Latest news with #Polly


The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
UPDATE: Owner devastated by the murder of his beloved dog Polly
UPDATE: Owner devastated by the murder of his beloved dog Polly Valerio Maphosa (20), the owner of a female Africanis that was brutally stabbed and dumped in a sewerage stream by a neighbour in Gabon, Daveyton, on May 19, says he doesn't understand why his neighbour did this to his beloved pet. The body of the dog, named Polly, was recovered by Benoni SPCA inspector Thomas Mohlake and his colleague, field officer Emmanuel Leutle, from the stream after the family alerted the Benoni SPCA. Also Read: GRAPHIC CONTENT: Dog brutally stabbed and dumped in sewer Mohlake said that when they arrived at the scene, they found the dog's partially submerged body floating in the stream. Swift action by neighbours helped track down the suspect, who fled when SPCA officials arrived. The man was arrested and appeared in the Daveyton Magistrate's Court on May 22, facing charges of animal cruelty. A visibly shaken Maphosa described Polly as more than just a pet. 'She was the sweetest, friendliest companion who loved people. I had bonded so much with her. She used to accompany me around the informal settlement at night. She was loyal, she protected me and now I'll never see her again. It breaks my heart.' Recounting the events of that afternoon, Maphosa said he received a call while at work at around 13:00 informing him that Polly had been killed. 'When I got home, I saw blood behind the suspect's shack, but Polly was nowhere to be found. My friends and I followed a trail of blood and it led us to the stream,' he said. His friend, Sthembiso Zitha, said the entire community had lost a dog that was both protective and playful, as she used to accompany people to the taxis in the morning and return on her own. Zitha said he heard rumours that the neighbour killed Polly because she ate his spinach. He also claimed that the suspect's friends told him the suspect had previously made threats to kill the dog. Maphosa said he now lives in fear after learning that the suspect is out of jail. He shared that the SPCA removed Polly's five puppies from his home. 'They took my puppies. I don't know why. I want them back; they're all I have left,' he said. Mohlake said they confiscated the two-week-old puppies out of concern that they could die without being breastfed by their mother. Daveyton SAPS said a case was opened on May 20 and the suspect was released due to insufficient evidence. Also Read: Dog killed with spade for attacking chickens At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

IOL News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Discover the latest must-have toys and books for kids
A favourite star of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, and also a star in his own Disney+ series I Am Groot. Image: Loot Description: I Am Groot: Groovin'; Groot Plush A favourite star of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, and also a star in his own Disney+series I Am Groovin' Groot Plush figure showcases the lovable alien's love of dancing with movement activated via sounds. The beloved character plush also says the iconic phrase, "I am Groot," while groovin' to the beat and when the button on his chest is pressed. With a stylized, soft plush body and plastic molded head, the 11-inch soft doll is perfect for on-the-go epic adventures and playtime at home. Makes a great gift for Groot fans ages 3 years and older. Price: R465 Visit: This compact is perfect for playing out Shani doll's performances and opens to reveal an exciting performance-themed adventure. Image: Loot Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Description: Polly Pocket Starring Shani: Talent Show Compact Get ready for performing fun with the Polly Pocket Talent Show is one of Polly doll's best pals—she's smart, curious and creative—and her talent always shines whether she's solving a science problem or performing onstage. Go Shani! This compact is perfect for playing out Shani doll's performances and opens to reveal an exciting performance-themed adventure with a balcony and lights that have 5 different settings (press the button to activate). Compact also includes multiple features, micro Shani, Polly and Lila dolls, 20+ play pieces (some have a Pop's Swap feature) and 25 + pop-out pieces kids can use as props to stage different fun performances. Price: R349 Visit: Former Miss Universe and Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Tebow encourages young readers to find their purpose and help others in need Image: Loot Description: Princess Paris Finds Her Purpose Former Miss Universe and Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Tebow encourages young