TrendySA Online

MODDERFONTEIN - Following a course inspection this morning at Modderfontein Golf Club, the Ladies European Tour (LET) and Sunshine Ladies Tour (SLT) have confirmed that the 2025 Joburg Ladies Open will be reduced to 54 holes due to ongoing inclement weather and course flooding. Heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours has severely affected course conditions, leading to waterlogging and the suspension of play yesterday. Despite the challenges, the golf course’s staff and greenskeepers are working tirelessly to mitigate the impact and prepare the course for play. Play remains suspended as of this morning. A further inspection has confirmed that the course has not yet sufficiently recovered to resume safely. However, resumption of Round Two is scheduled for 10:00 today, pending final assessments and prevailing weather conditions. All players are expected to be in position by 10:00. Due to the limited availability of carts, transportation will be provided only to the furthest area...

EASTERN CAPE - The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team has made another major breakthrough in the University of Fort Hare fraud case involving multi-million-rand fraud, money laundering and corruption on 03 April 2025.  The team arrested the fourth suspect 46-year-old Craig Retief, intensifying the pressure on those implicated in the high-profile case. Retief appeared at the Alice Magistrate’s Court on 04 April 2025, joining his co-accused the former Acting Chief Financial Officer Simbongile Geqeza (41), former Head of Investigation and Vetting Isaac Plaartjies (57) and family friend Claudine Davids (44). Their arrests follow a meticulously coordinated Hawks operation spanning multiple provinces. During their initial court appearance on 02 April 2025, Geqeza, Plaartjies and Davids were each granted bail of R10 000-00. Retief, who was arrested a day later was also granted bail of R10 000-00 during his court appearance. The case has been transferred to the East L...

LIMPOPO - A maroon Volkswagen Golf was caught speeding at 182km/h in a 120km/h zone. The driver was arrested and granted R1000 bail, according to the Limpopo Departmet of Transport. The Department said the arrest serves as a stern warning to all drivers: speed limits are in place to protect YOU and others. Reckless driving won't be tolerated!

GERMISTON - Illegal dumping is now a punishable criminal offence in the City of Ekurhuleni, with a hefty fine or jail time. This comes after the Chief Magistrate at the Johannesburg Magistrate Court determined and approved the implementation of the admission of guilt fines (in terms of Section 57(5) of Criminal Procedure Act, Act 51 of 1977, in respect of offences in terms of contraventions of City of Ekurhuleni Integrated Waste Management By-Law with effect from 03 March 2025. In terms of Section 53 of the Integrated Waste Management Bylaw, 2021, illegal dumping of any waste is prohibited within the city. Any natural or juristic person found illegally dumping waste may be charged as follows: A spot fine (Administrative) of R10 000; or May upon conviction depending on the magnitude of the offense, be liable to a fine not exceeding R100 000 (One Hundred Thousand Rand) or to imprisonment for a period of three (3) years. “Ours as a city is to now implement these punitive measu...

CAPE TOWN - A new vertical lift truck has been added to the City of Cape Town department’s towing fleet, to clear illegally parked vehicles more efficiently, and in a manner that conventional tow trucks can’t. The vertical lift truck is not an entirely new concept – years ago, the City’s Traffic Services had access to a contracted vehicle. When that contract ceased, work started to finalise specifications and other requirements to acquire a vertical lift vehicle for the City – that goal was finally achieved in the current financial year. Its acquisition takes the Traffic Services’ towing fleet to seven vehicles, and three more on the way. The vertical lift truck removed six vehicles during the last week of March. "This vertical lift truck makes it so much easier to remove vehicles, particularly ones that are parked in and can’t be moved using the conventional tow trucks. Its forklift mechanism makes the work a breeze. It’s early days yet, and our staff are familiarisin...

SANDTON - Economic Development MEC, Lebogang Maile , says the province is aiming to secure at least R300 billion in investment pledges at the Gauteng Investment Conference (GIC), to be held in Johannesburg. The MEC was speaking during a media briefing on the state of readiness of the province to host the conference, to be held at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, in Sandton, on 3 April 2025. “Leaders across all tiers of government, including Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, Premier of Gauteng Premier Lesufi, and Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero, will provide inputs at the conference. The keynote address will be delivered by the Deputy President, who also serves as the Leader of Government Business in South Africa, His Excellency, Paul Mashatile.   “Of equal significance is the large contingent of leaders across the business and government sectors on the African continent, the African diaspora and the globe. With over 50 companies represented, t...

