Author: newsnote correspondent

NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore have finally returned to Earth.The two had planned to stay just a week at the International Space Station when they launched on the first crewed flight of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft in June. Instead, they wound up staying at the orbiting lab for ten months. At long last, the astronauts have splashed down after having journeyed back to Earth inside a SpaceX Dragon capsule. Along with NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, Williams and Wilmore left the space station at 1:05 a.m. ET Tuesday. The group of four, known as Crew-9,…

The courtroom atmosphere was thick with tension as the trial into the disappearance of Joshlin Smith progressed into its 12th day. The spotlight remained firmly on witness Paulina Tshosa, who, despite rigorous cross-examination, showed unwavering conviction regarding her testimony. On the stand, Tshosa detailed a troubling incident that took place on 18 February 2024, the day before Joshlin was reported missing. While heading to her hair appointment in the informal settlement of Middelpos, Tshosa observed an altercation involving a woman later identified as Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith. Crucially, she also noted a child nearby during the confrontation. Describing the scene,…

The United States has taken a firm stand in the realm of foreign diplomacy, defending its controversial decision to declare South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool as “persona non grata”. The announcement, made by State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, has stirred reactions both in the United States and South Africa, spotlighting the delicate nature of international relations between the two nations. Last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio officially communicated that Rasool, who had been representing South Africa in Washington, would have to vacate his post and leave the United States by Friday. This ultimatum followed a series of remarks made…

Former chairperson of SAA Technical (SAAT) and one-time board member Yakhe Kwinana has found herself embroiled in a serious legal battle after appearing in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court. Kwinana faces a slew of charges, including extortion, theft, intimidation, and malicious damage to property, citing her alleged involvement in a wave of taxi violence and extortion cases in East London. During the proceedings, Kwinana expressed her intention to represent herself with the assistance of a private attorney based in East London, indicating that she would not require legal aid. The court heard from prosecutor Yusuf Baba that the case is set…

The Gauteng provincial government has presented an ambitious budget for the 2025/26 fiscal year, amounting to R171.5 billion, with a comprehensive three-year projection set at R527.2 billion. This budget is strategically aimed at bolstering essential sectors such as health, education, crime prevention, economic growth, and job creation, amidst fiscal constraints and infrastructural challenges. Finance and Economic Development MEC, Lebogang Maile, delivered the budget speech that highlighted significant allocations to health services, reflecting a response to the pressing healthcare demands within the province. “The increased funding for health not only illustrates our commitment to better healthcare outcomes but also aims to…

The trial revolving around the mysterious disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith has taken a dramatic turn as key state witness Laurentia Lombaard disclosed alarming information about the child’s mother, Kelly Smith. Lombaard, a former accused turned witness, shared in court that Smith allegedly confessed to being paid to remain silent about the circumstances surrounding her daughter’s disappearance. As the trial entered its third week, Lombaard took the stand, offering a comprehensive recount of events leading up to the night Joshlin vanished. Her emotional testimony began on Thursday and culminated in a heartfelt appeal yesterday, where she expressed deep remorse for…

UFC superstar Conor McGregor found himself far from the octagon, engaging with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. The visit, marked by its symbolic significance for Irish Americans, also served as a platform for McGregor to voice concerns about immigration policies affecting his homeland. During the meeting, McGregor turned the spotlight on the challenges faced by communities across Ireland, especially pertaining to illegal immigration. His comments resonated deeply, as he mentioned how the increasing influx of undocumented migrants has left some Irish towns feeling overwhelmed. “There should be awareness and intervention from the U.S. concerning the situation of…

During the Bana Pele 2030 Roadmap leadership summit held in Johannesburg, President Cyril Ramaphosa underscored the urgent need for a collaborative framework for early childhood development (ECD) in South Africa. He proposed a united effort encompassing government, business, donors, ECD workers, and all social partners to improve access to quality early childhood education. In his address, Ramaphosa articulated the significant role of early childhood education in shaping the nation’s future. “Investing in ECD is about crafting the next generation of skilled, capable, and entrepreneurial citizens who will drive our economy forward,” he stated, emphasising that such investments are not simply…

Former accused turned State witness is set to continue her testimony in the Joshlin Smith trial after revealing several shocking incidents last week.   Lourentia Lombaard told the court she overheard Smith’s plan to sell Joshlin to a sangoma before witnessing the alleged incident. Lombaard said that the day before Joshlin went missing, she watched Smith take Joshlin to a white car, where they met an unknown woman who gave Smith a small package. Lombaard told the court Smith later confessed to selling Joshlin to a sangoma for R20,000. She said Smith offered her R1,000 to keep quiet, while the…

In a shocking incident that has left the bustling streets of Times Square reeling, a 49-year-old man became the victim of an unspeakable act of violence early Sunday morning. The attack occurred around 3:55 a.m. near the busy intersection of 41st Street and 7th Avenue, a hotspot known for its vibrant nightlife and heavy foot traffic. According to police reports, the assailant approached the victim and doused him with a flammable liquid before igniting it. Eyewitness accounts describe the horrifying scene as flames engulfed the man’s arms and face. Immediate emergency services were called to the scene, and the victim…