Friday, 16 December
15 Dec
15 December 17:00
15 December 15:38
15 December 14:10
One killed in Durban shooting
One person has been killed following a shooting incident on the N3, near Sherwood in Durban on Thursday afternoon, Emer-G-Med paramedics said.
Spokesperson Kyle van Reenen said their paramedics responded to the scene shortly after 13:30, along with ALS paramedics.
“On arrival at the scene a Mercedes Benz was found peppered with high calibre bullet holes. The driver and only occupant of the vehicle, a male believed to be approximately 40 years of age, was found to have sustained fatal injuries and was declared dead on arrival of paramedics.”
Police are on the scene to investigate.
– Kaveel Singh
(Picture credit: Emer-G-Med Paramedics)
15 December 13:37
JUST IN | ANC battered in key by-election, dips well below 50% in North West municipality
The ANC has failed to win an outright majority in a highly contested by-election in a North West municipality.
The results on the IEC’s website show the party received 39.82% of votes in Ditsobotla, a local municipality which has been marked by dysfunctional leadership.
The EFF bagged just under 27% of ballots cast, with the DA registering a return of just under 15%.
– Alex Patrick
(Screengrab image)
15 December 08:09
Eight arrested for allegedly issuing drivers licenses for cash
Eight people have been arrested on corruption charges at North West and Northern Cape municipal licensing and testing centres.
During an operation on Wednesday, the six men and two women, aged between 35 and 49, were apprehended in Vryburg, Ganyesa and Letlhabile, in the North West, as well as in Kuruman, Northern Cape.
“The suspects reportedly conducted a number of unlawful drivers’ and learners’ licenses transactions in exchange for money,” said police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone.
All eight are expected to appear in the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
– Nicole McCain
14 December 14:19
Ramaphosa suspends Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe
President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe from his duties pending a decision of the National Assembly.
The Presidency in a statement said the decision was based on advice from the Judicial Service Commission.
“In order to ensure continuity and stability in the work of the divisional high court, the suspension which is in effect immediately, is on condition that Judge President Hlophe completes all part-heard matters and reserved judgments.”
– Tammy Petersen
14 December 09:34
Six people in court after pangolin worth R60 000 found in car boot
Six people have appeared in court for the alleged possession of a pangolin.
Ntsimane David Mokgosi, 49, Paul Gaafele Molatole, 31, Tinashe Paradzai, 30, Pule Petrus Ratshwene, 30, Lekang Duncan Thabeng, 38, and Sydney Vingirayi, 28, appeared before the Zeerust Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
They were arrested on Saturday after they were found at a garage with the pangolin in the boot of their vehicle, said police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh.
“They were arrested after failing to account for the possession of the pangolin, valued at R60 000,” Myburgh said.
They were all remanded until their next court appearance on Tuesday, 20 December.
– Nicole McCain
14 December 07:58
Steenbras Nature Reserve closed following flooding
The City of Cape Town’s Steenbras Nature Reserve has been closed due to flooding.
Recent heavy rains in the province caused the closure of Clarence Drive near Gordon’s Bay, following rockfalls and mudslides, and has necessitated the closure of access to Steenbras Nature Reserve, said Eddie Andrews, Mayco member for Spatial Planning and Environment.
The reserve is popular with day visitors and hikers.
The public will not be able to access a popular hiking route due to the closure, and nature reserve staff will be assessing damage to the trail.
– Nicole McCain
14 December 06:19
Police probe murder of security guards killed at refuse site
Western Cape police are probing the murder of two security guards who were killed at the Loerie Fourie garden refuse site near Kwanonqaba in Mossel Bay.
Police were alerted to the two bodies, found outside the guarding office on-site, at around 05:00 on Monday, said police spokesperson Sergeant Christopher Spies.
Both victims were shot in the head, and police are yet to establish the motive for the killing, said Spies.
No arrests have been made yet.Anyone with information is urged to contact the Kwanonqaba police at 044 606 5609.
