Nic Dawes Author

A Scorpions subpoena obtained by the <i>Mail & Guardian</i> outlines the full scope of project "Bad Guys" — the elite unit’s investigation into the allegedly criminal network surrounding Brett Kebble; the network’s role in or after Kebble’s murder; and police National Commissioner Jackie Selebi’s proximity to the network.

The Scorpions task-team probing the contraband networks around slain businessman Brett Kebble has arrested Clinton Nassif, the shadowy businessman who provided security and investigation services for Kebble. Nassif allegedly ordering the premature removal from police custody of the car the mining magnate was driving when he was shot.

The Scorpions search warrant used to conduct last week’s raid on Glenn Agliotti — friend of police chief Jackie Selebi and fixer for the late Brett Kebble — has spotlighted Palto, a murky security company that freelanced for the police. The Scorpions last week raided premises belonging to Agliotti, whom they have identified as "the Landlord", a kingpin in a major drugs and contraband cigarette syndicate.

The Scorpions launched searches early on Thursday morning on the home and business premises of Glenn Agliotti, the man they suspect of being the so-called "landlord" — a syndicate boss linked to an international smuggling ring. His legal representative said Agliotti had cooperated fully with the search.

Startling new allegations against the man code-named "The Landlord" have emerged at a bail hearing following last month’s massive Scorpions-led drug bust.
Based on witness affidavits and source interviews, the <i>Mail & Guardian</i> last week identified the "The Landlord" as Glen Agliotti.

Oilgate company Imvume Management has constructed what appears to be a deliberate smear against the <i>Mail & Guardian</i>, claiming the newspaper had leaked information to an opposition party in contravention of a high court order. <i>M&G</i> editor Ferial Haffajee and Karjieker this week flatly denied the allegations.

Auditor General Shauket Fakie has hit back at criticism by Parliament that his report on the declaration of interests by ministers, deputy ministers and government employees was based solely on outdated company information. The report revealed that 14 ministers and deputy ministers, and 1 678 provincial ministers and senior public service managers had not fully disclosed their financial interests in the 2003/04 financial year.

Capetonians, for better or worse, are moving back to the central business district.

The so-called "hoax e-mails" have emerged as a central focus of the struggle going on at the highest levels of the National Intelligence Agency and the African National Congress. The exchanges essentially purport to illustrate a political conspiracy led by a Xhosa cabal, assisted by white reactionaries in the Scorpions, media and opposition.

Condoms everywhere, the stink of latex … thousands of them rolling off the machines like sausages. From its nondescript factory south of Johannesburg, Latex Surgical Products makes about 200 000 condoms every day. Jeffery Hurwitz, the factory’s MD, showed the <i>Mail & Guardian Online</i> the ins and outs of making a condom.

Telkom has dropped a R5-million damages action against Gregg Stirton’s website hellkom.co.za, which he launched in response to the telecomms giant’s "incredibly high prices". The website features, amongst other things, the "Hellkom Vent", where users can publish their frustrations with the fixed-line operator.