Jacob Zuma in the Epstein Files, and Julius Malema will lead the EFF even if he goes to jail

Today, 2 February, the Rand is trading at R16.25 to the Dollar, weakening after hitting R15.99 on Friday, 30 January. 

The Phala Phala burglary trial will resume today in the Modimolle Regional Court in Limpopo, in which three suspects have been charged with breaking and entering into President Cyril Ramaphosa’s farm and stealing $580,000. 

The cross-examination of the State’s cellphone analyst will take place today, after the analyst testified that he has tracked the movements of the three accused and placed them in the vicinity of the farm during the break-in. 

A new witness is set to testify before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry investigating allegations of corruption and political interference in the criminal justice system.

The commission will not reveal the witness’s identity for security concerns. Last week, the committee heard from KwaZulu-Natal Hawks boss Lesetja Senona. 

The new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Andy Mothibi, will assume his responsibilities today, officially replacing outgoing NDPP, Shamila Batohi. 

Meanwhile, in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court, the man accused of shooting and killing Warrick Stock, known as DJ Warras, will make his first court appearance. The 25-year old was arrested in an informal settlement in Primrose on Friday night. 

Two suspects linked to the murder of a 77-year-old man will appear in the Stellenbosch Magistrates Court. The victim was killed while visiting the grave of his son.

Here are five other big things happening in South Africa today:

Melema says he will lead the EFF even if he goes to jail – SABC

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Leader Julius Malema says that he will continue to lead the EFF even if he is removed from parliament due to serving a prison sentence of over one year. 

Jacob Zuma implicated in the Epstein Files – Daily Maverick

Among the latest disclosures from the US Justice Department are emails relating to an intimate dinner organised by the late sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein for Jacob Zuma in London in 2010.

New BEE requirements for Agriculture exports to the EU – Newsday

The Department of Agriculture has published new procedures for the application, administration and allocation of export quotas to the European Union, with the requirement that the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) certificates be supplied.

The DA accused of being ‘architect of political instability’ in Gauteng – The Citizen

The Gauteng provincial government, under Premier Panyaza Lesufi, has accused the DA of a pattern of manufacturing crises over providing solutions, adding that the party’s loyalty is not with stable governance, but solely with the party’s own political power. 

New laws for South Africans employing domestic workers – BusinessTech

New amendments to the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act have been implemented, enforcing costly fines for employers violating safety and insurance regulations, including for households employing domestic workers.