Durban Gun Shop Owner Denies Charges in Gang-Linked Murder Case

Bongani
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Durban Gun Shop Owner Denies Charges in Gang-Linked Murder Case

Durban gun shop owner Anderson Padayachee has pleaded not guilty to a series of serious charges, including eight counts of murder, five counts of attempted murder, and multiple violations of the Firearms Control Act.

Padayachee’s charges stem from allegations that he sold firearms to the notorious Terrible Josters gang, a group implicated in a string of violent crimes in KwaZulu-Natal.

Padayachee appeared in the Durban High Court, where he maintained his innocence in the face of mounting evidence linking his firearms business to the gang’s criminal activities.

Prosecutors allege that Padayachee knowingly supplied weapons to gang members, which were then used to carry out murders and other violent acts in the province.

Investigators claim that ballistic tests have tied weapons sold by Padayachee to several crime scenes linked to the Terrible Josters gang.

In addition to the murder and attempted murder charges, he is accused of contravening the Firearms Control Act by failing to properly document transactions and selling weapons without conducting mandatory background checks.

During the court proceedings, the defense argued that Padayachee was not aware that his clients were members of a criminal gang, asserting that he followed standard protocols when selling firearms.

Padayachee’s lawyer stated that the charges were based on circumstantial evidence and vowed to challenge the prosecution’s case vigorously.

The Terrible Josters gang has been at the center of escalating violence in Durban, with police linking the group to turf wars, drug trafficking, and multiple homicides.

The case has drawn significant public attention, with many calling for stricter enforcement of firearm regulations to prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands.

The trial is set to continue, with prosecutors expected to present additional evidence, including witness testimonies and forensic reports.

If convicted, Padayachee could face life imprisonment for his alleged role in supplying weapons that fueled gang violence in the region.

KwaZulu-Natal Commuters Stranded as Durban Taxi Strike Enters Day Two

Bongani
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KwaZulu-Natal Commuters Stranded as Durban Taxi Strike Enters Day Two

The ongoing strike by the Durban Long Distance Taxi Association (DLTA) has left hundreds of KwaZulu-Natal commuters stranded for a second consecutive day.

The strike, which began earlier this week, has disrupted critical transportation routes, leaving many residents with no alternative means of travel.

Frustrated commuters voiced their grievances, describing how the taxi strike has upended their daily routines.

Many depend heavily on taxis as their primary mode of transport, and the absence of services has forced some to walk long distances or pay for more expensive transportation options.

“I had to take a day off work because there was no way to get to my workplace,” said one commuter from Durban, highlighting the economic impact the strike is having on employees and employers alike.

According to reports, the strike is linked to unresolved disputes between the DLTA and local authorities regarding permits and operating conditions.

The association claims that its members are being unfairly targeted with fines and restrictions, which they argue threaten their livelihoods.

SABC News reporter Ayanda Mhlongo, covering the story, explained that negotiations between the taxi association and officials are ongoing but have yet to yield a resolution.

Commuters, meanwhile, have called on the government to intervene swiftly to bring the situation under control.

Police presence has been heightened in key areas to monitor any potential unrest, as past strikes have occasionally led to violence or road blockages.

Authorities have urged all parties to engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve the issues.

The DLTA has not indicated when the strike might end, leaving thousands across the province in limbo.

For now, commuters are left to grapple with uncertainty as they await a resolution to the stalemate.

(VIDEO) Five Accused in AKA and Tibz Murder Case Appear in Durban Court

Bongani
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(VIDEO) Five Accused in AKA and Tibz Murder Case Appear in Durban Court

The five men charged in connection with the murders of renowned South African rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and celebrity chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane appeared in the Durban Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The two victims were tragically gunned down in February 2023 outside a popular restaurant on Florida Road, Durban.

The case sent shockwaves across the nation, with fans and industry colleagues demanding justice for the slain stars.

During the court appearance, the accused faced a packed gallery as supporters of AKA and Tibz, alongside members of the public, gathered to witness the proceedings.

The state outlined the charges, which include murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

The prosecutor indicated that the case against the accused is backed by substantial evidence, including CCTV footage, witness testimony, and forensic findings.

The state has also hinted at the involvement of a broader network, though no further details were disclosed in court.

