TrendySA Online

FREE STATE - A former Dihlabeng Local Municipality technical manager (30) is set to appear in the Bethlehem Magistrates Court on Monday, 13 January 2025 facing charges of fraud, forgery, and uttering.  He was arrested on 10 January 2025 by Bethlehem Serious Corruption Investigation. In January 2024, Hawks detectives received information about the irregularities regarding a R9,8 million tender to upgrade water supply to Clarens. It is alleged that the Chief Financial Officer of Dihlabeng Local Municipality had processed payment to the service provider based on a report supplied by the former technical manager. It later emerged that the civil engineer's signature in the report was forged by the suspect. Evidence to this effect was collected and presented before the prosecution. On 10 January 2025, a warrant for the suspect's arrest was authorised.

DURBAN - A 18 year old prisoner who escaped from custody prior to appearing for a formal bail application in the Ntuzuma Magistrate Court in KwaMashu in Durban was rapidly re-arrested on Thursday, 8 January. A passerby contacted the Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) Phoenix Operations Centre at approximately 15:38 after they noticed a man being pursued on foot by Police Officers. Reaction Officers were immediately mobilised to provide support.  On arrival, it was established that the teenager was transported from Westville Prison to court for a formal bail application in a theft case. He escaped while being escorted from the Police transportation.  RUSA Members & SAPS Officials conducted an extensive search of the area and located the suspect attempting to conceal himself under a trailer in a truck yard.  He was immediately re-arrested.

Four accused appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court, charged for allegedly robbing an Uber driver and stealing his vehicle in the area of Houghton . The accused face charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping and assault. The state alleges that on 8 January 2025, the four individuals requested an Uber ride but instead allegedly robbed the driver of his vehicle.  The driver reported the incident to the tracking company, alerting the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit.  The unit tracked the hijacked vehicle to a residence in Houghton, previously owned by former President Nelson Mandela. Upon entering the property, officers arrested five individuals and recovered the alleged stolen vehicle, its number plate and a firearm. The driver was also allegedly robbed of R800 in cash and an additional R300 from their account. The fifth suspect was released following insufficient evidence linking him to the ...

A housing complex in Hammonds Farm in KwaZulu-Natal was  turned upside down after mistaken a roaming juvenile Iguana for a crocodile on Thursday, 9 January. Members of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) were called out by a resident claiming to have spotted a Crocodile in her yard. The caller believed that the crocodile entered the residential property from a stream and through a bush at the rear of her home.  Reaction Officers were immediately dispatched. On arrival, Officers were shown a picture captured by a neighbour. RUSA Members confirmed that it was not a Crocodile but an Iguana. The reptile fled into a hole between a boundary wall and a neighbouring outbuilding that are centimetres apart.  Reaction Officers spent several hours attempting to trap the reptile without success. Officers thereafter removed a section of the boundary wall and captured the Iguana. It is believed that a second, much larger Iguana may have burrowed deeper between the walls of bot...

NELSPRUIT - Three male persons were taken in by the Police for questioning after a tragic incident that took place on Thursday afternoon on the R543 (De Wet) Road in Piet Retief, where three males lost their lives in a shooting incident believed to be related to taxi conflict. The shooting occurred on Thursday afternoon, 09 January 2025, after 15h00. Following the incident, various stakeholders came on board and assisted hence the three male persons were cornered in Chrissiesmeer then taken for questioning by the Police. At this point, the motive for the killing remains unknown. As a result, a team of dedicated investigators has been established to thoroughly probe the incident and the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. The Police are so grateful for the collaboration, swift response and support that was displayed by all stakeholders in this incident, including POLSEC, private security, farmers, all other law enforcement agencies, as well as community members in g...

South Africa is mourning another loss of a musical icon, Kwaito legend Victor Bogopane, affectionately known as Doc Shebeleza. The Kwaito pioneer whose passing was announced today (Thursday, 9 January) died at the age of 51 after a couple of months of poor health. Tributes messages have began flooding the socials, with many fans remembering the legend. Doc Shebeleza was known for his electrifying stage presence and timeless hits that shaped the Kwaito music genre. His legacy was also solidified by Hip Hop giant Cassper Nyovest who paid homage to the legend by dropping a smashing hit called Doc Shebeleza , which changed the game forever. His untimely passing comes days after the sad passing of afropop icon Winnie Khumalo who also died at the age of 51. TrendySA Online would like to convey its condolences to the families and fans of both legendary artists.

The miracle baby that survived from the N3 crash along Van Reneen Pass this week, continues to recover and her mother is alive. NEW DEVELOPMENTS   Flowing from the report of the initial stage of the investigation into the cause of the horrific accident involving a truck and a minibus taxi on Van Reenan Pass, the KZN Department of Transport MEC Siboniso Duma provided an updated report which reads as follows: 1. I assigned traffic reporter Ayanda Msweli to assist in terms of locating the family of the miracle baby that survived. The family has been located and is currently living in Thembisa Johannesburg, but are originally from Nquthu in KwaZulu-Natal. The baby was travelling with her grandparents, who unfortunately died. 2. From this horrific accident in which 17 people perished, six victims are from one family in Nquthu, KwaZulu-Natal. 3. The names of the victims are as follows:         ●Sihle Magoda (Grandfather)         ●Linden...

With 150 days to race day, the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has announced a significant change to the qualifying criteria for this year’s 98th Comrades Marathon.  Effective immediately, the qualifying time for the standard 42.2km marathon has been adjusted to 5 hours for all participants. This change is aimed at making the Comrades Marathon more inclusive and accessible to a broader range of runners, encouraging more athletes to qualify for and participate in this iconic event, come Sunday, 8 June 2025.  The decision was made after careful consideration and consultation with various stakeholders, including athletes, coaches, and running clubs. CMA Chairperson, Mqondisi Ngcobo said, "We are thrilled to make the Comrades Marathon more accessible to a wider range of runners. This change reflects our commitment to inclusivity and the growth of the sport." “The Ultimate Human Race continues to uphold its tradition of challenging endurance and celebrating the spi...

Cape Town - South Africa's ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC) celebrated its  113th anniversary on 8 January, making it the oldest liberation movement on the African continent. To mark this historic milestone, the current leadership of the party remembered its vanguards, significant figures who fought to liberate the Republic of South Africa. "For over a century, the ANC has been a symbol of resilience, unity, and the unwavering fight for justice, equality, and freedom," said party President Cyril Ramaphosa during his to Robben Island visit, where the late Nelson Mandela was held captive during Apartheid. According to the party, the ANC’s visit to Nelson Mandela’s prison cell on Robben Island symbolizes the enduring legacy of sacrifice and struggle for freedom.  Standing in the very space where Mandela was imprisoned, President Ramaphosa reflected the ANC’s continued commitment to justice, unity, and renewal. "This moment serves as a remind...

A one-year-old baby was shot and killed under mysterious circumstances at J Section in Umlazi on Monday.  He was with his mother at home on Pigogo Road on the day of the ordeal.  According to the SA Police Service: “Reports indicate that the boy was alone in the house while the mother was sweeping the yard. The mother reportedly heard the sound of a gun going off and when she looked around, she noticed that the gate was closed. When she went inside the house she found the boy lying in a pool of blood with a gunshot wound to the forehead. No one was seen leaving the house.” The matter is under investigation. This is a developing story.