Top 10 stories of the day: WSU student killed | Asbestos trial given go-ahead | Jonas on SA-US relations

Picture of Lesego Seokwang

By Lesego Seokwang

Journalist


Here’s your daily news update: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories.


News today includes the a Walter Sisulu University student being shot and killed while two others are rushed to hospital.

Meanwhile, the judge overseeing the R255 million Free State asbestos corruption trial has ruled that proceedings must go ahead and the accused must enter their pleas.

Furthermore, the newly appointed special envoy to the United States, Mcebisi Jonas, warned there were no quick fixes to repairing the country’s fraught relationship with the US.

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One student killed and two injured at Walter Sisulu University

A student has been shot and killed at Walter Sisulu University in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. Two other students were wounded and rushed to hospital.

It is understood that the students were allegedly shot by a residence manager on Tuesday morning.

One student shot dead others injured at Walter Sisulu University
Picture: iStock

MEC for Community Safety Xolile Nqatha confirmed the shooting incident at the institution of higher learning.

“A conflict erupted between students who went to the house of the residence manager to throw stones. He then fired at them, and three students were wounded and hospitalised.”

CONTINUE READING: One student killed and two injured at Walter Sisulu University


Judge insists R255m Free State asbestos corruption trial must proceed

The judge overseeing the R255 million Free State asbestos corruption trial has ruled that the proceedings must go ahead and the accused must enter their pleas.

Former ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule, along with his former personal assistant Moroadi Cholota, appeared in the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein on Tuesday for the start of the trial, which is scheduled to run until 23 June 2025.

Free States asbestos fraud Magashule Moroadi Cholota
Former Free State premier Ace Magashule appears in the Bloemfontein High Court on 15 April 2024. Picture: Gallo Images/Mlungisi Louw

In total, there are 18 accused in the case.

The list also includes prominent businessman Edwin Sodi, former Mangaung mayor Olly Mlamleli, former national Department of Human Settlements director-general Thabane Zulu, former Free State Human Settlements head Nthimotse Mokhesi, and the provincial department’s former supply chain director Mahlomola Matlakala.

CONTINUE READING: Judge insists R255m Free State asbestos corruption trial must proceed


Jonas warns of ‘no quick fixes’ to repairing SA relationship with US [VIDEO]

As President Cyril Ramaphosa’s new special envoy to the United States, Mcebisi Jonas, warned there were no “quick fixes” to repairing the country’s fraught relationship with the US.

Jonas’ appointment has got a thumbs up from some, while others scrutinised his past remarks about US President Donald Trump.

Jonas warns of 'no quick fixes' to repairing SA relationship with US
Former Deputy Minister of Finance Mcebisi Jonas. Picture: Gallo Images / Sowetan / Thulani Mbele.

In accepting his new role announced by Ramaphosa on Monday, Jonas thanked the president for “entrusting him with this important but challenging role.”

“I will do my best to promote a healthy working relationship between South Africa and the United States,” he said.

CONTINUE READING: Jonas warns of ‘no quick fixes’ to repairing SA relationship with US [VIDEO]


Grade four pupil dies at Limpopo school after swallowing pen lid

Last month, speaking at the TikTok Safer Internet Summit, Minister of Communications and Digital A grade four pupil from Limpopo has died after accidentally swallowing a ballpoint pen lid.

The incident happened on Monday afternoon while the pupil was in class at the Moriting Primary School in the Capricorn South Education District.

Grade four pupil dies Limpopo school swallowing pen lid
Picture: iStock

The Limpopo Education Department said the tragic incident occurred when a pupil accidentally swallowed a pen’s lid and then told his teacher he was struggling to breathe.

“Immediate action was taken to rush him to the hospital, however, despite the best efforts of the medical staff, they were unable to save him.”

CONTINUE READING: Grade four pupil dies at Limpopo school after swallowing pen lid


Unsung heroes: Here are the Mzansi celebs doing the most behind the scenes

In a world where clout often shouts louder than action, there’s a special breed of South African celebs putting in serious work behind the scenes, no PR stunts, no big headlines.

Just pure intention, straight from the heart. These are the hood heroes we don’t hear enough about.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 02: Bonang Matheba and Trevor Noah speaks on stage during the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 at FNB Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100)
Bonang Matheba and Trevor Noah speaks on stage during the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 at FNB Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Picture: Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100

From Trevor Noah to Sho Madjozi, meet the stars whose real impact happens off-camera — quietly, intentionally and powerfully.

Discover their foundations and how they’re giving back to Mzansi where it matters most.

CONTINUE READING: Unsung heroes: Here are the Mzansi celebs doing the most behind the scenes



Yesterday’s News recap

READ HERE: Top 10 stories of the day: Jonas appointed US envoy | Meyiwa trial delayed again | Wynberg shooting was revenge

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