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  GAUTENG - The Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court has sentenced Emmanuel Mdakane (44) to 10 years direct imprisonment for the theft of a Traffic Collision Avoidance System(TCAS) processor valued at over R1.6 million, belonging to South African Airways (SAA). The TCAS processor was stolen between January and February 2018 at the OR Tambo International Airport and was never recovered.   The court found the accused guilty of theft on 16 May 2025 based on evidence gathered by Sergeant Mphephu Mabogo's investigations. The evidence revealed that the accused sold the TCAS processor to a complainant for R340 000, collected it and only refunded R40 000. The TCAS processor is a component that helps prevent mid-air collisions between aircraft. Junior State Advocate, Siyabonga Futshana further presented compelling evidence that exposed the accused's deceitful actions. The court ultimately rejected the accused's version of events, deeming it not reasonable.   ...

PRETORIA - The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has congratulated Rayno Nel, 30, for becoming the first African and the first man from outside Europe and North America to win the prestigious World's Strongest Man title. “South Africa is beaming with pride as the rookie competitor made history on the global stage over the weekend in Sacramento, United States of America. It was not just a personal victory, but a continental milestone,” the department’s statement read.  As a former Cheetahs rugby player turned world champion strongman, the department said Nel showed the world what South Africans are made of – “grit, determination, and unstoppable courage”. At the end of 2024, South Africa hosted the Strongman Champions League for the first time, with the vision of someday seeing a South African reach the top of this sport.  “For it to have happened this quickly, however, was a welcome surprise.” From his Varsity Cup days at Central University of T...

Washington DC - President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly rejected claims of a white genocide in South Africa, reaffirming the nation's democratic principles that uphold freedom of expression for all citizens. This during a high-stakes meeting with the United States President Donald Trump, at the Oval Office in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, which was part of a broader mission by the South African delegation to reset and strengthen relations with the United States.  In an unprecedented turn, President Trump played video clips of South African opposition party leaders chanting “kill the boer” to substantiate accusations that white South Africans, particularly farmers, were being systematically targeted and killed. President Ramaphosa, who remained composed throughout the exchange, firmly pushed back on the narrative. He clarified the government’s position and explained South Africa has a democracy that allows people to express themselves. “What you saw on the speeches that ha...

EASTERN CAPE - Following the cold front weather alert issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) for today, the "cool" weather is expected to persist across the country. According to the SAWS, the Weather forecast for  21 May 2025 will be cloudy in the south, otherwise partly cloudy cold to cool with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers, except in the north-eastern parts.  Snow is possible on the mountain peaks in the Eastern Cape, disruptive snowfall, damaging winds and waves. Citizens across the country are urged to be cautious and avoid hazardous areas. This is a developing story.

WASHINGTON DC - President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to Washington, D.C. is a significant and positive step in strengthening the strategic and mutually beneficial relationship between South Africa and the United States. Speaking to SAnews   ahead of the President’s arrival in the US capital, the Head of Public Diplomacy at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Clayson Monyela, underscored the importance of the visit. Monyela expressed optimism that the upcoming meeting on Wednesday will provide an opportunity to address and clarify issues, thereby enhancing the relationship between the two nations.  “We want to appreciate the fact that there is an opportunity for the two leaders to engage. The fact that President Ramaphosa is here in Washington, D.C. accompanied by four Ministers to meet with President Trump and his delegation is a positive step for this important and strategic relationship between the two countries. “This is a mutually be...

PRETORIA - Mamelodi Sundowns finished their Betway Premiership campaign with a perfect home record, defeating Magesi 2-0 at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Sunday. The league champions won all fourteen of their league home games this season in the process of bagging their 24th win of their Betway Premiership campaign. The victory means Masandawana have broken the record for the most wins in a 34-game season in a campaign of just 28 games. The record was held by Manning Rangers with 23 wins in the 1996/97 season, and equalled by Kaizer Chiefs in the 1998/99 season and Sundowns in the 1998/99 and 1999/2000 seasons.

PRETORIA - South Africans can brace themselves for cold weather conditions in the new week as two cold frontal systems are expected to develop from Monday until Friday. According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), the two cold frontal systems are expected to develop from 19 until 23 May 2025 with a high likelihood of disrupting the current mild to warm weather conditions that has been prevailing for some days. “On Monday, 19 May, a cold front will make landfall over the south-western parts of the country, resulting in wet, cold, and windy conditions over the western parts of the Western Cape. While this system will not be intense, it serves as a precursor to the more significant weather system that will follow the next day. “On Tuesday, 20 May, the above-mentioned weather conditions will spread to the east, affecting the Namakwa District of the Northern Cape and the Eastern Cape,” the weather service said. This continued impact of the weather conditions will be du...

DURBAN - Police in KwaZulu-Natal have launched a manhunt for an unknown number of suspects who shot and killed eight people at Zama informal settlement at U Section, Umlazi on Friday evening, 16 May 2025. Police responded to reports of multiple murders and upon arrival at the scene, eight people; six men and two women, whose ages range between 22 and 40 years old, were found lying in a pool of blood with multiple gunshot wounds. It is reported that the victims were inside the dwelling when an unknown number of suspects entered and opened fire, killing them at the scene. Investigations into the possible motive of the killings are underway and police have launched a manhunt for the suspects. Police are appealing to anyone who might have information which can assist in the investigation to contact the nearest police station or call the crime stop number, 08600 10111.

GAUTENG - Cash Solutions Company Fidelity ADT has hailed its officers for bravery after taking down criminals during a recent failed heist. "At the end of the day, life is precious, and we need to always count our blessings. Following a failed CIT heist, which left three criminals dead, our Fidelity officers emerged unharmed after a fierce gun battle," the company said.  "We would like to take a moment of gratitude for their survival in the face of danger and acknowledge their bravery, courage, and unwavering dedication. Our officers are our everyday heroes who put their lives on the line every single day to safeguard our loved ones and communities. We appreciate you, and we are so thankful that you have come out of this unharmed," company added. The incident has now become a subject of investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS).

PRETORIA - President Cyril Ramaphosa will embark on a working visit to the United States of America from 19- 22 May 2025. On Wednesday, 21 May 2025, President Ramaphosa will meet with President Donald Trump at the White House, in Washington DC to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of interest. The President's visit to the US provides a platform to reset the strategic relationship between the two countries. Further details of the visit will be communicated at a later stage.