Latest news with #Vryheid
The Herald
2 days ago
- The Herald
Three nabbed after armed robbery and rhino killed at Paulpietersburg game reserve
'While busy with their criminal activity, they were distracted by the sound of an alarm which had been activated. They fled the scene, leaving behind the shotgun next to the rhino carcass,' said Magwaza. He said police were alerted to the incident and responded swiftly. 'Upon their arrival at the scene, the suspects had already fled the game reserve. Police members, together with private security personnel, worked tirelessly throughout the day looking for the suspects. With assistance from community members, the suspects were eventually arrested as they took refuge in the bush.' said Magwaza. Police seized an R5 rifle, a 303 rifle and a rhino horn. The suspects' vehicle was also seized. The suspects were charged with armed robbery, rhino poaching and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. They will appear at the Vryheid magistrate's court on Monday. TimesLIVE
The Herald
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Herald
KZN ANC branch rallies behind Mchunu ahead of commission of inquiry
An ANC ward in Vryheid under the Mzala Nxumalo region in the north of KwaZulu-Natal has rallied behind embattled police minister Senzo Mchunu. Mchunu was placed on special leave by President Cyril Ramaphosa after explosive corruption allegations made against him by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. ANC's ward 23 treasurer Lindokuhle Xulu said they fully support Mchunu because he respected all processes including the establishment of a commission of inquiry to investigate allegations against him. 'Mchunu has shown discipline as a seasoned comrade. We respect him for displaying such ethical behaviour as a leader. We also support him for always being loyal to the ANC values which bind us as comrades to be always disciplined,' said Xulu. The branch presented Mchunu with sheep when he was in the area during an ANC campaign for a by-election held recently. That by-election was won by the IFP. The commission that will probe allegations against Mchunu will be chaired by acting deputy chief justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. A source close to Mchunu alleged he was being attacked by comrades who want to disrupt his campaign ahead of the party's national elective conference in 2027. Some party insiders said Mchunu wants to be the next ANC president. TimesLIVE
The Herald
24-06-2025
- Politics
- The Herald
'Prisoners get three meals a day while youth go to bed on empty stomachs': Malema
EFF leader Julius Malema has criticised the government for prioritising prisoners' welfare over that of young people struggling with unemployment and poverty. Speaking at a mass funeral service in Vryheid in KwaZulu-Natal for seven of the 10 party members who died in a bus crash near Ulundi on Monday night, Malema highlighted the disparity between government spending on prisoners vs support for young people. Malema said their deaths were a painful reminder that young black people in the country were not prioritised. 'Almost one in every two young people is without work,' he said. 'They wake up every morning with no salary, no opportunity and no dignity. They stand on street corners with degrees and diplomas while others are even denied the chance to study because this government has failed to deliver free, quality, decolonised education and promises made on stages but forgotten in boardrooms. 'Meanwhile we live in a country where prisoners receive three meals a day, have access to free uniforms and are offered education and rehabilitation programmes while young people go to bed on an empty stomach, wear torn clothes and are forced to drop out of school because they cannot afford registration fees.' The youth unemployment rate in South Africa increased to 46.1% in the first quarter of 2025, with millions of young people aged 15 to 34 without work.
The Herald
23-06-2025
- Politics
- The Herald
Malema vows to build houses for families of KZN bus crash victims
EFF leader Julius Malema has committed to building houses and boreholes for the families of 10 party members who died in a bus crash last week while returning from a Youth Day rally in Durban. Malema addressed the mass funeral service in Vryheid on Sunday. 'We are going to honour these 10 fallen heroes, each one of them with a house that has all the facilities,' he said. 'If there's no water in those yards, we'll make sure we put [in] boreholes so we restore the dignity of those families. We will build those houses and put [in] those boreholes because we want to build a permanent relationship with these families. We don't want to forget you and don't forget us.' He assured the families they are not alone. 'Your loss is our loss. Your tears are our tears. Your children are not forgotten. The EFF will walk with you, we will support you and we will continue to fight in their name. 'As the EFF, we say their death must not be in vain. Their passing must become a turning point. We must honour them not only with flowers and words but with action. We must fix our roads, regulate the transport industry and demand accountability.' The accident happened on June 17 when the group was returning from the rally. A bus carrying EFF supporters collided with a truck on the R34 near Vryheid. Malema described the members who died as 'soldiers', drawing a parallel to the youth of 1976 who died for freedom. 'These are not just names in headlines or numbers in a report. These were young people who had dreams. They were full of life, full of promise and full of courage that defines the children of working-class and oppressed families. They died while in pursuit of life. They were travelling with hope in their hearts, but the journey that should've taken them towards opportunity ended in tragedy.' He said their parents should be proud that their children did not die from drug or alcohol abuse but on the 'battlefield'. 'Your children are soldiers; they are martyrs and the names of your children will be called when the names of the martyrs are called. Be proud that your children have inspired many generations to come.' TimesLIVE
News24
17-06-2025
- Politics
- News24
‘They died in the line of duty': EFF on 12 members killed in KZN bus crash
SUPPLIED MEC says they had been informed that dismembered body parts of some victims were still missing. The truck and bus drivers survived and were also taken to hospitals. EFF said the deceased lost their lives following a show of support for the revolution they belonged to. The EFF has confirmed that the bus that killed 12 people in a tragic accident in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday morning was carrying its members. The deadly accident which according to the KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements left ten other passengers seriously injured and 22 slightly injured - happened just after midnight, when the bus collided head-on with a truck on the R34 near Vryheid. The party said it was saddened by the tragic passing of those who lost their lives in the devastating accident. EFF said in a statement: The EFF has confirmed that the transportation was taking members home from our June 16 Rally in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal. The EFF sends it deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of all those who have lost their lives. EFF These fighters, the party said, lost their lives following a show of support for the revolution they belonged to, and they must be remembered as heroes to whom we owe a great debt. The party said: These were committed Fighters, who had attended the rally to honour the courage of the youth of 1976 and to continue the struggle for economic freedom. They died in the line of duty, and their lives will never be forgotten… We send our heartfelt condolences to the families and pray for healing to those injured. We will continue to honour the memory of the fallen with action and commitment to the struggle they believed in. Many more have been injured and are receiving medical attention, the party said, and that the process of identifying the deceased was ongoing. The party said it was working with relevant authorities to ensure families are informed and supported. KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, said he would get an updated report from the Road Traffic Inspectorate as well as the SA Police Service. He said his department had been informed that dismembered body parts of some victims were still missing and that the number of fatalities would either decrease or increase Duma added that some victims were taken to local hospitals and that they were making all efforts to reach out to family members. The truck and bus drivers survived and were also taken to hospitals.
