According to reports, Masemola faces four counts under the Public Finance Management Act, a law governing the use of public funds and procurement processes. Prosecutors allege that the contract was irregularly awarded during his tenure as accounting officer of the police service.

Wider corruption probe expands 

The commissioner has not yet entered a plea. If convicted, he could face a fine or imprisonment. The case forms part of a wider investigation into corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS), involving multiple senior officials.

At least 12 high-ranking officers, including brigadiers and a major general, have already been charged alongside businessman Vusi “Cat” Matlala. Authorities allege that some officers may have received bribes connected to the contract.

The contract in question has since been cancelled. It remains under examination by both a presidential commission of inquiry and a parliamentary investigation, reflecting broader concerns about governance within the police.

Masemola to remain in post amid probe

Masemola has indicated that he will remain in his position unless directed otherwise. Speaking after his court appearance, he stated that any decision regarding his role rests with the president.

A spokesperson previously said the commissioner “remains fully committed to upholding the rule of law”, signalling his intention to cooperate with the legal process.

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office has acknowledged the charges and said the matter will be handled “in accordance with the law”. 

The case is part of a broader inquiry into alleged corruption and links between senior police officials and organised crime . Investigations were launched following claims that criminal networks had infiltrated the upper ranks of the police service.

Past police scandals 

South Africa has previously seen senior police leaders face serious allegations. Former commissioner Jackie Selebi was convicted of corruption in 2010 and sentenced to 15 years in prison. His successor Bheki Cele was removed from office after being found unfit for his role over unlawful lease deals , while Riah Phiyega was dismissed following findings of misconduct linked to the Marikana massacre. More recently, Khehla Sitole faced investigations related to procurement and internal disputes, although he denied wrongdoing. These cases highlight a pattern of scrutiny at the highest level of the police service.

Masemola’s court appearance follows a summons issued earlier in 2026, requiring him to answer allegations linked to the controversial tender. Authorities have not disclosed all details of the charges, as investigations are ongoing.

The matter has been postponed until 13 May, when proceedings are expected to continue alongside cases involving other accused individuals.

Footage from the scene shows thousands of yellow-wrapped packages stacked under police guard as officers and sniffer dogs secured the area. Officials confirmed the massive haul was discovered during an operation targeting criminal networks operating in the city.

“Never before has such a volume been seized, approximately 48 tonnes of drugs. It is a historic record,” said Luciano, commander of the Dog Operations Battalion of the Military Police of Rio de Janeiro State.

The drugs were found in the Complexo da Maré after a Belgian Malinois sniffer dog named Hulk detected narcotics hidden beneath a water tank. Officers later uncovered a sealed bunker inside an abandoned building where the large shipment had been stored.

This assessment was echoed on Tuesday in The Hague, where an ICC official described the campaign as disproportionately targeting society’s most marginalised.

“Duterte’s response was a selective, violent crackdown on the most vulnerable,” said Paolina Massidda, principal counsel at the ICC Office of Public Counsel for Victims. 

“Rather than addressing the root causes of drug addiction, such as poverty, lack of education, unemployment, and inequality, the Duterte administration framed the issue as a criminal one, focusing on punitive over social responses,” Massidda added.

Human rights organisations estimate that more than 30,000 people may have been killed during the drug war — far higher than official police figures of more than 7,000 deaths. 

Victims were overwhelmingly men from poor urban communities, many of whom were unemployed or reliant on informal work.

Among those left behind is Cheryl (not her real name), whose live-in partner was killed during a police anti-drug operation in Payatas, Quezon City, in 2017. His death abruptly left her family without its main source of income.

Cheryl said that while grief was overwhelming, economic necessity quickly took precedence.

“Unang tanong ko noon, ‘Paano na kami?’ Siya ‘yung source of income. May anak kaming nagsisimula pa lang mag-aral,” Cheryl said.

(My first question then was, ‘What will happen to us?’ He was our source of income. Our child was just starting school.)

She now works as a barista at Silingan Coffee, a café in Metro Manila that employs relatives of drug war victims and provides a space for them to share their experiences with the public.

Another employee, Sharon Angeles, lost her brother during the early years of the campaign. He was 20 years old.

“Wala talaga siyang kinalaman sa droga,” Sharon said, citing an autopsy that found no evidence of drug use. “Nag-iisa pa naming lalaki ‘yon.” 

(He really had nothing to do with drugs. He was our family’s only son.) 

Despite the scale of the killings, only a small number of cases have resulted in convictions, most involving low-ranking police officers. Families of victims have long criticised domestic investigations as inadequate and biased in favour of security forces.

“Habang may buhay, may pag-asa. [Pero] ‘yung sasabihin nilang may hustisya? Sa aming mahihirap? Walang hustisya – sa mayayaman lang ‘yun,” Sharon said. 

(As long as there is life, there is hope. But when they talk about justice —for us poor people? There is no justice. That is only for the rich.)

At the ICC, prosecutors have repeatedly cited Duterte’s public statements encouraging police to kill suspected drug users and dealers as potential evidence of responsibility at the highest level of government . 

Although Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICC during his term, the court maintains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the country was still a member.

Duterte has denied any wrongdoing and has maintained that the ICC has no jurisdiction over him.

But for families like Cheryl’s and Sharon’s, the ICC investigation represents a rare opportunity for accountability beyond the Philippine institutions they say have failed them.

“Sa bibig niya mismo nanggaling na magpupursigi talaga siya dyan sa war on drugs,” Cheryl said. “Ebidensya na ‘yon.”

(It came directly from his own mouth that he would persist with the war on drugs. That is already evidence.)

NOTE: Quotes in the story were originally reported through an interview conducted in 2023 with family members of drug war victims in the Philippines. They have been edited for clarity, length, and timeliness as the ICC conducts the confirmation of charges hearing for Duterte.

Some countries deploy large numbers of police officers to manage crime, protests, and internal stability, while others rely on smaller forces supported by social services, community policing, or private security.

The number of officers per 100,000 people is often shaped by a country’s history, political system, and recent experiences with unrest or violence, making policing levels a revealing indicator of how states balance safety with civil liberties.

At the top end of the scale are countries like Russia and several Eastern European states, where police officer ratios exceed 600 officers per 100,000 people. This places them among the most heavily policed nations in the world.

Russia’s high ratio reflects a legacy of extensive state security structures dating back to the Soviet era, as well as ongoing efforts to maintain public order across a vast territory with diverse challenges.

In South America , Argentina and Chile also show up with high police ratios. Argentina’s figure has been linked in part to provincial policing structures; each province maintains its own force, contributing to overall high numbers.

Chile similarly expanded its national police force during periods of social unrest in the 2010s and 2020s, aiming to respond to both crime and large-scale protests. These numbers often attract debate: higher policing levels don’t necessarily correspond to lower crime rates, but they do reflect governments’ emphasis on visible law enforcement.

Across Africa and Asia, countries such as South Africa and Thailand show elevated policing ratios compared with many of their neighbours. In South Africa, sustained concerns about violent crime and public safety have driven investment in policing, even as critics argue that resources might be better allocated toward community services and economic opportunity.

Thailand’s police presence is similarly robust, shaped by both internal security priorities and political protests that have marked recent years.

In contrast, many countries in Western Europe, parts of Africa, and Southeast Asia report far lower numbers of officers per capita. Nations with smaller police forces often rely more on community policing, private security partnerships, and crime prevention strategies rather than large uniformed forces.

The Facebook post, captioned as a “princess mission,” showed officers styled as characters such as Snow White and Cinderella, drawing amused reactions from users who remarked on the figures’ unexpectedly muscular appearance.

