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The South Coast Herald’s top five stories for 2014

With the year at an end, we look back on what made local headlines.

THE year 2014 is done and dusted. And what a year it has been in terms of news!

The South Coast Herald reflects on five of its biggest stories that made headlines this year.

1. Oribi Gorge’s freak accident

The tragic accident at Wild 5 Adventures in Oribi Gorge in February grabbed a lot of attention on the Herald’s website. Thokozani Robson Mncube, who died while attempting to do a trick jump, was a Wild 5 Adventures employee. While jumping backwards and attempting a twist at the same time, he landed over another cable far to the left of the swing.

Thokozani Robson Mncube.
Thokozani Robson Mncube.

2.  Dave Middleton on trial

The long trial of former chief traffic officer, Dave Middleton who has pleaded not guilty to 34 charges involving child abuse, rape, sexual assault and sexual grooming featured on the Herald’s front page a number of times during the year. The court first had to rule on the admissibility of the alleged pornographic photographs, before the trial started in November. Middleton will spend Christmas behind bars. His trial, set down for two days, resumes in January.

Dave Middleton at a recent court appearance.
Dave Middleton at a recent court appearance.

3. KZN’s first nudist beach 

When the green light was given for a nudist beach at Trafalgar it raised much controversy among South Coasters, judging by the number of sms comments received and published on the Herald’s talkback page. While some gave the initiative the thumbs up, others strongly rejected the idea of ‘naked people lounging on a beach’. Not only did the news story feature in the Herald for weeks, but it caused a stir across  social media platforms and in the print medium. Although the beach has not officially been opened yet, those who wish to use it will not be prosecuted during the festive season. Most recently, nudists have also been asked to follow the list of rules and regulations.

The nudist beach has caused much debate.   (Pic taken from theatrepeople.com.au)
The nudist beach has caused much debate. (Pic taken from theatrepeople.com.au)

4. Shark nets removed

When the Herald broke the news of the removal of shark nets along the coast on its website, panic reigned. Some even compared the ‘crisis’ to ‘Black December’ when nine shark attacks on humans caused six deaths from December 18, 1957 to April 5, 1958. However, issues were quickly resolved between the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board and the Hibiscus Coast Municipality and bathers were back in the water after the three-day swimming ban. KZN Sharks Board had lifted the shark nets, in response to a dispute over the payment of fees for shark board services.

Nets (4)
(Pic taken from KZN Sharks Board website)

5. Missing woman found dead on Southport beach

The disappearance, murder and rape of Ella Sophia Potgieter sent shock waves through the small seaside town of Southport. A manhunt for Ella lasted five days. On the same day she would have celebrated her 44th birthday, she was raped and murdered, allegedly by Marius Nagel (23). Nagel was denied bail, and the case was transferred to the Ramsgate High Court. Nagel is facing an attempted murder charge for a stabbing incident at a pub in Southport on October 24, and further charges of the murder and rape of Ella. He will be sent for mental observation at Fort Napier Hospital next year.

Ella Sophia Potgieter was better known as Elsie. SUBMITTED
Ella Sophia Potgieter was better known as Elsie. SUBMITTED

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