BREAKING NEWS LIVE | Oscar Pistorius stays behind bars, parole board finds he hasn’t served enough time

Oscar Pistorius stays behind bars, parole board finds he hasn’t served enough time for release

Convicted killer Oscar Pistorius’ application for parole has been refused, after authorities found that he had not served the “minimum Detention Period” necessary to qualify for release.

According to a statement released by the correctional services department, the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board would consider Pistorius’s release on parole again in August 2024.

It said this decision had been informed by a 28 March “clarification” provided about the murder sentence imposed on Pistorius by the Supreme Court of Appeal.

Pistorius’s lawyer Julian Knight told News24 that he would “certainly be taking this decision on review”.

- Karyn Maughan

Durban M41 truck driver granted bail after multi-vehicle pileup

A 22-year-old truck driver charged in connection with a multi-vehicle accident in Umhlanga, outside Durban, earlier this month has been granted R5 000 bail by the Durban Magistrate's Court.

Sithulile Zulu is accused of causing an accident on the M41 in which about 47 vehicles were damaged. He faces charges of reckless and negligent driving.

According to the State, dozens of people were injured in the crash, with injuries ranging from minor to serious. 

- Nkosikhona Duma

Three injured as gunmen open fire on patrons at Durban restaurant

Three people were shot and wounded at a Durban restaurant on Thursday night. Netcare 911 spokesperson Shawn Herbst said paramedics were called to the Browns Drift Road eatery shortly after 19:30, after an "unknown number of armed robbers entered a restaurant and opened fire on patrons".

Herbst said the gunshot victims sustained critical injuries and were transported to hospital.

He added that another three people had “injured themselves” while attempting to escape the gunfire.

KwaZulu-Natal police had not responded to News24 at the time of publication.

- Nicole McCain

DA’s Tania Campbell voted out as Ekurhuleni mayor

Tania Campbell has been removed in a no-confidence motion as the mayor of Ekurhuleni.

Campbell was voted out on Thursday by 126 votes in support of the motion, while 91 councillors voted against the motion.

The ANC, EFF and a group of smaller political parties brought forward the motion and supported its adoption.

It was Campbell’s second removal from office after her first removal in October 2022.

She was quickly voted back into office because the ANC and the EFF disagreed about whom among them should hold power in the City.

– Zintle Mahlathi

JUST IN | SA Tourism deal with Tottenham Hotspur officially shelved

SA Tourism will no longer pursue a proposal to ink a controversial R900-million sponsorship deal with English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur FC.

On Thursday, Minister Patricia de Lille said the SA Tourism board agreed with her advice not to proceed with the proposed deal.

She said that "the use of public funds must be carefully considered" in the current economic climate.

- Cebelihle Bhengu

Baloyi announces new party just weeks after leaving ActionSA

Former ActionSA Gauteng chairperson Bongani Baloyi has announced his new political party, Xiluva.

Baloyi announced the new party on Thursday at a press briefing in Johannesburg.

This comes just a few weeks after he left ActionSA.

The party's chairperson is Thlogi Moseki, former ActionSA Ekurhuleni leader who resigned as a councillor in Ekurhuleni Municipality on Wednesday.

Baloyi said the party would have a formal launch shortly.  

- Bongekile Macupe

BREAKING | Fraud case against Cape Town DA councillor withdrawn

The fraud and money laundering case against DA councillor Nora Grose was provisionally withdrawn in the Bellville Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirmed the charges were provisionally withdrawn pending the finalisation of the investigation.

Grose was granted R10 000 bail by the Atlantis Magistrate's Court after being accused of misappropriating City of Cape Town funds.

- Marvin Charles

Mangaung council sitting to elect mayor called off amid threats to ANC councillors

A special sitting of the Mangaung council called to elect a new mayor on Thursday was cancelled.

Municipality spokesperson Qondile Khedama said the newly elected Speaker Maryke Davies had cancelled the meeting.

"As per the directive of the Speaker, councillor Maryke Davies, the special council meeting scheduled for Thursday is hereby cancelled. This is as a result of threats and intimidation meted at councillors and in order to calm the current prevailing situation," the statement read.

This was after a group of ANC councillors went against the party line and voted with the opposition in the election of the speaker on Wednesday.

The party has since threatened its councillors with polygraph tests and is expected to expel up to 18.