A day later, the station escalated the gimmick, unveiling another arrest image depicting officers as characters from the Japanese manga One Piece.

Behind the playful visuals was a real police operation. The suspect was arrested on theft charges and also tested positive for drug use and drink-driving.

Station superintendent Kietchai Koetcho said the idea came from the investigation team, which wanted to make routine police updates more engaging in a crowded social media landscape.

The costumes were digitally added after the arrests, he said, with officers wearing standard uniforms during the actual operations.

The strategy proved effective. As of this writing, the Disney princess photo has already generated more than 18,000 reactions on Facebook alone, while its One Piece-themed photo garnered more than 48,000. 

The approach appears to be spreading, as officers from Phlapphla Chai police station in Bangkok also recently posted AI-edited images of themselves styled after the television series Peaky Blinders.

Thai police have used visual humour in arrest photos before, including a recent case in Krabi where officers wore Liverpool football shirts while arresting a suspect dressed in Newcastle United colours.

The controversy emerged after the coronation of Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, on 21 November, when accusations of irregularities in the competition’s outcome began to circulate, claims that have not been independently verified. Thai police are actively seeking co-owner Anne Jakrajutatip, who has been missing since a Bangkok court issued an arrest warrant in November on fraud charges related to alleged financial irregularities within JKN Global Group, the conglomerate that owns 50 per cent of Miss Universe.

Jakrajutatip’s absence from recent hearings has compounded the situation, and her company is set to be expelled from the Thai stock exchange on 27 December amid the ongoing legal proceedings. Meanwhile, Mexican authorities have also intensified their actions, with prosecutors reportedly seeking legal measures against Raúl Rocha Cantú, the organisation’s other co-owner, in connection with a separate investigation.

In addition to fraud allegations against Jakrajutatip, Thai police say they have formally received a defamation complaint concerning Bosch in Bangkok, demonstrating the broader judicial scrutiny surrounding the pageant. National and international observers have noted that the multiple legal fronts now facing the Miss Universe organisation illustrate the complex challenges that can arise when global entertainment brands intersect with legal, financial and regulatory systems across different jurisdictions.

The unfolding situation has also prompted organisational changes: Miss Universe has announced plans to relocate its headquarters from Mexico City to New York , citing legal uncertainty and operational concerns. The moves reflect broader implications for the pageant’s global operations, raising questions about governance and accountability within one of the world’s most recognised international competitions.

Government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim considered access to police services “non-negotiable,” adding no one should be prevented from seeking help over clothing. 

The Cabinet instructed Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar to review and revise a 2020 circular governing attire in government buildings. Fahmi said essential frontline services, especially health and security agencies, will be exempt once the updates are issued. Police stations will be included in this exemption.

He added that the chief secretary’s office is studying the matter and that an updated directive is expected “not too long from now.” The move represents a sharp shift from comments made just a day earlier by Melaka police chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar, who had insisted the public must comply with the dress code unless facing a genuine emergency.

Guo’s case drew widespread attention after she recounted pleading with the officer to make an exception, explaining that she needed to report the accident urgently. She said the officer refused, citing fear of disciplinary action, and advised her to buy long trousers before returning.

The woman eventually purchased the required clothing in order to file her report. She said she had encountered similar issues at other government offices and questioned whether the same rules would apply in more serious cases. 

“If this weren’t a car accident but a murder case, would they still insist on this?” she asked.

Melaka police later confirmed that the woman was asked to change into “appropriate clothing” when she arrived to lodge the accident report. While public welfare remains a priority, they said the existing government circular had to be respected.

The incident prompted local leaders to call for action. Melaka state executive councillor Allex Seah Shoo Chin said he had contacted the state police chief to request an investigation into the handling of the case.

While dress standards are typically enforced in public buildings, critics argue that rigid application can hinder those seeking help and that clearer, more flexible guidelines are needed to prevent similar cases.

While public opinion has long been split over issues like gun control and voting access, fresh scrutiny on these freedoms is bringing an old debate back to the forefront: Which right do Americans consider more vital — the right to vote or the right to bear arms?

According to recent findings from the Pew Research Centre , Americans remain deeply divided over firearms, yet a consistent majority, about 58% as of 2023, say gun laws should be stricter. Despite that, many still describe gun ownership as an essential personal freedom.

The Johns Hopkins Centre for Gun Violence Solutions adds that even among gun owners, support for gun-safety policies such as universal background checks and mandatory secure storage remains overwhelmingly strong.

"Safe and secure gun storage policies are shown to prevent mass shootings, suicide, theft, and unintentional shootings. Responsible gun ownership is not only about how, where, and when a person uses their firearm; it’s also about how they store it when not in use. 74% of Americans support laws that require a person to lock up the guns in their home when not in use," the Johns Hopkins study reveals.

On the other side of the constitutional balance, support for voting rights remains huge. After years of disputes over mail-in ballots, redistricting battles, and claims of election interference, most Americans agree on one point that voting should be both accessible and secure . Yet how states interpret “access” and “security” has widened political gaps.

The national climate in 2025 makes these questions impossible to ignore. The U.S. continues to grapple with persistently high rates of gun violence, including school shootings and community-level tragedies that dominate headlines.

An example of such cases is a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis during morning Mass, which killed two children (ages 8 and 10) and wounded 17 others before the gunman killed himself in August 2025.

And on November 29, 2025, a family event at a children’s birthday party in Stockton, California, turned tragic as four people, three of them children, were killed and at least 13were injured in a mass shooting.

At the same time, sweeping changes to voting laws, from expanded early voting in some states to tightened ID requirements in others, shape how Americans view their access to the ballot box.

Brennan Centre for Justice reports that by October 2025, at least 16 states had enacted 29 restrictive voting laws, nearly matching the level of post-2020-election enactments, signalling a continuing trend, not a one-time spike.

For instance, in Ohio, a 2023 law eliminated alternatives to government-issued photo ID that had previously allowed a wider range of ID types, such as utility bills or pay stubs. This made Ohio’s voter-ID law among the strictest in the country; observers estimate the change disenfranchised thousands who lacked a compliant ID.

Security officials say this context has strengthened the need for heightened vigilance.

Although the broad outline of Putin’s program has been finalized, Indian authorities have withheld details of his accommodation and precise movement routes due to strict security protocols. Officials say only a small circle within the government has access to the full plan.

Delhi Police have deployed top-ranking officers to supervise the operation, covering traffic control, movement restrictions, and the sanitization of areas that Putin may pass through. Entire stretches of roads, government districts, and diplomatic zones are expected to undergo multiple security sweeps.

The capital will also introduce temporary traffic diversions, restricted zones and pedestrian controls around high-security areas. Officials said advisories will be issued in advance to minimize disruptions for residents, although delays and detours are still expected.

More than 50 members of Russia’s advance security and protocol teams are arriving ahead of the visit. They will inspect all proposed routes, potential stopover points, and venues earmarked for bilateral talks and ceremonial engagements. 

Indian officials say the Russian side is conducting “exceptionally detailed” checks.

During the visit, Delhi will come under a multi-layered security ring involving Delhi Police, central intelligence agencies and Putin’s elite personal security detail. The deployment includes SWAT teams, anti-terror units, bomb disposal squads and quick-reaction teams stationed across strategic points in the city.

In addition, authorities will employ extensive surveillance measures, including drone monitoring, expanded CCTV coverage and advanced technical intelligence systems to detect potential threats. Special airspace restrictions are also likely to be implemented while the Russian president is in the capital.

