Taxi Collision in Durban CBD Injures 15 in Early Morning Crash

Sbonelo Shezi
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Taxi Collision in Durban CBD Injures 15 in Early Morning Crash

In the early hours of this morning, a taxi Collision with a car at the intersection of Umgeni and Argyle Road left around 15 people injured, bringing Durban’s CBD to a halt just before the workday began.

It was just before 5 a.m. when paramedics and first responders arrived to find a chaotic scene—passengers scattered around the intersection and inside the wrecked taxi, visibly shaken and injured.

The taxi, filled with early commuters, had collided with a small car at the crossing, leading to what paramedics described as a “mass-casualty scene.”

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Additional ambulances and Advanced Life Support teams were quickly dispatched to handle the number of injured, who ranged from those with minor scrapes to more severe injuries.

Rescuers on the ground stabilized the injured one by one, loading them onto stretchers before sending them to various hospitals around Durban for further treatment.

Paramedics noted that despite the high number of injuries, all involved received prompt medical care.

While the cause of the crash remains unknown, police were on the scene gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to piece together what happened.

Durban’s early morning traffic was diverted as authorities secured the area for the investigation, leaving residents concerned over safety at the busy CBD intersection.

As the investigation unfolds, locals are left hoping for increased traffic safety measures in the heart of Durban to prevent further accidents in one of the city’s most congested areas.

Durban, South Africa – The Durban Sun

Children Witness Fatal Shooting of Builder and Attempted Murder of His Assistant

Sbonelo Shezi
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Three children, aged 15, 13, and 10, witnessed the tragic shooting of a builder and the attempted murder of his assistant at a housing complex in Cornubia on Thursday.

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Several residents called Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) for help after a gunman opened fire on two men.

RUSA paramedics and officers arrived at the scene around 4:03 p.m., where they found the builder’s lifeless body with two gunshot wounds to the back of his head, one of which exited through his right temple.

No photo description available.

The assistant, also shot in the back, was rushed privately to the hospital. His condition remains unknown.

The victims were reportedly working on a home extension when the gunman arrived and instructed the children, who were playing nearby, to leave.

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After the children stepped away, the shooter fired at both men and then walked off casually, witnesses said.

Both the deceased builder and his injured assistant were residents of the Cornubia Housing Complex. Fortunately, the children were unharmed in the incident.

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Man Rapes Dog to Death, Family Demands Justice

Sbonelo Shezi
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A family in Waterloo is reeling after their pet dog, Tonic, a two-year-old Africanis, died following repeated sexual abuse by a male family friend.

Tonic suffered fatal injuries from the abuse, which the family claims occurred multiple times.

On Sunday night, Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) responded to a call from a woman reporting harassment by the suspect, who had been troubling five women, including the caller’s 79-year-old grandmother.

The caller alleged that the man, who lives nearby, had also attempted to break into their home by throwing a frozen bottle at their glass door.

According to the family, their relationship with the man changed when they caught him assaulting Tonic early one morning.

Despite confronting him, the abuse reportedly continued, ultimately leading to Tonic’s death.

After the dog died, family members barred the man from their property and confronted him.

The family stated that no criminal charges had been filed against the suspect for the abuse.

Mpho Lebethe from the NSPCA has reached out to RUSA and will be conducting an investigation into the case to seek justice for Tonic.

Hijacked Vehicle Recovered From Ten Suspects

Hayley Jacobs
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A red Honda Brio that was hijacked by a group of ten armed men in Dawncrest, KZN, has been recovered by Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) officers in Inanda.

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The incident occurred around 5:34 p.m. on Thursday when ten suspects, armed with knives and firearms, forced a woman and her two young daughters out of their car as they were leaving a property on Flamingo Way.

The suspects fled in the Honda Brio, accompanied by two other vehicles – a white VW Polo and a silver Toyota Etios.

RUSA officers received a tip-off that the stolen vehicle was spotted heading toward Inanda. Following the lead, they located the car abandoned in the area.

Fortunately, the mother and her daughters, aged 2 and 4, were unharmed in the incident.

Three Killed in Tragic N3 Highway Crash Near Pietermaritzburg

Sbonelo Shezi
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Three men lost their lives in a devastating crash on the N3 highway between Ashburton and Lion Park on Thursday afternoon.

Emergency teams arrived to a chaotic scene, with traffic affected in both directions. The crash involved a car, an SUV, and a truck. According to ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson, it’s believed the car and SUV collided on the Pietermaritzburg-bound side of the highway. The impact caused the SUV to lose control, cross the center median, and collide head-on with an oncoming truck.

Traffic on the N3 was severely backed up following a three-vehicle crash on Thursday afternoon. Picture: ALS Paramedics

Jamieson confirmed that the three people inside the SUV were trapped in the wreckage and sadly died at the scene. Another driver sustained minor injuries and was treated on-site. Traffic on the N3 was severely impacted as emergency teams worked to clear the scene and investigate the cause of the crash.