The defense argued for bail, stating that their clients were not flight risks and had cooperated with authorities during the investigation.

However, the magistrate postponed the bail hearing to allow for further deliberation.

Outside the court, emotional scenes played out as fans of AKA and Tibz held placards demanding justice.

“We won’t rest until those responsible are held accountable,” one supporter said.

The case is set to resume next month as investigations continue. The court has urged all parties to refrain from making public statements that could jeopardize the proceedings.

Kiernan Forbes, affectionately known as AKA, was a celebrated figure in South African hip-hop, while Tebello Motsoane was a respected entrepreneur and chef.

Their deaths have left an indelible mark on South Africa’s entertainment and culinary scenes.

(WATCH) Durban Traffic Disrupted by Taxi Blockade at YMCA Rank

Bongani
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(WATCH) Durban Traffic Disrupted by Taxi Blockade at YMCA Rank

Traffic in and around Durban’s city centre came to a standstill on Thursday morning as members of a long-distance taxi association blocked major roads near the YMCA Taxi Rank.

The blockade, reportedly involving dozens of taxis, disrupted the flow of vehicles, forcing many commuters to seek alternative routes or endure lengthy delays.

Authorities are yet to confirm the reason behind the protest, but sources indicate that it may be linked to ongoing disputes within the taxi industry, including allegations of operational grievances and competition disputes among operators.

Metro Police and SAPS have been deployed to the scene to manage the situation and redirect traffic.

Commuters are advised to avoid the affected area until further notice. Police are in talks with association representatives to defuse tensions and clear the blockades.

Further updates on the situation will be provided as they become available.

Bail Denied for Three Men Accused in Shebeen Business Feud Murders

Bongani
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Bail Denied for Three Men Accused in Shebeen Business Feud Murders

The Durban Magistrate’s Court on Thursday denied bail to three men accused of involvement in a series of murders linked to a shebeen business feud.

The suspects face charges for their alleged roles in three murders, which prosecutors argue stem from escalating tensions over local liquor business rivalries.

Magistrate Zanele Ngcobo ruled that releasing the accused could endanger public safety and interfere with ongoing investigations.

The courtroom was packed with concerned community members and family representatives of the victims.

The accused are set to remain in custody until their next court appearance, with investigations continuing into the violent feud that has rocked the community.

{VIDEO} Super Accident In Pietermaritzburg N3

Bongani
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{VIDEO} Super Accident In Pietermaritzburg N3

A major accident has occurred on the N3 highway near Pietermaritzburg, involving multiple vehicles, including buses, cars, and trucks.

Emergency services are on the scene, and while the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed, reports indicate multiple injuries.

Authorities are working to clear the area and attend to the injured. Motorists are urged to avoid the N3 and use alternative routes as traffic is severely affected. Further updates will follow as more information becomes available.

Durban Beachfront Transformation, New Attractions Revealed

Ben Johnson
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Durban Beachfront Transformation, New Attractions Revealed

Durban’s iconic beachfront is set to undergo a groundbreaking transformation, cementing its place as a world-class tourist destination under the leadership of Mayor Cyril Xaba.

The ambitious project includes a state-of-the-art Funworld, a Museum of the Future, and the largest Ferris wheel in Africa.

The plans, which are already in motion, will also see the addition of a spectacular fountain with light effects, a Heritage Village, and a National Auto Museum.

These features will be complemented by a vibrant collection of restaurants, souvenir shops, surf stores, and beachwear outlets.

This development is poised to not only attract international tourists but also invigorate the local economy, offering an unparalleled experience along Durban’s famed shores.

How to Check if Your Prepaid Meter is Updated

Sipho Zungu
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How to Check if Your Prepaid Meter is Updated

With the 24 November 2024 deadline fast approaching, Eskom has issued an urgent call to all prepaid electricity customers to recode their prepaid meters to prevent an unexpected loss of power.

Meters still operating on the outdated Key Revision Number 1 (KRN1) system will no longer accept electricity tokens after this date, leading to potential disruptions and costly replacements.

Eskom warns that failure to act by the deadline will render meters inoperable once current electricity credits are depleted. A replacement meter could cost as much as R12,000, with customers bearing the cost.