Security officials say the scale of preparations reflects both protocol and caution. “This is a high-stakes visit, and nothing is being left to chance,” a police officer said. “The city will effectively be under a security lockdown as long as President Putin is here.”

“Caning (as a) punishment has various categories, including the method and number of strikes, and this should be reconsidered before being reintroduced,” he said at an anti-bullying campaign in late November. 

Shazeli said a regulated approach was needed to prevent the misuse of power among teachers, arguing that experiential consequences are more effective than verbal reprimands alone.

“ People learn from experience and the feelings they go through, which is more effective than just talking or communicating without experiencing it first-hand,” he added.

The proposal comes as authorities confront a rise in school-related crime . 

Between January and October 2024, 108 students in Selangor were detained for offences including bullying, extortion and assault. The figure increased to 122 students over the same period this year.

Police say gang-linked violence is becoming increasingly common in both primary and secondary schools . 

“Upon examining fights and disturbances, there is often an element from outside, particularly for gangsterism,” Shazeli said.

He suggested that softer disciplinary approaches have weakened students’ sense of consequence. 

“Such measures should have been available to teachers to enforce discipline and manage the school,” he said, warning that the “fear factor” had faded.

Shazeli also urged schools and families to be more vigilant about serious incidents involving injury or organized groups. 

The anti-bullying campaign—organised jointly by the Selangor Police and the Selangor Education Department—drew about 700 participants, including Parent Teacher Association members, teachers and community stakeholders.

The renewed debate reflects a broader national crisis. 

Reports of bullying in Malaysia’s schools have surged from 3,883 cases in 2022 to 6,528 in 2023, and 6,208 cases were recorded between January and October 2024. 

Public anger intensified after the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir in July, which triggered protests and revived calls for systemic reform, including a dedicated anti-bullying Act now under government consideration.

The caption read: “Border patrol ready to enter zone 8 today,” accompanied by a laughing emoji. The post was shared more than 12,000 times before it was taken down.

AFP fact-checkers later confirmed the picture had been digitally altered. 

Using Google’s SynthID tool, they detected built-in watermarks commonly embedded in AI-generated images, including a visible star-shaped “Gemini” symbol in one corner. 

Following criticism, the police unit issued an apology on Thursday and uploaded the original photograph. It showed unarmed officers on a rescue boat wearing orange life jackets, without helmets, tactical gear or guns. Rescue supplies are visible in both versions.

“This is a real image before it was made into an AI image,” the unit said in its statement. “We apologise for any misunderstanding.” 

An officer told AFP the picture was created “to show the public our readiness to enter the area,” adding that none of the personnel deployed for flood operations carried firearms. No disciplinary action has been taken.

The doctored post appeared despite a prior warning from Thailand’s state-run Anti-Fake News Centre, which urged the public not to create or share AI images that could hinder relief efforts.

Widespread flooding has inundated parts of southern Thailand in recent days, with government agencies racing to reach isolated communities and warning that further heavy rain is expected. Rescue teams continue to evacuate residents from submerged neighbourhoods and distribute essential supplies.

They were hit by a car while crossing a junction near Seoul’s Dongdaemun district. The mother died, and the daughter suffered major injuries.

The two had just started a three-day “mother-daughter trip” in South Korea. 

Police arrested the driver, a man in his 30s who told officers, “I don’t know how I was driving,” after being apprehended. 

Investigators said he had consumed several bottles of shochu, a traditional Japanese hard liquor, and could not recall his actions at the time of the crash.

A similar incident took place on October 25 in Seoul’s Gangnam district, where a Canadian man was fatally struck by a drunk driver. 

In both cases, the drivers’ blood alcohol levels exceeded the limit at which a licence would be cancelled.

Official data shows more than 11,000 drunk-driving accidents occurred in the country in 2024. 

Analysts say lighter sentencing practices may be one reason why such incidents remain high.

South Korean law allows for heavy penalties, including long prison terms, for deadly drunk-driving cases. However, sentencing guidelines are far lower in practice, and suspended sentences are common. The rate of repeat offences is also high.

Officials claim they killed armed criminals who resisted arrest, captured over 80 suspects, and seized dozens of rifles and drugs.

Rio’s governor described the operation as a fight against narco-terrorism and declared the city “at war .”

However, human rights groups and witnesses paint a far darker picture, calling the incident a “massacre.” Locals reported seeing bodies in the streets, some apparently shot execution-style. Others described injuries consistent with stabbings and even decapitation.

The raid comes just days before major global events in Brazil, including the Earthshot Prize and COP30 climate talks.

Unanswered questions remain, including how many of those killed were gang members and how many were innocent residents caught in the crossfire.

Critics fear the operation marks yet another escalation in Rio’s long cycle of violence between police and gangs, leaving already traumatised communities in deeper distress.

Many netizens were struck by the bravery of the revellers, who risked severe punishment for their defiance. The crowd in the video are going against rules that have been in place in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution and have been enforced particularly harshly in recent years. Women in the crowd don’t appear to be wearing hijabs, in violation of strict laws mandating women wear ‘proper headwear’ which were tightened in 2024. 

In 2022, Iran’s ‘morality police, known as the Guidance Patrol, allegedly beat Kurdish-Iranian Mahsa Amini to death after they arrested her for ‘improper wearing of a hijab’. After Amini’s death sparked a wave of protests across Iran and the world, the government only tightened its regulation of women’s clothing. Recently, Iranian authorities have shut down the Instagram accounts of female singers after they shared videos of themselves performing without a hijab, according to independent news outlet Iran International.

The performers in the video are also risking punishment. Western music was censored in Iran after the Revolution. In the early days of Ayatollah Khomeini’s rule, anyone caught with music deemed ‘un-Islamic’ risked being fined, lashed or imprisoned. Now, private listening is generally tolerated, but artists performing in public require an official permit and must ensure their audience sticks to gender segregation and the appropriate attire.

Users online fear for the musicians and dancers’ safety. Unconfirmed rumours are circulating online that some have already been arrested. It is only three years since the Mahsa Amini protests, during which Human Rights Watch says security forces killed more than 500 people.

Others feel more hopeful. “Since the Mahsa Jina Amini protests, the regime has struggled to fully reimpose strict hijab rules or curb public displays like this”, says journalist Afshin Ismaeli. He also says recent attacks by Israel are making Iran’s government more wary of public unrest.

The video has been shared across the internet , including by White Stripes lead singer Jack White. Commenters have celebrated the refreshing portrayal of ‘the real Tehran’, which contradicts depictions of Iran from the Global North and the country’s own government. 

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, who is expected to attend the summit next month, urged a prompt investigation and stressed the need for any law-enforcement action to adhere to international human rights standards.

“The secretary-general is gravely concerned by the large number of casualties,” U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said, calling for accountability.

Rio’s mayor and state governor insisted the violence was unrelated to the upcoming climate events, which will take place in Rio, São Paulo and Belém, the Amazon city set to host COP30 in November. Brazilian police also conducted a security drill in Belém on Tuesday.

João Paulo de Resende, undersecretary for economic and fiscal affairs at Brazil's finance ministry, told Reuters the incident would not affect summit security.

“It’s a very localised thing; it has nothing to do with the climate agenda or the COP itself,” he said. “It’s very unusual, even by Brazilian standards… not something you're probably going to see repeating itself.”

The U.S. consulate issued a warning for specific Rio neighbourhoods, citing ongoing confrontations between police and armed groups.

Despite the concerns, delegates and business leaders remain committed to attending. Andrew Wilson, deputy secretary-general of the International Chamber of Commerce, said preparations are continuing as planned.

