In a landmark decision that has stirred public debate, South African businessman Angelo Agrizzi, a key figure in a sprawling corruption scandal, has been spared jail time following a plea agreement with state prosecutors. Agrizzi, who confessed to orchestrating bribery schemes involving high-ranking government officials and lawmakers, was sentenced to 40 years in prison, but the sentence was suspended on the condition of his continued cooperation with ongoing investigations. This development was announced by the National Prosecuting Authority on Thursday. Agrizzi’s testimony during the Zondo Commission in 2019 had unveiled a dark chapter of systemic corruption under the leadership of former President Jacob Zuma, who resigned in 2018 amid graft allegations. Agrizzi detailed how he facilitated bribes, often concealed in newspapers or gray bags, to secure lucrative government contracts for his company, Bosasa. His revelations implicated several senior officials and politicians from the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party. The plea deal specifically addresses cases involving former officials from South Africa’s Department of Corrections and a former ANC lawmaker, all accused of accepting bribes to award Bosasa contracts worth over $100 million. Agrizzi pleaded guilty to three counts of corruption and one count of money laundering. The case has drawn criticism over the slow pace of prosecutions, with many implicated individuals seemingly evading accountability. The Zondo Commission, which ran from 2018 to 2022, exposed widespread corruption but has led to few convictions. Former President Zuma, already convicted of contempt of court for refusing to testify, faces separate corruption charges dating back to the late 1990s and early 2000s, which remain unresolved.
作者： admin
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Fifty years of plunder: How Morocco and its allies profit from Western Sahara
In late October 2020, Minatu Ljatat, a Sahrawi refugee from the Awserd camp in southwestern Algeria, joined a group of 200 activists to protest at the Guerguerat crossing in occupied Western Sahara. Known as the “plunder corridor,” this area is the primary route for Morocco to export resources from the territory it has controlled since 1975. The activists aimed to block traffic, including trucks transporting fish from Moroccan-occupied waters, in a peaceful demonstration for Sahrawi independence. However, on November 13, Morocco forcibly removed the protesters, prompting the Polisario Front to end a ceasefire that had held since 1991. This marked a turning point in the decades-long conflict, as foreign companies from France, Spain, Israel, and the U.S. intensified their exploitation of Western Sahara’s resources, often under the guise of renewable energy projects. Despite legal challenges in the European Court of Justice, Sahrawis feel increasingly marginalized, with many advocating for a return to armed struggle. The international community’s complicity in Morocco’s occupation has further complicated efforts for self-determination, leaving the Sahrawi people in a precarious position. Ljatat, who fled her homeland in 1976, remains hopeful for a free Western Sahara but laments the lack of progress. The conflict, often referred to as Africa’s last colonial struggle, continues to draw global attention as the Sahrawis fight for their right to exist on their ancestral land.
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Max seeks more Brazil magic to maintain pressure on McLaren duo
As the Formula 1 season enters its final stretch, Max Verstappen is poised to make history at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The 28-year-old Red Bull driver, a four-time world champion, has already claimed victory at Interlagos three times—in 2019, 2023, and 2024. Last year, he delivered a masterclass in challenging conditions, starting from 17th on the grid to secure a dramatic win. This weekend, Verstappen seeks to complete a hat-trick of victories in Brazil, a track he describes as ‘special’ due to its rich history and personal significance.
Verstappen, currently 36 points behind championship leader Lando Norris, is determined to close the gap on the McLaren duo. Norris, fresh off a win in Mexico, leads teammate Oscar Piastri by a single point. However, Verstappen’s recent form—three wins and six consecutive podium finishes—has reignited his title hopes. The Dutchman has openly expressed his affection for the Interlagos circuit, citing its unpredictable weather and ‘old-school’ charm as key factors that make it a favorite.
McLaren, despite having secured their second constructors’ title, faces mounting pressure from Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes. Team chief Andrea Stella remains confident in his drivers’ abilities, emphasizing their improved understanding of the car’s performance. Meanwhile, Mercedes’ Toto Wolff has vowed to bounce back after a challenging run, with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton aiming to replicate their past successes in Brazil.
With rain forecasted, the stage is set for a thrilling and unpredictable race weekend. Verstappen’s determination, combined with the fierce competition among the top teams, promises high drama and intense battles on the iconic Interlagos track.
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Man who threw sandwich at US border agent not guilty of assault
A Washington DC protester, Sean Dunn, has been acquitted of misdemeanor assault charges after a viral video showed him throwing a sandwich at a US border patrol agent. The incident, which occurred on August 10, has become a symbol of local opposition to President Donald Trump’s deployment of federal agents and National Guard troops to the city. Dunn, 37, did not deny the act but argued it was not criminal. The jury’s verdict followed a two-day trial, during which Customs and Border Patrol agent Gregory Lairmore testified about the sandwich ‘exploding all over him’ and leaving stains on his uniform. Dunn, who was fired from his job as a paralegal in the Department of Justice after the incident, expressed relief at the acquittal, stating he was ‘looking forward to moving on with my life.’ Initially, government prosecutors sought felony charges, but a grand jury declined to indict him, leading to the lesser misdemeanor charge. The deployment of troops to Washington DC this summer sparked outrage among residents, who viewed it as a politicization of the military. The White House defended the move as necessary to combat crime. During the trial, Lairmore recounted the incident, describing how the sandwich’s impact was felt through his ballistic vest and how he became the subject of jokes among colleagues. Dunn’s lawyer, Julia Gatto, argued that the widespread humor surrounding the incident demonstrated it was not a serious assault. The case has highlighted the ongoing tensions between local residents and federal authorities in the nation’s capital.
