Latest news with #VWGolf
Daily Mirror
14 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Fears toddler killed in chilling copycat crime of girl sold for 'eyes and skin'
The harrowing case of Kutlawano Shalaba has drawn comparisons to that of Racquel "Kelly" Smith, who was jailed last week for selling her daughter to a "healer" for just £800 A mother has appeared in court along with a "witch doctor" over the brutal murder of her two-year-old daughter, who is feared to have been sold and killed for her body parts. The haunting revelations brought shock back to South Africans that it could be a copycat case of evil mum Racquel 'Kelly' Smith, 35, who was jailed for life last week after selling her daughter for just £800. Schoolgirl Joshlin, 6, who vanished in February last year was never seen again after being sold - however in this latest case, a body was recovered and an alleged accomplice to the killing arrested. The details emerging from the latest case are renewing fears that up to a third of the more than 1000 children murdered each year in South Africa may be being targeted for body parts such as their skin and eyes. Police had been searching for six months for the missing 'son' of mum Kuneuwe Shalaba, 33, after she said 'he' was snatched from her by three kidnappers who sped off in a VW Golf near Johannesburg. But cops investigating her claim that toddler 'son' Kutlawano was grabbed in the street discovered that, just two hours before she reported the abduction, a large sum of money had appeared in her bank account. Mother-of-five Shalaba - who was struggling to make ends meet and feed her kids – received a year's money of R75000 from a mystery man, which she could not explain when detectives confronted her. Magistrates heard that she then not only confessed that she made up the kidnap story but had in fact led the police to believe they were trying to find her 'son' when the missing toddler was in fact a girl. Shalaba of Boipatong township 40 miles south of Johannesburg in Gauteng Province had her phone calls analysed, which led police to a sangoma or 'witch doctor' working out of a nearby taxi rank. National Police Authority spokesman Lumka Mahanjana said that when arrested, the sangoma confessed his part in the disappearance of the girl and led officers to an abandoned mine. Scenes of crime officers with shovels quickly discovered human remains which are currently undergoing a post-mortem to determine the exact cause of death - and if any of the victim's body parts had been harvested. So called muti killings – the taking of body parts from murdered children by a small percentage of sangoma's to make 'black magic' potions for the rich – claim 50 to 300 victims every year in South Africa. Shalaba – who had been charged with human trafficking, conspiracy to commit robbery and making a false statement to police – was charged with premeditated murder when the body was discovered. NPA spokeswoman Miss Mahanjana confirmed that the sangoma named as Sebokoana Khounyana, 50, had also been charged with premeditated murder and human trafficking along with the girl's mother. The prosecution believes Kutlwano – who was dressed as a boy and introduced to family and friends as a boy – was murdered on November 10 and that the mother reported him kidnapped on November 13. She was arrested on November 19 at home in Boipatong 40 miles south of Johannesburg and her daughter's body was found on May 29 buried in a shallow grave in the nearby town of Randfontein. NPA spokesman Miss Mahanjana confirmed a post-mortem was underway to ascertain 'exactly what was done to the child' before death and whether any body parts were harvested from it. The shocking sale of little Kutlwano appears to be a chilling copycat case of that of an evil mother who was jailed for life last week for selling her six-year-old daughter for just £800. Racquel 'Kelly' Smith, 35, was said to have been sought out by a traditional healer who wanted her daughter Joshlin for her 'light eyes and skin' - the girl 'vanished' from her township and was never seen again. Last Thursday the mother-of-three was sentenced to life behind bars by Judge Nathan Erasmus for human trafficking by selling her daughter Joshlin and for kidnapping her given an additional 10 years. Her boyfriend Jacquen Apollis and their friend Steveno van Rhyn were also given life sentences for their part in the shocking kidnap and sale of tragic Joshlin at Saldanha Bay 80 miles north of Cape Town. The fun loving schoolgirl was last seen outside her home last February and the 8 week trial at the community centre in Saldanha Bay heard she was almost certainly sold into 'exploitation and slavery'. The South African Police insisted that the search for her will continue 'night and day' until she is found and have begged her mother to reveal what happened to Joshlin but she refused to co-operate. The court heard drug user Kelly had told friends and a local pastor she had sold Joshlin for R20,000 (£835) in February last year to a sangoma and was later charged by police over her disappearance. The case rocked South Africa and highlighted the hundreds of cases throughout Africa of 'healers' – known as sangomas or 'witch doctors' – who take children to use body parts to make 'miracle potions'. So far in neither the Joshlin or Kutlawano cases this fate is strongly feared but has not yet been proved. Huge superstition still holds sway over large parts of the African population who highly respect and fear the sangomas and pay them large amounts of money for their so called 'black magic' potions. Between April 2024 and March 2025 South African Police figures revealed some 1100 children were murdered but as there is no specific category for muti killings it is estimated at between 50 and 300 a year. Both accused killers Shalaba and Khounyana will appear before the same magistrate on June 5.
