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

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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

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

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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

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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

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

Metro FM Dj Pearl Shongwe found dead

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Pearl Shongwe has passed away. The SABC Metro FM news presenter was found dead at her Polo Fields home, north of Johannesburg.

Preliminary information suggests that the 35-year-old Metro FM and Daily Thetha anchor was found dead by neighbours who alerted the police.

She was found lying dead alone in her home on her bed face down.

No injuries were found.

Read also: Maskandi musician and socialite, Quality Biyela, survives shooting in KwaMashu – video

The cause of death is unknown.

The EFF has sent their condolences to Shongwe’s family.

Six people killed, another injured in Clermont mass shooting

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Six people were shot dead and another one was seriously injured when gunmen opened fire on their room at an informal settlement in Clermont, west of Durban, on Friday night.

Brigadier Jay Naicker said that the seven men were in a room within the informal settlement when unknown persons opened fire into the abode.

After the mass shooting, the gunmen fled from the scene and have not yet been apprehended.

“Charges of murder and attempted murder are being investigated by the Provincial Organised Crime Unit,” said Naicker.

He said detectives from the Provincial Organised Crime Unit were appealing to members of the community to come forward with information that will assist them in arresting those behind the killing of the six people.

Read also: Maskandi musician and socialite, Quality Biyela, survives shooting in KwaMashu – video

Community members are urged to come forward with any information that will assist investigators. All information will be treated with confidentiality and residents are encouraged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MYSAPS APP to share information, Naicker said.

Reacting to the incidents of mass shootings, KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube called on police to scour every corner of the province and strain every nerve in their bodies in finding the gunmen involved in the spate of mass shootings in the province at the weekend that claimed the lives of 11 people.

Dube-Ncube expressed utter outrage after learning about the callous mass shootings.

“We send our deepest condolences to the families and relatives of all those who lost their lives as a result of these senseless murders.

“We unreservedly condemn in the strongest terms possible the brutal murder of 11 people in Ndwedwe and Clermont in two separate incidents at the weekend and call on the police to scour every nook and cranny of the province and to strain every nerve in their bodies to find the perpetrators of this horrendous act so that they can be brought to book,” Dube-Ncube said.

Maskandi musician and socialite, Quality Biyela, survives shooting in KwaMashu – video

Quality Biyela, popularly known for his maskandi music and flamboyant lifestyle allegedly survived a shooting near the KwaMashu hostels on Wednesday 2 November.

Quality told Durban Sun that he moved out of the hostel in 2019 and now stays in Johannesburg but he visits his friends whenever he is in Durban.

Biyela posted a video of his silver BMW showing a bullet hole on the windscreen and two other bullet holes on the back bumper of the car.

Quality Biyela car

In the video, Quality is heard thanking the power of God, who saved him from the assailants.

He said that he was attacked by men in two cars when he was leaving a hostel in this township heading to the city, Durban.

Biyela is famous for wearing expensive clothes and the kind of expensive alcohol that he is often seen washing his hands with on social media.

Speaking to Durban Sun on Sunday, he said he had just left KwaMashu hostel when he was followed by a car around 9pm.

He said the car stopped in front of him and he was insulted by one of the men in it.

While still in shock, according to him, another car appeared which indicated that it was with those who were disturbing him.

“When I was still confused by that, they just took out their guns and shot towards us. Then I tried to run away from the car and they said they put them down. They shot its body (the car) with bullets. The tires even went flat. When it became clear that the car could no longer move, we got out and ran away trying to save our lives and the one I was traveling with “luckily, neither of us were hurt,” said Quality.

When asked if he had filed a lawsuit, he said he had not had time to file it because he was busy trying to repair the damage to his car.

Commenting on this issue, a police officer who is not authorized to speak to the media, said that there was no case reported at the KwaMashu station involving the attack on the celebrity.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala, said the incident was not reported to the police.

