Latest news with #hitmen
Geek Tyrant
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Bella Ramsey Joins Witness Protection Thriller Series MAYA — GeekTyrant
Bella Ramsey, Fresh off battling cordyceps-infected monsters in HBO's The Last of Us Season 2, the Emmy-nominated actor is stepping into something equally intense, though this time the monsters are human. Ramsey will star in the new six-part Channel 4 thriller Maya , created by and co-starring Daisy Haggard ( Back to Life, Breeders ), who also makes her directorial debut on the series. The project was written specifically with Ramsey in mind. In the series, 'Forced into a witness protection programme to escape a life-threatening danger, Anna and Maya leave their London lives behind, taking on new identities and relocating to a small rural town in Scotland. 'As they try to adjust to their new reality, the trauma of their past continues to haunt them in the form of two hitmen intent on tracking them down. As the walls close in, it becomes clear that a dangerous figure from their past is still a looming threat.' Ramsey said: 'This story and these characters Daisy has created are so alive, nuanced, wickedly funny and scarily dark. Every character jumps off the page, the dialogue is incredibly witty and I'm so excited to get to play Maya opposite Daisy's Anna.' Haggard, who created and wrote the show, said: 'Ever since I first dreamt up this show, there has only ever been one Maya… I wrote the part with Bella so clearly in my head and I honestly still can't believe they want to be part of it. 'Bella is pure magic, just insanely talented, and I can't wait for us to work together. I'm also thrilled to be taking the leap into directing, and excited to have the opportunity to co-direct the series alongside the brilliant Jamie Donoughue.' While Maya is billed as a thriller, there's a healthy dose of humor and heart. Producers describe the show as 'darkly comedic, and shot through with Haggard's trademark warmth and humour,' noting it explores 'themes of predatory male behaviour, family and love,' but at its core is 'a warm and witty celebration of the special, unbreakable bond shared between mother and daughter.' Channel 4's Gemma Boswell added, 'We are thrilled to have Bella join the cast of Maya. It's testament to the wit and depth of Daisy's writing to entice such fantastic talent and we can't wait to see the dynamic of Maya and Anna on-screen.' The project comes from Two Brothers Pictures, the folks behind Fleabag and The Tourist with filming set entirely in Scotland later this year. Source: Variety
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Daily Mail
How the zombie victim of the gangland Contract Crew came back from the dead after he was shot in the head and buried in a shallow bushland grave - but then dug himself out and stumbled back to life
A man who crawled out of his own grave after being shot through the eye was captured on CCTV walking into a service station with a bullet lodged in his brain. The intended murder victim had been targeted by a 'contract crew' of hitmen believed to be responsible for two other shockingly violent attacks within a week. Police released details of the three crimes - which include a murder and a man having his ear severed during a kidnapping - on Monday as part of a public appeal. CCTV footage showed a 23-year-old man covered in dirt walking into a service station on Tamborine Street at Jimboomba, 50km south of Brisbane, about 5am on July 21 last year. The man had been lured from NSW to Queensland where he was shot in the eye and buried but managed to climb out of a shallow grave. He arrived at the service station with a bullet in his brain but asked shocked staff not to call emergency services. An employee who came to the man's aid said 'he had severe facial injuries, including his eye socket'. 'He came and asked for a taxi and I said, "Are you sure you don't want an ambulance?" the employee revealed. 'He said, "No please, no ambulance".' The man can be seen in the CCTV footage slumped over before he was taken to hospital, where the bullet was removed from his brain. Homicide Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Joe Doueihi said it was a miracle the man had survived. 'He was buried in a shallow grave,' Detective Superintendent Doueihi said. 'Unbeknown to the offenders, who believed he was deceased, the male crawled out of the grave.' Detective Superintendent Doueihi said it had been established the man was lured over the border by a group of males, 'not knowing what their ulterior motive was'. The day before the man was shot, a white Hyundai Getz was captured on CCTV at a roadhouse in Nambucca on the NSW mid-north coast about 5.30am. Four male passengers - one believed to be the victim - were seen in the footage, suggesting the man had been picked up from NSW. Detective Superintendent Doueihi said the man's shooting and the two other violent attacks took place in a six-day period between July 19 and July 25. 'We will allege that this syndicate that's responsible for these three offences are linked to a Victorian drug trafficking syndicate,' he said. Rich 'Dylan' Choup, 32, was reported missing in Sydney in July 2024 before his body was found in bushland at Lucas Heights in August. He is pictured left with an unidentified man who slapped him before he disappeared 'We do believe that this particular crew, or crews, were contracted to conduct these activities. 'We do not believe that they are offshore. We believe they are still within the country.' Det Supt Doueihi said the survivors of the attacks were not fully cooperating with police. 'But they are talking to us, to a certain extent,' he told reporters. 'The investigation remained somewhat covert for a period of time in order to progress the investigation to where we are now. 