Latest from IOL News
IOL News
29 minutes ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Dr Elsie praises Golden Fireballs defenders after perfect run continues in Telkom Netball League
The Golden Fireballs build up an attack against the Aloes at the Durban ICC on Monday. Telkom Netball League Division 1 leaders the Golden Fireballs kept up their prefect start to the competition when Power Week 3 tipped off at the Durban ICC on Monday. The Gauteng team coached by Dr Elsje Jordaan, assisted by Proteas legend Bongi Msomi, thumped the Eastern Cape Aloes 64-40. The teams were neck and neck early in the first quarter as they traded goals with the score tied at 13-all. But the Fireballs pulled away in the second quarter and led 28-22 at half-time. Sharp shooter Star goal shooter Owethu "Sammy" Ngubane was at the heart of all that was good about the Gauteng team's play, with a number of intercepts in midcourt disrupting the Aloes' play. She was also clinical with her shooting in the goal circle with goal shooter Nomfundo Mngomezulu struggling to find her rhythm. She would later leave the court after picking up an injury. It was no surprise that Ngubane was later named Player of the Match. Seven unanswered points at the beginning of the third quarter by the Fireballs seemed to suck the life out of the visibly tiring Aloes. The match seemed over as a contest with a full quarter to go and the score 52-34. The fireballs rang the changes in the final quarter as they cruised to the 64-40 win in their opening match of the third round. "We're quite happy with the result. Our first pool game wasn't that great. I didn't think we were as clinical in attack as we should have been, and we should have made sure to convert more of our turnover ball," coach Jordaan told Independent Media after the match. "I thought there was really a great defensive effort by our defenders."
IOL News
an hour ago
- Sport
- IOL News
England win third Test thriller against India at Lord's
England win England players celebrate their win over India on day 5 of the third cricket test match at Lord's cricket ground in London, on Monday. Photo: Ben Stansall/AFP Image: Ben Stansall/AFP England beat India by 22 runs to win a thrilling third Test at Lord's on Monday as they went 2-1 up in a five-match series. India were on the brink of defeat at 147-9, still needing a further 46 runs to reach a victory target of 193, when last man Mohammed Siraj joined Ravindra Jadeja in the middle. Nevertheless, the pair batted on until after tea on the final day to give India hope of an improbable win. But with India in sight of just their fourth win in 20 Tests at Lord's, Siraj played on to off-spinner Shoaib Bashir – off the field for much of the match with a finger injury – with the ball just dislodging the leg bail to the batsman's visible despair. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Jadeja was left stranded on 61 not out – the all-rounder's fourth consecutive fifty this series – after taking India to within sight of what would have been a stunning success before they were all out for 170. England captain Ben Stokes bowled two lengthy spell Monday on his way to an innings return of 3-48, with fast bowler Jofra Archer – in his first Test after more than four years of injury induced exile – taking 3-55. India were all but beaten at 112-8 when tailender Jasprit Bumrah came out to bat immediately after lunch. But Jadeja and Bumrah kept England at bay with a stubborn stand of 35 in 22 overs. Bumrah, defying a run of four successive noughts in Test cricket, defended gamely while making five in 54 balls only for his innings to end when he top-edged a pull off Stokes to substitute fielder Sam Cook at mid-on. India were now 147-9 – a position that meant tea was delayed by 30 minutes. But Jadeja, who overturned an lbw decision given against him on 26, went to fifty when a flashing cut off Stokes flew over the slips for the left-hander's fourth four in 150 balls faced. Shortly after tea, Archer struck Siraj a painful blow on the shoulder and it was not long before he fell to Bashir. This match became a second-innings shoot-out after both teams made 387 in their first innings. England then posted 192 before India slumped to 58-4 when Stokes bowled nightwatchman Akash Deep with what became the last ball of Sunday's play. Bumrah resistance From 71-4 on Monday, the match swung England's way once more as India lost three wickets for 11 runs in collapsing to 82-7. Bumrah, the world's top-ranked Test bowler, took 5-74 in England's first innings after being rested from India's dominant 336-run win in the second Test at Edgbaston. But in 46 Tests before this match he averaged a mere 6.77 with the bat. Nevertheless, Bumrah got off the mark on Monday with an impressive pulled four off Archer through a vacant midwicket. England thought they had dismissed Jadeja for 26 when he was given out on the field lbw to Chris Woakes. But Jadeja's review indicated that impact had been made marginally outside off stump and the decision was overturned. Next ball, the left-hander launched Woakes for a huge six over midwicket. Earlier, Rishabh Pant – who only came into bat on Monday following Deep's departure – charged down the pitch to drive Archer for a typically aggressive four. But two balls later Archer, repeatedly topping the 90 mph mark, bowled dangerman Pant for nine with a superb full-length delivery that clipped the top of off stump. India were looking to KL Rahul to anchor their chase following the opener's first-innings hundred. But Rahul had added just six runs to his overnight 33 when he was lbw on review to lively medium-pacer Stokes after getting too far across his stumps. Archer, who starred in England's 2019 World Cup final win at Lord's and made his Test debut at the northwest London ground that same season, then struck again. The 30-year-old reduced India to 82-7 when he held a sharp one-handed caught to dismiss Washington Sundar for a duck. AFP Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