- Juniour Khumalo

Mangaung ANC threatens its councillors with polygraph tests after losing speaker post

The ANC in Mangaung is threatening to subject its councillors in Mangaung to polygraph tests. 

This after some of them defied the party line and voted for DA Councillor Maryke Davies as the new Speaker of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality.

The majority ANC-led council saw power slip out of its hands as Davies was elected Speaker, notwithstanding that her party only has 26 seats compared to the ANC's 51 in the 101-seat council.

She received a resounding 53 votes out of 93 valid votes on the day.

The ANC in the province is said to be targeting councillors who have been expressing displeasure over the outcomes of the ANC's Free State conference held in January.

- Juniour Khumalo

JUST IN | Merc driver caught looting KZN Woolworths store pleads guilty

Mbuso Moloi has pleaded guilty to theft and contravention of the Road Traffic Management Act during the July unrest in 2021.

Images of Moloi carrying a basket of food as he ran toward his Mercedes-Benz in Glenwood, KwaZulu-Natal, went viral during the protests.

He appeared in the Durban Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.

The matter was postponed to 31 May for sentencing.

- Nkosikhona Duma  

BREAKING | Hawks raid ANC bigwig's home over R1bn Tembisa Hospital tender scandal

The Hawks on Wednesday raided the home and business premises of ANC Ekurhuleni treasurer-general, Sello Sekhokho, as part of investigations into the R1-billion Tembisa Hospital tender scandal.

Sekhokho is a central figure in an alleged extraction scheme first discovered and reported by Babita Deokaran three weeks before she was murdered in August 2021.

Sekhokho has previously denied impropriety. Three companies owned by the ANC strongman have, in three years, seemingly scored contracts worth nearly R100 million from the Gauteng Department of Health.

- Jeff Wicks

Cape Town woman's body found after alleged pit bull attack

A Cape Town woman has been killed, reportedly by pit bulls, at her Bonteheuwel home.

Police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk said local police had opened an inquest after the woman was found dead.

The circumstances around the incident are still under investigation.

"The body of an 88-year-old woman was found by her son in her backyard at her residence in Loganberry Street [on Tuesday] at about 17:00," said Van Wyk.

He added that a municipal animal inspector had removed the dogs.

"At this stage, no foul play is suspected," said Van Wyk.

- Nicole McCain

Parliament calls Correctional Services and Police Ministers, G4S to account over Bester escape

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services is determined to get to the bottom of "Facebook rapist" Thabo Bester's escape from prison - and has called police and prisons top brass, as well as security firm G4S, to answer questions about what happened.

G4S manages the Mangaung Correctional Centre from which GroundUp reported Bester escaped in May last year, after faking his own suicide.

"We are hoping to understand what happened and to hear what will be done about it. We really want answers," committee chair Bulelani Magwanishe told News24.

He confirmed that the sitting was scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 4 April.

The ministers of Justice and Correctional Services and Police, the National Commissioner of Correctional Services, the regional leadership of correctional services in Mangaung and the Judicial Inspectorate of Correctional Services are all expected to attend the sitting.

- Karyn Maughan

Fraud-accused Moses Kotane Municipality official granted R10 000 bail

The Mogwase Magistrates’ Court in North West granted Moses Kotane Municipality director of local economic development R10 000 bail and ordered the transfer of her case to the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court for trial.

Gabonewe Ridah Madikela was arrested on Monday over six fraud charges amounting to R522 881. They emanate from her alleged illegal occupation of two positions in the same municipality for six months.

She took study leave, and then annual leave in 2022 before submitting a sick note claiming she was ill and hospitalised.

The Hawks later uncovered that the water and sanitation department employed her during her leave.

"Investigations reveal that reasons provided for her leave were false, including supporting documents from the institution of higher learning, as well as the medical certificates she provided as proof," said NPA regional spokesperson Henry Mamothame.

- Cebelihle Bhengu 

DA's Cilliers Brink elected as mayor of Tshwane

Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor Cilliers Brink has been elected as the mayor of Tshwane.

Brink won the mayoral vote in the metro with 109 votes. His competitor Cope candidate Ofentse Moalusi received 102 votes.

Brink’s victory was followed by resounding applause from the DA and its coalition partners.

The mayoral appointment will be seen as a hopeful path for the City which has had no permanent mayor, serving longer than a week, since February.

- Zintle Mahlati

Tshwane councillors warned to only use ‘X’ in mayoral vote

The Tshwane mayoral election began on Tuesday afternoon with councillors warned that only an ‘X’ would be allowed in the voting process.

