2 days ago
‘Dr Death' vs HPCSA; Manhunt intensifies for ex-Transnet employee: Today's top 7 stories
News24 brings you the top 7 stories of the day.
News24 brings you the top stories of the day, summarised into neat little packages. Read through quickly or listen to the articles via our customised text-to-speech feature.
Jan Gerber/News24
'Flagrant disdain for accountability': Ntshavheni hides travel costs from public
- Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni is refusing to publicly disclose her travel costs, directing inquiries to a confidential intelligence committee, sparking outrage from ActionSA.
- ActionSA's investigation revealed the GNU spent over R200 million on travel, including a R950 000 hotel bill for Deputy President Paul Mashatile in Tokyo, which his office defends as not extravagant.
- Despite refusing to disclose the costs, Ntshavheni has actively posted about her travels on social media, raising questions about transparency and accountability.
Illustration by Dominika Zarzycka/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
IcasaSePush pulls the plug to keep Starlink mission alive
- IcasaSePush, an unofficial Starlink supplier in South Africa, has halted operations to avoid hindering the legal and sustainable introduction of Starlink in the country.
- The company's decision follows increased scrutiny and a clampdown on illegal Starlink usage, despite the connectivity services having a 'life-changing' impact on users.
- IcasaSePush supports proposed policy changes that could allow Starlink to operate legally in South Africa and is open to future partnerships with a less provocative brand.
Sithandiwe Velaphi /News24
49 dead in Eastern Cape deluge, says provincial government
- Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane says the death toll in the Eastern Cape's devastating floods has risen to 49, while the search continues for residents who remained unaccounted for.
- Heavy rains engulfed the Decoligny village of Mthatha on Tuesday and left many houses submerged in water while many residents were displaced.
- About 500 residents were displaced after their houses were destroyed by floods.
Manhunt intensifies for ex-Transnet employee allegedly behind whistleblower hit
- A whistleblower report exposing a 4 500% markup on a Transnet Freight Rail tender led to a murder plot, resulting in the death of engineer Armand Swart in a case of mistaken identity.
- Former Transnet employee Lucky Molefe is a fugitive suspected of being the inside man who manipulated the procurement system and set the murder plot in motion after the price surge was reported.
- Police uncovered a sophisticated crime network involving businesspeople, contract killers, a police detective – allegedly linked to multiple murders and racketeering activities – and money laundering through businesses.
'Dr Death' vs HPCSA: Medical watchdog persecuting me – Wouter Basson
- Dr Wouter Basson is seeking a stay of his disciplinary inquiry by the HPCSA, citing unreasonable delays and deteriorated memory regarding actions from over 40 years ago.
- The HPCSA argues Basson's application is without merit, stating delays were partly due to Basson and the State's funding of his legal costs.
- Basson, the former head of Project Coast, claims the inquiry is persecution, not public protection, and that he lacks expert witnesses due to the death of one and the unwillingness of others to testify.
Proteas done with talk – at Lord's, bat and ball will answer all
- Temba Bavuma emphasises South Africa's unity and determination as they prepare to face Australia in the World Test Championship final.
- South Africa's bowlers need to exploit Australia's vulnerable top order to secure a victory, while Bavuma sees this as a chance to defy the 'chokers' tag.
- Bavuma acknowledges the significance of a win for South African cricket, which needs this victory more than Australia does.