An easy recipe for making Amagwinya

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Amagwinya / Vetkoek

Amagwinya is the isiZulu name for vetkoek. It is a traditional South African fried dough bread. Durban Sun shares this easy recipe for making crisp homemade amagwinya for your enjoyment.

Ingredients

4 cups cake flour
10 g instant dry yeast
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons salt
400ml Lukewarm water
1 litre vegetable oil for frying

Cooking time – 45 minutes
Serving – 12 magwinya

Preparation

Step 1. Mix together the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Then stir in enough lukewarm water to form a soft, pliable dough.

Step 2. When most of the flour has been incorporated continue mixing, except now using your hands.

Step 3. For about 10 minutes, squeeze the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 4. Once smooth, place the dough into an oiled dish, cover and leave to rise until it doubles in size.

Step 5. Once risen, knock the dough down with your hand and knead it to its original size.

Step 6. Divide the dough into about 12 equal pieces and shape them into round balls.

Step 7. Heat the vegetable oil for frying to about 170 °C. To test if the oil is hot enough, sprinkle a pinch of flour into the pot. If the flour sizzles and browns, the oil is ready.

Step 8. Place the dough in the hot oil, leaving some space between each dumpling. Flip them over to brown equally on both sides.

Step 9. Once browned, remove from the oil and place the amagwinya into a pot and cover them with a lid. Leave them in the pot for 5 minutes. This is done to ensure that the amagwinya have a soft texture but still retain the crunchy exterior.

Serving

Amagwinya taste nice when served warm, filled with atchar, white liver or with dry snoek fish.

Also, perfect when served with tea or coffee.

You can also make the dough a day before and let it rise slowly in the fridge overnight.

This will give the vetkoek or bread a lovely musty flavour.

Top 10 tourist attraction places in Durban

Durban is South Africa`s third biggest town and is certainly considered one among its main excursion destinations, with many points of interest for visitors. Surfing is likewise one of the extra famous activities in Durban. Long seashores lapped with the aid of using the nice and cozy Indian Ocean, a slightly subtropical climate, and splendid infrastructure trap travelers with the aid of using the millions.

Experience Durban’s wealthy multi-cultural historical past withinside the Zulu and Indian markets and culturally giant points of interest, stroll the superbly manicured parks alongside the water, and flavor scrumptious Indian-motivated cuisine.

In this guide, we have got additionally protected some points of interest that make for a splendid Durban day journey in case you need to break out of the town for a touch while. For extra thoughts on the excellent locations to visit, see our listing of the pinnacle points of interest in Durban.

1. Golden Mile

Durban Sun south africa durban top attractions golden mile

A top place to begin for a strolling excursion of Durban is the “Golden Mile.” This bustling beachfront prom is covered with high-upward thrust hotels, enjoyment complexes, shops, and restaurants. The broad, golden seashores are a magnet for water sports activities fans who come right here to surf, swim, fish, or simply bask withinside the sunshine. Lifeguards and shark nets shield the maximum of the seashores year-round.

Along the busy oceanfront path, pedestrians jostle with joggers, cyclists, Segways, and skateboarders, making the location sense a touch like California. Other highlights alongside this coastal stretch encompass uShaka Marine World; Moses Mabhida Stadium; and Mini Town, a pint-sized duplicate of Durban, whole with a miniature rail network, airport, and harbor scene.

2. Durban Botanic Gardens

top 10 tourist attraction places in Durban. Part 1

The Durban Botanic Gardens is the oldest surviving botanic lawn in Africa. Set at the slopes of Berea Hill, northwest of the metropolis center, the gardens have been mounted in 1849 for the trial of agricultural crops. Today, site visitors can walk most of the indigenous and extraordinary subtropical plantings, which include majestic history trees, a number of which can be multiple hundred years old.

The fundamental plant collections encompass cycads, orchids, bromeliads, and palms, and site visitors also can enjoy the Garden of the Senses. In addition to the wealthy plant biodiversity, at least fifty specific species of birds are everlasting citizens of the gardens.