The names on the ballot will see DA Councillor Cilliers Brink battle it out with Cope candidate Ofentse Moalusi.

The IEC, who will be overseeing the voting process, which is via secret ballot, warned councillors that only an X marking on the ballot will be allowed.

A voter who uses any other symbol besides an X will find their ballots marked ask spoiled.

The DA had seen all its ballots spoiled in the previous mayoral election because the ballots revealed a voter’s identity.

- Zintle Mahlati

EFF/ANC alliance nominates PAC councillor for Tshwane mayor

The ANC-EFF alliance on Tuesday morning nominated PAC councillor Molwantwa Tshabadi as its preferred candidate for the position of Tshwane mayor, while the DA-ActionSA coalition again nominated Cilliers Brink as its preferred candidate.

The meeting has been adjourned until 11:45 when more than 200 members will vote in a secret ballot to elect the new mayor.

The two previous council meetings to elect a mayor collapsed for various reasons without a vote being cast.

- Junior Khumalo

Zandile Mafe finally referred for new psychiatric evaluation

Parliament arson accused Zandile Mafe was referred for psychiatric observation to a facility outside the Western Cape in line with his request.

"My concerns for preferential treatment have been addressed," said Judge Nathan Erasmus to the man accused of starting the catastrophic fire at Parliament.

Mafe will be assessed by two psychiatrists and two psychologists who are ordered to establish whether he suffered from a mental illness or intellectual disability at the time of the fire.

He will also be assessed for his capacity to stand trial for terrorism and arson. Erasmus ordered that a report be delivered to himself before 8 May and the case was postponed until then.

Mafe accepted the order and left quietly for his imminent transfer to Fort England Psychiatric Hospital in the Eastern Cape.

- Jenni Evans

No police probe into teens who 'stormed' Mall of Africa in chaotic TikTok challenge

Police have not received any complaints about a large group of teenagers who 'stormed' the Mall of Africa as part of the viral 'Luh Twizzy' TikTok challenge.

Videos from the weekend show scores of teenagers running inside the mall and climbing escalators.

Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said the police were aware of the trend. He said there was no stabbing or other casualties despite reports on social media.

"There is no police investigation because there were no reported incidents. The Mall of Africa Management also didn't lay a complaint about any incidents. We are also aware of the rumour that someone was killed, but that is not the case, " Masondo said.

Mall of Africa management said it was unaware of any stabbing.

"We are investigating the reported disruption and will aim to share information with relevant parties as soon this is available. At this time, we can confirm that there is no reported stabbing incident at the Mall. This is per confirmation from senior police members we work closely with."

- Cebelihle Bhengu

Klawer murder accused still waiting for bed at Valkenberg

The man accused of killing Klawer teen Jerobejin van Wyk, 13, is still awaiting bed space at Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital in Cape Town.

Daniel Smit made a brief appearance in the Klawer Magistrate's Court on Monday morning, but the matter was once again postponed until 27 April for the availability of a place at Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said Smit is number 28 on the waiting list for a space at the Cape facility.

- Marvin Charles

Trial of KZN 'Woolworths looter' postponed  

The trial of the Mercedes-Benz driver, who went viral on social media after being captured on video footage allegedly looting a Durban Woolworths store during the 2021 July unrest, was postponed on Monday.

Mbuso Moloi's trial was expected to kick off on Monday in the Durban Magistrate's Court, with the State confirming that it was ready to proceed.

But the matter was postponed until Wednesday, 29 March, following new developments presented by the defence.

Natasha Kara, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, said the postponement would allow them to "investigate the new developments and ascertain how the trial will proceed".

Moloi remains out on R5 000 bail.

- Nkosikhona Duma

Cape Town fire leaves 60 homes destroyed and 200 people displaced

Around 60 homes were destroyed when a fire ripped through Imizamo Yethu on Sunday night, leaving 200 people displaced.

City of Cape Town's Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to the blaze in Hout Bay shortly after 19:00. A total of 18 firefighting resources and 70 staff responded.

"However, crews were once again confronted by a volatile crowd blocking access to the fire. Law Enforcement and the South African Police Service had to be called to stabilise the situation," said spokesperson Jermaine Carelse.

No injuries or fatalities were reported and the cause of the fire is unknown, said Carelse.

