TrendySA Online

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.