EXCO CALLS FOR THE ACCELERATED PACE OF BUILDING FORENSIC SCIENCE LABORATORY TO HELP RESOLVE CRIMINAL CASES
The Executive Council (EXCO) of the Mpumalanga Provincial Government, led by the Premier, Mr. Mandla Ndlovu convened a sitting on Wednesday to analyse progress made in the implementation of resolutions that advance the socio-economic conditions of communities in the province. The sitting comes after the President, Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa’s address to the nation recently, following the discovery of women bodies at Ekurhuleni.
Linked to the President’s address, is the province’s progress report on the implementation of the Integrated Crime Prevention Plan, which was presented to EXCO on Wednesday. It covers the 2025/26 financial year and the 2026/27 Quarter 1 period, based on the 7 pillars.
Despite a range of challenges, the report exhibit progress in the fight against crime in the province. For example, on Pillar 1, (effective criminal justice system), 2572 arrests were recorded in 2025/26 and 277 in quarter 1 of 2026/27 financial year, and 377 convictions related to GBVF were recorded. On Pillar 2, (early intervention to prevent crime and violence and promote safety), 9 rural safety programmes were conducted. On Pillar 3 and 4 respectively, 22 shelters providing services to victims of crime and violence were monitored, while 90 police stations have Social Crime Coordinators responsible for school safety programmes.
To intensify the crime prevention plan, EXCO has directed that a Forensic Science Laboratory be established in the province, in an accelerated pace. This will address persistent delays in processing forensic evidence and the finalisation of criminal cases.
The laboratory is expected to provide amongst others, DNA results as a critical evidence to reduce delays for finalisation of cases in the province.
EXCO compared GBVF-related arrests in 2025/26, and the number of convictions, and was alarmed by the persistent gap between the high volume of arrests recorded by law enforcement officers and the low rate of successful convictions in the courts, especially on GBVF cases. EXCO’s view is that without a local forensic laboratory in the province, this creates a bottleneck of investigations, particularly of serious crimes such as Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), sexual offences and murder.
EXCO further resolved to establish a dedicated Priority Crime Committee that will develop a comprehensive Integrated Response Plan to combat illegal mining activities, particularly in hotspot areas. EXCO’s view is that these activities pose a serious threat to community safety, the environment, infrastructure, and the formal economy, while fuelling organised crime, violence, and the illegal trade in precious metals and minerals.
REPURPOSING BARBERTON TB HOSPITAL INTO A MPUMALANGA SPECIALISED REHABILITATION HOSPITAL
EXCO has endorsed a proposal to repurpose the Barberton TB Hospital into a Specialised Rehabilitation Hospital. The facility boasts a refurbished Pharmacy, Audiology booth, new Administration Section with upgraded toilets and bathrooms, and paved roadway and parking, and is accessible for persons with disabilities.
The facility, with a staff compliment of 69 employees, will expand access to specialised rehabilitation services across Mpumalanga, reducing out-of-province referrals. By providing multidisciplinary care closer home, this will ensure that patients receive comprehensive treatment near their families and community support networks.
EXCO endorsed the renaming of the facility from "Barberton TB Hospital" to “Mpumalanga Specialised Rehabilitation Hospital”, in line with its new mandate. The new name signals the Provincial Government’s commitment to provide specialised health services.
40th ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION OF MBUZINI PLANE CRASH TRAGEDY
EXCO considered a plan for the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the plane crash tragedy that claimed the life of the first President of the Republic of Mozambique, Mr Samora Machel, with other 34 passengers on the 19th of October 1986 at Mbuzini, Mpumalanga.
The governments of South Africa and Mozambique will jointly host a high-level national commemorative event at the Samora Machel Monument and Museum, the site of the crash, to be attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Mozambican counterpart, President Daniel Chapo. Ministers, diplomatic representatives, liberation veterans, traditional leaders and members of the public will also attend.
EXCO noted that the commemoration forms part of the country’s commitment to preserving and promoting liberation heritage, strengthening cultural diplomacy, and advancing regional solidarity and cooperation within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
EXCO approved plan for the commemoration.
APPOINTMENTS
EXCO approved several appointments from various departments, to strengthen the administration for the delivery of services. The appointments are as follows:
1. Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA):
Ms Gugu Mashiteng: Superintended-General.
2. Office of the Premier (OTP):
Mr Gerald Sibanyoni: Deputy Director-General - Institutional Development Support and Integrity Management.
Ms Kgomotso Dolamo: Director - Integrity Management and Governance.
3. Public Works, Roads and Transport (PWRT):
Mr Kgobane Malika: Director: Communication Services.
Mr June Sibiya: Director - Scholar Transport.
Ms Masego Dikamotse: Director - Risk Management.
Mr Sanele Mkhwanazi: Director - Internal Audit.
Ms Herminah Malemela: Director - EPWP Coordination
Ms Precious Thabethe: Director - Land and Transport Logistics.
Mr Wilson Magwandana: Director - Strategic Planning.
4. Department of Social Development:
Ms Nomvula Masoka: Chief Director - Business Support Services.
ENDS...
Issued by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Office of the Premier
Contact Person: MEC Thulasizwe Thomo (EXCO Spokesperson)
Enquiries: Mr George Mthethwa (Mpumalanga Provincial Government Spokesperson)
Contact: 013 766 2242/ 083 302 2774.