- Nicole McCain

Man, 50, shot dead in Mpumalanga restaurant

A 50-year-old man was shot dead at a popular seafood restaurant in White River, Mpumalanga, on Saturday.

Emer-G-Med spokesperson Kyle van Reenen said when they arrived on the scene, the man was found with fatal gunshot wounds and was declared dead on arrival of paramedics.

"Reports from the scene are that two men had been engaged in a heated argument when one man drew a firearm, shooting and killing the other," van Reenen added.

Police have been approached for comment, which will be added once received. 

-Lisalee Solomons

BREAKING | Thabo Bester escaped prison, DCS confirms

The body burnt in the Mangaung Correctional Centre was not that of Thabo Bester, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has said.

In a statement released on Saturday, the department said an internal report confirmed that Bester escaped prison on 3 May 2022.

"Critical at this stage is for Thabo Bester to be found. DCS is appealing to the public to assist with any information that may lead to the re-arrest of Bester.

"Such information should be provided to the nearest police station or a correctional services facility," said the department statement.

Bester, known as the "Facebook rapist", was serving a life sentence for murder and a series of rapes.

He used the social media platform to lure women with claims that international modelling scouts were interested in them. He would then rape them and rob them using a knife.

The official version then was that Bester set himself alight in his cell.

- Lisalee Solomons

Free State cops bust motorist with 16 refuse bags full of abalone

A Free State man was expected in court soon after he was arrested with 16 refuse bags filled with abalone.

The man was arrested on Wednesday morning at a roadblock on the N6 highway at Reddersburg, said police spokesperson Sergeant Martin Xuma.

The 26-year-old man was driving a sedan with Eastern Cape registration and travelling from Gqeberha to Bloemfontein when he was arrested.

Police found more than 700 abalones in the vehicle. He was expected to appear before Reddersburg Magistrate's Court soon, facing a charge of unlawful possession of abalone.

- Nicole McCain

Picture: SAPS

JUST IN | Cape Town councillor removed from mayoral committee following police raid

Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has removed Malusi Booi from the Mayoral Committee after police raided his offices last week.

Hill-Lewis said on Thursday afternoon he had decided to remove Booi from Mayco following his initial suspension as human settlements mayoral committee member last week.

Police raided Booi's offices as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of fraud and tender irregularities.

- Marvin Charles

Five gunned down in Tongaat

Five people were shot dead in two apparent drive-by shootings in Tongaat, north of Durban, on Thursday afternoon.

According to KwaZulu-Natal police, several other people were left injured.

Police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said the connection between the two shootings is unclear.

"The search for the suspects is under way and the motive of the killings has not yet been confirmed, although taxi-related violence could not be ruled out."

- Nkosikhona Duma

Truck driver accused of causing multi-vehicle crash in KZN says he's innocent

A 22-year-old truck driver accused of causing a multi-vehicle accident in Durban over two weeks ago says he plans to plead not guilty.

Sithulile Zulu, who faces reckless and negligent driving charges, appeared in a packed Durban Magistrate's Court on Thursday for his bail application.

In an affidavit read out in court, Zulu denies the charges against him. His bail bid has been postponed to Friday, 31 March, for the State to verify a copy of his driver's licence, which was submitted in court today.

Almost 50 vehicles were damaged in the crash.

- Nkosikhona Duma

Picture: Truck driver Sithulile Zulu stands in the dock in the Durban Magistrate's Court on Thursday, 23 March 2023. (Nkosikhona Duma, News24)

Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana's official residence 'engulfed' by fire

A fire has engulfed Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana's official residence.

His spokesperson, Sello Dithebe, confirmed the incident on Thursday.

"I am here at the residence, and a fire has engulfed the property," he told News24.

He added that firefighters and other emergency services personnel were on the scene. The cause of the fire is unknown.

Free State police spokesperson, Brigadier Motantsi Makhele, refused to comment on the matter, saying investigations were under way.

 - Juniour Khumalo

One dead, two injured after truck collision on Tshwane highway

One person died, and two others were injured after a truck lost control on the R80 Mabopane highway on Wednesday morning.

Emergency services spokesperson Charles Mabaso said a truck driver transporting bricks collided with another truck and a vehicle driving in the opposite direction around 10:00.

The truck driver died instantly.

Tshwane Emergency Services personnel used the jaws of life to remove her body from the truck.

The driver was airlifted to Milpark Hospital, while the light vehicle driver was rushed to Dr George Mukhari Hospital.

