TrendySA Online

BEITBRIDGE - Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety MEC Violet Mathye says she is deeply concerned about the scourge of overloading on the province's roads, particularly with the festive season in full swing.  On 21 December 2025 at 04h00 am, officers at the Zebediela Traffic Control Centre (ZTCC) intercepted two buses and over 20 other vehicles for serious breaches of road safety regulations. Bus A: - Certified to carry 63 occupants - Found carrying 72 adults and 10 minors (82 occupants) - Route: Durban (KZN) to Zimbabwe Bus B: - Certified to carry 70 adults - Found carrying 67 adults and 12 minors (79 occupants) - Route: Johannesburg (Gauteng) to Zimbabwe These buses, along with more than 20 light delivery vehicles and heavy motor vehicles with unroadworthy trailers, were detained for putting lives at risk. "I commend our officers for their diligence in keeping Limpopo’s roads safe. However, we urge other provinces to strengthen inter-provincial coo...

ROODEPOORT - Honeydew SAPS  successfully apprehended a suspect following the theft of a motor vehicle at the China Mall parking area in Weltevredenpark, Roodepoort. According to the Honeydew CPF, police officers were conducting a routine patrol when they were alerted by members of the public who were shouting and pointing toward a grey Nissan Navara bakkie approximately five vehicles ahead of the police vehicle, as it was about to exit onto the main road. The eye witness informed officers that the vehicle had just been stolen. Police immediately intervened and approached the vehicle. The suspect attempted to evade arrest by making a U-turn to escape the traffic; however, officers executed a tactical takedown and successfully apprehended the suspect. During a search of the vehicle, police recovered a jamming device believed to be used to interfere with vehicle tracking signals. The area was cordoned off to allow for the proper processing of evidence in support of a succe...

PIETERMARITZBURG - A munipal manager is one of the 171 motorists arrested for drunk driving in Pietemaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. In addition, the following motorists were arrested:-  ● Attorney ●Fire Fighters  ● Educators  ●Doctor  ●Nurses  Others who are spending the weekend behind bars are as follows:-  ●Durban - 47 ●Empangeni - 14 ● Ladysmith- 2 The MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma remarked: "The No Nonsense RTI team has arrested 2163 motorists for drunk driving since 15 August. The #NenzaniLaEzweni Operation has been augmented by the deployment of National Traffic Police with the support from SAPS and traffic officers from municipalities."

SANDTON - A memorial service for Warrick Stock aka DJ Warras is being held at The Galleria in Sandton today, Friday, 19 December. Warras was gunned down outside Zambesi House, one of many hijacked buildings in the central Johannesburg on 16 December. Family, industry associates  and friends have gathered to pay tribute to the fallen hero, who used his expertise in the media and security to empower others. Following his tragic death, law enforcement are on the lookout for the suspects involved in the brazen murder. This is a developing story.

JOHANNESURG - Leader of the Patriotic Alliance Gayton McKenzie writes: I received a lot of negative messages for my suggestions that we should celebrate Reconciliation together as a nation, I find it curious that Black people are constantly being told to move on and forget apartheid but some of the White people wanna hold on to the Voortrekker Promise.  Imagine if Black people insist that we should not call Human Rights day but return to Sharpville day, a lot of Black ppl were killed on that day, most of the Blacks has abandon the name because of the reconciliation agenda.  No one is saying that White ppl shouldn’t thank God, we are saying thank God for unity and Peace an not because you defeated the Zulus because the Zulus have another recollection of the day ( Dingaans Day ) , all Zulus believe they they have won.  We must be honest that reconciliation is hard, it’s necessary and our only future is working together to defeat those that scream Kill the Boer, ...

DURBAN - The festive season has become more exciting in Durban as the streets were lit up by the Metro to flourish. This week, eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba, officially illuminated the City’s Christmas lights.  According to the Metro, these lights are a captivating displays along Dr. Pixley ka Seme Street, a key entrance to the City, heralding a season brimming with events and celebrations.

DURBAN - EThekwini Municipality Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba, mingled and interacted with beachgoers this week as he monitors the festive season management plans he recently announced. Xaba walked from Ushaka Marine beach to North Beach, witnessing throngs of people who enjoyed enjoying themselves.  According  to the Metro, all 23 beaches in Durban are open for swimming, with clean water and more than 40 swimming pools. Mayor Xaba also engaged with law enforcement agencies to get the latest on the security plans.

