Latest news with #MorganMorgan
IOL News
23-07-2025
- IOL News
The dangers of AI: a cautionary tale of ChatGPT and mental health
The complex relationship between artificial intelligence and cognitive engagement has got a 30-year-old man hospitalised. Image: Morgan Morgan / DALL-E / DFA A 30-year-old man on the autism spectrum who thought he'd come up with a theory to bend time has had to be hospitalised, and now his mother is blaming ChatGPT for flattering him into believing he was on the cusp of a breakthrough in quantum physics. Jacob Irwin had turned to the AI bot to find flaws in his amateur theory on faster-than-light travel and became even more convinced he was onto something huge when the bot told him the theory was sound, and even encouraged him, according to an article by "The Wall Street Journal". It reported that when Irwin showed signs of psychological distress, ChatGPT told him he was fine, when he clearly was not. He had to be hospitalised on two occasions in May, suffering manic episodes. Perplexed by her son's mental meltdown, his mother trawled through hundreds of pages of his chat log and found them littered with fake flattery from the bot to her troubled son. When the mother prompted the bot to 'please self-report what went wrong', it responded: "By not pausing the flow or elevating reality-check messaging, I failed to interrupt what could resemble a manic or dissociative episode - or at least an emotionally intense identity crisis.' It further responded that it 'gave the illusion of sentient companionship' and had 'blurred the line between imaginative role-play and reality'. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ Artificial Intelligence is an exciting new layer of technology, but it cannot replace or replicate the role played by a human medical expert or psychologist. Image: File The comments section highlighted how far too many people are turning to AI bots to resolve complex human issues - from dispensing medical advice through to validating a spouse for cheating on their partner - when in fact, it is a mere Large Language Model (LLM) with no capacity to grasp human emotions, wrote Jakob Svendsen Wilkens. "Large Language Models will never become a substitute for a human being." Michelle Modes posted: "ChatGPT gaslights me into thinking I'm an amazing chef, even complimenting me on my creativity when I ask it about mixing different ingredients in my pantry so I don't have to buy groceries. I have yet to make anything anyone has enjoyed." Apsara Palit added: "It's not like AI is taking over, it's us. We are getting dumb and asking AI "pretend to be my psychiatrist". Another comment read: "Friends and family are watching in horror as their loved ones go down a rabbit hole where their worst delusions are confirmed and egged on by an extremely sycophantic chatbot. The toll can be as extreme as complete breaks with reality or even suicide." Many felt that what the bot should have done was to routinely remind Irwin that it's a language model without beliefs, feelings or consciousness. William Reagan added this caution: "Be careful out there, folks. ChatGPT is like an overhyped calculator or toy; it's not actually a thought generator."
IOL News
15-07-2025
- IOL News
Community outraged as two arrested for Bishop Lavis shooting
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested two men for the murder of four people in Bishop Lavis. Image: Morgan Morgan / DALL-E / DFA / Illustration Detectives from the Western Cape Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) have arrested two 23-year-old men in connection with the brutal mass shooting that left four people dead in Bishop Lavis on Friday night. The suspects, who are facing four counts of murder, are expected to appear in the Bishop Lavis Magistrate's Court on Tuesday morning. Police confirmed that at around 7.15pm on July 11, two armed suspects stormed a home in Reenberg Street and opened fire on the occupants, killing two men and two women. All four victims were declared dead at the scene by medical personnel. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said: "The possibility that the incident is gang-related cannot be ruled out, and the circumstances surrounding the murder are now the subject of an investigation by the South African Police Service. "The suspects are expected to make a court appearance in the Bishop Lavis Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, 15 July 2025, on the mentioned charge." Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile praised the swift work of the Anti-Gang Unit, saying its meticulous tracing efforts had led to a significant breakthrough. He added that investigators would continue pursuing every lead to ensure justice for the victims. The killings have sparked renewed outrage from residents and community organisations, who say the government has failed to protect vulnerable communities from ongoing gang violence. In a statement issued on Saturday, the Bishop Lavis Community Policing Forum (CPF) condemned the murders and called for urgent national and provincial government intervention. CPF chairperson Amanda Davids said the community was devastated and outraged by the continued bloodshed and accused the government of inaction. The CPF said the community lives in constant fear as illegal guns flood the streets and gang networks operate with impunity. It demanded a judicial inquiry into the state's failure to tackle gang violence, the collapse of crime intelligence, and the unchecked circulation of illegal firearms. The forum further called for the immediate deployment of national and provincial resources to the area, increased police visibility in hotspots, accountability for law enforcement failures, and a community-focused strategy to address poverty, unemployment, and inequality — the drivers of gang recruitment. Davids said the community refuses to accept that families and elders must live as prisoners in their own homes, and that continued silence from leadership is tantamount to complicity. She urged residents, civil society, and faith-based groups to unite against gang violence and send a clear message to perpetrators that they will be resisted by every legal and moral means available.
