Latest news with #TheSouthAfrican


The South African
7 hours ago
- The South African
Dead body found in a bush in Umlazi H
A dead body was found on the side of a railway line in a bush in Umlazi H, Durban, on Monday, 14 July 2025. Community members and security officers patrolling the railway discovered the dead body and immediately informed the police, who made their way to the area. Forensics were also summoned to the scene, where they examined the body and discovered that the deceased was a female believed to be in her teenage years. DEAD BODY DISCOVERED IN UMLAZI H The deceased was found half-naked with both her hands and legs tied by a rope. There was also a bruise on her forehead with a pinch of blood drooling down her face. The South African reached out to the police for comment but they were unable to provide feedback at the time. Durban authorities arrive in Umlazi to collect the dead body found in the bush next to the railway line. IMAGE: Nomndeni Ndlovu. Sicelo Ntanzi, a community member who lives nearby, said that he did not hear any noise or see suspicious activity, as there was also load shedding. He says, 'To be honest with you, this comes as a shock because I did not hear anything at all. To make matters worse, there was also load shedding in the area in the past few days, so it was dark and it would have made it challenging for anyone to see anything.' The area has been plagued by a string of crimes in the past few months. Nomzamo Gwala, a resident, says that there was a shooting incident in the area a few months ago. 'This other time at the beginning of the year, there was a group of drunk men who were walking on the railway at night, who started fighting and swearing at each other. Their fight quickly escalated into a deadly gunfight when they started shooting at each other.' 'This area is really bad and we have tried multiple times to protect this area and even tried to form a Community Policing Forum (CPF), but it did not work,' says Gwala. Former security officer and CPF member, Bhekisizwe Mkhabela, said that they did start a policing forum in the area, but it ended up not working as they did not receive enough support. 'You know, when we started this, we had high hopes of bringing change in our community, as many people had lost hope in the police, but then things went astray.' 'There was a meeting held where we were told that we were going to be assisted with vehicles that would patrol in the area, but that did not happen. More and more people started leaving as they felt like they were not receiving support,' Mkhabela explained. 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
8 hours ago
- The South African
Jayden-Lee Meek's heartbreaking Mother's Day message to mom revealed
Just three days after Jayden-Lee Meek gifted his mother a handmade Mother's Day card to his mother Tiffany Nicole Meek, he was found dead, allegedly by her doing. On Monday, 14 July, his mother appeared in Roodepoort Magistrate's Court on charges of murder, defeating the ends of justice, and crimen injuria. The 11-year-old died of a blunt force head injury. His body was discovered on the stairs of his apartment complex in Fleurhof, Johannesburg. The 31-year-old has been remanded in custody and will next court appearance on Friday. On Mother's Day – 11 May – Jayden-Lee Meek gifted his mom, Tiffany Meek, a Mother's Day card. The contents of the handmade card – which was originally shared on her Facebook account – has since been made public after Tiffany's first appearance in court on charges of murder. The heartbreaking message in the card read: 'Happy Mother's Day, mom 'I hope you have an amazing day, and I will try to make you breakfast in bed . 'Thank you for being the best mom in the world and always taking care of me, and putting me before yourself' On the envelope of the card, Jayden-Lee Meek drew the shape of a heart, with words inside that read: 'Home is where my mom is'. Days later, Jaden went missing from his apartment complex in Fleurhof. A few hours later, his body was discovered on the steps of the building. @larrybyday #greenscreen Jayden-Lee Meek Update 14 July 2025 #jaydenleemeek#tiffanynicolemeek #crime#news#larrybyday ♬ There Is a Place – Deeper Soaking Worship According to a charge sheet, Jayden-Lee Meek was allegedly killed by his mother, Tiffany, who struck him on the head with an unknown object, which resulted in a blunt force head injury. Hours before, Tiffany reported her son had gone missing from school. She reportedly led a small search party to look for her son and instructed police not to look inside her apartment. She later spent the night at her mother's house. Forensic evidence revealed that Jayden-Lee's blood was found on his bed and his school clothes. It suggested he may have been harmed in his home, which he shared with his mother. Jayden-Lee Meek in happier times. The 11-year-old was allegedly murdered by his mother, Tiffany Nicole. Image via Facebook. The charge sheet read: 'The accused wrongfully and intentionally reported the now-deceased child as missing in not having returned home from school and where the accused, when she acted as aforesaid, well knew and intended that her actions would have the following results or consequence: she, would not be suspected and her premise would not be searched and whereas, as a result, of the actions of the accused did obstruct the administration of justice'. 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
8 hours ago
- The South African
'Cruel hobby': Ex-footballer slammed for killing South African sable
Former professional American football quarterback Jay Cutler's recent hunting trip in South Africa has garnered hate online. The 42-year-old posted multiple photos proudly displaying the sable antelope he killed, sparking widespread outrage on social media. Cutler captioned one of the posts, 'Kicked off the Africa hunt with a beauty. Sable down, and described his day as great. The sable antelope, known for its striking appearance, is classified as a vulnerable species by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). The species faces threats from climate change, habitat loss, and poaching. Siyabona Africa also reports that sable antelopes typically live in Kruger National Park and other protected reserves where conservationists have reintroduced them. Social media users widely criticised Cutler, an avid hunter. Instagram user @bradleyhides commented, 'I went to Africa on a safari and saw the most incredible wildlife and never once thought about murdering them.' @MatthewPaulTurner added that Cutler had 'nothing to brag about.' Another user, @reed52804, wrote: 'What a cruel 'hobby,' Jay. Shame on you for killing this beautiful animal. It breaks my heart.' Some users also referenced Cutler's personal life, suggesting that his ex-wife, Kristin Cavallari, made the right decision in divorcing him. The couple officially ended their marriage in 2022, citing inappropriate marital conduct. In 2024, police arrested Cutler in Franklin, Tennessee, after he rear-ended another vehicle and charged him with driving under the influence and illegal possession of a firearm. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news