Otago Daily Times
a day ago
- Automotive
- Otago Daily Times
Chevy's quarter mile sprint test
Graeme Cameron of Rakaia with his orange 1937 Chevrolet Coupe during the Ashburton Car Club's standing quarter mile sprint on Blands Rd. PHOTO: TONI WILLIAMS A 1937 Chevrolet Coupe lines up next to Fords, Holdens and Toyotas on a closed section of rural road. It cuts a striking figure among modern, faster machines. It's the start line of the Ashburton Car Club's standing quarter mile sprint on Blands Rd; an annual timed event over 400m. Fastest time wins. The 1937 Chevy Coupe has a 253 Holden V8 under the hood with 4200cc. PHOTO: TONI WILLIAMS The orange Chevy stands out in colour, style and era. Driver, Graeme Cameron of Rakaia, is not fazed by the other 16 models which include a Dodge Demon and a Porsche 911. There is also a VW Golf – but more about that later. Cameron has only had his Chevy for two months. It has a 253 Holden V8 under the hood, with 4200cc. It was bought by auction from a Waikato owner when Cameron attended the Whangamata Beach Hop, in the Coromandel Peninsula, in March. It was originally restored by mechanic Phil Hands of Ashburton, Cameron said. And now it had returned to Mid Canterbury. Cameron said he had owned a similar model but sold it about five years ago. He always regretted it. There were 26 hot rods in the auction, he said. ''I had a look, put in a bid, and the rest is history.'' It has 35,000km on the clock; just over 1000km were added driving it home. It was a 16-hour journey and cost Cameron $350 in fuel. Now at its new home, it will be a hobby car. Cameron also has a 2004 Holden Commodore SS, and a 1968 Vauxhall Viva GT racing car which he runs at Levels in Timaru and Ruapuna in Christchurch. He knows speed. Cars during the Ashburton Car Club's recent standing quarter mile sprint on Blands Rd return en masse to the start line. PHOTO: TONI WILLIAMS Cameron estimates the Chevy could have a top speed of 180 – 200km/h. But he did not have time to check the speedometre during his three runs. He saved his best run till last. His standing quarter mile time was 17.048seconds. The winning run was by Marco Verscoot driving a … you guessed it – that VW Golf. He did it in a time of 10.639seconds in his first run of the day. His first three runs were all under 11 seconds. In second place was Ross Forsyth driving a Nissan GTR with a time of 11.025, and third was Bruce Williams in a Porsche 911 in 11.585 seconds.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
BMW 1 Series used cars: I've driven 47 used hatchback cars – this BMW is by far a standout
OK, so 47 is an estimate, but I have driven a lot of hatchbacks, and the BMW Series 1 is a standout. The quintessential hatchback is, of course, the Golf, which in all its incarnations has delivered – but the BMW pips it, and I'll explain why. Advertisement 4 I'd always associated BMWs with committed middle managers driving company cars. A few minutes behind the wheel of the BMW Series 1 M Sport changed all that. I'm not going to say that the VW Golf has had its day (or make a joke that the current version of the car is as unfashionable as the sport, as that would be cruel). But the BMW Series 1 does everything you need a hatch to do – but better than the others. What is a hatchback? A hatchback is a car with a large rear door that opens to create a large boot space. Advertisement READ MORE BUYING USED CARS Hatchback cars are flexible. You can typically carry 4 or more passengers in comfort. When you need extra carrying space, you can lower the back seats. (Make sure the passengers aren't in there first.) The VW Golf pretty much defined what a hatchback is and what it does, and – despite what we've written above – we still love it. Reviewers know it still does the business, but the Golf spawned a whole lot of imitators – some of which are now ready to challenge for the hatchback king's crown. Advertisement Most read in Buy Benefits of a hatchback Small, manoeuvrable, great handling Excellent visibility from the large rear window Sporty looks (especially souped-up variants, including GTI, M Sport, FR, etc.) Versatile, with