Author: newsnote correspondent
The parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations of police corruption will file a criminal complaint against forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan for walking out of committee proceedings. The complaint will also include charges related to sending threatening messages to Cedric Nkabinde, the chief of staff for suspended minister Senzo Mchunu, who had previously testified against O’Sullivan. The committee’s action comes two weeks after the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) filed their own criminal complaint against O’Sullivan for the same alleged offenses. Committee legal adviser Telana Halley-Starkey told the committee on Wednesday that all necessary documents are now with the Secretary to Parliament.…
Nigerian-born powerhouse Andrew Jacked (Chinedu Andrew Obiekea) claimed the prestigious 2026 Arnold Classic title on Saturday night, capping off a dominant weekend at the 38th Arnold Sports Festival. Representing the UAE, Jacked impressed the judges and audience alike, earning Best Poser honors and taking home a prize package worth approximately $750,000–$760,000. The multi-sport festival, founded by Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1989, drew over 20,000 athletes and tens of thousands of fans to the Greater Columbus Convention Center. The event showcased bodybuilding, strongman competitions, and one of the world’s largest fitness expos. Men’s Open Final Standings: In an emotional moment, Schwarzenegger personally…
The United States military says it destroyed 16 Iranian vessels identified as mine‑laying boats near the Strait of Hormuz on March 10, following concerns that Iran might deploy naval mines in the strategic waterway. The narrow strait is a major global energy route, with around one‑fifth of the world’s seaborne oil and gas passing through it. U.S. Central Command released video footage showing strikes on several of the vessels, which officials described as part of an effort to prevent mines from being placed in the shipping corridor. President Donald Trump had earlier warned Iran against deploying mines and said that any…
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has confirmed that the new US Ambassador to South Africa, Brent Bozell III, has been summoned to explain his undiplomatic remarks during a public conference. The diplomat made the comments at a BizNews event in Hermanus, Western Cape, on Tuesday, where he criticised the controversial “Kill the Boer” chant. Bozell said: “I’m sorry, I don’t care what your courts say. It’s hate speech.” Bozell highlighted growing tensions between the two countries over unresolved issues, including a re-evaluation of the Expropriation Act, Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) policies, condemnation of the chant, protection of…
Suspended senior police officer Richard Shibiri told the Madlanga Commission that some officers may have been promised career advancement in exchange for testifying negatively about him. Shibiri, who previously served in the Organised Crime Unit of the South African Police Service (SAPS), said one of the witnesses who testified against him has since been promoted. The witness, referred to as Witness A, testified in 2025 and accused Shibiri of attempting to suppress an investigation into the murder of Armand Swart, an engineer from Vereeniging. According to the testimony, Shibiri allegedly tried to bribe investigators working on the case. Swart worked…
In a move signalling continuity in Iran’s hardline governance, Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has been named the new head of the Islamic Republic. The 56-year-old cleric, known for his low-profile yet influential role, steps into the position after years of speculation about his behind-the-scenes involvement in the country’s power dynamics. Despite holding no formal government position under his father’s regime, Mojtaba was widely believed to wield significant influence, particularly through his strong connections to conservative factions and the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC was quick to declare its loyalty to…
Oil prices experienced a dramatic 30% surge on Monday morning, fueled by mounting concerns over potential supply disruptions from the Middle East as the US-Israeli conflict with Iran enters its second week. Brent crude oil hit its highest mark since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, peaking at nearly $120 per barrel during early trading before stabilizing around $104 per barrel. The spike is largely attributed to fears of prolonged disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint that handles approximately 20% of the world’s oil shipments. Analysts warn that any blockade or escalation in the region could exacerbate global…
Search and rescue teams at a mine in the Northern Cape, South Africa, have recovered the body of one of the five miners trapped underground for more than 20 days. The miners were caught when a shaft at Ekapa Resources and Ekapa Minerals was hit by a mudslide last month. Recovery efforts have been challenging due to concerns over the structural integrity of the underground tunnels, limiting access to the areas where the miners were working. The company has not disclosed the identity of the deceased miner, respecting the family’s request, and formal identification is currently underway. Meanwhile, the mine…
In a display of sheer dominance and cricketing prowess, the Indian men’s cricket team etched their name in history by securing their third ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title, defeating New Zealand by a commanding 96 runs in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. This victory not only marks India’s successful defense of the trophy but also makes them the first team to win it on home soil and achieve back-to-back triumphs. The match began with New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner winning the toss and opting to field first, a decision that seemed strategic but ultimately backfired against India’s…
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – England’s Dan Bradbury captured his second Joburg Open title in thrilling fashion on Sunday, holding off a late charge from local favorite Casey Jarvis to win by a single stroke at Houghton Golf Club. The 2026 edition of the tournament, co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and Sunshine Tour, concluded amid high drama on March 8. Bradbury carded a final-round 5-under-par 65 to finish at 17-under overall, securing his third career DP World Tour victory. The event, part of the tour’s “International Swing,” featured a prize fund of R20,500,000 (approximately €1 million) and offered 12,000 Race…