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Traffic on the N3 came to a standstill Thursday afternoon after a three-vehicle crash. (Photo: ALS Paramedics)

King Misuzulu Unveils Long-Awaited King Tshaka Statue in Durban

Hlengiwe Mbedzi
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King Misuzulu Unveils Long-Awaited King Tshaka Statue in Durban

In a landmark ceremony celebrating Zulu heritage and South African history, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini officially unveiled the statue of the legendary King Tshaka Zulu on Thursday at King Shaka International Airport.

The event was attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, and other notable political and cultural leaders.

The statue, representing Shaka’s enduring legacy as a formidable warrior and unifier, stands as a tribute to his lasting impact on South African and Zulu history.

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Speaking at the ceremony, King Misuzulu expressed pride in the statue, which he said honors both his ancestor, King Shaka, and his father, the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.

In a heartfelt speech, he emphasized that the statue would serve as a powerful reminder of Shaka’s achievements and the deep roots of Zulu heritage.

The ceremony drew a large crowd, including members of the local community and visitors from across South Africa.

Attendees were treated to traditional Zulu dance and music, making the day a vibrant celebration of culture.

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President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his address, praised the unveiling as a significant step in preserving South Africa’s cultural heritage.

He spoke of Shaka’s legacy as a source of national pride and unity. “King Shaka’s legacy continues to inspire not only the Zulu people but all South Africans. It’s a testament of unity in our history,” Ramaphosa stated.

Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli also commended the initiative, expressing hope that the statue, located at one of the country’s busiest airports, will boost tourism and create economic opportunities for KwaZulu-Natal.

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“This statue is more than just an aesthetic symbol; it’s a cultural landmark inviting visitors to explore the history and heritage of this proud nation,” Ntuli said.

The statue now stands at the entrance of King Shaka International Airport, welcoming visitors with a powerful symbol of strength, unity, and pride.

For many, it serves as both a cultural icon and an inspiration, solidifying King Shaka’s place in both South African and Zulu history.

Durban, South Africa – The Durban Sun

King Tshaka Statue Set for Grand Unveiling at Durban Airport

Sipho Zungu
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After a 14-year journey marked by both anticipation and controversy, the long-awaited statue of King Tshaka kaSenzangakhona will finally be unveiled on Thursday at the King Shaka International Airport, just outside Durban.

The ceremony, expected to attract significant national attention, will be led by King Misuzulu kaZwelithini alongside KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, with President Cyril Ramaphosa also scheduled to attend.

The provincial government of KwaZulu-Natal, in collaboration with the national government and the Zulu Royal House, has organized the event as a tribute to the legendary King Shaka.

Known worldwide as a military strategist and a unifier of the Nguni clans into what became the Zulu nation, King Shaka’s legacy endures nearly two centuries after his reign, which spanned from 1816 to 1828.

His contributions to Zulu history, culture, and identity remain pivotal, making this statue a significant cultural and historical symbol.

The statue’s unveiling comes after a series of delays and controversies surrounding its design and representation.

Initially commissioned over a decade ago, the statue faced criticism from the Zulu royal family, who expressed dissatisfaction with the initial portrayal, arguing it misrepresented King Shaka’s legacy by depicting him as a “herd boy” rather than a revered warrior and leader.

In accordance with royal protocol, which requires approval from the Zulu royal family before any public statue of a Zulu king is revealed, the initial statue was removed.

Two years ago, a new statue was installed at the airport, but it has remained concealed behind scaffolding until now.

The 6.5-meter monument, approved by King Misuzulu himself, is set to be unveiled in a ceremony intended to celebrate the enduring legacy of King Shaka and to offer a powerful symbol of unity, strength, and pride for both KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa.

Thursday’s event is expected to draw not only local attendees but also guests from across the country.

The provincial government has expressed hope that the statue will serve as a lasting tribute to King Shaka’s achievements and his role as the founding father of the Zulu nation, symbolizing resilience and pride for generations to come.

Two Hitmen Killed in Shoot-Out with Police in Mahlabathini

Hlengiwe Mbedzi
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Two suspected hitmen, believed to be on route to carry out a planned assassination, were killed in a shoot-out with police in Mahlabathini on Wednesday night.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said police received intelligence about two men in a red VW Polo who were allegedly on their way to kill a local taxi owner.

Officers tracked down the vehicle on the P700 road in Mahlabathini, activating their blue lights and sirens to signal the driver to stop.

When the driver halted in the middle of the road, the two men exited the car and opened fire on the police.

Police said the recovered firearms will be subject to ballistics testing to see if they were used in any other crimes. Picture: SAPS

Police suspect weapon to have had been used in prior crimes.

Officers returned fire, resulting in a fierce exchange of gunshots. Both suspects were fatally wounded during the shoot-out.

Police recovered three firearms and ammunition at the scene.