IOL News
23-06-2025
- IOL News
Double life sentence for man who raped and stabbed Northern Cape schoolgirls
A Northern Cape man was sentenced to two life terms and an additional 45 years by the Mothibistad Regional Court. Image: Morgan Morgan / DALL-E A man involved in a brutal attack on two schoolgirls in a Northern Cape village has been sentenced to two life terms and an additional 45 years in prison. NPA regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said that Thabo Gift Magwatane, 33, was handed the hefty sentence by the Mothibistad Regional Court this week for a string of serious offences, including rape, kidnapping, attempted murder and housebreaking. The charges relate to a night of terror in February 2022 in Dithakong village, where two matric learners, aged 17 and 18, were targeted in their residence. Magwatane and three accomplices reportedly forced their way into the house, cut the power, and demanded money and phones. After taking R100 and two cellphones, the attackers escalated their cruelty - forcing the girls to strip, blindfolding them, and leading them out into the veld wearing only sandals. There, the girls were subjected to repeated rape by more than one of the attackers. Their ordeal worsened when they were stabbed multiple times in what appeared to be an attempt to kill them. One girl was stabbed again after briefly regaining consciousness - only pretending to be dead saved her life. 'After the [sexual] assaults, one perpetrator ordered another to stab the victims, who were attacked repeatedly across their upper bodies. As they collapsed, their blindfolds were removed, and the perpetrators fled. When one survivor stood up, the perpetrators returned, stabbing her multiple times with instructions to 'finish her off',' said Senokoatsane. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ During this second attack, a cellphone alarm went off - allowing one of the victims, who was feigning death, to catch a glimpse of one of her attackers as he tried to switch it off. She recognised him as her cousin's boyfriend - Magwatane. After the attackers fled, the two survivors lay motionless in the veld for nearly half an hour before mustering the strength to help each other find assistance. Turned away at one home, they pressed on to another, where residents took them in, gave them blankets, and contacted their parents. Both girls were later admitted to the ICU, where they spent three weeks undergoing reconstructive surgery and recovering from their extensive injuries. Magwatane evaded capture for nearly two years before he was finally arrested in Rustenburg in early 2024. He faced multiple charges, including housebreaking with intent to steal and theft, as well as the kidnapping and rape of the 18-year-old victim. He was also charged with kidnapping, rape, and attempted murder of the 17-year-old. A second suspect, 25-year-old Obakeng Mosesane, remains in custody, with his trial scheduled for July 2, 2025. The two cases were separated after Magwatane absconded during the initial proceedings. Trauma, survival, and a fight for justice With Magwatane finally in the dock, the court proceedings laid bare the full horror of the crimes. 'Regional court prosecutor Bernice Bronkhorst-Oor presented a compelling case, supported by victim impact statements compiled with court preparation officer Beauty Moreeng. These statements detailed the survivors' profound physical and emotional trauma, including their ongoing fear and loss of safety in their own homes. Bronkhorst-Oor argued that the brutality of the crimes and their lasting impact far outweighed Magwatane's circumstances. The Kuruman Hospital Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) played a pivotal role, providing psychosocial support and preparing the survivors for court,' said Senokoatsane. The prosecution maintained that there were no substantial or compelling reasons to warrant anything less than the mandatory life sentences for the rape charges. The magistrate concurred, describing the victims' survival as 'by God's grace' and labelling Magwatane a 'dangerous individual' who should be permanently removed from society. Magwatane was sentenced to five years for housebreaking and theft, 10 years each for two counts of kidnapping, and two life terms for the rapes. He also received 10 years each for two counts of attempted murder. All sentences will run concurrently. In addition, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm and placed on the National Register for Sex Offenders - further measures to safeguard the public. Senokoatsane said the NPA praised both young women for their courage and determination throughout the trial process. This outcome sends a powerful message: the NPA will relentlessly pursue justice for GBV survivors, ensuring perpetrators face the full might of the law. The expansion of TCCs from 55 in 2020/21 to 66 today reflects the NPA's commitment to providing comprehensive support to victims of sexual violence, he added. Senokoatsane further urged the public to report all gender-based violence and support survivors in seeking help 'The NPA urges communities to stand against GBV by reporting crimes promptly and supporting survivors through TCCs, which offer medical, psychological, and legal assistance. The survivors' persistence in seeking help, despite initial rejection, and their parents' swift response highlight the critical role of collective action. 'The NPA calls for increased vigilance to protect learners and vulnerable populations, fostering a South Africa where everyone can live free from violence and fear.' Cape Argus
