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Daily news update: 26 March

Government confirms ‘Facebook rapist’ did not die in prison fire

An investigation by the Department of Correctional Services has found that the charred body found after a fire broke out at the Free State’s Mangaung private prison is not that of convicted murderer and rapist Thabo Bester.

The department said all evidence indicated that Bester escaped from jail on 3 May 2022, and a manhunt has been launched for him.

“Critical at this stage is for Thabo Bester to be found. DCS is appealing to the public to assist with any information that may lead to the re-arrest of Bester,” the department said on Saturday.

Bester, dubbed the Facebook rapist after a spate of robberies, rape and even murder, was sentenced to 50 years in jail by the Durban Magistrate’s Court in 2011.

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ANC caucus tackles crucial 2024 national elections

The African National Congress (ANC) parliamentary lekgotla underway in Ekurhuleni is aware of a “coalition” by opposition parties to remove the governing party from power, said party chief whip Pemmy Majodina.

The ANC’s caucus is meeting this weekend to map a way forward for the upcoming 2024 general elections, where a below 50% voter support has been widely predicted for the 110-year-old political party.

Speaking on the sidelines of the lekgotla held in Boksburg, Majodina said the country said unseating the ANC was a priority for the opposition parties.

“They tried with a motion against the president [Cyril Ramaphosa] and a no-confidence against the Speaker [Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula] – which we all defeated. And we know there’s another motion in the pipeline against the president again and we’re going to defeat that too.

“They’ve agreed to work together and take the ANC out of power. A coalition is practically there against the ANC,” she said.

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‘Rooted in hate’: EFF slams Uganda’s ‘draconian’ anti-homosexuality bill

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have joined the chorus of condemnation against Uganda’s anti-homosexual bill.

The bill was passed by the Ugandan parliament this week and aims to criminalise people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+).

The legislation, which has proposed harsh penalties such as life imprisonment and a death sentence for some offences, must now go to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni for assent.

Reacting to the eastern African’s move, the EFF denounced the bill, saying it was a gross violation of human rights.

The red berets believe that the passing of the “draconian law” was a step backwards for the African continent because it was “rooted in religious fundamentalism and hate”.

“The stigma and hatred towards the LGBTQI+ community, not only in Africa but across the world, infringes on the rights of individuals to identify as they see it fit to express their sexuality without fear or persecution,” the party’s statement reads.

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WATCH: ‘I almost fainted’ – UCT student describes spotting Idris Elba

British actor Idris Elba was spotted multiple times in Cape Town, particularly by varsity students this week.

Students from the University of Cape Town (UCT) posted on Twitter, sharing they had just spotted the award-winning actor. 

This is not the first time the actor has come to South African shores. The last time he was in the country was in 2021 when he shot his movie Beast.

Elba has openly shared that Mzansi has a special place in his heart. 

According to reports, Elba’s presence at UCT is part of his broader version of working with African creatives.

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Proteas edged by Windies in weather-hit T20 clash

The West Indies combined well to chase down their target on Saturday, racing to victory in the first T20 International against South Africa in Centurion.

In a match that was reduced to 11 overs a side, after rain delayed the start by two hours, the tourists needed 132 runs to win.

They managed to put together some solid partnerships to build a foundation, and captain Rovman Powell carried them home by smashing 43 runs off just 18 balls, as they reached a total of 132/7 with three balls to spare.

Sisanda Magala was the best of the Proteas bowlers, returning 3/21 from his two overs. Earlier, the Proteas got an early fright after being sent in to bat when opening batter Quinton de Kock was removed with the first ball of the home side’s innings.

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