Man killed as truck crashes into broken down vehicle on N2 near KwaMashu highway

Devi Subremoney
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Man killed as truck crashes into broken down vehicle on N2 near KwaMashu highway

One person has been killed and several others injured following a crash between a truck and a broken-down vehicle on the N2 just before the KwaMashu highway in Durban.

It is believed that mechanics were trying to repair the vehicle in the emergency lane when a truck lost control and rammed into them.

Emer-G-Med spokesperson Kyle van Reneen says a male approximately forty years of age was found to have sustained fatal injuries and was declared dead on arrival of paramedics.

Read also: MF leader Thakur Rajbansi’s son and his fiancee amongst those killed in N3 horror crash

“On arrival on scene, it was established that a light delivery vehicle had broken down in the emergency lane and whilst mechanics were working on it, a heavy articulated vehicle ploughed into the scene. A male approximately forty years of age was found to have sustained fatal injuries and was declared dead on arrival of paramedics whilst at least four other men were treated for injuries ranging from minor to moderate and taken to nearby hospitals for further medical care.”

‘The Wife’ actress Lungelo Mpangase talks about playing ‘trigger happy’ Xoli

Hlengiwe Mbedzi
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‘The Wife’ actress Lungelo Mpangase talks about playing ‘trigger happy’ Xoli

The actress behind the fascinating character of Xoli on The Wife Lungelo Mpangase has shared how excited she is to be part of the loved telenovela, especially playing a trigger-happy, hot-headed girl.

When the season of Showmax’s telenovela made its debut last Thursday its fans were particularly impressed and intrigued by Xoli, who is Sambulo’s girl.

The gun-firing, no-boundary-having (judging by her dramatic entry into the mansion) edition to the family is nothing like the Zulu brothers’ wives.

Lungelo did a young Q&A to let fans into her world.

What attracted you to The Wife and made you say, ‘OK, I’m definitely hopping on to this?

I mean who wouldn’t hop on to The Wife?

The books were amazing; I read some of them when I was in high school. I love the writing style, the story and its characters. So I couldn’t miss it. It’s one of those projects you don’t want to miss. You want to be part of The Wife.

In my acting journey, I was hoping for something that would challenge me. Something that would take me out of my comfort zone because I was tired of playing the timid little girl from rural KZN.

Read also:

Then I read the bio of Xoli and thought, ‘Oh, God heard my prayer. This is the challenge I needed in my career.’

Tell us about the day you found out you were going to be cast on The Wife. Where were you, what were you doing and who was the first person you told?

I was having a lovely day at my house painting, sipping on some wine and listening to some music. My agent called me and said, ‘Listen, you got the role.’ I jumped up and screamed because I was so excited. I didn’t tell anyone at first as I wanted the news to first sink in and make sure I got a contract and all that. And then of course the first person I told was my mom.

Xoli is a crazy, sexy and wild character. What do you have in common with your character? Are there any big differences?

Oh yes, huge differences!

I’m such a soft girl. If there’s a fight, I will just cry or go home. I don’t want to be part of it. Yet Xoli gets excited if there’s drama. She’s very strong and I love how brave she is. She’s a trigger-happy type of person. She will go shoot before everybody says, ‘Let’s go shoot.’

She’s also sexually free. I’m from a very strict family where when we talk about sex we have to be respectful. Xoli doesn’t. She will do it right here, right now. That’s how freaky she is!

What’s it like working with Sipho Ndlovu as your lover, Sambulo?

I’ve known Sipho for quite some time because we’re both from KZN. Then I saw Sambulo on the show, who’s completely different from Sipho. It was so great to see someone so dedicated to their character. I told myself: if he can transform into this person who’s completely different from him, then so can I. That kept me on my toes and inspired me to bring out my own character.

What’s working with the Zulu brothers like?

Working alongside the Zulu brothers has been amazing. They are very quick and you kinda have to adapt to them as well. They bring that masculinity. I’ve never worked with a lot of men so closely and I can feel it.

Security cameras installed in Durban taxis to improve passenger and driver safety

Anita Scholtz
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Security cameras installed in Durban taxis to improve passenger and driver safety

In an effort to increase passenger and driver safety, SANTACO – Durban, has installed security cameras in taxis plying the South Beach and North Beach routes.

