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The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
One-legged man steals cop car from Umhlali Saps
In a plot twist that could make Fast & Furious look sluggish, a 60-year-old Umhlali resident with one leg was arrested today after allegedly boosting a police vehicle from right under the noses of the cops. Yes, you read that correctly – a man with a single leg reportedly outpaced a station full of officers and drove off in a patrol car from Umhlali Saps premises on Saturday morning. According to police spokesperson Priya Nunkumar-Bukum, the stolen ride was tracked down in Ballito thanks to swift teamwork between Umhlali Police and E2 partners. 'The vehicle was recovered and the suspect was arrested by police,' Nunkumar-Bukum confirmed. The suspect now faces a charge of theft of a motor vehicle – and possibly one for audacity. As for how exactly a one-legged man managed to hotwire, enter and escape in a police vehicle without anyone noticing? That's the million-rand question. Police say the matter is under investigation and we suspect someone is in for a rather awkward debriefing. Let this be a reminder: never underestimate a man with a plan – and a prosthetic. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
#BookReview: Four new picture books kids will love
#BookReview: Four new picture books kids will love Looking for your next great storytime read? These four beautifully illustrated picture books offer little readers big adventures, from silly pets and dancing dinosaurs to heartfelt tales about emotions and finding your place in a changing world. Perfect for children aged 3 to 6. 1. 'If I had a crocodile' by Gabby Dawnay and Alex Barrow This sweet little board book in the bestselling 'If I Had a…' series imagines what life would be like with a crocodile as a pet. Children will delight in the silly possibilities of such an unwieldy companion, making this a fun read for parents and children to enjoy together, with plenty of giggles guaranteed. The sturdy pages make it perfect for even the youngest readers. 2. 'I hate everything!' by Sophy Henn Big feelings can be overwhelming, but sometimes all it takes is a little perspective. In this gentle picture book, a little ghost who is feeling angry with life gets support from a friend who loves him. A heartfelt story and a wonderful conversation starter for talking to children about emotions. 3. 'The Comet' by Joe Todd-Stanton When Nyla and her dad move from their countryside home to start over in the city, all she can think about is what she's left behind. In this tender and beautifully illustrated picture book by award-winning author Joe Todd-Stanton, the emotional journey of moving house is brought to life. Through Nyla's eyes, readers explore the sense of loss and disorientation that change can bring, and the surprising joy of discovering new places to belong. 4. 'Never Dance with a Dinosaur' by Pamela Butchart and Marc Boutavant When Peri attends her older sister's ballet class, she finds it difficult to fit in. While the teacher wants her to conform, Peri has her own unique style of dancing. Hiding in the bathroom, she's joined by an unexpected guest, a dinosaur (yes, a real live dinosaur!), and the two set off on a dance party that boogies all the way through town. This vibrantly illustrated story is a joyful reminder to stay true to yourself and always dance to your own tune. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Upcoming events in Ballito to look out for
Upcoming events in Ballito to look out for 26 July – Ashton Arts Festival at Ashton Ballito Campus from 10am-3pm. Food and craft stalls, music, drama, KZN Philharmonic orchestra, bake off and so much more. Free entrance. – Market Day at Odyssey Shopping Mall from 9am-2pm. Enjoy delicious food, stalls and music. – Ballito's Talent – Final showcase at the Lyric Lounge Theatre from 6-10pm. Tickets R250pp. – Join the crochet and knitting social community group at Burnedale farm from 9am-12pm. Bring your own knitting or crocheting project or work on some squares for supplied donation blankets. 27 July– Beach clean up at Zimbali long beach from 8-10am. Starting point at Foch le Roux parking area. Bring your own gloves and a water. 30 July – Quiz night at the La Montagne Pool deck from 6pm. Booking is essential. 9 August – Beacon of Care High Tea fundraiser 'Celebrate the Superpower of Women to Care' at All Souls Umhlali at 1pm. Tickets are R200. Contact 081 393 2495. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
iLembe Sharks U12 team crowned kings of KZN