“From our side, nothing has changed… We know it’s going to be logistically challenging, but certainly nothing has changed in the last 24 hours,” Wilson told Reuters.

Events next week include a climate forum for municipal leaders in Rio and Prince William’s Earthshot Prize ceremony, while São Paulo will host climate finance discussions, and world leaders gather in Belém ahead of COP30 negotiations.

Cambodia has begun pulling back heavy weapons from its border with Thailand, marking the first phase of implementing the peace agreement signed in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday. Defence Ministry spokeswoman Lieutenant General Maly Socheata said the withdrawal began late on October 26, with ASEAN observers inspecting returning armoured vehicles in Siem Reap the following morning. The move follows the joint declaration signed by Prime Ministers Hun Manet and Anutin Charnvirakul, witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian leader Anwar Ibrahim.

General suspended for pistol-whipping woman in traffic dispute

Cambodia’s National Military Police have suspended Brigadier General Chhim Chhem and referred his case to the Phnom Penh Municipal Court after he pistol-whipped a woman during a traffic altercation. Chhem is charged with “intentional acts of violence” under Article 217 of the Criminal Code, which carries a sentence of six months to three years. Authorities said Chhem attacked 20-year-old Pen Sokna after she blocked his car and demanded $5 in compensation for damage to her motorcycle. He has admitted guilt and pledged to compensate the victim.

Cambodia to scrap all tariffs on US goods under landmark trade deal

Cambodia will remove all tariffs on US industrial and agricultural products under a new trade agreement announced by the White House, granting American exporters unprecedented market access. The deal, signed alongside the ASEAN Summit, commits Cambodia to eliminate duties on US food, machinery and manufactured goods, while Washington will maintain a 19% reciprocal tariff, except for certain products that will face none. Phnom Penh also pledged to cut non-tariff barriers, recognise US safety and agricultural standards, and bolster labour, environmental and intellectual property protections. President Trump hailed the pact as “a forward-looking and tough trade deal” benefiting American workers and farmers.

Four foreigners arrested in Siem Reap over online ‘love scam’

Cambodian authorities have arrested four foreign nationals in Siem Reap for allegedly running a cryptocurrency “love scam” targeting victims abroad. The joint operation, carried out on October 24 by provincial police and prosecutors, led to the arrest of three Chinese men — Xiao Song, Han Jiajia and Qin Cilong — and a Vietnamese woman, Luong Thi Que, at a rented villa in Sala Kanseng Village. Officers seized computers, phones and other evidence. The suspects admitted to posing as online romantics to defraud victims. Officials said the arrests form part of Cambodia’s wider crackdown on technology-based crime.

Cop killed in Kampong Thom drug raid

A police officer was killed and another seriously injured after a drug dealer opened fire with an AK-47 during a crackdown in Kampong Thom province on October 23. The shooting occurred in Bek Chan village, Taing Kork district, when suspect Thorn Dina, 29, and an accomplice opened fire on officers, killing Lieutenant Colonel Huon Saway and injuring Lieutenant Colonel Tim Channy. The suspects fled on a motorbike toward Kampong Cham province. Police have launched a manhunt. 

Critics say the plan incentivises lethal force in a state already notorious for violent policing. In 2024 alone, 703 people were killed in police operations in Rio de Janeiro, nearly two deaths every day, according to official data from the state’s Public Security Institute .

“This stimulates violence and turns death into public policy,” warned federal deputy Henrique Vieira, who opposed the measure. Rights groups echoed the concern, with Djeff Amadeus of the Black Coalition for Rights stating publicly that the policy could trigger a “widespread massacre perpetrated by police officers who will do everything possible to earn more money.”

Brazil’s security forces are among the deadliest in the world. According to Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch , police in Brazil kill thousands annually, disproportionately targeting young Black men in impoverished neighbourhoods. A similar bonus system, known as the “Wild West Bonus,” operated in Rio from 1995 to 1998 before being scrapped after a spike in killings.

Supporters argue the policy will strengthen the fight against heavily armed drug gangs that dominate Rio’s favelas. But opponents warn it risks worsening the cycle of violence in a city where confrontations between security forces and criminal groups already endanger civilians.

The legislation also underscores Brazil’s broader political divide on security. Governor Castro and Bolsonaro-aligned lawmakers have promoted aggressive policing as a deterrent to organised crime, while critics insist such policies normalise extrajudicial killings and erode human rights protections.

Amadeus cautioned that the measure could deepen mistrust in public institutions while further entrenching systemic racial and social inequalities in the country’s justice system.

Disclaimer: The image for the article was AI-generated

Kenyan journalist Kioko Nyamasyo laid bare the grim realities of police violence in a country where he says, “the police are still in the colonial mentality... more, for lack of a better word, gun for hire.”

According to Nyamasyo, the police aren’t seen as protectors of public safety, but rather as tools of intimidation.

“If you are a minister, your cabinet secretary, you can order police around... So, you find in this political climate, police officers are now being used to intimidate opponents, and they can also be brought in to control the situation. And at the end of the day, they violate human rights,” he told Global South World.

Ojwang's arrest was reportedly linked to a post he made about the Deputy Inspector General of Police. “What happened is now, the Deputy Inspector General of Police made a complaint and police officers from the DCI went to take Ojwang from his home and to interrogate him.

Initial statements from authorities claimed Ojwang was taken to the hospital, and that's where he died.

An autopsy later confirmed Ojwang died while in police hands, and there were signs of head trauma, neck compression and bruises and lacerations across the body.

On June 25, widespread demonstrations rocked Kenya, and the police response was brutal.

“Normally, during protests, chaos will happen. Some shops will be broken into, tyres will be lit across the road, causing a traffic jam... So now, ideally and obviously, police must come in to contain the situation... But due to the nature of their training, their first reaction is to beat the people,” Nyamasyo said.

“The government has largely supported violence. The police are being used as a tool for power and control... The police department is under the Ministry of Interior, so it's directly under the presidency... It should be independent, but it's not.”

Reuters reported on July 9 that Kenya's President William Ruto said the police should shoot protesters who vandalise businesses in the leg to incapacitate them, two days after 31 people were killed during nationwide anti-government demonstrations.

He pointed out that opposition activists, bloggers, and dissenting voices are frequently arrested at the state’s direction. “So the police are just acting on orders of the government.”

Nyamasyo also highlighted a disturbing comment from Kenya’s Interior Minister: “The Minister for Interior Security said police should kill anyone who comes near the police post. But then he later retracted that and said, ‘No, I did not mean that. I meant that police should use any means to defend themselves.’ That's semantics.”

According to Nyamasyo, this pattern of abuse is not new and transcends political parties.

“In 2021, the current president, President William Ruto, was the deputy president, and he had a falling out... and former President Kenyatta used the police to intimidate his deputy. He even had his security withdrawn... He was kicked out by the same police.”

Ironically, when Ruto became president, the same tactics were allegedly used against his own deputy.

“It's easy when you are in a position to say, ‘This is bad.’ But now, when they get into power, they realise, ‘Oh, yeah, it's bad, but now it's working for me. Let me just continue.”

“You find, yeah, it's wrong, but really there's no law that you can prosecute them because they’re just acting wrong, but within the loopholes... For example, if you say a police officer, when his life is in danger, must do everything to protect himself, he's acting within the law. And then he shoots you. Then when he goes to court, he just says, ‘My life was in danger.’”

Ojwang's death reignited simmering anger over police brutality in the East African nation, with demonstrators in the capital, Nairobi, calling for Lagat's resignation as well as for legal action against him.

