Daily news update: Crime stats, dreadlocks row, Meyiwa murder evidence, and more

In today’s daily news update: Minister Cele shared the crime stats on Friday, and the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) shut down the Crowthorne Christian Academy after the dreadlocks row.

Meanwhile in the Senzo Meyiwa trial, warrant officer Thabo Mosia said it did not occur to him to collect some evidence from the house.

Daily news update: 19 Aug

In today’s weather update, extreme fire risks is expected across five provinces in South Africa – full forecast here.

Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. Here’s your easy-to-read selection of our top stories.

Murder and sex crimes down

There has been a decrease in the murder and sexual offences rate in the crime stats for the last quarter.

This was revealed by minister Bheki Cele and police service leadership during a briefing before Parliament’s Police Portfolio Committee on Friday.

The data covers April to June 2023, and was presented by Police General Norman Sekhukhune.

READ: Crime stats: Murder and sex crime down, attempted murder spike

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OPINION: SA has become a nanny state

Every Sunday morning, after going to church of course, I settle down for my favourite weekly drama: The Eskom grid update.

It is riveting stuff, to rival Days of Our Lives and Generations: The Legacy, and has made an engineer out of me.

I have joined the thousands of South Africans who have become the unofficial supervisor of Eskom and its ability to keep the lights on − and the position comes without the prestige or pay. My book won’t be called Three Years Inside Eskom but My Whole Life.

READ: A VIEW OF THE WEEK: SA has become a nanny state − but maybe not in the way you think

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Dreadlocks row

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has shut down the Crowthorne Christian Academy in Midrand.

This comes after the department this week revealed that the school was operating illegally.

Crowthorne Christian Academy came under the spotlight after it barred a 13-year-old pupil because her dreadlocks violated the school’s new hair policy.

READ: Midrand school shuts down after dreadlocks row

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Senzo Meyiwa trial: Cop didn’t collect evidence

State witness, warrant officer Thabo Mosia, says he did not consider that some of the people in the house on the night that Senzo Meyiwa was killed could be suspects.

Mosia also admitted that he did not collect evidence from some parts of the Vosloorus home, belonging to Kelly Khumalo’s mother, where Meyiwa was shot in 2014.

The former constable was grilled by the defence during his cross-examination in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Friday.

READ: Senzo Meyiwa trial: Cop admits it did not occur to him to collect some evidence from the house

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Lotto jackpots: R174 million unclaimed

While many enjoy the thrill of playing the Lotto, winning the lottery is a feeling few get to experience. And yet, millions in Lotto jackpot prize money are yet to be claimed!

Ithuba is calling on all players to check their tickets. Here’s what you need to know, and how to claim your money you’re one of the lucky millionaires.

The most recent big winner bagged R32.785,982.10 in the Lotto Plus 1 game (draw 2360), which took place on 16 August.

READ: Lotto jackpots: More than R174 million still unclaimed

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In other news today:

– Transnet CEO Portia Derby’s comments on trucking industry ‘taken out of context’
– Measles outbreak report: SA finally winning the battle – NICD
– Sars welcomes ConCourt judgment in Regiments matter
– Glimmer of hope: Koeberg Unit 1 on track to return to service in November
– Mystery of dead whales on KZN’s beaches explained

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Yesterday’s Daily News recap

READ: MultiParty Charter, Petrol price, Oscar Pistorius parole