that several men were shot when a vehicle drove by on the corners of Burns and Pope Streets at around 22:40.

“According to reports, several males were sitting at the crime scene when a white Bantam bakkie stopped near them and fired several shots,” said Western Cape SAPS spokesperson, Constable Ndakhe Gwala.

Two men were injured and transported to the hospital, but the 26-year-old victim succumbed to his injuries. The other victim was 27 years old. 

A murder and attempted murder case has been opened at the Woodstock Police Station in this regard.

The suspects “believed to be linked to the shooting” were later apprehended by the members of the Police Flying Squad. It was then that police found that one of the suspects was wanted by the Woodstock SAPS in connection with seperate attempted murder case.

“The suspects will appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s court once they have been charged,” said Gwala.

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