They furthermore urged protests to be held on Tuesday, June 17, against police brutality. On Monday, Lagat said in light of the ongoing investigation into Ojwang's death, "I have today opted to step aside from the office of the Deputy Inspector General, Kenya Police Service, pending completion of investigations."

"I undertake to provide any support that may be required of me during the investigations of the unfortunate incident," he said in a statement. He did not give any indication of how long the investigation and his leave of absence would be.

Two police officers and a civilian have been arrested in connection with Ojwang's death. President William Ruto urged investigators to act swiftly and pledged that the government would "protect citizens from rogue police officers".

Lagat's move comes ahead of the first anniversary of deadly anti-government demonstrations, which saw scores killed in national violence. Rights groups say dozens of people were illegally detained in the aftermath of the rallies, with many still missing, and others have been arrested for criticism of Ruto and the government.

Ruto's office said on Monday he had called Ojwang's father. According to Gladys Wanga, the governor of Homa Bay County, from where Ojwang hailed, the president has also offered two million shillings (around $15,000) in support for his family.

Raila Odinga, a leading Kenyan opposition figure who allied with Ruto this year, is providing one million shillings, Wanga indicated, adding she had offered the family a two-bedroom home.

"The head, the whole head, was full of blood, the whole head. On top of the head, normally we call it the scalp, it was full of blood. And then when we checked inside that blood, it went inside his brain. So the cause of death of Albert is because of a head injury caused by blunt trauma, and he had signs of neck compression," Geoffrey Mutuma, a pathologist, said.

This revelation defeats the police report, which states that the deceased died from repeatedly hitting his head against the wall of the police cell.

"While in custody, the suspect sustained head injuries after hitting his head against a cell wall," a police statement said. "He was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival."

Ojwang was arrested on Friday, June 6, in Homa Bay, a town in western Kenya.

He was detained in connection with a post on X that was allegedly critical of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat.

He was later transferred to Nairobi on Sunday, June 8, where the police claim he was found unconscious from self-inflicted injuries.

Ojwang's death sparked public outcry as activists and protesters swarmed Nairobi to demonstrate for justice.

To 'salvage' the situation, the country's police chief, Douglas Kanja, on Monday, June 9, suspended the station head and all police officers who were on duty the day Ojwang died for independent investigations.

The compromised account, followed by nearly 470,000 users, is normally used by police to update the public on crime, arrests and other official work.

The said page was briefly taken over by unknown attackers who posted misleading messages and launched a live broadcast.

The account had not shared any new updates since Saturday, May 17, before the incident took place. It is not clear who was behind the hack or how long they had access to the page.

Meanwhile, the police have issued a statement indicating a search for persons who hacked the page and spread false information.

"Police are looking for those who spread misrepresentative information on Twitter," parts of the statement said.

The incident happened as tensions rose between the government and opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is currently on trial for treason.

The case has attracted international attention, with several foreign human rights activists attempting to attend the proceedings.

On May 19, President Suluhu criticised what she called foreign interference.

In a televised speech during the launch of a new foreign policy document, she warned regional activists not to meddle in the country’s affairs.

She confirmed that several activists from Kenya had been blocked from entering Tanzania and sent back to Nairobi.

“They have already destabilised their countries,” the president said. “Let us not allow them to do the same here. Tanzania is still peaceful and we intend to keep it that way,” she was quoted by local reports as saying.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the cyberattack on the police account is connected to the ongoing political tensions.

He said the delays are affecting officers still listed under the old system, but assured MPs that the issue is being addressed.

Bahati, who was representing the Minister of Internal Affairs, said the two systems do not operate at the same time.

Salaries are first paid under HCMS, then on the older system. This process is aimed at avoiding double payments.

Some officers have also missed pay due to errors in their personal information.

The minister also said that problems with national IDs, names, and dates of birth caused some officers to be marked as "partially validated" during a recent audit.

In other cases, payments have bounced due to mismatches between the information in the bank and government records.

Bahati added that police deserters are also removed from the payroll, and delays happen when they return and face disciplinary action.

Since January 2025, 86 officers were listed as deserters, and 65 have since returned but are yet to be fully reinstated.

He also confirmed that 426 officers were retired in March 2024 due to conflicting birth dates in official records.

Of these, 104 have been cleared, 179 confirmed retired, and 143 cases are still being sorted out.

On a separate matter, Parliament heard that the issue of police lawyers seeking equal pay has been sent to the Attorney General for action.

This follows an August 2024 High Court ruling, which found that cutting the salaries of police legal officers was unlawful.

Justice Musa Ssekaana said the Ministry of Public Service acted outside the law by reducing their pay, and that it went against a 2010 directive by President Yoweri Museveni.

The President had ordered that police lawyers be paid the same as those in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Attorney General’s office. The policy was introduced to stop government lawyers from quitting for better pay in the private sector.

The court ordered the government to pay all salary arrears owed to the affected police lawyers.

Despite the directive being implemented for years, in 2022, the Ministry of Public Service questioned the higher salaries and advised the Police to reverse earlier appointments.

This led the affected officers to take the matter to court .

Parliament now awaits guidance from the Attorney General on how the government will implement the court decision.

Indonesia tops the lis t with a formidable 436,432 police officers, significantly outpacing all other countries in the region. This figure reflects both Indonesia’s large population and the scale of its institutional infrastructure.

Thailand and the Philippines follow, with 230,000 and 221,419 police officers, respectively. These countries maintain robust law enforcement bodies to address a wide array of internal security needs across their diverse regions.

Malaysia holds the fourth position with 134,978 officers, while Myanmar fields a force of 93,000. Cambodia reports 62,617 officers, continuing to develop its security framework.

On the lower end of the spectrum, smaller nations and city-states have more compact forces:

These disparities underline the varying population sizes, governance structures, and security strategies across Southeast Asia.

Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has arrested 56-year-old Nigerian national, Uchechukwu Chima, in an intelligence-led operation at Oyarifa, Accra. The operation carried out on March 18, 2025, uncovered 192kg of cocaine and 0.42kg of heroin, with a combined street value of $2.1 million, Graphic Online reports. According to NACOC, Chima has been under surveillance for some time and is suspected to be linked to previous drug trafficking cases in Ghana. A statement signed by Francis Opoku Amoah, Acting Director of Public Affairs and International Relations, confirmed that the suspect is in custody as investigations continue. “NACOC, through this seizure, has removed a substantial quantity of drugs from circulation, preventing countless lives from being ruined by drug abuse,” the commission stated.

Vice President challenges perception of foreign aid

Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has pushed back against the global perception that foreign aid to Africa is a mere act of charity, stating that the continent loses more wealth than it receives. Speaking at Jubilee House to students from Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on March 17, 2025, she responded to a question regarding foreign aid and US President Donald Trump’s remarks about cutting assistance to Africa. “They think it’s just charity. It is not. If even a fraction of what is taken from our continent remained, we wouldn’t have issues with unemployment, sanitation, or many other challenges,” Graphic Online quotes. She cited Niger’s renegotiation of mineral contracts, which increased national revenue from $1 billion to over $10 billion in a year, as an example of Africa asserting economic control.

Police leadership overhaul

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has announced a major reshuffling of the Ghana Police Service leadership. Among the key changes, COP/Mrs. Maame Yaa Tiwa Addo-Danquah, Director-General/R&P, and COP/Mr. Paul Manly Awini, Service Workshop, Accra, have been appointed to the newly restructured 31-member Police Management Board, Citinewsroom reports. A statement signed by Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Assistant Commissioner of Police, and Director, of Public Affairs, noted that the restructuring aims to ensure effective management and operational efficiency within the Police Service.

