The Courier’s most read online articles of 2019

Another year has come and gone, and once again bad news dominated the headlines.

From the massive fire at Orange Grove Dairy to the tragic death of Dundee Primary School’s Principal, 2019 has been a tough one for certain. See below for which stories made biggest headlines this year.

The top 10 most-read stories on the Courier website are:

10. New hijacking ‘trend’ hits Northern KZN

Syndicates were said to be targeting business owners, who would receive a call from a member of the gang posing as a customer requiring a quotation call-out. On arrival, the victims were directed to a remote area where they would be attacked by the gang, robbed and hijacked.

9. Shooting accused Yates dies in prison

56-year-old Dave Yates, who was charged with murder after a shooting spree in July, was reportedly found dead in his holding cell in the Ladysmith Prison. Dundee SAPS confirmed the rumours were true.

8. Man tells SAPS he was hired to kill

A man tipped off police that he had been hired to assassinate three people. The would-be killer alleged he was approached on Victoria Street by a man, who was willing to pay for the murder of his brother, a lawyer and a third person, to prevent them from testifying in a case.

7. Drama unfolds as Coin-It and Commex Minerals are raided

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) executed a search and seizure warrant – issued by the Dundee Magistrate’s Court – at the business premises of Coin-It Trading and Commex Minerals, as well at the private home of one of Coin-It’s former directors.

6. Motorists warned of planned protests tomorrow

Motorists were issued with a warning, as talks of planned protests began. The Isandlwana community planned to block the Rorke’s Drift/Isandlwana road and the R68 at the Isandlwana turn-off.

5. Tragic death of respected school principal

A young Dundee family and the education fraternity were in mourning after the tragic death of respected Dundee Primary School Principal, Mr I.N.K. Msimang. He was found dead in his Ryley Street home, with the circumstances surrounding his death unclear.

4. Victim opens fire on bank card thieves

After his bank card was stolen, a man opened fire on a group of scammers. The incident occurred near the ATM at ABSA in central Dundee at around 10.30am, said members of a local security group. The victim, who was not identified, was reportedly withdrawing money from the ATM at the time.

3. Investment scheme maintains that ‘everyone will be paid’

Attorney and spokesperson for Coin-It Trading and Commex Minerals, Mazana Maphumulo told the Courier it was untrue the Dundee-based companies were not registered with the Financial Services Conduct Authority (FSCA).

2. Orange Grove fire holds massive implications for economy

Orange Grove Dairy and the adjacent Nampak factory were destroyed in a fierce blaze, which broke out in the early hours of the morning. The Endumeni Fire Brigade had to be assisted by firemen from Newcastle.

1. Search for answers continues after over 1000 head of cattle perish

Tests were conducted to determine what caused the death of over 1 000 cattle on a Wasbank farm over the two weeks. A video, showing rows of dead cattle, went viral on social media and speculation was rife that the animals had been maliciously poisoned as part of a ‘land grab’.

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