News24 uncovers disinformation network; Top cop arrested: Today's 7 stories in 7 minutes
Graphic: Sharlene Rood/News24
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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Luxury bakkies and fancy watches: Hawks now after financial advisor Mark Kretzschmar
- Financial broker Mark Kretzschmar is being investigated by the Hawks for allegedly defrauding a Limpopo businessman of R1.5 million, part of over R30 million he allegedly took from multiple clients.
- Kretzschmar gained investors' trust by displaying a lavish lifestyle and promising high returns, but then allegedly provided irregular statements, became difficult to contact, and ultimately vanished.
- The FSCA is also investigating Kretzschmar, and Freedom Capital, where he was a representative, claims he acted 'rogue' and misused their financial service provider number.
Philani Lushaba/Linkedin
Crime Intelligence CFO, co-accused granted bail in sex worker burglary cover-up
- A senior Crime Intelligence officer, Major General Philani Lushaba, and three other police officers were arrested for allegedly covering up the theft of Lushaba's laptop, cellphone, and firearm by a sex worker.
- The officers face charges including corruption, defeating the ends of justice, and perjury, with the case highlighting ongoing turmoil and power struggles within Crime Intelligence.
- Lushaba is also under scrutiny for allegedly using Crime Intelligence's Secret Service Account to purchase properties worth millions of rands, raising questions about corruption and maladministration within the division.
'They came to kill all of us': Naudé's co-accused tells how he survived AK-47 gunfire
- Andre Naudé was fatally shot in Parow, Cape Town, while with Sam Farquharson and a 'client,' who was also injured.
- Farquharson, who survived the attack, claims they were checking on construction work and denies any involvement in 'gangster shit'.
- Police are investigating the murder and attempted murder, with alleged Sexy Boys boss Jerome 'Donkie' Booysen also present at the scene.
X/@MkhontoweSizwex
ATM NEC members eye Parliament as part of MK Party partnership deal
- ATM NEC members are reportedly slated to fill MK Party's parliamentary vacancies, strengthening the Zuma-Nongqunga alliance.
- Vuyo Zungula's removal as ATM president is linked to differing views on merging with the MK Party, though ATM denies this was the reason.
- ATM spokesperson denies any NEC directive to fill MK Party roles, emphasising that cooperation between the parties is still in a developmental stage.
Web of deceit: How we traced India's 'Raju Singh' behind SA's viral fake news sites
- News24 uncovered a disinformation network, headed by Raju 'Raj' Singh in India, which spreads false stories in South Africa, India, Wales, and the US.
- The network uses fake news websites resembling local news outlets to publish fabricated stories on various topics, aiming to attract traffic and generate revenue through ads or affiliate links.
- By tracing digital clues like Google Analytics codes and profile picture metadata, News24 identified Singh and his digital marketing business, revealing a profit-driven motive behind the disinformation campaign.
Supplied/Paul Henman
Comrades Marathon Association condemns abuse directed at Israeli runners
- The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) condemned the abuse directed at Israeli athletes during the race.
- The CMA emphasised its political neutrality and stated the race should unite people, not be a platform for discrimination.
- A video surfaced showing pro-Palestine protesters verbally abusing Israeli athletes along the marathon route.
- The premiere of Shaka iLembe season 2 celebrated African royalty with a golden carpet event at Montecasino, featuring stars in regal attire.
- Highlights included Zulu song and dance performances, stunning fashion creations like actress Nomzamo Mbatha's beaded dress, and an exclusive screening of the season's first episode.
- Attendees included stars like Lemohang Tsipa, Dawn Thandeka King, and King Misuzulu KaZwelithini, all showcasing diverse South African cultures through their outfits.
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An Airline Worker Is Telling Travelers To Stop This One Luggage Tag Habit That's Fueling A Scam
If you're anything like me, one of the first things you want to do when you get out of baggage claim is rip off the ugly sticker luggage tag from your checked-in bag, or, let's be real, the carry-on you were forced to check in because there isn't enough space in overhead bins on the plane. Now, most of the time I rip them off when I get home or to my hotel. But, there have been lots of times I have ripped it off at the airport while waiting for my bus, car, or train to come pick me up, and apparently that is a big NO-NO. Recently, in the r/delta subreddit, u/Limp_Jeweler_2026, who says they work for Delta, explained why you should always remove your luggage tags at home because of a growing scam. Saying, "Good evening, everyone. I am a Delta baggage claims manager, and I just wanted to let everyone know to please start discarding your bag tags at home. We are getting an influx of fraudulent claims being submitted for 'missing items' as these people are observing who is removing their luggage tags in the claim areas and using your information to submit claims for reimbursement." They went on to add, "From my own personal experience in currently dealing with this, it is causing issues with reimbursing the real people if they submit a legitimate claim. So please be careful and don't take your tags off at the airport. They can steal enough information from that to use your travel itinerary to get paid." People in the comments were grateful for the advice: "Scams, fraud, and fuck around and find out are at an all-time high. This person is looking out for you!!! Do not scroll past this advice." —FormalTemporary2494 "Never would have occurred to me, but THANK YOU, OP!" —3ebgirl4eva "Japan had secured bag tag disposal receptacles near the secured exit of baggage claim. This explains why." —Longjumping-Usual-35 While others had even more advice about what to do with luggage tags: "I take my tags off as soon as I get my bag and stuff the tags inside my personal item. I believe my priority/business class tag had me targeted by a pickpocket many years ago." —06031eec "Just adding to this: Also, don't throw these away in your hotel room either. As a former hotel employee, there have been a few instances of fraud using bag tags found at hotels, too. Be vigilant!" —Pristine-Director716 "Not even bag tags, printed boarding passes as well. Next time you show up to your seat and someone else is there, don't be surprised, lol." —TRex2025 "Do one better. SHRED your bag tags and printed boarding passes as soon as you can after getting to your destination." —Helpful_Hovercraft25 You can read the original thread on Reddit. Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity. Are you someone who always tosses your luggage tags as soon as you get your bags at the airport? Are there other travel safety habits you follow that surprise you when others don't? Tell us in the comments below (anonymously) — you might be featured in an upcoming BuzzFeed post!
