South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended his police minister “with immediate effect” over corruption allegations, a week after a provincial police chief made the accusations.
In a country facing endemic corruption, Sunday’s announcement was highly anticipated after a week of speculation over the fate of Senzo Mchunu, who became police minister a year ago after the general elections.
Mchunu, 67, who local media had suggested as a potential candidate from the centrist faction of the African National Congress (ANC) to succeed Ramaphosa, has rejected the allegations as “insinuations made without evidence or due processes”.
Ramaphosa also established a judicial commission of inquiry, with reports expected after three and six months.
“The commission will investigate the role of current or former senior officials in certain institutions who may have aided or abetted the alleged criminal activity, failed to act on credible intelligence or internal warnings, or benefitted financially or politically from a syndicate’s operations,” Ramaphosa said during a televised address.
Widespread corruption claims
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alleged on July 6 that Mchunu received payments from a corruption suspect.
Mkhwanazi also accused him of having played a role in dismantling a team investigating killings that shielded politically connected people.
The commissioner, speaking at a media briefing flanked by armed security forces, some with their faces masked, said he had opened a criminal investigation into the minister. He also accused other officials of obstructing police work against organised crime.
Mkhwanazi himself is under investigation for allegations of corruption in the awarding of a bulletproof vest contract, the weekly Sunday Times reported.
Firoz Cachalia, a law professor and member of the governing ANC, has been appointed as the interim police minister.
South Africa ranks 82nd in the world, according to the corruption perception index of the NGO Transparency International.
Most opposition parties on Sunday criticised Ramaphosa for putting Mchunu on a leave of absence instead of firing him.
Jaws star Richard Dreyfuss, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2010, shared a heartbreaking health update from hospital after being diagnosed with a virus, forcing him to cancel on an event
Hollywood icon shares concerning health update from hospital bed as he pulls out of major event
Hollywood legend Richard Dreyfuss has shared a shocking health update from his hospital bed, as he’s forced to pull out of this year’s SharkCon event on medical advice. The iconic actor played Matt Hooper in Stephen Spielberg’s three-time Oscar-winning film Jaws, which turns 50 this year.
But the 77-year-old, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2010, was looking frail as he spoke in the video, which was shared on the SharkCon Instagram on Sunday. Explaining to fans that he was too ill to take the five-hour flight, he appeared visibly unwell as he addressed followers.
He was wrapped up in a Jaws blanket as he spoke in to the camera. Richard said: “Hello fellow cons. I am very, very sorry to tell you that I’ve been diagnosed with, viral, er…What is it?”
His wife, Svetlana Erokhin, spoke off-screen, confirming her husband had contracted viral bronchitis. After a few attempts, he managed to repeat his diagnosis before he continued.
Dreyfuss looked frail as he posted a health update to his fans
He explained: “I’ve been told by my doctors I cannot fly and I would have to fly five hours to get there. I’m terribly sorry because I had planned to be there [at SharkCon] and I had been looking forward to it, but I am unable to do so.
“I don’t want to get anyone else sick, and I don’t want to get sicker myself. I feel terrible about not showing up and I feel worse about exposing you to this apparently very viral illness.
“But there will be other times and I will make it my business to show up. I want to wish you all good luck and happiness and I want you all to feel very sorry for me, and very sorry for yourselves.
“I’m in a lot of pain and that has to come first, my health. I feel very good about having the time and enough health.”
The actor portrayed Matt Hooper in 1975 movie Jaws(Image: Getty Images)
His wife added: “And such great fans!”, with Richard agreeing: “And such great fans.” She said: “We love you, we miss you all and we will see you soon.”
Richard added: “That’s my wife saying that! She’s right, she knows how to do this. So good luck, happy health, happy con–bye!”
SharkCon organisers shared the video, with the caption: “A message from Richard Dreyfuss. All prepaid autographs and photo ops will be automatically refunded. It will take 5-10 business days, plus what your bank takes to process. We are sorry for any inconvenience. Thank you.”
The actor was inundated with messages of support from fans, with some sharing anecdotes about the Oscar winner. Sharon Stone wrote: “Honey, feel better. The world is not good without you, then come over and give me a hug.”
Dreyfuss portrayed oceanographer Matt Hooper (Image: FilmPublicityArchive/United Archives via Getty Images)
A fan added: “My buddy was a limousine driver in NYC and his company drove a lot of stars. He said most stars ignored you and were aloof but Richard Dreyfus was the best! Always chatting with the drivers and such a cool guy. They all loved him.”
Actor Jake Busey, son of Gary Busey, wrote: “F***! Well, hey Rick. DAD and I are sending you love and healing energy. This is only a small hurdle you will beat. So wild. We were just watching you and Roy in jaws 3 days ago. Get well soon and feel better fast !!”
