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Eskom has announced yet another  #PowerAlert1, this time the return of loadshedding Stage 3. In a statement released on Saturday , 22 February 2025, the power utility said:  Following over 20 days of uninterrupted electricity supply, Eskom has encountered another temporary setback.  As a result, Stage 3 loadshedding will be implemented from today at 17:30 until further notice.  Eskom will give an update on Sunday 23 February 2025.

POTCHEFSTROOM - Police in Taung launched a manhunt after a Police Officer’s private vehicle was allegedly torched in the early hours of Thursday morning, 20 February 2025, at his residence at Ditshilong village, Taung. Reports suggest that a 41-year-old Sergeant and his family members were asleep when they were woken up by the sound of his vehicle’s alarm. The member went outside to investigate, but sadly found his vehicle burning. Police and Fire Brigades were called to the scene. Neither the member nor his family members sustained injuries. A case of malicious damage to property was opened and investigations into the matter continue. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of North West, Major General Patrick Asaneng strongly condemns the incident and stated that the police will not rest until the arrest is effected to ensure that alleged perpetrator(s) is or are arrested.

KEMPTON PARK - The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested two South African nationals for drug trafficking at OR Tambo International Airport and seized cocaine with an estimated street value of R7.5 million. The pair, a male and a female, arrived separately on different flights from Brazil when they were intercepted by police. Upon inspection, the female suspect was found in possession of cocaine worth R2.5 million, while the male suspect was carrying R5 million worth of cocaine in his luggage. They were subsequently arrested and will face charges related to drug trafficking. Investigations are ongoing.

GAUTENG - While on patrol, members of the Gauteng Multi-Disciplinary Tracking Team, including Gauteng Traffic Police SLEU, Flying Squad (RR 1107), EMPD CLU, and DPCI TOMS HQ, received intelligence regarding a Toyota Land Cruiser traveling on the M1, suspected of carrying stolen property. The vehicle was spotted on Corlett Drive and was tactically stopped. Upon questioning, the driver declared possession of 15 precious stones (Diamonds), along with a Glock 19 firearm, two magazines, and 29 live rounds of ammunition. The firearm was tested and returned negative. While on scene, members of DPCI SOCI PTA arrived and confirmed that the driver was already under investigation for a similar case related to diamonds in Bronkhorstspruit. When asked to provide valid documentation permitting him to possess precious metals, the suspect failed to do so. The suspect was immediately placed under arrest for possession of stolen property.

DURBAN - Gqom duo CampMasters is part of a collective that has elevated the Durban-rooted genre out of life support. The rise and dominance of Amapiano shook the music scene in South Africa and forced its dominance on the global stage. This wave shrunk the popularity of genres such as Gqom and Kwaito. However, CampMasters, separately known as Mzwandile Khuluse and Khumbulani  'Wonder Boy' Langa from Umlazi, continued to revive the Gqom genre by releasing music for their fans. Showing perseverance, the duo released a song titled Vuthela  which its success reaffirmed their love from the fans. "We’d like to take this opportunity to Thank you. This message is for everyone who helped catapult Vathela to these heights. Our hearts are filled with gratitude, joy and appreciation for the support you have shown our music over the years, especially with Vathela. "Your love and support has been nothing short of amazing and we would like to make it public that we real...

PARKTOWN - The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Chief of Police, Chief Patrick Jaca, has praised his  Tactical Response Unit officers for apprehending a Congolese suspect in connection with the Zanzou Hatfield Club case in Yeoville, Johannesburg. On Thursday night, 20 February 2025, officers received trusted information regarding a male suspect linked to the Zanzou Club incident who was spotted in Yeoville. Whilst conducting patrols in Yeoville, the officers noticed a man matching the description of the suspect seen in social media videos related to the incident. Upon further investigation, officers confirmed his identity and placed the male under arrest. The South African Police Service (SAPS) Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit was immediately notified, and the suspect was detained at Brooklyn SAPS in Tshwane.  He has been charged with compelled rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and crimen injuria. T...

