🇿🇦Week of September 28

Four mass shootings across South Africa have left 45 people dead, with the motive still unknown. The attacks include a massacre at Dora's Tavern, where witnesses described assailants who 'laughed and sang' during the killing. In two days, 32 people were gunned down, prompting questions about the source of AK-47 rifles used in the attacks.123

The KwaNdelu Shisanyama venue has pledged full cooperation with police investigating the Heritage Day mass shooting. The shootings have been described by Rise Mzansi as part of a national crisis of violence.45

A police officer was gunned down in Tema, Ghana, in a separate incident reported by Modern Ghana.6

The Madlanga Commission has heard testimony linking taxi boss Oupa Sindane to extortion and the leaking of police information. The commission also heard of alleged protection pay in the Moloto Road project. WhatsApp chats revealed at the commission involve alleged hitmen.123

Taxi bosses Sibanyoni and Sindane are accused of hiring the lawyer of Nkosi to represent taxi hitmen. Bafana Sindane lost a bid to stop the Madlanga inquiry from hearing his testimony. He then rushed to the Gauteng High Court to block his appearance at the commission.456

Taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni will remain in custody, and his lawyer has criticized the state over delays. Sibanyoni's alleged extortion allegations have deepened as an insider speaks. The Kwagga 20 extortion network's WhatsApp trail has been exposed.789

The sentencing of Modack for corruption reveals the scope of his grip on police, according to Kinnear's widow. This comes amid the commission's focus on taxi-related extortion and police collusion.10

South Africa faces 1,200 projected heat deaths as a super El Niño gathers momentum. The projected toll is part of a global pattern in which Nigeria faces the world's highest projected death toll from super El Niño heat.123

The New York Times describes the event as a 'Super Godzilla Monster El Niño' and explains how it could affect weather patterns. This framing differs from African outlets' focus on cost and preparedness.4

Attributed claim: IOL / News24: South Africa's preparedness for El Niño is under scrutiny, with critics saying it waits for disaster to strike rather than acting in advance. Daily Maverick argues that South Africa must pay for prevention now, while ewn.co.za and Cape Town ETC emphasize that the country is waiting for disaster to strike.12

South Africa's Deputy Minister Gungubele has publicly urged Elon Musk to accept the country's 30% ownership requirement for telecommunications licenses, saying 'I hope Elon is listening.' The appeal is aimed at opening the way for Musk's Starlink satellite internet service to operate in South Africa, where current rules require 30% local ownership. Gungubele framed the requirement as a minor issue for a trillionaire, asking 'What's 30% between a trillionaire and his birth country?'1234

The push for Starlink comes as Communications Minister Malatsi has empowered the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) to auction off open-access spectrum that was designated during the tenure of former minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams. The spectrum is to be auctioned to existing mobile network operators, a move that could reshape the country's telecommunications landscape. This regulatory step coincides with the government's outreach to Musk.524

Coverage of the developments highlights the potential opening for Starlink amid the ownership hurdle, with headlines emphasizing the deputy minister's direct appeal to Musk. The story has been reported by outlets including Business Insider Africa, Bloomberg, businesstech.co.za, Daily Maverick, and TimesLIVE, all centering on the 30% ownership requirement and the government's willingness to see Musk comply.15234