'It wasn't an appropriate time back in July last year to release this information. We are at a stage now where we're happy to release the information.' Police also released footage capturing the final moments of a young father who was shot and killed by the same group. Rich 'Dylan' Choup was reported missing on July 29 last year and was last seen involved in a dispute at Cabramatta, in south-west Sydney, on July 25. Mr Choup had told friends he had a meeting and asked them to wait close by. CCTV showed Mr Choup with a man on Railway Parade who ordered him towards a car after slapping him about 6.25pm. Both men were seen walking towards a grey Audi SQ2 before Mr Choup was reported missing four days later. On August 31, police were called to bushland off Heathcote Road in Lucas Heights after trail bike riders stumbled upon human remains, which were later identified to be those of Mr Choup. A post-mortem discovered he had been fatally shot and the top of his right ear had been severed. Police said a 31-year-old man was kidnapped and tortured at Canley Vale, in south-west Sydney, before he was released the same day, on July 19. Part of his right ear was severed, but the man did not make a report to police. Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
News24
30-06-2025
- News24
Another 2 ‘hitmen' arrested for the murder of Fort Hare vice-chancellor's bodyguard
Police have arrested another two suspected hitmen involved in the 2023 murder of Fort Hare vice-chancellor Sakhele Buhlungu's bodyguard. Mboneli Vesele was shot and killed while inside a vehicle waiting for Buhlungu outside his home in the Eastern Cape. In total, 12 suspects have now been arrested for the murder. Two more suspected hitmen have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the murder of Fort Hare University vice-chancellor Sakhele Buhlungu's bodyguard, Mboneli Vesele. A third alleged hitman, Siphiwo Jejane, is still on the run, according to police. Vesele was shot and killed inside a vehicle while waiting for Buhlungu outside his home in the Eastern Cape on 6 January 2023. National police commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, said the South African Police Service (SAPS) published the alleged hitmen's pictures in November last year, and requested the public's help in tracking down the wanted suspects after obtaining a J50 warrant of arrest for Bafana Chiliza, Nkosiyazi 'Dipopoz' Maphumulo, and Siphiwo 'Spijojo' Jejane. Just over a week ago, on 21 June 2025, police investigators proceeded to Zakkariya Park in Johannesburg to effect the arrests, following intelligence and information from members of the public. 'The SAPS confirms Bafana Chiliza and Nkosiyazi Maphumulo are in custody and will be charged accordingly,' said Masemola. He commended the investigating team for working tirelessly to apprehend all those behind the killings at Fort Hare University. 'Members of the public play a significant role in assisting the work of the police in apprehending wanted suspects. We thank all stakeholders for playing their part', said Masemola. Police also thanked the media, social media community and community members for assisting police investigators to track down the two hitmen linked to the murder. A total of 12 people have now been arrested in connection with the Fort Hare murder.
Daily Mail
16-06-2025
- Daily Mail
I spent a day on the dark web - these are the terrifying things I saw
When you hear the term 'dark web,' a hacker in a hoodie, digital drug deals and hitmen for hire are probably what come to mind. Usually, our imaginations cook up scenarios that are a lot more dramatic than reality. But when it comes to this hidden corner of the internet that can only be reached using special software, it's pretty spot on.
News24
03-06-2025
- General
- News24
Tebogo Thobejane pleas for privacy as ex-boyfriend's attempted murder bail hearing postponed
It was yet another brief appearance at the Alexandra Magistrates' Court on Monday, 19 May. Appearing for the second time in the case of his alleged plot to murder socialite and actress Tebogo Thobejane, Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala stood bold in an all-black outfit. Matlala was arrested on 14 May in Midrand by a crime intelligence unit after a two-year-long investigation into an incident that took place at a Sandton club. In October 2023, Tebogo was outside Saints Champagne Lounge with her friend and her driver when three hit-men fired multiple shots at them, leaving her unscathed but her friend wheelchair-bound. Two of the hitmen, Musa Kekana and Floyd Mabusela, were then arrested about a year later, marking a breakthrough in the case. In a recent statement by Tebogo, she laments how difficult the past two years have been. 'One of the hardest parts of this entire experience has been facing the people who were with me that night - the ones who were hurt alongside me. I've had to find the strength to express my sorrow to their families, and to live with the pain that they were affected because of a situation tied to me. It's something that stays with me everyday.' She adds that she's on a journey of healing and is thankful for the grace and support she's received. 'Despite everything, I remain incredibly grateful to the family for showing me grace, compassion and not placing blame where there is already so much hurt. I will continue to pray for them and support their healing too.' More than anything, she's hopeful that justice will prevail. Meanwhile, the man behind it all is set to remain in police custody until his formal bail hearing set to sit on 30 May. Both the state and Matlala's attorneys agreed upon this in the last appearance due to electricity problems. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirms the postponement. 'The Alexandra Magistrates' Court has postponed Vusimuzi Matlala's (49) bail application to 30 May 2025, for a formal bail hearing, following an agreement between both parties due to the unavailability of electricity.' The NPA concluded by saying that the accused will remain in custody pending his formal bail application. It was also revealed that Matlala would be represented by a new legal team. Speaking to Drum on the sidelines, Matlala's previous attorney advocate Cyril Mlotshwa confirmed that Matlala's family have appointed a new instructing attorney. 'We are from outside the jurisdiction (KZN) so we are not familiar with these surroundings, so it makes sense.'
