Corruption in Africa: Latest reports, investigations and trials
Corruption touches politics, courts and daily life across the continent. This tag pulls together the latest reports, investigations and courtroom battles that matter to people here. You will find updates on Advocate Malesela Teffo’s role in the Senzo Meyiwa trial, Judge Selby Mbenenge’s tribunal, and the political fallout after President Cyril Ramaphosa removed DA deputy minister Andrew Whitfield. We focus on facts, court filings and official statements so you can follow what really happened, not rumours.
Why this coverage matters: corruption affects who gets public money, which projects are built and whether people get fair treatment in court. When a lawyer says police officers are corrupt and then faces death threats, the case moves beyond headlines and into safety and institutional trust. Watching trials and tribunals helps you see how evidence is tested and what reforms might follow.
Key cases to watch
Key cases to watch include the Teffo allegations, the tribunal on Judge Mbenenge, and political shake ups. Teffo has publicly accused officers of corruption while defending a high‑profile murder trial. His statements mention senior officials, including Police Minister Bheki Cele, and led to threats that raised safety questions for witnesses and lawyers. The Mbenenge tribunal focuses on sexual harassment claims and courtroom conduct. Proceedings paused until October for final arguments, and observers are watching how the judiciary balances procedure with credibility. Political moves like Whitfield’s removal expose coalition strain and prompt calls for probes into appointments and possible abuses of power.
How to follow corruption coverage without getting misled
Start with primary sources. Read court records, tribunal transcripts and official press releases. Reliable journalists cite filings or recorded testimony, not anonymous claims. Use watchdog reports from anti‑corruption bodies and civil society groups. They often show patterns across tenders, contracts and budgets.
Verify before you share. Look for at least two independent sources. Be careful with social media leaks and anonymous tips. If an outlet names officials, check whether regulators or courts are mentioned. Follow timelines: investigations take months, and hearings may shift as new evidence appears.
What citizens can do: ask officials at council meetings to explain spending, back independent media and support NGOs that use data to track contracts. File information requests when possible. Vote for candidates who publish clear plans for oversight and open budgets.
If you want quick checks, watch for predictable signs: sudden contract awards to little-known firms, rapid resignations before probes, or repeated court delays. Local reporters often spot these trends first. Use tools like company registers and procurement portals to confirm winners and prices. When a story names a public official, look for their official response — it often shows whether the claim will go to a formal investigation. Following corruption news takes patience, but it pays off: clear reporting makes corruption harder to hide. Stay curious, question power, demand answers.
CottonCandi News will keep this tag updated. Bookmark the page, sign up for alerts and return for clear, sourced reporting. Staying informed helps hold power to account and keeps public debate focused on facts not noise.
