Daily news update: Despair of Katlego Bereng’s family; ANC NEC meeting; Nzimande and his deputy fight

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Daily news update: 24 April 2023

Katlego Bereng: Father of man whose burnt body was found in Thabo Bester’s cell wants answers

The late Katlego Bereng’s family are demanding answers about what happened to their son, whose burnt body was found in Thabo Bester’s cell at the Mangaung Correctional Centre.

The family of Bereng are planning to register cases with the police against the state, Bester and his accomplice, socialite-doctor Nandipha Magudumana.

Bereng’s family has been looking for him since he went missing in April last year.

READ MORE: Katlego Bereng: Father of man whose burnt body was found in Thabo Bester’s cell wants answers

‘Coalitions not a solution to ANC’s problems’ – Makhura

Apart from the load shedding crisis, the issue around coalitions also came under discussion at the African National Congress’ (ANC) four-day long National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

Coalitions have been a major talking point for a while considering the levels of instability in some of the country’s biggest metros and municipalities.

Addressing the media on Sunday, ANC NEC member David Makhura said they were not discussing who they are going to work with in 2024, stressing that they are working towards victory.

READ MORE: ‘Coalitions not a solution to ANC’s problems’ – Makhura

Nzimande and his deputy fight over media coverage – report

A row has erupted between Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande and his deputy, Buti Manamela, over who gets the media limelight.

The two seem to be at loggerheads over protocol and how things should be done in the department, according to reports in the Sunday Times and City Press.

In a recording obtained by the Sunday Times, Nzimande is heard complaining about not getting media coverage in a meeting with senior staffers, including director-general (DG) Nkosinathi Sishi and spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi.

READ MORE: Nzimande and his deputy fight over media coverage – report

ANC needs to find common ground on load shedding before 2024 polls

The four-day African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting currently underway in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni, shows the party is doing a lot of strategic planning ahead of next year’s much-anticipated general elections.

This is according to political analyst Prof. Andre Duvenhage.

The meeting which started on Friday saw the load shedding crisis dominating proceedings.

Speaking to The Citizen on Sunday, Duvenhage said it was important for the ANC to get some coherence going, especially when it comes to dealing with the country’s never-ending electricity crisis.

READ MORE: ANC needs to find common ground on load shedding before 2024 polls

JRA warns residents not to spray-paint or fix Joburg’s potholes

The Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) has warned against “defacing and branding” of potholes, saying it contravenes the city’s bylaws.

It also warned against repairing the potholes without getting written permission.

A trend has developed in recent months where gatvol residents are spray-painting the words ‘ANC’ and ‘DA’ next to potholes across Johannesburg.

The JRA has now put out a statement saying that these actions are illegal.

READ MORE: JRA warns residents not to spray-paint or fix Joburg’s potholes

Man arrested in North West for possessing 14 hand grenades

Police in the North West arrested a 38-year-old man after he was found in possession of 14 hand grenades in Khuma, Klerksdorp.

Spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh says an officer received a tip-off about the explosives on Saturday and followed up.

“The officer found the suspect at corner of Marumole and Lekoma Street, and searched him. A total of 14 MK 2 hand grenade were found in his possession.”

READ MORE: Man arrested for possessing 14 hand grenades

Teary-eyed Jaco Kriel talks about final game for the Lions

Now retired Lions flank Jaco Kriel says he had to fight back tears on the way to Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, knowing the match against Italian side Zebre was his last.

After a brilliant career, that included him playing for the Springboks on 11 occasions and also captaining the Lions, Kriel has opted to call it quits at the age of 33.

Several injuries, particularly in the last few years, no doubt played a part in his decision.

READ MORE: Teary-eyed Jaco Kriel talks about final game for the Lions