The cameras enable taxi owners and managers to monitor via an App what’s happening in the taxi in real-time, the behaviour and driving patterns of the drivers. Taxi owners can communicate with passengers through the app, and more. Owners can even stop their taxis remotely if they detect a problem.

This past weekend 70 taxis were installed with these cameras, target is to have all South Beach and North Beach taxis installed with cameras this December.

Passenger safety has always been an issue with reports of women being attacked by drivers.

Two weeks ago, a 20-year-old woman shared the story of how she and another woman of around her age were assaulted and raped, allegedly by a taxi driver and his friend, in KwaDukuza, on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast.

The 20-year-old woman who cannot be named to protect her identity told Durban Sun that since the attack she has been wishing she was dead because her life has been hugely affected by what happened.

She said she was assaulted while the other woman she had only just met at the KwaDukuza taxi rank, was raped at an unknown place around KwaDukuza.

Read also: Four dead in minibus taxi and car head-on crash near Estcourt

She said she arrived at the taxi rank after 6 pm looking for a taxi to Durban but was told there weren’t any. She said she met the other woman who was also looking for a taxi to Durban.

While they were trying to figure out what they would do, a man who said he was a taxi driver approached them.

We told him we were looking for a taxi to Durban and he said there were no longer any available but he was returning to Durban himself and could take us with him. We were relieved and didn’t think much of it because he was at the taxi rank.

He took us to his taxi which had an ND registration. We waited less than five minutes before he drove out of the taxi rank.

She said that after about 20 minutes on the road, the driver picked up someone else who sat in the front seat and seemed to know the driver.

She said they later drove off the roads they were familiar with and that’s when they started panicking.

She said she asked where the taxi was going but was ignored. She told Durban Sun that she didn’t have a cell phone, so she asked the other woman to try to ask for help from someone.

“They stopped the car and that’s when I wondered if it was my day [for something terrible to happen].

“They came to us at the back and took the cell phone and our bags.

“The other guy chose this woman and went to where she was seated and I was taken out of the taxi by the driver.

“I started crying, and the other woman was screaming, asking the man not to hurt her. The driver said I was lucky because he wasn’t going to do much with me. Even though he didn’t rape me, he did a lot of damage,” said the young woman.

She said that the driver cut her neck, thighs and her breast with a sharp knife. She said the other woman was crying inside the taxi but the men didn’t seem to care.

She said that when they were done, they dropped them off on the main road and told them to report them if they wanted to but said they won’t be found.

I don’t know what happened after that, everything was blank and I was bleeding from my neck and thighs. I don’t know what happened to the other girl.

My family said I was helped by a man who said he found me alone on the road and took me home.

She said she opened a case at the KwaDukuza SAPS as well as the local taxi association.

She added that the taxi association said it is aware of her case and has started searching for the driver and the taxi.

This has created so much hate in me for men. I’ve been struggling to sleep or get over what has happened. I could only wonder how the other girl is doing because we couldn’t exchange numbers.

I wonder every day how she is holding up because she endured more pain than me and I wish I had her contact number so I could at least comfort her and we’d go through this together. I have searched for her on Facebook but I haven’t been lucky.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, Constable Thenjiwe Ngcobo, said a case of sexual assault was opened at KwaDukuza police station for investigation and the docket was transferred to the KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal family violence, child protection and sexual offences unit (FCS).

Spokesperson for the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco), Sifiso Shangase, said they do not tolerate such acts in the taxi industry.

The taxi council is investigating the matter because we can’t have criminals in the industry. We need to find them. Rank managers need to also ensure the drivers are not criminals and all taxis are permitted to operate, including drivers.

Sinikiwe Biyela from Life Line has advised women to be more vigilant and prioritise their safety, especially when they are alone in public transport or feel unsafe.

Man shot dead after allegedly trying to rob a family on Umhlanga Beach

Sirisha Pillay
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Man shot dead after allegedly trying to rob a family on Umhlanga Beach

A man has been shot dead after he allegedly tried to rob another man who was with his wife and child on the Umhlanga Beach Whale-bone Pier, north of Durban.

