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DURBAN - A learner has tragically died and several others were injured in a horrific scholar transport accident in Ndwedwe, north of Durban. An alleged 'visibly drunk driver' has become the centre of the investigation, with KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport Siboniso Duma questioning how the driver was allowed to transport learners under such conditions. At 21h30, Duma assigned a team to investigate how a visibly drunk driver was allowed to transport learners in Ndwedwe. This after he received a disturbing video of the drunk driver and other photos.   "I immediately assigned a team to urgently visit the scene of a horrific accident caused by the same driver. The team also proceeded to Montobella District Hospital to monitor the condition of ten learners who were injured.   "At 01h20 this morning, I received a report indicating that, unfortunately, one learner died after a minibus taxi rolled down an embankment.   "Six other learners were treated and disc...

KEMPTON PARK - Thabani Goodwill Ntshalintshali (40), accused of the murder of City of Ekurhuleni Senior Auditor Mpho Mafole, appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court on a charge of Murder. The case has been postponed to 15 August 2025 for further investigation. The State alleges that, on 30 June 2025 in Kempton Park, the deceased was allegedly followed after attending a work-related meeting on the day of the incident. He was shot and declared dead at the scene. A witness later informed police about a suspicious vehicle in the area, which led authorities to launch an investigation that eventually pointed to the accused. Ntshalintshali is also facing another pending murder case scheduled for trial on 12 and 19 August 2025. Due to this outstanding case, the State will oppose the bail application. The investigation is ongoing and further arrests cannot be ruled out. The accused remains in custody until his next court appearance.

DURBAN - Police in KwaZulu-Natal, in conjuction with officials from the Department of Basic Education have made unannounced visits at the Ikusasalethu Secondary School, Newtown Combined School and Inanda Comprehensive School in Inanda on Tuesday morning. The visits are part of the Safer Schools Protocol, which is a joint initiative by the Department of Basic Education and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to create safer learning environments in schools. The Protocol is aimed at addressing social ills such as bullying, gangsterism, substance abuse and gender-based violence. During the visits, police provided valuable safety information to learners, and subsequent searches led to the recovery of dagga and cigarettes.

DUNDEE - On Saturday, 19 July,  the vibrant town of Dundee came alive with colour, rhythm, and excitement. The 20th Annual Dundee July Traditional Horse Racing and Lifestyle Festival was the place to be as KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Thami Ntuli, joined locals and guests for the spectacular affair. The Dundee July has grown into a flagship event that blends sport, arts, fashion, and traditional heritage, drawing thousands of spectators, stimulating local economies, and providing a platform for emerging creatives and entrepreneurs. It is a space where tradition meets modern vibrancy — a true showcase of the province’s richness and diversity. The event comprised a fashion shows which exposed emerging designers' work and a traditional horse race which saw the following wins: Race 1 grade 7 Result. 1. Sthembiso Gamede, izinkulumo from Umzinyathi 2. Syabonga Niyane, Ntathakusa from Newcastle 3. Intabazethorini, Mkhulisi Lujiva.

GAUTENG - This year’s Nelson Mandela International Day on 18 July will be celebrated under the theme: “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity.”   Nelson Mandela, in addressing the scourge of poverty, suffering and deprivation, said: "It is in your hands to make our world a better one for all, especially the poor, vulnerable and marginalised." These profound words by our global icon and father of our nation are at the heart of our actions this Nelson Mandela Day in tackling poverty, fighting inequality and building a society based on justice.  The day is an opportunity for citizens to recognise their individual power to change the world for the better. We can also play a part by raising awareness and expanding the reach of Mandela’s values which include fighting injustice, helping people in need and advancing reconciliation. Government encourages citizens to donate their time to make a difference in their communities this Nelson Mandela Day. Thr...

   CENTURION - A manager from a privately owned vehicle testing station is scheduled to appear before the Polokwane magistrate court after attempting to bribe a police investigating officer. The manager from Seshego Private Vehicle Testing Station was arrested on Monday after offering a bribe of R8000 to an officer investigating fraud and corruption at his station.   The manager allegedly wanted the investigating officer to release cellphones seized during an earlier search and seizure operation conducted by the National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit – division of the 2 / 2 Road Traffic Management Corporation and the Limpopo Hawks anti-corruption investigation unit. An entrapment order was obtained and the investigation officer arranged to meet with the manager on Monday (14 July 2025). At the meeting in Polokwane, the manager allegedly handed a sum amounting to R5000 to the investigating officer. He was immediately arrested and the money seized as an exhi...

CAPE TOWN - The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has  welcomed the announcement by Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, on the imminent publication of the Lion Prohibition Notice banning new captive lion breeding facilities.   This long-awaited reform marks a pivotal milestone in dismantling an industry built on systemic cruelty, reflecting years of legal action, public advocacy, and inspections by the NSPCA. The prohibition confirms what the NSPCA has long exposed: the captive lion industry has operated largely unabated for decades, inflicting severe animal welfare violations, damaging South Africa’s conservation reputation, and flouting constitutional obligations to protect sentient beings. While limited to new facilities, this ban sends a clear signal that the commodification of lions for tourism, hunting, and the bone trade is no longer defensible. The NSPCA’s decade-long investigations have laid bare the industry’s brutality. O...

Oscar Mgudlwa aka Madluphuthu  BENONI - Actor and comedian Oscar Mgudlwa, affectionately known as Madluphuthu is no more. Mgudlwa's untimely passing has shocked the film and television fraternity, leaving it mourning. It is reported that Mgudlwa from Daveyton reportedly died at a hospital in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 16 July following a sickness. The passing was confirmed by his family and close friends. He died at the age of 50. His passing happens after recently joining eTV’s The Black Door. Mgudlwa will be remembered for his portrayal of the character Madluphuthu in the early 2000s - a local film that featured the late Winnie Khumalo. Memorial and Funeral details are yet to be released by the family.

JOHANNESBURG - In recognition of his substantial contribution to South Africa’s business landscape over many decades, Kaizer Chiefs Executive Chairman, Dr. Kaizer Motaung, was bestowed with a second honorary doctorate on Tuesday, this time by Wits University’s Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management. Motaung, a successful businessperson, soccer administrator and philanthropist, delivered a speech that struck a chord with graduates from the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management. He delivered his address after Wits University awarded him an Honorary Doctorate in Commerce on 15 July at the Wits Great Hall. This honour acknowledges his role in the betterment of South African society, the development of soccer in the country, and uplifting disadvantaged youth, amongst others. Bearing witness were other student achievers "Thank you, Wits University, for honouring our Chairman—an inspiring recognition of his visionary leadership and impact. "The Kaizer Chiefs Family p...

PRETORIA - President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Minister Gwede Mantashe as the Acting Minister of Police, effective immediately. Mantashe will temporarily take on the Police portfolio while continuing his duties as Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. He will serve in this role until Professor Firoz Cachalia retires from the University of the Witwatersrand at the end of this month and officially assumes the position in August. These developments following the leave of absence issued to Minister Senzo Mchunu who currently faces a string of allegations pertaining to corruption and political killings disclosed by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi last week. This is a developing story.