Latest news with #Durbanite
IOL News
11-07-2025
- IOL News
Durban parents bring home their slain 'baby girl' Paige Bell from the Bahamas
Durbanite Paige Bell was working as a stewardess on a superyacht in the Bahamas when she was murdered on July 3. Image: Sweet Emocean HEARTBROKEN Durban parents Michelle and John Bell are preparing to bring home the body of their 'baby girl' who was murdered in the Bahamas last week. Paige Bell was living the dream; working as a stewardess on a superyacht, surrounded by idyllic beaches and billionaires. Tragically, it ended in a nightmare. Last Thursday the former schoolgirl from Hillcrest High School in Durban was found dead in the engine room of the yacht where she was stationed, just days before her 21st birthday. Her throat was slit and there were signs that she had struggled with her attacker. According to reports it appeared as if Bell may also have been sexually assaulted. Police are currently investigating a homicide and a suicide attempt. Paige Bell with her parents Michelle and John Bell in happier times. Image: Facebook Speaking to the Independent on Saturday via Facebook, her dad John said they would be back home next week. 'We are in the Bahamas arranging a cremation and to bring Paige home. I don't want to comment any further at this stage. We are still trying to process what has happened and grieve our baby girl.' According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Bell was on board the superyacht, Far From It, in the waters off Harbour Island, Eleuthera, when she was killed. A 39-year old Mexican engineer Brigido Munoz was arrested and appeared in the magistrate's court on Wednesday. In their initial media release police said that shortly after 1pm on July 3, they were alerted to the incident and proceeded to the marina area. 'Once on board the vessel, officers discovered a woman unresponsive with visible signs of injuries and a man suffering from severe injuries to his arms. The local doctor visited the scene, examined the victim and pronounced her deceased.' Durban's Paige Bell and the Mexican engineer Brigido Munoz who has been charged with her murder. Image: Facebook Police say it also emerged that Bell had been missing for a 'short period' before she was found 'unresponsive' in the engine room with the suspect who was 'apprehended", and 'cautioned'. Following that he was taken to a nearby clinic for medical treatment. In a telephone conversation with the Independent on Saturday yesterday, Superintendent Leonard Ramsey, the deputy in charge of public relations for the Royal Bahamas Police Force said that while he couldn't reveal how many people were arrested, he could confirm that one person was charged. He said that the police have also met with the Bell family. 'It is the normal practice that if the family came into the Bahamas, they would have met with detectives at our criminal investigation department. That is a normal procedure for all homicide matters. We always meet with the family or both families. So if they came from Africa, or wherever they came from, automatically we would have given out a family meeting and to update them on the incident.' The initial media statement regarding the murder of Paige Bell which was released by the Royal Bahamas Police Force Image: Supplied News of Bell's death sent waves of grief through South Africa and yachting communities alike. Hillcrest High School (HHS) paid tribute to their former pupil on the school's Facebook page. 'Paige matriculated in 2022 and is remembered by our community as an incredibly special young lady who was the happiest, most bubbly person. We know that her untimely and tragic death is a great loss to all who knew Paige, and beyond devastating to her parents and family. As a school we will be holding them in our thoughts and prayers.' The school also called on the community to help bring Bell home by donating money to the GoFundMe account that was set up to assist her family financially. In a previous public message the family also appealed for assistance, saying that they were devastated beyond words. 'This heartbreaking loss has been deeply felt by everyone who knew and loved Paigey, and now we must also navigate complex and costly legal proceedings in a foreign country - something far beyond our family's financial means. We are humbly asking for your support. "Whether it's by sharing this message or contributing financially, every bit helps. 'Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we fight for Paigey. We are grateful for your love, support, and solidarity during this incredibly difficult time." Bell's murder has also highlighted the dark side of the yachting crew industry and members of various crew social media groups have advocated for more stringent background checks on crew members to prevent such violence. Captain Frank Prest from the motor yacht Sweet Emocean set up the GoFundMe account. Speaking on behalf of previous and current crew, he said that even though Bell had left their crew in December she would always be part of its family. 'Paige was more than a teammate, she was family. Her radiant spirit, infectious laughter, and boundless compassion made an unforgettable impact on everyone lucky enough to know her. Whether it was long days at sea or quiet moments under the stars, she brought light and warmth wherever she went.' So far the GoFundMe account has almost reached its target of $60 000 (R1m) and had just surpassed $50 000 yesterday. On Monday friends and family from across the globe will have a slice of red velvet cake (Paige's favourite) to commemorate her life. But this won't be a joyful celebration, instead it's a heartbreaking farewell to a young woman on the cusp of a promising life.
