Author: newsnote correspondent
The peaceful suburb of Fleurhof, situated west of Johannesburg, has been plunged into mourning and anger following the tragic death of 11-year-old Jayden Lee Meek. His lifeless body was discovered on Wednesday morning, just a day after he failed to return home from school, sparking outrage and unrest among local residents who are now demanding swift action from law enforcement.Jayden’s body was found stark naked and bearing multiple bruises on a staircase in the Swazi’s Place complex, adjacent to his family’s unit. This brutal discovery has left the community rattled, prompting residents to organise marches and vigils, and to call…
In a significant diplomatic move, Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially invited all leaders and the secretary general of the Arab League to the inaugural Russia-Arab summit scheduled for October 15. This landmark gathering aims to forge stronger ties and explore avenues for enhancing cooperation across political, economic, and military spectrums, as echoed in a Kremlin statement reported by Russian news agencies. “I am confident that this meeting will contribute to the further strengthening of mutually beneficial, multifaceted cooperation between our countries and will help in finding ways to ensure peace, security, and stability in the Middle East and North…
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed it will not proceed with a prosecution regarding the alleged sexual assault of a seven-year-old girl presented before the Matatiele Magistrate’s Court in November of last year. This decision comes amid substantial public interest and concern surrounding the case, which has sparked outrage in the community. NPA spokesperson Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga explained that after thorough assessment of the docket, prosecutors determined there was insufficient evidence to support a successful prosecution. “There is no evidence of rape or sexual assault following interviews and examinations conducted by medical health practitioners and forensic social workers,” said…
The Mpumalanga Health Department has taken a significant step towards combating the HIV epidemic in the province with the launch of a comprehensive campaign aiming to put more than 130,000 people currently living with the virus on life-saving treatment. This initiative highlights the department’s commitment to improving health outcomes and reducing the stigma associated with HIV in the region. A particular focus of this campaign is the Ehlanzeni District, which has been identified as the area with the highest number of HIV positive individuals. Alarmingly, many of these individuals are currently without treatment, underlining the urgent need for intervention. The…
In a move aimed at tackling the complexities faced by today’s boy children, various South African governmental departments are marking International Day of the Boy Child with events that emphasise empowerment, responsibility, and advocacy for a safer society. Notably, the Gauteng Legislature is hosting the inaugural Boy-Child Sector Parliament in Alberton, while the Department of Basic Education is convening discussions to address pressing issues influencing the boy child in contemporary society. The aim of these events is to equip young boys with the tools necessary to grow into responsible citizens. Gauteng Legislature speaker Morakane Mosupyoe outlined that the engagement seeks…
US singer Chris Brown finds himself in legal turmoil following his appearance in an English court on Friday. The R&B star, known for hit songs including “Loyal” and “Run It”, has been charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm during what prosecutors described as an “unprovoked attack” at a London nightclub earlier this year. The incident in question took place on February 19, 2023, when Brown, 36, allegedly assaulted a music producer with a bottle at the Tape nightclub, a popular venue in central London bustling with club-goers. The severity of the allegations has raised eyebrows, with prosecutor Hannah Nicholls alleging…
In a high-profile trial that has captivated the media and public alike, music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs finds himself at the centre of a sex trafficking case, with his defence team aiming to shift the narrative surrounding his former partner, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura. The courtroom drama escalated yesterday, as attorneys for Combs attempted to paint Ventura not as a victim, but as a willing participant in a series of controversial drug-fuelled sex performances, labelled as “Freak Offs.” During the proceedings, jurors were presented with an array of emails and text messages exchanged between Combs and Ventura from the early days…
The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has dismissed Dr Nandipha Magudumana’s attempt to have her arrest declared unlawful, solidifying the authority of South African legal proceedings in a highly publicised case involving allegations of escape and complicity in crime. Magudumana, who is accused number one in the controversial escape of convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester, challenged the Free State High Court’s previous decision that upheld her deportation from Tanzania. Magudumana’s petition to the SCA argued that her deportation constituted a disguised extradition. She asserted that she had not consented to her return to South Africa; however, the court ruled…
In a gripping courtroom appearance, Cassie Ventura opened up about her tumultuous relationship with Sean “Diddy” Combs, revealing the emotional turmoil and fear that surrounded her as she testified in a civil lawsuit against the music mogul. Her statements highlighted the complexities of their dynamic, particularly regarding the infamous “freak off” sex sessions, during which she claimed she was coerced into participating. During her testimony, Ventura, now 38 and heavily pregnant with her third child, recounted the moment she sued Combs in November 2023, knowing full well it could have devastating effects on his illustrious career. “I could understand that,”…
Cornal Hendricks, a former international rugby star for South Africa, has tragically passed away at the age of 37 after suffering a heart attack on Wednesday. The winger, who made a lasting impact on the sport, scored five tries in 12 appearances for the Springboks and is remembered both for his remarkable talent on the field and his inspiring journey off it. Hendricks made his Test debut against Wales in 2014, showcasing his prowess as an athlete who had also previously competed for the South African sevens team. His stellar career in rugby sevens spanned from 2011 to 2014, during…