The South African
12 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Springbok debutants: Who FIRED, who FLOPPED
The Springboks and Rassie Erasmus unleashed FOUR debutants during the Springboks-Italy Test series. Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus rewarded Vincent Tshituka, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Cobus Wiese and Ethan Hooker their respective Bok debuts during the home series against Italy in South Africa. So, who stood up and stood out and who failed to make a good first impression? Vincent Tshituka – 8/10 Tshitshuka made his unofficial debut against the Barbarians in Cape Town before making his Test debut against Italy at Loftus on Saturday, 5 July 2025. The elusive Sharks forward was as good in his official debut, if not, better than he was in the Boks' first match against the Barbarians. Tshituka was a constant threat in open play, showcasing his speed, versatility and off-loading ability. Meanwhile, he was a nuisance for both the Barbarians and Italy at the breakdown. Tshitshuka's talent is matched by his hard work. He is as skilful as he is hard-working. He has certainly put his hand up for selection under Rassie Erasmus going forward. Asenathi Ntlabakanye – 6/10 Ntlanakanye made some heavy carries. Whilst his 140kg+ frame added some heavy mass to an already powerful Springboks scrum, this set piece did not always gain such noticeable power (as it did when Ox Nche came on). Cobus Wiese – 5.5/10 Gave away a penalty for not releasing early on. Furthermore, he also failed to regulalry get over the advantage line. So, while he did not do much wrong, his Bok debut will not cause Rassie and the selection team any selection headaches. Ethan Hooker – 6.5/10 Of the Bok debutants who played against Italy in the second Test, Hooker showed the most promise. He made some good carries and was solid defensively. However, he will need more time to find his feet in the green and gold. Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.


The South African
17 hours ago
- Politics
- The South African
G20 meetings on global development to go ahead in Skukuza
The Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa, will host the fourth Group of 20 (G20) Development Working Group (DWG) meeting and the G20 Ministerial meeting on development from 20 to 25 July at Skukuza Lodge in the Kruger National Park. This event will take place under South Africa's G20 Presidency, focusing on the theme: 'Solidarity, Sustainability, and Equality'. These meetings will bring together G20 Member States, invited countries, and international organisations to advance global development cooperation and the financing of sustainable development. The gathering will focus on high-level principles on global public goods and global public investment; mobilising finance for development and means of implementation; and building resilience through universal social protection floors. 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.