Clairwood High Principal Under Fire Over Alleged Rentals to Undocumented Workers

Sipho Zungu
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Clairwood High Principal Under Fire Over Alleged Rentals to Undocumented Workers

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has launched an inquiry into allegations surrounding late-night operations at Clairwood Secondary School in Durban’s south.

The controversy erupted after the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party accused the school of leasing its hall to a textile business that, according to them, was employing undocumented foreign nationals.

Video footage that surfaced online last week showed members of the MK Labour Desk confronting the principal inside the school grounds. In another clip, MK representatives are seen interrogating workers during a night shift inside the hall.

MK Party spokesperson Mlungisi Zondi claimed the group intervened after the principal allegedly failed to terminate the company’s agreement.

“And we we kicked out the illegal foreign nationals. The principal said they had an agreement with the SGP to rent the hall to raise funds as the school does not have funds,” said Zondi.

The Department of Education has confirmed it is aware of the situation. Spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi said officials are working to resolve the matter urgently.

“We hope to find a way forward as quickly as possible,” Mahlambi told Newswatch.

The probe will determine whether the school’s fundraising arrangements breached departmental regulations and if any action should be taken against those involved.

WATCH: Cornubia Mall Robbers Seen Casually Hauling Bags of Jewellery During Daring Heist

Bongani
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WATCH: Cornubia Mall Robbers Seen Casually Hauling Bags of Jewellery During Daring Heist

Shocking video footage has emerged showing the group of armed suspects who stormed a jewellery store at Cornubia Mall on Sunday.

The clip, filmed by a witness from a nearby shop, captures the brazen nature of the crime. In the footage, several robbers can be seen casually moving in and out of the store while others stand guard outside with weapons. Moments later, the suspects are seen dragging out large bags believed to be filled with stolen jewellery.

The men appeared undeterred as the robbery unfolded in full view of shoppers, who watched in fear but did not intervene. The gang then fled the scene without resistance, making their escape in a silver Toyota Etios and a blue Toyota Starlet.

Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported, and investigations into the heist are ongoing. Private security and police are appealing to the public for any information that may assist in tracing the suspects.

Armed Gang Robs Jewellery Store at Cornubia Mall

Bavani Govender
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Armed Gang Robs Jewellery Store at Cornubia Mall

Shoppers at Cornubia Mall in northern KwaZulu-Natal were left shaken on Sunday after a jewellery store was targeted in a brazen armed robbery.

According to Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), about ten men stormed the store and held up staff at gunpoint. Emergency calls from witnesses were received around 11:54am, prompting Reaction Officers to rush to the scene.

When officers arrived, the suspects had already made off with jewellery and other valuables. They fled in two getaway vehicles — a silver Toyota Etios and a blue Toyota Starlet. The registration details are not yet known.

Read | Security Officer Survives Hail of Bullets in Somerset Park Shootout

No injuries were reported during the incident, but police investigations are under way to track down the armed gang.

This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more details emerge.

Motorist Parks Car, Jumps to Death off N2/M19 Bridge in Apparent Suicide

Sirisha Pillay
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Motorist Parks Car, Jumps to Death off N2/M19 Bridge in Apparent Suicide

Emergency teams were called to the N2/M19 interchange on Saturday afternoon after a man allegedly stopped his vehicle on the M19 bridge and jumped over, resulting in his death.

According to first responders, all necessary emergency services attended the scene following reports of the incident. The circumstances surrounding the man’s actions are still under investigation, but authorities have confirmed that the case is being treated as a suicide.

Traffic on the busy interchange was temporarily affected as police, paramedics and other services worked on the scene.

Read | Woman Shot Dead in Popular Westville Pub in Suspected Domestic Dispute

Officials have urged members of the public to refrain from sharing any photographs or videos of the incident on social media.

This is a developing story, and further details will be released as they become available.

Westville Pub Shooting Victim Identified as Taryn ‘Blondie’ Le Roux, Husband Arrested

Bavani Govender
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Westville Pub Shooting Victim Identified as Taryn ‘Blondie’ Le Roux, Husband Arrested

The victim of Monday’s shocking shooting at a popular Westville pub has been named as 48-year-old Taryn “Blondie” Le Roux. Her 63-year-old husband was arrested on the scene and is expected to face a charge of murder.

The fatal incident unfolded just after 1:30pm at Waxy O’Connor’s on Jan Hofmeyer Road, directly opposite Westville Boys High School. Witnesses reported that the couple had been sharing drinks when a heated argument broke out. The dispute turned violent when the man allegedly drew his firearm and shot his wife in full view of horrified patrons.

DRK Tactical Response Units, who were in the vicinity, were among the first to respond. Their officers entered the pub and found Le Roux lying on the floor with multiple gunshot wounds, while the suspect remained inside.


“The suspect surrendered without resistance and was handed over to SAPS Westville,” DRK Tactical confirmed.

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the investigation is ongoing.
“Police in Westville have arrested a 63-year-old man for the alleged murder of his 48-year-old wife at a liquor establishment on Jan Hofmeyer Road on Monday afternoon. It is reported that the couple was having drinks when an argument erupted, and the suspect shot the victim, who was declared dead at the scene. The motive of the killing is unknown at this stage, however, domestic violence-related matters cannot be ruled out,” Netshiunda said.

ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson added that emergency services could not save Le Roux.

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


“Just after 1:40pm, paramedics arrived at the scene where police and security officers were already in attendance. Sadly, despite efforts, the woman had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was declared deceased,” he said.

The management of Waxy O’Connor’s issued a statement expressing sadness over the tragedy.


“We are deeply saddened by this isolated, tragic incident. The safety and well-being of our patrons and staff remain our top priority, and we are cooperating fully with authorities,” the statement read.

Police investigations continue as the community reels from yet another fatal act of domestic violence in KwaZulu-Natal.

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.

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