The iLembe Sharks made history by clinching their first-ever U12 KZN Invitational Primary School Soccer Association football tournament title. The Ian MacLeod football tournament, held at Kearsney College over the weekend of July 12 and 13, featured intense competition as 13 district teams from across KwaZulu-Natal battled for honours. This is only the second year the North Coast district has entered a team into this prestigious football festival, delivering an outstanding performance to lift the trophy. The iLembe Sharks played 12 matches, winning 11, drawing just one and conceding only a single goal throughout the tournament in a dominant run to the title. Goalkeeper D'Artagnan Munro and midfielders Sibusiso Shaba, Jordan Wright and Kayden Duncan were all selected for next year's KZN U13 trials. Wright was also named Most Valuable Player of the tournament. Saturday brought wet and misty conditions, but the Sharks' spirit remained undampened. The team played eight matches on the opening day, winning seven and drawing one. 'It was a physically and mentally demanding start, yet the boys powered through with focus and energy. The following day, we brought fresh intensity,' said head coach Jakez Kritzinger. The Sharks were awarded one walkover and then won their remaining two group matches, setting up a high-stakes final clash against the unbeaten Durban North Pumas, who had won all 11 of their games. 'We had to win the final game to lift the trophy,' said Kritzinger. 'A draw would have handed the title to the North Durban Pumas.' The final match was a tense, fast-paced affair with everything on the line. Both teams played with heart and discipline. With less than five minutes remaining, playmaker Rugolo O'Neal broke the deadlock, scoring the goal that sealed a 1-0 victory. 'To see these boys give everything, especially under pressure and in difficult conditions, was inspiring,' said Kritzinger. 'This team made history and they truly earned it. They played as a band of brothers and showed their quality.' Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Court backs Ithala, but customers say ‘Nothing has changed'
Ithala Bank users remain in limbo despite a recent High Court ruling in favour of Ithala SOC Limited. Customers say little has changed on the ground as they cannot access their funds or resume normal business operations. The Pietermaritzburg High Court ruling, handed down on May 9, interdicted the South African Reserve Bank's appointed repayment administrator, Johannes Kruger, from interfering in the operational management of Ithala. The ruling confirmed that the Ithala board retains full operational authority and that Ithala may carry out all legally permissible transactions, excluding deposit-taking. ABSA Bank was also interdicted from blocking transactions related to salaries and operational expenses. However, for many Ithala clients, the judgment has yet to translate into practical relief. Groutville farmer Zodwa Mthembu said she was devastated to find that she still could not access her accounts even days after the court ruling. 'I went to the Ithala branch in Stanger, and they told me they haven't received the go-ahead to process withdrawals,' said Mthembu. Mthembu, who operates several small businesses through her Ithala accounts, said the shutdown has dealt her a triple blow. 'Since the bank closed shop in January, I've had to survive on personal loans to keep things going. I, too, need rescuing,' she said. Hydroponic farmer and Vella Villa Project founder Mhlengi Ngcobo echoed her concerns, saying that while the legal victory is welcome, the financial damage done over the past few months has been severe. 'We're still in crisis mode. The road to recovery is going to be long and hard. Many of us are small-scale farmers who rely on every cent,' said Ngcobo. Mthembu and Ngcobo are among the 257 000 Ithala depositors left in limbo after the provincial state-owned bank ceased operations in January, after failing to meet banking regulations and financial stability requirements. At least five other farms across iLembe are also affected. Despite operating under special exemptions from the South African Reserve Bank, Ithala never obtained a banking licence and primarily served KwaZulu-Natal residents. A repayment administrator was appointed to manage withdrawals, but legal battles have caused delays, leaving depositors uncertain about how much they will recover and when. KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Francois Rodger reiterated his commitment to ensuring the institution is not only protected but restored to full functionality. 'Ithala serves a niche market of mainly rural residents. Attempts to systematically shut it down are short-sighted and demonstrate a total disregard for rural livelihoods,' he said. Rodgers said the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) will continue engaging with legal counsel to enforce the ruling and support affected communities. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
