TrendySA Online

SALDANHA - An Impala ZU-IMP aircraft has gone viral after crashing during an Airshow in the Western Cape earlier today, Saturday, 22 March. It is reported that the ZU-IMP went down at Saldanha Airshow minutes after taking to the skies. The crash has gone viral due to clips taken by airshow fans whose experience immediately turned for the worst.  The Airshow crew could be heard warning the spectators from taking any further videos of the show or going close to the crash scene. The condition of the pilot is unknown but possibilities of fatal injuries are not ruled out. This is a developing story. Watch: here

JOHANNESURG - Constitution Hill was bustling with activities as it played host to the Human Rights Festival 2025. Showcasing various memorial and modern stalls, the event was part of Human Rights Month.  GCIS, in partnership with Constitution Hill,  provided essential government information on anti-corruption, GBVF, and more, while sharing resources like Vuk’uzenzele and GOZA TV to keep the public informed and engaged.  ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS DAY  In South Africa, Human Rights Day is celebrated on 21 March, in remembrance of the Sharpeville massacre which took place on 21 March 1960. This massacre occurred as a result of protests against the Apartheid regime in South Africa.

KEMPTON PARK - The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested two suspected drug mules at OR Tambo International Airport, bringing the total number of similar arrests at the airport to five since January 2025. A 24-year-old Brazilian man and a 51-year-old South African woman, who had travelled on the same flight from São Paulo, Brazil, were intercepted by police upon their arrival on Thursday, 20 March 2025. Their arrest led to the seizure of cocaine valued at over R1 million. A medical examination confirmed that both suspects had ingested "bullets" suspected to contain cocaine. The process of releasing these substances is ongoing, and the final quantity and value of the seized drugs will be determined upon completion. In addition, police discovered and confiscated more cocaine concealed inside the suspects' luggage. Further investigations are underway to establish any potential links between the two individuals. Earlier today, 21 March 2025, police also...

DURBAN - A family Pitbull was stabbed in the chest after it attacked four members of a family aged between 10 and 76. Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) received several  frantic calls for immediate assistance from residents from Tottenham Road in Parkgate about. 17:41 on Friday afternoon.  Reaction Officers and Paramedics converged on the scene and  found four people that had suffered extensive injuries and blood loss after being attacked by a 2.5 year old Pitbull named Patches. Paramedics stabalized and expedited the injured to a local hospital.  Reaction Officers found Patches on the premise with a stab wound to the chest. The Pitbull was still breathing and immediate assistance was sought from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) to assist the animal.  According to witnesses, the family was preparing meals to break fast when the Pitbull attacked the 10 year old child. The father, grandfather and mother attempted to stop the ...

CAPE TOWN - The Cape Town Triathlon returns to the Mother City this Sunday, 23 March 2025.  The third edition of the RSAWEB Cape Town Triathlon takes place on the Atlantic Seaboard. The three-sport race will take participants on a swim in Granger Bay, a cycle from the Grand Beach Café to Bantry Bay and a run around the Green Point Urban Park. Participants will take on a 1500m swim, 40km cycle and a 10km run for standard distance or a 750m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run for sprint distance. "We are excited to welcome the Cape Town Triathlon back on our streets and coastline after a one-year hiatus. There aren’t many events where participants are tested in the ocean, on land on a bicycle and on foot - all on the same day. Not only is the event a display of the athletes’ physical endurance, but also serves as a wonderful showcase for the Mother City’s natural beauty. We’re looking forward to hosting all the athletes in our beautiful city," said Mayoral Committee Membe...

KWAZULU-NATAL- A violent suspect who fled the scene after he was shot by a Member of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) this morning in Southridge has been located at a Durban hospital in a critical condition.  At approximately, 04:32 Reaction Officers were despatched to Primrose Drive for a House Burglary in Progress. The first Responding Officer to arrive on scene attempted to apprehend the suspect. The man produced a large screwdriver and attacked the Reaction Officer damaging his two way radio and other equipment. The suspect then attempted to stab the Officer through his bullet proof vest forcing the RUSA Member to fire a single shot from his 9mm Pistol that struck the suspect in the abdomen.  The injured perpetrator then fled on foot and could not be immediately located in the darkness.  Reaction Officers and the South Africa Police Services (SAPS) searched extensively for the suspect with negative results.  Information was later received that a man...