3. Umgeni River Bird Park

Top 10 tourist attraction places in Durban. Part 1

In the Riverside district, at the north financial institution of the Umgeni River, Umgeni River Bird Park functions extra than two hundred species of birds, and a few are the simplest representatives in their type in Africa.

On a community of paths jogging via lush landscaping and waterfalls, site visitors can take a look at a whole lot of indigenous species, in addition to birds from Southeast Asia and Australia, which includes lories, cockatoos, and aras.

One of the highlights of the park is the hen show, in which site visitors can study extra approximately the special species as they perform.

4. Indian Quarter

top 10 tourist attraction places in Durban. Part 1

Encompassing the Victoria Street Market and Juma Masjid Mosque, the most important withinside the southern hemisphere, Durban`s Indian Quarter is now a multicultural blend of sights, sounds, and unusual aromas.

Chinese, Pakistani, Indian, and Somali road companies haggle alongside the slender pavements, promoting the whole thing from spices and saris to beaded sandals, incense, and elaborate home made jewelry.

Savvy buyers will discover deals here, and the eating places boast a number of the maximum true Indian delicacies in Durban.

5. Mitchell Park and Jameson Park

Durban Sun south africa durban jameson rose garden

Mitchell Park, withinside the upmarket suburb of Morningside, is certainly considered one among Durban`s oldest parks. It’s additionally famous for picnics and walks way to its shady lawns, mass plantings of colourful blooms, and extensive wheelchair-pleasant paths.

Children will love the playground, mini zoo, and walk-thru aviary, at the same time as the ones searching for a chew to consume can dine at the alfresco cafe.

Adjoining Mitchell Park is Jameson Park, which shows extra than 2 hundred species of roses.

6. uShaka Marine World

top 10 tourist attraction places in Durban. Part 1

UShaka Marine World, one of the primary points of interest on Durban`s Golden Mile, is a water-themed wonderland full of points of interest. Sea World, set on replicas of 4 shipwrecks, functions as the biggest aquarium withinside the southern hemisphere, wherein site visitors can rise up near marine existence via underground viewing galleries.

Other points of interest right here encompass Dolphin Stadium, Seal Stadium, and Penguin Rookery. Wet ‘n’ Wild is an extravaganza of splash pools, slides, and wonderful tubes, at the same time as uShaka Kids’ World is a paradise for two- to 12-year-olds. Little ones will love the playgrounds, treasure caves, and innovative activities right here.

After a laugh day playing all of the sea-themed points of interest, site visitors can walk a few of the out of doors stores and eating places at Village Walk.

7. Moses Mabhida Stadium

top 10 tourist attraction places in Durban. Part 1

Moses Mabhida Stadium is a world-magnificence carrying and occasion venue on Durban`s Golden Mile. The stadium hosted 8 of the FIFA World Cup Games in 2010. It affords a superb 360-diploma view of Durban from the pinnacle of the stadium’s arch. The Sky Car whisks site visitors to the pinnacle, or they could climb the five hundred steps.

Thrill-seekers will love the 220-meter Big Rush Big Swing, the world’s highest. Segway excursions of the stadium are available, and site visitors can even discover a few eating places on-site, in addition to stores promoting carrying merchandise.

8. The Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple (Hare Krishna Temple)

top 10 tourist attraction places in Durban. Part 1

The Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple is the most important Hare Krishna temple in Africa. Surrounded through manner of approach of a beautiful lotus-common garden, the temple is an tremendous confection of gold-tinged domes, gilded statues, chandeliers, marble tiles, and ceiling frescoes.

Besides admiring the lavish architecture, a highlight of a visit proper right here is gambling a meal at the vegetarian restaurant, Govinda`s. Hungry tourists can feast on a exceptional array of less expensive Indian vegan dishes and fresh-squeezed fruit juices. The restaurant moreover affords food for the horrific and destitute of the city.

