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Sydney Morning Herald
27-05-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Driver's cannabis use linked to O'Brien track rider death
Witnesses later varied in their recollections, describing conditions as 'maybe 50-50 light', 'dark', 'very dark' and 'almost pitch black'. Edwards stated that he would always walk to the middle of the road and check in both directions, the court heard. He noticed headlights about 500 metres away, and called out to the riders that it was safe to cross. Takeda was last in line. But soon after Edwards noticed that the car did not appear to be reducing its speed. When it was 100m away, he began waving his arms and yelling out for the driver to slow down or stop. As Edwards moved off the road, he heard the screech of tyres and turned to see the vehicle hit Takeda's horse, the court heard. The track rider lay on the ground unconscious. His riding helmet was badly cracked. Edwards called 000, asked the other riders to control any oncoming traffic before a passing group of cyclists stopped to assist. One of them was a registered nurse. The coroner found an ambulance arrived 25 minutes later, but Takeda was unable to be revived. An experienced and capable rider, who had worked with horses for many years in Japan, 'Taka' was remembered as 'calm, honest and loyal, a good friend with a good personality'. He arrived in Australia in the middle of 2019 and worked for six months at Cumani Racing Stables in Ballarat before taking up a full-time position with O'Brien in January 2020. Loading Did not see them Holt had been on her way to work in a blue 2004 Hyundai Getz hatch when she suddenly saw two or three horses being ridden across the road. She told police she did not see them until she was 'basically on top of them' She said she slowed and moved to drive around them, but there was another horse and despite braking, she hit it. Collision experts found that she was travelling at 66km/h when she began to brake, in compliance with the 80km/h speed limit. By the time she hit the horse, the car was travelling at 36km/h. A blood sample taken almost two and a half hours later at University Hospital Geelong had a THC concentration of 3 ng/mL. The coroner found that Holt was driving after consuming cannabis, but it was possible that the THC concentration was a baseline level from use several days before. 'In the absence of witnessed signs or symptoms of THC intoxication, it was possible that (her) driving skills were affected by the low level of THC present, but this could not be conclusively determined,' coroner McGregor wrote. Stable acquitted WorkSafe inspectors found that, aside from two yellow street signs, there was no other indication to drivers that horses may be crossing the road near the carpark. WorkSafe advised O'Brien Thoroughbreds at the time not to move horses on public roads and reserves until 'such time as a safe system of work had been implemented'. The stable subsequently introduced high-visibility vests, reflective packing for saddles, sunrise working hours and prevented horses from being ridden across roads when a vehicle appeared. O'Brien Thoroughbreds was charged with one count of failing to provide a safe working environment, contrary to section 21 (1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. A jury acquitted the stable on November 30, 2023, in the Geelong Magistrates' Court – three years after the collision and more than 18 months after Holt lost her licence. Coroner's recommendation Coroner McGregor found that since Takeda's death, O'Brien Thoroughbreds has implemented a safe system of work to ensure the safety of horses and riders crossing public roads. The coroner also noted that the speed limit on Thirteenth Beach Road had been reduced from 80km/h to 60km/h. 'I consider the remediations that have taken place since Takamasa's passing will, as far as reasonably practicable, mitigate the risk of future similar incidents,' coroner McGregor wrote. Loading The coroner wrote that THC intoxication in drivers was associated with 'increased lane weaving, impaired critical-tracking tests, increased reaction times, and impaired divided-attention tasks'. The coroner quoted a recent study of drivers involved in collisions. It found those with THC concentrations between 1 ng/mL and 4.9 ng/mL were 1.6 times more culpable than drug-free drivers. 'I recommend that VicRoads and the Transport Accident Commission consider updating their public education materials in relation to cannabis use and driving to reflect the longer-term effects on driving risk beyond the immediate psychoactive phase,' the coroner said.
