Latest news with #R35
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Buying a car on Facebook turned into a ghostly adventure
What began as a bargain hunt for a fuel-efficient car ended in mechanical mayhem and a mysterious flashing light. Your parents always warned you against things like speaking to strangers, the tokoloshe and the boogeyman. Still, they never warned you about chancers on the internet or aunties selling cars voetstoots on Facebook. Everybody likes a good deal, especially in today's economy, where stretching your rand is a way of life in 2025. While scrolling through my Facebook feed, I noticed an interesting post in a comment section; little did I know I was walking right into one of those voetstoot-aunties from Pretoria East trap. The original post was someone asking for a cheap, reliable vehicle that was light on petrol for under R35 000. Not only did this resonate with my needs, but I was very curious to see what was up for grabs because the post had multiple comments – and what did I have to lose? Besides, I was in the market for a new vehicle because my current car had had enough of my wanna-be-racer tendencies and I was getting desperate. They say curiosity killed the cat and I couldn't help myself when I saw a lady's comment about her dying mother's little car that, according to her, ticked all the above requirements. ALSO READ: Should you buy a new or second-hand car? For some reason, I assumed that a dying old lady's little car would be neat, reliable and running. At first – the first two weeks – it did, until the day it decided to leave me stranded on the side of the road on a Monday during afternoon peak traffic. If you have to be honest with yourself, you accept that you won't get a brand-new fancy car with all the bells and whistles with a second-hand car. Buying an old car was like getting to know an iron horse that you learn to drive with all its quirks and funny sounds – like the gearbox link in third gear and the suspicious flash of the battery light. When this light appeared for the first time on the N14 towards Pretoria, I honestly prayed myself back home, but because the car kept on driving with the suspicious battery flashing, I wrote it off as just another quirk of an old lady's car. If I could ignore the window that wants to pop out, the missing sun visor and the indicators and lights not working at the same time, I could make peace or have faith in the battery light, right? Wrong… ALSO READ: Buying a car from a private seller? Here are some tips When I phoned the lady who sold me this reliable, fuel-efficient get-in-and-drive car to ask if she knew what was wrong with the car, she shouted voetstoots before hanging up on me. Now I had to get the 'new' old car towed back home, repaired and on the road again. Also not admitting that I may have fallen for an auntie's sales gimmick, I asked the mechanic to check everything in and on the car in an attempt to save me from my poor decision made on Facebook. The reliable little car needed some rewiring, a new gasket and a gearbox link, which cost another R4 000 – without the towing cost. However, something didn't add up because when I fetched the car, the mechanic told me not only did the car start when the tow truck dropped it off at his workshop, but it hadn't given a single problem since then, adding that it was now good to go. I then decided to name the car, Spook, aka ghost and drove off into the sunset. We drove happily ever after until that flashing battery light made its appearance again. This time, they say it might be the alternator. I had to accept that the legend of the ghost car lives on – and the theory of the alternator was part of the Facebook voetstoots vehicle deal. NOW READ: Beware: the hidden costs of owning a car
The Citizen
5 days ago
- The Citizen
Former Northern Cape cop jailed for housebreaking
The former cop broke into people's homes and stole valuables to support his drug addiction. A former Northern Cape police officer has been sentenced to eight years in prison after landing himself on the wrong side of the law. Thandoxulu Kwindla was found guilty on four counts of housebreaking by the De Aar Regional Court and sentenced to three years' imprisonment on each count. The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, amounting to an effective eight-year sentence. Housebreaking to feed addiction Kwindla — a 38-year-old former constable — went on a housebreaking escapade between August 2021 and April 2023, shortly after resigning from the South African Police Service. He carried out the offences in Nonzwakazi, where he also lived. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said Kwindla broke into homes during the evening and stole valuable items to support his drug addiction. 'The stolen goods are estimated to be worth around R35 000,' Senokoatsane said. ALSO READ: Police officers and Saps cleaner arrested for looting washing powder Trial and arrest Kwindla was arrested on 23 April 2023 and remained in custody until the recent finalisation of the case. During the trial, prosecutor Xolisa March emphasised the seriousness and prevalence of housebreaking and theft incidents in the Nonzwakazi area. She argued that as a former officer of the law, the accused had betrayed public trust and acted with full awareness of the unlawfulness of his actions. 'The court also considered two Victim Impact Statements, facilitated by court preparation officer Trott Manghana, which outlined the emotional and financial toll on the victims,' Senokoatsane said. 'In delivering the sentence, the court acknowledged Kwindla's circumstances but stressed the severity of his crimes and their impact on both victims and the broader community.' 'Strengthening confidence in justice system' He said the sentence reaffirms the NPA's commitment to holding offenders accountable, especially those who once served in positions of public trust. 'The NPA remains dedicated to safeguarding communities and strengthening confidence in the criminal justice system,' Senokoatsane added. NOW READ: Disbanded police task team 'tried to arrest Mchunu and Sibiya'
TimesLIVE
5 days ago
- TimesLIVE
Former Northern Cape cop who stole to feed his drug addiction jailed
The De Aar regional court has sentenced former police constable Thanduxolo Kwindla to an effective eight years of direct imprisonment after convicting him on four counts of housebreaking with intent to steal and theft. Kwindla, 38, who resigned from the police shortly before committing the offences, carried out the housebreakings between August 2021 and April 2023 in Nonzwakazi location, where he lived. His modus operandi involved breaking into homes during the evening and stealing valuable items to support his drug addiction. The stolen goods were worth about R35,000, said Northern Cape NPA spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane. Kwindla was arrested in April 2023 and remained in custody until the finalisation of the matter. In aggravation of sentence, prosecutor Xolisa March emphasised the seriousness and prevalence of housebreaking and theft in the area. She argued that as a former officer of the law, the accused had betrayed public trust and acted with full awareness of the unlawfulness of his actions. The court also considered two victim impact statements, facilitated by court preparation officer Trott Manghana, which outlined the emotional and financial toll on the victims. In delivering the sentence, the court acknowledged Kwindla's circumstances but stressed the severity of his crimes and their impact on both victims and the broader community. He was sentenced to three years' imprisonment on each count, with the court ordering that, in terms of section 280 of the Criminal Procedure Act, the sentences run concurrently, amounting to an effective eight-year sentence.
