Top stories this week: Najwa Petersen released on parole, kidnapped Alize van der Merwe released and SA braces for more cold weather

There were several major news stories this week, from the suspension of Najwa Petersen’s parole to the release of kidnapped women in the Eastern Cape. These are your top stories of the week.

Najwa Petersen’s parole was suspended this week. Photo Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers

Murderer Najwa Petersen’s parole is suspended as Taliep Petersen’s family intervenes

– Najwa Petersen’s parole has been suspended following a decision by the Minister of Correctional Services, Pieter Groenewald. The case will now be reviewed by the Parole Review Board.

– Petersen, 63, was convicted of the 2006 murder of her husband, musician Taliep Petersen, and was sentenced to 28 years in prison in 2009.

– The Pollsmoor Correctional Supervision and Parole Board had initially released her on parole with a release date of November 27, 2024, but the minister referred the case to the Parole Review Board after protests from Taliep’s family.

– The Department of Correctional Services stated that Taliep’s family was involved in the parole hearing, and that Petersen had participated in several rehabilitation programs.

– Minister Groenewald cited discrepancies in another case as a reason for the review, emphasizing the need for Parole Boards to thoroughly consider all reports to maintain public confidence in the parole process.

Read more here.

American student Brook Cecilia Cheuvront, 20, went for a walk in Cape Town on Saturday and her body was found on Sunday. Image: Facebook

Brook Cheuvront: SANParks reveals details of how missing American hiker’s lifeless body was found on Table Mountain

– The body of 20-year-old American student Brook Cecilia Cheuvront, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, was found dead after she went missing while hiking on Devil’s Peak in Cape Town’s Table Mountain National Park.

– After Cheuvront was reported missing on Saturday, searches were carried out by SANParks rangers, Wilderness Search and Rescue members and other agencies. Her body was discovered on Sunday after an extensive search involving foot patrols and air support.

– The circumstances surrounding her death are still under investigation. SANParks has stated that further details will be provided as they become available.

– SANParks extended their condolences to Cheuvront’s family, and the Western Cape Police confirmed that an autopsy would be conducted to determine the cause of death.

Read more here.

Last weekend snow fell in Boston, KwaZulu-Natal. Hundreds of motorists were stranded as rain and snowfall caused major disruptions in the province. Photo: Se-Anne Rall/IOL

BIG FREEZE! More snow and rain is expected as the cold front blows through South Africa

– The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has announced that a cold front, accompanied by an upper trough, will hit the Western Cape on Saturday afternoon, bringing rain and showers to the south-western parts and the western and central interior.

– Light snow is forecast over the Drakensberg, starting in the Western Cape on Sunday morning and spreading to the Eastern Cape and southern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) by Monday and Tuesday.

– The cold front will introduce significantly cooler temperatures, initially in the Western Cape on Sunday and then to the Eastern Cape and KZN on Monday. Further cooling is expected in these regions due to a high-pressure system.

– Strong to gale force winds and ocean waves of four to six meters in height are expected along the south coast from Sunday to Monday, affecting areas from Saldanha Bay to Port Shepstone.

– Cold to very cold conditions are expected in south-west South Africa, with rainfall not exceeding 25 mm. Significant sea swells are forecast on Sunday between Saldanha Bay and Plettenberg Bay, extending into east London on Monday. The weather is not expected to have any significant impact on the N3 highway.

Read more here.

Kidnapping victim Alize van der Merwe has been released, together with another woman who was kidnapped days earlier. Image: supplied

Kidnapped Alize van der Merwe and another woman have been released

– Two women, including Alize van der Merwe, were rescued after their abduction by the Hawks in the Eastern Cape. Van der Merwe was kidnapped on September 20 while traveling on the N2 from east London to Port St. Johns.

– The victims were released by their captors near Sulenkama Police Station on September 26, 2024, under pressure from the police. They were later taken to a hospital for medical attention as they were reportedly traumatized.

– Van der Merwe’s last contact with her family was around 11:30 am on the day of her kidnapping. Her family received a ransom call that afternoon. The second victim, a 34-year-old man believed to be of Chinese nationality, was kidnapped between Elliot and Barkley East on September 17.

– The Priority Crime Investigation Directorate (Hawks) continues to investigate the kidnappings and the circumstances surrounding them.

Read more here.

