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Kidnapped businessman rescued, wanted Mozambican kidnapper fatally wounded

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KEMPTON PARK - The South African Police Service (SAPS) Anti-Kidnapping Task Team has safely reunited an Indian businessman with his family following a shootout with an alleged mastermind behind the businessman’s kidnapping. The businessman was found in Alexandra in a shack shortly after midnight on Thursday, 04 September 2025. His rescue follows a shooting in which the alleged mastermind behind his kidnapping was shot and killed during confrontation with police officers near the R21 in Kempton Park on Wednesday evening. The suspect who goes by the nickname “Dollarman” is a wanted kidnapping kingpin in both SA and in Mozambique. He is on SERNIC which is Mozambique’s wanted persons database where he was a wanted for several kidnapping for ransoms cases. In SA he was also linked to at least five kidnapping for ransom cases as well as other cases of housebreaking, carjacking and possession of unlicensed firearms. From July 2021 to date more than 337 kidnappers have been arrest...

SABC announces the appointment of Maijang Mpherwane as Group Exec for Video Entertainment

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AUCKLAND PARK - The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is pleased to announce Mr Maijang Mpherwane as Group Executive: Video Entertainment, effective 01 August 2025. Mr Mpherwane is a highly experienced broadcaster and executive leader with an extensive track record across both the local and international media landscape. His career spans high-impact roles in prominent organisations, combining expertise in content strategy, media investment, and public broadcasting.  He previously held a number of senior positions at the SABC, including Commissioning Editor, Assistant Programmes Manager (SABC 1), Head of SABC 1, and General Manager: General Entertainment Channels. During this period, he oversaw significant achievements, including the launch of flagship productions such as Uzalo and Skeem Saam, and led SABC1’s return as South Africa’s most-watched television channel. Beyond the SABC, Mr Mpherwane served as Head of the Media and Audio-Visual Strategic Business ...

Drug trafficker nabbed at OR Tambo Int Airport, cocaine filled bullets valued at R4.2 m seized

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KEMPTON PARK - A 25-year-old drug trafficker was arrested on arrival from São Paulo (Brazil) via Doha (Qatar) at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday, 29 July 2025. Acting on intelligence, a team comprising Crime Intelligence Counter Narcotics Intel Gauteng, ORTIA SAPS Tactical Team, Border Management Authority (BMA), and private security successfully identified and intercepted the Brazilian national shortly after landing. A search of the trafficker's luggage led police to uncover about 10kg of cocaine with an estimate value of R4.2 million. The trafficker was also taken for a medical examination to determine whether cocaine-filled bullets were swallowed. SAPS continues to record commendable successes in dismantling transnational drug syndicates operating between South Africa and other countries. Through targeted intelligence-led operations, more than 25 drug traffickers were arrested since the beginning of the year at this port of entry.

Alleged scholar transport driver cause fatal accident in KZN

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DURBAN - A learner has tragically died and several others were injured in a horrific scholar transport accident in Ndwedwe, north of Durban. An alleged 'visibly drunk driver' has become the centre of the investigation, with KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport Siboniso Duma questioning how the driver was allowed to transport learners under such conditions. At 21h30, Duma assigned a team to investigate how a visibly drunk driver was allowed to transport learners in Ndwedwe. This after he received a disturbing video of the drunk driver and other photos.   "I immediately assigned a team to urgently visit the scene of a horrific accident caused by the same driver. The team also proceeded to Montobella District Hospital to monitor the condition of ten learners who were injured.   "At 01h20 this morning, I received a report indicating that, unfortunately, one learner died after a minibus taxi rolled down an embankment.   "Six other learners were treated and disc...

Accused in Ekurhuleni City Chief Auditor murder case appears in court

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KEMPTON PARK - Thabani Goodwill Ntshalintshali (40), accused of the murder of City of Ekurhuleni Senior Auditor Mpho Mafole, appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court on a charge of Murder. The case has been postponed to 15 August 2025 for further investigation. The State alleges that, on 30 June 2025 in Kempton Park, the deceased was allegedly followed after attending a work-related meeting on the day of the incident. He was shot and declared dead at the scene. A witness later informed police about a suspicious vehicle in the area, which led authorities to launch an investigation that eventually pointed to the accused. Ntshalintshali is also facing another pending murder case scheduled for trial on 12 and 19 August 2025. Due to this outstanding case, the State will oppose the bail application. The investigation is ongoing and further arrests cannot be ruled out. The accused remains in custody until his next court appearance.

