Rip Currents Claim Lives on KZN South Coast

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Tragedy struck the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast over the weekend as rip currents claimed the lives of two individuals, with a third person still missing.

On Saturday afternoon, rip currents near Margate Pier swept away a man and a woman.

A heroic bystander managed to pull the woman from the water and bring her to shore, but despite extensive resuscitation efforts by the NSRI Shelly Beach crew and paramedics, she was declared dead.

The same good samaritan attempted to save the male victim but was forced to retreat due to the treacherous Spring high tide.

The man remains missing, and search efforts involving police divers, lifeguards, and K9 Search and Rescue teams are ongoing.

In a separate incident at Palm Beach, a man was found unresponsive on the shore.

Despite efforts by responders, he was declared dead on the scene.

The NSRI has cautioned beachgoers to stay vigilant, visit lifeguard-protected beaches, and familiarize themselves with tide schedules to avoid the dangers of rip currents.

Police have opened inquest dockets into both incidents.

This serves as a sobering reminder of the ocean’s power and the importance of safety precautions while enjoying the water.

Zulu King Addresses VIP Section Incident, Denies Romantic Links with Woman

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King Misuzulu KaZwelithini has broken his silence regarding the woman who attempted to storm the VIP section during the unveiling of the King Shaka statue in Durban nearly two weeks ago.

Speaking at a Shembe church prayer gathering at Enyokeni Palace in Nongoma, the Zulu monarch dismissed rumors of a romantic relationship with the woman, identified as a Ms. Ngcobo.

King Misuzulu suggested that the woman may be a pawn in a plot orchestrated by his opponents.

He expressed concern for her well-being and vowed to reach out to offer assistance.

“I will ensure she gets the help she needs,” the King said, as he urged calm and focus amid ongoing challenges facing the royal house.

The incident had sparked widespread speculation, but the King’s comments have shed light on his perspective and intentions to address the matter.

Wife Kills Husband With Boiling Water

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A 46-year-old man, Mokhwakhwa Machete, tragically lost his life after a domestic attack in Soshanguve, Pretoria.

On September 18, 2024, his wife, a former Gauteng crime prevention warden, allegedly poured four pots of boiling water on him during a heated altercation.

Machete sustained severe injuries and succumbed to them a week later in the hospital, on September 25, 2024.

The suspect, aged 42, was arrested and has been denied bail.

The couple shared three children, aged 22, 19, and eight, some of whom reportedly witnessed the horrifying incident.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the case, which has left the local community in shock and mourning.

Suspected Robbery Spree Ends in Arrests on M25

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Two suspects believed to be involved in a series of armed robberies across Durban were apprehended yesterday afternoon by KwaMashu SAPS Trio Crimes Unit and Marshall Security Special Operations Team.

The arrests followed a robbery in Montclair, where workers were robbed of two grass-cutting machines.

The suspects, traveling in a white Toyota Etios, fled the scene but were pursued by security providers and vigilant community members.Durban Sun Facebook Square 2024 v1 11

While patrolling the M25 near Malandela Road, officers spotted the suspects’ vehicle, with the stolen grass-cutting machines visibly sticking out of a window.

The vehicle was intercepted at the intersection of Malandela Road and the M25, where two suspects were arrested.

Recovered Items:

  • Two grass-cutting machines (stolen in Montclair).
  • A black gas pistol found on one suspect.
  • Cellphones, bags, and personal documents linked to multiple victims.
  • Items stolen from a robbery earlier that day in Montclair and another incident on Avoca Road.Durban Sun Facebook Square 2024 v2 1

The suspects were connected to several robberies, including one on Avoca Road where a male victim was robbed of his cellphone and wallet.

Police believe the suspects are part of a broader robbery spree targeting the greater Durban area.

The suspects, stolen items, and vehicle have been handed over to KwaMashu SAPS for further investigation.

Authorities expect additional charges as investigations continue.

KwaMashu SAPS and Marshall Security reaffirm their commitment to safeguarding the Durban community through proactive collaboration and rapid response.

Man Shot in Mhlasini Home Invasion

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A 26-year-old man was seriously injured after being shot multiple times during a home invasion in Mhlasini, KwaZulu-Natal, early on Saturday morning.

The incident occurred at around 2:08 AM while the victim and his girlfriend were asleep in their rented room.

Two armed suspects forced their way inside, robbing the couple of cash and cellphones before shooting the man three times in his left leg.

The robbers fled the scene in an unknown direction.

No photo description available.

Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) officers responded to the scene and recovered a 9mm bullet and spent cartridges.

The victim’s girlfriend was unharmed in the ordeal.

The injured man was privately transported to a hospital for medical treatment.

