Author: newsnote correspondent
As families prepare for the Easter holidays, a troubling trend is emerging: bank card fraud syndicates are ramping up their operations, preying on unsuspecting consumers eager to find deals and discounts. With the rise of cyber-crime, it has never been more critical for shoppers to be aware of potential threats lurking online and in their wallets. Athaly Khan, the head of Fraud Risk Management at Standard Bank, has sounded the alarm regarding these fraudsters and their increasingly sophisticated tactics to steal personal information. “One of the modus operandi we’ve identified over the past couple of years is how these criminals…
In a significant shift for one of the “Big Four” global professional services firms, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has announced its withdrawal from nine African countries after a thorough strategic review. The firm revealed on its official website that it has ceased operations in Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Republic of Guinea, Senegal, and Equatorial Guinea. This move, effective from March, signals a pivotal change in PwC’s footprint across the continent. The decision to exit these markets has raised eyebrows, particularly in light of ongoing challenges within the region and the firm’s recent…
In the aftermath of a violent incident at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) in Mthata has drawn the attention of Higher Education and Training Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, who is advocating for an urgent review of safety protocols at South African campuses. The incident unfolded on Tuesday when a student was shot dead and two others were injured during a protest over accommodation issues. The students were marching towards the residence manager’s office when shots rang out, leaving the community in shock. Initial claims by university authorities that the deceased, identified as 24-year-old Sisonke Mbolekwa from Matatiele, may not have been a…
In the Joshlin Smith case at the Western Cape High Court, accused Steveno van Rhyn underwent rigorous cross-examination as the focus shifted from the prosecution’s case to the court’s obligation to ensure the accused’s rights were protected. Judge Nathan Erasmus, presiding over the case, took the unusual step of pausing proceedings to outline how questioning should be conducted, stressing the need for fairness, simplicity, and comprehension in the legal process. As Senior Prosecutor Advocate Zelda Swanepoel began her cross-examination, she challenged Van Rhyn on inconsistencies surrounding his claims of torture and wrongful arrest in connection with the mysterious disappearance of…
Disaster management teams across KwaZulu-Natal are on high alert as the province grapples with relentless heavy rainfall and a snowfall warning that coincides with the Easter weekend. Residents and visitors are advised to stay updated as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) amplifies warnings regarding impending weather conditions that could disrupt normal activities. The SAWS has issued a stark warning about significant rainfall that is expected to sweep through various districts, particularly impacting eThekwini, iLembe, uMgungundlovu, Ugu, and the Harry Gwala districts. Moreover, widespread showers are predicted for areas including uThukela, Amajuba, Harry Gwala, uMzinyathi, iLembe, King Cetshwayo, and uMgungundlovu—a…
The asbestos trial of former Free State Premier, Ace Magashule, has resumed, bringing renewed attention to a controversial R255-million tender awarded in 2014 for the auditing and replacement of asbestos roofs. This high-profile case, involving prominent businesspeople and government officials, continues to unravel the complexities of alleged corruption within South Africa’s political landscape. On Wednesday, Magashule, businessman Edwin Sodi, and 16 other high-ranking officials appeared in the Bloemfontein High Court, facing charges connected to a tender that was intended to remove hazardous asbestos from approximately 300,000 homes in the Free State. The tender was granted to Sodi’s company, Blackhead Consulting,…
The spotlight is set to shine brightly on US President Donald Trump’s contentious relationship with the judicial system on Tuesday, as a hearing unfolds regarding the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a migrant who was deported to El Salvador under dubious circumstances. The story has become emblematic of the Trump administration’s rigid immigration policies and has raised questions about accountability and justice within the US judicial framework. Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a resident of Maryland and husband to a US citizen, suffered the fate of wrongful deportation due to what the Trump administration has termed an “administrative error.” The admission has…
Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane has expressed her deep concern following a tragic incident of violence at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, which resulted in the death of one person and left two others injured. This shocking event has raised serious questions regarding safety on university campuses and the necessity for protective measures for students and staff alike. The shooting occurred on the university’s Mthatha campus, prompting an immediate response from local law enforcement. Eastern Cape police spokesperson Nobuntu Gantana confirmed that authorities have initiated a preliminary investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding this violent act. As…
Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, a key figure in the high-profile Joshlin Smith trial, took a dramatic turn this week when he alleged that parts of his confession were fabricated under duress. As the court embarks on a trial-within-a-trial to assess the voluntariness of these confessions, the implications of Appollis’s statements are reverberating throughout the legal proceedings. During the testimony on Wednesday, Appollis explained that a coloured male officer had instructed him to implicate himself, Joshlin Smith, and Van Rhyn in the alleged abduction and sale of the young girl for R20,000. He recounted that the officer told him someone would come…
Award-winning gospel singer, Reverend Benjamin Dube has announced that he is parting ways with the Spirit of Praise collective, which he has been with since its inception back in 2008. The decision was communicated through an official statement on his X account, stating it was not an easy one. “This decision was not made lightly as Spirit of Praise has been an important part of Rev. Dube’s ministry journey over the years. “Through this platform, countless lives have been touched, worship has been elevated, and the message of Christ has reached multitudes both locally and globally. However, as seasons change, so…