space for 4 passengers and luggage Fold-down seats provide extra carrying capacity Perfect for families, city drivers or country dwellers BMW 1 Series: An overview When you're buying a hatchback, it's 50% heart and 50% head. It's got to look great and have the speed and performance you want. It's also got to be fuel efficient, reliable and – in these cash-strapped times – affordable. Let's work through the list. The BMW 1 Series looks, to me, fantastic. Looks are personal, so feel free to disagree. Advertisement The M Sport version goes above and beyond with 18' alloys, a rear spoiler and splitters, as well as a full leather interior and a beast of an engine. (Ticks box) It's hard to argue with performance. The majority of modern (post-2019) Series 1s are front-wheel drive with either a 3- or 4-cylinder engine. Front-wheel drive makes more space for luggage at the back without impacting the driving experience, which is impeccable. (Ticks box) In-car entertainment and tech is top-notch, as you'd expect on a premium BMW. (Ticks box) Advertisement It's not a class leader (and real-life returns will vary on your driving style, condition, etc.), but you can The BMW Series 1 was one of only two cars that achieved a 100% reliability rating from Affordable? Check out this round-up of used BMW Series 1 cars for sale. Buying a used car? Find cars for under £200 on Sun Motors Advertisement Used BMW 1 Series for sale Here are some of the BMW Series-1s for sale on Sun Motors that piqued our interest… Great value: BMW 1 SERIES 1.5 118i SE 4 Model: BMW Series 1 1.5 118i SE This Advertisement The mileage is low, with 65,000 miles half that of others on the market. The relatively low use shows up in the condition of the car, which is excellent. It's a well-presented car – and the good bits don't stop. The 118i SE model is a slightly more premium package (just below M Sport). The 138 bhp engine is a bit of a beast, but you'll still get almost 40mpg. (Check out the full specs on If we were looking for a great family runaround that would still turn a few heads, this would be a perfect choice. Advertisement M Sport Monster: BMW 1 Series 1.5 118i M Sport 4 Model: BMW 1 Series 1.5 118i M Sport BMW M Sport is legendary, with better internal trim, external styling and engine. If you're buying a BMW, we all want that little badge, don't we? (Forget about the insurance premiums for a minute…) Advertisement If comfort, acceleration and speed are important to you, then check out this You'll get the better body kit, leather interior, and large alloys. It's a superb-looking car. Under the bonnet, the BMW has a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine that will fly when you put your foot to the floor. Thinking with the head, it's a good price for a relatively new BMW Series-1 with just 61,000 miles under its belt. Advertisement Go on, you know you want it. Sun Motors: Buy your next vehicle today If you're part of the 3.3 million Brits looking to buy a used vehicle this year, Sun Motors is an ideal place to start * If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue Enjoy: A choice of fuel type whether it's petrol, diesel, electric or hybrid A range of models from convertible, estate, saloon and many more A range of top brands such as Ford, Volkswagen, Toyota and BMW Financing options Trusted dealers Latest model: BMW 1 Series M135 xDrive 4 Model: BMW 1 Series M135 xDrive We've gone for the super powerful and ultra-cool Advertisement That's achievable because of the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that knocks out 301 bhp. Ouch. It's a 4WD car, which delivers good handling, traction and stability. The 2025 model here is the latest version with updated and improved external styling. This isn't your average motorway munching BMW, but a powerful sports car that's been somehow sanitised a little bit. Our choice is basically a new car with 100 miles on the clock. Advertisement If you buy it, can we have a drive? Are BMW 1 Series reliable cars? The BMW 1 Series is the best in class for build quality, which means an ultra-reliable drive, which is vital for families. OK, things can still go wrong, but buy a good BMW Series 1, and you should be OK. Buying a used car? Check out Advertisement
The Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
BMW 1 Series used cars: I've driven 47 used hatchback cars – this BMW is by far a standout
OK, so 47 is an estimate, but I have driven a lot of hatchbacks, and the BMW Series 1 is a standout. The quintessential hatchback is, of course, the Golf, which in all its incarnations has delivered – but the BMW pips it, and I'll explain why. 4 I'd always associated BMWs with committed middle managers driving company cars. A few minutes behind the wheel of the BMW Series 1 M Sport changed all that. I'm not going to say that the VW Golf has had its day (or make a joke that the current version of the car is as unfashionable as the sport, as that would be cruel). But the BMW Series 1 does everything you need a hatch to do – but better than the others. What is a hatchback? A hatchback is a car with a large rear door that opens to create a large boot space. Hatchback cars are flexible. You can typically carry 4 or more passengers in comfort. When you need extra carrying space, you can lower the back seats. (Make sure the passengers aren't in there first.) The VW Golf pretty much defined what a hatchback is and what it does, and – despite what we've written above – we still love it. Reviewers know it still does the business, but the Golf spawned a whole lot of imitators – some of which are now ready to challenge for the hatchback king's crown. Benefits of a hatchback Small, manoeuvrable, great handling Excellent visibility from the large rear window Sporty looks (especially souped-up variants, including GTI, M Sport, FR, etc.) Versatile, with space for 4 passengers and luggage Fold-down seats provide extra carrying capacity Perfect for families, city drivers or country dwellers BMW 1 Series: An overview When you're buying a hatchback, it's 50% heart and 50% head. It's got to look great and have the speed and performance you want. It's also got to be fuel efficient, reliable and – in these cash-strapped times – affordable. Let's work through the list. The BMW 1 Series looks, to me, fantastic. Looks are personal, so feel free to disagree. Parkers call it the best premium hatchback. The M Sport version goes above and beyond with 18' alloys, a rear spoiler and splitters, as well as a full leather interior and a beast of an engine. (Ticks box) It's hard to argue with performance. The majority of modern (post-2019) Series 1s are front-wheel drive with either a 3- or 4-cylinder engine. Front-wheel drive makes more space for luggage at the back without impacting the driving experience, which is impeccable. (Ticks box) In-car entertainment and tech is top-notch, as you'd expect on a premium BMW. (Ticks box) It's not a class leader (and real-life returns will vary on your driving style, condition, etc.), but you can expect around 40mpg from an older Series 1. (Ticks box) The BMW Series 1 was one of only two cars that achieved a 100% reliability rating from WhatCar?. (Ticks box) Affordable? Check out this round-up of used BMW Series 1 cars for sale. Buying a used car? Find cars for under £200 on Sun Motors here. Used BMW 1 Series for sale Here are some of the BMW Series-1s for sale on Sun Motors that piqued our interest… Great value: BMW 1 SERIES 1.5 118i SE 4 Model: BMW Series 1 1.5 118i SE FIND HERE This 2018 BMW Series-1 isn't the cheapest on the market at £6,949, but represents something of a bargain. The mileage is low, with 65,000 miles half that of others on the market. The relatively low use shows up in the condition of the car, which is excellent. It's a well-presented car – and the good bits don't stop. The 118i SE model is a slightly more premium package (just below M Sport). The 138 bhp engine is a bit of a beast, but you'll still get almost 40mpg. (Check out the full specs on Parkers.) If we were looking for a great family runaround that would still turn a few heads, this would be a perfect choice. M Sport Monster: BMW 1 Series 1.5 118i M Sport 4 FIND HERE BMW M Sport is legendary, with better internal trim, external styling