EWNTV NEWS BULLETINS | DJ Warras killed in mistaken identity? Shebeshxt denied bail, CT murders surge

Headlines

The killing of DJ Warras
A denied bail ruling, 
Rising crime, and 
Other stories shaping South Africa.

Johannesburg Metro Police are investigating whether DJ Warras may have been mistaken for the owner of a hijacked building he was securing. The media personality, whose real name was Warwick Stock, was shot dead outside the Carlton Centre in Johannesburg’s CBD.

Stock was working with a security team installing biometric access and CCTV systems at a building known as Zambezi. A week before his death, he had taken out a protection order against five people linked to the property. Public Safety MMC Nkosi Nkwini Chwagu says there were credible threats against Stock’s life.

Police say Stock stepped outside yesterday afternoon while on a phone call when he was ambushed and shot at least four times.

“We believe that it was a hit. These individuals typically form bogus committees inside buildings, persuade tenants not to pay the owner, and instead pay them for so-called protection,” said Chwagu.

ALSO READ: Exclusive: DJ Warras was creating a ‘blueprint’ to tackle hijacked buildings before his death

Musician denied bail

Popular Limpopo musician Shebeshixt has been denied bail by the Polokwane Magistrates Court.

The artist, whose real name is Lehlogonolo Chauke, faces multiple serious charges. The court ruled that he should remain in custody, citing concerns raised during the bail hearing. Details of the charges were argued behind closed doors, with prosecutors opposing his release.

The case has drawn strong public interest due to his profile in the Limpopo music scene. He is expected back in court in January.

ALSO READ: Six additional charges added to popular Lekompo artist 'Shebeshxt" charge sheet.

Crime trends and tourism safety

New crime statistics show Cape Town remains the Western Cape’s violent crime hotspot. Murders increased by more than 15% in the second quarter, with over a thousand killings recorded. Attempted murders are also rising, with firearms remaining central to the violence.

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille says additional security is being rolled out at major holiday destinations. This follows travel advisories from the United States, Canada and Australia warning visitors about crime in South Africa, including armed robberies, carjackings and violent attacks.

De Lille says the response includes more visible security at entry points and tourist hotspots.

“The Department of Tourism has made about 202 tourism monitors available to the Border Management Authority. They have been deployed at various ports of entry, including 40 at OR Tambo last week. Safety is a concern for all of us,” she said.

ALSO READ: Cape Town remains epicentre of violent crime in WC, reveal Q2 statistics

Inflation eases slightly

Inflation has eased again, offering modest relief for households.

Annual inflation dipped to 3.5% in November, down from October. It marks only the second slowdown this year. Statistics South Africa says prices cooled in five categories, including transport, recreation, sport and culture, and information and communication.

However, food and non-alcoholic beverages, restaurants and accommodation, as well as alcoholic beverages and tobacco, recorded higher price increases. While fuel and data costs may ease, groceries and eating out continue to become more expensive.

ALSO READ: Supply chain disruptions drive 12% meat inflation ahead of Christmas

SIU Freezes Lottery Funds

The Special Investigating Unit has frozen R2.7 million linked to the alleged misuse of National Lottery funds.

The money stems from the sale of land tied to a project intended to build old-age homes. In 2018, the SA Youth Movement, chaired by Alfred Segudla, received R23 million from the Lottery Commission for housing projects in KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State.

The SIU alleges that some of the funds were diverted into Segudla’s personal companies and used to purchase luxury properties in Johannesburg. One property, bought in 2018 and later transferred to his ex-wife, Tinswalo Chauke, as part of a divorce settlement, was sold for about R2.5 million. That amount is reportedly now held in Chauke’s bank account.

Temple Collapse Investigation

Substandard concrete, poor reinforcement and missing building plans are being blamed for the collapse of a temple in Verulam, north of Durban.

This is according to a preliminary report presented by Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson.

arly findings point to serious lapses in construction oversight, with the collapse occurring while concrete was being poured. Five people were killed in the incident last week.

Visual assessments have raised concerns about misaligned structural elements and potentially substandard materials. Rescue personnel reported that the concrete appeared friable, requiring further forensic testing.

International News

In Australia, police have charged the surviving Bondi Beach gunman with terrorism and 15 counts of murder following an attack on a Jewish Hanukkah gathering. Fifteen people were killed in the country’s deadliest mass shooting in decades. Investigators say a father and son carried out the attack, with the father shot dead at the scene.

The 24-year-old suspect remains under police guard in hospital and is expected to appear in court via video link. Authorities say early evidence suggests the attack was inspired by ISIS.

In the United States, the son of Hollywood director Rob Reiner is set to face two counts of first-degree murder over the killing of his parents. Prosecutors say 32-year-old Nick Reiner could face life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted. He is expected in court once medically cleared.

Veteran lawyer dies

Back home, prominent lawyer Ismail Ayob has died at the age of 83.

He was best known for representing anti-apartheid figures, including Nelson Mandela and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. Ayob later fell out with Mandela and was removed from the Nelson Mandela Trust in 2005.

The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear. He was laid to rest this afternoon at West Park Cemetery.