Latest news with #inl.co.za
IOL News
4 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Court rules Ace Magashule's assistant cannot be tried in asbestos case as her extradition is unlawful
Moroadi Cholota's extradition from the USA was declared unlawful in the Bloemfontein High Court. She no longer faces any charges and can go back to the USA. Image: File The Bloemfontein High Court ruled that former Free State premier Ace Magashule's personal assistant, Moroadi Cholota, cannot be tried in the R255 million asbestos case, as her extradition from the United States of America was unlawful. Judge Philip Loubser on Tuesday found Cholota's extradition was unlawful due to the lack of a lawful extradition request by the South African executive. 'This court does not have the power to try you. You are free to leave,' the judge told Cholota. Cholota was one of the 18 accused in the high-profile trial where the accused are facing a host of charges relating to alleged fraud, corruption, and money laundering. All of the accused had pleaded not guilty and vehemently denied any involvement in the allegations against them. A trial-within-a-trial was held to establish whether Cholota's extradition was lawful after she had contested it by way of a special plea. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The request for the extradition from the United States to South Africa was made by the Director of Public Prosecutions in the Free State. The judge stated that this request was not lawfully executed and thus it is not valid. Cholota was studying in the United States at the time of her extradition. The NPA, meanwhile, said it is studying the judgment.
IOL News
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Countdown to Miss World 2025: South Africa's Zoalize makes strides with purpose
The anticipation builds for Miss World 2025 as South Africa's Zoalise scores big with top 20 multimedia finish and a stunning award-winning gown celebrating her rich heritage. The anticipation builds for Miss World 2025 as South Africa's Zoalise scores big with top 20 multimedia finish and a stunning award-winning gown celebrating her rich heritage. As anticipation builds for the 72nd edition of the Miss World pageant, set to take place on May 31, 2025, at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, Telangana, the competition is heating up. Contestants from across the globe are showcasing their talents and cultural heritage in pursuit of the prestigious title. Among them, Miss World South Africa Zoalize Jansen Van Rensburg is making headlines with her outstanding performances, securing a place in the top 20 finalists for the multimedia challenge. In addition to her multimedia success, Jansen Van Rensburg has also been recognised as the winner of the World Designer Award - Africa. The beauty queen took to the stage wearing a stunning creation by designer Juan William Aria, a gown that not only highlights her individual beauty but also encapsulates the richness of South Africa's natural landscapes and cultural ethos. This exquisite gown, crafted from satin glass fabric, is adorned with intricate hand-embroidered motifs and bespoke artwork. Its design pays tribute to the vibrant flora of South Africa, with the protea—the national flower—symbolising unity, innovation, and the humble strength of the nation. 'It is a celebration of who we are as a people – diverse, rooted, and proud,' Jansen Van Rensburg remarked, expressing her appreciation for the artistry and vision that went into her attire. She has been on an enlightening journey throughout the Miss World competition, frequently documenting her experiences on social media. She recently shared an important lesson she has gleaned from her journey: the significance of leading with purpose. 'Always lead with purpose,' she emphasised, noting the invaluable role of compassionate leadership in effecting meaningful change in the world. This mantra resonates closely with the 'Beauty with a Purpose' programme established by Ms Julia Morley CBE, which seeks to empower communities and inspire action towards social causes. Saturday Star
IOL News
26-04-2025
- IOL News
Jacquen Appollis details police brutality in Joshlin Smith case
Jacquen 'Boeta' Appollis has taken the stand in the Western Cape High Court, recounting harrowing details of alleged police brutality and coercion during his interrogation. In a gripping continuation of the trial-within-a-trial in the Joshlin Smith case, which is at the Western Cape High Court, Jacquen 'Boeta' Appollis gave emotional testimony alleging that he was beaten, tortured, and coerced by police into giving a false statement. Appollis, boyfriend of Joshlin's mother, Racquel 'Kelly' Smith, and the last known person to have seen the six-year-old before her disappearance on 19 February 2024, described chilling details of what happened to him after police picked him up on 4 March 2024. Appollis recalled being taken to the Sea Border offices in Saldanha, where he claims officers wrapped a black bag over his head and beat him with batons. 