Latest news with #R1
The Citizen
19 minutes ago
- The Citizen
Northern Cape man who killed sister's baby while high on tik escapes life sentence
The sister told the court during trial that she had forgiven her brother. A 39-year-old man who killed his sister's one-year-old child while under the influence of the drug tik (crystal meth) has avoided a life sentence. The accused, referred to only as D.F., was recently sentenced to five years' imprisonment by the Northern Cape High Court in Kimberly. Background D.F. faced four charges of assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), kidnapping, murder, and housebreaking with intent to commit a crime. He had already spent approximately two years and four months in custody at the time of sentencing, awaiting the conclusion of his trial. Although the judgment did not provide detailed facts about the incident, arrest, or trial proceedings, it confirmed that D.F., who was 34 at the time of the offence, underwent a 30-day psychiatric evaluation due to his history of drug addiction. ALSO READ: Mother in custody after video of 3-year-old boy allegedly smoking drugs [VIDEO] A psychiatric report concluded that the accused was mentally fit to stand trial, but had been so heavily intoxicated at the time of the offences that his ability to appreciate the wrongfulness of his actions was negatively impacted. As a result, the 39-year-old man was not convicted on the original charges, but rather under Section 1(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act (CLAA), which applies to crimes committed while an individual is voluntarily intoxicated. Correctional services report A witness for the state, Ms Klaaste, a correctional services officer, had presented a report to the court during the trial, arguing against a non-custodial sentence under Section 276(1)(h) of the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA). She stressed the seriousness of D.F's actions and the inadequacy of state-run rehabilitation services outside prison due to overcrowding and placement delays. Private facilities, she told the court, were too expensive and unaffordable for the accused. READ MORE: Criminal record? These are the options for children bust with drugs Klaaste testified that the Kimberley Correctional Centre had a full-time doctor and trained nursing staff with experience in managing mental health conditions. This, she added, would enable D.F to take his prescribed medication consistently for his chronic drug-induced psychotic mood disorder and epilepsy. Such support was not available at the Hopetown Correctional Centre, which is closer to D.F's home and family. Northern Cape High Court sentencing In delivering his judgment, Northern Cape High Court Judge Lawrence Lever considered the nature of the offences, the accused's personal circumstances, and the broader interests of society. D.F's background included a Grade 11 education, casual work on a farm earning R1 200 every two weeks, and fatherhood to two children. The judge also took into account the 39-year-old man's time already served in custody and the fact that he committed the offences while in a drug-induced psychotic state. 'Dr Kirimi described the accused as acting as if he were an automaton,' the judgment reads. Lever also reflected on the testimony of D.F's sister, who was both the victim of the assault and the mother of the deceased child. READ MORE: Why isn't it more difficult to do drugs in South Africa? While acknowledging the deep impact of her child's death, she told the court she had forgiven her brother. She also shared that she had suffered from drug addiction herself, starting before D.F., and that her brother had once tried to help her overcome it, which she ultimately did. 'Ms F seemed to understand her brother's addiction. She also seemed to have a genuine desire to help him. 'It is clear from the evidence placed before this court prior to the conviction of the accused and during the sentencing process that abuse of the drug tik was central to this tragedy. That were it not for his addiction, this tragedy would not have happened,' Lever said. Minimum sentence not applicable Noting the seriousness of the murder and kidnapping, the judge concluded that the prescribed minimum sentences for serious offences, including life imprisonment under Section 51 of the CLAA, did not apply in this case. Referring to a previous judgment, Lever said that although punishment must fit both the criminal and the crime, 'it is appropriate to show the accused a measure of mercy' under the circumstances. 'The accused must also receive treatment to optimise his chances of rehabilitation and optimise the chances of preventing a similar tragedy in the future.' Lever, therefore, imposed a custodial sentence, ordering that D.F serve his sentence at the Kimberley Correctional Centre. The court handed down sentences for each conviction: five years for murder, three years for kidnapping, six months for assault, and three months for housebreaking, which will run concurrently. As a result, D.F received an effective sentence of five years' imprisonment, which includes the more than two years he has already served in custody during the trial process. NOW READ: Drug-addicted mother who killed son and went to church gets 20 years
Gulf Insider
20 minutes ago
- Automotive
- Gulf Insider
China Robot Giant Unveils Tesla Optimus Killer