– Nicole McCain
13 December 20:37
Gauteng police arrest 12 after foiling planned business robbery
Police arrested twelve people after foiling a planned armed robbery at a shopping mall in Benoni.
Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo says authorities were alerted about the planned robbery on Monday.
The joint team from SAPS Tactical Response Team Gauteng Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Unit, among others, followed the group from Johannesburg to Benoni.
Masondo says the armed robbers travelled in three vehicles fitted with false number plates.
Authorities seized three unlicensed firearms with twenty-three live rounds. Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, said police would be on high alert to protect residents and properties throughout the festive season.
– Cebelihle Bhengu
13 December 15:37
13 December 12:22
ANC, ABC coalition comes to an end in eThekwini
The ANC has successfully removed Abantu Batho Congress (ABC) party leader Philani Mavundla from the eThekwini Metro executive committee (exco).
There were 125 votes for Mavundla to be removed and 59 against, with five abstaining.
This means that Mavundla will no longer be deputy mayor or chairperson of the Human Settlements and Infrastructure committee.
Tensions between Mavundla and eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda appear to be behind the move to remove Mavundla.
The ANC, however, stated that it was Mavundla’s underperformance as chairperson of the human settlements and infrastructure committee that sealed his fate.
– Kaveel Singh
13 December 11:11
JUST IN | Hawks raid corruption-embroiled Tembisa Hospital
Hawks members descended on the corruption-embattled Tembisa Hospital on Tuesday morning and conducted a search and seizure operation.
Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said: “The search and seizure operation emanated from an inquiry into the delegation of fraud and corruption.
“It is alleged that there exist untoward practices about contracts below R500 000 which have been issued purchase orders between 2016 and 2022,” said Mogale.
News24 has been publishing a series of stories that exposed rampant corruption at the hospital. This is a developing story.
– Ntwaagae Seleka
(Picture credit: Ntwaagae Seleka)
13 December 11:06
Clarence Drive in Western Cape closed after rockfall and mudslides
Clarence Drive (R44), the coastal road between Cape Town and the Overstrand, has been closed following a rockfall and mudslides due to heavy rains on Monday.
Western Cape transport department spokesperson Jandre Bakker said the road closure would affect motorists travelling along the coastal road to Gordon’s Bay, Rooi Els and Kleinmond.
He added that road maintenance teams were working hard to clear the road.
Overstrand Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill said traffic officials are on hand to redirect motorists to the alternative route along the N2.
He added that motorists would still be able to access Kleinmond and Betty’s Bay from the R43. Most other routes have been reopened following inclement weather on Monday, but the Ceres – Touws Rivier road remains closed at the Theronsberg Pass.
– Nicole McCain
13 December 09:53
Man rescued from Pretoria river after being swept away during morning run
A runner has been rescued after he was swept away in the Hennopsrivier during a morning run.
According to Emer-G-Med paramedic spokesperson Kyle van Reenen, emergency service crews were called out to the Centurion river at around 07:00 on Tuesday.
“Reports from the scene are that a male had been reported missing after going for his morning run.
“He was spotted in the river in distress, and a rescue operation took place,” said Van Reenen.
The man was rescued and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident and the events preceding it are unclear. It is still to be established how the man came to be in the river,” said Van Reenen.
– Nicole McCain
13 December 07:57
Sixth person in the dock over Collins Chabane mayor murder
A sixth man arrested in connection with the murder of Collins Chabane mayor Moses Maluleke was expected to appear in Malamulele Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said the 31-year-old man had been “on the radar” of police since the July murder, in which Maluleke and his son were shot at home in Saselamani.
The son was injured.
The man was arrested in Thohoyandou in October. There was a shootout during the arrest in which the man was injured and later hospitalised.
According to Mojapelo, the man has been linked to a series of serious crimes, including the murder of a Legal Aid lawyer in Thohoyandou and business robberies committed in the Vhembe District.
– Nicole McCain
13 December 06:54
Dubai businessman believed to have paid for 20 Phala Phala buffaloes says money was intended to buy house – report
The Dubai businessman at the centre of the Phala Phala scandal reportedly said he was willing to testify in legal proceedings into the matter.