PARKTOWN -The Provincial Commissioner of the Police in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni has hailed the breakthrough in the Hatfield Club case following the arrest of a suspect at Yeoville by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department officials on Thursday, 20 February 2025. The JMPD officials were conducting patrols in the area when they noticed the man resembling one of the Hatfield Club bouncers they have seen on videos circulating on social media. They stopped the man and upon satisfying themselves that indeed he was the one they have seen on the videos, they placed him under arrest and detained him at a police station. Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences officers were immediately notified. The suspect has for now been charged with compelled rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and crimen injuria. He is being linked with the two cases which have been registered in Brooklyn police station. The suspect, a Congolese natio...

LIMPOPO - Mayor of Thabazimbi Local Municipality Tumisang Pilane conducted a site visit to flood-damaged areas. The Mayor, accompanied by Chairperson of Infrastructure Cllr Andries Tshukudu, Cllr Kiniki Sesoma and Ward 4 Cllr Lettah Ndiweni (Chief Whip), visited the R510 road closure near Emery's Rhino Mine before proceeding to the Leeupoort/Raphuti area to assess damage caused by recent floods.  This week's severe weather led to the sweeping away of concrete culvert/ mini bridges, leaving many residents cut off from access to essential services and their properties. In the Raphuti site many houses were also affected by flooding water creating some furrows in their yards. During his visit, the Mayor interacted with several residents, expressing solidarity and support as the community grapples with the impacts of the flooding. Residents appreciated the Mayor's courtesy visit and the attention given to their plight during this challenging time. It was noted that s...

BUTTERWORTH - Six armed suspects were fatally wounded during a shoot-out with police on N2 near Ndabakazi outside Butterworth, EasternCape.  The incident occurred on Thursday, 20 February 2025, at about 14:30. Members attached to the National Intervention unit operationalised after they received information about two vehicles with firearms driving from Cofimvaba.  Police spotted the vehicles next to Cofimvaba and attempted to stop them. The suspects sped off. A chase ensued, and a backup was called to assist on the chase, and while they were between Ndabakazi and Butterworth, the alleged suspects shot at the Police who then retaliated. On investigation, six people were fatally wounded, and firearms were recovered on their vehicles The case has been referred to Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for further investigation. This is a developing story.

DURBAN - Over night floods have wreaked havoc in KwaZulu-Natal resulting in fatalities and structural damages. It is reported that at least six people have died when a wall collapsed while they were asleep in Durban due to heavy rain. The disastrous incident happened on the night of Wednesday on the south of Durban.   Among the fatalities is a 45-year-old male from KwaMakhutha, a 13-year-old boy in Folweni, a 12-year-old girl in Demat, and a 13-year-old girl in Ensimbini.  It is reported that eThekwini Disaster Management authorities are attending to displaced families. The heavy rains this week have not only caused major damage in Durban but across numerous provinces, including Limpopo. This rain has also caused electricity and water disruptions in heavily impacted communities. This is a developing story.

BRAAMFONTEIN - The Department for Higher Education and Training (DHET) recently partnered with City of Johannesburg's Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (CRUM) Region F to host an awareness campaign against illegal private higher education institutions on Tuesday, 18 February 2025. Led by Dr Mimmy Gondwe, the Deputy Minister for Higher Education and Training, the campaign aims to educate individuals on the importance of verifying the accreditation and legitimacy of education providers before enrolling. Representatives from Umalusi, the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations, the South African Qualifications Authority, and the Council on Higher Education participated in the campaign, emphasising the importance of checking college registration.  Private education and training providers are required to register with the DHET, which regulates higher education institutions. This is to ensure that they operate within the law and to protect students from fraudulent ...