JOHANNESURG - Popular DJ and entrepreneur  Warrick Stock aka DJ Warras   has been assassinated this afternoon, Tuesday, 16 December in the Johannesburg CBD. MMC for Public Safety in Johannesburg Dr Mgcini Tshwaku took to X to verify the claims. "SAPS have confirmed that DJ Warras has sadly passed away following a shooting incident at the corner of Von Wielligh and Commissioner Street, Johannesburg. "JMPD officers are on scene, and the matter is under investigation. Further communication will follow through official public safety channels and Saps channels. "We extend our sincere condolences to the family and all those affected," he said. It is reported that DJ Warras was assisting with the reclaiming of a hijacked building in Johannesburg when a car drove by and opened fire. This is a developing story.

  PRETORIA - The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela has considered the submissions before him and has issued a Notice of Intent to Cancel the registration of three private higher education institutions, namely:   City Varsity (Pty) Ltd Damelin (Pty) Ltd ICESA City Campus (Pty) Ltd   This action follows a prolonged pattern of non-compliance with the Higher Education Act (No. 101 of 1997) and the Regulations for the Registration of Private Higher Education Institutions. The decision is therefore undertaken in the interest of protecting students and upholding the integrity of the sector.   *Key Grounds for the Decision*   The Department has an obligation to ensure that private institutions deliver quality education and demonstrate financial sustainability. The decision to issue the Notice of Intent to Cancel is based on the following critical factors:   1.    Failure to submit complete statutory Annual Reports ...

DURBAN - Five (5) people have been confirmed deceased following a structural collapse at a temple in Redcliffe, KwaZulu-Natal. Search and Rescue technicians have recovered five bodies from the debris. The body of a fifth individual has been located, however, recovery efforts were suspended due to inclement weather conditions. RUSA has confirmed the successful recovery of the last body from the tragedy. The temple collapsed on Friday - prompting an urgent rescue mission from various emergency units.  

DURBAN - Public assistance is required in locating a silver VW Polo that was reported stolen in Durban. The vehicle was stolen from the Laguna Pools on the Durban Beachfront in Durban - KZN, at approximately 14:00 on Tuesday, 10 December 2025. It was later spotted in Umlazi – KZN shortly after the theft. Vehicle details:  • Make & Model: VW Polo  • Colour: Silver  • Registration: CR60NMZN  • Fuel level: Approximately R300 petrol at the time of theft Identifying features:  • Window tint removed  • Tow bar fitted  • Island-style sticker on the right rear bumper  • Cricket ball–sized dent on the right rear door below the window  • Minor dents on the driver’s door Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the vehicle is urged to contact Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) on 086 1234 333. 

GAUTENG - On Monday, 8 December 2025, the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU), under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Arends, conducted a search operation at the Heidelberg Correctional Facility. This initiative was executed in collaboration with facility management, including the Communications Department, the Emergency Support Team (EST), and various units of the South African Police Service (SAPS). The operation involved the search of over 100 inmates, resulting in the confiscation of numerous illegal items, including cellphones, chargers, earphones, a laptop, cash, dagga, tattoo machines, and various grocery items. On Wednesday, 10 December 2025, the #AGU returned to the Boksburg Correctional Facility for another search of approximately 150 inmates, resulting in the seizure of contraband such as multiple cellphones, a mini hi-fi, chargers, a knife, various grocery items, dagga, and cash. Further charges were imposed on the inmates found in possession of these contraband items. Lt ...

GAUTENG - Traffic authorities have arrested more than 500 drunk drivers nationally over the weekend in a drive intended to reduce the number road crashes and fatalities in this festive season period. The highest number of arrests were in Gauteng, followed by North West and the Eastern Cape from Friday to Sunday. The National Traffic Police also contributed immensely by arresting a total of 104 drivers. The provincial breakdown of the arrests are as follows: Gauteng - 138 North West - 95 Limpopo- 71 Eastern Cape - 69 Western Cape - 61 KwaZulu Natal - 21 No arrests were made in Free State, Mpumalanga and Northern Cape.  Drunk driving operations will be intensified in coming days especially over the December 16 long weekend, Christmas and Family as well as the New Year’s Day holidays. These days are generally associated with high alcohol consumption when people are having with family and friends. Unfortunately it leads to an increase in road crashes which claim many lives....

MPUMALANGA - Seven people lost their lives instantly when a sedan and a light delivery vehicle (LDV) collided on the N12 between Ogies and Emalahleni on Monday morning (08 December 2025).  The crash happened when one of the vehicles seemingly lost control and veered completely off the road and crossed into the opposite direction before colliding with the vehicle in the opposite lane. The road is such that there is space in the middle of two roadways going in opposite directions, each with multiple lanes. This seems to suggest that one of the vehicles must have been moving at a high speed.  Five of the deceased were occupants in the sedan, and two victims were in the LDV. There were no survivors in this crash. The sedan had two females and three males, while the LDV victims were all males.  The investigation into the collission by the police, Road Traffic Management Cooperation and the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, is already underway. H...

