Daily news update: Zama zamas at it again, Taxi strike, electoral fees

In today’s daily news update: A Santaco taxi strike has brought Cape Town to a standstill on Thursday, zama zamas have reopened illegal mining holes in Riverlea, and the Senzo Meyiwa trial continues.

Meanwhile, Prince Buthelezi’s condition has not improved, and Zuma had been slapped with costs as court rules in favour of Downer and Maughan.

Daily news update: 4 August 2023

In today’s weather forecast, Saws predicts fine and cool weather across most provinces, but there are reports of extreme fire danger in specific areas. Detailed forecast here.

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

‘There is no hope for us’

Cape Town was brought to a standstill on Thursday after Santaco announced a taxi stayaway, leaving commuters stranded.

Western Cape taxi drivers took to the streets of the Mother City on Thursday protesting against impoundments and alleged assaults by law enforcement officials.

According to Santaco, 6 000 taxis have been impounded since the beginning of the year.

READ: ‘There is no hope for us’: Santaco taxi stayaway brings Cape Town to standstill

Zama zamas reopen illegal mining holes

n the aftermath of the protests in Riverlea on Monday, where residents barricaded Main Reef Road over illegal mining activities, the SA Police Service (Saps) say it is heightening its crackdown.

The protest initially broke out as residents’ anger over illegal mining operations from zama zamas reached boiling point this week.

In response to the unrest, specialised police units have been deployed, assisted by the Saps Air Wing and the use of drones.

READ: Riverlea: Saps at scene where zama zamas reopen illegal mining holes

Senzo Meyiwa trial

A childhood friend of former Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa has questioned why an investigation into his alleged assault has seemingly gone silent.

Mthokozisi Thwala returned to the witness stand in the Pretoria High Court on Thursday to give his evidence about the incident.

Thwala was one of six people in the Vosloorus home belonging to Kelly Khumalo’s mother when the Orlando Pirates goalkeeper was shot during an alleged botched robbery on 26 October 2014.

READ: Senzo Meyiwa trial: Witness claims police assaulted him but ‘nothing has happened’

Electoral fees

As the 2024 national elections draws closer, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has released its list of proposed deposits for parties and independent candidates wishing to compete in the elections.

The amounts and updated regulations were published for public comment this week.

They include R300 000 for parties who wish to compete in the national election and all regional elections, and R200 000 plus R25 000 per regional election, for parties wanted to contest national and at least one regional election.

READ: Here’s how much it could cost you to contest as an independent in next year’s elections

Ekurhuleni ‘load rotation’

Following recent incidents of theft and vandalism on the 66 kV network cable infrastructure, the City of Ekurhuleni has announced plans for a load rotation strategy.

This decision, which also follows an attempted theft at the area’s primary substation infrastructure, is expected to affect numerous districts within Kempton Park.

Ekurhuleni said the load rotation schedule will be in effect from 3 to 8 August 2023, with technicians striving to restore power sooner if possible.

READ: Ekurhuleni ‘load rotation’ implemented in these areas until 8 August

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In other news today:

• Man dies in holding cell after pleading guilty to 14 charges of rape
• Healthcare worker hit on head with hammer inside Charlotte Maxeke hospital lift
• ‘We are being disrespected by zama zamas’ – Gayton McKenzie
• SIU launches investigation into KZN premier’s office
• Lauren Dickason trial: Consequences of cable tie marks meant ‘no turning back’

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Yesterday’s Daily News recap

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