Author: newsnote correspondent
the scourge of sexual abuse among nuns is stepping out of the shadows, becoming one of the last Catholic taboos to be challenged. With incidents occurring at alarming rates, the burden falls on the shoulders of the next pope to confront a scandal that can no longer be ignored. Last month, Sister Cristina Schorck, a 41-year-old Brazilian nun from the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, walked through St Peter’s Square, sharing insights about the harrowing silence that has historically enveloped cases of abuse within the Church. “In the past, the nuns suffered a lot and couldn’t talk about it…
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has escalated its confrontation with Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, demanding he shoulder the burden of R2.3 million in costs linked to his controversial Budget Speech, which was ultimately aborted due to political pressure. This demand comes just days after Godongwana, along with Parliament, incurred legal costs following a court battle initiated by the EFF and the Democratic Alliance (DA) over his initial attempts to increase the Value Added Tax (VAT). Omphile Maotwe, EFF MP, described the R2.3 million expenditure—which included the costs of printing documents, catering, and translation—as not just regrettable but as wasteful expenditure…
As the winter chill creeps in, Orlando Pirates are radiating warmth on the football field, demonstrating their ‘red hot’ prowess just when it counts the most. In a thrilling encounter at a sold-out FNB Stadium on Saturday, Pirates secured a vital 2-1 victory over their rivals Kaizer Chiefs, thanks to the crucial interventions of youngsters Mohau Nkota and Relebohile Mofokeng. This much-needed triumph comes after a challenging spell for Pirates, who had suffered back-to-back losses in the CAF Champions League and the Premiership. With the momentum now firmly on their side, the Sea Robbers are ready to face Chiefs again…
In a move towards enhancing internet connectivity in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the government has granted a licence to Elon Musk’s Starlink, a satellite internet service provider under SpaceX. This development, announced on Friday, signals a potential transformation in digital access for the nation, which has long struggled with low connectivity. The DRC, a country beset by ongoing conflict, currently boasts an internet penetration rate of only around 30%, as reported by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 2023. This low percentage underscores the urgency for improved connectivity, especially in a nation where access to reliable information can…
This week, the South African police community and the nation at large mourn the tragic loss of three dedicated officers whose lives were claimed during an assignment. Constables Boipelo Senoge, Cebekhulu Linda, and Keamogetswe Buys, aged 24, 24, and 30 respectively, went missing while en route from Bloemfontein to Limpopo. Their vehicle was later found submerged in the Hennops River, leading to a forensic investigation aimed at uncovering the circumstances surrounding their untimely deaths. The officers were part of the Vala Umgodi operation, which focused on combatting illegal mining activities across South Africa. Their commitment to this critical cause exemplified…
The tragic case of missing Joshlin Smith took another harrowing turn on Friday as the home she once lived in was set ablaze mere hours after a landmark court ruling regarding her disappearance. Judge Nathan Erasmus of the Western Cape High Court sentenced Racquel “Kelly” Smith, her partner Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis, and their friend Steveno van Rhyn for kidnapping and trafficking, stirring emotions in the local community. As reported by News24, the Western Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie, confirmed that a case of arson has been officially registered, following the fire that obliterated the Smith family’s property. A…
British comedian and actor Russell Brand made a highly publicised appearance in a London court on Friday, facing five serious charges including two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault. The 49-year-old star, who garnered international fame as the husband of pop star Katy Perry, arrived at the court amid a crush of media and onlookers. Wearing a casually styled dark-coloured open-necked shirt and jeans, Brand moved slowly through the throng before confirming his details to the court. Following this brief interaction, he was ordered to return for a subsequent hearing scheduled for May 30. The…
In a landmark ruling that has reverberated through the West Coast community, the Western Cape High Court has found Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and friend Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn guilty of kidnapping and trafficking six-year-old Joshlin Smith. Judge Nathan Erasmus delivered the verdict amidst heightened emotions and public interest, bringing closure to a tragic case that has captured national attention. The court’s ruling, announced on Friday at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville, confirms that young Joshlin, who was reported missing from her Middelpos home on February 19, 2024, was subjected to a harrowing ordeal…
The search for a missing VW Polo vehicle has resulted in the recovery of the car from the Hennops River, where the bodies of three police officers were discovered earlier this week. Athlenda Mathe, the National Police Spokesperson, confirmed on Thursday that the vehicle had been retrieved from the river, bringing a glimmer of hope amid mourning. “I can confirm that the search team retrieved a car wreck from the Hennops River this afternoon,” Mathe stated. “Items, including a handbag, were found inside the vehicle.” The grim discovery comes following a rigorous search operation, during which police divers and drone…
Parts of the M1 Highway in Johannesburg have been partially closed as firefighters continue to combat a fierce fire raging in the underground tunnel beneath the highway’s double-decker bridge on the M1 South. The fire broke out early Thursday morning, prompting emergency services to respond swiftly. According to Johannesburg Emergency Medical Services (EMS) spokesperson Nana Radebe-Kgiba, the closure affects the stretch of highway between Smith Street and the Crown interchange, allowing officials to effectively manage the situation and ensure public safety. Radebe-Kgiba urged motorists to exercise caution while travelling in the area during this time of crisis. “Firefighters responded to…