readers to find their purpose and help others in need in her first children's book about a princess whol oses her crown, starring Demi's real-life dog Paris the her crown is stolen, Princess Paris fears she'll never get it back. How can she represent her king without her crown? She doesn't feel much like a princess and worries all the animals on the Royal Savanna won't take her seriously without it. But as each animal Paris meets faces a unique problem, she discovers that being a princess requires more than wearing a shiny adventurous story is paw-fect for ages 4 to 8, focuses on finding your purpose and being kind, is a creative conversation starter between parents and children about helping others, and is a perfect choice for a nursery display or a baby shower or birthday gift. Price: R159 Visit: Be amazed by these ten thrilling adventures, featuring the bravest, strongest and silliest superheroes the world has ever seen. Image: Loot


India Today
22-05-2025
- Sport
- India Today
How Kieron Pollard is turning Naman Dhir into Mumbai Indians' designated finisher
On a night when Suryakumar Yadav's unbeaten 73 grabbed the headlines, it was Naman Dhir's late blitz - 24 off just 8 balls, including 2 sixes and 2 boundaries - against Delhi Capitals that told a deeper story: Mumbai Indians are grooming a new finisher. And behind this quiet transformation stands the man who once defined the role for the franchise's success - Kieron readily credited his rise in the IPL 2025 season to consistent guidance from Pollard and Hardik Pandya. In Mumbai's must-win clash against Delhi Capitals, Dhir and Suryakumar smashed 48 runs in the last two overs to propel MI to 180 for 5. The late surge shattered Delhi's plans and paved the way for a 59-run victory that secured Mumbai's place in the 2025, MI vs DC Highlights Naman, playing his first full IPL season, has quietly built an impressive record. He has scored 186 runs in 13 matches at an explosive strike rate of 182.35 and averages 37.20 - outstanding numbers for a young batter entrusted with finishing duties."We were trying to keep things simple. We were trying to time the ball rather than muscle it. That's what we practice in the nets every day. I talk to Polly every day about this. That helped me a lot. Talking to Polly and Hardik bhai helped me a lot. Surya and Tilak's partnership was very critical. The ball was turning a bit. The wicket was slow. They gave a foundation that helped us express ourselves. I don't think they struggled. They wanted to preserve wickets for the end overs," Naman Dhir told reporters after the win over Delhi has also studied the game from the best in the MI camp- and credited their influence on his development. On a slow pitch that offered turn and required precision, Dhir stuck to the basics - an approach he said came straight from MI's net sessions."Polly has a lot of experience. He has played close to 700 games. He educates me about the strengths and weaknesses of bowlers. We also watch videos of bowlers a lot. Accordingly, I plan. Sometimes, I am able to execute it, sometimes not. Today, it was my day. The team is very Capitals, who began the season with four straight wins, never recovered after losing their top order early in the chase. Without regular captain Axar Patel, they produced a flat response in a do-or-die contest. Sameer Rizvi top-scored with 39, but Delhi folded for 121 in 18.2 the win, Mumbai Indians returned to the playoffs after missing out last season. More significantly, the team now appears to have found a long-term finisher in Dhir - one mentored by a man who knows the role better than most."If MI is playing, you should expect us to qualify for the playoffs," Dhir said. "Now we're focused on the next four games - to win, and win the tournament."Stay updated on IPL 2025 with India Today! Get match schedules, team squads, live score, and the latest IPL points table for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Plus, keep track of the top contenders for the IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap. Don't miss a moment! IN THIS STORY#IPL 2025


Wales Online
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC Escape To The Country's Nicki Chapman left gobsmacked by 'brilliant' feature