Township school raided by police on day 1 of new term

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DURBAN - Police in KwaZulu-Natal, in conjuction with officials from the Department of Basic Education have made unannounced visits at the Ikusasalethu Secondary School, Newtown Combined School and Inanda Comprehensive School in Inanda on Tuesday morning. The visits are part of the Safer Schools Protocol, which is a joint initiative by the Department of Basic Education and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to create safer learning environments in schools. The Protocol is aimed at addressing social ills such as bullying, gangsterism, substance abuse and gender-based violence. During the visits, police provided valuable safety information to learners, and subsequent searches led to the recovery of dagga and cigarettes.

20th Annual Dundee July Traditional Horse Racing and Lifestyle Festival Rocks KZN

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DUNDEE - On Saturday, 19 July,  the vibrant town of Dundee came alive with colour, rhythm, and excitement. The 20th Annual Dundee July Traditional Horse Racing and Lifestyle Festival was the place to be as KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Thami Ntuli, joined locals and guests for the spectacular affair. The Dundee July has grown into a flagship event that blends sport, arts, fashion, and traditional heritage, drawing thousands of spectators, stimulating local economies, and providing a platform for emerging creatives and entrepreneurs. It is a space where tradition meets modern vibrancy — a true showcase of the province’s richness and diversity. The event comprised a fashion shows which exposed emerging designers' work and a traditional horse race which saw the following wins: Race 1 grade 7 Result. 1. Sthembiso Gamede, izinkulumo from Umzinyathi 2. Syabonga Niyane, Ntathakusa from Newcastle 3. Intabazethorini, Mkhulisi Lujiva.

MANDELA DAY Celebrated under the theme: “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity.”

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GAUTENG - This year’s Nelson Mandela International Day on 18 July will be celebrated under the theme: “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity.”   Nelson Mandela, in addressing the scourge of poverty, suffering and deprivation, said: "It is in your hands to make our world a better one for all, especially the poor, vulnerable and marginalised." These profound words by our global icon and father of our nation are at the heart of our actions this Nelson Mandela Day in tackling poverty, fighting inequality and building a society based on justice.  The day is an opportunity for citizens to recognise their individual power to change the world for the better. We can also play a part by raising awareness and expanding the reach of Mandela’s values which include fighting injustice, helping people in need and advancing reconciliation. Government encourages citizens to donate their time to make a difference in their communities this Nelson Mandela Day. Thr...

Polokwane private vehicle testing station manager to appear in court for corruption

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   CENTURION - A manager from a privately owned vehicle testing station is scheduled to appear before the Polokwane magistrate court after attempting to bribe a police investigating officer. The manager from Seshego Private Vehicle Testing Station was arrested on Monday after offering a bribe of R8000 to an officer investigating fraud and corruption at his station.   The manager allegedly wanted the investigating officer to release cellphones seized during an earlier search and seizure operation conducted by the National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit – division of the 2 / 2 Road Traffic Management Corporation and the Limpopo Hawks anti-corruption investigation unit. An entrapment order was obtained and the investigation officer arranged to meet with the manager on Monday (14 July 2025). At the meeting in Polokwane, the manager allegedly handed a sum amounting to R5000 to the investigating officer. He was immediately arrested and the money seized as an exhi...

NSPCA welcomes long-awaited reform for lion captivity breeding ban

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CAPE TOWN - The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has  welcomed the announcement by Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, on the imminent publication of the Lion Prohibition Notice banning new captive lion breeding facilities.   This long-awaited reform marks a pivotal milestone in dismantling an industry built on systemic cruelty, reflecting years of legal action, public advocacy, and inspections by the NSPCA. The prohibition confirms what the NSPCA has long exposed: the captive lion industry has operated largely unabated for decades, inflicting severe animal welfare violations, damaging South Africa’s conservation reputation, and flouting constitutional obligations to protect sentient beings. While limited to new facilities, this ban sends a clear signal that the commodification of lions for tourism, hunting, and the bone trade is no longer defensible. The NSPCA’s decade-long investigations have laid bare the industry’s brutality. O...

Actor Oscar Mgudlwa known for playing Madluphuthu has passed away

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Oscar Mgudlwa aka Madluphuthu  BENONI - Actor and comedian Oscar Mgudlwa, affectionately known as Madluphuthu is no more. Mgudlwa's untimely passing has shocked the film and television fraternity, leaving it mourning. It is reported that Mgudlwa from Daveyton reportedly died at a hospital in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 16 July following a sickness. The passing was confirmed by his family and close friends. He died at the age of 50. His passing happens after recently joining eTV’s The Black Door. Mgudlwa will be remembered for his portrayal of the character Madluphuthu in the early 2000s - a local film that featured the late Winnie Khumalo. Memorial and Funeral details are yet to be released by the family.

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