9. Valley of 1000 Hills & Phe-Zulu

top 10 tourist attraction places in Durban. Part 1

Inland from the well-known hotel region of Umhlanga Rocks lies the Valley of 1,000 Hills, a beautiful vicinity of gently rounded hills sprinkled with scenic viewpoints, Zulu homesteads, and gorges. The hills upward thrust up along the banks of the Umgeni River as it flows into the Indian Ocean from the faraway Drakensberg mountains. The antique street between Durban and Pietermaritzburg runs along the southern edge of the valley, an area with impressive views.

After passing Hillcrest and Botha`s Hill, it entails Phe-Zulu, a mean Zulu village wherein site visitors can see traditional dance performances and witness the rituals of witch doctors.

PheZulu Safari Park has an abundance of animals that can be spotted, and a Crocodile and Snake park wherein site visitors can byskip on a tour with the resource of the use of knowledgeable guides. The park moreover offers accommodations. On the Durban City Tour and PheZulu Cultural Village Day Tour and the Safari & PheZulu Village Day Tour from Durban, you could experience all that Phe-Zulu and the safari park have to offer, which incorporates landmarks and top attractions withinside the city.

10. Umhlanga Rocks

top 10 tourist attraction places in Durban. Part 1

Umhlanga Rocks 16 kilometers north of Durban, is a popular, upscale hotel town. Long golden beaches, interrupted through a manner of rocky coast, stretch for 2 hundred kilometers north of Durban to the cute Isimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, containing eight interlinking ecosystems; three predominant lake systems; and Africa`s largest estuarine system, Lake St. Lucia.

In Umhlanga Rocks, water sports activities sports fans will find plenty of things to do. Surfing, deep-sea fishing, whale watching, dolphin viewing, scuba diving, and kiteboarding are some of the aquatic pursuits on offer.

Shopping is also a favorite pastime. The Gateway Theatre of Shopping proper right here is truly taken into consideration as one of many of the maximum critical withinside the southern hemisphere. Other factors of hobbies withinside the vicinity embody championship golf courses, the KZN Sharks Board, nature reserves, and museums, which include the preceding living of Mahatma Gandhi.

Where to Stay in Durban for Site seeing

Durban offers an array of hotels, from five well-known characters and family-best to a fee variety of properties, without problem placed close to the city`s major attractions. You will find out pricey accommodations withinside the upscale vicinity of Umhlanga Rocks, and more fee variety-best hotels on the glistening seashore lines of the Indian Ocean, along the Golden Mile beachfront.

Luxury Hotels:

  • Re-opening in December 2022, Hilton Durban is a landmark hotel with newly renovated guest rooms located near the Durban International Convention Center. This five-star luxury property has 328 guest rooms with gorgeous views of the coastline and city. It has an outdoor swimming pool, ballroom space, fitness center, and three restaurants. The hotel is currently taking bookings for when it reopens.
  • In the upscale neighborhood of Umhlanga Rocks, two top hotels, The Oyster Box and Beverly Hills, compete with superb service and views of the lighthouse overlooking pristine beaches. The Oyster Box is known for its elegant rooms, traditional High Tea, and a one-of-a-kind curry buffet. It has two swimming pools, a spa, a library, luscious tropical gardens, and a 24-seater movie theater. Beverly Hills hotel is located right on the beach and has guest rooms with modern facilities.

Mid-Range Hotels:

  • Situated on the Golden Mile and the Indian Ocean, Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani features comfortable and spacious rooms. The property offers restaurants, event spaces, and beautiful views.
  • The Garden Court Marine Parade is a family-friendly property with 352 spacious and comfortable sea-facing rooms.

Budget Hotels:

  • Close to the popular entertainment strip of Florida Rood, The Benjamin has unique rooms that open to balconies and gardens. Breakfast is served in the glass conservatory-style restaurant.
  • Garden Court South Beach, located close to the Durban International Convention Center, South Beach, and uShaka Marine World, is ideal for families and business travelers.