DURBAN - EThekwini Municipality has assured the public that the incident captured in a video currently circulating on social media, purporting to show a gas explosion in the Durban CBD, was not a gas-related event, contrary to speculation. The incident which took place at the corner of Dorothy Nyembe and Anton Lembede streets was the result of electrical cable arcing. Arcing refers to an electrical discharge or spark that occurs when electricity jumps between damaged conductors. In this case, the spark and visible flare stemmed from minor cable damage, and not from ageing infrastructure. "Crucially, there were no injuries, fatalities, or disruptions to electricity supply in the area. The municipality’s Energy Management team was immediately dispatched to the site, swiftly containing the situation. "We strongly urge residents and stakeholders to rely on official communication channels for verified updates and to refrain from sharing unconfirmed reports that may ca...

POLOKWANE - Orlando Pirates were crowned Carling Knockout champions on Saturday after edging past Marumo Gallants, securing a 1-0 victory to claim a win in the final played at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium. It was the end of a long wait for League Cup glory for the Buccaneers, who left it until late before producing the decisive touch in a marathon encounter to bag their second trophy in the 2025/26 season. In clinching what had been an elusive title, they defeated a determined Gallants outfit that had claimed a couple of big scalps in their road to the final. Pirates had gone into their final competitive fixture before the festive season break looking to cap an excellent start to the season with one more piece of silverware added to their cabinet. They were almost gifted the lead three minutes in through a sloppy pass from the Gallants defence, leading to a shot from striker Evidence Makgopa which was cleared off the line. The Buccaneers’ next shot on target came following...

PRETORIA - President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Mr Marius van der Merwe, a Brakpan-based security industry member and former Ekhurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department official who recently testified before the Madlanga Commission. Mr Van der Merwe was shot multiple times in full view of his family outside their Brakpan home on Friday evening, 5 December 2025. The President extends his deep condolences to the family of Mr Van der Merwe and wishes them strength for their recovery from a deadly trauma. President Ramaphosa said: “While our law enforcement agencies establish the circumstances leading to this heinous act, I am appalled and saddened by this attack on a former public servant who recently served the cause of justice and integrity by testifying at the Madlanga Commission.” President Ramaphosa established the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Crimina...

BRAKPAN - QRF Task Team Owner and Madlanga Commission Witness Marius van der Merwe was fatally shot in Brakpan, east of Johannesburg. Van der Merwe, a key witness (Witness D) at the Madlanga Commission, was tragically shot and killed last night (Friday) in front of his family. He had recently testified before the commission, where he implicated several high-ranking police officials — including Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department senior officer Julius Mkhwanazi — in allegations of corruption and the cover-up of a murder case. The motive for the attack remains unclear at this stage. Authorities have launched an investigation into the killing.

SANDTON - The African National Congress (ANC) Gauteng Provincial Task Team (PTT) warmly welcomed the successful convening of the 16th Regional Conference of the ANC Greater Johannesburg Region, held from 3–5 December 2025 at Cedarwood Hotel in Sandton under the theme:   “The Year of Renewal: Making the ANC a More Effective Instrument of the People to Achieve the Vision of the Freedom Charter.”   This Regional Conference took place shortly after South Africa successfully hosted the G20 Summit under the theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”an achievement that once again showcased the leadership capacity of the ANC-led City of Johannesburg on the world stage.   *A CONFERENCE GUIDED BY RENEWAL, UNITY & ORGANISATIONAL REBUILDING*   The Conference was officially opened by the ANC Gauteng PTT Co-Convener, Cde Panyaza Lesufi, who emphasised the urgent need to:   • Strengthen the programme of organisational renewal, • Rebuild and consolidate the...

LYDENBURG - The police are closing in on the remaining suspects, its only a matter of time that all of them are rearrested. Isaac Malope who escaped from lawful custody has been rearrested after receiving information from Crime Intelligence. He was arrested by the multidisciplinary team at Manyeveni Village at Kabokweni today, Wednesday 03 December 2025 at approximately 10:30. Isaac Malope (25) will be charged with escape from lawful custody and he will appear before the Mashishing Magistrate's Court on Thursday, 04 December 2025. The police are still appealing to the community to assist in locating the three remaining suspects. Anyone with information can contact the Detective Branch Commander of Lydenburg SAPS on 076 060 0273, call #CrimeStop on 08600 10111, or use the #MySAPSApp.