POLOKWANE - Police in Limpopo have arrested a 44-year-old foreign national male at the Beitbridge Port of Entry on Thursday, 20 March 2025 at approximately 03:15 for attempting to smuggle illicit cigarettes with customs value of R2,139 000-00. During routine profiling and searches of trucks at the South Gate entering the Republic of SA, police stopped a freight liner truck with Gauteng registration. The driver presented a manifest indicating that the truck was empty. However, a thorough search revealed that the truck was laden with pallets and several boxes positioned in front of the pallets. The vehicle was subsequently taken to the commercial ramp where it was opened, revealing it was loaded with 460 boxes. Each box, when opened, contained 100 cartoons of Remington Gold cigarettes. Following the discovery, the suspect was detained at SAPS Musina and charged with smuggling of illicit cigarettes. He is scheduled to appear before the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Monday, ...

CAPE TOWN - The F1 global fraternity was left devastated following the passing of Legendary F1 team owner Eddie Jordan at 76. According to Formula1 , the legendary F1 team owner,  was synonymous with motorsport, having initially climbed the ladder as a budding racer before turning his attention to team ownership. In a spell at the wheel across the 1970s and early 1980s, Jordan tasted success in the Irish Kart Championship and raced in categories such as Formula Ford, Formula 3 and Formula 2, as well as appearing at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. By the end of the ‘70s, Jordan had set up his own, eponymous outfit on the single-seater scene, steadily rising the ranks until he secured an entry on the F1 grid for 1991. A statement from Jordan's family said: "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Eddie Jordan OBE the ex-Formula 1 team owner, TV pundit and entrepreneur. "He passed away peacefully with family by his side in Cape Town in th...

RANDBURG - The Randburg Magistrates’ Court has struck the assault and attempted murder case against Edwin Sodi from the roll. Sodi was charged in connection with an alleged incident involving domestic violence in March 2022. The State expressed readiness to proceed with the trial, stating that it rejected the complainant’s withdrawal statement due to the widespread scourge of Gender-Based Violence in the country.  The court took into consideration that both complainants were absent in court and that one of them had filed a withdrawal statement. The second complainant indicated that he no longer wished to proceed with the case, subsequently the defence argued that the case be struck off the roll, which was granted by the court.  The NPA remains committed to supporting victims of GBV and will continue in its efforts to combat this scourge.

JOHANNESBURG - It is reported on the morning of 20 March 2025, a group of armed men came to a taxi rank in Doornfontein in Jeppe policing precinct and started shooting randomly.  Four people were declared dead on the scene while three were taken to hospital with injuries. One of the injured is a university student who was waiting for a bus. The shooting is suspected to be taxi violence related and the matter will be investigated by the Provincial Taxi Violence Unit. On another separate incident, yesterday, 19 March 2025, there was also a shooting incident at Zonkizizwe taxi rank which claimed the lives of three people. It is reported that unknown people driving a white BMW randomly shot at bystanders at the rank. The deceased were identified as taxi drivers and two passengers were injured and taken to hospital. No suspects arrested.

WESTERN CAPE - SASSA beneficiaries have until the end of the day to switch their gold card to the Postbank Black Card . This after the Ministers of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi and Social Development, Nokuzola Tolashe, extended the transition from 28 February to 20 March 2025. BLACK CARD ISSUING SITES: WESTERN CAPE If you reside in the Western Cape, here is a active site list to collect your Postbank Black Cards today: 1.PnP Parow  2.Shoprite Parow 3.Boxer Philipi 4.Usave Bellville  5.⁠Shoprite Bayside Mall 6.Shoprite Thembalethu 7.Shoprite Eeste River  8.Shoprite Gugulethu 9.Shoprite Khayelitsha  10.⁠Shoprite Vredenburg  11.Shoprite Strand  12.Shoprite Adderley  13.Boxer Mitchell’s Plain  14.⁠Shoprite George  15.PnP Paarl 16.PnP Vangate 17.PnP Mitchell's Plain 18.Shoprite Worcester 19.Shoprite Oudtshoorn 20.Shoprite Beaufort West 21.Usave Caledon 22.Usave Swellendam 23.Usave Prince Albert 24.Shoprite Vr...

