TrendySA Online

DURBAN - Two men were killed in a structural collapse on a property on Canehaven Drive in Canehaven, Phoenix, north of Durban on Saturday, 29 March. The Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) Operations Center says it received a call for assistance from a member of the public requesting assistance for the trapped men. Reaction Officers & RUSA Paramedics were immediately dispatched.   On arrival, Reaction Officers discovered the bodies of both men trapped under the debris. They showed no signs of life and were declared deceased.  It was established that they were employed for a construction company and in the process of digging a trench when a retaining wall, sand and metal reinforcing collapsed on them.  The two  males aged 27 & 29 were Mozambican nationals. Firefighters from the Ethekwini Fire & Rescue Services were on scene to process and recover the bodies.

DURBAN - Golden Arrows completed the double over Kaizer Chiefs, beating them 2-1 at Moses Mabhida Stadium this afternoon, Saturday, 29 March. "We've done the double successfully against AmaKhosi this season. A great team effort and win this afternoon," the Durban-based outfit celebrated. Goals came Sibiya on the  25th minute, Mutizwa 78th for Arrows, and Maart 29th for Kaizer Chiefs. Arrows moves to 27 points, just two behind Amakhosi in eighth place with three games in hand. The Betway Premiership Man Of The Match went to none other than Lamontville born Nduduzo 'Mr Arrows' Sibiya.

PRETORIA - The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has  welcomed the decision taken by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) to allow for the continued use of the SASSA gold card until all the cards have been successfully replaced. The decision by SARB comes after several engagements between SASSA and Postbank on several issues, including alternative payment methods for beneficiaries who have not migrated to the Postbank black card. This decision has been made in the best interest of all the beneficiaries, to safeguard their dignity, lessen panic whilst ensuring their safety and easy access to their grants. In welcoming this decision, the Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Themba Matlou said he respects and abides by the decisions taken by the relevant banking authorities such as SARB and appealed to all gold card holders to not relax and go out to change their card to Postbank black card. “We humbly plea to our beneficiaries to use this opportunity and not w...

AUCKLAND PARK – METRO FM, the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) largest commercial radio station, has announced its highly anticipated 2025/26 line-up. According to the SABC, this year’s line-up promises to bring even more excitement, energy, and entertainment to the station’s loyal listeners. A new era with fresh talent, the 2025/26 line-up boasts an impressive mix of new and familiar faces. Most of the weekday flagship shows will remain, with exciting line-ups offering a great mix. Renowned DJ and Radio host, Siyabulela Supta Sithole, joins the station with “Midnight with a Smile” on Mondays to Fridays, between 00:00 to 03:00. Newsreader, Paulette Neo Kaise, joins “The Best Morning Breakfast Show” and “The Touchdown” to provide daily traffic updates. The weekend line-up receives a fresh boost with the return of legendary radio personality and TV star, Dineo Ranaka, who takes over the “The Saturday Top 30“. Ismael Abrahams takes over the 00:00 to 03:00 slot ...

LIMPOPO- A multiple-vehicle accident has occurred on the N1 near Makhado (Vhembe District Municipality) next to Mountain View, after Witvlag and before the tunnel this morning. The road is currently closed for emergency services, according to the Limpopo Department of Transport. The cause and severity of the accident us unknown at this stage. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes. From Makhado to Musina: Turn right at Witvlag, continue until the side junction at Siloam, turn left onto R523 towards Dzanani, and proceed straight to join N1.  From Musina to Makhado: Take the T-junction before the tunnel and turn left into Witvlag. This is a developing story.

PIETERMARITZBURG - National Group's Emergency Medical Services are currently on scene at the site of a major crash on the N3 Northbound carriageway near Ashburton this morning, Friday,  28 March. It is believed a truck rammed through several vehicles, leaving approximately 20 people injured. Three trucks, a taxi, and five cars were involved - the wreckages strewn across the roadway.  The freeway is currently closed to traffic and emergency services are working to stabilise patients and clear the scene.  Community members have caused additional chaos on scene, stopping to loot the contents of one truck carrying soft drinks.  Source: Mi7 National Group 

BEDFORDVIEW - Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) has reported an accident causing traffic delays on the N12 direction west, just before the Gillooly’s interchange this morning, Friday, 28 March. It is reported that three lanes are affected and the right lane is closed. Traffic backup from Kraft Road. The cause and severity of the crash is unknown at this stage. EMPD has advised motorists to approach with caution and be patient. This is a developing story.