Unitree Robotics, China's dominant robot company, is turning heads with the release of its new humanoid that can fist-fight and perform cartwheels – capabilities that represent a direct challenge to Elon Musk's ambitions of establishing Tesla's Optimus as the world's leading humanoid Unitree Robotics R1, weighing 55 pounds and equipped with 26 joints for fluid movement, showcases advanced capabilities like cartwheels, spin-kicks, and a 'kip-up' maneuver, transitioning from a supine position to standing without using its hands, as demonstrated in a recent video released by the company. Unitree Introducing | Unitree R1 Intelligent Companion Price from $5900Join us to develop/customize, ultra-lightweight at approximately 25kg, integrated with a Large Multimodal Model for voice and images, let's accelerate the advent of the agent era!🥰 — Unitree (@UnitreeRobotics) July 25, 2025 The R1's launch directly challenges Elon Musk's vision for Tesla's Optimus, which aims to lead the global humanoid robotics market. Musk has outlined ambitious plans, predicting in January that Tesla could produce 'several thousand' Optimus robots this year for internal factory use, with goals to scale to 50,000–100,000 units in 2026 and achieve a tenfold increase the following year. However, reports from Taiwan's Digitimes suggest Tesla's Optimus faces production delays due to a redesign, with unnamed Chinese supply chain sources indicating ongoing refinements to key components before mass production can resume. The humanoid robotics market could see explosive growth, with projections estimating a $5 trillion industry by 2050, encompassing supply chains, maintenance, and support networks. Morgan Stanely analysts anticipate adoption will surge in the late 2030s, driven by technological advancements and increasing regulatory and societal acceptance. By 2050, over 1 billion humanoids could be in use, with 90% deployed in industrial and commercial roles. Venture capitalist Vinod Khosla, an early backer of OpenAI, has predicted a ChatGPT-like breakthrough in robotics within two to three years, envisioning adaptable humanoids capable of tasks like chopping vegetables or washing dishes. Also read: Iran Plans To Abandon GPS & Replace With China's BeiDou System
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
Mamelodi Horror: Father raped daughter for a decade, forced her to terminate pregnancy
The abuse began when the daughter was nine years old in 2010, and continued until she was 19 in 2020. Image: File The Pretoria Magistrates' Court has sentenced a 64-year-old father from Mamelodi to life imprisonment for the repeated rape of his daughter, which lasted for almost a decade since 2010. The court declared the 64-year-old unfit to work with children or possess a firearm, ordered his name added to the National Register for Sexual Offenders, and directed that his two granddaughters be referred to the children's court for investigation and inquiry. 'The abuse began when the victim was nine years old in 2010, and continued until she was 19 in 2020, occurring during weekends and school holidays when the victim would visit her father,' said Lumka Mahanjana, Gauteng regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). 'The mother of the victim and the father were not married; they only shared the child.' Before the abuse started, the father told his daughter that the abuse was normal in households, and warned her not to tell her mother because she had a heart condition. 'In 2018, when the victim was 16 years old, while being raped by her father, the condom broke. When the father realised that the condom was broken, he told her to track her menstrual cycle and if she missed it, she should inform him. When she missed her period and was pregnant, he gave her R1,500 to terminate the pregnancy,' said Mahanjana. 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. 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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 rape incidents persisted even after this incident. The abuse came to light in 2021 when the victim started dating, and she confided in her boyfriend that her father was the only person she had been intimate with. According to the NPA, she believed the rape was normal. 'The boyfriend informed the mother, who confronted the victim. After realising what had been happening was wrong, the victim opened the case at the Mamelodi East police station on 16 January 2021. The father was arrested on the same day,' said Mahanjana. In court, the father pleaded not guilty, denying the charges. However, regional court prosecutor Anton Burger presented compelling evidence, proving the father's guilt. During sentencing, the father requested leniency, citing his role as a breadwinner for his wife, three other children, and two granddaughters. Burger opposed the father's pleas, arguing the lack of remorse, the prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV), and the father's betrayal of his duty to protect his daughter. Furthermore, Burger said the father instructed his own daughter to terminate a pregnancy after realising that he was going to father her daughter's child. 