The Citizen
7 days ago
- The Citizen
Chrissiesmeer police recover 14 stolen sheep
The Chrissiesmeer SAPS recovered 14 sheep that were reportedly stolen from a farm in the town on Saturday, July 19. The Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, said they is still looking for the suspects. According to the report, the complainant regularly visits the grazing camp to count his livestock. However, on Saturday, he realised some were missing and contacted the police immediately. 'When the police arrived at the scene, they found that the fence had been cut. Further investigations led them to Warbutorn, which is about 25km from the farm,' Ndubane said. There, they found 14 sheep tied up. ALSO READ: Men sell dead monkeys on KaNyamazane Road The estimated value of the livestock is R35 000. 'The suspects are still at large, but the police handed the animals over to the owner. We are currently in pursuit of the suspects,' Ndubane said. ALSO READ: Dludluma road to facilitate economic opportunities for community Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Detective Captain Aziz Phiri on 082 556 5861. Alternatively, members of the public can call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or send information via My SAPS app. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Sun
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
TOP SECRET's One-of-a-Kind VR32 Stealth GT-R Set to Headline TAS 2025
Japanese tuning legend TOP SECRET is returning to the Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur (TAS) this year with one of its most celebrated and rarest creations – the VR32 Stealth Nissan GT-R. The highly anticipated showcase will take place from 8 to 10 August 2025 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), where fans will also get the chance to meet the mastermind behind the machine, Kazuhiko 'Smokey' Nagata, now making his third consecutive appearance at the event. At the heart of the VR32 Stealth GT-R is an ambitious and meticulously executed fusion: the 3.8-litre powerplant from the modern R35 GT-R has been transplanted into the shell of the iconic BNR32. This fusion of eras has resulted in a one-off creation that exemplifies engineering excellence and performance-driven design. The car, the only one of its kind in the world, was built entirely by Nagata himself. The build involved far more than just an engine swap. The project required extensive chassis fabrication and reinforcement to accommodate the high-performance R35 drivetrain. The entire body underwent stitch welding, and additional tube bracing was incorporated beneath the front fenders to enhance chassis rigidity. The car also features a full roll cage for added structural integrity and safety. In terms of power, the VR32 is nothing short of monstrous. Generating a staggering 1,072hp, the engine is enhanced with a TOP SECRET BB800 turbine and JUN H-section connecting rods, highlighting the level of performance engineering that went into this unique machine. Visually, the car commands attention with its Stealth Grey paintwork, a full TOP SECRET aerodynamic kit, and aggressive stance achieved through NEKO TOP SECRET Ride Pitch Adjustment suspension paired with SWIFT springs. The braking system is borrowed from the R35 GT-R, offering exceptional stopping power via six-piston Brembo callipers at the front and four-piston units at the rear, clamping onto massive 380mm discs. Rounding off the exterior package are 18-inch OZ Racing Challenge HLT wheels, measuring 10J ET25 at the front and 11J ET60 at the rear, wrapped in Bridgestone POTENZA RE-71RS tyres sized 275/35R18 all around. The R35 influence continues into the interior, where the original BNR32 cabin has been comprehensively reimagined. The dashboard, instrument cluster, centre console, and door panels from the R35 have been seamlessly integrated into the classic chassis. The conversion is completed with TOP SECRET's own R35 GT-R steering wheel and a TRUST Sirius boost meter, blending modern functionality with nostalgic design. Beyond the display, visitors can browse a dedicated TOP SECRET merchandise booth and meet Smokey Nagata in person – a rare opportunity for automotive fans and tuning enthusiasts. Tickets for the Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur 2025 are now available, priced at RM48 for a one-day adult pass, RM30 for children aged 6 to 12, and RM120 for a Family Combo (two adults and two children). An adult three-day pass is also available for RM120. Children aged five and below may enter for free, while OKU card holders and their caregivers are entitled to a 50% discount.
