Author: Silver Sibiya
About 400 families from the Sporong informal settlement in Randfontein, west of Johannesburg, say they were forced to flee their homes following repeated and violent attacks by illegal miners. Residents allege that the miners regularly broke into their homes, demanding money and other valuables. They claim their lives were turned into a nightmare, with the attackers threatening to kidnap their children for ransom if they failed to comply. Zanele Morapedi described some of the terrifying experiences endured by the community. “They come in large numbers. When they enter your house, they surround your shack,” she said. “Sometimes four or five…
Police have arrested the driver of a scholar transport vehicle following a deadly crash that claimed the lives of twelve learners in Vanderbijlpark, south of Johannesburg. The 22-year-old driver was taken into custody after being discharged from hospital, where he was receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the accident on Monday, 19 January 2026. Police say he is expected to appear before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court within 48 hours. “The driver faces twelve counts of culpable homicide, as well as charges of reckless and negligent driving. Police say they visited hospitals and the local mortuary to verify the number of…
ActionSA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Xolani Khumalo has been granted R2 000 bail following a brief appearance at the Palmridge Magistrates’ Court on Monday. Khumalo is facing charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and pointing a firearm. The charges stem from an incident in 18 December when he and his crew was raiding a home suspected of drugs. After which Khumalo handed himself over at the Katlehong Police Station. He was accompanied by ActionSA leadership, including Michael Beaumont and Funzi Ngobeni. Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the police station, singing struggle songs and chanting his name. He…
Heartbreak and anguish gripped Gauteng on Monday after a devastating crash involving a scholar transport vehicle claimed the lives of 13 children near Vanderbijlpark, south of Johannesburg. The learners, travelling to five different schools in Vanderbijlpark and Vereeniging, were killed when the minibus taxi they were in collided with a truck. Their lives were cut short in an instant, turning what should have been an ordinary school morning into a scene of unimaginable tragedy. Gauteng Police have since opened a case of culpable homicide as investigations into the crash get underway. Police Spokesperson Mavela Masondo says both drivers, along with…
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick was quick to credit his players and staff after a memorable 2-0 derby victory over Manchester City at Old Trafford, a result that lifted the mood around the club and delighted the home supporters. Second-half goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu secured all three points in front of an ecstatic crowd, even if the scoreline arguably flattered United on the balance of play. Nevertheless, Carrick praised the collective commitment and discipline shown by his side, particularly given the limited preparation time. Speaking after the match to Sky Sports and MUTV, Carrick played…
The City of Ekurhuleni has confirmed that its Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Roads and Transport Management, Andile Mngwevu, is missing following a flooding incident in Mozambique. According to the city’ statement released on Sunday, Mngwevu was travelling in the Chokwé area when a vehicle carrying five people was swept away by floodwaters. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear. The city said a South African rescue mission deployed to Mozambique has managed to establish contact with one of the five occupants who were in the vehicle at the time of the incident. However, the status and whereabouts…
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…