Forest reserve reclaim

The Ghanaian government has successfully reclaimed seven of nine forest reserves that were overrun by illegal miners, according to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah. During a press briefing in Accra, the minister praised the efforts of a joint security task force—comprising the military, police, and Forestry Commission’s rapid response team—in reclaiming the forests. “With the cooperation of the security agencies and the military, we have taken back seven of these nine forests, and we are working very hard to ensure that the remaining two are fully reclaimed,” Graphic Online quotes him. The minister called for continued public cooperation to protect Ghana’s forests and ensure sustainable mining practices.

Ghana’s 4% GDP growth target

A new economic review by Deloitte has described the government’s 4% real GDP growth target for 2025 as realistic but cautioned about key risks. Despite recording 5.7% GDP growth in 2024, the firm warned that the projected slowdown would stem from fiscal tightening and aggressive expenditure cuts, limiting policy rollout. Deloitte stressed the need for the government to reverse high budget deficits, which averaged 7.5% between 2021 and 2024, Citinewsroom reports. With the projected 3.1% deficit for 2025, the firm said this signals fiscal prudence under Ghana’s IMF Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program.

The recovery marks the first confirmed fatality from the operation, which is ongoing as authorities attempt to force illegal miners to surface. In addition to the body, two miners were rescued alive on Thursday, adding to the five who surfaced the day before.

Police have suggested that up to 300 people may still be trapped underground, though reports from the local community have estimated the number of miners in the shaft could be as high as 4,000.

National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed that over 1,170 people had emerged from the mine since the operation began, although many miners remain defiant, refusing to come up for fear of arrest.

According to Mathe, intelligence reports indicate that the miners have weapons and are determined to stay underground, despite efforts to starve them out by restricting food and water supplies.

The operation has drawn attention from residents, many of whom have relatives or loved ones believed to be among the miners.

"Those people must come out because we have brothers there, we have sons there, the fathers of our kids are there, our children are struggling," said Emily Photsoa, a resident, speaking to AFP.

She called on the government to intervene to help the miners, while others at the scene pleaded for them to leave the shaft.

The miners, who come from both South Africa and other countries, have been accused of illegal mining, often operating in dangerous, abandoned shafts without proper safety measures.

“With immediate effect, no member is allowed to be in possession of a cell phone whilst on duty,” parts of the memo were quoted.

All cell phones will be taken from police officers and locked in a safe or cabinet and can only be released for use during break and lunch times.

Officers in charge of police stations are mandated to enforce the order and implement the necessary consequences against non-compliant officers.

Superiors of these police stations will also be held responsible if any member of their stations defies the directive.

“All stations standard operation procedures should contain a clause governing the use of cell phones whilst on duty and members should acknowledge having read and understood the SOPs,” the memo said .

While the reason for the order was not stated, it is believed to be part of anti-corruption efforts within the service.

The ban comes after two traffic enforcement officers were recently arrested in Harare.

Local reports say the police officers were detained after a viral social media video showed them taking bribes from public transport vehicles.

Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi described the officers as “ bad apples who do not deserve to be serving in the police service ".

The mobile phone policy seeks to reinforce earlier orders for members to abandon their private communication gadgets while on duty.

“Despite numerous instructions given forbidding the use of cell phones whilst on duty by members of the Police Service,” the memo said, commanders are not enforcing this.

The protests, led by the main opposition party RENAMO, began peacefully but quickly escalated as demonstrators clashed with heavily armed riot police.

The unrest has not been limited to Maputo. Similar protests have been reported in other parts of the country, including the port city of Beira and the province of Gaza.

Clashes between protesters and police were reported in Nampula, nearly 2,000 kilometres from the capital, after around 500 people took to the streets to contest the election results.

For an unnamed male protester who spoke to AFP in Maputo, the nation's state was too depressing to go back into the hands of FRELIMO.

"We have had bad governance for over 50 years, we are miserable, while the people suffer, the government lives well (well). They send their sons to study abroad while we, Mozambicans, stay here in a very bad education system, the hospitals are bad, the police are bad, the murders, the kidnapping perpetrators, we are tired of all this. Who has the rights? Please, come and help, the Mozambican people are suffering," he stated.

The election, held on October 9, 2024, has been marred by allegations of irregularities and violence. Two prominent opposition figures were killed in the lead-up to the vote, further fuelling tensions.

On Monday, September 9, a bomb attack on a polio vaccination team injured nine people, an incident claimed by the Islamic State group.

Additionally, at least two police officers and one polio worker have been shot dead in separate attacks since the start of the latest vaccination drive.

These attacks are part of a broader pattern of violence targeting polio workers and their security escorts, primarily in the restive border areas near Afghanistan.

" "We are boycotting (providing security for) the polio campaign. We demand that the killer of our martyred policemen be arrested before more policemen are killed in the future. We demand the arrest of all the killers," said Habib Ullah Wazir, a Bannu Policeman.

The strike and ongoing violence pose a significant challenge to Pakistan's polio eradication efforts. Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only countries where polio remains endemic, despite extensive vaccination campaigns. This year, Pakistan has recorded 17 polio cases, a sharp increase from six cases in 2023.

Health officials had aimed to vaccinate 30 million children in a week-long campaign, but the strike and security concerns have disrupted these plans.

What they said

Woo Jong-soo, the head of the National Office of Investigation, is quoted by The Korea Herald on Monday, September 2, to have said that the police investigation was based on “complicity, aiding and abetting crimes involving Deepfake pornography. Investigating Telegram is difficult, as they do not share account information and other forms of personal information with investigative officials or law enforcement agencies based in Korea and in other countries. However, it’s not true that because Telegram didn’t give us the material to investigate, we are unable to catch the actual perpetrators of the crimes. We (the Korean police have our own investigative techniques are are doing our best to investigate.”

What they said

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, August 26 clarified on X that the arrest was not a political manhunt but emphasised: "The arrest of the president of Telegram on French soil took place as part of an ongoing judicial investigation. It is in no way a political decision. It is up to the judges to rule on the matter."

The government of Panama has announced that three international airports will be handed over to a single company for administration under a concession. President Mulino stated that the airports have deteriorated and that the selected company must have experience in airport management and sufficient liquidity. According to BN Americas , interested parties will be given access to a database to obtain all the information they require on the airports to participate in the selection process.

Maduro rejects 'asylum'

Venezuelan President Maduro rejects Panama's offer of safe passage to a third country for a political transition. The Print reports that Panama's President offered safe passage to facilitate Maduro's departure, but Maduro accused Panama of being influenced by the United States. Venezuela's electoral results remain disputed, and several Latin American countries have cut diplomatic ties with Venezuela.

Police give out trauma kits

Panama City Police are equipping schools with mobile rescue units for emergency injuries. The kit's monitor offers instructions for treating various injuries, enabling almost anyone to provide care. “This system is designed to assist the untrained. With that being said, it is colour-coded for every item that is within it. It also comes with an iPad monitor so that you can just follow the prompts,” Panama City Police Captain Billy Carstarphen said as reported by My Pan Handle .

Olympic wins

Panama celebrated its first Olympic medal, won by a woman, as boxer Atheyna Bylon took home the silver in Paris in 2024. The entire country cheered her on as she fought in the heavyweight final. Bylon, a police officer, comes from a humble background and has quickly risen in the world of boxing. Her historic achievement is a significant milestone for Panamanian boxing, reports The Tico Times .

