TrendySA Online

PALMIETFONTEIN - As people prepare themselves to enjoy an extended break during the long weekend an influx off people is expected in the Joe Gqabi District, during this time period men and woman in blue together with other law enforcement agencies will be on duty to make sure everyone is safe and secure. On the 16 April 2025 a multi-disciplinary high-density Operation Paseka was launched by Mayor V Stokhwe of the Senque municipality and Major General Lindelwa Vellem the Joe Gqabi District Commissioner. The event was executed at the R726 between Zastron and the R393 to the Tellebridge border gate. The operation was jointly conducted by the members of the South African Police Service together with Border Management, Immigration, SANDF, Fire and Rescue, Emergency services, Department of Transport, Provincial and local traffic and municipal officials. The focus of the roadblock was on preventing trio crimes ,stop and search of vehicles and persons, search for drugs, illegal fir...

LIMPOPO - lncreased traffic volumes are currently being experienced on various routes across the Limpopo province. The Department of Transport in Limpopo cautioned of rain in some parts of the province, urging motorists to drive with caution, switch on your headlights, reduce your speed, and increase your following distance.  Here are affected routes: 1. If you're traveling in the Waterberg District, expect congestion on the N1 and R101.  2. In the Capricorn District, traffic is heavy on the R71 from Polokwane to Boyne, the D4040 from Ga-Maja to Boyne, and the R81 from Polokwane to Ga-Sekgopo. 3. Meanwhile, in the Mopani District, the R81 from Ga-Sekgopo to Giyani, the R71 from Boyne to Phalaborwa, and the R36 from Moeketsi via Tzaneen to the Strydom Tunnel are all experiencing heavy traffic volumes, as is the R40 from Phalaborwa to Hoedspruit.  4. In the Sekhukhune District, expect delays on the R579 from Jane Furse to the Moratiwa complex, the R574 from the ...

KWAZULU-NATAL- The Easter Weekend has started with  carnage on the N3 as two major collisions at Town Hill, Pietermaritzburg left over 65 people injured. In the early hours of Friday morning, the start of the anticipated Easter weekend, Mi7 National Group’s Emergency Medical Services responded to two devastating accidents on Town Hill – the first involving two heavy-duty trucks, and the second, a mass casualty event involving a bus and multiple vehicles. Initial Collision: Two Trucks, One Driver Entrapped Shortly after midnight, Mi7 EMS received reports of a major collision involving two trucks on the N3 at the base of Town Hill. One vehicle had veered off the road down an embankment, while the other obstructed both the middle and slow lanes of the highway. Mi7 immediately dispatched an Advanced Life Support (ALS) rapid response vehicle and ambulance to the scene, joined by the Msunduzi Fire Department and other emergency services. Upon arrival, crews discovered one dri...

PRETORIA - President Cyril Ramaphosa has wished South Africans a happy and safe Easter, which depends on citizens conducting themselves with tolerance, patience and respect for everyone with whom they come into contact. President Ramaphosa offered his best wishes for the Easter break to South Africa’s diverse Christian denominations as well as compatriots for whom this will purely be a period of rest and social connection. He said: “Easter is a special period for devoted Christians to celebrate their faith and the triumph of life over death, and it is an opportunity for South Africans of all backgrounds enjoy rest and reconnection with family and friends.” President Ramaphosa urged citizens to take care of themselves and others on the roads and in social situations. “As we move around our beautiful country, let us reduce speed, buckle up, rest up and leave our phones alone while we’re driving. “Let’s make sure vehicles are well maintained and that we avoid the need to rush ...

PRETORIA - The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has noted with concern the fake social media posts and screenshots claiming that the Old Age Grant will be stopped in May if certain documents are not updated by 30 April 2025.   "As SASSA we would like to confirm that the message is incorrect and fake. This message is mischievous, and we urge our beneficiaries not to panic, as no grant will be canceled," said Paseka Letsatsi, the SASSA National Spokesperson. According to Paseka, SASSA only reviews grant that need to be reviewed at a particular time and that is communicated to the beneficiaries whose grant is to be reviewed before any action is taken.  The spread of these fake news on social media platforms are very unfortunate and they create unnecessary panic to the beneficiaries, particularly the vulnerable and we urge everyone to stop sharing them.  “We appeal to our beneficiaries to only rely on credible sources of information on our official soc...

JOHANNESBURG - South African veteran actor Don Mlangeni Nawa, has passed away. Known for his superlative stage and screen plays, the former Isidingo actor passed away at the age of 65. Bra Don rose to fame in the 1980s as Laqhasha on in Sgudi Snaysi alongside late veteran actor Joe Mafela aka Sdumo. In a statement, Bra Don passed away on 16 April 2025. The family has asked for privacy as they grief their love one. Also, they promised to share memorial and funeral details in due course. This is a developing story.

ULUNDI - The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has condemned the assassination of Induna Aaron Gwala, which occurred on Sunday in the eMaphephetheni, in ward 2 eThekwini. Reports indicate that unknown assailants attacked Induna Gwala at his residence, resulting in his death. MEC Buthelezi has expressed his shock and sadness at this act of violence. "We are saddened and outraged by the murder of Induna Gwala. He was a hardworking Induna who served the Gwala Traditional Authority with diligence and was a dependable supporter of Inkosi" said MEC Buthelezi. The MEC extended his condolences to Inkosi Thandizwe Frank Gwala and the entire Gwala traditional community on the loss of a leader.  "Induna Gwala consistently prioritised the interest of his community, and his absence will be felt," added MEC Buthelezi. MEC Buthelezi has called upon law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation int...

