Author: Silver Sibiya
The South African government has joined several countries around the world in condemning the United States following a large-scale military operation in Venezuela that reportedly led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. On Saturday, former US President Donald Trump announced that Maduro had been detained and flown out of the country after explosions were reported in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas. The operation is being described as the most significant US military action in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama, during which former leader Manuel Antonio Noriega was seized. In a statement, the…
South African political parties and trade unions have strongly condemned reports of a United States military intervention in Venezuela under President Donald Trump, warning that such actions violate international law and undermine national sovereignty. Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema expressed solidarity with Venezuela in a post on social media platform X, stating: “We are with the people of Venezuela.” Rise Mzansi leader Zongeso Zibi also criticised the reported intervention, arguing that any US military operation conducted without congressional approval would be unlawful even under American law. “International law prohibits one country from attacking another to enforce regime change.…
Police in Embalenhle, under the Gert Sibande District, have launched an investigation into two counts of murder following a shooting incident at a tavern in Extension 15 on Thursday night. According to police, officers were alerted by community members to a shooting at the tavern at around 23h00 on 1 January 2026. Upon arrival, police found two men lying on the ground inside the premises, covered with blankets, while members of the community had gathered outside. Both victims, who are residents of Embalenhle, were attended to by Emergency Medical Services personnel and were certified dead at the scene. Their identities…
One of South Africa’s most celebrated road runners, Gerda Steyn, has described 2025 as a remarkable year following a series of historic achievements on the marathon circuit. Steyn clinched her sixth consecutive Two Oceans Marathon title in April and her fourth Comrades Marathon victory in June becoming only the second woman in history to accomplish the feat. She also secured a third-place finish at the Soweto Marathon in November, further cementing her dominance in long-distance running. “I know I had a fantastic year and i’m honored to have the rpic results i had at the Soweto Marathon and the Comrades…
Chelsea Football Club have confirmed that they have parted company with head coach Enzo Maresca, bringing an end to his tenure at Stamford Bridge. In a statement released by the club on Thursday, Chelsea acknowledged Maresca’s contributions, highlighting the success achieved under his leadership, including lifting the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup trophies. The club said these achievements would remain a significant part of its recent history. “During his time at the Club, Enzo led the team to success in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup. Those achievements will remain an important…
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba has called on residents of the province and fans across South Africa to continue uniting in prayer for the speedy recovery of beloved singer Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, popularly known as Makhadzi, following her involvement in a motor vehicle accident on New Year’s Eve. The award-winning artist was involved in a car crash in the early hours of Wednesday, December 31, 2025, while travelling from Limpopo to Johannesburg, where she was scheduled to perform at a festive event. According to statements from Makhadzi Entertainment, she sustained injuries but is in stable condition and under close observation by…
In a major breakthrough against organised crime, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit has arrested a 26-year-old Zimbabwean national linked to a viral cellphone snatching incident and multiple crimes across Gauteng. The suspect, identified on social media as Nobert Zapambela, gained notoriety after a video circulated online showing him allegedly snatching a woman’s cellphone as she entered the Kream restaurant at Brooklyn Mall in Pretoria. Officers traced him to a flat in Hillbrow, where he was found hiding and reportedly still wearing the same clothing from the video. During the search, police recovered a cellphone the suspect…
Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has sustained minor injuries in a serious car accident on Nigeria’s Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which claimed the lives of two close friends and team members. The crash occurred on Monday morning in Ogun State when the Lexus SUV Joshua was travelling in – reportedly speeding during an overtaking manoeuvre – collided with a stationary truck. Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) cited excessive speed and wrongful overtaking as primary causes, common factors in fatal highway incidents. Joshua, 36, was a rear-seat passenger and was hospitalised for checks. He is in stable condition and under…
The Bekkersdal community has appealed to President Cyril Ramaphosa to deploy members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to curb illegal mining and escalating violence in the area. The call follows the court appearance of five Lesotho nationals at the Westonaria Magistrate’s Court in connection with last week’s mass shooting at the Kwa-Noxolo Tavern, where ten patrons were killed and at least ten others injured. Tensions ran high at court on Monday, with community members removed from the courtroom. The media was also instructed not to publish the identities of the suspects until an identity parade has been…
A Chinese cement producer is poised to take full ownership of AfriSam, one of Southern Africa’s major suppliers of cement and construction materials, following a merger filing with the Competition and Consumer Authority (CCA). The proposed deal would see West International New Building Materials Pte. Ltd — a Singapore-based firm ultimately owned by Hong Kong–listed West China Cement Limited (WCC) — acquire 100% of AfriSam Holdings, including its subsidiaries such as AfriSam Botswana. WCC, a global cement manufacturer with operations in mainland China, Mozambique, the DRC, Ethiopia and Uzbekistan, has no physical footprint or direct cement supply in Botswana. The…