EWNTV NEWS BULLETINS | Tough US envoy confirmed for SA, Warras murder developments and more fatal initiations

Headlines

New details in the killing of DJ Warras. 
Illegal initiation deaths under scrutiny. 
Extreme weather warnings. 
A massively overcrowded bus stopped on the N1. 
And outrage after a cyclist is killed by a drunk driver. 

Murder of DJ Warras: New details emerge

New information has emerged in the murder of media personality DJ Warras, who was shot dead outside the Zambezi building in Johannesburg. At the time of his killing, Warras was auditing a hijacked building when his security team uncovered alleged criminal activity.

His close friend and mentee, Nicole Nelson, says the site was linked to brothels, serious safety violations and possible drug manufacturing. She claims Warras had applied for six protection orders just days before his death.

Nelson alleges the building was connected to sexual exploitation, including the rape of a young girl and suggests there may have been small-scale drug manufacturing taking place on the premises.

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

Tough-talking US envoy confirmed for South Africa

Conservative activist Leo Bozell has been confirmed by the US Senate as America’s next ambassador to South Africa, signalling a tougher diplomatic stance from Washington.

Bozell takes up the post after months without a US ambassador in Pretoria, amid tensions over South Africa’s foreign policy positions. These include Pretoria’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, as well as its stance on Russia, Iran, and China.

Bozell has indicated he will press South Africa on these issues, saying strained relations make finding common ground increasingly difficult.

ALSO READ: Home Affairs deports seven unauthorised Kenyans following asylum sting

Fatal initiation practices under scrutiny

The death toll linked to initiation schools has climbed to 18 this summer. Young boys, many from the Eastern Cape, have died while undergoing traditional initiation practices, often at illegal and unregulated camps.

Authorities say negligence, dehydration, and abuse remain the leading causes of death. Government is urging traditional leaders to assist in shutting down illegal initiation schools, stressing that these tragedies are not caused by culture, but by unlawful and unsafe practices.

ALSO READ: Cultural practitioners equipped for start of summer initiation season - WC Cultural Affairs Dept

Severe weather warnings as La Niña persists

The South African Weather Service has issued multiple warnings for severe thunderstorms as the country enters a weak La Niña phase. Heavy rainfall, damaging winds, hail, and localised flooding are expected across several provinces.

Above-normal rainfall is forecast for parts of the Free State, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and the eastern half of the Eastern Cape. These wet conditions are expected to persist through January and into February, potentially affecting festive season travel and events.

WATCH: WEATHER UPDATE: A wet Christmas amid weak La Niña

Overcrowded bus impounded on the N1

A 65-seater bus carrying 117 passengers has been impounded in Limpopo after being stopped on the N1 bypass near the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The bus was travelling from Gauteng to Malawi and was found to be carrying 52 passengers more than legallypermitted.

The Limpopo Transport Department says the vehicle will remain impounded until the required fine is paid.

Mpumalanga corruption probe update

President Cyril Ramaphosa has received the interim report from the Mpumalanga Commission of Inquiry, launched three months ago following corruption allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

The interim findings will remain confidential, with a final report expected next year.

Measles and Diphtheria outbreaks raise alarm

Health authorities in the Western Cape are warning of a growing measles outbreak across both urban and rural areas, including Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, and Somerset West.

The province is also managing cases of diphtheria, with officials linking the spread of both diseases to declining vaccination rates, leaving many children increasingly vulnerable.

Parliament wraps up with key legislation

Parliament has concluded its business for the year, with the National Council of Provinces passing key legislation on immigration and government funding.

The Immigration Amendment Bill now requires undocumented foreign nationals detained for deportation to appear in court within 48 hours. Amendments to the Division of Revenue Act have also unlocked an additional R2.9 billion for disaster-damaged municipal infrastructure.

Illegal mining and rescue operations in North West

Police have arrested 13 illegal miners in Bapong in the North West over the past two weeks. Rescue efforts to reach five minors believed to be trapped underground are expected to begin as authorities shut down shafts and remove heavy machinery.

Outrage after cyclist killed by drunk driver

Public anger is growing after cyclist Idris Sharif was killed in a crash involving a drunk driver A petition calling for stricter enforcement of road safety laws has gathered more than 4,000 signatures.

Friends and fellow cyclists say cyclists are legitimate road users and deserve better protection. The suspect has been released on bail and remains in possession of his driver’s license.

Festive safety measures and international briefs

Festive season safety has been stepped up in Cape Town, with more than 200 peace officers deployed across the CBD, Table Mountain, and popular beaches.

Internationally, the UK is introducing training for teachers to identify early signs of misogyny in boys, while in Japan, hundreds of citizens are suing the government over climate inaction following the country’s hottest summer on record.