Latest news with #Nkandla
The Herald
25-05-2025
- The Herald
How Nkandla's alleged rape 'Houdini' was caught by traditional healer
This week the rural village of Hlosane in Nkandla in northern KwaZulu-Natal and social media were gripped by a serial rape suspect who, like a modern-day Houdini, escaped police custody — only to be dramatically rearrested through a citizens' effort. The suspect, accused of raping six teenage pupils, had terrorised high school girls renting rooms near Bizimali High School. His most recent escape from custody — after feigning a seizure at Mariannhill police station spread fear through the community, forcing some students to abandon their dormitories and disrupting classes at the school. At the centre of his capture was 33-year-old traditional healer Mnotho Xaba, who had unknowingly assisted the suspect weeks earlier. Xaba is a popular traditional healer whose services are sought locally and nationally. During an interview at the Dalton Hostel on Saturday he said he specialises in healing people, giving charms to those seeking love or money and those who want to strengthen themselves against their enemies. 'When I saw his picture trending on social media as an escaped serial rape suspect, I told people at the hostel, including his homeboys from Nkandla, that I knew him,' Xaba said. The suspect had approached the healer saying he was seeking protection and strength after an altercation with the mother of his child and feared her brothers would attack him. Xaba said he didn't know the suspect was wanted for the sexual attacks and had only paid him R1,000 of his [Xaba's] R5,000 fee. On Thursday morning, while driving his child to school, Xaba received word a man in a big coat was looking for him. 'I couldn't believe my eyes — it was the same man. I kept him waiting while I alerted others, including people from Nkandla. We conducted a citizen's arrest and called the police, who arrived and took him into custody.' The suspect's alleged reign of terror had prompted swift action from the Nkandla Taxi Owners Association, who formed a team and travelled more than 230km to his hideout in eTshelimnyama, Marianhill. 'We couldn't ignore the cries of the Bizimali High School pupils. But we were devastated when, after leaving him with the police, he lulled them to sleep and escaped. If not for the traditional healer, he would still be at large,' one taxi operator said.
News24
22-05-2025
- Politics
- News24
Twatterbaas source of Trump video; Jenna Clifford remembered: Today's top 7 stories in 7 minutes
Today's top 7 stories in 7 minutes. Graphic by Sharlene Rood/News24 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. Trump's Oval Office video of white farmer 'burial sites' was posted by Twatterbaas account A video of a 2020 anti-farm murder protest, posted by Sebastiaan Jooste (@twatterbaas), was used by Donald Trump as "proof of persecution" against white South African farmers. Elon Musk amplified the video to his millions of followers on X, and Trump later shared it on Truth Social, making false claims about the footage depicting burial sites of white farmers. The video actually showed a protest against farm murders, including victims of all races, and the South African government faces criticism for its lack of action on rural safety despite acknowledging farm murders. Suspect in KZN school rapes rearrested after fleeing from police custody A 28-year-old man accused of raping pupils at Bizimali Secondary School in Nkandla was re-arrested after escaping police custody by faking a medical emergency. KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli will visit the Mariannhill police station to address the escape and ensure accountability, including opening a case against the suspect's brother for witness intimidation. The suspect's re-arrest was aided by a traditional healer who alerted police after the suspect sought intervention, and the KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC will visit the affected school. READ MORE Bernadette Wicks/News24 Gardener's location debated as Amber Hughes denies assaulting and killing child Amber Hughes, accused of raping and murdering four-year-old Nada-Jane Challita, was cross-examined, with the State focusing on her access to the child during the critical timeframe. Hughes claimed gardener Lloyd Dzapasi was present, contradicting previous testimonies, and denied raping or killing Nada-Jane, asserting she did not know when the alleged rape could have occurred. Hughes and Elie Challita had a heated dispute regarding infidelity, and Hughes claimed she found Nada-Jane drowned in the bath, failing to notice any signs of sexual assault, despite her experience working with children. Ramaphosa fends off Trump's claims, secures path for future US-SA trade - analysts Analysts say President Cyril Ramaphosa successfully diffused tension and preserved South Africa's dignity during his meeting with US President Cyril Trump by focusing on investment potential. Ramaphosa's strategy of including white South African figures like Ernie Els and Johann Rupert helped debunk Trump's misinformation about white farmer killings. Despite Trump's confrontational approach, analysts believe the meeting opened doors for strengthened trade relations and conveyed the message that there is no white genocide in South Africa. SA forced to revise trade offer as US demands lower tariffs South Africa submitted a new trade proposal to the US, including investment incentives, to avoid a potential 31% import tariff on SA goods. The US rejected the initial proposal, demanding lower tariffs on its goods, leading SA to submit a revised proposal with new tariff adjustments. The SA framework also included incentives for US gas supplies and mineral exploration in SA, discussions on AGOA renewal, and potential review of black ownership regulations. Barbarians call on ex-All Blacks skipper, Irish legends for clash against Springboks The Barbarians have announced Sam Cane, Peter O'Mahony, and Conor Murray as their first players for the match against the Springboks on 28 June. These three rugby legends have a combined total of 352 Test caps and will be playing for the Barbarians for the first time. Barbarians coach Robbie Deans and Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus both expressed excitement for the upcoming match and the quality of players involved. READ MORE 'We have lost an icon and a legend': South Africa mourns Jenna Clifford South African jewellery designer Jenna Clifford died on 20 May 2025, after battling advanced-stage cancer. Celebrities and fans, including Zozibini Tunzi and Minnie Dlamini, have shared tributes, highlighting her craftsmanship and compassion. Industry leaders like Gert-Johan Coetzee and Basetsana Kumalo also expressed their condolences, acknowledging her significant impact.
The Herald
21-05-2025
- The Herald
Community angry as rape suspect escapes from police custody
KwaZulu-Natal police have launched a manhunt for a rape suspect who escaped from police custody on Monday night. Police spokesperson Col Robert Netshiunda said the 28-year-old was arrested by Mariannhill police in connection with several rapes which he allegedly committed at Ekhombe policing area near Nkandla. 'The suspect was to be transported to a correctional facility when he complained of an asthma attack and fainted,' said Netshiunda. W hen the police were assisting him he escaped and ran through the darkness. 'A dedicated team has been established to hunt him down,' said Netshiunda. On Monday, KwaZulu-Natal premier Thami Ntuli had commended citizens for unifying against gender-based violence by playing a decisive role in tracking and apprehending the rape suspect linked to multiple rape cases in the Bizimali area in Nkandla. 'This arrest is powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when community stands against violence. I applaud the courage of those who spoke out, the determination of our law enforcement officers and the resilience of Bizimali community,' said Ntuli. A distraught member of the school governing body, who identified himself as Mathonsi, expressed disappointment at the escape of the suspect. 'The children are also disappointed with what happened because after hearing about the suspect having been arrested they were happy. In fact they celebrated throughout the night,' said Mathonsi. Bhekisizwe Taxi Association member Silomo Ntuli, who was part of the search team which apprehended the suspect, said they were disappointed by how the suspect had escaped from police custody. 'The reason we were involved with the whole thing is that we are part of the community. The school learners who live on the outlying cottages in Bizimali play a huge role in our livelihood especially since we know the plight of joblessness in country,' he said. Ntuli said after a meeting which brought together the school principal, parents and members of the school governing body, the community had taken a decision to intervene. This prompted them to go to Durban where they located the suspect. 'Before we located him we had gone to his brother and he told us his whereabouts.' The provincial education department, in a statement on Tuesday, said MEC Sipho Hlomuka is expected to visit the school on Thursday. TimesLIVE
