(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.

Three Hijackers Killed in Shootout with Durban Police

Hlengiwe Mbedzi
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Three Hijackers Killed in Shootout with Durban Police

Three suspects, believed to be behind a vehicle hijacking in Mariannhill, Durban, were fatally shot during a confrontation with police.

The incident occurred when officers tracked the hijacked vehicle to a nearby location following the crime.

According to authorities, the suspects opened fire as the police approached, prompting the officers to return fire.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed the deaths of the suspects at the scene.

“The suspects were armed and engaged officers in a shootout. Three firearms and ammunition were recovered,” he said.

The hijacked vehicle has since been recovered and will undergo further investigation to determine if the suspects are linked to other criminal activities in the region.

Colonel Netshiunda commended the swift response of the officers, emphasizing the commitment of law enforcement to combating violent crime.

No police officers were injured during the exchange. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

This marks the latest in a series of violent confrontations between law enforcement and suspected criminals in KwaZulu-Natal, highlighting the persistent challenges of vehicle hijackings and violent crime in the region.

Nightclub Murderer in Durban Disappears After Bail, Warrant Issued

Bongani
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Nightclub Murderer in Durban Disappears After Bail, Warrant Issued

A Durban man accused of a fatal nightclub shooting has disappeared without a trace, prompting authorities to issue a warrant for his arrest.

Jonas George Tsautse (33), a well-known figure in the city’s nightlife, has been on the run since failing to appear in court earlier this year.

The case stems from a shocking incident in September 2020 at the upscale Rich nightclub in Durban, where Tsautse allegedly shot and killed 33-year-old Meluleki Mbewana.

According to reports, the fatal altercation was sparked by jealousy when Tsautse became enraged after a woman he was hosting hugged and entertained Mbewana.

Witnesses at the time described the incident as sudden and unprovoked. “It was a senseless act,” said one patron who asked not to be named.

“We were all just enjoying the evening, and then chaos broke out.”

Following his arrest, Tsautse was granted bail while awaiting trial. However, in February 2024, he failed to show up for his scheduled court appearance, leaving authorities scrambling to locate him.

Despite efforts to track him down, Tsautse remains at large.

At the time of his death, Mbewana was a promising young engineer working for the King Cetshwayo District Municipality in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

Friends and family described him as a hard-working and humble individual with a bright future ahead.

His murder sent shockwaves through the community, with calls for justice resonating loudly.

The court’s decision to grant Tsautse bail has also come under scrutiny, with critics questioning whether the system adequately considered the potential risk of him fleeing.

“This is a devastating failure of justice,” said one of Mbewana’s family members, who asked not to be named. “We trusted the legal system to ensure accountability, and now we don’t even know where [Tsautse] is.”

The case has also drawn attention to issues surrounding nightclub violence and the culture of impunity often associated with such environments.

Local activists have called for stricter regulations and improved safety measures in nightclubs to prevent similar tragedies.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about Tsautse’s whereabouts to come forward. Law enforcement officials have vowed to intensify their efforts to apprehend him and bring him to trial.

Meanwhile, Mbewana’s family and friends are left grappling with grief and frustration as they await justice. “We just want closure,” said one family member. “Meluleki deserves that much, at least.”

As the search for Tsautse continues, questions linger about how the justice system can better prevent such cases of accused individuals disappearing after being granted bail.

For now, the community holds its breath, hoping for answers and accountability in a case that has left a lasting mark on Durban’s nightlife scene.

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