Mount View Residents Suffer Without Water for Days

Bongani
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Mount View Residents Suffer Without Water for Days

Residents of Mount View in Northdale, Pietermaritzburg, have been without water since last Thursday, leaving households, schools, and businesses in disarray.

The sudden water outage occurred without any explanation or notification from the Msunduzi Municipality.

Frustrated residents are demanding answers, as the lack of water disrupts essential activities like cooking, cleaning, and sanitation.

“We’re struggling to cope. No water means no cooking, no cleaning, and no sanitation. It’s unbearable,” said Rish Singh, a local pensioner.

While some residents can afford to buy water, others, particularly pensioners, rely on rainwater for basic needs

Local schools, including Ridgeview Primary School and Merryland Pre-school, have had to suspend operations until water is restored.

A resident expressed outrage, saying, “My children are writing exams. Last week, we had to wake up at 5 a.m. and drive to a relative’s house just so my child could shower and get to school.”

The municipality has not provided a clear explanation for the outage, leaving residents speculating about burst pipes, maintenance, or technical issues.

Conflicting reports from officials and ward councillors have added to the frustration.

Water outages are not new to Msunduzi Municipality, with residents previously warned of impending restrictions due to uMngeni-uThukela Water reducing supply volumes.

Msunduzi’s strategy to reduce water pressure in some areas has also raised concerns.

The Witness reached out to Msunduzi Municipality for comment, but no response was received by the time of publication.

Residents are calling for urgent action to resolve the crisis, as daily life becomes increasingly difficult in the affected area.

Four Arrested for Robbery Spree in Empangeni and Surrounding Areas

Bongani
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Four Arrested for Robbery Spree in Empangeni and Surrounding Areas

Four suspects, linked to a series of house robberies across northern KwaZulu-Natal, were arrested by police in Empangeni.

KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda stated that the suspects, aged between 30 and 39, were apprehended following a robbery in the Mazimazana area on Saturday.

Durban Sun cop

During the robbery, the suspects allegedly forced victims into a house and at gunpoint, compelled one victim to transfer an undisclosed sum of money from her business account.

During their arrest, police recovered three unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

The suspects are connected to multiple house robberies in KwaMsane, Hlabisa, Mtubatuba, Richards Bay, and Esikhaleni.

They will appear in the Empangeni Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday to face charges of house robbery and possession of unlicensed firearms.

Two Suspects Killed in Empangeni Shootout with Police

Bongani
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Two Suspects Killed in Empangeni Shootout with Police

Two suspects were fatally shot in a shootout with police in Empangeni on Monday after being found in possession of a stolen bakkie.

KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said officers on routine patrols spotted the vehicle parked in a sugarcane field along Old Mtubatuba Road.

As police approached, the suspects opened fire, prompting a shootout.

Durban Sun cops ty sshii

Both suspects sustained fatal gunshot wounds.

“Two firearms and several rounds of ammunition were found in their possession,” Netshiunda confirmed.

Preliminary investigations revealed the bakkie had been stolen during a house robbery in KwaMsane on Friday.

The two suspects were also found to have active warrants for murder. No police officers were injured during the incident.

KZN Budgets Under Pressure as Services Face Major Cuts

Devi Subremoney
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KZN Budgets Under Pressure as Services Face Major Cuts

KwaZulu-Natal’s provincial departments are grappling with severe financial strain as national austerity measures take effect, sparking fears of a collapse in essential services, particularly healthcare.

Key departments such as Health, Education, and Social Development face critical cash flow challenges, unable to pay creditors on time due to diminishing revenue streams.

Cost-cutting measures have frozen hiring, delayed procurement of goods and services, and restricted travel to save resources.

The Department of Health, projected to overspend its budget by R4.7 billion, is finalizing its austerity plans.

However, concerns are mounting that further cuts could endanger lives.

The department’s inability to hire new medical staff has exacerbated surgical and clinical backlogs, reduced ambulance availability, and prolonged patient waiting times.

Dr. Imran Keeka, DA provincial spokesperson on health, criticized the national government for abandoning the province to handle the crisis independently, describing the situation as “unfair.”

He stressed the urgency of scrutinizing the Health Department’s cost-cutting proposals, emphasizing that further service curtailments could have devastating effects.

Adding to the financial strain is the 7.8% salary hike for civil servants, implemented without additional funding from National Treasury.