The South African
16-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Jordy Smith retains no.1 position in world surf rankings
No. 1 position in the world surf rankings is secure for Jordy Smith for now, even after an early exit at the Trestles Pro in San Clemente, California. The 38-year-old veteran is the oldest surfer on tour and retains a slender lead over his competitors after last week's eighth stop of the 2025 WSL tour. South Africa's Jordy Smith was resplendent in yellow at Lower Trestles but was unable to advance beyond the Round of 16. After the mid-season cut – which eliminates the bottom 32 competitors on the world surf rankings – tour events take on a different, punchier format … Unfortunately, a wave-starved heat meant the big man couldn't open up on the waves like he's done in El Salvador and Western Australia. Image: File/Fotor As such, first-round heats after the mid-season cut are a Round of 32 match-up between three surfers. With the bottom 32 gone, it really is strength versus strength from the first wave. Win this and you advance straight to the Round of 16. Jordy Smith managed to do so with a buzzer beater decided by the judges after the surfers had left the water. However, in the next round, Smith's points accumulation towards the world surf rankings would stall. He came up against highly fancied local surfer Cole Houshmand, who had plenty of support at his home break. The goofy footer's left broke cleaner than Smith's rights and California won narrowly. It's the type of match-up that can undo anyone at any time on the tour. We're sure the whole of South Africa would love to see another sporting World Champion added to the list. Siya Kolisi meets Smith in Cape Town. Image: Tyron Bradley Red Bull Content Pool Thankfully, the next-best placed surfer on the world surf rankings – Brazil's Italo Ferreira – also suffered a Round of 16 defeat. Which means the Durbanite retains the no. 1 world surf rankings yellow jersey for now. However, Brazil's Yago Dora – who won the Trestles event outright – and Japan's Kanoa Igarashi have closed the gap to Smith. RANK SURFER POINTS 1. Jordy Smith (RSA) 39 450 2. Yago Dora (BRA) 38 885 3. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 36 390 4. Italo Ferreira (BRA) 34 610 5. Barron Mamiya (HAW) 31 470 Two talented Australians, Ethan Ewing and Jack Robinson, are just outside of the top five. With Brazil's Felipe Toledo, American Griffin Colapinto and Italian Leo Fioravanti still in the running for a final five birth. They say it's harder to surf in the leader's yellow jersey because you have a target on your back. Image: WSL website Things couldn't be tighter on the world surf rankings with three events left before the WSL Finals in Fiji in August. The finals format sees the top five competitors on the world surf rankings battling it out in man-on-man heats. The higher Jordy Smith can finish in the top five rankings the better, to have a higher seeding in the finals. Be sure to catch Jordy Smith at the remaining events of the 2025 tour, with Brazil starting this weekend: June 21-29 – Vivo Rio Pro (BRA) July 11-20 – J-Bay Open (RSA) August 7-16 – Tahiti Pro (TAH) August 27-September 4 – WSL Finals Fiji (FIJ) Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
27-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
World no. 1 Jordy Smith powers to VICTORY in Australia
World no. 1 Jordy Smith showed all the class and experience of 18-years on the Championship Tour to secure his second event victory in 2025. The prize on finals day in Margaret River, Western Australia, would be immense if world no. 1 Jordy Smith could hit his marks early … Solidifying no. 1 in the world, and a brand-new GWM Tank SUV for securing the 'Aussie Treble.' First, the 37-year-old Durbanite had to dispatch Crosby Colapinto in his semi-final heat. Something he did with astute surfing in dropping swell on Australia's west coast. Rather than wait for inconsistent set waves disrupted by strong off-shore winds, world no. 1 Jordy Smith set to work on the inside. He caught multiple waves to build up a winning heat total, while his competitor sat rooted out the back, only surfing one scoring wave. Smith sets to work on a larger set wave at Margaret River, Western Australia in the final against Griffin Colapinto. Image: World Surf League Then it was onto the final with another San Clemente phenom, Griffin Colapinto. Arguably the