South Africa

Pretoria - The Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality is to increase property rates by 13 percent from 1 July.

Cape Town - Investigators wishing to be part of the new Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) will undergo a stringent and comprehensive selection process.

Pretoria -South Africa has called on the Sri Lankan government to urgently allow humanitarian aid into areas affected by violence, as well a access to international media.

Cape Town - Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa, did not stay in lavish suites during his stay at the Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town, his ministry said on Thursday.

Cape Town - The head of the new Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) Anwar Dramat has been praised for the role he has played in crime combating.

Pretoria - A technological glitch, which has slowed down the production of passports at the Department of Home Affairs, is receiving maximum attention.

Pretoria - Cabinet has expressed satisfaction with the running of the country's fourth democratic election and thanked South Africans for turning out in large numbers to make their mark.

Johannesburg - Testing stations in Johannesburg and certain Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) offices are expected to remain closed on Thursday due to a lack of staff.

Rustenburg - The French Gendarmerie and French National Police have partnered with the South African Police Services (SAPS) to train members in crowd control ahead of the 2009 Confederations Cup.

Standerton - Violence has again flared up in the Sakhile informal settlement near Standerton, with residents looting and burning down the shop of a foreign national.

Johannesburg - This weekend's Soweto Derby will be a good indication of the country's preparedness to especially handle large crowds, ahead of the FIFA Confederations Cup in June.

Rustenburg - The South African Police Service (SAPS) has held simulated exercises at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium to showcase its preparedness to handle any type of disruptive behaviour that may arise at the upcoming FIFA Confederations Cup.

Pretoria - The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is to receive a report on the three fires at the Pretoria Magistrate's Court that occurred this week.

Cape Town - The situation at the Holiday Inn Express, near the St George's Mall in Cape Town, where there was a bomb scare earlier this morning, has normalised.

Pretoria - While there is a need for good financial regulators, it is important that they do not hinder companies from operating properly, says National Planning Minister Trevor Manuel.