FREE STATE - The Cross-Border Roads Transport Agency (C-BRTA)  in partnership  with the Border Management Authority (BMA), South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF), South African Revenue Service (Customs) and the Provincial and Municipal Traffic Authorities in the Free State Province, conducted a joint law enforcement operation just outside Maseru Bridge Border Post on 27 March. As part of the operation in the morning, 92 vehicles were inspected, resulting in  24 notices being issued for cross-border and traffic related offenses. Two  undocumented people  were arrested.  The C-BRTA commends all the Authorities who participated in the operation to ensure law and order as well as road safety along corridors. The safe transportation of passengers and goods remains the C-BRTA’s priority.

PRETORIA - Two men, 27-year-old Zimbabwean national and a 50-year-old man, appeared at the Pretoria North Magistrates’ Court on 26 March Both are facing a charge of possession of unlicenced firearm and possession of ammunition. The 27-year-old man is facing an additional charge of being illegal in the country.    On 24 March 2025, the two were arrested separately by police after being found with unlawful possession of firearm and possession of ammunition in Soshanguve Extension 6 and Extension 20. The arrest comes after police were investigating the incident where patrol members were killed in Soshanguve, informal settlement ( Merry Me ).   In court, the 27-year-old told the court that he intends to provisionally abandon his bail application while the 50-year-old told the court of his intention to apply for bail.   The matter was postponed to 01 April 2025 for further investigations and bail information. 

WESTERN CAPE - The South African Air Force mourns the loss of Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) James O’Connell , a veteran Experimental Test Pilot who tragically lost his life during an air show accident on 22 March 2025 at Saldanha Airfield.  Renowned for his exceptional skill, dedication and passion for Flight Testing, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) O’Connell was a pivotal figure in advancing South Africa’s aviation capabilities, particularly in the field of flight testing. The accident, allegedly occurred during a routine demonstration flight of a privately owned Impala Mk I aircraft at the West Coast air show. Despite the swift response of emergency services, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) O’Connell succumbed to his injuries. Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) O’Connell’s distinguished career spanned over 28 years in the South African Air Force. He graduated as a test pilot from the prestigious Empire Test Pilots' School in the United Kingdom in 1996 and served in the...

NATURENA - Following the FIFA international break, the Betway Premiership resumes this weekend with Kaizer Chiefs set to face off against Lamontville Golden Arrows. The match, initially scheduled for Sunday, 30th March 2025 at the Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammersdale, will now take place on Saturday, 29th March 2025 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Amakhosi return to Kwa-Zulu Natal seeking redemption after struggling to secure maximum points in their last two league matches, against Cape Town City and Richards Bay. This encounter also serves as an opportunity for Chiefs to avenge their narrow 1-0 loss to Abafana Bes'thende in their previous meeting in January. With the league campaign entering its final stages, coach Nasreddine Nabi and his charges will be eager to make a strong push in the final stretch, starting this weekend. The FIFA break wil have provided the team with a much-needed rest and an opportunity to regroup and reassess their strategy. There is still...

PARKTOWN - One suspect was fatally wounded and five others arrested following a shootout between the suspects and a team of law enforcement officers in Westdene, Sophiatown , on Monday, 24 March 2025. Out of the five arrested, two are in hospital, under police guard, as they sustained injuries during a shootout. The suspects are believed to be involved in a number of incidents where churches and places of worship were robbed. They were found in possession of unlicensed firearms and music instruments that they allegedly stole from a church in Florida. Police crime intelligence received information about the suspects who were committing armed robberies and break-ins at places of worship around Gauteng. The information was that a group was to rob a church in Florida. Various law enforcement agencies that include South African Police Service Counter Intelligence Head Office, Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Tracking Team, Gauteng Tactical Response Team, Gauteng Anti...

PRETORIA - Eskom has issued an urgent alert regarding a high risk of load shedding at short notice due to several generation unit breakdowns. “Over the past 12 hours, six generation units have been taken offline, placing severe strain on the power system and requiring the use of emergency reserves,” the power utility said on Monday evening. Eskom warned that if an additional 800MW is lost, it would be compelled to implement Stage 2 load shedding at short notice.  “Efforts are underway to return seven generation units to service between the evening peak and Tuesday evening. Our teams are closely monitoring the situation, and further updates will be provided... [when] ecessary,” Eskom said. -

PRETORIA - The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Fannie Masemola , has thrown his full weight in defence of police officers who respond with authority and power vested upon them in the fight against crime. This follows numerous incidences in different provinces where heavily armed and dangerous criminals totally disregard the law, commit heinous crimes and thereafter, engage in deadly shootouts with police. “For as long as criminals attack police officers, the police will respond decisively as empowered by relevant legislation that governs the work of the police.” Said General Masemola. “Police have observed with concern, statements issued in defence of criminals and questionable silence when police officers are killed in the line of duty including community members, who are always at risk and at times killed as innocent bystanders” General Masemola added. Section 205 of the South African Constitution directs the South African Police Service...

