Author: Silver Sibiya
Judgment has been reserved in the bail application of taxi owner Victor Majola, who is accused of the murder of Warrick Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras. DJ Warras was shot and killed in 16 December in the Johannesburg CBD. State prosecutor Vincent Mochabela told the court that Majola poses a flight risk and is likely to evade trial if released on bail. “If this court grants him bail and he absconds, we will not be able to trace him,” Mochabela said. Majola faces a Schedule 6 offence, which places the onus on the defence to demonstrate exceptional circumstances justifying…
Defence counsel Dumisani Mabunda has told the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court that slain media personality Warrick Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras, could have been killed by “anyone,” arguing that the circumstances surrounding his life expose multiple alternative suspects. Mabunda made the submission during bail proceedings for taxi boss Victor Majola, who was arrested in connection with the murder of DJ Warras, who was shot and killed in the Johannesburg CBD last month. Addressing the court, Mabunda submitted that the deceased should not be portrayed as blameless, alleging that DJ Warras was involved in building hijackings — a claim the defence…
BAT South Africa (BATSA) has announced it will close its only local cigarette manufacturing facility in Heidelberg, Gauteng, by the end of 2026, marking the end of factory-based cigarette production in the country after more than five decades. The decision follows what the company describes as the devastating impact of the illicit cigarette trade, which is estimated to account for nearly 75% of South Africa’s total cigarette market. BATSA says the scale of illegal trading has made continued local manufacturing economically unviable. Speaking on Thursday, Head of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs for BAT Sub-Saharan Africa, Johnny Moloto, said the Heidelberg…
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has strongly dismissed claims that foreign nationals are being prioritised over South African learners during the 2026 school placement process, following growing frustration from parents whose children remain unplaced at public schools across the province. Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, says the allegations are misleading and unfounded, stressing that there is no policy or directive within the department that allows schools to place foreign nationals ahead of South African learners. Speaking in a media statement on Thursday, MEC Chiloane reiterated that South African learners are prioritised in accordance with existing legislation and the…
Johannesburg Magistrate Annalise Tlhapi has ruled that CCTV footage will not be used as evidence in the bail application of the man accused of masterminding the killing of popular media personality Warrick Stock, widely known as DJ Warras. The defence had requested that the video footage be considered, arguing that it exonerates the accused, Victor Majola, in connection with DJ Warras’s murder. However, Magistrate Tlhapi said she would not rely on the footage when making her decision on the bail application. “I am not intending to rely on the video. Whatever is contained in that video amounts to what the…
Arsenal secured a narrow advantage in the Carabao Cup semi-final after a 3–2 victory over Chelsea in the first leg at Stamford Bridge. Goals from Ben White, Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi gave the visitors a two-goal cushion on two occasions, but Chelsea remained in contention through a second-half brace from Alejandro Garnacho. White opened the scoring in the seventh minute, heading in Declan Rice’s inswinging corner. Arsenal doubled their lead early in the second half when Gyokeres converted from close range after a low cross from White. Chelsea responded on 57 minutes, with Garnacho finishing at the back post…
Some Soweto parents of Grade R and Grade 1 learners could not hide their joy as they escorted their children to school on the first day of the academic year. Smiles, excitement and even tears of happiness filled school gates as parents shared this important milestone with their little ones. Newsnote spoke to parents in Orlando East, Soweto who described the day as emotional and memorable. Sinayonathi Mahlombe said she felt proud and hopeful as she took her bundle of joy to school for the very first time. “The future of the child is important. That’s why it’s important to…
Parents whose children have not been placed at any school say they are frustrated, despite applying early for the 2026 academic year. On Tuesday, they joined hundreds of others at the Gauteng Department of Education offices in Marshalltown, Johannesburg, seeking answers. Some parents say they were told to wait until 28 January for space allocation. Tumelo Mmopi from Cresta says she registered her child last year and wanted her Grade 1 learner to attend the same school as her older sibling. “What makes me angry is that we registered the child last year. When we went to the school, they…
The City of Johannesburg has disconnected electricity at the High Point flats and the popular Summit nightclub in Hillbrow after discovering that the properties collectively owe about R25 million in unpaid electricity bills. City of Johannesburg Acting Mayor Sithembiso Zungu confirmed the disconnections while speaking to Newsnote during a law-enforcement operation in the area on Tuesday. Zungu said the Summit nightclub is operating in a building whose plans do not comply with the City’s Emergency Management Services requirements and currently owes the City R2.6 million. “We have been going to different buildings some hijacked, some non-compliant, and some owing the…
Real Madrid have confirmed the appointment of former defender Álvaro Arbeloa as the club’s new first-team coach, marking a significant shift towards internal continuity and long-term planning at the Santiago Bernabéu. Arbeloa’s promotion follows his steady rise through the club’s coaching ranks and comes at a time when Real Madrid are prioritising stability and a strong link between the first team and the club’s youth structures. The appointment signals confidence in a coach who understands the club’s philosophy, expectations and winning culture. Since joining Real Madrid’s academy setup in 2020, Arbeloa has built an impressive coaching résumé. He began with…