Author name: Scott Balson

A recent study by Euromonitor International, in collaboration with the Drinks Federation South Africa, has revealed a staggering rise in the country’s illicit alcohol market, now valued at R25 billion—accounting for 18% of the total alcohol industry. The findings highlight not only significant economic losses but also severe health risks for consumers. Alarming Growth in Illicit Alcohol Drinks […]

As South Africa observes National Child Protection Week, the CRL Rights Commission has emphasized the urgent need to strengthen safeguards for children—not only in homes and schools but also within cultural and religious spaces. Chairperson Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva has raised concerns over gaps in child protection, particularly in practices like virginity testing, initiation schools, and unregulated

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Youth Command in the Eastern Cape has accused Walter Sisulu University (WSU) of shielding Manelisi Mampane, a residence manager charged with the murder of a student during a protest in April. Mampana was granted R10,000 bail by the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court, sparking outrage among students and the victim’s family. Bail

A fire broke out in the Kennedy Road Informal Settlement in Durban earlier today, forcing residents to evacuate as emergency services rushed to the scene. The blaze, which started in one of the shacks, quickly spread, prompting a swift response from local fire and rescue teams. More than 40 shacks were destroyed during the fire.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that the human remains discovered in Rust De Winter are those of missing Pretoria journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdhluli. Following extensive forensic tests, DNA analysis conclusively matched the remains with samples provided by the victims’ biological relatives. SAPS has officially notified both families,

Standerton, Mpumalanga – The parents of 20-year-old Buhlebenkosi Makhanda are devastated after their daughter was brutally murdered and her body dumped near a graveyard in Sakhile township. Buhlebenkosi left home on Saturday evening but never returned. Her lifeless body was discovered the following morning, sending shockwaves through the community. Her grieving mother and father say they

Eastern Cape Police have arrested several protesters in Mthatha following renewed demonstrations at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) after a residence manager accused of murder was granted bail. Students took to the streets today in outrage after Manelisi Mampane, who faces charges of murder, attempted murder, and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, was released

Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has strongly condemned an attack on officers in Westbury after residents hurled rocks and bottles at the anti-gang unit during an arrest operation. The incident occurred when police arrested a suspect found in possession of drugs, sparking violent resistance from the community. Escalation During Stop-and-Search Operation According to police spokesperson Brigadier

A 23-year-old university student’s life was thrown into chaos after she was wrongfully declared dead in Vereeniging in the the Department of Home Affairs’ population registry. The shocking error, allegedly linked to a fraudulent death registration and a potential syndicate involving a local funeral home, has left the victim struggling to reclaim her identity—months after

Hartbeesfontein, North West – The Tigane community near Klerksdorp has been without water for at least four days after water tanker deliveries were halted due to the Matlosana Local Municipality’s failure to pay its contractor. Residents are now protesting the municipality’s plans to appoint a new contractor instead of settling the outstanding payments owed to the