IOL News
an hour ago
- General
- IOL News
Weekend rescues: Western Cape hikers saved from peril
A WSAR helicopter team hoists an injured hiker from Lion's Head after she slipped and broke her leg on Saturday. Image: Facebook/WSAR A series of dramatic rescues unfolded across the Western Cape this past weekend as Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) teams raced to save hikers stranded by swollen rivers, injured on popular trails, and lost overnight in the mountains. 'Time is a critical factor in any emergency, and calling the correct number ensures a faster, more efficient response that can make a significant difference to the outcome,' said WSAR spokesperson David Nel. On Saturday morning, three hikers were left stranded in the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area above Porterville when heavy rain turned a river crossing into a dangerous obstacle. The group, who had planned to finish their hike on Thursday, became trapped and eventually contacted family to explain the delay. When they still hadn't returned by Saturday, they were reported missing. Before a major ground search was launched, they confirmed they were safe. 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 Later that day, a 52-year-old woman slipped while descending Lion's Head and badly injured her leg. Quick-thinking members of the Bellville Voetslaanklub, who had recently attended a WSAR safety presentation, immediately provided the correct emergency number to her daughter. A helicopter rescue team was swiftly dispatched, and the woman was airlifted to hospital after being stabilised on the mountain. On Sunday morning, a 73-year-old hiker fell and struck her head on the Contour Path above Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. She was found to be stable and was assisted safely down the trail. In the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, four young hikers aged 19 to 29 lost their way after taking an old, disused trail and were forced to spend a freezing night in the mountains. Early on Sunday, they managed to get cellphone reception and called for help. CapeNature rangers were dispatched and successfully guided the exhausted but unharmed hikers back to safety. Reflecting on the weekend's events, Nel said; 'We're truly grateful to all the rescue team members who respond so willingly. Their ongoing commitment and readiness to assist, often in tough conditions, makes a real difference and is deeply appreciated.' 'Our thoughts are with the two injured hikers, and we wish them both a smooth and full recovery,' he added. Nel urged all hikers to call without hesitation. 'At times people delay calling because they're worried about the cost of being rescued, but there's no charge for wilderness rescue in the Western Cape.' 'It costs nothing to call, but waiting could cost everything, 021 937 0300,' he said. IOL News
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Alleged 28s boss Ralph Stanfield and co-accused face high court trial for Rashied Staggie's murder
Alleged 28s gang kingpin, Ralph Stanfield. Image: File The alleged leader of the 28s gang, Ralph Stanfield and his co-accused appear in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court on Monday, where it was revealed the group will be heading to face trial in the Western Cape High Court. Stanfield, his wife, Nicole Johnson, and 12 others face an array of charges in what is expected to be an explosive trial to hit the high court. The accused include: Johannes Abrahams, Denver Booysen, Jose Brandt, Jonathan Cloete, Shakeel Pelston, Imtyaas Sedick, Warren-Lee Dennis, Michael Morris, Chevonne McNab, Sharaxaadt Essop, Brandon Cornelius, and Keathan Gardiner. The other accused, Abraham Wilson, has since died. Alleged hitman Abraham Wilson has since died Image: File 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ The group face 41 charges, including murder, attempted murder, fraud, illegal possession of firearms, illegal possession of ammunition, robbery, and theft of a motor vehicle. In an indictment handed over to the court, the group are alleged to have conspired and murdered Hard Livings (HL) gang boss Rashied Staggie in a hail of bullets on December 13, 2019, in London Road, Salt River. At the time, the 28s and HLs were embroiled in a hectic turf war. Hard Livings boss Rashied Staggie was gunned down in Salt River Image: File Staggie was killed on the same spot where his twin brother, Rashaad was shot and set alight in August 1996. The murder charges also relate to the late City of Cape Town employee Wendy Kloppers. Kloppers, 49, who worked for the City's Environmental Affairs Department, was gunned down on February 16, 2023, in Delft. Wendy Kloppers was gunned down in February 2023. Image: File The murder of 27s gang leader, William 'Red' Stevens, who was gunned down in February 2021, in Kraaifontein has also been listed among the charges. In its indicted handed over to the court, the State is set to prove that the group acted and are active members of a criminal gang known as 'The Firm' operating in Bishop Lavis, Valhalla Park, Delft, and Mitchells Plain and hold positions of leadership and subservience in accordance with the ranking system of the 28s prison gang. The indictment names Stanfield as the leader. Leader of 27s, William 'Red' Stevens, was gunned down. Image: File The Firm opposes and fights against members of the 27s prison gang, HLs, Dixie Boys, Sexy Boys, and Ghetto Kids operating in Kraaifontein, Woodstock, Parow, Bellville, Belhar, and Eerste River. The Western Cape spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Eric Ntabazalila, confirmed the matter has been transferred to the high court. The matter has since been postponed until November 7, 2025, for pre-trial. IOL
