In today’s news, controversial businessman Mark Lifman was shot dead at a shopping mall in George, Western Cape, the Department of Justice spent the weekend trying to convince the Ministry of Employment and Labor not to close the Mpumalanga High Court building, and Deputy President Paul Mashatile reportedly appeared before the ANC integrity commission.

Additionally, ANC town councilors in the North West were told they would be removed from office if they continued to defy the party, and the principal of Wynberg Boys’ High School sparked controversy with his speech at the 2024 Graduation Assembly.

News today: November 4

Mark Lifman shot dead in George

Controversial businessman Mark Lifman has reportedly been killed at a Western Cape shopping mall.

Described as an underworld kingpin, Lifman was previously linked to the murder of steroid dealer Brian Wainstein and faced charges of extortion and money laundering.

The shooting took place around 11:30 a.m. at Garden Route Shopping Centre, with the suspects fleeing in a white VW Polo with CY registration.

CONTINUE READING: Mark Lifman shot dead in George

Ministries fight over court building, a ‘white elephant’

The Department of Justice (DoJ) spent the weekend trying to convince the Department of Employment and Labor (DEL) not to close the “non-compliant” Mpumalanga High Court building.

The feud between the two state organs began about two weeks ago when DEL inspections revealed that the four-storey R1.1-billion building in Mbombela, which houses DoJ and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), did not meet occupational health and safety standards (OSH).

After further investigation, DEL issued a cease-and-desist order ordering the department to close the building and immediately evacuate employees, but the Department of Justice continued to operate.

CONTINUE READING: Ministries fight over court building, a ‘white elephant’

Paul Mashatile brought before ANC integrity commission – report

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has reportedly appeared before the African National Congress (ANC) integrity commission in a bid to clear his name of numerous allegations.

Mashatile was accused of purchasing a R28 million house in Cape Town in cash in December 2023.

However, he denied this, saying he did not own any property in Cape Town or elsewhere, except for a house he and his late wife bought with a bank loan in Kelvin, Johannesburg.

CONTINUE READING: Paul Mashatile brought before the ANC integrity commission

North West ANC councilors to be removed from office for defying Luthuli House orders

ANC municipal councilors in the Bojanala region of the North West will be removed from office if they continue to defy the party.

Moses Kotane topped the list of municipalities targeted by the Regional Working Committee (RWC) – and could see all ANC PR (proportional representation) councilors removed.

Regional secretary Raymond Moraile confirmed council chairperson Gugu Mtshali was given 48 hours to step down on Tuesday last week when she allegedly tore up the council agenda document during the postponed council meeting last week. He said Mtshali’s behavior had brought the ANC and Moses Kotane’s council into disrepute.

CONTINUE READING: North West ANC councilors to be removed from office for defying orders

Wynberg boys’ high school principal’s speech sparks backlash over gender stereotypes

Deon Scheepers, principal of Wynberg Boys’ High School in Cape Town, sparked controversy with his speech at the 2024 Graduation Assembly in October.

Billed as humor, Scheepers’ speech included remarks that many felt went too far.

Scheepers drew criticism from social media users and staff members at sister school, Wynberg Girls’ High School.

CONTINUE READING: Wynberg Boys’ High School Principal’s Speech Sparks Backlash Over Gender Stereotypes (VIDEO)

Here are five other stories of the day:

Summary of yesterday’s news

READ HERE: Calls for investigation into links between police and taxi industry | Shops raided in Tshwane | EMPD accused of using civilians