SOWETO -  José Riveiro has announced his decision to step down as Head Coach at the end of the season. Goodbyes are never easy. They tug at the heart, reminding us of the moments we wish could last forever. But in football, as in life, they are sometimes necessary. When Coach José arrived in 2022, he didn’t just take charge of a team, he mended broken spirits, reignited lost hope. Coming out of the 2021/22 season the Buccaneers had finished 6th in the league with only 10 wins from the 30 matches; a first-round exit in the MTN8 to Swallows as well as a defeat to Marumo Gallants in the Round of 16 of the Nedbank Cup. Football has a propensity to judge people too quickly and naturally an unknown José would be scrutinised before even setting foot on South African soil. However, the 47-year-old has since made believers out of doubters. He has given the Pirates supporters more than just victories; he gave them a reason to dream again. And now, as the end of the season draws ...

PRETORIA - Mamelodi Sundowns says it is deeply saddened by the unruly behaviour that was displayed on April at its CAF Champions League quarterfinal match against Espérance de Tunis at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Videos circulating on social media depict malicious damage to the stadium and the Mamelodi Sundowns supporters retreating from violent conduct that was initiated against them, including flares and pepper spray when the incident started.  Sundowns awaits a full report from the Match Commissioner and is committed to cooperating with CAF to finalize its investigation ahead of the return leg. "We are confident that the investigation will identify the circumstances that gave rise to the unruly behaviour.  "However, in accordance with our African culture of compassion and empathy (our African culture of Ubuntu) we are required to apologize to Espérance de Tunis and its supporters as the unruly behaviour took place at our home stadium, despite the videos and facts ...

PRETORIA - The Presidency has noted with concern the newly imposed tariffs on South African exports to the United States of America (USA).  Whilst South Africa remains committed to a mutually beneficial trade relationship with the United States, unilaterally imposed and punitive tariffs are a concern and serve as a barrier to trade and shared prosperity.  The tariffs affirm the urgency to negotiate a new bilateral and mutually beneficial trade agreement with the US, as an essential step to secure long-term trade certainty. Source: PresidencyZA 

POLOKWANE - A 28-year-old male suspect, who is an Intern at the Department of Transport in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, is set to appear before the Thohoyandou Magistrate's Court on Thursday, 03 April 2025, facing charges of corruption following his arrest on 02 April 2025. On Tuesday, 01 April 2025, the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit in Limpopo received a complaint about an individual allegedly soliciting money from victims by falsely promising them employment as Traffic Officers. The suspect was reportedly demanding gratification of R6 500.00 per person in exchange for securing them a job. The case was reported to the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit for further investigation, and an enquiry docket was registered on the same day. A sting operation was activated in the Thohoyandou policing area. During the operation, the suspect arrived at the designated location where he met with the victims and demanded payment. Upon receiving the money, the police team immediately approa...

DURBAN - Five suspected cash in transit robbers who were wanted for a string of cash in transit robberies in KwaZulu-Natal, including the one which happened on Monday, 31 March 2025 in KwaMashu were shot and fatally wounded in a shootout with police at Ridgeview near Chesterville on Wednesday afternoon. Police were conducting an intelligence-led operation after gathering information that the suspects were planning to commit yet another cash in transit robbery in the vicinity of the iLembe District in the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal. Police visibility in the area disturbed the suspects' mission and intelligence located the suspects in Ridgeview. Police identified the suspects' vehicle and as they approached it, the suspects opened fire towards the police and a shootout ensued. During the shootout, all five suspects were shot and fatally wounded. Four firearms were found in the possession of the suspects. The suspects were from the Gauteng province and one of the...

PRETORIA - South African Revenue Service (SARS) is pleased to announce a positive preliminary revenue-collection outcome for the 2024/25 fiscal year. This achievement takes place in a tough economic environment. SARS is a cornerstone of our cherished democracy. Since its establishment, it has collected more than R23.3 trillion to help build a capable state that caters for all. This success is inextricably linked to an efficient and effective revenue administration that discharges its legal mandate to collect all revenue due to the fiscus, foster compliance and facilitate legitimate trade. As an organisation, everything we do, is about the transformational impact we have on the lives of people, which we call our “Higher Purpose”. We are on the road to reimage our organisation into a smart, modern SARS that can be trusted and admired by all, as encapsulated in our Vision 2025–2030. By the end of March 2025, SARS had collected a record gross amount of R2.303 trillion, represen...

GQEBERHA - Televangelist Timothy Omotoso (63) and his two co-accused, Lusanda Sulani (41) and Zikiswa Sitho (33),  have been found not guilty on all the 32 charges the state indicted them on.  The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has noted the judgment of the High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division, Gqeberha. Delivering the judgment, Judge Irma Schoeman found that trio was not guilty due to the technicality, mainly that the former prosecutors in the case acted improperly and the accused were not sufficiently cross-examined by the state. It is for that reason that the prosecuting team will study the judgement and decide which legal avenues to explore.  Since the arrest of the trio in April 2017, their trial has been protracted with numerous obstacles including interlocutory applications by the accused that even included Constitutional Court challenges. The most recent applications were for five special entries for a mistrial and an application ma...

