South Africa

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of seven-year-old Emaan Solomons and a 31-year-old man in Ocean View in Cape Town on Tuesday. News24 reported earlier that the girl was killed after she was caught in gang crossfire. Emaan had been playing outside when she was shot in the chest and hand. "Two men, aged 19 and 27, were arrested following the murder of a seven-year-old girl who was caught in the crossfire between rival gangs in Libra Street, Ocean View," Western Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said. "Both suspects are expected to appear in the Simon's Town Magistrate's court on Friday 28 February 2020." On Thursday, it was reported that two houses were torched in Ocean View following Emaan's death. "In the latest incidents overnight, the Fire and Rescue Service responded to two houses that were set alight. The South African Police Service confirmed two more house fires, but advised fir...

A seven-year-old girl and a 31-year-old man have been shot and killed in Ocean View on Tuesday night. Police say a stray bullet struck the little Emaan in the chest and hand while she stood in Libra Way. The child was rushed to a nearby hospital but was later declared dead. Cops were led to the second scene in Andromeda Street where they found the body of the man. Members from the Anti-Gang Unit has since been dispatched to Ocean View, hunting for the gunmen. Police spokesperson, Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana explains: “AGU members are patrolling the area in Ocean View following a shooting incident that occurred last night in Libra Street. “According to available information, a seven-year-old girl was caught in a crossfire and she was wounded in her chest and hand. “The child was transported to a medical facility for treatment where she died due to her injuries. “It was discovered that a 31-year- man was shot at Andromeda Way and died due to his injuries. “The ci...

The Gauteng Department of Health is experiencing a shortage of male condoms yet no one wants to touch female condoms that are in abundance. From reason such that they take too long to insert and that they are not user friendly, female condoms are not the preferred method for many sexually active people according to the department’s Philani Mhlungu. While the department is scrambling around to ensure that suppliers deliver condoms, Mhlungu said they have a consistent supply of female condoms. “Poor demand generation contributed to the low up-take for female condoms. Based on informal interviews with the public, female condoms were said to be “not user friendly”, “time consuming to insert”, and “prefer males to use a condom”, to name a few. “Following a demand generation workshop held in October and November 2019, the province has seen a gradual improvement in distribution. More training is planned for March 2020,” he said. This comes after the DA’s Jack Blooms reveale...

The former president says even if the ANC government finds him guilty, he is willing to go to jail and serve his time. Former president Jacob Zuma says he is not using his illness to run from the law and if he is sent to jail, he will serve his time. A visibly jovial but weaker-looking Zuma addressed hundreds of supporters at OR Tambo International Airport on Saturday, following his recent trip to Cuba for medical treatment. While the name of Zuma’s illness has not been disclosed, he has been in and out of hospital for several months and has failed to attend to court for his corruption case. Among those in attendance were hardened long-time Zuma supporters, including Ekurhuleni mayor Mzwandile Masina, ANC Free State chairperson Sam Mashinini, ANC members of Parliament Supra Mahumapelo, Mosebenzi Zwane and Joe Maswanganyi. Speaking for a short period in Zulu, Zuma said he was not making formal address but just saying a few words to thank his supporters. “I’ve never ...

LEGENDARY maskandi artist Phuzekhemisi pleaded not guilty to murder in the Durban Regional Court yesterday. “I don’t understand the charges. It’s not like I randomly shot him. We were fighting over a gun,” Phuzekhemisi, whose real name is Zibokwakhe Mnyandu, said. He also faces a charge of handling a firearm while under the influence of alcohol. Witness Siyanda Dlamini told the court the dead man, Selby Shezi, and Phuzekhemisi had been drinking. Siyanda said he had accompanied the two on their way to visit the musician’s dancers. “We then went to a nearby liquor store where Phuzekhemisi bought a bottle of J&B and some Heinekens,” he said. He said Phuzekhemisi then suggested they visit a woman nearby. But she wasn’t there. “Selby slammed the car door twice before getting inside. This angered Phuzekhemisi. He uttered vulgar words towards Selby.” A heated argument followed. “Before I knew it, Phuzekhemisi had a gun in his hand. He was pushing Selby with it a...

Investigators worked on a rugged hillside outside Los Angeles on Monday to determine the cause of the helicopter  crash  that killed retired basketball star Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others About 20 investigators scoured the crash site in Calabasas, some 30 miles (48km) north-west of downtown Los Angeles, where the helicopter went down in foggy weather on Sunday. The cause of the disaster remains unknown, and is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. Federal safety investigators are exploring factors including the pilot’s history and the chopper’s maintenance records, said the National Transportation Safety Board member Jennifer Homendy. But much attention has focused on the weather, which was considered dangerous enough that the Los Angeles police department and the county sheriff’s department had grounded their choppers. Bryant’s helicopter had received special approval to fly amid the worse than usual weather,  ...

US basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash in the city of Calabasas, California. Bryant, 41, and Gianna, 13, were travelling in a private helicopter when it came down and burst into flames. The LA county sheriff said there were no survivors. Bryant, a five-time NBA champion, played for the LA Lakers throughout his career and is considered one of the greatest players in the game's history. Tributes from celebrities and fellow sports stars have been pouring in, many expressing shock at his sudden death. Moments of silence have been observed at basketball games across the US. Bryant was also remembered  at the Grammy Awards  , which were held at the Staples Center, the Los Angeles Lakers' stadium, on Sunday night. "We're all feeling crazy sadness right now," said host Alicia Keys. "Because earlier today Los Angeles, America and the whole wide world lost a hero. We're literal...