form surfer of the competition – scoring a perfect 10 in the quarterfinals – Colapinto would be no pushover in a man-on-man heat. However, world no. 1 Jordy Smith clicked into high gear and dominated the exchanges (watch the highlights below). There is no denying that world no. 1 Jordy Smith is surfing the best he ever has in his long career. He is able to combine shrewd heat IQ with his signature power surfing that always looks controlled and elegant, no matter the conditions. Video: World Surf League on YouTube Victory for world no. 1 Jordy Smith cements his position atop the WSL Championship Tour rankings. He currently sits on 36 130 points, with the next best surfer, Brazil's Italo Ferreira, on 31 290. Rather shrewdly, Smith opted not to surf in the leader's yellow jersey today. But he almost certainly will wear it in Lower Trestles, California, next month. The rest of the 2025 WSL Championship Tour sees four stops that will suit the powerful surfing of world no. 1 Jordy Smith. The top five competitors on the ranking will battle it out in Fiji for the world title. The remaining stops are: June 9-17 – Trestles Pro (USA) June 21-29 – Vivo Rio Pro (Brazil) July 11-20 – J-Bay Open (SA) August 7-16 – Tahiti Pro (Tahiti) August 27-September 4 – WSL Finals Fiji (Fiji) Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
13-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Stormers coach Dobson would have preferred Durban but they could be headed for Scotstoun for URC playoffs
Vernon Matongo had a notable outing for the Stormers this past weekend. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Stormers coach John Dobson seems to have painted himself into an interesting corner because of the form of a Durban prop that is likely to make way for another Durban prop. The Durban dilemma for Dobson is that he has signed Springbok looshead Ntuthuko Mchunu from the Sharks, the Maritzburg College old boy, only to have given a spectacular weekend URC debut to Vernon Matongo, a Durbanite himself Matongo was excellent for the Stormers in their defeat of the Dragons at the weekend. The pizzazz was all about Damian Willemse's 100th cap, but there were sideshows from openside flank Paul de Villiers Durban schoolboy Matongo. The former Northwood schoolboy forced several scrum penalties to indicate that he is not going to give in to Mchunu when swaps Durban for Cape Town at the end of this season. Dobson believes Matongo and De Villiers are 'going to be huge'. 'I would love to take credit for it, but I can't, as the truth is that we have been helped by the injuries in that I have been taught a valuable lesson,' said Dobson. 'Had Deon (Fourie) not been injured I would probably have carried on playing him and we would not have got to see Paul get his opportunity. I always knew Paul was a star for the future and very capable, but I wasn't going to back him just yet. "Now that he has got to play he has shown he is more than ready and more than good enough. 'The way players such as Paul and Vernon have progressed is a big plus that we are getting out of these last few weeks of the season. The depth has been grown, but as I say, sometimes that has been by accident rather than necessarily by design.' Dobson added that he was pleased with the physicality of his players but unsure what to make of the weekend results that indicate that his team is not going to Durban for the quarter-finals. 'We pretty much thought that we were going to go to Durban the whole time,' said Dobson. 'That looks increasingly unlikely, especially when you see the team Leinster put out tonight. They're going to go full strength next week against Glasgow, we expect them to win that game, which would mean we go to Scotstoun.' Why the Stormers would prefer Durban has more to do than just the travel -— the Scotstoun is not a stadium the Stormers have a good record at. 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 'Last year, Glasgow were at their full pomp, and I know we lost that quarterfinal by 10-plus at the end, but we were in it until quite late in the game. So if we have to go that way, we will go that way,' said Dobson. 'If things go wrong next Friday against Cardiff, we'll have to go to Kings Park. "I wouldn't complain if we had to go to Pretoria to face the Bulls either. But we would never jerry-rig a game; we play on a Friday night, so we have to wrap our heads around going to Scotstoun.
