20-05-2025
Rupert in US for Ramaphosa-Trump talks; Mabuyane robbed: Today's top 7 stories in 7 minutes
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.
Thieves break into Eastern Cape premier's home, make off with goods worth over R42 000
Thieves broke into Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane's East London home on Sunday, stealing more than R42 000 worth of electronics.
Police were on duty at the residence during the burglary, and a case is under investigation.
This is not the first security incident at Mabuyane's home; in 2022, he reported a drone hovering over the property.
X/@SANRAL_za
Severe weather warning: KZN on high alert as snow, icy winds predicted
KwaZulu-Natal is bracing for freezing temperatures and potential snowfall in high-lying areas due to two strong cold fronts.
Disaster management teams are on high alert, and municipalities are urged to implement contingency plans for vulnerable communities.
Residents are advised to stay indoors, keep warm, check on vulnerable individuals, and stay updated through official sources.
'Bad Boys Porsche' accountant Rushil Singh pleads not guilty in R178m fraud trial
Rushil Singh is on trial for fraud, forgery, and uttering, accused of using falsified documents to secure R178 million in loans from Investec Bank.
The loans, intended for construction projects in Ghana, were allegedly used to fund a lavish lifestyle, including the purchase of rare McLaren cars and the "Bad Boys" Porsche.
The case involves complex financial transactions and forged documents, and is linked to the murders of liquidators who were investigating Singh's govt to offer Musk Starlink deal before Trump meeting
South Africa plans to offer Elon Musk's Starlink an alternative to black ownership laws to operate in the country, aiming to ease tensions with Musk and Donald Trump.
The proposed "Equity Equivalent" option would involve investments in infrastructure, training, or providing Starlink kits to rural areas to improve internet access, applicable to all ICT companies.
Talks stalled after Musk and Trump criticised BEE laws, but Starlink's technology could significantly improve internet access in South Africa, especially in rural areas where only 1.7% of households have access.
Johann Rupert in Washington for Ramaphosa-Trump meeting, annoyed by 'Afrikaner refugees'
Johann Rupert, South Africa's richest man, may have been instrumental in securing a meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Donald Trump.
Rupert was reportedly frustrated with Trump's portrayal of Afrikaners and urged him to engage with Ramaphosa directly.
Ramaphosa is meeting Trump after the US president issued an executive order against South Africa on 7 February, cutting all funding to the country.
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'Is this really happening?' The phone call from Rassie that left young Varsity Cup star in disbelief
Ntokozo Makhaza, a 23-year-old UCT student, was surprisingly included in the Springbok alignment camp, despite never playing for a professional South African union.
Makhaza credits the Varsity Cup system for his unique pathway to the Springbok camp and hopes his journey inspires others to pursue rugby through university.
He recently signed with the Cheetahs and is preparing to join the Springbok alignment camp, aiming to learn and be himself among the biggest names in rugby.
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
Prosecutors focus on pattern of violence as Sean Combs trial continues
Sean "Diddy" Combs is facing serious allegations, including sex trafficking and racketeering, with prosecutors presenting witnesses detailing years of alleged abuse and violence.
Key testimonies from ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and her former friend accuse Combs of harrowing abuse, including assaults and coercive, drug-fuelled sex.
Witnesses recounted disturbing incidents, including assaults on Ventura and others, as prosecutors aim to substantiate racketeering charges that could see Combs imprisoned for life.