LIMPOPO - Parts of Limpopo have turned into disastrous zones following persistent rainfall across the country. The Thabazimbi Local Municipality released a statement to caution its residents about severely affected areas and routes. STATEMENT READS: Due to the recent strong storms, some roads in our area are currently flooded and remain driven. However, some roads, including Elandskuil and the 10-mile route to Dwaalboom, are closed due to severe flooding. Additionally, the bridges in the surrounding areas are affected by flooding, and this is causing dangerous conditions. Important infrastructure such as railway lines near R510 between Thabazimbi and Northam have also been affected, with parts damaged and demolished in shape. In response to this tragedy, TLM mayor Cllr Tumisang Pilane, together with the chairman of Mafaratlhatlhatlha, Cllr Andries Tshukudu, Mmusakgotla Cllr Dingaan Sebata, Cllr Kinicki Sesoma, Councillor of Woto 5 Maxwell Magetse, and Councillor of Woto 7 J...

NIGEL - A 49 year old male nurse, from Duduza, appeared at the Nigel Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 19 February.  He faces charges of rape for allegedly raping a 17-year-old boy. He further faces a charge of sexual assault for allegedly sexually assaulting a 19-year-old young man.  It is alleged that in August 2023, the 17-year-old boy was admitted at Springs Netcare Private Hospital, where the accused was employed as a nurse for a medical procedure when he met the accused. During his stay at the hospital, it is alleged that the accused made advances towards the boy. The boy was later discharged from the hospital because his medical aid was depleted, and he was unable to continue with his stay at the hospital. However, the accused allegedly promised to continue caring for the boy and bring him medication at his home until he fully recovered.  After the boy was discharged from the hospital, it is alleged that the accused would visit him at his home and bri...

DURBAN - The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health confirms the tragic incident that occurred at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in Umlazi on the evening of 18 February 2025, resulting in the death of a 39-year-old patient. The patient, who had been admitted (for the condition which we can not divulge because of the patient doctor privacy) to the hospital on Friday, 14 February 2025, was placed in isolation, due to his medical condition. It is alleged that the patient ignited a cigarette lighter while in close proximity to an oxygen mask that he was wearing which was connected to the oxygen main line, that led to a fire which was contained in his single bed cubicle. The incident took place at approximately 19h00 during visiting hours.  Another patient in the neighboring single ward alerted the nursing staff, who immediately responded to the emergency. Upon arrival, the ward was filled with smoke, and the staff quickly retrieved fire extinguishers to contain the blaze....

PRETORIA - The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Public Representatives in the City of Tshwane has requested the Department of Labour to conduct a thorough compliance check at Zanzou.  The Pretoria-based nightclub has been thrust into the spotlight following disturbing videos of men being tortured which has prompted public outcry. "It is essential to determine whether the club adheres to all relevant labor regulations, including employee rights, working conditions, and safety standards.  "Additionally, we need to verify that the security personnel operating at all Zanzou-linked clubs are PSIRA-compliant, ensuring they meet the necessary qualifications and legal requirements for security services. This investigation is crucial to uphold the integrity of operations and protect both employees and patrons," the EFF stated. The nightclub remains closed. Police has encouraged the victims to open cases.  This is a developing story.

PRETORIA - Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD) has alerted motorists of road closures caused by disruptive rainfall and flooding across Gauteng. Please note the following road closures due to heavy rains and flooding: Centurion * Blackwood Street - Closed * Lyttleton Street - Closed * Soutter Street- Closed * Apies River Bridge - Closed * End and Rabie Street - Closed Capital Park * Flower Street at Eskia Mphahlele Drive  "Motorists are urged to avoid driving in low lying water bridges during heavy rains and storms "Also take precautionary measures when driving in places that are likely to be affected by heavy rains.  "When driving in wet weather, avoid speed, switch on headlamps and drive cautiously," TMPD cautioned.

GAUTENG - Spaza shop owners and other food handling facilities have until 28 February 2025, to register their businesses.  Last year, President Cyril Ramaphosa extended the registration deadline for all spaza shops and food handling outlets after initially announcing the registration directive in November 2024.  This extension follows a serious incident involving foodborne illnesses, which resulted in over 890 cases and nearly 30 deaths since September 2024. In October last year, six primary school children from Naledi, Soweto, died after allegedly eating snacks from a foreign-owned local spaza shop. The registration is open on business days only and excludes public holidays and weekends.  Business owners who are eligible to register for this purpose are urged to visit their registration centres in their respective municipalities.  “Government wishes to thank all those who have taken the time to register their businesses and urge those who are still to r...