“Customers with KRN1 meters, especially those who haven’t purchased electricity in over six months or may have been using unauthorised tokens, need to update their meters immediately,” said Monde Bala, Eskom’s Group Executive for Distribution. “The process is simple and ensures uninterrupted power supply.”

Steps to Recode Your Meter

Eskom has outlined a clear process for checking and updating prepaid meters:

  1. Check Your Meter: Enter 1844 6744 0738 4377 2416 on your keypad. If the display shows “1” or “1.2,” your meter needs recoding. If it shows “2” or “2.2,” your meter is already updated.
  2. Recode Your Meter: Obtain two sets of 20-digit recode tokens by purchasing electricity from authorised vendors.
  3. Enter Tokens: First, input the two 20-digit recode tokens. Then, recharge your meter with a 20-digit token from your latest electricity purchase.

Eskom has deployed community support teams to assist customers, including over weekends, and has launched an extensive public awareness campaign in all official languages.

Tools such as the Alfred Chatbot are available on Eskom’s website and social media platforms to guide customers through the process.

Eskom acknowledges the cooperation of customers who have already completed the process and urges others to act swiftly.

Failure to recode by 24 November 2024 will prevent the purchase of electricity tokens and could leave households without power until the meter is replaced.

For updates on the re-coding progress and more information, visit the Eskom website.

KwaMashu Residents Demand Foreign Nationals Leave Within 21 Days

Hlengiwe Mbedzi
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KwaMashu Residents Demand Foreign Nationals Leave Within 21 Days

Tensions are running high in KwaMashu township, Durban, as angry residents demand that foreign nationals owning spaza shops vacate the area within 21 days, coinciding with the government’s spaza shop registration deadline.

The government’s recent initiative to register spaza shops nationwide has sparked unrest in the township, with locals accusing foreign shop owners of monopolizing the informal trade sector.

Residents argue that the presence of foreign nationals in the spaza market undermines local businesses, leaving many South Africans without opportunities.

“We are giving them the same 21 days the government gave us for spaza registration to leave the township,” said a resident spokesperson during a community meeting.

“They are exploiting our economy and resources while locals struggle to make ends meet.”

Protesters took to the streets, vowing to enforce their demands if no action is taken by the authorities.

Placards and chants calling for foreign nationals to leave echoed throughout KwaMashu.

The situation has placed pressure on local authorities to intervene, with fears of escalating violence if the demands are not addressed.

Law enforcement agencies have been deployed to monitor the area and ensure that tensions do not boil over into xenophobic violence, as seen in past incidents across the country.

Meanwhile, advocacy groups and community leaders have urged calm and dialogue to address the grievances of residents while protecting the rights of all business owners.

The government has yet to comment on the residents’ demands, but officials have emphasized that the registration process is aimed at fostering a fair and regulated spaza shop sector.

The unfolding developments in KwaMashu highlight the broader socio-economic challenges faced in South Africa, where unemployment and limited resources exacerbate competition between local and foreign entrepreneurs in informal economies.

Police Raid Bluff Warehouse, Discover Hazardous Food Items and Chemicals

Bongani
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Police Raid Bluff Warehouse, Discover Hazardous Food Items and Chemicals

Police in Durban’s Bluff area uncovered a disturbing case of unsafe food storage following a raid on several buildings in the region. Authorities found a range of everyday food items, including canned fish, fizzy drinks, soya beans, baby food, and spices for chips, being improperly stored alongside hazardous chemicals such as pesticides.

The raid, which took place on Thursday, was part of an ongoing investigation into illegal food safety violations in the area. Officers discovered that these food items, which were intended for sale to the public, had been stored in unsanitary conditions, posing a serious health risk.

“The food products were found in close proximity to dangerous chemicals, which could potentially contaminate them,” said police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala. “The items were not stored in accordance with food safety regulations, and we are working with health and safety officials to investigate further.”

The authorities have since seized the contaminated goods, which are being tested to determine the extent of the contamination. Investigations are also underway to identify those responsible for the improper storage practices and to determine if any customers may have been affected by consuming the compromised food.

This discovery has raised concerns about food safety regulations in informal storage and distribution networks, with the authorities warning consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious food-selling operations.

The raid underscores the continued efforts by law enforcement to clamp down on illegal activities that endanger public health, with more inspections expected in the region in the coming weeks.

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