Francis Herd

Gideon Nieuwoudt, the former security policeman notorious for his involvement in the murder of Steve Biko, has for a second time been denied amnesty for the Motherwell Four bombing — this time by a specially convened amnesty panel. Co-accused Marthinus Ras and Wybrand du Toit are expected to be granted amnesty.

Key portions of an Act, delineating the powers of authorities to intercept communications, are expected to come into force very soon. This legislation gives law enforcement agencies wide-ranging powers to intercept the e-mails, cellphone and fixed-line calls of suspected criminals — in some cases, without an order from the courts. Concerns have been raised about the extent to which private communications can be monitored.