This decision has forced provincial departments to absorb the increase, intensifying budgetary pressures.

KZN Premier Thami Ntuli has engaged President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Cabinet to seek intervention after the province’s budget allocation was reduced by R5.7 billion.

Despite these efforts, the outlook remains bleak.

The crisis is not limited to healthcare. Social development and education, which play vital roles in supporting vulnerable communities, are also at risk.

As austerity measures deepen, concerns are growing that the poorest citizens will suffer disproportionately, with essential services stretched to breaking point.

(VIDEO) Ngizwe Mchunu Criticizes MK Party’s Leadership Practices

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(VIDEO) Ngizwe Mchunu Criticizes MK Party’s Leadership Practices

Former Ukhozi FM presenter and cultural advocate Ngizwe Mchunu has voiced his concerns over the MK Party’s practice of appointing new members to senior leadership positions.

Speaking during a public address, Mchunu highlighted what he described as a lack of respect for seasoned members who have long been part of the party’s structures.

He argued that the practice of “parachuting” newcomers into influential roles undermines the party’s values and causes discontent among dedicated members.

“This approach breeds division and demoralizes those who have been loyal to the movement,” Mchunu said.

The outspoken cultural activist emphasized the need for merit-based leadership appointments that reflect the party’s principles of dedication and seniority.

He also called on the MK Party to prioritize unity and fairness to avoid alienating its core membership base.

The MK Party has yet to respond to Mchunu’s remarks. However, the issue of leadership appointments has been a recurring topic of debate within the organization, raising questions about how it navigates internal governance and succession planning.

Chaos on Durban Roads: Multiple Vehicle Crashes Leave Several Injured

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Chaos on Durban Roads: Multiple Vehicle Crashes Leave Several Injured

Emergency services are attending to two major multi-vehicle crashes in Durban this morning, causing significant disruptions and multiple injuries.

The first incident occurred on the M1 Higginson Highway over the N2 Bridge, involving a truck, two cars, and a fully-laden taxi.

One person remains trapped in the wreckage as the eThekwini Fire Department works to extricate the individual, while ALS Paramedics provide stabilizing care on-site.

The second crash took place on Old Dutch Road before Warwick Avenue in Durban CBD, where a bus, a truck, three taxis, and two cars collided.

The accident has left numerous people injured, prompting a large-scale emergency response.

The offramp to the Market area has been closed to traffic as rescue operations continue.

Motorists are urged to avoid these areas and seek alternative routes.

Authorities are investigating the causes of the accidents.

KZN Education Department Urges Learners to Avoid Risky ‘Pens Down’ Parties

Sirisha Pillay
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KZN Education Department Urges Learners to Avoid Risky ‘Pens Down’ Parties

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has issued a stern warning to learners about hosting or attending year-end “pens down” parties, which often follow the conclusion of Grade 12 examinations.

In a statement, the department highlighted the concerning activities associated with these events, including public drinking, vandalism, and inappropriate behavior such as defacing school uniforms.

These actions, it said, undermine the values of respect and responsibility that schools aim to instill in learners.

“While the end of exams marks a significant milestone, learners must celebrate responsibly in a manner that reflects dignity and respect for themselves, their peers, and the community,” said the department.

KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC, Sipho Hlomuka, emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety and the well-being of communities during this time.

“We commend learners for completing this crucial chapter of their academic journey, but we cannot condone activities that place them and others at risk,” he said.

Hlomuka called on parents, guardians, and communities to collaborate with schools to prevent risky celebrations.

“Learners should remember that their actions not only affect them but also reflect on their schools and families,” he added.

The department’s caution comes in the wake of the tragic 2022 “pens down” party at Enyobeni Tavern in the Eastern Cape, where 21 young people lost their lives.

The tavern owners, Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu, were later convicted for selling alcohol to minors.

The department urged learners to choose celebrations that are safe and reflective of the pride and achievements of completing their academic year, while respecting the values and efforts of their schools and families.

(VIDEO) KwaMashu Boys Arrested for Murders and Hijackings

Sbonelo Shezi
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(VIDEO) KwaMashu Boys Arrested for Murders and Hijackings

KwaZulu-Natal police have arrested a group of young boys who were seen in a widely circulated video brandishing firearms and firing shots at the KwaMashu hostel in Durban.