LIMPOPO -  Ninteen thousand (19,000) tickets have been sold so far for the FIFA World Cup qualifier game between Bafana Bafana and Lesotho at New Peter Mokhaba Stadium in Polokwane.  However, there's been some setbacks from the initial squad: Ahead of Friday's fixture at New Peter Mokaba Stadium against Lesotho, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has confirmed that they’ve allowed Mamelodi Sundowns defender Aubrey Modiba time off to be with his partner, who was in labour. Sekhukhune United defender Vuyo Letlapa will replace Modiba.  Secondly, Orlando Pirates midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi has been forced to pull out of the Bafana Bafana squad with an injury. Maswanganyi has been replaced in the Bafana Bafana squad by Polokwane City midfielder Ndamulelo Maphangule.  The match will kick-off at 18h00 on Friday, 21 March 2025.

DURBAN - The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Education , Mr. Sipho Hlomuka, has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and staff of Glenwood High School following the sudden passing of a Grade 10 learner on Tuesday, 18 March. It is reported that the learner was participating in a warm up soccer match when he requested to be substituted and stepped aside for some air. Tragically, he collapsed and passed away on the scene, despite efforts to be resuscitated. "Upon receiving the devastating news, the Head of Department, Nkosinathi Ngcobo, immediately rushed to the scene alongside the learner’s family, educators, and other departmental officials to offer support during this difficult time. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the emergency response teams for their swift intervention,” said Hlomuka. The school has cancelled all cultural and sporting activities until next week.

GERMISTON - City of Ekurhuleni notes with concern the ongoing illegal strike action involving members of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), which has resulted in significant disruptions on key arterial routes. "Currently, protest action is severely affecting traffic on the R24 Westbound between the OR Tambo Interchange and Electron Interchange, resulting in heavy delays. Additionally, protests are impacting all lanes of the N3 Northbound between Heidelberg and Elands, causing extensive traffic congestion. "We strongly condemn this unlawful protest action, as it compromises public safety and disrupts the daily commute of thousands of residents and visitors," the City said. The Metro says it is actively engaging with relevant stakeholders and law enforcement agencies to resolve the situation swiftly.   "Motorists are urged to exercise patience, seek alternative routes where possible, and remain vigilant. "We sincerely apologise for...

KEMPTON PARK - Airport Company South Africa (ACSA) in conjuction with OR Tambo International Airport has  advised travellers to plan trips earlier to avoid missing their flights due to the ongoing strike affecting major routes this morning. In a statement, ACSA said:  Due to ongoing EMPD industrial action, there are significant traffic delays on major routes leading to the O.R. Tambo International Airport. Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport earlier to avoid missing flights. Travellers have been advised to use alternative routes to get to the airport. Also, make use of navigation apps to provide them with real-time traffic updates. Roads currently  blocked by EMPD include: * N12,  * R21,  * R24,  * N17 *N3 highway 

GERMISTON - Traffic has come to a standstill in parts of the East Rand this morning as Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department officers (EMPD) have embarked on a strike over unpaid overtime. It is reported that the EMPD officers have blocked R21 - a busy route which caused major traffic disruptions. The officers are said to be heading to Germiston where they will be handing over their grievances to the  relevant department for intervention. This is a developing story.

WESTERN CAPE - The Cape Independence Advocacy Group (CAIG) says it has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, and the Western Cape Premier, formally notifying them of their intention to send a delegation to the US to meet with US officials and other politically connected persons. The notification has been made in accordance with legal advice obtained by the CIAG. The delegation is expected to leave in early April and the CIAG is anticipating a very positive reception. Cape Independence would align strongly with the foreign policy aims of the current US administration, and several comments have revealed that it is already on the US’s radar. In the notification, the CIAG sets out its objectives in visiting the US, which include both fundraising and diplomatic support for its campaign to force the Western Cape Premier to call a referendum on Cape Independence, as well as contingency plans to hold a private referendum sh...

