Good morning. Today we’re covering the possibility that the National Prosecuting Authority misses its self-imposed deadline to bring nine State Capture cases to court, there’s further investigation into the Sasfin Bank–Gold Leaf Tobacco dirty cigarette money scandal, and the JSE will get its first medical cannabis listing.
No high-profile politicians in the dock yet as NPA’s deadline nears – Business Day (for subscribers)
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is in danger of missing its own deadline to bring nine “seminal” State Capture cases to court by the end of December with just three enrolled thus far and none of them includes any high-profile politicians.
NPA head Shamila Batohi promised in April to bring the nine cases to court within six months and reiterated that stance in May but a failure to deliver by the end of September could prompt renewed scepticism about the organisation’s ability to effectively prosecute, reports Business Day. Read more here.
Simon Rudland’s Gold Leaf Tobacco used Sasfin Bank officials to launder its dirty cigarette money – here’s how – Daily Maverick
The scandal involving Sasfin Bank employees who helped to facilitate a multibillion-rand transnational plunder network run by Gold Leaf Tobacco in 2016, sent shockwaves across the South African financial sector when the story broke.
Since then, CEO Michael Sassoon said the bank’s internal investigation has evidence against only “one rogue employee” and that the bank took the decision to suspend two other employees on a precautionary basis. Read more here.
SA’s first specialised dagga investment company to go ahead with JSE listing – Fin24
Cilo Cybin Holdings Ltd will become the first medical cannabis-focused SPAC, or special purpose acquisition company, in Africa to list on a stock exchange to raise as much as R2 billion says the head of the business, Gabriel Theron.
The share offer opens today and will close in November, it will be just the fourth SPAC listing in Africa and a first for the cannabis industry on the continent, reports Bloomberg. Read more here.
Here’s what else we’re reading:
Political lawfare between Ramaphosa and Mkhwebane reaches new crescendo – Daily Maverick
South Africa could show the world the way to ‘net zero’ – Tech Central
How sustainable water use inspired a brewer’s honey gins, liqueurs, and beers – Business Insider
De Beers mine to take full responsibility following dam burst in Jagersfontein – SABC News
Europe is staring down an energy crisis. Are Norway’s hydroelectric dams the answer? – Fin24
Macron urges Putin to remove weapons from around nuclear plant – Daily Maverick
Image Credit: GCIS