SOWETO - Coach Nasreddine Nabi endured a night to forget as his Kaizer Chiefs side were defeated 4-1 by SuperSport United in a Betway Premiership encounter at a rain-soaked FNB stadium on Tuesday evening. Two erstwhile Glamour Boys did the early damage, with Samir Nurkovic opening the scoring very early on and Christian Saile restoring Matsatsantsa a Pitoli’s lead after Glody Lilepo had briefly drawn Chiefs level with yet another towering headed goal. SuperSport scored twice more in the second half through Giamphani Lungu and Siphesihle Ndlovu, either side of Gaston Sirino receiving a red card for violent conduct. Amakhosi made an uncharacteristically slow start to the match and their typical sharp passing was clearly hampered by the unfavourable conditions, with the heavy pitch slowing the ball down noticeably.

CAPE TOWN - All eyes will be on Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana today, Wednesday afternoon, when he delivers the 2025 Budget Speech in Parliament, Cape Town.   “During the Budget Speech, the Finance Minister indicates the allocation of financial resources to the national government’s priorities outlined by President Cyril Ramaphosa in the State of the Nation Address,” Parliament said in a statement. He will provide a detailed plan for 2025 spending, including proposals for revenue collection to help fund the government’s planned interventions and commitments. The Budget Speech, among other things, aims to balance economic growth and support for the vulnerable in our society, despite limited resources. The Minister will also introduce the Appropriation Bill and table the 2025 Division of Revenue Bill, which Parliament will process in the following months. The Appropriation Bill effects adjustments to the appropriation of money from the National Revenue Fund for t...

PRETORIA - South Africa (BOSA) leader Mmusi Maimane has weighed in on the #Zanzou nightclub saga, demanding government to audit all nightclubs. "Minister Senzo Mchunu we have heard disturbing reports of drug activity in nightclubs and now we have seen very disturbing footage of torture in a Tshwane nightclub.  "I urge you to make sure that this matter is investigated thoroughly and that all involved face justice," Maimane wrote to the Police Minister. Although the police have encouraged the victims of the sexual assault to come forward and open cases, Maimane has also called on on SAPS to urgently update the public on the facts, the timelines, the investigating officers and the turnaround times for dealing with this matter in a press conference.  "What happened in this nightclub is a symptom of what is happening across South Africa in these establishments. We cannot let evil persist while we do nothing," he said. More videos depicting men being tort...

JOHANNESBURG - The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) is urging all motorists to exercise extreme caution while driving due to the continuous rainfall currently affecting the City of Johannesburg.  The wet weather conditions are creating hazardous driving situations and significantly reducing visibility, warned JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla. "We received reports of one fatal accident on the N1 North after Winnie Mandela Drive. Two left lanes were affected, resulting in heavy traffic congestion extending back to Malibongwe Drive. There was also a crash on the N1 North/N12 Misgund Interchange in Devland. The left lane was blocked," he said. "On the M1 South, there are heavy delays from Grayston Drive in Sandton towards Athol Oaklands Road in Melrose." Furthermore, Fihla said they have received reports of localised flooding along Main Road near the Jukskei River between Lonehill and Midrand. Motorists are advised to avoid thi...

PRETORIA - ActionSA has condemned the violent and humiliating treatment of a group of young South African men, allegedly at the hands of nightclub owners and security personnel in Tshwane. The violent and humiliating treatment was captured in a series of videos, showing patrons being forced to perform acts of a sexual nature on themselves. In another part, they are seen lying face down on the floor with their hands tied behind them. "ActionSA fully supports swift action by the City of Tshwane and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to urgently track down and arrest the perpetrators of this violence," said party President Herman Mashaba. "It is unacceptable that in 2025, such incidents are still happening in our country. There must be consequences, regardless of who is responsible. ActionSA is committed to pursuing this matter until a decisive and punitive outcome is delivered against the perpetrators. "We also call on the authorities, particularly th...

