'Anticipating feedback throughout today on blood-stained clothes' – Reagen Allen

Two weeks have passed since Joshlin Smith disappeared from her residence in Saldanha Bay while in the care of her mother's boyfriend.

Minister of Police Bheki Cele paid a visit to her family's home over the weekend, assuring them of deploying all available resources in the search for the missing child. 

Although authorities refrained from speculating on the significance of blood-stained clothing discovered, these items have been seized for forensic examination.

Reagen Allen, the Western Cape Provincial MEC for Community Safety and Police Oversight, has confirmed the involvement of the local SA Navy in the search efforts.

He urges communities to avoid spreading misinformation and interfering with search operations, emphasising the potentially negative impact on the search.

While unable to provide a specific timeline for the completion of forensic analysis, Allen states that efforts have been expedited and hopes to receive updates throughout the day.

"I'm trusting by the end of today I will get some feedback."

Reagen Allen, Western Cape Provincial MEC – Community Safety and Police Oversight

Nzimande meets with families of 2 UJ students caught in Braamfontein crossfire

Blade Nzimande, the Minister of Higher Education, has held discussions with the families of two University of Johannesburg (UJ) students who were inadvertently caught in a shooting incident in Braamfontein.

Last week, an 18-year-old second-year student lost his life to gunfire, while another student sustained injuries from a stray bullet during an attack linked to taxi violence.

Veronica Makhoali of EWN reports that the Minister's visit is intended to demonstrate his support for the affected families during this difficult period.

Skip to 9:03 for more.

NSFAS vows smooth start of the academic year

To ensure students meet the registration deadline, NSFAS disbursed over R3 billion to universities and colleges, covering registration fees and allowances for the initial month of the academic year.

This marks the inaugural briefing by the scheme's acting board chairperson, Lourens van Staden, following the departure of board chair Ernest Khosa amidst corruption accusations.

Alpha Ramushwana of EWN reports that the board is committed to facilitating a seamless start to the academic year, prioritising punctual disbursement of allowances.

Skip to 14:06 for more.

Gauteng Premier and Education MEC meet schools to boost matric performance

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Education MEC Matome Chiloane have arranged a meeting with secondary school principals and School Governing Bodies to discuss provincial strategies aimed at enhancing the performance of National Senior Certificate learners for the Class of 2024.

Additionally, they seek to address persistent issues within schools and find solutions.

Steve Mabona, spokesperson for the Gauteng Education Department, states that the goal is to bolster unity and devise strategies for improving matric results.

While the situation is currently stable, he emphasises the potential for further progress in the future.

Skip to 18:52 for more.

"We need improvement."

Steve Mabona, Spokesperson – Gauteng Education Department

ANC NEC to approve candidate list

The ANC's integrity commission has advised the exclusion of more than 90 party members linked to corruption and state capture from the election candidate list.

The report was submitted to ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula before the March 8 deadline for candidate list submission to the IEC.

The party's national executive committee will review and finalise the lists on Monday.

EWN' s Thabiso Goba and Tshidi Madia has more on what this means for the party and its implications.

Senzo Meyiwa trial hits a snag

The Senzo Meyiwa trial faces another setback following changes in legal representation.

Reports suggest that the defence team has been receiving financial support from legal aid, but legal aid has decided to cease funding the trial midway.

Consequently, accused #1 has terminated the services of legal aid.

Linda Mnisi, Newzroom Afrika Reporter has more (skip to 35:12).

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