The Age
27-05-2025
- The Age
Driver's cannabis use linked to O'Brien track rider death
Witnesses later varied in their recollections, describing conditions as 'maybe 50-50 light', 'dark', 'very dark' and 'almost pitch black'. Edwards stated that he would always walk to the middle of the road and check in both directions, the court heard. He noticed headlights about 500 metres away, and called out to the riders that it was safe to cross. Takeda was last in line. But soon after Edwards noticed that the car did not appear to be reducing its speed. When it was 100m away, he began waving his arms and yelling out for the driver to slow down or stop. As Edwards moved off the road, he heard the screech of tyres and turned to see the vehicle hit Takeda's horse, the court heard. The track rider lay on the ground unconscious. His riding helmet was badly cracked. Edwards called 000, asked the other riders to control any oncoming traffic before a passing group of cyclists stopped to assist. One of them was a registered nurse. The coroner found an ambulance arrived 25 minutes later, but Takeda was unable to be revived. An experienced and capable rider, who had worked with horses for many years in Japan, 'Taka' was remembered as 'calm, honest and loyal, a good friend with a good personality'. He arrived in Australia in the middle of 2019 and worked for six months at Cumani Racing Stables in Ballarat before taking up a full-time position with O'Brien in January 2020. Loading Did not see them Holt had been on her way to work in a blue 2004 Hyundai Getz hatch when she suddenly saw two or three horses being ridden across the road. She told police she did not see them until she was 'basically on top of them' She said she slowed and moved to drive around them, but there was another horse and despite braking, she hit it. Collision experts found that she was travelling at 66km/h when she began to brake, in compliance with the 80km/h speed limit. By the time she hit the horse, the car was travelling at 36km/h. A blood sample taken almost two and a half hours later at University Hospital Geelong had a THC concentration of 3 ng/mL. The coroner found that Holt was driving after consuming cannabis, but it was possible that the THC concentration was a baseline level from use several days before. 'In the absence of witnessed signs or symptoms of THC intoxication, it was possible that (her) driving skills were affected by the low level of THC present, but this could not be conclusively determined,' coroner McGregor wrote. Stable acquitted WorkSafe inspectors found that, aside from two yellow street signs, there was no other indication to drivers that horses may be crossing the road near the carpark. WorkSafe advised O'Brien Thoroughbreds at the time not to move horses on public roads and reserves until 'such time as a safe system of work had been implemented'. The stable subsequently introduced high-visibility vests, reflective packing for saddles, sunrise working hours and prevented horses from being ridden across roads when a vehicle appeared. O'Brien Thoroughbreds was charged with one count of failing to provide a safe working environment, contrary to section 21 (1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. A jury acquitted the stable on November 30, 2023, in the Geelong Magistrates' Court – three years after the collision and more than 18 months after Holt lost her licence. Coroner's recommendation Coroner McGregor found that since Takeda's death, O'Brien Thoroughbreds has implemented a safe system of work to ensure the safety of horses and riders crossing public roads. The coroner also noted that the speed limit on Thirteenth Beach Road had been reduced from 80km/h to 60km/h. 'I consider the remediations that have taken place since Takamasa's passing will, as far as reasonably practicable, mitigate the risk of future similar incidents,' coroner McGregor wrote. Loading The coroner wrote that THC intoxication in drivers was associated with 'increased lane weaving, impaired critical-tracking tests, increased reaction times, and impaired divided-attention tasks'. The coroner quoted a recent study of drivers involved in collisions. It found those with THC concentrations between 1 ng/mL and 4.9 ng/mL were 1.6 times more culpable than drug-free drivers. 'I recommend that VicRoads and the Transport Accident Commission consider updating their public education materials in relation to cannabis use and driving to reflect the longer-term effects on driving risk beyond the immediate psychoactive phase,' the coroner said.
Powys County Times
07-05-2025
- Powys County Times
Powys police appealing for witnesses to assault on A458
An assault between a man and a woman who got out of their car on the A483 in Powys has police appealing for witnesses to the incident. Dyfed Powys Police are investigating an assault that involved a man and a woman who got out of their car on the A483 between Newtown and Abermule. The altercation took place on Saturday, March 15, with police adding that the incident took place at around 11.30am and that the incident caused traffic to build up behind the stopped vehicle, which was a red Hyundai Getz. Police added that a man has been arrested on suspicion of common assault and bailed pending further enquiries, with officers now seeking witnesses to the incident. A spokesperson for the police said: 'Dyfed-Powys Police is appealing for witnesses following an assault on the A483 road between Newtown and Abermule on Saturday, March 15. 'It is alleged that a red Hyundai Getz stopped in the middle of the carriageway and an altercation took place between a man and a woman outside the vehicle. 'The incident took place between 11.30am and 12pm and caused the traffic to build up. 'A man has been arrested on suspicion of common assault and bailed pending further enquiries. 'Investigating officers have carried out all other lines of enquiry and are now appealing to anyone who may have been travelling along the stretch of road at the time to get in touch. In particular, officers would like to hear from anyone who may have seen the altercation or have dash cam footage.'
