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Panic buttons, licences and branding: E-hailing drivers get 180 days to comply

Sipho Zungu
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Panic buttons, licences and branding: E-hailing drivers get 180 days to comply

E-hailing drivers across South Africa have been given 180 days to meet new regulatory requirements under the amended National Land Transport Act, which officially recognises e-hailing as a legal form of public transport.

Transport Department spokesperson Collen Msibi said that drivers must apply for an operating licence through provincial regulatory offices, with one office in each of the country’s nine provinces.

“The designations are based on the transport plans of cities and towns. Provinces and municipalities will work together when processing applications,” Msibi explained.

The operating licence will cost roughly R600 and must be renewed every five years. Drivers will also need a professional driving permit, which includes a criminal record check and authorises them to operate public transport vehicles.

Branding requirements for vehicles are still being finalised, with the possibility of platforms like Uber or Bolt appearing on the cars. Drivers must also install panic buttons, with a 180-day window to comply.

“These panic buttons will be physical devices, not just in-app features, and will be installed by security or tracking companies. There may be two buttons per vehicle, one for the driver and one for passengers,” said Msibi. “Drivers are also being attacked, so they need immediate protection. The cost of installation falls on the licence holder.”

Vehicles must visibly display their licences, and law enforcement officers will inspect both licences and panic buttons. All e-hailing apps must register with the regulator. Apps that allow unlicensed operators face fines up to R100,000 or up to two years in jail, and a public list of approved apps will be published.

Workshops have already begun to educate regulators and operators about the new rules and to address any questions or concerns. Drivers currently operating with charter permits have six months to convert to e-hailing operating licences. Full enforcement will begin once the 180-day compliance period ends.

Watch: Fresh Angle of Umhlanga Shoot-out Shows Security Officer’s Split-Second Survival

Sbonelo Shezi
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Watch: Fresh Angle of Umhlanga Shoot-out Shows Security Officer’s Split-Second Survival

Durban – Shocking new footage has emerged of the dramatic shoot-out in Somerset Park, Umhlanga, where a Blue Security officer narrowly escaped death earlier this week.

The video, which has since gone viral, captures the officer intercepting a white Toyota Starlet believed to have been used by suspects preparing for a home invasion in the area. Seconds after stepping out of his vehicle, gunfire erupts as a second car carrying more suspects speeds past and opens fire on him.

According to Blue Security, the drama unfolded when one of their teams spotted a suspicious individual near a property in Somerset Park. The person fled in the Starlet, sparking a pursuit that ended in Somerset Drive.

Watch: Security Officer Survives Hail of Bullets in Somerset Park Shootout

“Our officer intercepted the vehicle and was immediately attacked by multiple armed suspects. Both vehicles fled the area after the exchange,” Blue Security confirmed.

The security officer escaped without injury despite bullets ripping into his patrol car.

Henk van Bemmelen, CEO of Blue Security, commended his team for their quick response.

“We are deeply grateful for the courage, professionalism, and commitment displayed by our team under extremely dangerous circumstances,” he said.

Police have launched a full investigation, while Blue Security urged residents to remain alert as the manhunt for the armed suspects continues.

Security Officer Survives Hail of Bullets in Somerset Park Shootout

Devi Subremoney
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Security Officer Survives Hail of Bullets in Somerset Park Shootout

Durban – A Blue Security reaction officer narrowly escaped with his life after armed suspects opened fire on his vehicle during an attempted home invasion in Somerset Park, Umhlanga, on Tuesday morning.

Dashcam footage released by Blue Security shows the officer arriving at the scene when a group of suspects suddenly jump out of a vehicle and unleash a hail of bullets at his patrol car. The officer can be seen ducking and slipping out of the vehicle just seconds before the gunfire erupts.

KZNVIP, Blue Security and other emergency services responded swiftly after reports of the shooting spread through the area.

According to preliminary information, the officer had disturbed suspects believed to have been preparing for a home invasion. The armed group, travelling in a white vehicle with an unconfirmed registration number, immediately opened fire. A second vehicle carrying additional suspects joined in the attack, riddling the security vehicle with bullets.

Watch Security Officer Survives Hail of Bullets in Somerset Park Shootout

Despite the intense gunfire, the officer escaped without injury.

Read | Father Appeals for Witnesses in Son’s Tragic Shooting and Collision Incident

SAPS has since cordoned off Somerset Drive while forensic experts process the scene. Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects, who managed to flee before backup units arrived.