The driver of the second truck was unharmed, said Mabaso.

Police are investigating the circumstances of the crash.

- Cebelihle Bhengu

Tshwane sitting adjourned, mayoral election collapses

Tshwane councillors have, for the third time, failed to elect a mayor for the capital city.

A special council sitting on Wednesday did not see the election of a mayor after councillors bickered about the legality of the presence of one Cope councillor.

Tshwane council Speaker Mncedi Ndzwanana adjourned proceedings saying he was seeking legal advice on the presence of Cope member Thabang Sefanyetso.

He was last week accused of having two identity numbers.

The DA and ActionSA coalition have accused the ANC and the EFF of using concerns about the Cope member to delay the election of a new mayor because the numbers did not support an ANC/EFF alliance.

– Zintle Mahlati

Man wanted for allegedly scamming North West woman of R2m pension money

The Hawks in North West are looking for a man who allegedly scammed a 54-year-old woman of more than R2 million after meeting on Badoo dating site.

North West Hawks spokesperson Captain Tlangelani Rikhotso said the funds were part of the woman's pension payout.

Rikhotso said the money was handed over between May and August 2022 to the alleged scammer. She also said the man used a fake name in all her interactions with the woman.

The Hawks have requested assistance in locating the man, who they believe can assist with the investigation.

Anyone with information is requested to contact the investigating officer, Lieutenant Colonel Morné Grobler, at 082 334 8667.

– Nicole McCain

Picture credit: Hawks

Two dead in drive-by shooting in Durban

Two people were gunned down in a drive-by shooting along Peters Road in Springfield Park, Durban, on Tuesday afternoon.

Emer-G-Med paramedics, together with Netcare911, responded to the scene and, on arrival, found a Volkswagen Amarok riddled with high-calibre bullet holes.

"Two occupants in the front of the vehicle, an adult male and female, were declared dead on arrival of paramedics. A teenage female who was seated in the back of the vehicle was found in critical condition,” Emer-G-Med said.

Paramedics say advanced life support intervention was needed to stabilise her, and due to her extensive injuries, she went into a state of cardiac arrest.

“CPR efforts were successful, and she was rushed by ambulance, under the care of an Emergency Care Practitioner, to a nearby hospital for further care,” it added.

- Marvin Charles

(Pic: Supplied Emer-G-Med )

Ramaphosa says he is 'happy' South Africans did not participate in EFF shutdown

President Cyril Ramaphosa says he is happy that South Africans did not heed the call by the EFF to shut down the country on Monday.

Speaking on Tuesday during Human Rights Day celebrations in De Aar, Northern Cape, Ramaphosa took a swipe at the EFF shutdown, saying that it sought to undermine and "abuse the rights of others, intimidate them and compel them to participate in protests".

"I am happy that the majority of South Africans did not heed the call, but they exercised their right as South Africans," said Ramaphosa.

– Bongekile Macupe

Section of M5 highway closed after collapsed sewer causes road damage

A traffic diversion is in place on Prince George Drive (M5) in Cape Town after a collapsed sewer pipe damaged the road.

City of Cape Town Traffic Services spokesperson Kevin Jacobs said both northbound lanes had been closed to traffic at Joe Marks Boulevard in Retreat.

The City said its Water and Sanitation Directorate is carrying out emergency repairs to a 990mm diameter bulk sewer main that collapsed at the weekend.

The pipe initially appeared to be an overflowing sewer, but it was later established that the sewer had collapsed and caused structural damage to the road.

"The area is cordoned off so that the situation can be assessed, and the necessary repairs can be done in the shortest possible time," the City said.

– Nicole McCain

(Picture supplied by City of Cape Town)

Investigation into Bloemfontein power outages underway as generators kick in at health facilities

Centlec is investigating the cause of power outages in Bloemfontein after residents were plunged into darkness on Monday evening.

Centlec spokesperson Lele Mamatu told News24 they were investigating an alleged explosion at one of their power stations.

"The power cuts have affected the north and south parts of the city. We are currently trying to get the details of the cause of the power outage. We've noted the allegation about the explosion, but we are busy trying to get information," he said.

Eskom spokesperson Stephanie Jan van Rensburg said the power outages were not due to load shedding.

The provincial Department of Health said generators immediately kicked in to save lives at affected public facilities. 

