November 07, 2024.

For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Lumkile Nkomfe.

Making headlines:

Dali Mpofu ditches EFF, joins MK Party

Justice Minister says current systems must be overhauled to fight crime effectively

And, Mozambique police fire tear gas as opposition supporters march on capital

Dali Mpofu ditches EFF, joins MK Party

Legal professional Dali Mpofu has followed in the footsteps of former Economic Freedom Fighters members and has joined the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, saying it is the vehicle through which “much needed black and progressive unity” will be achieved.

Mpofu resigned from the EFF, after serving as the chairperson for five years.

He explained that his decision was not personal, and that he tried reaching out to the EFF president Julius Malema.

The MKP has in recent months welcomed the EFF’s Floyd Shivambu, who is now the party’s national organiser; Mzwanele Manyi, who serves as parliamentary whip and Busisiwe Mkhwebane, the party’s new Mpumalanga convener.

Justice Minister says current systems must be overhauled to fight crime effectively

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Thembi Simelane said government must investigate existing policing and judicial systems and related processes to fight crime effectively.

Speaking during the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union’s central executive committee meeting, Simelane said government was concerned about the “staggering amounts” of legal fees owing to lawsuits against the State. 

She noted that under the Criminal Procedure Act, government had noted the many policy implications that an overhaul would demand to enhance and empower the fight against crime.

She pointed to overcrowding in correctional centres, and the high number of remand detainees, saying this was not only an economic issue, but one of human dignity, noting that inmates were held in deplorable conditions in facilities that could not cope with the high numbers.

Simelane said a review of the bail dispensation would consider alternatives to bail payment, modernisation of bail processes and community involvement in consideration of bail.

Simelane pointed out that the common thread that would run through the entire review of the Criminal Procedure Act, was making the law victim-centric.

Mozambique police fire tear gas as opposition supporters march on capital

Mozambican police fired tear gas at hundreds of opposition supporters converging on the capital Maputo today for the biggest demonstration yet against last month's disputed election.

Human rights groups say at least 18 people have been killed in the police crackdown on protests since the October 9 vote, which extended ruling party Frelimo's five decades in power.

Opposition parties, civil society groups and Western observers said the election was unfair and that results were altered.

A Frelimo spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment. The party has also been accused of vote-rigging in previous polls and has denied it.

Thursday was dubbed the "Day of Freedom" in flyers distributed on social media by presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, who commands a strong following among the country's disenchanted youth and came second in the official election results but claims to have won.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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