WESTERN CAPE - President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated cyclists Gauta Mahlakoane, Maxwell Ndou and Karabo Mokoo for safely completing a first and unique historic tour from their hometown of Burgersfort, Limpopo Province to Cape Town, Western Cape Province, on an arduous adventure of 13 days and 1741 km of pedaling on their BMX bicycles.   “Your ambition to succeed against all odds has captivated the nation and this feat of human endurance has awoken the possibilities of what one will achieve when setting their sights to greatness. As a peloton you triumphed over adversity and the journey from Burgersfort to Cape Town fueled our Ubuntu human connection that defines South Africa.  In the spirit of solidarity, the people of South Africa not only cheered the team on when pacing past their communities, they also responded to your needs by raising awareness about BMX Gauta Team club and your advocacy for young people to stay off alcohol, drugs and gangsterism....

REIGER PARK - The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department  (EMPD) has confirmed that on Sunday, 13 April 2025, three males driving in a VW Polo hatchback, were declared dead on scene after a head-on crash with Toyota Quantum taxi, resulting in eight taxi occupants being hospitalised.   Rescue team from the City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) responded promptly to the scene for intervention. The incident happened on Commissioner Road, just outside Reiger Park.  Rescuers had to use specialized hydraulic equipment (Jaws of Life) to cut both vehicles to access both drivers who were found trapped behind steering wheels. All three (3) occupants of the hatchback VW polo were declared dead and from the Toyota Quantum taxi, four(4) sustained critical injuries, driver inclusive, three(3) other passengers sustained serious but were in stable conditions, and the last four escaped with minor injuries.  

MTHATHA - A protest action has turned tragic at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) in the Eastern Cape this morning, Tuesday, 15 April Reports have emerged that one student was fatally wounded while three others were injured amid the protest. A residence manager is alleged to have opened fire on the students after a vehicle was apparently torched. It is said that authorities are on the scene and the university has yet to release an official statement.  This is a developing story.

NIGEL - Xolane Qhubeke (37) appeared at the Nigel Magistrates’ Court for his first appearance on 14 April. He is facing charges of reckless driving and common assault for allegedly assaulting an 18-year-old high school learner.   It is alleged that on 10 April 2025, the victim was a passenger in a school transport, on their way back from school, while there was traffic on the road.  It is alleged that the accused was driving on the wrong side of the road, thus blocking the school transport.   An altercation between the accused and the driver of the schooler transport allegedly ensued while the two were standing outside next to the schooler transport vehicle.   While standing outside, it is alleged that the accused put his upper body inside the schooler transport and disengaged the hand brake of the vehicle. The complainant, who was sitting at the back of the car, then pulled the hand brake back up.  At that point, it is alleged that th...

CAPETOWN - "Welcome to Cape Town, Gauta, Maxwell and Karabo!! You made it!!" said the City of Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis after the boys embarked on gruelling cycling journey from Limpopo to the Western Cape capital. "These 3 guys have cycled from Limpopo to Cape Town. 14 days on the road, over 1700km! They’ve raised money for their community to establish a cycling club to introduce more young people to the joys of cycling. On the journey, they’ve also captured the hearts of the nation," said Hill-Lewis  Although this journey was beyond imaginable, DJ Karri who caught up with the boys along the Free State Province brought ease to the journey as he used his influence on social media to push this great cause. The cyclists were supported by brands and individuals until reaching the Mother City.

KWAZULU-NATAL- The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 4 Warning for disruptive rain in several parts of KZN from 00:00 to 23:59 on Tuesday, 15 April 2025 Northern parts of the province, including Nongoma, Nquthu, Hlabisa, Jozini, Msinga and Mtubatuba are expected to be affected. Other regions include Kokstad, Underberg, Newcastle and Escourt. WHAT TO EXPECT •Flooding of roads, settlements & bridges •Damage to infrastructure & mud-based houses •Poor driving conditions & major traffic disruptions SAFETY MEASURES   *Avoid crossing rivers & flooded roads *Stay indoors if possible *Move valuables & livestock to higher ground

PRETORIA - Striker Ashley Du Preez came off the bench to score a dramatic last minute winner, as Kaizer Chiefs came from behind to defeat Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in a gripping Nedbank Cup semifinal at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria on Sunday. They are now set up for a mouthwatering Soweto Derby final against Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban on 10 May, just one step away from finally getting their hands on silverware. Amakhosi were unfortunate to go into the halftime break a goal down, after Teboho Mokoena scored from a free kick in stoppage time of a very evenly matched first 45 minutes. However, their persistence paid off in the second half, first through Wandile Duba’s composed finish in the 57th minute and right at the death, from an equally well-taken goal from Du Preez. Amakhosi will face Orlando Pirates in the final of the Nedbank Cup at Moses Mabhida next month.

EASTERN CAPE - As operations in OR Tambo District are in full swing with police roadblocks held around the district to fight crime so as for communities to have a safer Easter holiday, Bityi and Mqanduli police jointly arrested a 37-year-old male suspect on N2 roadblock near Vidgesville for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition on Friday, 11 April 2025 at about 14:00. The 37-year-old male suspect was arrested during a roadblock and on searching him, police found an unlicensed firearm with ammunition in his waist.  The suspect was arrested and charged for unlawful possession of unlicensed firearm (intact serial number) and ammunition whilst Flagstaff police arrested a 34-year-old male suspect of Mafadobo locality on Friday, 11 April 2025, for kidnapping, assaulting and rape of his 34-year-old former girlfriend.  The suspect locked her at his residence from 27 March 2025 till her escape on 08 April 2025. Both suspects will respectively appear before Magi...