Author: Silver Sibiya
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…
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…