IOL News
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Meet the revamped Opel Grandland: a striking German SUV aiming to dethrone Chinese rivals
Opel has completely revamped their Grandland SUV. Image: Supplied Opel has completely revamped its Grandland SUV incorporating many of the features first seen in the Experimental concept car and now introduced on a production model. It's bulkier and more angular than the outgoing model, which was more of a wallflower than extrovert thanks to 173mm of extra length, 54mm extra width and standing 19mm higher. Exterior They have introduced a new execution of the Opel brand face: the 3D Vizor that's combined with the illuminated Opel Griffin logo made more prominent using Edge Light Technology. Making its debut on the Grandland is Intelli-Lux Pixel Matrix HD with 51,200 elements for high-definition light distribution. Based on traffic, a camera detects oncoming objects which then cuts them out providing a brighter and more homogeneous light pattern. There's a funky welcome and goodbye animation with graphical projections in front of the vehicle. At the rear of the Grandland the distinctive compass lighting signature with the first integration of the illuminated 'OPEL' wordmark, also makes its debut while the LED brake light bar stretches across its full width. There's no more chrome lettering as Opel's Greenovation approach replaces it with embossed lettering. Standing on 19-inch alloys, cladded elements around the wheels and lower body and combined with a two-tone floating roof the family SUV is one of the more attractive ones around. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ The Opel Grandland receives the distinctive compass lighting signature with the first integration of the illuminated 'OPEL' wordmark. Image: Supplied Interior The interior has also been thoroughly upgraded to a more modern and neater look and feel although there were some elements around the centre console especially that felt less than premium. Behind the steering wheel is what Opel calls a discrete 10-inch instrument cluster that neatly fits under the top of the dashboard without dominating your view. In the short time we got to drive it the 16-inch infotainment system provided clear and crisp graphics and seemed easy enough to operate. They have also introduced Pure Mode that reduces the content on the screens and head-up display providing a less distracting experience. Fortunately frequently used settings like climate control and volume can still be accessed by physical buttons. The new Pixel Box has a translucent glass face behind which is a wireless charger and USB ports allowing you to keep an eye on the charging process and preventing the phone from sliding around and falling out. Single powertrain While the platform allows for New Energy Vehicle set-ups, locally it is powered by the company's PureTech turbo-charged petrol engine with 134kW and 300Nm coupled to a six speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels. For some sporty driving there are now paddle shifters. The GS Line for now is the only model range available. Behind thee steering wheel of the Opel Grandland is a discrete 10-inch instrument cluster. Image: Supplied Driving Climbing into the cabin the ergonomic AGR seats provide a very comfortable perch. AGR is the German 'Campaign for Healthier Backs' and the seats (the driver's seat is ventilated and features a massage function) have lateral comfort adjustment thanks to two pneumatic pockets located in the backrest's side bolsters. There's also an Intelli-Seat feature in the front seats, a slot that relieves pressure on the tailbone on long journeys. We'll be able to pass better judgement on the Grandland's suspension set-up when we get it for a full review, but it's fitted with frequency selective damping (FSD) technology used in the chassis. FSD creates a second hydraulic circuit in the damper chamber to mechanically adapt the damping force about the frequency. Depending on the situation, road surface conditions and driving style, it enables different damping characteristics. Brief driving impressions through Fourways towards Kyalami though were fairly positive. Once it has reached its ideal rev-range it powers along nicely despite being a bit sluggish on take-off. The driving position is comfortable and the steering wheel rake and reach adjustable. Safety Fitted with Intelli-Drive 2.0 system it receives Automatic Cruise Control with Stop and Go function, Extended Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Adaptation and In Crash Braking, semi-automatic lane-change assist and Recommended Speed Adaption as well as a rear-view camera with an automatic cleaning function. In a market that's regularly flooded with new SUVs here's hoping that another German rival can take on the Chinese that seem to have a strong foothold. It comes with a five year/100,000km warranty with Roadside Assistance, a five year/90,000km service plan and a 12 year/unlimited kilometre anticorrosion warranty. Pricing GS Line 1,6T AT: R789,900.00