EAST RAND - The City of Ekurhuleni is calling on members of the public to make in-put on the issue of independent power producers (IPPs). The city plans to appoint multiple IPPs for various electricity generation technologies to a capacity of 1500 Megawatts. The appointed IPPs will be awarded 20 year contracts. Members of the community and other interested parties are invited to submit comments or representation to the municipality in respect of the proposed contract to April.dlamini@ekurhuleni.gov.za and Jabulile.kgomo@ekurhuleni.gov.za Meanwhile, physical public participation meetings will be held across all regions of the city.

ALEXANDRA - Multiple suspects were arrested by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit in connection with the murder of JMPD officer Judith Makwela, who was tragically killed at her residence in Riverside, Alexandra on Friday, 07 March 2025. On Saturday, 15 March 2025, officers received information regarding the location of a suspect believed to be involved in the officer’s murder. Acting swiftly on this information, officers from the JMPD TRU proceeded to an address in Riverside, Alexandra. Upon tactical entry, a suspect matching the provided description was located within the premises. Subsequent questioning of the suspect led to further crucial information, which led to the apprehension of more suspects. Multiple rounds of ammunition, two firearms, pangas, an air gun, and other items were recovered. A total of five suspects, which include one female and four males, were apprehended and detained at Alexandra Police Station with charge...

PRETORIA - The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and Postbank have announced that a home visits program is underway for bedridden SASSA beneficiaries to replace their SASSA Gold Cards with Postbank Black Cards.  ADDRESS BY THE CEO Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe announced this during a join media briefing by Postbank and SASSA on Monday in Pretoria.  Through the home visits program, SASSA and Postbank teams attend to beneficiaries from their places of residence, such as residential homes and nursing homes, and provide them grant access enabling services. “We advise social grant beneficiaries and the public to be fully aware that home visits are available only for qualifying beneficiaries, and every request will be assessed on its merits applying strict criteria,” the CEO said.  WHAT IS REQUIRED FROM THE BENEFICIARY   The minimum criteria for a home visit request are as follows: ▪ Illness that may be considered to have rendered the beneficiary in...

  LENASIA - The Lenasia Magistrates’ Court has postponed the bail application for five South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) employees to 18 March 2025.  The accused Siphesihle Dlamini (30), Phiwe Mkhuzangwe (37), Paul Bowes (49), Keanogetswe Ledwaba (49), and Phumelele Myeza (37) were arrested on 14 March 2025 on charges of fraud and theft.   These arrests follow an earlier case, involving four others accused Shumani Khwerana, Nkhensani Maluleke, Tshilidzi Ramaphosa, and Abenezer Tilahyn, who were arrested on 06 February 2025. Police were called to a Soweto store, where Khwerana and Maluleke, were allegedly caught withdrawing large sums of money using SASSA cards. Further investigations led to the arrest of the additional suspects.   Four of the accused were apprehended at SASSA’s Johannesburg offices, while the fifth voluntarily surrendered to the police. They face over 1,300 counts of cybercrime, fraud, and theft, linked to an alleged SASSA car...

CAPE TOWN - Cape Town City FC and veteran coach Mushin Ertugral have mutually parted ways. The club made the announcement today, Monday, 17 March, following a string of poor results by the coach which has seen the club battling in the second half of the table. "After technical discussions, the club and Muhsin Ertugral have agreed mutually to part ways. "The decision comes as a collective in the best interest of the club as we look to end the 24/25 season as strong as possible. "We thank Muhsin for his professional and earnest contribution," the club said. The decision to appoint a new coach is yet to be announced by the club. The club's next Betway Premiership match will be against Supersport United on Sunday, 30 March.

