The Johannesburg High Court has issued a significant order directing the national government to fully implement its National Action Plan aimed at combating xenophobia, racism, and other forms of discrimination. This ruling stems from a legal challenge initiated by civil society organizations, including Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia and Abahlali baseMjondolo. The groups brought the case against Operation Dudula, whose recent activities, such as demanding identity documents at hospitals and schools, were deemed unlawful by the court. The High Court determined that the government's prolonged failure to implement the five-year-old plan constituted an unconstitutional dereliction of its duties. Consequently, the court mandated the government to undertake reasonable measures to enforce the plan, explicitly stating that this directive aligns with constitutional principles.

In other news from the region, a 23-year-old suspect has been apprehended in connection with a harrowing drive-by mass shooting that occurred over the weekend in Reiger Park, east of Johannesburg. The suspect is slated to appear before the Boksburg Magistrate's Court. This arrest follows a diligent investigation conducted by the Anti-Gang Unit. The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including three women, and left three others injured, when two gunmen, operating from separate vehicles, indiscriminately opened fire before fleeing the scene. Police investigators have not discounted the possibility that the violent shooting is linked to ongoing gang warfare in the area.

Furthermore, the trial of Eldorado Park police officer Mandla Buthelezi, who stands accused of the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Chesnay Keppler, has been scheduled to commence in January at the Johannesburg High Court. Buthelezi is alleged to have fatally shot the 22-year-old traffic warden last December, an incident reportedly preceded by an assault at a party. His co-accused, Llewellyn Mayers, faces charges of intimidating witnesses. Buthelezi's previously granted R20,000 bail was revoked following these allegations of witness intimidation. Despite this, he intends to reapply for bail, a move staunchly opposed by Keppler's father, who voiced concerns that such a release could endanger witnesses. Buthelezi will remain in custody until January 19, while Mayers is currently out on R4,000 bail.