Medi Response paramedics responded to a report of a shooting at the iconic site at about 10h45 on Tuesday.

“It was reported that a man was standing with his wife and child watching the beach when a male arrived and attempted to attack him,” said Medi Response.

It’s alleged that the man drew out a gun and shot the attacker in the stomach.

Read also: Three suspects killed during a shootout with police in KZN South Coast

The alleged shooter was apprehended by private security officers.

Paramedics initiated advanced life support resuscitation on the victim, but after extensive attempts, the man was declared dead on the scene, Medi Response said, adding that police are investigating.

SAPS did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Durban Film Studio construction starting soon

Hayley Jacobs
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Durban Film Studio construction starting soon

Construction of the Durban Film Studio will start soon after having been put on hold for several years.

The multi-billion rand project is expected to change the face of the province and turn the eThekwini metro into the heart of the creative industry. It is estimated to cost R7.5-billion.

But Durban filmmaker Mathew Nkosi said it had been a long wait for the film studio to take off, and its resuscitation had come as a relief to artists in KwaZulu-Natal.

“The project was proposed 10 years ago, and nothing has materialised. If done right, this will be a game changer for us as emerging filmmakers who must go to Johannesburg for our work to be recognised.

“Durban is an international city, and a project of this magnitude is long overdue. But we are beginning to see signs of hope because we have productions such as Uzalo and Imbewu, which are produced on our shores,” said Nkosi.

The film studio is situated on a prime beach-front site, surrounded by the Sun Coast Casino, People Park, the Moses Mabhida Stadium and the beach in the north.

The spokesperson for eThekwini Metro, Msawakhe Mayisela, told Durban Sun that although the project had been delayed it would “get off the ground soon”, saying it was a key catalyst project for the city.

“The project is envisaged to be a world-class film studio complemented by tourism and leisure elements. The sod turning of this much-awaited development supporting the film and tourism industry is expected to occur soon,” he said.

Read also: Top 10 tourist attraction places in Durban

Mayisela said the first phase of the project would consist of a motion picture, media, resort, and entertainment precinct with the potential to create about 4 000 to 5 000 permanent jobs and attract international filmmakers. It is the brainchild of renowned Durban-born film director Anant Singh.

The 21ha land was sold by the city for R15 million, but the deal was legally challenged by the late businessman Sunny Gayadin, who argued that the land was worth R71 million.

He lost his court bid.

The site in question was formerly the headquarters of the SA Army’s Natal Command and was later occupied by the Joint Operations Division of the South African Defence Force (SANDF).

It had been leased from the metro for the army by the department of public works.

The SANDF themselves lodged a court application, saying the land should not be sold because they had plans for it. The matter was dismissed, and the green light was given for the land to be transferred to the municipality.

About R725 million is expected to be pumped into the city’s economy. This includes more than R140 million annually, which will be collected through rates and other charges.

Three suspects killed during a shootout with police in KZN South Coast

Sbonelo Shezi
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Three suspects killed during a shootout with police in KZN South Coast

Three suspects who have allegedly been terrorising communities in the KwaZulu-Natal south coast have shot and killed during a shootout with police.

It’s alleged that, on November 10, the suspects hijacked and kidnapped a driver in Ixopo before later dumping him in the bushes.

The suspects went on to use the vehicle to commit a house robbery at Thathani area in Highflats.

The occupants of the house were held at gunpoint by four armed men. They were robbed of cash, an airgun, cellphones and other valuabes.

Police were immediately alerted of the house robbery and a joint operation was put in place.

Read also: Two dead and two injured in three shooting incidents around Durban

As the suspects were approached, there was a shoot-out. Three suspects were fatally wounded while the fourth managed to flee the scene.

Police recovered four firearms as well as the items that were stolen during the house robbery.

It was established that the suspects were involved in a business robbery and murder where a Magma Security official was shot and killed.

It is alleged that on 29 October 2022 at 05:30, a business robbery occurred at a premises situated on Shepstone Street in Richmond where a group of armed men entered and demanded cash.

A vehicle from Magma security was stopped by security guards. A shot was fired by the suspects at the vehicle and it struck a reaction officer from Magma Security and Investigation aged 31 who died at the scene.