Authorities have urged residents in the Somerset Park and Umhlanga areas to remain vigilant as investigations continue.

Woman Shot Dead in Popular Westville Pub in Suspected Domestic Dispute

Bongani
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Woman Shot Dead in Popular Westville Pub in Suspected Domestic Dispute

Durban police are investigating after a woman was shot and killed inside a popular pub in Westville on Monday afternoon.

According to ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson, emergency teams were called to the establishment on Jan Hofmeyer Road shortly after 2.30pm.

“On arrival, paramedics found SAPS and multiple security officials already in attendance. Medics were shown into the pub and directed to where a female, believed to be in her late forties, was found unresponsive on the floor with a gunshot wound,” said Jamieson.

He added that paramedics assessed the victim but found no signs of life. The woman was declared dead at the scene.

Read | Man killed in Sherwood drive-by shooting

The exact circumstances leading to the shooting remain unclear, but initial reports suggest the incident may have been linked to a domestic dispute.

SAPS Westville officers attended the scene and confirmed that a case of murder is under investigation.

Police are expected to release more details as inquiries continue.

Body of Missing Pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray Found on Durban Beach

Anita Scholtz
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Body of Missing Pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray Found on Durban Beach

KwaZulu-Natal police are investigating after a body, believed to be that of missing South African Airways (SAA) pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray, was discovered on Durban’s beachfront on Friday night.

ALS Paramedics said emergency teams were called to Bay of Plenty Beach after multiple reports of a body washing up.

“Paramedics were shown to the beach where they found a male believed to be in his sixties who had been washed up onto the sand. The man was assessed, however, he showed no signs of life and was declared deceased on the scene,” said ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson.

Police confirmed that the deceased was wearing a flight suit, and investigations are under way to determine the identity.

“The unidentifiable body was possibly washed out from the ocean and was wearing a flight suit. Preliminary investigations suggest that it could be the body of the pilot who crashed into the sea last month, however, formal identification processes will be conducted to ascertain the body’s identity,” explained KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda.

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) confirmed the body was handed over to authorities.

“The body of the deceased man was taken into the care of the police and the Government Health Forensic Pathology Services. While indications are that the body is that of missing pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray, formal Police protocols and formal identification are still in progress to be observed respectfully in cooperation with the family,” said NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon.

He added that the family had requested privacy.

“Condolences are conveyed to the family, friends and colleagues. Family has declined interviews, respectfully requesting privacy in this difficult time,” Lambinon said.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, said the discovery may finally provide answers for the pilot’s loved ones.

“We sincerely hope that the discovery of the body of Mr Andrew Blackwood-Murray will assist his wife and the whole family to find closure after a prolonged period of uncertainty and grief. We pray to God to give them strength,” Duma said.

He confirmed his office would remain in close contact with authorities.

“At this stage, we wish to indicate that I have mandated my office to liaise with the SAPS and other relevant authorities. We trust their capacity to manage this sensitive matter. For my part, I will be liaising with the Mayor of eThekwini, Cllr Cyril Xaba, and the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy. Finally, we commend the NSRI, SAPS and all other role-players for their multi-agency search efforts. They did not give up despite challenges,” Duma added.

The Crash

Blackwood-Murray, 61, disappeared after his Extra 300 aircraft, registered ZS-AEC, plunged into the ocean during an airshow on 21 August 2025. The aircraft was performing its final manoeuvre when it crashed into the sea just before 2pm.

Read | Seven Dead in Four Crashes on N2 North Coast

Videos shared on social media captured the aircraft looping in the sky before striking the water.

The Civil Aviation Authority’s Accident and Incident Investigation Division is probing the cause of the crash. Tributes flooded in following the incident, with many hailing Blackwood-Murray as a highly skilled pilot and aerobatics enthusiast.

Silencing the Messenger? Arts and Culture CFO on Trial for Exposing Fraud Claims

Sbonelo Shezi
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Silencing the Messenger? Arts and Culture CFO on Trial for Exposing Fraud Claims

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has vowed to investigate why a senior official is facing disciplinary charges after being accused of exposing alleged corruption within the Department of Arts, Sports and Culture.