SPRINGS - A wife of an Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Officer Sibongile Prudence Dhlamini (43) from Tsakane, together with her co-accused Nhliziyozabantu Mangwenyana (34) from Kwa Temba, appeared at Springs Magistrates’ Court. They are both facing a charge of murder for allegedly killing an EMPD officer, Banele Christopher Sikhosana. Before the killing of Sikhosana, it is alleged that Dhlamini hired Mangwenyana to kill her husband. It is further alleged that on 07 February 2025, at around 07:30 in the morning, Sikhosana had gone to a tuckshop in Kwa Thema when he was shot and killed by Mangwenyana. After investigations by the Police, Mangwenyana was arrested on 10 February 2025. A few days later, on 14 February 2025, the wife, Dhlamini, was arrested at her home while still preparing for the burial of her husband.  In court, the matter was postponed to 21 February 2025, for bail information, and the two accused are remanded in custody.

CENTURION - Disruptive rainfall resulting in flooding is expected across different parts of the country as inclement weather conditions persist this week. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued the following impact-based warnings: A. Orange Level 5 Warning: Disruptive Rainfall resulting in flooding of informal settlements, low-lying areas and bridges as well as dirt roads is expected over the western parts of the North West as well as the central parts of the Free State.  B. Yellow Level 4 Warning: Disruptive Rainfall resulting in flooding of informal settlements, low-lying areas and bridges as well as dirt roads is expected over the north-eastern parts of the North West as well as the northern parts of Gauteng.   C. Yellow Level 2 Warning: Disruptive Rainfall resulting in Localized flooding of informal settlements, low-lying areas and bridges as well as dirt roads, is expected over the south-eastern parts of the North West, southern parts of Gauteng as we...

PRETORIA - The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola has directed the Provincial Commissioner of Gauteng, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni to track and trace suspects who are alleged to have violently abused and assaulted a group of men at a popular nightclub in Pretoria.  General Masemola is also calling on all victims who were subjected to the abuse and assault by the suspects to come forward and open a case at the Brooklyn police station which is in the jurisdiction of the said establishment or at any nearest police station, wherein the case will be later transferred to the Brooklyn police station.  The police are at this stage looking at various offences that have been committed including assault, assault GBH, crimen injuria, and kidnapping.  The actions depicted in the video also contravene the POPIA Act in which they displayed and distributed the faces and bodily features of the victims.  Witness...

DURBAN - One person was  killed and another left in a critical condition following a horrific accident on Edwin Swales Drive before Bluff Road just before 5am on Monday morning.  ALS Paramedics Medical Services arrived on the scene to find total carnage after a light motor vehicle had lost control and collided into the back of a stationary truck on the roadway.  Paramedics quickly assessed the wreckage and found that there were two occupants in the vehicle which were severely entrapped. Advanced Life Support Paramedics together with the Ethekwini Fire Department worked to get the men free and on assessment found that the driver, a male believed to be in his thirties had sustained major injuries and there was nothing more Paramedics could do for him and he was declared deceased on the scene.  The passenger a male believed to also be in his thirties was found in a critical condition and was stabilized on the scene by Advanced Life Support Paramedics before ...

GQEBERHA - The world’s ‘first openly gay’ Imam, Moegsien Hendricks, was shot dead in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Hendricks was killed at the weekend where he was reportedly invited to officiate a wedding between a lesbian couple. Police spokesperson, Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, who confirmed the incident said the motive for the shooting is unknown. “It is alleged that at approximately 10am, the deceased, 58, Imam Moegsien Hendricks, and a driver were inside a gold-coloured VW T-Roc in Haley Place, Extension 24, Bethelsdorp, when a silver-coloured Hilux double cab stopped in front and blocked them from driving off. “Two unknown suspects with covered faces got out of the vehicle and started firing multiple shots at the vehicle. Thereafter, they fled the scene and the driver noticed that Hendricks, who was seated at the back of the vehicle, was shot and killed," she said. No arrests have been made as yet. This is a developing story.