According to a report by Sky News, Hazim Mustafa claimed he brought $600 000 (R10.5 million) into South Africa with the intention of buying a house.
However, he decided instead to try buffalo breeding and purchased 20 buffaloes from Phala Phala.
Mustafa reportedly insisted that he did not know the farm was owned by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
– Nicole McCain
12 December 20:50
12 December 13:59
Carl Niehaus expelled from the ANC
Former uMkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans’ Association spokesperson Carl Niehaus has been expelled from the ANC.
The ANC’s National Disciplinary Committee found Niehaus guilty of six charges of misconduct for bringing the party into disrepute.
This was in relation to his defence of former president Jacob Zuma following the Constitutional Court ruling he be imprisoned for contempt of court.
One of his comments was that “the ruling of the Constitutional Court is a travesty of justice… The law is being used selectively as an instrument to fight political and factional battles.”
– Juniour Khumalo
12 December 11:25
New speaker elected for Western Cape Legislature
The DA’s Daylin Mitchell has been elected as the new Western Cape Parliament Speaker.
This comes after former speaker Masizole Mnqasela was given the boot by the DA over disparaging comments he made about the party and its decisions.
Mnqasela is challenging the move, which stripped him of his membership and resulted in him no longer being a member of the house.
Mitchell, 36, is the current transport MEC.
Upon his appointment in 2021, he was the youngest member of Premier Alan Winde’s cabinet.
He was nominated by MPL Ivan Meyer, with his nomination seconded by provincial DA leader Tertuis Simmers.
The ANC’s Cameron Dugmore nominated Nobulumko Degracia Nkondlo, seconded by Khalid Sayed. Mitchell received 23 votes and Nkondlo 11.
– Tammy Petersen
(Screengrab from house sitting)
12 December 08:24
Deadly N1 highway crash claims 11 lives
Eleven people have died in an accident on the N1 highway in the Free State.
Free State Emergency Medical Services (EMS) spokesperson Sipho Towa said the accident took place in the early hours of Monday morning between a truck and taxi.
“At about 03:25, Emergency Medical Services were activated for a collision on N1 between Verkeerdevlei and Winburg.
“On arrival, they noticed that a truck and a taxi collided head-on and bodies were lying on the side of the road, some trapped in the taxi,” said Towa.
Among the 11 dead are four children. Three others were injured and were transported to Pelonomi Trauma Hospital.
The southbound lanes of the highway were closed to traffic at the time of publication.
– Nicole McCain
12 December 07:50
Four arrested after Mpumalanga man is killed in vigilante attack
Four people were arrested on Sunday in connection with a Limpopo vigilante attack in which a 22-year-old man was killed.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the victim was killed in a “vigilante-related incident” in Nkomo village on Wednesday.
He said the man had been accused of stealing clothes and cellphones before a group assaulted him.
He died of his injuries, Ledwaba said.
The murder was reported to the police in Giyani, and an investigation led officers to four men, aged between 20 and 31.
“They were arrested on Sunday and will soon face a murder charge when they appear before Giyani Magistrate’s Court,” said Ledwaba.
– Nicole McCain
11 December 13:00
Rescue teams recover body of police officer swept away by Soweto floods
City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) and other rescue teams have found the body of a police officer who was swept away by floods that hit Soweto on Friday.
His body was found on Sunday morning in Mofolo South, with his service pistol still on him.
Xolile Khumalo from Joburg EMS said a family member “confirmed that the body that has been found is indeed that of a police officer who was swept by the floods on Friday”.
A source who was part of the rescue team, and who chose to remain anonymous, also told News24 that the officer still had his gun on him when his body was recovered.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Athlenda Mathe, said they would be releasing a detailed statement soon.
– Zandile Khumalo
11 December 12:34
Two funeral parlour workers killed as hearse overturns, injures suspected hitchhiker in Eastern Cape
Two funeral parlour workers have been killed after the driver lost control of the hearse they were travelling in, and the vehicle overturned. A hitchhiker was also injured in the accident.