Authorities are investigating the case and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Passenger Found Fatally Shot in Vehicle in Verulam

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A man in his thirties was found dead from a gunshot wound in the passenger seat of a vehicle in Verulam CBD, KwaZulu-Natal, on Saturday evening.

Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) officers were alerted at around 18:26 after a concerned member of the public reported the incident.

Upon arrival, the officers discovered the man slumped in a blue Toyota Etios sedan parked on Todd Street.

The victim had sustained a gunshot wound to the head, with both the front and rear windscreens of the car shattered.May be an image of 2 people

The vehicle’s keys were still in the ignition, and the front of the car appeared to have accident damage.

Witnesses reported seeing a man park the vehicle and walk away casually before the discovery was made.May be an image of 1 person, car and text

The identity of the deceased remains unknown at this time, and investigations are ongoing.

Authorities are appealing to anyone with information to come forward to assist in the investigation.

7 Foreign Shop Owners Arrested in KZN for Selling Expired Food

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Authorities in northern KwaZulu-Natal have arrested seven undocumented foreign shop owners suspected of selling expired food in Mtshezi.

The arrests were part of an operation conducted on Wednesday to inspect the quality of food sold in the area.

During the raid, officials also discovered firearms and over 500 rounds of live ammunition.

Inkosi Langalibalele Municipality Mayor Mduduzi Myeza confirmed that the shops linked to the suspects have been shut down pending further investigations.

“Some shop owners managed to escape, but we could not find them.

The police will investigate the firearms to determine their legality and whether they have been used in criminal activities,” said Myeza.

The arrests come amid heightened concerns over food safety in South Africa, with President Cyril Ramaphosa expected to address the nation on the ongoing food poisoning crisis.

Massive Trunkline Burst Wreaks Umgudulu

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Emergency teams, including Disaster Management and Umgeni Water, are responding to a major trunkline burst in the Umgudulu area near Reservoir Hills.

The incident has caused widespread destruction, with multiple homes damaged and a flood stream running through the area.

Initial reports indicate no confirmed fatalities, but authorities are urging residents to avoid the scene for safety.

Umgeni Water has announced plans to isolate the damaged trunkline, which will lead to water outages in affected regions.

Residents are advised to prepare for disruptions.

Ward Councillor Alicia Kisson, who is on-site, confirmed the scale of the damage and emphasized the urgency of the situation.

“This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as more details emerge.”

Newborn Baby Found in Plastic Bag by Grass Cutters

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A newborn baby girl, left abandoned in a plastic bag with her umbilical cord forcibly removed, was discovered by grass cutters in Amanzimtoti on Wednesday.

The distressing scene was shared by Operation Bobbi Bear on Facebook, recounting how the infant, estimated to be just four hours old, was found ice cold and unresponsive.

Grass cutters handed her over to a local hardware store before members of Operation Bobbi Bear and emergency services, including Fast Care Ambulance and Toti Community Assist, rushed to her aid.

Thanks to quick intervention, the baby was wrapped in a space blanket to warm her, eventually letting out a small cry, indicating a fight for survival.

She was taken to Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital, where she is receiving medical care.

It is believed grass cutters found a newborn baby girl who was left in a plastic bag with the umbilical cord pulled off in eManzimtoti. | Operation Bobbi Bear

Adeshini Naicker, director of Childline KwaZulu-Natal, described the incident as “heartbreaking and disappointing,” emphasizing the need for better awareness and support for pregnant mothers in crisis.

“This tragedy highlights gaps in support systems and the ongoing challenges some individuals face.

Greater outreach and accessible resources are crucial to prevent such incidents and protect vulnerable children,” Naicker said.

KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC Mbali Shinga strongly condemned the act, urging the police to identify those responsible.

She praised the swift response from social workers, police, and the Amanzimtoti community in saving the child’s life.

“With all the available resources, including adoption options, incidents like this are deeply disappointing.

While we are relieved the child is safe, this serves as a reminder of the importance of strengthening awareness campaigns and support for parents in distress,” Shinga said.

Shinga revealed plans to trace the baby’s mother and explore sustainable care options such as foster care or adoption.

She encouraged communities to approach social workers for help when unable to care for their children.

Durban Sun 1000

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo confirmed that a case of child abandonment is under investigation.

The incident has drawn attention to the critical need for improved support systems to prevent such heart-wrenching occurrences.

Durban Water Crisis Sparks Protests of Municipal Services

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The persistent water outages and unreliable supply of potable water in various Durban communities have sparked widespread dissatisfaction.

Raising concerns about the municipality’s ability to provide basic services.

Opposition parties have been vocal in their criticism of the ongoing crisis, which has triggered a wave of community protests.

Residents have demanded accountability and urgent intervention, with municipal and national officials frequently summoned to address the public at community meetings and media briefings.

The situation highlights growing frustrations over service delivery failures and the increasing pressure on the municipality to resolve the water supply issues.