CHINA - Middle-distance runner Prudence Sekgodiso produced a spectacular performance on Sunday, winning gold in the women's 800m final on the third and final day of the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China. Sekgodiso triumphed in 1:58.40, shattering her own South African short track record of 1:59.88 which she set earlier this season. The 23-year-old South African also clocked the fastest indoor time in the world this year, securing the SA team's second medal of the global showpiece after Akani Simbine earned bronze in the men's 60m final on Friday. Sekgodiso won comfortably, finishing nearly a full second ahead of Ethiopia's Nigist Getachew who grabbed the silver medal in 1:59.63, with Patricia Silva of Portugal taking bronze in 1:59.80. In the men's long jump final, Cheswill Johnson finished 12th with a best leap of 7.64m, while Chris van Niekerk ended 14th in the men's shot put final with a 19.47m throw. "This is what we ar...

VERULAM - A 60 year old man resting in a bush on the R102 in Verulam - KZN was mistaken for a deceased body this morning.  Members of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) were called out to the scene at approximately 07:52. On arrival, Reaction Officers entered a dense bush and found a man on the ground. His upper body was covered with a black refuse bag.  The man woke up after Officers removed the refuse bag. He explained that he resides in Ndwedwe - KZN and did not have finance to return to his residence from the Verulam CBD - KZN yesterday (Sunday). He thereafter decided to spend the night in the bush. A pedestrian walking past the bush spotted the male and presumed that he was deceased.  The man is self employed and manufactures toys out of wire.

  PRETORIA - The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and Postbank have reiterated that the SASSA gold card have stopped working since the deadline on 20 March 2025; however, migration continues for all beneficiaries.   "The programme to migrate to Postbank black cards has not stopped, only the SASSA gold card will stop working.  Therefore, all SASSA beneficiaries using gold cards who have not migrated to Postbank black cards are urged to continue visiting Postbank sites at Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, Pick n Pay, Boxer and Spar to change as soon as possible. They can also dial *120*355# to find places where they can replace cards," the department advised.   SASSA and Postbank have assured beneficiaries that they will receive their grant even if they have not yet migrated, but through an alternative payment method at  Post Office counters.

JOHANNESURG - Big Brother Mzansi Umlilo season has officially wrapped. 24 hopefuls came, and slayed but only one could take the crown and that was Sweet Guluva. WHO IS THE BIG BROTHER WINNER Sweet Guluva , whose real name is Akhonamathemba Mbele, is a 23-year-old student from KwaZulu-Natal and a housemate on Big Brother Mzansi Season 5. He's known for his bubbly personality, respect for others, and charisma. THE WINNING FORMULA Sweet Guluva's strategy in the game has been to stay true to himself, be open-minded, and build meaningful connections with his fellow housemates. His fans appreciate his authenticity, kindness, and respect for others, which has made him a strong contender in the competition.

FREE STATE - Harrismith Public Order Police arrested a wanted murder suspect at Harrismith following the shooting and killing of person on Saturday, 22 March 2025, at Intabazwe. It's alleged that on Saturday, 22 March 2025 at about 00:45, there was shooting at a certain tavern on McKechnie Street in Harrismith, where a person was allegedly shot with a firearm by a known suspect who also fled the crime scene on foot. The injured person was also rushed to a local hospital with a private vehicle where he was declared dead on arrival. It's further alleged that the deceased and suspect had an argument earlier. It's not yet clear what their argument was all about that led to the shooting. He sustained bullet wounds on the chest. A case of murder is being investigated. The same day between 11:00 and 16:00, an intelligence-driven operation was conducted following the alleged murder and whereabouts of the suspect by Harrismith POP. The suspect was traced and found at a ...

KWAZULU-NATAL- A bus ferrying Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) members was involved in an accident this morning, Sunday, 22 March. It is reported that the bus travelling from Vryheid to Ulundi for the party’s 50th anniversary celebration. The accident occurred on the R34 near Lakeside, outside Vryheid. Emergency services are on-site assisting the injured. At least four patients have been rushed to hospital. This is a developing story.

CAPE TOWN - As the summer season winds down, the City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department is amending community swimming pool operational hours to accommodate the school holidays. The public is also advised to please keep drowning prevention measures top of mind at all times. "We encourage residents and especially learners to make use of the City’s recreational facilities during the school holidays. It’s important for parents and guardians to always know the whereabouts of children and ensure that they are closely supervised, particularly around water bodies. The City’s lifeguards play an important role in ensuring a safe beach and pool environment and we would like to request beachgoers to please adhere to the rules to help lighten the load," said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham. SAFETY MEASURES FOR BATHERS • Always swim on a beach with lifeguards on duty, and between their red and yellow flags • ...