Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week.
SEVEN SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN AKA AND TIBZ MURDER CASE
Seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the shocking murders of South African rapper Kiernan Forbes, known as AKA, and entrepreneur Tebello “Tibz” Motshoane. The duo was fatally shot outside a Durban restaurant in February 2023. Investigations revealed AKA was the intended target, and hitmen were hired for the crime.
The suspects, including gunmen, spotters, and an alleged mastermind, played varying roles in the plot. The arrests were announced by KwaZulu-Natal police, disclosing additional links to unrelated murder cases.
Five of the suspects (Lindokuhle Mkhwanazi, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Lindani Ndimande, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabini, and Lindokuhle Ndimande) appeared in court on Thursday morning, with the matter being postponed.
They all face ten counts including two counts each of attempted murder, murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and illegal gun possession.
What the police revealed in this case:
– Arrests: Seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the murders of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his close friend, chef and entrepreneur Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane. The arrests include two gunmen, two spotters, someone who sourced the firearms, and the mastermind.
– Airport Monitoring: AKA was monitored from the airport, and Tibz was not the intended target in the murder that occurred on Florida Road in Durban. Hitmen were paid for the killings.
– Court Appearances: Five of the suspects have made their first court appearance on Thursday.
– Other Murder Cases: Some of the suspects are also linked to other unrelated murder cases.
– Extradition: Two suspects were found in Eswatini and are being extradited to face murder charges in South Africa.
– Evidence: Exhibits recovered during the arrests include vehicles, firearms linked to the murders, and empty cartridges.
DRIVE-BY SHOOTING IN BRAAMFONTEIN CLAIMS THREE LIVES
In a brazen drive-by shooting in Braamfontein, three people including a university student were shot and killed. Unknown assailants targeted two men inside a parked vehicle, inadvertently hitting a university bus in the crossfire, injuring two students. Sadly, one student and the two men succumbed to their injuries, while another student received medical attention.
“A total of four people were shot, with three sustaining fatal injuries and one sustaining a serious injury. The two pedestrians shot were students who were passing by,” said JMPD spokesperson, Xolani Fihla.
VODACOM APPEALS SUPREME COURT OF APPEAL JUDGMENT IN ‘PLEASE CALL ME’ CASE
Vodacom has filed an application with the Constitutional Court seeking leave to appeal the Supreme Court of Appeal’s (SCA) judgment and order in the “Please Call Me” case with Nkosana Makate.
The telecommunications company contends that there are fundamental flaws and key aspects of the matter that do not align with the spirit of the law. Vodacom argues that the SCA’s order infringes on the Rule of Law, misdirects itself on issues not presented for adjudication, and selectively considers evidence.
The company emphasizes that the impact of the judgment, if upheld, would be extensive and negative, affecting employees, shareholders, network investment, and South Africa’s attractiveness as an investment destination.
Vodacom expresses openness to negotiations for fair compensation while pursuing the Constitutional Court appeal.
SARS LAUNCHES LEGAL ACTION SEEKING R4.87 BILLION FROM SASFIN BANK FOR TAX EVASION
South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner Edward Kieswetter has confirmed legal proceedings against Sasfin Bank following an investigation into taxpayers who allegedly concealed funds offshore, hindering tax recovery in South Africa. Kieswetter emphasized the legal matters are now before the judicial system.
Sasfin Holdings Limited, Sasfin Bank’s parent company, announced a civil summons from SARS for over R4.8 billion, citing the bank’s purported failure to collect taxes from former forex clients involved in an illicit expatriation scheme. Sasfin maintains the claim falls outside applicable law parameters, with a low likelihood of success.
A STEEP PETROL PRICE HIKE EXPECTED IN MARCH
Economists caution that an anticipated steep increase in fuel prices next week could impact inflation. The second consecutive hike is expected to push petrol prices close to last year’s record high of R25/litre.
According to mid-month data, 95 octane petrol may increase by R1.35/litre, diesel by R1.43/litre to R1.59/litre, and illuminating paraffin by 96c/litre. While economists foresee a notable rise, they differ on the exact figure. Analysts emphasize the strain on consumers and the economy amid sluggish growth.
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA NOMINATES JUDGE MANDISA MAYA FOR CHIEF JUSTICE
President Cyril Ramaphosa has nominated Judge Mandisa Maya as the next Chief Justice of South Africa. With Chief Justice Raymond Zondo’s term ending in August, Ramaphosa highlighted Maya’s distinguished judicial career, starting with her appointment as a Judge of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court in 2000.
Political party leaders in the National Assembly are invited to provide their input on the nomination. The appointment will play a pivotal role in the country’s judiciary, subject to the approval process.
UNSUCCESSFUL NSFAS APPLICANTS URGED TO LODGE AN APPEAL
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) in South Africa has urged students whose applications for financial aid have been rejected or withdrawn to submit an appeal within 30 days of receiving their results. Students can initiate the appeal process through the myNSFAS website, where an option will appear for unsuccessful applicants.
Reasons for rejection may include a household income exceeding R350,000 per annum, academic ineligibility, or incomplete applications. NSFAS emphasized the importance of providing all necessary documents to support the appeal and noted that decisions are subject to budget availability.
BANYANA BANYANA ADVANCE TO FINAL ROUND IN OLYMPIC QUALIFIERS & WILL PLAY NIGERIA NEXT
Banyana Banyana, the South African women’s national football team, secured a spot in the final round of the 2024 CAF Women’s Olympic qualifying after defeating Tanzania 1-0, with Thembi Kgatlana’s goal. With a 4-0 aggregate win, they now prepare for a challenging matchup against traditional rivals Nigeria in April.
The two-legged affair against the Super Falcons will determine qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, with Banyana Banyana aiming for success in this crucial stage.
CEILING COLLAPSE IN TEMBISA SCHOOL INJURES 18 PUPILS
A ceiling collapse at Umthambeka Primary School in Tembisa has left 18 pupils injured, according to the Gauteng Department of Education. Some students were rushed to a local clinic for treatment, and all are now recovering at home.
The cause of the incident remains uncertain, prompting an investigation by education authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding the ceiling collapse. The safety of school infrastructure is a key concern, and investigations aim to prevent such incidents in the future.
TRAGEDY STRIKES AS BUS CRASH CLAIMS 8 LIVES FOLLOWING ANC RALLY
A bus carrying ANC supporters crashed near Dumbe, Paulpietersburg, claiming the lives of eight passengers. The supporters were returning to Mpumalanga from the ANC’s election manifesto launch at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium.
President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the families of the victims to offer condolences and assured them that the bus was roadworthy. The incident highlights concerns over road safety, prompting authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident and ensure the safety of public transportation.
ESKOM TAKES CONTROL OF EKURHULENI’S LOAD SHEDDING SCHEDULE
Eskom has officially resumed control of Ekurhuleni’s load shedding schedule, effective March 1, 2024. The decision follows Ekurhuleni’s consistent failure to adhere to planned power cuts and reduce its energy load, prompting Eskom’s intervention.
Amanda Qithi, Eskom spokesperson, emphasized that the failure to implement load shedding as required undermines grid integrity and stability, potentially leading to higher stages of load shedding. This move signifies Eskom’s commitment to grid reliability and the enforcement of load shedding measures to address electricity distribution challenges in municipalities.
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