LIMPOPO - The University of Venda (UNIVEN) is set to make history as the WWE Final Boss Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson is set to grace the campus tomorrow, Thursday, 3 April. "We are excited to announce that the one and only Dwayne The Rock Johnson will be visiting the University of Venda on Thursday, 3 April 2025 at 09:00," the University announced yesterday, 1 April (April Fools Day). Hosted at the UNIVEN Research Conference Centre, The People's Champion will grace UNIVEN for the purpose of giving an inspiring talk about overcoming obstacles, staying motivated, and the power of hard work in achieving success. According to the University, he will also share his journey from wrestling to Hollywood and how persistence and passion have shaped his career. "Don't miss this rare chance to learn from the People's Champ himself. Seats are limited, so make sure to arrive early and bring your notepad," the University said. NB: It is unclear whet...

GAUTENG - Congress of the People (COPE) has reiterated its rejection of the proposed VAT increase in the 2025 Budget.  "As champions of social justice, we oppose this regressive tax that will disproportionately harm the poor and vulnerable, worsen inequality and the cost-of-living crisis," said Pakes Dikgetsi, party acting national chairperson. Dikgetsi cited that the Standing Committee on Finance’s report (01 April 2025) supports their view. "Raising the 0.5% VAT hike in 2025/26 and 2026/27 to 16% will erode household incomes and may not even deliver the expected R28 billion. Stakeholders like the FFC note that VAT is becoming less effective in raising revenue, with a declining elasticity (0.49), while mitigation measures like zero-rating are deemed inadequate. With GDP growth at 0.6% in 2024 and unemployment at 31.9% (Section 6.7), low-income people cannot bear more burdens," he argued. COPE PROPOSES : 1. No VAT Increase: Keep VAT at 15% to protect the...

Staff Reporter NB: Advertorial   GAUTENG - SD PR&Comms in partnership with TrendySA Online (BK Consulting) is excited to announce a renewed marketing venture to help brands, corporates and organisations reach their full potential. SD PR&Comms now offers the service of Field Promoters for activation and events. The service aims to promote brands, bring about awareness and sales leads to the client. The service will offer Promoters temporary employment to at least alleviate unemployment for a while. However, we seek long-term solutions with partners and clients to bridge the unemployment gap and sustain employment. Our key location is Johannesburg, Gauteng - other provinces will be subject to budget fulfilments. What SD PR&Comms (Marketing) offers for now: Mall and street activations Brand Awareness  Golf Days Marketing Influencer services  Welcome& Waitering services For enquiries:  Email: sdpr.comms@gmail.com

GAUTENG -  Tshenolo Private Investigation (PI) has availed its services to help crack the intricate Bergview College rape case. A principal of a school in the Eastern Cape has been accused of raping a seven-year-old girl. Unfortunately, justice has been delayed as the accused sought defence from Afriforum and denied authorities DNA samples. "We have watched and observed the story Cwecwe and we have weighed all possible options, we are going to help where we can. "We are going to throw our weight in the deep end. It can't be normal that a female person cannot be violated and we keep quiet moreover she's only just 7. We are making the necessary arrangements to contact the family and see how we can help them," the reputable organization said. Meanwhile, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Women's Brigade has condemned this incident labeling it a 'vile act of Gender-Based Violence (GBV)'. This is a developing story.

PRETORIA - A 27-year-old Zimbabwean national made his second appearance in the Pretoria North Magistrates’ Court on 31 March, facing multiple charges, including six counts of à for five males and one female, five counts of attempted murder for four males and one female, and two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances. It is alleged that on 22 March 2025, at approximately 03:00 AM in the Marry Me informal settlement in Soshanguve a group of 12 patrollers were sitting on the street when they were approached by five unknown men, one of whom was armed. The men allegedly opened fire, shooting one patroller and assaulting others with rocks and wooden poles before setting them on fire. Four patrollers died at the scene, while others were transported to the hospital, where two more succumbed to their injuries. Following an intensive police investigation, the accused was arrested on 24 March 2025, in an unrelated case, where he was charged with possession of unlicensed fire...

PRETORIA - The Ministry of Police has assured members of the public that law enforcement is actively investigating two incidences involving the rape of minors in the Eastern Cape. This comes after the Ministry has taken note of calls on various social media platforms regarding the tragic violation of the two minors in two separate incidences in October and November last year. In both incidences, the suspects have been identified and were arrested. In its statement on Saturday, the Ministry said it fully understands the concerns of the public and the urgency surrounding these cases.  In respect of the first case, a minor known as “Alu” was raped, with the perpetrator being identified as “Siphesihle.”  The suspect was arrested and appeared in court in November last year.  “The DNA report is being compiled and once done, same will be presented to the Senior State Prosecutor for a decision. In the second case, a minor from Bergview College in the Eastern Cape was ...