Initial investigations revealed that one of the weapons had been reported stolen in January from the Macekane Reserve in Mtunzini.

Fortunately, no officers were injured in the incident. Police say the firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine if they are linked to any other crimes in the region.

Watch-Body Cam Footage of Recovery of Hijacked Truck

Hlengiwe Mbedzi
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Watch-Body Cam Footage of Recovery of Hijacked Truck

Body cam footage from a recent operation carried out by the Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) team reveals the intense moments following the recovery of a hijacked truck carrying high-value goods in Oakford.

The footage was captured by Body Cam (061) worn by a member of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), who was among the first responders called to assist in locating the stolen vehicle.

It all started earlier in the day when the truck, loaded with laptops, cellphones, cigarettes, and clothing, was hijacked in Cornubia. The driver was en route with deliveries when the hijackers struck, catching him off guard and forcing him to comply.

According to the driver, multiple armed suspects approached him and demanded he drive the truck to a secluded location.

There, they seemed to pick and choose items they wanted from the load, selecting specific goods but leaving behind other valuables, including his personal belongings.

While it’s not clear why they chose certain items, it appears they had a clear sense of what they were after.

With Tracker SA on the case, GPS coordinates eventually pinpointed the truck’s location on a remote, unpaved road in Oakford.

RUSA Officers mobilized quickly, and the recorded body cam footage captured the tense journey as they approached the site, preparing for any potential confrontation.

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Once on the scene, they found the truck abandoned, but the driver was there, standing near the rear of the vehicle, visibly shaken but unharmed. There were no injuries reported.

The recovery itself highlights both the dangers truck drivers face on the road and the swift response by RUSA and Tracker SA to protect goods and people in such high-stakes situations.

The driver, though spared any personal harm or robbery of his valuables, has now experienced the trauma of being held hostage and threatened for the very goods he was delivering.

And while the footage brings to light the rapid recovery operation, it also underscores the risks faced by transporters carrying valuable items through certain areas.

As RUSA continues to respond to calls like these, the footage serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that lurk on the road for those moving high-value goods through isolated areas. With no suspects apprehended yet, police are continuing their investigation, hoping to track down those responsible and bring a close to this alarming case.

https://youtu.be/IO8ovZdFirA

 

Body of Strangled Man Discovered in Bush Near Zwelisha

Hlengiwe Mbedzi
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Body of Strangled Man Discovered in Bush Near Zwelisha

The lifeless body of a man, believed to have been strangled, was found along a footpath in a secluded bush area near Zwelisha.

The unsettling find was made by a passerby who immediately alerted authorities. Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) responded swiftly, sending both paramedics and officers to the scene to investigate.

The passerby, who was reportedly walking along a commonly used trail around 7:01 a.m., spotted the body and quickly reached out to RUSA’s Operations Centre.

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RUSA officials were on the scene within minutes, navigating approximately one kilometer through the dense bushland before reaching the spot where the man lay.

Paramedics who assessed the body found a black t-shirt tied tightly around his neck, suggesting he may have been strangled, though authorities have yet to confirm the exact cause of death.

The man’s face showed visible abrasions, indicating a struggle or possible assault leading up to his death. While his identity has been established, authorities are withholding the information until they notify his next of kin.

The mystery surrounding his death deepens, with officials noting that the motive for this brutal act remains unclear at this stage.

 

Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) arrived on the scene shortly after RUSA officers secured the area.

The area around the body was cordoned off as forensic experts began their meticulous work. Evidence collection included documenting the condition of the body and any potential clues in the vicinity.

Preliminary findings suggest that the man may have been killed elsewhere before his body was placed along the bush trail, though this theory remains unconfirmed pending further investigation.

An SAPS spokesperson commented briefly on the case: “We are in the very early stages of the investigation.

All possibilities are being considered, and we urge the public to come forward with any information that might assist us. Such crimes are unsettling to the community, and we will be doing all we can to bring those responsible to justice.”

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The discovery has sent shockwaves through the Zwelisha community, a generally quiet area known for its natural surroundings.

Locals expressed their fears, with many residents concerned that such a violent act could occur in their area.

As word of the incident spread, it sparked conversations about safety concerns among those who frequently walk or jog through the scenic paths in the mornings and evenings.

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, shared her concerns: “This is very upsetting.

We use these trails regularly, and to hear about something like this is frightening. It makes you wonder if it’s safe to go out early in the morning or at dusk.”

In light of the incident, RUSA has urged residents of Zwelisha and the surrounding areas to exercise caution, especially when navigating more isolated parts of the community.

RUSA spokesperson, Mr. Prem Balram, provided a statement emphasizing the importance of community vigilance in the wake of such a tragic event.

“We advise the community to stay aware of their surroundings and to avoid isolated areas alone, especially in low-light conditions. We are collaborating closely with SAPS in this investigation, and we are committed to supporting the community in any way possible.”

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