GNU hangs by a thread; More charges against ‘Cat' Matlala: Today's top 7 stories in 7 minutes
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News24 brings you the top stories of the day, summarised into neat little packages. Read through quickly or listen to the articles via our customised text-to-speech feature.
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More charges for Vusimusi 'Cat' Matlala and co-accused
- Vusimusi 'Cat' Matlala, accused of attempted murder, appeared in court with three co-accused.
- The State plans to centralise two additional cases from Pretoria West and Lyttelton with the current case.
- The case has been postponed to August for centralisation purposes.
Mashatile dodges claims, Mantashe warns looters as ANC pledges to rebuild its image
- Deputy President Paul Mashatile avoided questions about corruption allegations within the police made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
- Gwede Mantashe warned against ethical misconduct, referencing Police Minister Senzo Mchunu's current troubles, and highlighted David Mabuza's belief in ANC organisational renewal.
- Mantashe revealed he persuaded Mabuza to support a unified vote at the 2017 conference, leading to Mabuza's election as deputy president.
Paige Bell/Facebook
Global call for stricter background checks for yacht crews after SA woman's murder
- Following the murder of a South African stewardess, Paige Bell, there are increased calls for mandatory criminal background checks for all seafarers internationally.
- An online petition with more than 4 200 signatures highlights the lack of universal regulations for regular background checks in the maritime industry.
- Experts emphasise the vulnerability of yacht crews to abuse and the difficulties in reporting crimes due to the industry's international nature and potential for cover-ups.
Interpreter delivers baby by cellphone light in cell during court power outage
- The Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court in Katlehong has been without power for a week due to a substation fire, disrupting operations and raising safety concerns.
- A detainee went into labour during the blackout and delivered her baby in the dark with the help of an interpreter using a cellphone's flashlight.
- The Department of Justice confirmed the incident and stated that while a backup generator had a fault, it had since been repaired, and electricity is expected to be fully restored soon.
GNU hangs by thread as DA digs in on budget, ANC heads into crucial NEC
- The DA is threatening to sink the Appropriations Bill by refusing to support the budget votes of certain ministers, jeopardising the government of national unity.
- If the Appropriations Bill fails, funding to national government departments will be severely restricted, potentially leading to a crisis in paying salaries and other essential expenses.
- The ANC is facing pressure from within to review its relationship with the DA, with some suggesting ActionSA as a more suitable partner, though this would create a tenuous alliance.
Oupa Bopape/Gallo Images
'Good riddance': Reality stars celebrate as Mel and Peet Viljoen hit with R71m US ruling
- Mel and Peet Viljoen have been ordered by a US court to pay over R70 million for counterfeit claims related to Tammy Taylor Nails.
- Fellow reality stars Nonku Williams and Beverley Steyn expressed happiness over the Viljoens' departure from South Africa, citing allegations of scamming and racism.
- The court order includes the cancellation of the Viljoens' US trademark registration and a prohibition on using the Tammy Taylor name or associating their business with the brand.
Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
The Bok circle of life: What latest trio of debutants bring to Rassie's grand plan
- Willie le Roux is set to earn his 100th cap as Ethan Hooker, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, and Cobus Wiese are set to debut for the Springboks against Italy.
- Hooker, Ntlabakanye, and Wiese have taken different paths to the Springboks, with Hooker's rise being steady, Ntlabakanye realising potential after setbacks, and Wiese finding his way back after playing abroad.
- Coaches praise Hooker's leadership, versatility, and work ethic, while Ntlabakanye is recognised for his rugby intelligence and leadership qualities, and Wiese is now a bruising lock after a detour to Sale Sharks.
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