Thapelo Molomo wins Idols SA Season 18

Hlengiwe Mbedzi
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Thapelo Molomo wins Idols SA Season 18

Thapelo Molomo has won South Africa Idols SA Season 18 which took place in 2022. Molomo, a SAPS Warrant Officer, trauma counsellor and vocalist from Mokopane, Limpopo won the singing competition on 13 . 

 

Thapelo Molomo’s Biography

Name: Thapelo Molomo

Age: 29 years old

Gender: Male

Occupation: Trauma counsellor, vocalist

Hometown: Mokopane, Limpopo

Thapelo Molomo who is currently living in Pretoria, is a self-confessed perfectionist, he has spent the past few years honing his musical skills.

This Limpopo native describes himself as humble and dedicated, qualities he hopes will take him all the way to the end.

He joined a gospel group in 2012 as a backing vocalist but is now ready to take the lead.

After a few attempts at making a mark in the music business, Thapelo Molomo relishes being part of Idols South Africa, an experience he describes as the “biggest stage” he has been on.

Up to this point, the Idols South Africa journey has offered him the opportunity to learn more about performing, music and how to handle himself as an artist.

Despite being open to trying out different genres, Thapelo Molomo’s passion lies in soul music.

One of his musical heroes is Michael Bolton. “I’m all about love, and his personality is all about love,” he says.

Read also: Matthew Booth breaks silence after wife Sonia’s ‘cheesecake’ affair bombshell

SAPS management congratulated Warrant Officer Thapelo Molomo for being crowned the Idols SA Season 18 winner. Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele, who attended the finale, has on behalf of the SAPS, congratulated the newly crowned winner.

Thapelo took time to thank his fans and everyone who voted him to the top.

Runner-up Nozi rounded off the Idols SA 2022 Final Live show with an astonishing performance of “Don’t Stop The Music” by Rihanna and a joint performance of “Lift Me Up” with Thapelo.

Two dead and two injured in three shooting incidents around Durban

Anita Scholtz
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Two dead and two injured in three shooting incidents around Durban

Two people were shot and killed while two others were injured in three separate shooting incidents around Durban on Wednesday.

In the first shooting, a man believed to beca taxi owner was shot in an apparent hit. It’s alleged that he parked his taxi at the Tongaat Department of Home Affairs office when a man clad in all black clothing alighted from a Toyota Corolla parked nearby and shot him four times.

According to IPSS, the man died on the spot.

Read also: Six people killed, another injured in Clermont mass shooting

Amanzimtoti shooting

On the same day, across Durban, a man was shot dead at Seadoone Mall in Doonside in Amanzimtoti at about 17h00.

“The victim was 57 years old. It is alleged that he ran into the parking area when he was shot. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was declared dead on the scene,” Amanzimtoti police station communications officer, Captain Charlene van der Spuy told Durban Sun.

CCPO Crime wrote on their Facebook page, saying, “Active crime scene at Seadoone Mall; please avoid the area. A shooting has occurred; all necessary responders are at the scene.”

According to a bystander, the man was lying on the ground in the middle of the parking area near Woolworths. “I was there when the man was shot. It looked like a hit. The suspects got out, shot him, and then got back into their car and drove off.”

Van der Spuy said the motive for the shooting has not been confirmed at this stage as the investigation is ongoing.

A case of murder is being investigated.

Bluff shooting

In the third shooting at a shopping centre in Bluff, two people were targeted.

Emer-G-Med Paramedics attended the shooting scene at a shopping centre in Tara Road on the Bluff in Durban.

According to preliminary reports from the scene, two adults sustained gunshot wounds with one person being left in critical condition.

Advanced Life Support paramedics were called in to stabilize the injured before taking them to a nearby hospital for further definitive care.

“The facts surrounding the incident and the events preceding it are unclear and will form the subject of a South African Police Services investigation,” wrote Emer-G-Med.

Watch: Off-duty cop escapes hijacking on his driveway in Malvern

Devi Subremoney
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Watch: Off-duty cop escapes hijacking on his driveway in Malvern

An off-duty eThekwini Metro Police member returning home was able to escape from hijackers who tried to rob him on the driveway just as he arrived at his Malvern home on Tuesday afternoon.