The video, which surfaced on social media a few weeks ago, caused widespread alarm and prompted swift action from law enforcement.

Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that the suspects were arrested in Mandeni, where they were found in possession of firearms.

The KwaMashu Serious and Violent Crime detectives later linked the group to a series of heinous crimes committed in the area.

These include 11 cases of murder, eight counts of attempted murder, three hijackings, two truck-jackings, two house robberies, and two armed robberies.

Many of the hijackings were reported along the Dumisani Makhaye Highway, an area known for criminal activity.

The suspects are expected to make their first court appearance in the Ntuzuma Magistrate’s Court, with the Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, anticipated to attend the proceedings.

The presence of the provincial police chief underscores the seriousness of the charges and the importance of tackling violent crime in the region.

This arrest follows a similar incident in August, where five men were caught on camera firing shots at the KwaMashu hostel.

In that case, police arrested the suspects along Siyanda Main Road after responding to reports of an armed robbery.

Three firearms and a hijacked vehicle were recovered during that operation.

The latest arrests mark a significant breakthrough in addressing escalating violence in KwaMashu and surrounding areas.

Police have urged the community to continue reporting criminal activities, emphasizing the role of public cooperation in ensuring safety and reducing violent crime in the province.

KwaMashu Mother Finds Pill in Child’s food

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KwaMashu Mother Finds Pill in Child’s food

KwaMashu resident Nosipho Mkhize has issued a stern warning to parents after her daughter discovered a pill in a packet of chips purchased from a local spaza shop.

The incident comes amidst a growing national crisis over contaminated snacks sold at informal retailers.

Mkhize recounted that her daughter, along with a school friend, found the pill after opening the packet.

“She told me they usually share snacks. When they opened the packet, they found a pill inside,” Mkhize said.

She reported the discovery to the police, but officers were unable to open a case due to the lack of a defined charge.

A detective took the pill for testing, with results expected in three months.

Mkhize’s concerns echo nationwide fears following the deaths of 22 children in separate incidents linked to food-borne illnesses and contaminated snacks.

The majority of cases have been reported in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Free State, and Mpumalanga.

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation, detailing a government-led effort to curb the crisis. Measures include:

Door-to-door inspections of spaza shops and informal food traders, starting with Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

Mandatory registration of all spaza shops and food-handling facilities with municipalities within 21 days. Non-compliant outlets will be shut down.

Deployment of multidisciplinary teams, including police, health officials, and consumer protection bodies, to enforce food safety standards.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli emphasized the importance of public education and intensified monitoring to prevent further fatalities.

Truda Foods, a leading producer of snacks, has denied any link between its products and the food poisoning incidents.

CEO Colin van Heerden stated, “In 30 years, we’ve never had a case of food poisoning linked to our products. Claims of pills being found in packets are mischievous.”

Van Heerden revealed that several false claims had been criminally prosecuted and assured the public of the company’s stringent manufacturing practices.

As investigations continue, parents like Mkhize urge vigilance.

“Educate your children and be mindful of where they buy their snacks. This can happen to anyone,” she cautioned.

Suspect to Appear in Court for Hijacking Police Officers in Durban

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Suspect to Appear in Court for Hijacking Police Officers in Durban

A 34-year-old man is set to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Monday, charged with hijacking two off-duty Greenwood Park police officers and robbing them of their service firearms.

The incident occurred on Thursday in Avoca Hills, where the armed suspect reportedly hijacked the officers on Courtown Crescent.

In a joint operation, SAPS trio task teams from Greenwood Park, Durban North, and Newlands, along with Marshall Security Special Operations members, tracked the suspect to Newton A in Inanda.

Tyron Powell, managing director of Marshall Security, confirmed that the suspect was apprehended with the two stolen firearms and 30 rounds of ammunition.

In a coordinated operation, law enforcement teams apprehended a suspect involved in the hijacking of police officers. They also recovered stolen firearms and ammunition. | Marshall Security

A search of the premises also uncovered two additional unlicensed firearms with 12 rounds of ammunition.

The hijacked vehicle was successfully recovered during the operation.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda praised the swift and coordinated response by law enforcement, led by Greenwood Park’s Visible Policing Commander.

The suspect faces charges of robbery, hijacking, and possession of unlicensed firearms.

His court appearance on November 18, 2024, will shed further light on the case.

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