Robert Mugabe’s son arrested in Hyde Park, and Joburg water supply under threat

Today, 20 February, the rand is trading at R16.17 to the dollar, down from R16.18 at the close of business on Thursday.

The Phala Phala trial is set to resume today in the Modimolle Regional Court in Limpopo. Three suspects are on trial for the theft of $580,000 from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s farm in 2020. 

Last week, the state called a financial investigating officer to the stand, who testified that he analysed the bank accounts of the first accused and found that large sums of money were deposited into his different bank accounts after the break-in.

In the Western Cape, Premier Alan Winde and MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Iven Meyer will provide an update to the public on their efforts to curb foot-and-mouth disease. 

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen will receive the first shipment of one million high-potency vaccines at OR Tambo International Airport this weekend from Argentina. 

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia is set to release the latest crime statistics for the third quarter of 2025/26. The figures will cover the period between October and December 2025.

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

Robert Mugabe’s son due in court for attempted murder – EWN

The son of former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, Bellarmine Mugabe, will soon appear in the Alexandra Magistrates Court to face charges of attempted murder. This, after an employee of Mugabe’s was shot twice in the back while at his Hyde Park property.

Rand Water threatens to cut off Johannesburg – News24

Johannesburg Water has defaulted on payments to Rand Water, with an overdue balance of R1.18 billion. The bulk water supplier is now demanding a three-month deposit from the City of Johannesburg of R2.4 billion to keep water in the taps. 

City Power’s longest-serving CEO resigns – BusinessTech

After four years of serving as the City Power CEO, Tshifularo Mashava submitted her resignation letter on Wednesday, saying she plans to pursue “personal and other professional interests”. 

Public Protector compromised in investigation of parliament secretary – Newsday

An investigation into the appointment of overpaid parliament secretary Xolile George, whose R2.5 million salary increased to R6.1 million in three years, has hit another hurdle. After the matter was handed to the Public Protector, an intimate relationship between her and George was revealed. 

Local landowners push back against new Cape Winelands Airport – Daily Maverick

The R8 billion Cape Winelands Airport, which will be situated just off the R302 and R312 corridors, is set to begin construction in the fourth quarter of 2026. However, the project is threatened by neighbouring landowners who are challenging the impact of the airport’s large physical footprint.