"Effectively, all public health facilities in Bloemfontein that provide services on a 24-hour basis are now on generator power to keep services going on. At least we know that it's not load shedding because we have been assured that our country has achieved the 70% electricity availability factor," said spokesperson Mondli Mvambi. 

- Cebelihle Bhengu

After two failed attempts at the Tshwane mayoral chain, Cope's fields another candidate
The Congress of the People (Cope) in Tshwane is hoping the third time's a charm with its new executive mayoral candidate.

The party announced on Monday that it had approved candidate Ofentse Moalusi for the role.

Cope was embarrassed when Murunwa Makwarela resigned just days after he was elected executive mayor.

It was found he had produced a fake insolvency rehabilitation certificate when it came to light he had been declared insolvent in 2016.

Cope's second candidate, Thabang Sefanyetso, was found to possess two ID documents and was found to have a criminal record.

According to the party, Moalusi is an entrepreneur with 23 years of experience in private and public sectors.

– Alex Patrick

Gupta, Bosasa liquidator Cloete Murray succumbs to his injuries after hit

Bosasa and Gupta company liquidator, Cloete Murray, has succumbed to his injuries after he was shot and wounded while driving along the Newroad offramp on N1 North on Saturday.

Murray, 50, and his son, Thomas, 28, were travelling together when unknown gunmen opened fire at their vehicle in what is believed to be an apparent hit.

Police said the son was shot dead at the scene, while the father was rushed to hospital.

Cloete Murray later succumbed to his injuries on Sunday morning, said police spokesperson Dimakatso Sello.

"Police are now investigating two counts of murder," Sello said. The circumstances that led to the incident are unknown at this stage.

- Cebelihle Mthethwa

Two alleged poachers arrested for selling elephant tusks in Limpopo

The Hawks have arrested two suspects found in possession of elephant tusks in Makhado on Thursday.

Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa said the team received information about individuals who were selling elephant tusks in the area.

A sting operation dubbed, "Tlou Tsu" was conducted by the joint team and the suspects were arrested at the Checkers underground parking area in possession of elephant tusks.

The suspects, aged 24 and 45, are expected to appear in the Makhado Magistrate's Court on Monday, to face charges of Illicit restricted activity, to wit, selling or trading in a specimen of a listed protected species, African elephant tusks.

- Cebelihle Mthethwa

Boy, 13, shot dead in Cape Town, 16-year-old arrested

The body of a 13-year-old boy was found on Henkel Street in The Hague, Delft, on Saturday afternoon.

Western Cape police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said when police arrived at the scene, they found the boy who sustained a gunshot wound.

“He was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel," Swartbooi added.

A 16-year-old teenager has since been arrested and detained on a charge of murder.

Once charged, the teenage boy will appear in the Bellville Magistrate court on a charge of murder, police said.

- Lisalee Solomons

Girl, 16, killed in Cape Town, 19-year-old arrested

The body of a 16-year-old girl was found in Kwazakhele street, Mfuleni on Saturday.

Western Cape police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said when police arrived at the scene, the teen was already dead.

"The victim was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. We can confirm that a 19-year-old was arrested and detained on a charge of murder," Swartbooi added.

Police said the suspect is expected to appear at the Mfuleni Magistrate's Court once charged.

- Lisalee Solomons

Ekurhuleni metro police urge motorists to be cautious as criminals use 'spike' tactics

The Ekurhuleni metropolitan police department (EMPD) has warned motorists to be cautious as criminals are placing spikes and objects on public roads with the intention of robbing them.

EMPD and other law-enforcement agencies have received several complaints regarding spikes being strategically placed on roads, in order to rob innocent motorists of their belongings.

A pattern has been established, showing that these crimes usually happen on weekends, and result in unnecessary accidents and loss of life, said Constable Thabiso Makgato.

Hotspot areas are the R562, Olifantsfontein; R21, between OR Tambo International Airport; N3, Leondale and Barry Marais; and the N17, between Rondebult and Heidelberg Road.

“The EMPD advises motorists not to stop when they hit a spike or experience a tyre puncture, especially at night. They should continue to drive slowly to the nearest garage or police station", Makgato added.

– Lisalee Solomons

Tshwane councillors fail to elect mayor, sitting adjourned over quorum

Tshwane councillors were unable to elect a mayor on Friday after the DA and its coalition partners abandoned the council sitting in protest.

The DA, ActionSA, Freedom Front Plus and ACDP coalition bloc decided to leave the council late on Friday evening after they raised objections to the presence of two ActionSA councillors whose membership was terminated by the party.