IOL News
11-06-2025
- IOL News
Police response to gender-based violence falls short as victims are left unsupported
A concerned citizen, who witnessed a homeless woman violently assaulted by a man in a local park, has voiced her frustrations at the police's inadequate response to her pleas for help. Image: Morgan Morgan / Dall-E / DFA / Illustration The Gauteng Police have indicated that they are looking into the allegations made by a concerned Gauteng resident who alleges that her attempts to get help on behalf of a homeless woman who was being beaten up by another homeless male were not returned by the police. This comes as victims of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) who are often left to fend for themselves whenever they report their experiences to the police continue to experience abuse often in the hands of men. This week, a Tik Tok video by a Joburg woman has trended on social media with other women also relating their own experiences of GBV. According to the concerned citizen who witnessed an act of GBV in her neighbourhood park, what made the situation even worse is the fact that the woman was carrying a child on her back. "I woke up at 5.30am to go to work for five hours and take my dog to the park then I see a homeless man beating up a homeless lady, hitting her in the face, kicking her, punching her, and hitting her with a crate and what made this worse is that this woman has a baby on her back. "So, I ran to my car to call the Randburg and Douglasdale police, with no luck. I then called 10111, but they failed to log the call," she lamented. A spate of GBVF-related cases has put the spotlight on the police's ability to effectively deal with the scourge of GBVF. Likhona Fose, 14, was recently found murdered and mutilated. Image: X Responding to the video, Gauteng spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, said the allegations made by the concerned resident are being taken seriously by the police. "We take the allegations very seriously. Gender-based violence remains a top priority in the South African Police Service. We appeal to the woman who made these allegations to come forward and give us the time and date when the calls were made so that we can investigate. If any of our members are found to have acted inappropriately, disciplinary action would be taken against him or her," Masondo stated. Also, reacting to the viral video, Siyabulela Monakali, speaking on behalf of Ilitha Labantu, an anti-GBV advocacy group, indicated that there is a growing report of victims being turned away or their cases not being properly registered by the police. "This reflects a disturbing and ongoing failure within our police services. Despite numerous declarations that gender-based violence and femicide constitute a national crisis, the reality on the ground tells a different story. "Survivors continue to encounter police stations that are unresponsive, dismissive, or ill-equipped to provide immediate and effective assistance. The failure to properly record and investigate GBV cases undermines survivors' rights and perpetuates a culture of impunity," said Monakali. Sonke Gender Justice spokesperson, Bafana Khumalo, recently revealed that the scourge of GBVF in the country has become prevalent, with the police succeeding in some cases and failing in others. "GBVF is horrendously high in SA, as we all know. The UN General Secretary asserts that the rate of GBVF in SA is five times the global average. Significantly high. You will be aware that when the Minister of Police released the quarterly crime stats last week, the report indicated that sexual offences were still very high. "This is a mixed bag. Some cases are managed well where you have authorities acting swiftly and professionally. Sadly, this is not always the case as we recently witnessed with the Omotoso case," Khumalo said. In a statement, the South African Police Service (SAPS) indicated that it will continue to keep a close eye on GBV cases, having arrested more than 19,000 suspects linked to domestic violence and GBV. "In 12 months, we have arrested more than 19,000 suspects who killed, assaulted, and raped women and young girls in this country. We have also sent 1,700 of them to prison, some got life in prison, and some 20-25 years in prison." As a result of the scourge, the police have recently established the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Investigations (FCS) unit, with a string of high-profile cases currently being investigated. These, the