Author: newsnote correspondent
The ongoing murder trial of Senzo Meyiwa reached a pivotal moment on Wednesday as Warrant Officer Lawrence Ndlovu concluded his testimony under the guidance of state prosecutor advocate Ronnie Sibanda. Ndlovu’s presentation included crucial digital evidence, shedding light on the tragic events surrounding the death of the former Bafana Bafana captain, who was shot at the home of his girlfriend, Afro-pop singer Kelly Khumalo, on 26 October 2014. During the session, fresh photographic evidence was admitted to court, primarily consisting of images retrieved from a memory card associated with accused number two, Bongani Ntanzi. Among the recovered images was a…
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has embarked on a significant initiative aimed at retrofitting decommissioned coal-fired power stations with advanced clean coal technology. This ambitious plan is designed to address the dual challenges of rising electricity costs and the declining availability of power, which have jeopardised the operational viability of ferrochrome smelters in the region. During a recent appearance before the Portfolio Committee on Minerals and Petroleum Resources, the CSIR unveiled its forward-thinking vision for the coal-to-carbon materials industry. Amidst the ongoing discussions surrounding South Africa’s energy crisis, the Council underscored the potential of this venture not…
Three police officers aged between 32 and 49 were arrested, after allegedly escorting a vehicle loaded with dagga along the N4 road near the Matsulu T-junction. According to an official statement from the police, the officers, who were on duty and dressed in full uniform while driving a marked police vehicle, were allegedly providing protection to a Toyota Corolla carrying 107 bags of the illegal substance. The incident came to light when law enforcement officials from Matsulu, acting on reliable intelligence regarding suspicious activities, managed to intercept and apprehend the officers alongside their accomplices. During the operation, the three officers—attached…
Actor and activist Siv Ngesi has stirred controversy by describing Johannesburg as a “huge mess” and endorsing former Cape Town Mayor Helen Zille as the city’s potential saviour. Ngesi’s candid remarks, which labelled Johannesburg a “dump of a place,” come at a time when the metropolis is grappling with significant challenges, including a crippling R200-billion infrastructure backlog, frequent power and water outages, and soaring crime rates. Despite the backlash such statements may provoke, Ngesi remains firm in his belief that Zille could restore Johannesburg to its former glory if she decides to run for mayor in the upcoming 2026 local…
In a court appearance that has stirred emotions in the East Rand of Gauteng, a 12-year-old boy faced charges of culpable homicide and driving without a licence at the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on Monday. This shocking incident, which unfolded over the weekend, resulted in the untimely death of a 14-year-old, who was struck by a vehicle allegedly driven by the young accused. The boy, accompanied by his guardian, was met with a mix of disbelief and sympathy as he entered the courtroom, reflecting the tragic weight of the situation. Lumka Mahanjana, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, confirmed that the…
President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed that South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) policies are not merely a temporary measure, but a crucial component of the nation’s efforts toward economic transformation and inclusion. Speaking at the recent Black Business Council summit, alongside Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lamola, Ramaphosa addressed mounting criticisms from opposition parties, most notably the Democratic Alliance (DA), regarding the efficacy of these affirmative action policies. In his latest newsletter, Ramaphosa emphasised that South Africa’s economic prosperity hinges on its commitment to BBBEE. “Now is not the time to backtrack on these policies; they are the cornerstone…
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDM WO) has expressed fierce condemnation over Oscar Pistorius’ recent participation in a public sporting event, labelling it a profound insult to the memory of his late girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. The sentiment resonates deeply within a nation grappling with the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence, where each incident reverberates in the lives of victims and their families. Pistorius, the double amputee athlete and former Paralympic champion, competed in the Isuzu Ironman 70.3 event in Durban last weekend. This marked his first public athletic appearance since his release on parole in January 2024, after serving…
The Black Lawyers Association (BLA) has firmly rejected the recent apology issued by Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng following an explosive court outburst laden with racial undertones, asserting that a mere apology is insufficient given the gravity of his comments. The incident unfolded during proceedings in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial last week when Judge Mokgoatlheng expressed indignation over a request from defence advocate Charles Mnisi to be excused from court to participate in the prestigious Comrades Marathon. “This is what happens in a South Africa run by blacks. I can tell you now, even if you call Uncle Tom, I don’t…
Portugal beat neighbours Spain in a penalty shootout to settle a frantic final in Munich and win their second Nations League trophy. Cristiano Ronaldo pulled Portugal level at 2-2 in the 61st minute, but there was nothing else to separate the two sides when the referee signalled the end of normal time. Subbed off before extra time, Portugal captain Ronaldo dropped to the turf and sobbed tears of joy on the sidelines after Ruben Neves slotted home the winning penalty following Diogo Costa’s save from Alvaro Morata’s spot-kick. Winners of the 2023 edition, Spain had opened the scoring in the…
California National Guard troops arrived in Los Angeles on Sunday in a show of force following scattered clashes between immigration agents and protesters and amid a widening political divide between California and the Trump administration.The move by President Trump to activate nearly 2,000 guardsmen marked the first time since 1965 that a president has deployed a state’s National Guard without a request from that state’s governor. The decision was met with stern rebukes from state and local officials, including Gov. Gavin Newsom who said the deployment was “not to meet an unmet need, but to manufacture a crisis.” Newsom’s office…