The department’s suspended Chief Financial Officer, Zinhle Buthelezi, is currently appearing before a disciplinary committee. She has been accused of leaking confidential documents to ActionSA’s provincial leader, Zwakele Mncwango, in 2023. As an alternative, the department alleges she failed to pursue an internal probe to establish who might have passed the documents to Mncwango. Buthelezi was suspended in May last year.

Ntuli told reporters he was unaware of the developments and requested a full report.

“We cannot allow the victimisation of corruption whistle-blowers. We are on record saying people must report corruption or wrongdoing irrespective of who is involved, so I am going to look into the matter,” Ntuli said.

The case, heard on Thursday, was postponed to Monday for closing arguments. Additional charges include insubordination and breaching the terms of her suspension. According to the department, Buthelezi contacted then-MEC Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba to query her suspension, which was viewed as undermining the authority of the Head of Department. She is also accused of taking departmental documents while on suspension, allegedly in violation of her suspension notice.

Buthelezi’s lawyer, Logan Naidu, argued that the department was targeting the wrong person.

“We are disturbed that the department has hired lawyers to prosecute an official for allegedly blowing the whistle on corruption activities. My client is wrongly targeted because Mncwango knows who the whistle-blower is, not her,” Naidu said.

Mncwango also defended Buthelezi, saying he had previously appealed to Ntuli to protect her from victimisation. He denied receiving the documents from her. In 2023, he publicly exposed allegations that millions were allocated for fitness centres across municipalities, yet no facilities were built. He even published payment records he claimed showed work being paid for but not delivered.

The department’s Head of Department argued that such information was confidential and could only have been accessed by an insider. Meanwhile, spokesperson Ntando Mnyandu confirmed that current MEC Mntomuhle Khawula is awaiting a full report since the matter originated under the previous administration.

The controversy has raised questions over whether the department is clamping down on corruption or silencing those who attempt to expose it.

Seven Dead in Four Crashes on N2 North Coast

Ben Johnson
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Seven Dead in Four Crashes on N2 North Coast

Seven people lost their lives in four separate crashes on the N2 between Chakas Rock and Mandeni on Saturday night, according to emergency responders.

IPSS Medical Rescue spokesperson Paul Herbst confirmed that three of the collisions involved pedestrians.


“Three pedestrians were struck and killed in separate incidents along the N2,” Herbst said.

In one of the crashes near Chakas Rock, tragedy escalated when a vehicle struck a pedestrian and lost control.


“The vehicle burst into flames after the collision, sadly leaving the driver deceased,” Herbst added.

chaka's rock accident
The car caught fire after hitting a pedestrian in Chaka’s Rock

A fourth major accident occurred near Mandeni, claiming three more lives.
“Three occupants sustained fatal injuries in the collision. Two patients were left in critical condition and were stabilised on scene by our Advanced Life Support paramedics, while a third patient sustained serious injuries,” Herbst explained.

All injured patients were transported to nearby medical facilities for further treatment.

Emergency services worked throughout the night, with multiple teams responding. Herbst praised the cooperation on the ground.


“We are grateful for the teamwork of the Kwadukuza Fire Department, Mandeni Fire Department, EMRS and other private ambulance services who assisted at the scene,” he said.

IPSS extended its condolences to the families affected.


“Our thoughts are with the friends and family who lost loved ones in these tragic incidents,” Herbst said.

The N2 north coast route was heavily affected overnight as authorities cleared the crash scenes and continued investigations.

Suspect shot dead after attempting to disarm officer at Empangeni police station

Sbonelo Shezi
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Suspect shot dead after attempting to disarm officer at Empangeni police station

Police in KwaZulu-Natal are investigating after a man was shot dead inside the Community Service Centre (CSC) of the Esikhaleni Police Station in Empangeni.

According to police, the incident unfolded on Thursday when the suspect entered the station under the pretext of seeking assistance. He then allegedly attempted to wrestle a firearm away from a female officer.

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda explained that the officer’s service pistol was secured with a retention cord, preventing the suspect from taking it.

“The suspect then drew out his own weapon and pointed it at the officer, attempting to shoot her,” Netshiunda said.

In response, another police officer at the scene opened fire to protect his colleague and other civilians inside the CSC. The suspect was fatally wounded and declared dead on the scene.

“Police in KwaZulu-Natal have opened an inquest docket after a man who attempted to shoot a police officer inside a police station was shot and fatally wounded,” Netshiunda confirmed.

Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased, and investigations into the incident continue.

Reed Dance 2025: Thousands of Maidens Join King Misuzulu at Historic eMashobeni Ceremony

Hlengiwe Mbedzi
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Reed Dance 2025: Thousands of Maidens Join King Misuzulu at Historic eMashobeni Ceremony

For the first time in over four decades, the AmaZulu nation’s annual Reed Dance, known as Umkhosi Womhlanga, is being staged at a new venue — the eMashobeni Royal Palace in oPhongolo, northern KwaZulu-Natal.

Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini confirmed the shift from the traditional venue at eNyokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma, where the late King Goodwill Zwelithini revived the ceremony in 1986 to promote cultural preservation.

Prince Thulani Zulu, spokesperson for the AmaZulu king, said preparations were complete for the maiden reed dance at eMashobeni. “It’s all systems go,” he noted, adding that thousands of Zulu maidens are expected to attend the two-day ceremony.

The event, attended by the King himself, honours the beauty, purity, and cultural pride of the maidens, while also reinforcing the values of womanhood and moral regeneration.

Many young participants expressed excitement ahead of the event. One maiden explained:
“First and foremost, it teaches us to respect our bodies, so it taught me many things about being a Zulu lady, to know my culture and how to handle myself.”

Another added:
“The reed dance is important for me, it’s a sisterhood amongst us young maidens who have chosen to remain pure, it’s a decision I made. Apart from abstaining from sex, we are also taught about life, how to conduct ourselves as young women.”

The new venue has also brought a significant boost to the local economy. Pongola Mayor Bhekinkosi Thwala highlighted how the influx of visitors has benefitted small businesses.
“We do not take it lightly that this will contribute greatly to our local economy. Our accommodation establishments and restaurants are full to capacity, and the public transport and vendors are also trading,” he said.


“Umkhosi Womhlanga will support us to unlock our potential in terms of growing our local economy, the restoration of moral regeneration, strengthening of our culture and celebration of womanhood.”

Meanwhile, King Misuzulu used his address at the opening of the ceremony to caution the media against relying on what he called “unqualified voices” when reporting on Zulu tradition and the royal household.


“It’s difficult to hear someone who has no idea what it’s like to walk in my shoes trying to tell me what to do. You can’t go to school for the job I do — it can’t be taught. If you want to learn about Zulu culture, there are plenty of us you can talk to,” the King said.


He added that he has repeatedly warned broadcasters against hosting analysts he deems misinformed. “I have repeatedly warned the SABC to stop inviting this one individual to speak on matters involving the Zulu royal family, because what he says is nonsense.”

The 2025 reed dance thus marks not only a cultural milestone for the Zulu nation but also a turning point for oPhongolo, as it becomes the new home of one of South Africa’s most iconic traditional ceremonies.

Drunk Driver Causes Mayhem on N3, IT Specialist Arrested for Speeding on N2

Sbonelo Shezi
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Drunk Driver Causes Mayhem on N3, IT Specialist Arrested for Speeding on N2

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, has praised the province’s Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officers for their bravery following two major incidents on the N3 and N2 this weekend.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Duma detailed how a drunk motorist caused chaos on the N3 in the early hours of the morning. The incident began when a distressed female motorist alerted authorities after her vehicle was struck by a fleeing driver.

RTI officers later intercepted a white Mahindra bakkie on Chota Motala Road. When confronted, the suspect allegedly assaulted one of the officers before speeding off, colliding with several vehicles as he attempted to evade arrest. The pursuit stretched through Howick and Hilton, where the suspect’s vehicle again collided with other motorists.

During the chase, RTI officer Phiwokuhle Ndabezitha was injured after rear-ending the suspect’s vehicle in an attempt to bring the matter under control. He has since been commended for his courage, with Duma wishing him a speedy recovery.

The drunk driver was eventually apprehended and has been remanded in custody. He faces several charges, including assault, reckless and negligent driving, and fleeing the scene of an accident.

In a separate incident on the N2 southbound near Park Rynie, RTI officers arrested an IT specialist who was caught driving at 192km/h.

Duma said the arrests highlight his department’s commitment to cracking down on reckless road users. “Months ago, I mandated the RTI team to clean up our road networks by coming down very hard on reckless and drunk motorists. It is for this reason that we have advertised 278 new traffic officer posts to strengthen our dedicated and efficient RTI team,” he said.

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