'What was more shocking was that the father planned the sexual abuse because he prepared the victim for it, before it even started, and made her believe it was a normal thing,' Burger told the court. In the Victim Impact Statement (VIS), facilitated by the court preparation officer, Kgomotso Lodi, the victim said she cannot recall life without rape, she lost her teenage years, and she now suffers from depression and low self-esteem. In handing down the sentence, the acting regional court magistrate Pierre Wessels said violence against women and children is a pandemic in South Africa, and it was the duty of the courts to combat such offences. Furthermore, the magistrate agreed with the state that the man showed no remorse for the offences. The court subsequently found no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the sentence of life imprisonment. Meanwhile, the NPA has welcomed the heavy sentence, reaffirming its dedication to eradicating gender-based violence, a pervasive crisis in South Africa, by supporting survivors and ensuring perpetrators face severe consequences. 'This case exemplifies our victim-centred approach and our resolve to foster safe environments where children's rights to dignity and safety are upheld,' said Mahanjana. Last year, IOL reported that police at Dennilton, in Limpopo, arrested a 39-year-old man for allegedly raping his 15-year-old daughter repeatedly at Moteti village in the Sekhukhune District. Image: File 'Together with our justice partners, we call on communities to stand united against gender-based violence, reporting abuse to break the silence and protect the future.' In another case, last year, IOL reported that police at Dennilton, in Limpopo, arrested a 39-year-old man for allegedly raping his 15-year-old daughter repeatedly at Moteti village in the Sekhukhune District. It is alleged that the father initially raped the girl in March 2021, when she was aged 12, and the little girl fell pregnant. Police said the first pregnancy was ultimately terminated, but the girl's mother was not aware of it. The girl did not reveal to her mother that she was pregnant. The second pregnancy was also terminated, according to Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba. 'It is alleged that the suspect continued to rape her daughter repeatedly up until the daughter fell pregnant again in October 2023,' said Mashaba. IOL News
Black America Web
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Big Boogie Reveals New Music & Life Lessons at Urban 1 Summit
Source: Norris Ford / R1 Big Boogie known for his raw energy and authenticity, the rising hip-hop star gave fans a deeper glimpse into the man behind the mic, sharing stories about his passion for fatherhood, his battles with mental health, and his unwavering focus on creating uplifting music. When asked about his dedication to fatherhood, Big Boogie's heartfelt response struck a chord with the crowd. 'My baby ain't ask to be here, so I gotta be on my team. Ain't nothing more important than her,' he shared passionately. Despite the challenges of balancing a demanding music career, he emphasized that family keeps him grounded and motivated. READ MORE STORIES: Giveon Reveals 'Beloved' Album Secrets at Urban 1 Summit Trevor Jackson Talks New Music 'Friend of a Friend' at Urban 1 Summit Mya Talks New Music, Career, and Future Projects at the Urban 1 Summit The interview took an emotional turn as Big Boogie revealed the struggles he faced this year, including a mental health breakdown. 'A lot of people needed me but weren't checking on me,' he explained. His honesty about the weight of expectations resonated with many young urban fans who often face similar pressures. Yet, Boogie shared how prayer, music, and self-reflection became his tools for overcoming these tough moments. 'I talk to God a lot, and I keep moving.' For fans eagerly awaiting new music, Big Boogie had exciting news. He teased a shift in his sound, promising 'more happy, turnt-up music' that encourages listeners to dance and celebrate life. 'We got enough music to cry to,' he quipped, reminding fans of his commitment to delivering good vibes. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK . FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM & TWITTER . SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE . STAY INFORMED! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! HEAD TO THE HOMEPAGE SEE ALSO
The Citizen
12 hours ago
- The Citizen
Mpumalanga man appears in court on drug dealing charges
John Mathebula (37) appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court on July 28 on a charge of dealing in dagga, with an estimated street value of R1.5 million. According to the Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, members of the SAPS White River K9 Unit acted on intelligence regarding a white Toyota Corolla suspected of being used to transport dagga smuggled across the border by drug mules. ALSO READ: Nelspruit magistrate postpones judgment in Johan Louwrens' culpable homicide trial 'The vehicle had been identified as part of an ongoing investigation. At about 18:40 on July 25, informants spotted the vehicle travelling from Barberton towards Mbombela. The team successfully intercepted it near Mataffin. The driver attempted to flee on foot but was swiftly apprehended,' she said. ALSO READ: Three men sentenced to life for brutal Bushbuckridge double murder Ndubane also said upon searching the vehicle, police discovered 17 bags of dagga, weighing approximately 250kg, with a street value estimated at R1.5 million. The vehicle was confiscated for further investigation. Mathebula was arrested on the scene and charged with dealing in dagga. He was granted R1 000 bail and is expected to appear in court again on September 29.
