Untrained officers deployed to disperse student protests, and the new Hilux is years behind competition

Today, 5 December 2025, suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu is scheduled to return to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry investigating police corruption. 

On Thursday, he struggled to defend his decision to disband the Political Killings Task Team, with the commission continuing to question his authority to do so. 

The African National Congress (ANC) is expected to announce the results of its Johannesburg regional elections today. 

Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero is aiming to keep his position as leader but faces stiff competition from Loyiso Masuku, whom many party branches support. 

Voting was meant to take place at 3 p.m. on Thursday, but only started in the early hours of this morning. 

Former President Jacob Zuma and French arms company Thales were to return to the Pietermaritzburg High Court for the second day today, in an attempt to have an earlier court ruling, prohibiting Zuma and Thales from being acquitted, appealed.

However, the case has been adjourned after yesterday’s proceedings. Judgment will be handed down on 23 January instead.

In the Bloemfontein High Court, convicted murderer and rapist Thabo Bester and co-accused will make an appearance today. 

The court will be handling pre-trial hearings connected to Bester’s 2023 prison escape from the Manguang Correctional facility.

The Rand is trading at R16.96 to the Dollar this morning, remaining flat overnight from the close of business on Thursday. 

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

Untrained officers deployed to disperse student protests – EWN

A report by the South African Human Rights Commission found that officers deployed at Walter Sisulu University in May were not adequately trained to handle the situation.

The New Toyota is years behind the competition – TopAuto

The electric model of Toyota’s ninth-generation Hilux leaves a lot to be desired when compared to other battery-electric vehicles on the market.

The JSE is one of the best-performing stock markets in the world – BusinessTech

The JSE was one of the best-performing global stock markets in November 2025, boosted by its strong metal prices.

Private security boss arrested for possessing unlicensed firearms – IOL

The Hawks, working alongside the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority, arrested the 49-year-old owner of a private security company after he was suspected of operating the business with unlicensed firearms.

Twenty-two water projects stalled in Joburg due to R72 million debt – Newsday

The City of Johannesburg currently has 22 water infrastructure projects delayed due to over R72 million in outstanding payments to contractors.