Wales Online
06-05-2025
- Wales Online
Police appeal after man and woman halt traffic during 'altercation'
Police appeal after man and woman halt traffic during 'altercation' A man has been arrested on suspicion of assault after an alleged altercation on the A483 in Powys The A483 between Newtown and Abermule in Powys (Image: Google ) Police have launched an appeal for witnesses following an alleged assault on a busy stretch of road between in mid Wales. The incident occurred on the A483 between Newton and Abermule in Powys. It is alleged that a red Hyundai Getz stopped in the middle of the carriageway where a man and woman became involved in an altercation outside the vehicle. The incident caused significant traffic disruption and led to the arrest of a man on suspicion of common assault. He has since been released on bail as investigations continue. With other lines of inquiry now exhausted, officers at Dyfed-Powys Police are appealing to the public for help. Don't miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here . A spokeswoman for the force said: "We are appealing for witnesses following an assault on the A483 road between Newtown and Abermule on Saturday, March 15. It is alleged that a red Hyundai Getz stopped in the middle of the carriageway and an altercation took place between a man and a woman outside the vehicle. T "The incident took place between 11.30am and 12pm and caused the traffic to build up. A man has been arrested on suspicion of common assault and bailed pending further enquiries. Article continues below "Investigating officers have carried out all other lines of enquiry and are now appealing to anyone who may have been travelling along the stretch of road at the time to get in touch. In particular, officers would like to hear from anyone who may have seen the altercation or have dash cam footage." Police can be contacted online, via email at 101@ or by calling 101. When making contact, please quote reference number 25*217361.
Daily Maverick
06-05-2025
- Daily Maverick
Alleged mastermind behind missing journalist and partner's disappearance believed to have worked for them
Authorities have detained four individuals as the search intensifies for missing journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Mdluli. The arrests mark a critical turning point in the case, offering potential leads to the couple's whereabouts. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested four individuals linked to the disappearance of Pretoria community journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu and his girlfriend, Zodwa Mdluli. The arrests were made during a multi-provincial operation on Sunday, 4 May 2025, more than two months after the mysterious disappearance of the couple. Investigations indicate that one of the suspects was the last known person to be seen in the company of the missing couple. Daily Maverick understands that the accused, who was due to appear in the Mamelodi Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, 6 May, used to work for the missing couple and drove their red Hyundai Getz. His appearance was delayed on Tuesday morning due to power cuts at the court. He has been transferred to KwaMhlanga for jurisdiction purposes because the incident occurred in KwaMhlanga, according to the police, and is now expected to appear in the KwaMhlanga Magistrates' Court. The remaining three suspects are expected to appear in the same court later in the week. According to sources, the suspect allegedly orchestrated the plan to rob the couple and was the mastermind behind their disappearance. Meanwhile, three others were apprehended after authorities uncovered vehicle parts suspected to belong to Ndlovu's car, a white VW City Golf. Among those arrested was a KwaMhlanga-based mechanic. The police said they had seized two Citi Golfs from the suspects, and the case had now escalated from a missing persons inquiry to a kidnapping and car hijacking investigation. Additional charges — including house robbery and possession of stolen property — are likely to follow. Ndlovu is the founder of Pretoria's Capital Live FM, and on the day he went missing, 18 February 2025, he drove to his home in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga, to meet Mdluli. Following the couple's disappearance, it was discovered that the house had been broken into. Daily Maverick understands that many of the items stolen from the house were allegedly found in the accused's possession. Some parts from Ndlovu's car, such as the doors and the gearbox, were allegedly used on some of the suspects' own cars. Other household items, such as the couple's refrigerators and television sets, were also recovered in the suspects' possession. A formidable multidisciplinary team — including crime and counterintelligence experts, cybercrime specialists, detectives from the Organised Crime and Serious Violent Crime units, SAPS Airwing, and drone pilots — have been investigating the case. Law enforcement prioritised the missing persons case and escalated it to the provincial head office. The docket was assigned to a senior investigating officer in the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit in Gauteng. 'A long, painful wait' Mdluli's friend, Bongi Mokoena, welcomed the arrests. According to the couple's phone records, which Daily Maverick has seen, Mokoena spoke to Mdluli multiple times on the day she went missing. 'It has been a long, painful wait. The news of the suspects' arrests brings hope. It seems we are finally getting somewhere and hoping to get to the bottom of everything that has been happening,' she said. 'I hope and pray that my friend Zoe and her partner Sbusiso will be found soon [and that] they can come back to us, their families, friends, and all their loved ones. 'It has been a rough and hectic 76 days for some of us. We have been sick with worry, not knowing what has happened to them — if they are safe, if they are eating, where they are, and when they will come back,' Mokoena added. 'It's just too much and unbearable… I hope that the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice,' she said. Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong welcomed the arrests of the suspects. He visited the Ndlovu family on Sunday, 4 May 2025, to offer the government's support and solidarity. 'While investigations are still under way, I want to commend the investigating team for the progress they have made thus far. We continue to hope and pray for the safe return of both Mr Ndlovu and Ms Mdluli,' said Morolong. According to the police, the hunt for the missing couple is continuing. DM
