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The South African
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Chris Brown released on R120 million bail in UK assault case
US R&B star Chris Brown has been released on bail by a UK court after being charged with a serious assault. He was released with a hefty R120 million (approximately £5 million) guarantee set as his bail condition. This development clears the way for the 36-year-old singer to continue his international tour, which kicks off on 8 June in Amsterdam. Chris Brown was detained in Manchester earlier this month following allegations that he violently attacked music producer Abe Diaw. The incident happened at the Tape nightclub in London back in February 2023, according to LA Times. Prosecutors described the incident as an unprovoked assault where Brown allegedly struck Diaw multiple times with a bottle. The singer then pursued, punched, and kicked him while he lay injured. The severity of the charges led to Brown initially being denied bail last week. The judge citing the grave nature of the allegations. However, after reapplying, Brown was granted bail on 21 May. This was contingent on an immediate payment of £4 million (around R96 million) and an additional £1 million (R24 million) within seven days. This totalled everything to a R120 million guarantee. The court also ordered Brown to surrender his passport except for travel related to his tour. They also imposed strict bail conditions, including residing at a court-approved address. The singer also has to avoid contact with the alleged victim. He should also stay away from the nightclub where the assault occurred. As part of his bail, Brown is allowed to proceed with his 'Bzy Bowl' world tour, which starts in Amsterdam. This includes UK dates from 15 June through early July. Failure to return for these UK performances would result in the forfeiture of the R120 million bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for 20 June, coinciding with his tour schedule. The case adds to Brown's tumultuous legal history, which notably includes a felony conviction for assaulting Rihanna in 2009. The singer, known for hits like Loyal , Run It , and Under the Influence , faces a serious challenge balancing his legal battles with his career commitments. Chris Brown himself took to social media shortly after his release, posting: 'From the cage to the stage, Breezy Bowl is on.' This showed his determination to press ahead despite the legal storm. This high-profile case continues to unfold, capturing global attention as Brown navigates the intersection of fame, legal accountability, and live performance. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
22-04-2025
- Business
- The South African
2025 SASSA grant review: HOW the agency reclaims money
Social welfare organisations predict we'll see an increase in 2025 SASSA grant review proceedings for 'core' beneficiaries. There are several factors at play for this, but the biggest one is managing strain on the National Treasury's social welfare budget. As many of you know, a 2025 SASSA grant review can be initiated if the agency has reason to believe your circumstances have changed/improved since you were approved for a grant. You may have misrepresented your income in your initial application, or you may have an undeclared revenue stream that puts you above the qualifying income amount. Either way, the South African Social Security Agency has the right to request a 2025 SASSA grant review. However, authorities must give you three-months' notice in writing beforehand it can do so. Primarily, the agency will check on your income and asset eligibility. And if it finds you are over the limit, it does have the right to 'reclaim ill-gotten government funds' for the period in question … To keep the number of Old-Age SASSA beneficiaries manageable, the National Treasury enforces strict tests through the Social Pension (SOCPEN) system. Therefore, anyone with a private pension, savings, personal assets and income exceeding these limits will face a 2025 SASSA grant review: R8 070 per month ( R96 840 per year) income if single. per month ( per year) income if single. R16 140 per month ( R193 680 per year) income if married. per month ( per year) income if married. Total assets of R1 372 800 if single. if single. Total assets of R2 745 600 if married. For the country's 13-million SASSA Child Support beneficiaries, applicant finances must show you earn less than: R8 800 per month if married ( R105 600 annually). per month if married ( annually). R4 400 per month if single (R52 800 annually). As a result, SASSA is within its rights to demand that money be repaid for the period of time that your income/assets exceeded the qualifying amount. Don't forget, you sign an agreement when you become a grant beneficiary that you will inform SASSA if/when your income increases beyond the qualifying amount. Cost of living is increasing but lying to SASSA is illegal. SASSA will demand that you repay the monies you received 'in error.' However, if you think you have a case, you can appeal against SASSA's decision through the Department of Social Development (DSD) HERE. You have 90 days to appeal their decision. SASSA will pass it along to the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA) for final adjudication. If your appeal is overturned, SASSA will insist you repay all 'ill-gotten funds' from the time period in question. An alternative path to resolution is to contact social welfare organisation, Black Sash. Their head office is based in Mowbray, Cape Town and they have experience resolving grant review problems: +27 21 686 6952 072 6633 739 Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
