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.

Mass Protest Halts NERSA Electricity Tariff Hearing in Durban

Devi Subremoney
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Mass Protest Halts NERSA Electricity Tariff Hearing in Durban

Hundreds of Durban residents protested outside the Royal Hotel on Thursday, forcing the postponement of a National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) public hearing on Eskom’s proposed 36% electricity tariff hike.

The overwhelming crowd, which included local ratepayer groups, ward councillors, and environmental activists, demanded the cancellation of the increase.

Citing the unaffordability of current electricity rates. Members of Abahlali BaseMjondolo and senior citizens from the Durban South Service Centre were particularly vocal.

Protesters criticized NERSA for booking a venue too small to accommodate the large turnout.

NERSA chairperson Nomfundo Maseti acknowledged the issue, promising to reschedule the hearing at a larger venue.

(VIDEO) KwaMashu Residents Protest Against Foreign-Owned Spaza Shops

Bavesh Soobremoney
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Residents of KwaMashu, Durban, took to the streets in a protest on Tuesday, calling for the removal of foreign nationals who own spaza shops in the township.

The demonstrators expressed frustration over what they describe as unfair competition and alleged illegal operations by some foreign shop owners.

Chanting slogans and carrying placards, protesters marched through the area, insisting that foreign nationals vacate their township immediately.

“We are not against anyone trying to make a living, but these shops are taking away opportunities from our community,” said one resident.

Tensions around foreign-owned businesses in South African townships have been an ongoing issue, with residents frequently accusing shop owners of undercutting local businesses.

Local authorities have called for calm while urging dialogue to address the concerns.

Man Killed on KZN’s R102

Bongani
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Man Killed on KZN’s R102

A man has tragically died after his vehicle was crushed by a tipper truck transporting tar on the R102 in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday afternoon.

The fatal accident occurred at the Vincent Dickenson Road robots in Canelands, on the KZN north coast.

Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) responded to the scene just before 4pm after receiving multiple calls for assistance.

Upon arrival, paramedics and Rusa members found a Mercedes-Benz tip-truck on its side, lying on top of a white Toyota Hilux bakkie.

Rusa spokesperson Prem Balram said the driver of the Toyota Hilux had been crushed between both vehicles.

It was reported that the truck’s brakes had failed as it was traveling from Verulam towards Tongaat.

The driver attempted to veer off the road, striking a Toyota Fortuner before colliding with the stationary Hilux, which had experienced mechanical failure.

At the time of the collision, the driver of the Hilux was attempting to repair his vehicle.

Despite efforts from emergency services to extricate the man, he was declared dead at the scene due to severe head, facial, and chest injuries.

The truck driver, fortunately, was not injured.

KZN police have opened a case of culpable homicide, with investigations underway.

Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that the deceased, a 50-year-old man, was fixing his vehicle on the side of the road when the truck collided with it, leading to his tragic death.

This accident is part of a string of fatal collisions on KZN’s roads this week.

On Monday, two taxi crashes in Durban left over 20 people injured, and another fatal crash on the M4 claimed the life of a man in his 30s.

(VIDEO) Emergency Repairs on KZN’s N2 Umbogintwini River Bridge

Bongani
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(VIDEO) Emergency Repairs on KZN’s N2 Umbogintwini River Bridge

Construction teams have begun urgent repair work on the Umbogintwini River bridge along the N2 highway in KwaZulu-Natal following a partial collapse earlier this month.

The incident led to a significant disruption in traffic as a section of the busy highway was closed for safety.

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (Sanral) reported that specialist engineers immediately visited the site to assess the damage and determine the necessary remedial actions.

To mitigate the immediate impact, hydraulic jacks will be used to lift the bridge deck back to level with the other decks.

This temporary solution will allow the road to be reopened to traffic once completed.

Sanral stated that emergency repairs are already underway, with expectations to complete the temporary fix by early December 2024.

Following this, the repair work will progress in phases, with the second phase set to begin early next year.

This phase will focus on installing more permanent structures, while the third phase, scheduled for the second quarter of 2025, will tie into broader upgrade projects for the N2.

In addition to the bridge repairs, Sanral confirmed that the N2 between Moss Kolnik Drive and Isipingo will undergo an estimated R5 billion upgrade, which includes the modernization of the bridge structure.

This major upgrade, set to be awarded in the first quarter of 2025, will see the stretch of road expanded to a four- or five-lane carriageway, improving traffic flow and safety for years to come.

Construction Begins on KZN’s Largest Student Housing Project Near UKZN

Ben Johnson
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Construction Begins on KZN’s Largest Student Housing Project Near UKZN

Construction has begun on KwaZulu-Natal’s largest student accommodation development, located near the main gate of the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Howard College campus in Durban’s Berea.

Led by Growthpoint Properties under its Thrive Student Living brand, the R800 million project will deliver 2,400 student beds, addressing a severe shortage of quality student housing in the province.

Research identifies KwaZulu-Natal as the province with the highest demand for student beds in South Africa, with many students currently living in conditions unsuitable for academic success.

The new facility is expected to welcome its first residents by January 2027.

Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony on Monday, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba and the City’s CFO Sandile Mnguni joined Growthpoint representatives in emphasizing the project’s transformative potential.

“Proprietary research revealed that KZN remains undersupplied with student beds.

Most students live in environments that hinder their academic outcomes,” said Kobus Blom, Growthpoint’s regional development manager.

The 12-storey development will feature student-focused amenities, including study areas, gyms, games rooms, IT facilities, and backup power and water systems.

A ground-floor retail section will offer convenient services for students and the surrounding community.

Designed with Berea’s iconic red face-brick aesthetic, the project blends modern functionality with the area’s traditional architecture.

Amogelang Mocumi, fund manager for Growthpoint Student Accommodation Holdings, highlighted the larger implications of such investments.

“By prioritizing student accommodation that supports better education outcomes, we are enriching lives, creating jobs, and driving economic growth.

This project demonstrates the power of partnerships and collaboration,” Mocumi said.

The development marks a significant step forward in addressing student housing challenges and boosting economic growth through targeted investments.

Foodborne Illness Outbreak Sparks Nationwide Crackdown on Illegal Traders

Hayley Jacobs
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Foodborne Illness Outbreak Sparks Nationwide Crackdown on Illegal Traders

The South African government has acknowledged the efforts by various stakeholders to address the outbreak of foodborne illnesses and illicit trade.

Which have tragically claimed lives and led to hospitalizations, particularly in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and the Free State.

In a press release, the government expressed concern over disruptions in areas like Soweto, where incidents of public interference in the registration process of businesses have occurred.

Law enforcement agencies have since intervened to restore order.

The government has urged the public not to disrupt registration processes by blocking shop owners or conducting unauthorized inspections.

Joint lawful inspections led by multidisciplinary teams, including officials and law enforcement, are ongoing nationwide to ensure compliance with legal and health standards.

“All legitimate traders who meet the legal requirements to own a business in South Africa will be allowed to register and trade,” the government stated, emphasizing its commitment to fair and lawful enforcement of regulations.

With the 21-day registration deadline approaching, the government has been inundated with inquiries from business owners seeking extensions.

Authorities are urging businesses to complete their registrations promptly, ensuring compliance with South African laws.

The government reiterated that only businesses meeting legal requirements will be permitted to operate, emphasizing that the crackdown aims to protect public health and uphold regulations.

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