KWAZULU-NATAL - Umzimkhulu River Bridge will close officially at 15h00 today (Monday,17 March) – marking the beginning of the emergency repairs and rehabilitation of the bridge built in 1958, says the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport .  The MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma in conjuction with Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo House conducted an oversight of UMzimkhulu River before the commencent of repair work yesterday. "This marks the beginning of the emergency repairs and rehabilitation of this bridge, which was built in 1958—using the old caisson construction system. "The repairs of the bridge will reinstate its durability for around 25 years and more," said MEC Duma. STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY COMPROMISED According to the Departmet, prolonged rainfall and floods undermined the piers of the bridge. The flow of water caused the bridge piers to rotate, making the bridge unstable and dangerous to the motorists.  "This necessitated the cl...

PRETORIA - The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) says it stands with the community media sector and the National Press Club in the search for journalist Aserie Sibusiso Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdhluli, who disappeared on 18 February. Ndlovu, a member of the Press Club and founder of Capital Live SA FM, was last seen almost a month ago leaving Denlyn Mall in Mamelodi wearing blue jeans, a blue and white long-sleeve shirt and Nike sneakers. CEO of the MDDA, Ms Shoeshoe Qhu, said that the sector needs to band together to help secure the return of Ndlovu and his partner. “We need to create as much awareness as possible to assist the authorities in locating our fellow colleague and his partner. We urge community media at large to help spread information about this case as time is of the essence.” A R50 000 reward has been offered to anyone with information regarding the missing Community Radio Journalist and his partner. This is a developing story.

JOHANNESBURG - The four suspects, three females and one male, aged between 30 and 48, are expected to appear before the Lenasia Magistrate's Court today, Monday, 17 March, 2025, facing charges of fraud. Police from Gauteng Commercial Crime Investigation Unit together with Investigators from South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) arrested three SASSA employees at their offices in Johannesburg Central on Friday, 14 March 2025, for alleged fraud.  The fourth suspect was arrested at her place of residence in Soweto.  They are accused of manufacturing more than 150 ghost SASSA cards and using them to collect money on a monthly basis. SASSA inccured a loss of R260 million .

POLOKWANE - Following the ongoing Vala Umgodi operations conducted across Limpopo Province, the police arrested a Zimbabwean foreign national, aged 22, in Capricorn District on Thursday, 13 March 2025, for illegal mining activities and contravention of the Immigration Act. His arrest stems from information that was operationalised about the continuing illegal mining activities at Bergenek Village, in Westenburg policing precinct. One suspect, aged 22, was arrested for illegal mining and contravention of the Immigration Act at an illegal mining site in Bergenek Village. During the arrest, the suspect failed to produce a valid mining permit, and he was also without a passport. The following items were confiscated: * Ten Shovels * Two Spades * One Hand saw * Eight Picks * Four Torches * One Stylo cellphone * One Hisense cellphone The suspect will soon appear before Polokwane Magistrate's Court. The Police investigations are continuing.

PRETORIA - The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) has embarked on a nationwide campaign  to nab non-compliant persons acting as security at nightlife establishments. According to PSiRA, the bouncers render a security service and are therefore required to be trained and registered in line with the country's legislation.  Prior to registration, they must meet all minimum requirements as stipulated in the Private Security Industry Regulations Act. This Joint Operation has descended on major cities, including Mbombela, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Cape Town and Johannesburg. More than 10 non-compliant bouncers have been arrested at each operation. Common culprits include Zimbabweans, Nigerians, Malawian, Ugandans, Gabonese, Basotho, and local citizens.

MANDENI - One person was killed, multiple injured in head-on collision on the N2 near Mandeni on Saturday, 15 March. IPSS Medical Rescue received reports of a multi-vehicle accident on the N2 near the Mandeni toll plaza. On arrival it was established that two vehicles were involved in a high speed head-on collision resulting in one vehicle rolling down an embankment. A third vehicle then collided with the initial accident scene.  Five people sustained injuries ranging from critical to minor. The critically injured patients were stabilised on scene by paramedics from IPSS Medical Rescue and other services before being transported to nearby facilities for further care. Sadly, one person was found to have sustained fatal injuries and was declared deceased on scene.