Author: Thabo Mkhize

Court postpones DJ Warras case; Mozambican national and Victor Majola among the accused as the South African justice system moves to address the tragic killing of one of Johannesburg’s most beloved media personalities. The Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court saw a pivotal moment this week when Armando Joaquin Pacula, a 25-year-old Mozambican national, stood before the bench to face grave charges connected to the death of Warrick Stock, widely known as DJ Warras. The proceedings, which have garnered intense public and media scrutiny, were ultimately delayed. The magistrate ruled that the matter be postponed to 9 February 2026 to allow the state…

Epstein files: Emails tie Cape woman and former model agency employee to alleged recruiter as newly released United States Department of Justice documents shed light on alleged correspondence linked to Jeffrey Epstein’s global sex trafficking network, drawing South Africa into renewed international scrutiny. The latest document release, made public on 30 January 2026, forms part of millions of pages disclosed under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Among the records are emails that allegedly connect a Cape Town woman and a former model agency employee to an individual accused of recruiting young women for Epstein. While the documents raise serious concerns,…

Benoni residents left in darkness for days demand answers from Ekurhuleni Metro as frustration, fear and desperation mount across the East Rand suburb, where a prolonged electricity outage has pushed households, businesses and vulnerable residents to breaking point. The Benoni power outage, which began on 23 January, has dragged on for more than ten days, with residents accusing the Ekurhuleni Metro electricity crisis of being poorly managed and badly communicated. While power was briefly restored in some areas, it lasted only a few hours before residents were once again plunged into darkness. Prolonged power cuts in Benoni spark public outrage…

Trump threatens to sue Trevor Noah after Epstein island visit joke, escalating a public feud between the former US president and the South African-born comedian following remarks made during the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. The controversy has reignited debates around satire, free speech, defamation, and the lingering political fallout linked to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Donald Trump lawsuit threat sparks fresh controversy The Donald Trump lawsuit threat emerged shortly after Trevor Noah delivered a joke while hosting the Grammy Awards, one of the most watched entertainment events in the United States. Trump reacted angrily on his social media…

Oaquim Pacula, alleged DJ Warras shooter, appears in Johannesburg court as the investigation into the murder of popular DJ Warrick Stock, widely known as DJ Warras, continues to unfold with new legal developments. The second suspect linked to the high-profile DJ Warras murder case made his first court appearance at the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, drawing significant public attention as the State outlined serious charges and concerns over his immigration status. DJ Warras murder case reaches critical court stage The accused, identified as Armindo Joaquim Pacula, also referred to as Oaquim Pacula, is a 25-year-old Mozambican national who was…

Second suspect arrested in DJ Warras murder case as Gauteng police continue to make significant progress in the investigation into the killing of popular DJ Warrick Stock, widely known as DJ Warras. The arrest took place on Thursday night, 30 January 2026, in Primrose on Gauteng’s East Rand, more than a month after the DJ was shot dead. The latest development marks a major breakthrough in a case that has drawn widespread public attention across South Africa. Breakthrough in DJ Warras murder investigation The second suspect arrested in DJ Warras murder case is believed to be the gunman who carried…

Burkina Faso President Ibrahim Traoré political party ban: Military tightens control Burkina Faso’s military-led transitional government, under the leadership of Captain Ibrahim Traoré, announced on Thursday 29 January 2026 its decision to dissolve all political parties and associations, marking a significant escalation in efforts to centralize power and reshape the nation’s political landscape. The move comes as the country continues to grapple with instability following multiple coups in recent years. Captain Ibrahim Traoré has faced criticism both domestically and internationally for suppressing dissent, with observers arguing that the ban undermines democratic principles in the West African nation. According to Interior…

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has issued an urgent notice calling all R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant beneficiaries who lack smartphones, laptops, or internet access to visit their nearest SASSA offices for in-person biometric verification. This verification is crucial to prevent delays in grant payments and to ensure that all eligible applicants receive their funds promptly. SASSA has confirmed that all its offices are fully equipped with on-site kiosks, official laptops, and guest Wi-Fi to facilitate the process efficiently. This step ensures that beneficiaries who may struggle with digital applications can still complete the biometric verification…

Older Persons Grant Increase: New Payment Amounts and 2026 Expectations for Eligible Beneficiaries continue to dominate discussions as millions of elderly South Africans look ahead to improved social support in 2026. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), together with the Department of Social Development and National Treasury, has confirmed adjustments aimed at easing the cost-of-living burden faced by senior citizens. As inflation, food prices, and healthcare costs rise, the revised Older Persons Grant offers renewed financial stability and reassurance for qualifying beneficiaries across the country. Understanding the Older Persons Grant Increase in 2026 The Older Persons Grant increase forms…

Friday’s weather brings severe hailstorms and flooding risk to large parts of South Africa, according to the latest SAWS weather forecast. The South African Weather Service has issued multiple warnings for damaging thunderstorms, while residents in KwaZulu-Natal are urged to prepare for hot and humid conditions. As unstable weather patterns continue to dominate, authorities are advising the public to remain alert, especially in high-risk areas prone to flooding and hail damage. SAWS Issues Severe Weather Warnings Nationwide The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned that severe hailstorms South Africa could experience on Friday may cause localized flooding, infrastructure damage,…