Ramaphosa Responds to Mkhwanazi's Allegations on Crime Syndicates

President Ramaphosa's Urgent Response

• 💡 President Cyril Ramaphosa is addressing serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi regarding organized crime syndicates infiltrating the criminal justice system and a minister's alleged communication with criminals.
• 📌 Ramaphosa cut short his activities at the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro to receive a proper briefing and release a statement on the matter.
• 📞 He spent several hours consulting with officials and security advisors, emphasizing the potential impact of these allegations on the country's security.

Addressing National Security and Allegations

• ✅ The President urged all stakeholders to avoid escalating allegations and counter-allegations and to respect the country's laws to ensure national security remains intact.
• ✈️ Ramaphosa will leave the BRICS summit earlier than planned to return to South Africa promptly and attend to this urgent matter, alongside other responsibilities like preparations for the former Deputy President's send-off.

BRICS Leaders Discuss Geopolitics

• 🌍 BRICS leaders were united on geopolitical positions, advocating for peace, security, and the resolution of conflicts through dialogue in areas like Ukraine, the Middle East, and Sudan.
• ⚠️ They raised concerns about violations of international law and called for the restructuring of multilateral institutions such as the IMF, World Bank, and a "paralyzed" UN Security Council.

Trade and International Relations

• 📈 Leaders condemned attacks in the Middle East and Asia and expressed concern over President Trump's trade tariffs, viewing the US approach as "bullying" and a violation of trade rules.
• 🇿🇦 South Africa is actively engaging the Americans to discuss trade relations and has requested a hold on the implementation of tariffs, with the US Treasury indicating they will engage countries presenting plans.