'A Xhosa man stood in front of me and asked if I knew Jesus. When I said yes, he put the bag over my head. I told them I didn't know where Joshlin was. That's when they hit me, on my legs, feet, and knees,' he testified. He said his hands were cable-tied and his body wrapped in a flag as multiple officers hit him repeatedly. 'They asked me if I knew Maka Lima. I said yes. I felt relief when they asked about her, as it meant they would stop hitting me. I told them where she stays.' Appollis testified that he was later placed in a vehicle, handcuffed, and transported, allegedly with Sergeant Dawid Johannes Fortuin, to identify Maka Lima. After her arrest, he witnessed female officers beating her under her feet with batons. 'She asked me, 'How can you do that?' "They took me out and said I must go to Kelly and say she told me to take Joshlin to Maka Lima for R20,000,' he added. He told the court he spent the night in a vehicle outside the Sea Border offices and said Sergeant Felicia Johnson later read him his rights, still inside the car. The following morning, three detectives drove him to the hospital. 'They told me not to say how I got the injuries, or else I would be assaulted again and it would be worse. I told the doctor I fell from a bakkie. That wasn't the truth; I was scared. They had told me if I spoke out, it would be worse next time.' He testified that the doctor noticed his limp and visible facial injuries. Appollis said he pointed to his injured foot and knee and was given pain tablets before being returned to the Sea Border office. There, he was allegedly told to repeat his story exactly how it was prescribed to him by the police. The testimony forms part of the trial-within-a-trial to determine whether confessions by Appollis and co-accused Steveno van Rhyn were obtained voluntarily. Judge Nathan Erasmus is overseeing proceedings. The state has yet to respond to these new claims, while defense attorney Fanie Harmse continues to argue that any confession made under such conditions cannot be deemed lawful or admissible.
IOL News
23-04-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
President Ramaphosa to host Ukraine's Zelenskyy for historic bilateral talks
President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Pretoria on Thursday. Image: File Discussions around bilateral relations and expanding bilateral cooperation, and the exploration of cooperation in support of efforts to build lasting peace, will be on the agenda when President Cyril Ramaphosa hosts Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on an official visit to South Africa at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Thursday. According to the South African Presidency, Zelenskyy's visit will be the first by a Ukrainian head of state to South Africa. On June 16, 2023, Ramaphosa visited Ukraine as part of the Africa Peace Initiative to Ukraine. The presidency said the visit will allow South Africa and Ukraine to discuss bilateral relations and expand bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, agriculture, and education, and explore areas of cooperation in support of efforts to build lasting peace. However, in a recent parliamentary question, ActionSA's Athol Trollip asked Ramaphosa about the role the government sees for itself in current or future peace processes between Russia and Ukraine, given Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, how the visit aligns with South Africa's long-standing position of non-alignment, and the outcomes the government aims to achieve through these engagements. Responding, Ramaphosa said Zelenskyy would be in the country to pay a working visit to South Africa. The working visit will focus on strengthening bilateral relations through political engagement and identifying new areas of cooperation. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gestures next to South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa as they address media after their talks in Kyiv in June 2023. Image: Sergei Supinsky/ AFP Ramaphosa said South Africa continues to encourage all the parties to strengthen all diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, and to work towards an inclusive, sustainable and peaceful solution based on cooperation and dialogue. 'Given our history, South Africa believes that diplomacy and dialogue remain the only path to a sustainable and peaceful resolution of the conflict. South Africa continues to maintain the position that this conflict should be settled through negotiation and by diplomatic means. South Africa is a participant in the Africa Peace Initiative, which has enabled our country to engage both sides of the conflict,' Ramaphosa said. On Thursday, Ramaphosa is expected to receive Zelenskyy at the Union Buildings, followed by a closed session of official talks between the presidents before they brief the media.