Rosie O’Donnell added simply: “I love u Richard [sic].” A fan typed: “He will always be one of the great actors of his time.”
Cole Palmer scored two goals and made another as Chelsea stunned Paris Saint-Germain in the final of the Club World Cup on Sunday, beating the European champions 3-0 at the MetLife Stadium to win the first edition of FIFA’s new competition.
PSG were the favourites for a game attended by Donald Trump after coming to the United States fresh from winning the UEFA Champions League and having destroyed Real Madrid 4-0 in the semi-finals.
But having been three goals ahead midway through the first half in the semis, this time the roles were reversed as PSG found themselves 3-0 down by the break.
Chelsea’s players celebrate after the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final football match between England’s Chelsea and France’s Paris Saint-Germain at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on July 13, 2025. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP)
Palmer opened the scoring midway through the first half and struck again to make it two on the half-hour mark, before taking advantage of passive defending to set up Joao Pedro for the third on 43 minutes.
A bad day for PSG was summed up when Joao Neves was shown red following a VAR review four minutes from the end for pulling Marc Cucurella by the hair off the ball.
It was a scoreline that few could have predicted as Chelsea capped what has been a long but memorable season — they are the first ever winners of the 32-team Club World Cup having also won the UEFA Conference League and finished fourth in the Premier League.
Chelsea’s English midfielder #10 Cole Palmer (L) and Chelsea’s English defender #04 Tosin Adarabioyo celebrate after the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final football match between England’s Chelsea and France’s Paris Saint-Germain at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on July 13, 2025. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP)
They will also take away around $125 million in prize money, meaning the prospect of a drastically curtailed summer break before returning for next season will surely feel worth it.
For PSG, meanwhile, the financial rewards are similar but there will be genuine disappointment at falling short of adding this title to their Champions League triumph and French league and cup double.
Nevertheless, conquering Europe was always the main aim this season for Luis Enrique’s team, who now have exactly a month to digest this and take a holiday before returning to action in the UEFA Super Cup against Tottenham Hotspur.
Paris Saint-Germain’s French forward #10 Ousmane Dembele and Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian defender #05 Marquinhos react after the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final football match between England’s Chelsea and France’s Paris Saint-Germain at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on July 13, 2025. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)
Trump in attendance
There was a real sense of occasion at the MetLife Stadium, with the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline and with President Trump in attendance along with First Lady Melania Trump in a crowd of 81,118.
There was even the first-ever half-time show at a FIFA tournament, adding a Super Bowl feel to a final played at the home of NFL sides the New York Giants and New York Jets.
As for the football, for the second time in six weeks PSG found themselves involved in a final that quickly turned into a one-sided affair.
Chelsea’s English defender #04 Tosin Adarabioyo and Chelsea’s English midfielder #10 Cole Palmer celebrate after winning the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final football match between England’s Chelsea and France’s Paris Saint-Germain at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on July 13, 2025. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)
The club claimed a historic 5-0 win over Inter Milan in the Champions League final, but here they were ripped apart by Chelsea on another hot afternoon.
Palmer almost put Chelsea ahead inside the opening 10 minutes, before PSG should have scored at the other end only for Desire Doue to try to pass to Achraf Hakimi rather than shoot inside the box, allowing Cucurella to block.
It was Chelsea who struck in the 22nd minute as Malo Gusto got the better of Nuno Mendes down the right before seeing his shot blocked by Lucas Beraldo. The ball came back to Gusto and he teed up Palmer to finish into the bottom-left corner.
Palmer has been the face of Chelsea on billboards in the United States during the tournament and he lived up to his star billing by scoring again on the half-hour.
Chelsea’s players celebrate after winning the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final football match between England’s Chelsea and France’s Paris Saint-Germain at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on July 13, 2025. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)
Released on the right with PSG left-back Mendes out of position, Palmer advanced towards the box before stroking a low shot into the same corner.
Joao Pedro played a part in the build-up to that goal and the Brazilian, signed during the tournament from Brighton, then got his name on the scoresheet to make it 3-0.
Scorer of both goals against Fluminense in the semi-finals, he clipped a shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma after being supplied by Palmer.
PSG had conceded a single goal in their previous eight matches and they never really looked like producing a comeback, even if Neves headed just wide in first-half stoppage time.
With the passing of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari in London on Sunday, world leaders and other statesmen have been paying tribute to the man who led Africa’s most populous nation both as a military ruler and a civilian president.
Buhari’s death was confirmed by the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, who directed national flags to be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the late leader.
READ ALSO: Former President Muhammadu Buhari Dies At 82
US Mission in Nigeria
“The U.S. Mission in Nigeria extends our deepest condolences to the people of Nigeria on the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, a leader whose life was defined by service, discipline, and a commitment to restore integrity to public office.