The hearse crashed on the R391 road between Burgersdop and Steynsburg on Saturday.
According to Eastern Cape Department of Transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose, there were three men travelling in the hearse when it overturned.
The third person, believed to have hitched a ride in the bakkie, sustained injuries and was taken to Burgersdorp Provincial Hospital.
“It’s suspected that alcohol use may have played a role in this crash,” added Binqose.
Burgersdorp police have opened a culpable homicide docket for investigation.
– Cebelihle Mthethwa
(PHOTO: Supplied/Eastern Cape Department of Transport)
11 December 10:37
Search under way for teen boy who disappeared while swimming in Cape Town
A 17-year-old boy has gone missing while swimming at Monwabisi beach in Cape Town.
His family reported to officials that he had not returned from swimming in the water on Saturday.
Members of the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), City of Cape Town (COCT) lifeguards, police and law enforcement officers conducted a search at the Wolfgat Nature Reserve.
However, there were no signs of the boy.
“On Sunday, a search by the police dive unit is continuing; they are being joined by a law enforcement marine unit, COCT lifeguards, and NSRI Strandfontein to continue searching for the missing teenager,” NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon said.
Lambinon further appealed to bathers to only swim at beaches where lifeguards are on duty.
– Cebelihle Mthethwa
09 December 14:06
Durban man gets life sentence for stabbing mom to death in fight over money
A Durban man was sentenced to life imprisonment for stabbing his mother to death, police said on Friday.
The Verulam Regional Court convicted and sentenced Shalendra Samath, 37, on Wednesday to life imprisonment for the murder and a further 15 years for robbery.
He was found guilty of stabbing his 62-year-old mother, Ormilla Samath multiple times at Everest Heights during a fight over money in July 2021.
He then took her cash and fled the scene.
“Violence against women and children will not be tolerated and the police will stop at nothing in their quest to attain sentences that are proportional to the gruesome crime perpetrated against vulnerable groups in our society,” said police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda.
– Kaveel Singh
09 December 06:57
Northern Cape police arrest man found with gun, uncut diamonds, cash and foreign currency
Northern Cape police arrested a man with uncut diamonds, an unlicensed firearm and an undisclosed amount of cash during an operation late on Wednesday night.
The man was travelling in a minibus taxi with an unknown number of alleged accomplices at the time of his arrest.
When police pulled over the vehicle, the people inside jumped out and ran into the bushes.
Police apprehended one person, said police spokesperson Captain Olebogeng Tawana. The value of the diamonds had not been supplied at the time of publication. The cash included foreign currencies.
– Nicole McCain
08 December 21:01
ATM bombers walk away empty-handed in Mpumalanga
A group who bombed an ATM in Lydenburg walked away empty-handed, Mpumalanga police said on Thursday.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala says ATM in Voortrekker Street was damaged in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
“A case of illegal use of explosives and the incident is under investigation, but no one has been arrested so far. However, police are probing the matter,” Mohlala said.
Police commissioner in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, said law enforcement is prioritising the case and would ensure the arrests of perpetrators.
– Cebelihle Bhengu
08 December 15:39
JUST IN | ConCourt dismisses Zuma’s final bid to have prosecutor Downer removed
The Constitutional Court has unanimously dismissed Jacob Zuma’s last attempt to force the removal of prosecutor Billy Downer through a so-called “special plea” process, which the former president contended would entitle him to an acquittal.
This means, conceivably, that Zuma’s long-awaited arms deal case could actually go ahead – unless he brings another legal challenge to block the trial from going ahead.
And that seems likely, as he is currently seeking to privately prosecute Downer and this writer for alleged violations of the National Prosecuting Authority Act in a separate case linked to News24’s publication of court papers containing a sick note from one of the former president’s military doctors.
– Karyn Maughan
08 December 08:10
JUST IN | 27 December declared public holiday
President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared Tuesday, 27 December a public holiday in lieu of Christmas Day falling on a Sunday.
