NEWS

Today in Africa — July 1, 2026: Cabo Verde Captain Faces Rape Investigation, South Africa Arrests 900+ After Protests

OkayAfrica has scoured the Internet for today’s major news stories, so you don't have to. On July 1, coverage includes: the latest developments surrounding Ryan Mendes, who is under police investigation in New Zealand; renewed scrutiny of South Africa’s response to nationwide demonstrations, growing concerns over the impact on foreign nationals, and more.

Ryan Mendes of Cabo Verde dribbles the ball on the field during a World Cup match in Houston.
Cabo Verde’s captain, Ryan Mendes, is under investigation in New Zealand for rape.

Standing intro blurb: Every day, OkayAfrica shares a roundup of news we’re following but haven’t published as full articles. These short updates cover what’s happening on the continent — in culture, politics, and beyond. For more on stories like these, be sure to check out our News page, with stories from across the regions.

Cabo Verde Captain Ryan Mendes Under Investigation in New Zealand

Cabo Verde captain Ryan Mendes is under investigation by police in New Zealand over an alleged rape during a FIFA Series event in March, according to multiple international reports. Mendes, who has not been charged, is currently at the World Cup with Cabo Verde and could play in the team’s Round of 32 match against Argentina on July 3.

What We Know

  • The allegation involves a Brazilian woman reportedly hired to work with Cabo Verde during the FIFA Series.

  • New Zealand police have confirmed an investigation is ongoing but declined to comment further.

  • FIFA said it takes allegations of misconduct seriously and is in contact with New Zealand authorities.

  • Mendes has started all three of Cabo Verde’s World Cup matches so far.

  • The allegation comes as Ghana’s Thomas Partey and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi also face legal scrutiny over separate sexual violence cases.

More Than 900 Arrested During South Africa Protests Over Illegal Immigration

South African police arrested more than 900 people during nationwide protests calling for stronger action against illegal immigration, with authorities saying most of the 120 marches were peaceful despite isolated violence, looting, and one fatal shooting. The demonstrations came after months of rising tensions, as some Zimbabweans who returned home out of fear of attacks discovered they could face bans of up to five years from re-entering South Africa.

Key Developments

  • Police said 108 of the 120 marches were peaceful, while 12 required intervention.

  • Arrests were linked to offenses including immigration violations, public violence, robbery, and harboring undocumented migrants.

  • Soldiers were deployed to Johannesburg’s Hillbrow after a shooting injured two people, while police opened an inquest into the death of a foreign national in Durban.

  • South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs said re-entry bans depend on how long a person was unlawfully in the country before departing.

  • Some documented Zimbabwean workers said they left because they feared violence, despite having valid immigration papers.

Sudan Rights Group Accuses RSF Commanders of War Crimes in Darfur

Amnesty International has accused three senior Rapid Support Forces commanders of overseeing war crimes, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing during the October 2025 assault on El Fasher, where more than 6,000 people were killed in three days. As the rights group called for a ceasefire and greater international action, Sudan’s army said it had retaken the strategic border town of Kulbus from the RSF in what could be one of its biggest gains in western Darfur since the fall of El Fasher.

Key Developments

  • Amnesty said it reviewed nine videos that allegedly show RSF commanders executing civilians, torturing detainees, and ordering the torture of prisoners.

  • The organization called for the identified commanders to be investigated and prosecuted where sufficient evidence exists, and urged stronger backing for the International Criminal Court and United Nations- and African Union-supported investigations.

  • The RSF has not responded to the report, which Amnesty said it shared with its leader, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, last month.

  • The army and allied Joint Forces said they captured Kulbus, a strategic town near the Chad border, though the claim could not be independently verified.

  • The UN and aid groups have warned that the RSF could launch a new offensive on Al Obeid, raising fears of another large-scale assault similar to the one on El Fasher.

In Brief: More Stories Today

Uganda Confirms Isolated Marburg Virus Case

Uganda has confirmed an isolated case of Marburg virus disease after a one-and-a-half-year-old child died in Kyegegwa district, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health officials said no contacts have developed symptoms, there are no active Marburg cases, and surveillance continues as the country also responds to an Ebola outbreak.

Eight Kenyan Schoolgirls Charged Over Deadly Dormitory Fire

Eight students have pleaded not guilty to murder charges over a dormitory fire that killed 16 girls at Utumishi Girls’ Academy Senior School in Nakuru County in May. The case has renewed concerns about safety and recurring unrest in Kenya’s boarding schools, where more than 200 senior schools were temporarily closed after similar incidents earlier this year.

Dozens of Students Still Missing After Nigeria School Attack

At least 37 students and one staff member remain missing after suspected ISWAP fighters attacked a secondary school in Lassa, northeastern Nigeria, while students were taking exams. Officials say eight people, including the vice principal, have been rescued, as the attack adds to a string of school kidnappings that continue to plague the country.

Germany Arrests Rwandan Man Over 1994 Genocide Allegations

German authorities have arrested a German-Rwandan man accused of helping carry out the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis, including ordering the killings of 25 people and personally taking part in one attack. Prosecutors say he also incited violence and compiled death lists, with the case proceeding under Germany’s universal jurisdiction laws.

Algeria Votes Amid Fears of Another Record-Low Turnout

Algerians are voting in parliamentary elections today, Wednesday, July 1, amid expectations of low turnout, as years of political mistrust and shrinking civic space continue to dampen participation. The vote follows the exclusion of more than 3,700 prospective candidates under a revised electoral law that critics say gives authorities broad powers to bar candidates.

Zimbabwe Clears Final Hurdle for Constitutional Changes

Zimbabwe’s parliament has approved constitutional amendments that would extend presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years and replace direct presidential elections with a parliamentary vote. The changes now await President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s signature, while opposition figures say the reforms could further entrench ZANU-PF’s hold on power.