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Large dolomite deposit discovered in Gansu
A significant discovery of a magnesium-rich dolomite deposit has been made in Pingliang city, Gansu province, marking a pivotal moment in China’s mineral exploration efforts. The Gansu Provincial Department of Natural Resources announced on Wednesday that the deposit, located in the Zhuanmatai area of Kongtong district, boasts an estimated resource of 700 million metric tons. This find is characterized by five layered ore bodies, each with an average magnesium oxide (MgO) content of 20.67%, indicating high-quality reserves suitable for magnesium smelting. The deposit’s attributes—large scale, shallow depth, gentle dip angle, and stable thickness—make it particularly conducive to open-pit mining. Beyond the 700 million tons of magnesium-smelting dolomite, an additional 300 million tons of construction-grade dolomite have been identified. Dolomite’s versatility extends to various industries, including refractories, metallurgy, glassmaking, and ceramics, promising substantial opportunities for integrated resource utilization and industrial advancement.
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Smart technology-aided delivery aiding China’s online shoppers
China is leveraging cutting-edge smart technology to address one of the most persistent challenges in the logistics sector: the ‘last mile’ of package delivery. This critical phase, which involves transporting goods from local distribution centers to consumers’ doorsteps, has been significantly streamlined through innovations such as smart parcel lockers and neighborhood service stations. According to a report unveiled at a national delivery industry conference in Beijing, these smart solutions now account for over 55 percent of all deliveries in the country. The findings are based on a comprehensive survey of more than 35,000 individuals across the delivery ecosystem. Zhang Ping, the lead researcher, emphasized that the focus is on meeting customer needs, whether in urban apartments or rural villages. Companies like Fengchao have installed electronic lockers in residential communities nationwide, expanding their services beyond package delivery to include offerings like laundry collection. Rural areas have also seen remarkable progress, with 78 percent of villages now equipped with package service stations, ensuring equal convenience for rural residents. Liao Jinrong, deputy head of the State Post Bureau of China, highlighted the growing use of drones and delivery robots, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. China’s delivery industry, already one of the most advanced globally, continues to innovate, driven by the annual ‘last mile’ conference that has been held since 2015. This event brings together experts to explore new ways to enhance efficiency for the nation’s vast online shopping population.
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These 40 US airports may face flight reductions during government shutdown
In response to mounting pressures on air traffic controllers and the ongoing federal government shutdown, U.S. officials are preparing to reduce flight operations at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports. The unprecedented shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history, has left hundreds of thousands of federal workers, including air traffic controllers, without pay. Many controllers have called in sick due to financial strain, exacerbating staffing shortages and operational challenges. While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has yet to formally announce the specific airports affected, a comprehensive list has been disclosed by U.S. media outlets. Notably, international flights will remain unaffected by the cuts. The airports potentially impacted include major hubs such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Los Angeles International, and Chicago O’Hare International, among others. This measure aims to alleviate the burden on overstretched air traffic control systems, ensuring safety and operational efficiency during this turbulent period. The situation underscores the broader consequences of the government shutdown, which continues to disrupt critical public services and infrastructure.
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Fans, fellow creators mourn Dubai influencer Anunay Sood after sudden death at 32
The Dubai travel and social media community is reeling from the sudden and tragic passing of Anunay Sood, a beloved travel influencer, who died at the age of 32 while in Las Vegas. Known for his cinematic storytelling and inspiring travel content, Anunay had made Dubai his creative hub, deeply influencing fellow creators and fans across the region. His unexpected death has left many in shock, with tributes pouring in from friends, fans, and colleagues who remember him as a humble and passionate individual. Kaunain, a UAE-based travel influencer, shared how Anunay’s work inspired her to create travel content, recalling his generosity in helping her plan a trip to Kashmir. Parikshit Balochi, a popular RJ and influencer, expressed his disbelief, calling the loss heartbreaking. Ashish Sharma, a Dubai-based real estate agent, highlighted how Anunay’s adventurous spirit resonated with many, representing freedom and the pursuit of experiences. The community now rallies to support his family during this difficult time, remembering Anunay’s legacy as a true inspiration.
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Kazakhstan will join the Abraham Accords with Israel in symbolic move to boost the Trump initiative
In a significant diplomatic development, Kazakhstan has announced its participation in the Abraham Accords, a landmark initiative established during the first administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The move, described by U.S. officials as largely symbolic, underscores Kazakhstan’s long-standing diplomatic relations with Israel, which date back to 1992. Unlike other signatories such as Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan’s geographical distance from Israel makes its inclusion unique. The announcement was made during a summit hosted by Trump, who gathered leaders from five Central Asian nations, including Kazakhstan, to discuss regional cooperation and strategic partnerships. While Kazakhstan’s formal ties with Israel have existed since the collapse of the Soviet Union, its participation in the Abraham Accords is expected to bolster bilateral trade, defense, cybersecurity, energy, and food technology collaborations. The decision also signals Israel’s growing international acceptance, particularly amid ongoing criticism of its actions in the Gaza conflict. U.S. officials emphasized that Trump’s nascent peace plan for Gaza has reshaped global perceptions, encouraging more nations to align with the ‘circle of peace.’ The summit also highlighted broader U.S. efforts to strengthen ties with Central Asia, particularly in areas such as rare earth metals, as part of a strategy to counter China’s influence in the region. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev further underscored the focus on expanding trade, investment, and technological cooperation, though discussions on Israel were notably absent from official statements.
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China focused on creating high-quality jobs for university graduates
China is intensifying efforts to ensure high-quality employment opportunities for university graduates, building on recent successes in job creation. Minister of Education Huai Jinpeng highlighted this initiative during a national meeting on Wednesday, emphasizing that graduates are vital talent resources whose employment reflects the broader goal of delivering education that meets societal expectations and enhances public welfare.