and engine. If you're buying a BMW, we all want that little badge, don't we? (Forget about the insurance premiums for a minute…) If comfort, acceleration and speed are important to you, then check out this BMW 1 Series 1.5 118i M Sport. Stylish? Absolutely. You'll get the better body kit, leather interior, and large alloys. It's a superb-looking car. Under the bonnet, the BMW has a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine that will fly when you put your foot to the floor. Thinking with the head, it's a good price for a relatively new BMW Series-1 with just 61,000 miles under its belt. Go on, you know you want it. Latest model: BMW 1 Series M135 xDrive FIND HERE We've gone for the super powerful and ultra-cool BMW 1 Series M135 xDrive. We're talking about 0-60mph in under 5 seconds. That's achievable because of the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that knocks out 301 bhp. Ouch. It's a 4WD car, which delivers good handling, traction and stability. The 2025 model here is the latest version with updated and improved external styling. This isn't your average motorway munching BMW, but a powerful sports car that's been somehow sanitised a little bit. Our choice is basically a new car with 100 miles on the clock. If you buy it, can we have a drive? Are BMW 1 Series reliable cars? The BMW 1 Series is the best in class for build quality, which means an ultra-reliable drive, which is vital for families. OK, things can still go wrong, but buy a good BMW Series 1, and you should be OK. Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you're looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
BMW 1 Series used cars: I've driven 47 used hatchback cars – this BMW is by far a standout
BARGAIN BEEMER BMW 1 Series used cars: I've driven 47 used hatchback cars – this BMW is by far a standout Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) OK, so 47 is an estimate, but I have driven a lot of hatchbacks, and the BMW Series 1 is a standout. The quintessential hatchback is, of course, the Golf, which in all its incarnations has delivered – but the BMW pips it, and I'll explain why. 4 I'd always associated BMWs with committed middle managers driving company cars. A few minutes behind the wheel of the BMW Series 1 M Sport changed all that. I'm not going to say that the VW Golf has had its day (or make a joke that the current version of the car is as unfashionable as the sport, as that would be cruel). But the BMW Series 1 does everything you need a hatch to do – but better than the others. What is a hatchback? A hatchback is a car with a large rear door that opens to create a large boot space. Hatchback cars are flexible. You can typically carry 4 or more passengers in comfort. When you need extra carrying space, you can lower the back seats. (Make sure the passengers aren't in there first.) The VW Golf pretty much defined what a hatchback is and what it does, and – despite what we've written above – we still love it. Reviewers know it still does the business, but the Golf spawned a whole lot of imitators – some of which are now ready to challenge for the hatchback king's crown. Most read in Buy NEED FOR SPEED I'm a used car expert, these are the top FASTEST selling cars I'd recommend Benefits of a hatchback Small, manoeuvrable, great handling Excellent visibility from the large rear window Sporty looks (especially souped-up variants, including GTI, M Sport, FR, etc.) Versatile, with space for 4 passengers and luggage Fold-down seats provide extra carrying capacity Perfect for families, city drivers or country dwellers BMW 1 Series: An overview When you're buying a hatchback, it's 50% heart and 50% head. It's got to look great and have the speed and performance you want. It's also got to be fuel efficient, reliable and – in these cash-strapped times – affordable. Let's work through the list. The BMW 1 Series looks, to me, fantastic. Looks are personal, so feel free to disagree. Parkers call it the best premium hatchback. The M Sport version goes above and beyond with 18' alloys, a rear spoiler and splitters, as well as a full leather interior and a beast