The Public Holiday’s Act allows that whenever a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a public holiday.
However, this festive season, Monday 26 December (Day of Goodwill) overlaps with Monday after Christmas.
This would cause only 11 paid public holidays instead of the 12 annually specified in the Public Holidays Act, said Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.
– Nicole McCain
08 December 07:38
70 firefighters battle to contain blaze at Cape Town office building
Around 70 City of Cape Town firefighters were on Thursday morning battling to contain a fire that broke out at an office building in Phumelela Park, Montague Gardens.
The firefighters were called to the scene in Montague Drive at around 03:20.
“At present, we have 15 firefighting appliances, excluding specialised vehicles on scene, with 70 firefighters working to contain the fire,” said City of Cape Town fire and rescue spokesperson Jermaine Carelse.
No injuries were reported, and Carelse said the cause of the fire was unknown.
– Nicole McCain
(Photo: City of Cape Town)
08 December 06:52
Man in court after R2.8m drugs found in a false compartment of his car
A suspected drug trafficker was expected to appear in court on Thursday after he was allegedly found in possession of more than R2.8 million worth of mandrax.
The 37-year-old man was apprehended on Tuesday on the R60 between Robertson and Worcester after the Hawks received a tip-off, said Western Cape Hawks spokesperson Zini Hani.
She said the team acted on intelligence information of a suspect who was travelling from Gauteng to Cape Town with a vehicle loaded with mandrax tablets.
The mandrax tablets were found hidden in a false compartment of the vehicle he was driving, added Hani.
The man, who was charged with dealing in drugs, was expected to appear in the Worcester Magistrate’s Court.
– Nicole McCain
07 December 12:52
JUST IN | Chris Hani’s killer Janusz Walus released from prison on parole
Janusz Walus, the man who assassinated Chris Hani, has been released on parole, the Justice and Correctional Services ministry said on Wednesday.
Walus’ release comes after he was discharged from hospital earlier today.
He had been receiving treatment in prison after he was stabbed by a fellow inmate last week.
Last month, the Constitutional Court ordered that Walus be released on parole.
– Sheldon Morais
07 December 11:42
JUST IN | #Loadshedding jumps to Stage 6 | @News24_Business https://t.co/EGfaWacMKA pic.twitter.com/bRRft68EK2
07 December 11:37
Inmates stab warders at St Albans prison
Three prison warders are currently receiving treatment after being stabbed by two inmates on Wednesday morning.The incident happened at St Albans Correctional Centre in the Eastern Cape.
Spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Services, Singabakho Nxumalo said the incident took place during breakfast at Medium B section.
He said the department would conduct a full-scale investigation internally then open a case with the SAPS.
“Behaviour of this nature cannot go unpunished hence the department will utilise available measures in law to take action against the perpetrators.
“As the department, we would like to wish our officials a speedy recovery,” said Nxumalo, adding that they were assisting the warders with the necessary support.
– Botho Molosankwe
06 December 19:58
Cape fire burning ‘out of control’ towards Villiersdorp
Firefighters from the Cape Winelands District Municipality are battling a fire burning “out of control” in the direction of Villiersdorp.
Municipality spokesperson Jo-Anne Otto said on Tuesday that the fire started to spread rapidly around 18:00.
Firefighters from surrounding municipalities were also deployed to extinguish the raging blaze.”There are currently seven fire fighting vehicles which were deployed from the [municipality’s] other fire fighting stations and three ground crews on scene.
“The aerial support and two vehicles from Stellenbosch station are en route. The choppers will fly until nightfall, and ground teams, fire vehicles, and personnel will stay on the scene,” Otto said.
– Cebelihle Bhengu
06 December 14:56
Bodies of two women found with hands bound in open veld in Roodepoort
The bodies of two women were found in an open veld in Matholesville, Roodepoort, Gauteng police said.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said residents made the gruesome discovery on Monday and alerted authorities.
Masondo said the women’s hands were bound together.
“It is suspected that the victims were killed somewhere and dumped in an open veld.”