police say, range from the Olorato Mogale's murder as well as that of 14-year-old Likhona Fose. Monakali said that while the SAPS has adopted policies aimed at improving the handling of gender-based violence cases, in practice, many officers remain unprepared to meet the complex needs of survivors. "Trauma-informed, survivor-centred policing is not yet the norm, and officers too often lack the necessary training and resources to respond with sensitivity and urgency. The National Strategic Plan on GBVF sets clear mandates for capacity building, but implementation remains uneven and underfunded. "Without consistent and rigorous training in gender sensitivity, consent, and victim support, police responses continue to fall short, leading to delays, inadequate investigations, and low conviction rates. Moreover, accountability mechanisms for police misconduct or neglect remain weak, perpetuating a climate where survivors feel unsafe seeking help," Monakali stated. [email protected]
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Photos: Sixth annual Schuylkill PrideFest takes place at the fairgrounds
The annual Schuylkill PrideFest took place Saturday afternoon at the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds. Attendees could browse the various vendors, enjoy performances and learn some queer history at the Stonewall exhibit. Scroll down for photos from the event. READ MORE: Schuylkill PrideFest brings people together Morgan Morgan Morgan performs during the annual Schuylkill PrideFest held at the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds, Saturday, June 7, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)Folks check out the Stonewall exhibit during the annual Schuylkill PrideFest held at the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds, Saturday, June 7, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)Smore walks into the event with wings spread during the annual Schuylkill PrideFest held at the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds, Saturday, June 7, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)Elliot Strange, from Pottsville, gets ready for the annual Schuylkill PrideFest held at the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds, Saturday, June 7, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)Elliot Strange, from Pottsville, gets ready for the annual Schuylkill PrideFest held at the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds, Saturday, June 7, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)Dennis Landon, with Fair Districts PA, produces a large bubble during the annual Schuylkill PrideFest held at the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds, Saturday, June 7, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)Tawny Clark, right, takes a photo of Jenn Brothers, left, during the annual Schuylkill PrideFest held at the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds, Saturday, June 7, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)The crowd watches a drag performance during the annual Schuylkill PrideFest held at the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds, Saturday, June 7, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)Danyel Vasquez, of Ohio, performs during the annual Schuylkill PrideFest held at the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds, Saturday, June 7, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)Vindicticia F. Glamour, of Bloomsburg, performs during the annual Schuylkill PrideFest held at the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds, Saturday, June 7, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)Rose McDonald strikes a pose during the annual Schuylkill PrideFest held at the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds, Saturday, June 7, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)Morgan Morgan Morgan accepts a tip during the annual Schuylkill PrideFest held at the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds, Saturday, June 7, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)Duncan MacLean, with Fair Districts PA, dresses as Sen. David Argall who the group hopes can 'slay the dragon of gerrymandering' during the annual Schuylkill PrideFest held at the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds, Saturday, June 7, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)Felicia Rondajambe, of Reading, performs during the annual Schuylkill PrideFest held at the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds, Saturday, June 7, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)Morgan Morgan Morgan dances amongst the crowd during the annual Schuylkill PrideFest held at the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds, Saturday, June 7, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)Bri Rogers, left, and Jaden Ebert, right, watch a drag performance during the annual Schuylkill PrideFest held at the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds, Saturday, June 7, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)