US urged to expedite resources for repatriating migrants

Panama's President has asked the US to expedite aid for repatriating migrants crossing through the dangerous Darien Gap. The US had agreed to fund the repatriation of migrants entering Panama without authorisation. This came after Panama implemented measures to reduce irregular migrant crossings through the Darien. According to Mint , the President expressed concern about a new wave of Venezuelan migrants and announced plans to repatriate Venezuelan migrants to Colombia. The US Embassy did not immediately respond to the request for comment.

The 'Students Against Discrimination' group, which led the protests was calling for the Prime Minister’s resignation.

The protests to reform the quota system paused after the Supreme Court scrapped most quotas on July 21. Protesters, however, returned a week after, demanding a public apology from Hasina for the violence, restoration of internet connections, reopening of college and university campuses, and release of those arrested.

After protestors clashed with police, they went on strike.

Volunteer students have since taken over various traffic stops to direct vehicles.

Protesters, primarily young people, took to the streets to voice their frustration over soaring inflation, a devalued currency, and the removal of fuel subsidies. These economic challenges have left many Nigerians struggling to afford necessities.

In Kano, protesters set fire to tyres outside the state governor's office, prompting police to respond with tear gas. Similar scenes unfolded in Abuja, where security forces blocked roads and used tear gas to prevent demonstrators from reaching key protest sites.

The protests turned deadly, with reports of at least three fatalities and numerous injuries. Amnesty International has called for an investigation into the use of force by security personnel.

The police found military tents, licensed firearms, and other military equipment at the site. The detainees had reportedly entered South Africa on study visas, claiming they were training to become security guards.

The news of the arrests left many locals in shock. "It's alarming to think that something like this was happening right under our noses," said Sarah Mkhize, a resident of White River. "We always thought of our town as a peaceful place."

Others expressed concerns about the potential implications for local security. "If they were training for military purposes, what were they planning to do?" questioned Thabo Ndlovu, another resident. "It's scary to think about."

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe assured the public that there was no immediate threat to community safety.

"We take any threat to the security and stability of our province and country very seriously," said Mathe. The police are currently investigating whether there are more such camps in other parts of the country.

The incident has raised questions about South Africa's border security and the effectiveness of its immigration controls.

"This situation highlights the need for stricter monitoring of foreign nationals entering the country," said local government official Jackie Macie.

As investigations continue, the local community remains on edge, waiting for more information about the detainees and their intentions.

"We hope the authorities get to the bottom of this quickly," said Mkhize. "We need to know that our town is safe."

President Yoweri Museveni had previously cautioned against the protest in a televised address, warning participants they would be "playing with fire" if they proceeded. Nevertheless, the demonstrators went ahead with the march as planned.

"We are tired of corruption," shouted Samson Kiriya, a protester from behind the bars of a police van, as reported by AFP. Another protester, speaking from under a seat in a police vehicle, urged, "I am urging all the young people out there in Uganda to come out in large numbers."

The clashes were between student protesters and police. Student protesters set fire to a jail in the central Bangladeshi district of Narsingdi after storming the place and freeing inmates.

Local reports indicate that police fired tear gas into the crowd and some student mobs attacked police officers.

Protesters want the government to stop setting aside 30 percent of government jobs for the families of those who fought for independence from Pakistan.

Meanwhile, all public gatherings were banned and authorities cut some mobile telephone services.

The government of Tanzania is focused on improving the investment climate to attract more domestic and foreign direct investment projects. The Deputy Minister of State in the President’s Office, Planning and Investment, Mr Stanslaus Nyongo has emphasised the importance of creating a conducive environment for investors and commended the Tanzania Investment Centre for its efforts in facilitating services to investors. Project registrations have surged by 91.6% due to the new Investment Act No. 10 of 2022, according to Daily News .

Tanzanian fights for justice in the US

Tanzanian national Andrew Hango fought for justice after being wrongfully imprisoned and tortured in the US for seven years. He is seeking $5 million in compensation for brutality and wrongful imprisonment, and his family claims Tanzanian officials provided little help. Hango was eventually freed in December 2021 with the help of international diplomats and rights advocates. According to The Citizen , his family continues to pursue a rightful settlement and permanent resolution for his ordeal.

Renewable energy in Tanzania

The TriDEP Initiative, a partnership between the U.S., India, and Tanzania, has been launched to enhance renewable energy infrastructure and policy in Tanzania. The initiative includes workshops, capacity-building sessions, and collaboration with government bodies, utilities, and private enterprises. The focus is on strengthening grid infrastructure, promoting renewable energy technologies, and integrating disaster risk reduction and climate-smart agriculture initiatives for sustainable development, as reported by Energetica .

Apology for poll rigging

Tanzanian Cabinet Minister Nape Nnauye's apology for suggesting that the ruling party didn't need to win votes through ballot boxes has not ended criticism. Opposition, activists, and analysts are calling for his resignation. Nnauye's controversial remarks sparked debate and were rejected by the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi. This is not the first time he has made controversial statements during an election. Various political figures and academics have condemned his remarks and called for his resignation, as reported by The Citizen .

Police held over child disappearance cases

Activists in Tanzania are demanding that the police take immediate action when child disappearance cases are reported, instead of waiting 24 hours to begin investigations. They argue that waiting increases the risk of missing children and that the current procedure is inefficient and inhumane. However, the police spokesperson, David Misime, disputes this, stating that initial steps are taken immediately and further investigation is launched if necessary after 24 hours, The Citizen reports.

150 Ghana police officers have been trained to protect mining company assets, with a focus on professionalism and ethical conduct. The training, organised by the Ghana Chamber of Mines, aimed to improve service delivery and cooperation between police and mining companies. Facilitators covered topics such as the Minerals and Mining Act, ethical considerations, and security threats, while urging cooperation between internal and external security personnel. Ghana Business News reports that the Inspector General of Police expressed gratitude for the training and emphasised the importance of using the knowledge and skills acquired to maintain order in the areas of operation.

Ghana-Zimbabwe ties

Zimbabwe and Ghana have strengthened bilateral ties through a study visit on diaspora engagement. The visit, supported by the International Organization for Migration, aimed to enhance collaboration and capacity in working on diaspora engagement. Key officials from Zimbabwe visited Ghana for high-level meetings with Ghanaian counterparts and to learn about Ghana's successful diaspora engagement initiatives. The visit highlighted the potential for Zimbabwe to enhance its National Diaspora Policy based on Ghana's successful models. Chronicle reports that this initiative demonstrates the power of collaborative efforts in achieving national development goals.

Ghana-France cooperation

Ghana's President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo reaffirmed commitment to expand cooperation with France in renewable energies and technological innovation at the France National Day celebration. He highlighted the enduring relevance of France's values of freedom, equality, and fraternity and commended the French people for their resilience and unity. Ghana also anticipates promotion to full-time member status within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). France's Ambassador emphasized the significant collaborations across various sectors and expressed strong support for Ghana's application for full membership in the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, Ghanaian Times reports.

Football

Nico Williams, a Spanish player with Ghanaian roots, won the Euros, equaling Marcel Desailly's record. According to GhanaWeb , he was named Man of the Match after scoring in the final. Spain won the championship, their fourth title.

Nationwide strike

10 labour unions in Ghana declared a nationwide strike in protest of the sale of 60% of SSNIT shares in four hotels. The decision follows Organised Labour’s directive, and the TUC Secretary-General urged workers to stay away until the sale is cancelled. SSNIT had received approval for the sale, but one potential buyer has withdrawn their bid. The SSNIT Board has since announced the termination of the sale process, Ghanaian Times reports.