The women, aged between 20 and 25, have not been identified yet.
Police are investigating the murders.
– Iavan Pijoos
05 December 18:52
Mpumalanga police launch search for truck driver, owner, after confiscating R29 million worth of drugs
The search is on for a truck driver and its owner after police seized 200kg of suspected cocaine at the Lebombo border post on Saturday morning.
The truck, which had a Gauteng registration number, had been travelling from Mozambique to South Africa.
Police cleared the vehicle to pass after the driver declared his consignment as hairpieces.
The cargo was cleared, but was then chosen for further inspection by customs officials.
The driver “sneaked away under the pretence that he would get hold of the truck owner”, according to police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala.
The truck was searched and the drug haul was discovered hidden inside the vehicle.
Mohlala said the contraband has an estimated value of R29.3 million.
Police confiscated the drugs and vehicle.
They have made no arrests, but are “doing their best” to locate the driver and truck owner, Mohlala said.
– Cebelihle Bhengu
(Photo: Supplied)
05 December 12:51
Klawer murder accused still waiting for bed at Valkenberg Hospital
Daniel Smit, the man accused of killing Klawer teen Jerobejin van Wyk, 13, is still awaiting bed space at Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital in the Western Cape.
Jerobejin’s remains were found in the sewage drains of Smit’s home in Klawer after he went missing in February this year.
Smit made a brief appearance in the Klawer Magistrate’s Court on Monday morning.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, said the matter was postponed until 3 January next year for the availability of a place at Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital.
Smit is number 42 on the waiting list for mental evaluation at the facility.
– Marvin Charles
05 December 06:58
KZN police thwart farm attack, arrest wanted man and alleged accomplice
KwaZulu-Natal police foiled a planned farm attack in Vryheid over the weekend and arrested two people.
One of the people arrested has been on the police’s wanted list following farm attacks in Paulpietersburg and Louwsburg in July, said police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda.
The two people were stopped on the R69 Vryheid Road and police found them in possession of two firearms, with the serial numbers filed off, and ammunition. They will appear in court soon.
– Nicole McCain
05 December 06:30
Man to appear in court for allegedly strangling brother to death during argument
A North West man is expected to appear in court on Monday in connection with the murder of his brother whom he allegedly strangled to death.
The 36-year-old man was arrested on Saturday after he allegedly strangled his younger brother at their home in Lerome village Moruleng, outside Rustenburg, said police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani.
It is believed the incident happened while the two were arguing. However, police are still investigating the matter, added Funani.
– Nicole McCain
04 December 16:07
Ramaphosa’s lawyer says he will challenge section 89 report in ConCourt
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s lawyer has confirmed he will seek to challenge the section 89 panel report that disbelieved his account of the Phala-Phala break-in in the Constitutional Court.
In response to questions from News24 in relation to that application, Ramaphosa’s attorney Peter Harris issued a brief statement on Sunday:“We received instructions some days ago from the President to take the panel’s report and recommendations contained therein on review to the Constitutional Court. Papers will be filed shortly.”
Harris did not confirm when Ramaphosa’s review application would be filed, but it may have a material impact on Parliament’s planned Tuesday vote on whether the President should face an impeachment inquiry over the multiple “prima facie” suspicions raised against him by the section 89 panel.
– Karyn Maughan
04 December 12:23
Nine killed in Mpumalanga crash
Nine people were killed in a head-on collision in Morgenzon, Mpumalanga, on Saturday night.
A BMW and a Mazda collided on the R35 around 22:00, said Road Traffic Management Corporation spokesperson Simon Zwane.
“The cause of the crash is unknown and will be subject to the ongoing investigation.”
– Jenna Verster
04 December 07:21
Baptism tragedy as 2 dead, 15 others missing: Search resumes at Joburg Jukskei River
The Johannesburg EMS team will continue their search on Sunday for 15 people who are alleged to have been swept away at the Jukskei river on Saturday evening.
EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said the search was called off at 22:00 due to a lack of visibility.