The Speaker Mncedi Ndzwanana disagreed about the legality of the two councillors remaining in council.

When he refused to decide on the legal status of the two ActionSA councillors, the DA and its coalition partners walked out, leaving the council without a quorum needed to proceed with the election of a mayor.

- Zintle Mahlati

Busisiwe Mkhwebane's perjury case postponed to October

The perjury case against suspended Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane has been postponed until 26 October for the outcome of her review application.

Mkhwebane made a brief appearance in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Friday.

Mkhwebane has asked the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria to review a National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) decision to prosecute her on two counts of perjury.

The NPA indicated in March last year that it wanted to proceed with the case.

– Jeanette Chabalala

Andile Lili fails in court challenge to 'incitement to murder' sentence

The Western Cape High Court dismissed ANC politician Andile Lili's application to interdict his sentencing for incitement to murder.

"In my view, the application constitutes a gross abuse of process," ruled Judge Mark Sher on Friday.

Lili hoped to stop his sentencing in the Bellville Regional Court set across town for the same time as the high court application. Sher said even though Lili complained about his previous lawyers' poor performance, he left his application to the last minute. 

Lili was found guilty following comments he made after being sentenced to three years in prison, suspended for five years for throwing faeces at Cape Town International Airport. 

After the judgment, the prosecutor in his case rushed out to get to Bellville for the sentencing proceedings. 

– Jenni Evans.

Parliament arson accused sent to Eastern Cape for psychiatric assessment

Parliament arson accused Zandile Mafe will be sent for psychiatric evaluation in the Eastern Cape after refusing to go back to Valkenberg Hospital in Cape Town.

In the meantime, the State is ready to start the trial. Western Cape High Court Judge Robert Henney postponed the case for another pre-trial appearance on 28 March for the referral to Fort England Hospital to be confirmed.

Mafe's charges include arson and terrorism regarding the massive fire at Parliament which started on 2 January last year.

- Jenni Evans

Tip-off leads to arrest of 5 suspected hitmen in Durban

KwaZulu-Natal police have arrested five armed suspects believed to be hitmen in Cato Manor, Durban.

This follows a complaint by residents who noticed three suspicious vehicles in the area.

KZN police spokesperson Jay Naicker said the suspects were found with "multiple rifles" and that one of the vehicles was stolen.

"The informant was of the belief that the suspects were in the area to take someone out," he added.

Naicker said they believed that the suspects could be linked to crime in the area.

– Nkosikhona Duma

(Photo: Nkosikhona Duma, News24)

Lungile Phenyane withdraws bid for two positions in DA leadership race 

Lungile Phenyane, the 36-year-old DA member from Tshwane, has withdrawn from two positions up for grabs at the party’s elective congress next month.

Initially, she had announced that she would contest all the positions challenging the likes of party strongwoman Helen Zille and incumbent leader John Steenhuisen.

She will now not contest Zille or Steenhuisen but remains in contention for the other positions.

“I was not forced. I feel that these candidates will serve the party well. I believe that I will be much better in other positions of the DA. I am also exercising my right as a disciplined member of the party,” she told News24.

Phenyane has never served in any DA leadership position and her own structure, the DA Youth, has a minimal record of her.

– Jason Felix

Jammie shuttle services resume after demonstrations, blockade at UCT

Jammie shuttles have resumed after disruptions to services caused by student demonstrations and a blockade earlier this week. The services resumed on Wednesday morning, said UCT spokesperson Elijah Moholola, and were running as scheduled on Thursday. The service was declared inoperative on Monday and Tuesday after student protesters blockaded the P4 area near Rhodes Drive.

- Na'ilah Ebrahim

Experian data thief who skipped sentencing three times expected to apply for bail after being rearrested

The man who failed to appear for his sentencing three times following his conviction for fraudulently obtaining personal and business data from data services firm Experian was  on Thursday expected to apply for bail pending sentencing.

Karabo Israel Phungula, 37, was rearrested in Naledi, Soweto, on Monday afternoon. This was after he failed to appear in court for his sentencing on 14 February, 1 March and also on 5 March.

The Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court then ordered his immediate arrested and that his R3000 bail should be forfeited to the State.

Phungula was detained and now wants to be released on bail before he is sentenced.

The State intends to oppose bail.

- Jeanette Chabalala

(Karabo Israel Phungula. Photo: NPA)