CAPE TOWN - The accelerator programme for start-up entrepreneurs, now in its ninth year, aims to contribute to skills development, innovation and job creation in Cape Town.  Applications for this year's #YouthStartCT are open until March 16, 2025. The city is inviting entrepreneurs with established businesses, as well as those in the concept or planning phase, to apply now. The competition aims to give entrepreneurs access to developmental opportunities and resources to unlock opportunities for their business, and so stimulate job creation. Competition categories this year are Agriculture and farming, Information Technology, Finance and Business Services, Tourism and Manufacturing. "The #YouthStartCT competition has attracted hundreds of young business owners and would be entrepreneurs since its launch, and we hope to see many more entrants exploiting the opportunity this year. This flagship youth development programme offers opportunities for new ideas and collabo...

DURBAN - Twenty people were injured in a serious taxi accident on the M4 South Bound by Himalayas Road just after 13h15 on Sunday afternoon. ALS Paramedics Medical Services arrived on the scene to find total carnage after a taxi and a light motor vehicle collided on the freeway before the taxi overturned multiple times coming to rest on its side.  Paramedics quickly assessed the scene and set up a triage system before calling for more ambulances as well as Advanced Life Support Paramedics to assist with the multiple casualty scene.  A total of twenty people had sustained various injuries ranging from moderate to serious were stabilized on the scene before been transported to various Durban Hospitals for the further treatment that they required.   At this stage the events leading up to the accident are unknown; however, SAPS were on the scene to investigate the accident.

PRETORIA - The South African Police Service (SAPS) says it has received numerous enquiries regarding the finalisation of its 2024/2025 recruitment and selection process. The arrival of trainees at various SAPS academies commenced as from last week Monday, with 3 359 trainees currently undergoing training. A second group of successful candidates will be notified in writing to report for training, Lt Col Amanda van Wyk reaffirmed. "The SAPS confirms that the remaining 2 186 trainees will commence training before the end of February 2025. "Due to the high number of trainees, the SAPS has adopted a staggered approach to accommodate their arrival at SAPS academies nationwide," said van Wyk. "The SAPS advises all applicants who have undergone the recruitment and selection process to remain patient as they await further communication," she urged hopeful applicants.

 CAPE TOWN - Investigators from the Department of Home Affairs, assisted by the South African Police Service (SAPS), this morning detained Ms Anabela Rungo, the mother of Ms Chidimma Adetshina (pictured), at a property in Cape Town. The Department withdrew Ms Rungo’s South African documentation in September 2024 after finding that it had been fraudulently obtained, rendering her ineligible to continue residing in South Africa. In an apparent act of brazen disregard for the legal consequences of her conduct, it appears that Ms Rungo has defied her “undesirable” status through her Mozambican passport. Investigations are ongoing into further potential misrepresentation and fraudulent conduct. During the operation this morning, investigators from the Counter Corruption and Immigration Services branches of the Department also found Adetshina’s under-aged child residing with Rungo. After being processed by Home Affairs over her apparent illegal continued residence in South Af...

 EAST LONDON - SAPS Eastern Cape hosted a farewell function of the Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene who is retiring at the end of the February 2025. The joyful and yet emotional event was held at Summit Lifestyle Centre on Friday, 14 February 2025. Amongst the attendees was the MEC for Transport and Community Safety Hon Xolile Nqatha, the National Commissioner General Masemola, the SAPS senior Managers and other distinguished guests. In his keynote, MEC for Transport and Community Safety Hon Nqatha described the Provincial Commissioner as a strong woman in leadership. Eastern Cape had challenges in crime but she pulled through and ensured that her members are bringing the perpetrators to book, and that brought trust to the communities. He wished her well in the new journey that she will embark on as a retiree and encouraged her to look after herself. The gifts were pouring like rain drops in bidding farewell to the Provincial Co...