“His legacy includes his efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions. Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones, and all Nigerians who mourn this loss,” a US Mission in Nigeria post on X read. Chinese embassy in Nigeria
“We mourn a resolute leader whose unwavering dedication to Nigeria’s unity and progress leaves an enduring legacy. His pivotal contributions to advancing China-Nigeria relations will forever remain etched in our shared history. Our thoughts are with his family and Nigerian people.”
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed Ali
“On behalf of the Government and People of Ethiopia, I extend sincere condolences to the family of former President Muhammadu Buhari and to the people and Government of Nigeria. Our thoughts are with you during this time of mourning,” Ali said in a post on his official X handle.
Sierra Leone President, Julius Maada Bio
Sierra Leone President and current serving ECOWAS chairman, Julius Maada Bio, also paid tribute to the former Nigerian leader in a post on his X handle.
“I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of President Muhammadu Buhari, the former president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
“On behalf of the people of the Republic of Sierra Leone, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to his family, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, @officialABAT, and to the people of Nigeria during this incredibly difficult time. This is truly a devastating loss, and our thoughts are with you all.”
Ex-Nigeria President Obasanjo
“This is a heavy heart that I received this afternoon, of the passing of a colleague, a comrade, a cool patriot, General Muhammadu Buhari, who as a soldier, played his role. As an administrator, he played his role as an administrator; as a statesman, he played his role as a statesman.
“At a time like this, we need the totality of the experience and what I may call statesmanship of all those who have had opportunities to run the affairs of this country to get us out of the situation we are in, he will be surely missed, may his soul rest in perfect peace,” Obasanjo said.
WTO Director-General
The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, also expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Nigerian leader.
“Unbelievable ! I did not know just how ill HE President Buhari was and minutes after sending my get well wishes I have just learned that he passed away.
Christine McGuinness is said to have enjoyed a brief fling with a soap star, as the pair seemed to have instant chemistry after meeting at a glitzy awards event
Daniel Bird Assistant Celebrity and Entertainment Editor
Christine McGuinness is said to have had a fling with a soap star(Image: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publis)
Christine McGuinness reportedly had a “fun fling” with a soap star after the pair hit it off at an awards ceremony. The reality TV star and mystery soap star are believed to have partied with one another and had instant chemistry.
Blackpool-born Christine, 37, has been open about her dating life since her split from husband Paddy McGuinness in 2023. While the former Real Housewives of Cheshire star had been set to appear on E4’s Celebs Go Dating, she later pulled out of the show, saying she wasn’t ready to date publicly.
Most recently, the star has said she is scared of joining dating apps due to the fear of not knowing who would turn up if she agreed to meet with a person from an app. But it appears that she is happy to meet people naturally, including the mystery soap star.
Christine McGuinness is said to have had a fling with a soap star(Image: Getty Images)
Sources have claimed that Christine and the TV star “had a fling” as well as fun together after meeting one another. The pair are reported to have partied with one another, before things between them ultimately fizzled out.
“Christine was single at the time and they really enjoyed the evening of the awards bash,” a source said. They went on to tell The Sun: “There was a strong chemistry between them and they shared some messages, but it never went any further after that.” Christine split from former Top Gear host Paddy in 2023, after 11 years of marriage.
The TV star is believed to have hit it off with the soap actor at an event(Image: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty I)
However, the couple still live together at their home in Cheshire, for the sake of their children, but at opposite ends of the house. Speaking about dating on the BBC Situationships with Sophie and Christine podcast, she recalled her horror over the possibility of joining apps such as Tinder or Hinge.
It came after the mention of “catfishing” and Sophie recalling a date with someone who was “not at all” how she had expected them to look based on the photos that had been on his profile. Christine asked: “Do you not think to like FaceTime or check that the person is who they say they are?” Sophie, who’s now in a relationship, replied by saying that she would “never do it” and that she hasn’t been on dating apps for years.
It comes after Christine opened up about her fears over online dating(Image: Getty Images)
Her co-host Christine then shared: “I would be petrified of who could turn up and who am I talking to and yeah … no, it scares me.” Sophie went on to tell her: “I think they are gonna go out of fashion. I think everyone’s getting fed up.”
Sharing her thoughts, Christine added: “I think it should come with like … almost like a TripAdvisor … like a review thing. Maybe like reviews from people’s exes or something.” She later joked that all reviews on her, would be five stars.
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But Christine later said she has struggled with the concept of dating again, saying: “It’s part of the problem. I mean, for me, it’s something I’ve really struggled with is … the idea of dating and not going well, then how do you get out of it? Cause I wouldn’t want to upset somebody.”
Following her and Paddy’s split, the TV star, who has fallen into “situationships”, with the lines between friendship and a romantic bond blurring. However, she did have one date, which she says was her first ever, but it took months of her and the person communicating in order for her to feel comfortable meeting them.