EASTERN CAPE - Facebook user, ‘Ivan T Twala Stebu,’ has landed in hot water after irresponsibly posting about the #JusticeForCwecwe matter on social media . South African Justice, Crime, Prevention& Security (RSAJCPS) wrote: It is deeply disheartening that anyone would exploit such a sensitive case involving a minor for attention. Such behavior is not only reckless but also highly insensitive to the victim, the victim’s family, and the broader community. This matter has been escalated to the South African Police Service for appropriate action to be taken. This issue is taken very seriously and misuse of social media can never be tolerated.  The public should use social media platforms responsibly and sensibly. We can all work together to ensure that justice is pursued with dignity and respect. BERGVIEW COLLEGE CASE Afriforum is representing Jaco Pieterse, Bergview College principal, who refused to take a DNA test after being accused of raping the seven-year-old girl...

DURBAN - Two pistols, a rifle and cash were stolen during a Cash In Transit robbery on the M25 in KwaMashu, north of Durban this afternoon (Monday, 31 March).  Multiple heavily armed suspects in two  vehicles forcefully stopped a vehicle transporting an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspects attached explosives to the vehicle and detonated in peak traffic.  According to Reaction Unit South Africa, the heavily armed males robbed the Security Officers of their firearms and stole an undisclosed amount of cash. They fired multiple shots from high calibre weapons before they sped off in a white Ford SUV and a silver Toyota Corolla.  A member of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) was on patrol in the nearby vicinity when he noticed vehicles travelling contra flow on the M25. A motorist flagged the Reaction Officer down and informed him of the robbery in progress. The Officer requested additional backup as he approached the scene. A revolver was recovered at th...

RANDBURG - The alleged rape matter against Donell Mbele(23), was postponed by the Randburg Magistrates’ Court to 14 April 2025, to allow for the disclosure of the contents of the docket. The accused is facing two charges of rape stemming from a complaint filed with the Police by his 17-year-old girlfriend. The complainant alleges that the accused raped her on 14 and 15 December 2024 at his residence in Morningside. According to her statement, the two had gone on a date at Clearwater Mall on 14 December 2024 where they consumed beverages.  When the restaurant was about to close, they decided to move to a different venue. The accused then suggested they stop by his place to charge his phone, which is when the alleged incidents occurred.  The accused is currently out on R1000 bail while awaiting his next court appearance.

POLOKWANE - In constant efforts of rooting out illegal mining activities along with other associated crimes in the province, Operation Vala Umgodi nabbed twenty-six undocumented foreign nationals, separately in the Districts. Twenty-one suspects aged between 17 and 52 were arrested on Saturday, 29 March 2025 in Vhembe District for contravention of Immigration Act at weighbridge in the Beitbridge Policing area. Meanwhile, five illegal immigrants aged between 18 and 55 were also arrested at Mopani and Capricorn Districts. The suspects were arrested during the operations conducted daily through patrols and stop and searches at the identified illegal mining sites. Operation Vala Umgodi (illicit mining) is aimed to fight against any illegal mining related crimes and other crimes prevalent in the province. The suspects will appear before the local Magistrate's Court soon. Operation Vala Umgodi are continuing across the province.

EASTERN CAPE - The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) says it is highly disturbed by the uncaring and unprofessional handling of a rape incident of a seven-year-old Grade 1 learner at Bergville College in Matatiele.  The incident, which allegedly occurred in October last year, remains unsolved, with no one apprehended to date. According to SADTU, the school principal has not cooperated with the law enforcement authorities by refusing to undergo a DNA test, unlike other males who were in contact with the learner on the day of the incident. Furthermore, the principal and school management have not properly accounted on the internal processed they have undertaken to assist in identifying the perpetrator. According to the learner’s mother who shared her account on social media, the principal appeared more concerned with protecting the school’s reputation than assisting the family to seek justice. Shockingly, he allegedly wrote a removal letter to transfer the ...

DURBAN - A female was shot during a robbery at Bridge City Mall in KwaMashu, north of Durban today (Sunday, 30 March).  A shopper contacted the Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) Phoenix Operations Centre at approximately 09:53. The frantic caller informed the Controller On Duty that shots were being fired inside the mall.  All available Reaction Officers were dispatched and on arrival established that several suspects robbed Akermans Connect. Shots from 9mm pistols and rifles were fired as the robbers made their getaway. One (1) female was shot and expedited privately to hospital.  The extent of her injuries are unknown at this stage.

KWAZULU-NATAL - South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 2 alert for severe thunderstorms across most parts of KwaZulu-Natal today, Sunday, 30 March. The weather service cautioned of damaging winds, excessive lightning, hail and heavy downpours leading to localised flooding. It is reported that this may affect most parts of the province, except the north eastern and extreme north western areas of KZN. Residents are being urged to shelter pets and prevent any outdoor activity during the storm. This is a developing story.