In the 22-second-video, the cop’s VW Polo can be seen approaching the driveway while a white Mercedes Benz sedan follows right behind him.

The alert police officer notices the Mercedes Benz tailing him and he can be seen turning his wheels away from the gate in preparation to escape.

In no time, two suspects jump out of the Mercedes and charge towards him. The cop doesn’t waste time, he speeds away from the scene while the suspects’ car tries to block him. The police officer, fortunately, manages to escape from the robbers.

Read also: Feared Man Shows Off His Collection And Gives Warning To Newcastle Residents

How to Avoid a Hijacking when approaching and entering your driveway

Be extra alert about 2km from your house checking for any suspicious movement in front or behind you. Switching off the car radio may be a good idea at this stage so that you concentrate on your surroundings. If you have noticed any vehicle behind you or you suspect that a vehicle you see may be up to no good, pass your home and try to come back after making sure the vehicle is not following you.

Remember to stop your vehicle just on the inside of the gate and select reverse whilst waiting for the gate to close. This creates confusion for the suspects and may buy you a few seconds for the gate to close completely behind you.

Check your driveway and street before you leave or enter your premises.

Make sure your driveway is well-lit and clear from shrubbery where perpetrators can hide.
Be aware of unknown pedestrians close to your residential address – do not turn into your driveway – pass and go back later.

Liaise with your neighbours – know them.

Be aware of vehicles parked close to your address with occupants inside. It might be perpetrators observing the area.

Be alert if your animals do not greet you at the gate as usual. It might be that the perpetrators overpowered them.

Phone your home and ask for someone to make sure your driveway is safe and to open and close the gate for you.

When returning home after dark, ensure that an outside light is on, or have someone meet you at the gate. Check with your armed response company if they are rendering rendezvous services.

If at any time you must open the gate yourself, make sure there is nobody suspicious around and the road is clear.

Stop right in front of your gate. Do not switch off the vehicle, leave the key in the ignition, get out and close the door (not creating temptation). Then open the gate. Drive in and close the gate immediately behind you.

If you have small children in the vehicle, take the key with you (this is the only exception). You need the key as a “negotiating tool”. The perpetrators want your vehicle and you want your children.

If your children are older, it is advised that they exit the vehicle with you when opening the gate so that you are all separated from the vehicle should an attack occur.

Check the rear-view mirror to ensure you are not being followed.

When exiting your vehicle, be cautious and aware of surrounding obstructions and shrubbery that may be concealing a hijacker.

Never sit in your parked vehicle without being conscious of your surroundings. Sleeping in a stationary vehicle is particularly dangerous.

When approaching your driveway, be on the lookout for suspicious vehicles/persons. This is very important as most hijackers approach their victims in home driveways. These safety tips to avoid hijacking were shared by Arrive Alive.

Matthew Booth breaks silence after wife Sonia’s ‘cheesecake’ affair bombshell

Anita Scholtz
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Matthew Booth breaks silence after wife Sonia’s ‘cheesecake’ affair bombshell

Matthew Booth, the former Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns player on Wednesday issued a statement denying he had an extra-marital affair with Bongani Mthombeni-Möller.

Booth said he was disappointed that his wife Sonia Booth had decided to share the matter “on all public platforms with “an intention to tarnish my name without discussing them with me.”

Booth went on to say the news would negatively affect their children who are busy with exams.

The 45-year-old said he intends to take legal action as the matter has been handed over to his attorneys.

Read also: Metro FM Dj Pearl Shongwe found dead

Booth said he will leave it to the legal system and let the truth prevail in due course.

In an attempt to not let the scandal affect his business life, Booth pleaded with ‘Mrs Mthombeni-Moller, the corporates and sponsors who have partnered with the Booth Trust’ to not let the events of the last week influence their dealings.

A towering defender, Booth made a name for himself while playing for Cape Town Spurs in the mid-1990s. This led to a move to Mamelodi Sundowns in 1998 with whom he won two league titles, the Rothmans Cup, Charity Spectacular and Bob Save Super Bowl in his first stint.

He would later go on to earn 37 caps for Bafana from 1999 to 2010.

Sonia Booth publicised the allegations on Instagram on Monday. – IOL

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