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12 hours ago


Big week for Khan and Sibiya
Former Crime Intelligence deputy head Feroz Khan will give evidence in camera, at the Madlanga Commission this coming week. The inquiry previously heard evidence in Khan’s absence over two days in July, after he was shot and hospitalised. Suspended Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya's SAPS disciplinary hearing is also set to begin tomorrow. Criminologist Professor Nirmala Gopal and legal expert Ulrich Roux discuss these and other big stories in the week ahead.
Oct 5


Witness confirms WhatsApp texts with minor
The Investigating Officer in the case against suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, has told the Randburg Magistrate's Court that he should not be released on bail, as there is a high likelihood he may harm the complainants. On day two of his bail application, the state's first witness, Sergeant Ndlovu, presented her affidavit detailing how WhatsApp messages confirm Sibiya communicated with a 16-year-old girl and asked her to send explicit images and
Oct 5


FICA Compliance in Property: A Regulatory Shift from Documentary Compliance to Demonstrable Compliance
The Financial Intelligence Centre (“FIC”) is placing an increasing emphasis on demonstrable FICA compliance. For accountable institutions in the property sector, it is no longer sufficient simply to have a Risk Management and Compliance Programme (“RMCP”) in place. Institutions must be able to demonstrate that their compliance framework is understood, implemented and kept relevant to the risks faced by their business. This represents an important shift in the practical applic
Sep 30


SIU to probe R168m transport tender linked to Carrim
President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the SIU to investigate allegations of corruption, maladministration and irregular procurement involving a R168 million transport tender linked to companies associated with businessman Suliman Carrim. The probe will examine the use of state funds and financial flows involving Carrim’s joint venture and the late taxi boss Jotham “Mswazi” Msibi. Legal expert Ulrich Roux unpacks the investigation and its implications.
Sep 15


THINKING ABOUT A MERGER? THE COMPETITION ACT REQUIRES MORE THAN A COMPETITION ANALYSIS
A company finds a willing buyer. Its shareholders agree to sell. The buyer agrees to the price. The transaction makes commercial sense. In the South African context, however, this represents merely the baseline of the inquiry. The traditional approach to assessing a merger has been to focus on factors such as competition, market share and price. Section 12A of the Competition Act 89 of 1998 requires the Competition Commission and Competition Tribunal to consider the associate
Sep 9


The Evolving Law of Consent in South African Sexual Offence Cases
Sexual offences remain among the most serious criminal offences prosecuted in South Africa. The legal framework governing such offences is principally contained in the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007 (“the Act”), which came into operation on 16 December 2007. The Act represented a significant development in South African criminal law. Among other things, it replaced the former common-law definitions of rape and indecent assault with
Aug 20


Case In Point | Land Expropriation on trial | Public arrests vs rights
AfriForum and the Institute of Race Relations have spent the week in court, arguing against particular parts of the Expropriation Act. The Democratic Alliance and Vaderland-stigting have brought a separate case opposing the law. It provides for land reform, opening the way for expropriation without compensation. The president, the Public Works Minister, the Parliamentary Speaker, the National Council of Provinces Chair, the Economic Freedom Fighters and the Land Reform Minist
Aug 7


WHETHER A TENANT MAY WITHHOLD RENTAL WHEN A LANDLORD FAILS TO MEET LEASE OBLIGATIONS
In South African law, it is commonly known that rental is payable in arrears unless a lease agreement stipulates otherwise. Most lease agreements specifically prohibit a lessee from withholding rental, which alters the legal principle of rental being withheld in circumstances of a failure to perform by the landlord. This article serves to set out when a tenant may refuse to pay or withhold rental and further what the landlord’s rights are. Who are the parties to a lease? Prio
Aug 3


MAINTENANCE CLAIMS IN SOUTH AFRICA: WHAT EVERY PARENT SHOULD KNOW BEFORE APPROACHING THE COURT
A common misconception parents have is that the maintenance process is overly difficult and intimidating. Many are overwhelmed and often remark, “I didn’t know where to start.” Maintenance is often misunderstood. Some believe it is a favour or optional contribution. Others think it is too complicated or emotionally draining to pursue. Many assume that because the Maintenance Court is designed to be accessible, the process is simple. The truth, however, lies somewhere in betwe
Jul 20