KZN police are looking for Linda Hlengwa, who also goes by the name ‘Mjinja’ or ‘Putin’. Image: SAPS

Durban’s construction bosses are fighting back. Four alleged extortionists from the construction mafia have been shot during a shootout

– Four suspected blackmailers were injured during a shootout with security guards at a construction site in Sydenham, Durban, and are now under police guard in hospital.

– The suspects demanded money from the construction company owner, which led to an altercation with security, resulting in a shooting.

– The four suspects have been arrested for extortion and attempted murder. Four licensed firearms and two vehicles were seized.

– Police are also looking for Linda Hlengwa, alias ‘Mjinja’ or ‘Putin’, wanted for multiple extortion cases and illegal possession of firearms.

– Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Hlengwa and are urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact police.

Read more here.

Springboks player Manie Libbok during a Southern Sun media conference. Photo: Thobile Mathonsi / Independent Newspapers

The Springboks’ contingency plan from the tee to release Manie Libbok against Argentina

– Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has backed flyhalf Manie Libbok despite his recent problems with goalkicking, following a missed match-winning penalty against Argentina.

– Libbok has had to deal with online trolls, but Erasmus stated that both Libbok and the team have taken the criticism to heart and used humor to deal with it.

– Although Libbok will start in the upcoming match against Argentina, there are contingency plans involving Cheslin Kolbe and Jaden Hendrikse to handle the kicking on goal if necessary.

– Libbok’s role beyond kicking: Erasmus emphasized that Libbok’s selection is down to his overall playing skills, which are considered crucial to counter Argentina’s playing style.

– The team has backup plans in place, including bringing Handre Pollard off the bench if necessary, so they are prepared for any goal-kicking issues during the match.

Read more here.

After his mesmerizing performance on day one of the DStv Delicious Festival, Busta Rhymes was living his best life in Sandton. Photo: Instagram / dstvdeliciousfestival

Busta Rhymes goes to Joburg’s famous clubs and offers $5,000 dollars to fix iPhone

– American rapper Busta Rhymes recently performed at the DStv Delicious Festival and enjoyed the nightlife in Sandton, visiting clubs such as Monarch and LIV Sandton.

– During his time at LIV, an iPhone was reported stolen, prompting Busta Rhymes to make a public plea for its return, with a $5,000 reward.

– A video of Busta Rhymes addressing the crowd at the club went viral, expressing his dismay over the theft while urging people to act honorably.

– Besides the incident, Busta Rhymes was also seen enjoying South African amapiano music at another nightclub.

– This trip marked Busta Rhymes’ first return to South Africa in a decade, and he shared his excitement on social media, promising an unforgettable performance at the festival.

Read more here.

Sydney Seethal, Tyla’s younger sister, is developing her own identity as an influencer

Beyond Sisterhood: Meet Sydney Seethal, more than just Tyla’s sister

– Sydney Seethal, Tyla’s younger sister, develops her own identity as an influencer during her first international trip and shares her experiences through vlogs and TikTok content.

– At 20, she engages her audience with relatable content, including her “dirty makeup bag” in a Get Ready With Me (GRWM) vlog and humorous anecdotes about her beauty routine.

– Seethal started her digital journey on TikTok in 2019, quickly gaining popularity with lip-syncing videos and now has 1.1 million followers.

– She creates content with her sister Tyla on their channel ‘Sydney and Tyla’, featuring a variety of engaging videos, including a Q&A Mukbang.

– Sydney shares candid moments, such as faking an injury to avoid having to help with hair braiding, and her maintenance routine, all while maintaining a light-hearted and approachable personality.

Read more here.

SABC household tax: Top bosses want Sars to get South Africans to pay

– The SABC is calling for a mandatory household tax as part of a new financing model that moves away from the current failing TV licensing system.

– SABC’s Philly Moilwa has asked the South African Revenue Service and MultiChoice to assist in enforcing revenue collection to improve compliance as only 13% of households currently have a TV license.

– These comments were made during a public hearing in Parliament aimed at discussing the SABC bill, which will introduce a revised TV licensing and financing framework.

– SABC Group CEO Nomsa Chabeli stated that the broadcaster needs immediate government subsidies and an additional R2.5 billion over two years to ensure operational viability.

– Moilwa suggested that the SABC could benefit from government subsidies similar to those of Europe’s public broadcasters, stressing the need for a robust financing model to support the creative industries and content investments.

Read more here.

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