“Two people are confirmed dead on the scene and one person was rescued and taken to a nearby healthcare facility,” Mulaudzi said.
It’s understood that a church baptism was being conducted at the river when the incident occurred.
This is a developing story
– Lisalee Solomons
03 December 09:12
5 injured after car crashes into Durban petrol station convenience store
Five people have been injured after a car crashed into a convenience store at a petrol station in Westville, Durban, on Saturday morning.
“[We] arrived on scene to find total chaos as a vehicle crashed through the shop front injuring multiple employees. Immediately more ambulances were dispatched with Advanced Life Support units,” said ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson.
He said the driver of the vehicle and four employees were taken to hospital.”At this stage, the events leading up to the collision [are] unknown, however, SAPS were on the scene and will be investigating further.”
-Lisalee Solomons
03 December 07:41
Hawks arrest 11 armed suspects at OR Tambo International Airport
The Hawks have arrested eleven suspects believed to be involved in an armed robbery that would’ve taken place at OR Tambo International Airports cargo Section on Friday night.
Colonel Katlego Mogale said information was received of an armed robbery that would be taking place at OR Tambo International Airports cargo Section.
“The information was operationalised and the team observed as the identified 8 ton truck with false registration plates and branding entered Swissport,” said Mogale.
-Lisalee Solomons
02 December 14:01
Sanlam administrator who stole R6 million in investors’ pensions gets 15-year jail term
The Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court has sentenced 34-year-old Loyd Koketso Tshotlang to 15 years direct imprisonment, after convicting him of stealing R6.1 million, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said.
Tshotlang, from Atteridgeville, worked as a senior administrator for Corporate Employment Benefit Payment at Sanlam.
He was convicted of 16 counts of theft in September, for stealing from his former employer.
NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said Tshotlang processed and paid pensions and provident funds meant for investors into his own account for his personal use, over a 12 month period from June 2020 to June 2021.“With the proceeds of crime, he bought himself luxury items and an expensive lifestyle. After internal investigations by Sanlam, Tshotlang was arrested on 29 June 2021.
“Tshotlang pleaded guilty to the charges against him, and told the court, through his legal representative, that he was remorseful for his deeds.
– Warda Meyer
02 December 12:58
‘Security threat’ disrupts schooling in Boksburg
The Gauteng Department of Education has confirmed that police were called in on Friday following a security threat at some of the high schools in Boksburg.
“At this stage, there is no further information on what the threat may have been or where it emerged from. However, it did cause panic among our Boksburg schools,” education department spokesperson Steve Mabona said.
Mabona said matriculants from Boksburg High School and School of Achievement were affected as they had to start their exam papers late after the police implemented security measures to ensure pupils’ safety.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said the emergence of this security threat was “quite concerning”.
“We appreciate the assistance from law enforcement agencies who prioritised the safety of our schools,” Chiloane added.
– Iavan Pijoos
02 December 08:59
Police vehicle overturns on Cape Town highway, causing traffic delays
Cape Town motorists entering the city centre face major delays after a police vehicle overturned on Hospital Bend on Friday morning.
City of Cape Town traffic spokesperson Keith Jacobs confirmed the incident, saying the scene was under the jurisdiction of the police.
Western Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said a reckless and negligent driving case is under investigation.
“The injured passenger was taken to a medical facility for treatment. There were no other vehicles involved in the accident, he added.
– Nicole McCain
02 December 07:12
Municipal cashier nabbed for allegedly manipulating eNatis system, pocketing R120k
A Northern Cape municipal cashier has appeared in court facing 20 counts of fraud. On Thursday, the Hawks arrested Nomava Luwalala, 44, an employee of Emthanjeni Municipality, at work.
She is accused of manipulating the eNatis system and failing to report all the money received between 2019 to December 2020.
The municipality suffered a loss of more than R120 000, said Northern Cape Hawks spokesperson Captain Tebogo Thebe.
Luwalala appeared in court on Thursday and was granted bail of R1 000. Her next appearance will be on 20 March.
– Nicole McCain
05 Dec
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