of an engine. (Ticks box) It's hard to argue with performance. The majority of modern (post-2019) Series 1s are front-wheel drive with either a 3- or 4-cylinder engine. Front-wheel drive makes more space for luggage at the back without impacting the driving experience, which is impeccable. (Ticks box) In-car entertainment and tech is top-notch, as you'd expect on a premium BMW. (Ticks box) It's not a class leader (and real-life returns will vary on your driving style, condition, etc.), but you can expect around 40mpg from an older Series 1. (Ticks box) The BMW Series 1 was one of only two cars that achieved a 100% reliability rating from WhatCar?. (Ticks box) Affordable? Check out this round-up of used BMW Series 1 cars for sale. Buying a used car? Find cars for under £200 on Sun Motors here. Used BMW 1 Series for sale Here are some of the BMW Series-1s for sale on Sun Motors that piqued our interest… Great value: BMW 1 SERIES 1.5 118i SE 4 Model: BMW Series 1 1.5 118i SE This 2018 BMW Series-1 isn't the cheapest on the market at £6,949, but represents something of a bargain. The mileage is low, with 65,000 miles half that of others on the market. The relatively low use shows up in the condition of the car, which is excellent. It's a well-presented car – and the good bits don't stop. The 118i SE model is a slightly more premium package (just below M Sport). The 138 bhp engine is a bit of a beast, but you'll still get almost 40mpg. (Check out the full specs on Parkers.) If we were looking for a great family runaround that would still turn a few heads, this would be a perfect choice. M Sport Monster: BMW 1 Series 1.5 118i M Sport 4 Model: BMW 1 Series 1.5 118i M Sport BMW M Sport is legendary, with better internal trim, external styling and engine. If you're buying a BMW, we all want that little badge, don't we? (Forget about the insurance premiums for a minute…) If comfort, acceleration and speed are important to you, then check out this BMW 1 Series 1.5 118i M Sport. Stylish? Absolutely. You'll get the better body kit, leather interior, and large alloys. It's a superb-looking car. Under the bonnet, the BMW has a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine that will fly when you put your foot to the floor. Thinking with the head, it's a good price for a relatively new BMW Series-1 with just 61,000 miles under its belt. Go on, you know you want it. Sun Motors: Buy your next vehicle today If you're part of the 3.3 million Brits looking to buy a used vehicle this year, Sun Motors is an ideal place to start *If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue Sun Motors is a seamless, straightforward, transparent platform that ranks by customer searches, not payments. It offers innovative financing and concierge services, ensuring a simple, fair car-buying experience. Enjoy: A choice of fuel type whether it's petrol, diesel, electric or hybrid A range of models from convertible, estate, saloon and many more A range of top brands such as Ford, Volkswagen, Toyota and BMW Financing options Trusted dealers Get started finding your next used vehicle here. Latest model: BMW 1 Series M135 xDrive 4 Model: BMW 1 Series M135 xDrive We've gone for the super powerful and ultra-cool BMW 1 Series M135 xDrive. We're talking about 0-60mph in under 5 seconds. That's achievable because of the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that knocks out 301 bhp. Ouch. It's a 4WD car, which delivers good handling, traction and stability. The 2025 model here is the latest version with updated and improved external styling. This isn't your average motorway munching BMW, but a powerful sports car that's been somehow sanitised a little bit. Our choice is basically a new car with 100 miles on the clock. If you buy it, can we have a drive? Are BMW 1 Series reliable cars? The BMW 1 Series is the best in class for build quality, which means an ultra-reliable drive, which is vital for families. OK, things can still go wrong, but buy a good BMW Series 1, and you should be OK. Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you're looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.