BBC Escape To The Country's Nicki Chapman left gobsmacked by 'brilliant' feature Escape To The Country's Nicki Chapman was left gobsmacked by a 'brilliant' feature which she said was 'a first' as she helped a guest search for her dream house. During the latest episode of Escape to the Country, presenter Nicki Chapman was taken aback in a delightful segment of the BBC programme. In the Tuesday afternoon show, viewers met Polly, seeking to move to Wiltshire with her young daughter, Jenna. Polly was on the lookout for a three-bedroom house with a garden, backed by a budget of £450,000. While exploring the first property in Maiden Bradley alongside her mum Mary, both were charmed by the house even before entering, as Nicki ventured off. The BBC personality shared with the audience that she was off to explore one of the village's 'intriguing features'. Nicki was thrilled by the discovery in the local village Article continues below She revealed: "So, this is a first for me. A fresh-milk vending machine. I'm going to get a litre of fresh milk, ready?" She then demonstrated using the milk vending machine, inserting her glass bottle and observing it fill up, reports Gloucestershire Live. With a look of surprise on her face while addressing the camera, Nicki exclaimed: "Who knew you could get so excited getting fresh milk?" She further highlighted: "This is a lifeline for the local villagers. You've got fresh milk, you can also get cheese and butter. It's such a brilliant idea!" BBC Escape To The Country's Nicki Chapman left gobsmacked by 'brilliant' feature Upon viewing the cottage with Nicki, Polly couldn't hide her delight. She commented: "Oh, that is so adorable! I did not think I would be able to afford something this pretty, to be honest." Her mother Mary concurred, adding: "It's just perfect." She explained she could envision them all together in the garden in chairs soaking up the sun. Upon discovering the asking price was at the top of her budget, Polly was informed by the BBC host that the owner was willing to consider negotiations. As the episode drew to a close, Nicki expressed curiosity about Polly's next steps. Polly confessed that her property search had been an emotional rollercoaster, but one house had captured her heart. Polly was blown away by the first home she saw The second property, located in Ludwell, was deemed too small for her and her daughter, while the mystery Trowbridge property failed to meet her expectations. As she deliberated, Polly shared her concerns, commenting: "I don't want to have to move again and again, and I really want a future-proof house." Polly highlighted that the first home offered a financial safety net due to its potential for renting out the garden space, an opportunity its current owners had capitalised on. In the end, viewers were updated on Polly's decision - she had revisited the property and submitted an offer; however, progress was contingent on the sale of her London flat. Article continues below Escape to the Country is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Teen breaks world record for being youngest ever to run London Marathon barefoot
A SALISBURY teenager broke the world record for the youngest person ever to run the London Marathon barefoot. Cameron Jacobs, 18, ran the London Marathon on Sunday, April 27, completely barefoot and completed the challenge in four hours and 31 minutes. Cameron has autism, Tourette's Syndrome and ADHD, so he ran the marathon with his mum, Polly Jacobs, 48, as a support runner. They ran the event for the National Orchestra for All, which has really helped Cameron over the last seven years. To break the Guinness World Record, Cameron had to finish the marathon barefoot within five hours, and he smashed it. Mum, Polly, said: "We started in the very last wave with people expected to finish nearer the seven-hour mark, so we knew we would have to run through the crowd. "We are just genuinely so overwhelmed by all the support. We have had so many messages and comments from people saying they have been inspired by Cameron." READ MORE: Teenager aiming to become youngest ever to run the London Marathon barefoot Cameron was set a target by the charity to raise £2,000, but as of Friday, May 9, he has raised nearly £8,000. Cameron happy to give his feet a rest (Image: Polly Jacobs) Polly continued: "I can't believe how much we have raised, it's just incredible, and the charity fully deserves it for what they have done for our family. "The day after, they sent him some hand-iced biscuits with his name and finish time on, which he really appreciated. Also, the artistic director of National Orchestra for All came down to watch and support us." The duo have recovered well and are already back into running, but Cameron has decided to put his trainers back on for now. Cameron had trained barefoot around Salisbury on some rough terrain, so running through the streets of London felt smooth for him. Polly said: "Towards the start of the race, he kept saying it was the happiest day of his life and that the roads were so smooth. "I am so proud of him, and I know he is really proud of himself. National Orchestra for All have really helped us as a family, and I just hope the work they do gives families like us some hope for the future."