Attorney on Ramaphosa’s bid to halt impeachment process
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s application to halt Parliament’s impeachment process is before the Western Cape High Court and is expected to continue tomorrow. The case stems from the 2020 Phala Phala theft and follows an independent panel’s finding that the president may have violated the Constitution. The Presidency maintains Ramaphosa is exercising his constitutional right to challenge the process. Attorney Cameron Phillips, of Ulrich Roux and Associates, breaks down whether
Jul 15


Medicare24 Fraud | Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala withdraws from plea deal
Alleged crime kingpin, Vusimusi 'Cat' Matlala's plea deal has collapsed. Matlala has rejected the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court's proposal of 12-years in imprisonment. He initially agreed to be jailed for 8 years after turning state witness, but the court found that to be too lenient. Matlala had pleaded guilty to charges of corruption, fraud and money laundering in the R228-million SAPS contract awarded to his company. Legal analyst Ulrich Roux weighs in.
Jul 13


Expert unpacks collapse of ‘Cat’ Matlala’s plea deal
The National Prosecuting Authority will now have to pursue its case without relying on alleged crime kingpin Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala’s admissions after he withdrew from his plea agreement. The decision paves the way for Matlala to stand trial in the R228-million SAPS tender case involving Medicare24. Criminal law expert Ulrich Roux explains what Matlala’s decision means for the state’s case and the upcoming trial.
Jul 13


Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala withdraws plea deal
Alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala has withdrawn from his plea agreement with the state in the R228-million SAPS tender corruption case linked to his company, Medicare24. Matlala made a brief appearance in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Monday. The development comes after the court rejected the state’s proposed eight-year prison sentence, indicating that a 12-year term would be more appropriate. Matlala had previously pleaded guilty to seven
Jul 13


Medicare24 Tender | Matlala sentencing case postponed to 13 July: Ulrich Roux weighs in
Legal analyst Ulrich Roux joins SABC News via video link to weigh in on yesterday's proceedings in this case.
Jul 2


When is a sick note really valid?
Bongani Bingwa speaks to medical doctor Dr Brenda Kubheka and attorney Ulrich Roux about the growing debate surrounding the validity of medical certificates in South African workplaces.
Jul 2


VAT AMENDMENTS PROPOSED TO STRENGTHEN DOMESTIC REVERSE CHARGE RULES FOR VALUABLE METALS
The National Treasury and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) have published draft amendments to the Regulations on the Domestic Reverse Charge (DRC) relating to valuable metals under section 74(2) of the Value-Added Tax Act 89 of 1991. The proposed amendments were released for public comment on 3 June 2026, with stakeholders invited to submit written comments by 30 June 2026. If approved, the amendments are expected to come into effect on 1 August 2026. The DRC mechan
Jun 30


THE INEVITABLE INTERPLAY BETWEEN YOUR MARITAL REGIME UNDER SOUTH AFRICAN LAW, YOUR WILL, AND THE ADMINISTRATION OF YOUR DECEASED ESTATE
During the ordinary course of an average person’s life, various and isolated contracts and agreements are concluded which will eventually be read together. Your will, marital regime and other elements regarding estate planning is one example of this inevitable interplay between documents of great legal significance. An oversight or a failure to align these documents can result in unintended consequences, particularly for surviving spouses. 1. Your Marital Regime is the Sta
Jun 2


Ramaphosa wants report recommendations set aside - Ulrich Roux
Ramaphosa wants report recommendations set aside. URA's Ulrich Roux discusess this and more on ENCA.
May 26


Inside SA’s biggest legal battles this Week - Ulrich Roux discusses
It has been another dramatic week in South Africa’s courts, with several high-profile matters dominating headlines from the lower courts to the Constitutional Court. Newzroom Afrika’s Linda Mnisi and URA's Ulrich Roux unpacks the major cases and legal developments that captured national attention this week.
May 25
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