Who is the feared KZN Gcaba family, allegedly behind AKA murder?
All the news you need to know from the Midday Report with Mandy Wiener.
Five of the men arrested for the murders of Kiernan "AKA" Forbes and Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane appeared in the Durban Magistrates Court on 18 March 2024. Picture: Sphamandla Dlamini
Funds used in the hit on Kiernan 'AKA' Forbes and Tebello 'Tibz' Motsoane were provided by Sydney Mfunda Gcaba, Prosecutor Advocate Elvis Gcweka told the Durban Magistrates Court.
According to the investigating officer's affidavit read in court, one of the accused received R803,000 shortly after he contacted Gcaba the day following the murders.
Bright Circle Pty (Ltd), a company directed solely by Gcaba, was identified as the source of the funds.
Orrin Singh from EWN, who has gained extensive knowledge covering news in KwaZulu-Natal, noted the Gcaba family has garnered a formidable reputation for their dominance in the taxi industry.
Despite comprising 12 brothers, only one has been implicated in the AKA trial.
Singh adds that the bail hearing is scheduled to reconvene next Tuesday.
Skip to 6:17 for more.
Two people were fatally shot on Thursday morning at the municipal head office in Richards Bay, reports EWN.
"Information at police disposal at this stage indicates that an off-duty bodyguard... fatally wounded another bodyguard. The suspect was also shot and fatally wounded by another bodyguard colleague of the first victim," said police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda.
He added police are investigating the circumstances of the shooting.
EWN's, Nhlanhla Mabaso has more.
Ekurhuleni left with no mayor
A year after he was elected mayor, Sivuyile Ngodwana was given the boot on Thursday, following a no-confidence vote initiated by ActionSA.
However, Speaker Nthabiseng Tshivhenga of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), survived the no-confidence motion brought by the DA.
Tshivhenga was accused of shielding fellow EFF councillors implicated in the assault of ANC members during a council session in February.
Skip to 12:16 for more.
Public Protector absolves Ramaphosa of irregularity in Tshwane project
Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka absolved President Cyril Ramaphosa of any wrongdoing related to Tshwane's Mooikloof Mega Residential City.
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) lodged a complaint, alleging that the president violated the Public Finance Management Act by purportedly extending a personal invitation to a property developer to engage in the project.
Nonetheless, Gcaleka said since the mega-city project was categorised as one of the government's strategic public-private initiatives, the accusations lacked evidence and were therefore deemed unsubstantiated.
EWN's Lindsay Dentlinger has more (skip to 17:20).
Government exploring cross-border solutions for SA's water scarcity
Gauteng, Limpopo and KZN are grappling with the looming threat of water scarcity, prompting South Africa to seek assistance from neighbouring countries.
Crumbling infrastructure after decades of neglect, together with shrinking reservoirs due to hot weather, are blamed for the current crisis.
Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, briefed the media on the outcome of a Cabinet meeting, revealing that water from the Beitbridge treatment plant would be redirected to the drought-affected municipality of Musina.
Skip to 20:59 for more.
WATA and Nanduwe taxi operations in Soweto face suspension
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport is set to publish a notice announcing the suspension of these two rival taxi associations, in response to escalating violence between them.
The conflict, which has persisted for several years, has led to numerous fatal shootings in Soweto.
Lesiba Mpya, spokesperson for the department, stated that extensive consultations were conducted with all involved parties prior to reaching this decision.
He added that the MEC acknowledges its role in exacerbating the situation, and disclosed allegations of department officials making decisions that undermine social cohesion.
For more, skip to 36:04.
Travellers urged to enjoy Easter holiday safely and responsibly
The Department of Tourism is advising travellers to celebrate the Easter weekend with caution by following safety guidelines, including:
- Remaining vigilant of travel scams and fraudulent activities
- Showing respect for all cultures and traditions
- Monitoring weather conditions
- Protecting our natural environment
- Using water wisely
- Practicing beach safety measures
Skip to 33:58 for more.
Scroll up to listen to the full Midday Report with Mandy Wiener.