Honda has announced plans to consolidate vehicle production in Thailand by focusing on its Prachinburi plant and repurposing the Ayutthaya facility for parts manufacturing. This decision comes as Honda faces increasing competition from Chinese brands and growing demand for electric vehicles in the Thai market. The restructuring aims to address declining production and sales, improve efficiency, and align manufacturing output with market demand. It also reflects a cautious approach to future investments in the country. The shift towards electric vehicles and the entry of new competitors are forcing established players like Honda to reassess their strategies and operational structures in the Southeast Asian automotive industry, WION reports.

Woman barred from flying home to London

Yoga teacher Rosie Viscomi was prevented from boarding her flight back to London from Thailand due to a tear in her passport. Despite extending her visa and securing the necessary documents, airline officials refused to let her board, leaving her stranded and facing additional expenses. She was also accused of staying in Thailand illegally. According to the Mirror , the dance and yoga instructor, residing in Norfolk, had made the Thai island of Koh Pha-ngan her home since April, following the completion of her yoga certification in India. During her stay, Rosie deepened her understanding of yoga and engaged in volunteer activities, before deciding to return to the UK.

Police investigate a Chinese couple for having intercourse in a car park

Authorities in Thailand are investigating an incident involving a Chinese couple allegedly engaging in intimate behaviour in a public car park at a popular tourist destination. The incident, which took place at Chiang Mai University, a well-known spot among international visitors, was reported to the police after bystanders witnessed the couple's behaviour and took photos, which subsequently circulated on social media. According to eyewitnesses, the couple had ordered food from a nearby vendor before the incident occurred, Independent reports.

ADB launches climate finance initiative

ADB has launched a climate finance program in Thailand to boost climate finance and support the country's net-zero emissions target. The programme includes developing innovative finance tools and strategic partnerships with organisations like Thailand’s DCCE and Agence française de développement. ESG News highlights that ADB is committed to enhancing climate-focused activities in Thailand and helping the country achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Chinese toy trend in Southeast Asia

Chinese toy brand Pop Mart's character Labubu has become extremely popular in Southeast Asia, with Thailand using the fluffy monster in a tourism campaign. Celebrity endorsements, such as K-pop star Blackpink's Lisa, have also contributed to the character's popularity. However, the surge in demand has also led to scams and fraudulent sales, causing the Thai government to warn the public, reports CNA . The success of Labubu in Thailand has also prompted the country to facilitate travel for Chinese tourists. The brand's success has also led to competitors entering the market in Southeast Asia.

The force maintains that an officer's worth is measured by their legality and conduct, not their uniform.

“No one is above the law , and we will pursue criminals wherever they are found, even within our own ranks. There is no room in the Jamaica Constabulary Force for individuals with criminal intent who display a willingness to compromise the privileged position they occupy as members of our organisation,” the release on June 21 read.

“We hold our members to the highest standards of conduct and integrity, and any breach of these standards will be met with decisive action to preserve the honour and trust bestowed upon the JCF by the public. As such, we make no apology for our rigorous internal investigations and hold no embarrassment in our efforts to root out criminal behaviour,” the statement added.

What they said

“We are counting on your support”, said the Haitian Police official Joachim Prohete , seeking reassurance from the Kenyan police team about arrangements for the deployment. Kenya’s IGP reiterated the country’s commitment to supporting Haiti tackle gang violence that has plagued the country in recent times. “NPS remains committed to collaboration in the mission, for the good of the people of Haiti, especially women and children,” Japhet Koome said .

What they said

Earlier, U.S. President Joe Biden had expressed appreciation to Kenya’s President William Ruto for consenting for his police force to lead the mission to quell violence in Haiti. During a visit by the Kenyan President to the U.S, Biden said , “I thank President Ruto of Kenya for his willingness to serve as a lead nation of the UN-backed security support mission. I call on the security mission to authorize this mission now. The people of Haiti can’t wait much longer.”

What they said:

On Tuesday, President Daniel Noboa acknowledged the existence of an internal armed conflict and, through a revised decree, designated 22 gangs as terrorist groups to be pursued by the military. “I have signed the executive decree declaring an Internal Armed Conflict and identified the following transnational organised crime groups as terrorist organisations and belligerent non-state actors: Águilas, ÁguilasKiller, Ak47, Caballeros Oscuros, ChoneKiller, Choneros, Covicheros, Cuartel de las Feas, Cubanos, Fatales, Gánster, Kater Piler, Lagartos, Latin Kings, Lobos, Los p.27, Los Tiburones, Mafia 18, Mafia Trébol, Patrones, R7, Tiguerones. I have ordered the armed forces to carry out military operations to neutralise these groups,” he said on X.  

Admiral Jaime Vela, head of the joint command of the armed forces, responded to Noboa's decree through an official statement, also published on X . "Mr. President of the Republic, Daniel Noboa, through the executive decree number 111, has given us a very clear mission. From this moment on, every terrorist group identified in the mentioned decree has become a military target. The present and future of our country are at stake. No act of terror will make us give in. We will not back down or negotiate [...] Ecuadorian people, this struggle will succeed with the support of each and every one of you [...] Rest assured that the armed forces and the national police will fulfill our oath to defend you with our lives if necessary."

" Kenya will not allow its troops to exit the country for Haiti until all the required resources, including equipment and finances, are mobilised and availed," he said when he appeared before the  joint committees of the bicameral house considering the Haiti deployment.

"I have attached a small amount that is preparatory work, we have 241 million US dollars for essential preparations so that when it is green we shall deploy…  Overall, the pending budget review is 600 million US dollars. The amount will cater for the preparation of the officers, kitting, logistics, transport, accommodation and bringing the officers back home,"  Kindiki added.

The cost of the deployment will be covered by United Nations member states through voluntary contributions and the amounts spent will be refunded once they are fully cleared for the deployment, the Interior Cabinet Secretary explained.

Kenya is expected to deploy amongst others, five superintendent officers and five deputy-formed police commanders, 25 officers in charge of support services, intelligence, operations, duty and liaison , support service officers, police intelligence officers, operations officers, duty officers and liaison officers all totalling 25. Also, deputy platoon commanders with 25 inspectors, platoon sergeants, 25 senior sergeants, 135 corporals and 655 constables.

In September 2023, the UN Security Council granted authorization for the dispatch of an international security force to assist Haiti's national police in suppressing escalating gang violence and reinstating security throughout the tumultuous Caribbean nation.

The family were informed in August that they buried the wrong person after the mortuary attendant realized that the body of their relative was still in the morgue.

According to The Namibian , Clara Thomas, a niece of the deceased told Desert Radio through a translator on Monday, October 30 that the body was brought to the family from Otavi where it had been kept. The family met them about 10 kilometres from the police station and “the body was loaded into their vehicle by the police who then returned to Otavi without knowing about those waiting outside the mortuary.”

The family which is unhappy about the development has blamed the Namibian police who they said had warned against viewing the body during burial on grounds that the body was already partly decomposed.

Clara Thomas further expressed devastation over the situation, while indicating the lack of funds to give their uncle a befitting burial.

“We already spent so much on burying the wrong remains and now our very own is still lying in the mortuary,” she was quoted by The Namibian .

Meanwhile, the police have acknowledged and apologized for the situation but have since not responded to several calls and emails about the issue.

What they said

CCC Chief Whip Amos Chibaya speaking to the media said that Ngadziore was “on his way to parliament on Wednesday morning [November 1] when he was abducted at gunpoint and tortured. This adds to surging politically motivated violence and targeted abductions,” adding that he was severely assaulted and injected with an unknown substance. The national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said, “The ZRP has been keenly following an allegation of abduction and torture on social media. The police inform the public that no such case has been reported. We are trying to make contact with the alleged victim so as to elicit the facts beyond what is on social media".