Newsroom

• Abirah Dekhta was found by police after a two-week search.
• Manchester United confirms that they are considering their response to comments made by Cristiano. 
• 5FM DJ Smash Afrika accused of having an affair with the Msaki.

8-year-old Abirah Dekhta reunited with family two weeks after being kidnapped – News24

Abirah Dekhta, who was kidnapped in Cape Town about two weeks ago, was found during a search operation on Monday evening, bringing relief to her family. According to News24, Sergeant Wesley Twigg, a police spokesman, verified that Abirah had been reunited with her family.

“SAPS members from various specialised units and City of Cape Town law enforcement officials utilising state-of-the-art technology have located her in a shack in Town Two, Khayelitsha, on Monday evening,” said Twigg. Read more here

Cristiano Ronaldo: Manchester United taking legal advice before responding to the Portuguese player’s shock interview – Sky News

The Sun published Ronaldo’s interview with TalkTV on Sunday evening, in which the 37-year-old criticised Manchester United and the manager Erik ten Hag, for whom he has “no respect.”

United issued the following statement in response to the interview on Monday: “Manchester United notes the media coverage regarding an interview by Cristiano Ronaldo. The club will consider its response after the full facts have been established.” Read more here

5FM DJ Smash Afrika allegedly cheats on Rami Chuene’s daughter with Msaki – The Citizen 

Sunday World reports that media personality and radio host Smash Afrika cheated on his wife, Kefiloe Chuene, with musician Asanda “Msaki” Mvana. According to reports, his suspected romance with Msaki led to the dissolution of his marriage following Kefiloe’s alleged mistreatment in her marriage. “Speaking to the publication, a source identified as Chuene’s relative disclosed that Kefiloe suffered emotional and psychological abuse from Smash Afrika.” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Bokgabo Poo | Zikhali to return to court in February 2023 – eNCA

Headline: Meyiwa murder trial: State witness cites memory lapse under cross-examination – EWN

Headline: Jay Leno Gives Health Update After Being Burned in Fire – E! News

Headline: And breathe… Premier League on pause as eyes turn to Qatar – Scrolla

Headline: Bok assistant makes peace with contentious France try, TMO malfunction: ‘Accept, move forward’ – News24

Weather: Fire warnings for Northern, Western Cape on Tuesday – News24

Image credit: Facebook

• Ramaphosa addresses unemployment, inequality, and poverty at the NEC meeting. 
• Black Panther sets new movie record.
• Cristiano Ronaldo reveals he was “betrayed” by Manchester United. 

Ramaphosa outlines plans to tackle inequality, unemployment – eNCA

President of the African National Congress (ANC) Cyril Ramaphosa said the government will continue to combat unemployment, inequality, and poverty, eNCA reports. Ramaphosa assured the country at the weekend’s NEC meeting in Soweto that the economy and job development are still top priorities. “The president further says that they are committed to maintaining and expanding social security to protect the vulnerable.” Read more here

‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Earns Biggest November Debut Ever With $180 Million – Complex

The November opening for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was the highest of any film in history. Black Panther: Civil War, the sequel to 2018’s Black Panther, reportedly made $180 million in its first weekend in the United States, according to Variety. It made an extra $150 million from 50 territories overseas, increasing its global total to $330 million. In November of 2013, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire earned $158 million, setting a new record for the month, Complex reports. Read more here

Cristiano Ronaldo says he feels ‘betrayed” by Manchester United – BBC

In a recent interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV, Ronaldo disclosed that he was “betrayed” by Manchester United and is being pushed to leave the club. After failing to obtain a transfer away from United to a club playing in the Champions League, Ronaldo stated in August he would provide his version of life at Old Trafford, BCC reports. When asked if United’s leadership was attempting to force him out of the club, Ronaldo responded, “Yes, not only the coach [Erik ten Hag], but another two or three guys around the club. I felt betrayed.” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Meyiwa murder trial to resume on Monday – eNCA

Headline: GRAPHIC: Neighbour’s Pitbull mauls to death eight-year-old boy – The South African

Headline: Hundreds displaced in Gauteng following heavy rains – Scrolla

Headline: SA’s singing policeman Thapelo Molomo wins Idols season 18 – News24

Headline: ‘Our mission was to make sure Chiefs continue their trophy drought’: Fans react to Pirates’ win – TimesLIVE

Weather: Cloudy start across the country, but warming up later in the day – News24

Image credit: Flickr

• The trial date for the 32-year-old mother accused of murdering her children is moved to 17 November 2022. 
• Springbok fly half Elton Jantjies owes agent R300 000. 
• Chris Rock is doing a live-streamed stand-up special for Netflix.

Case against mom accused of killing her children postponed – eNCA

The revised date for the trial of the 32-year-old mother accused of murdering her four children is November 17, 2022. Nomboleko Simayile is reported to have battered and killed her sleeping children with a sledgehammer.

eNCA reported that although Nomboleko Simayile has no criminal record, the father of her children’s girlfriend obtained a protective order against her. Simayile is unemployed and has relied on social subsidies to support her children. According to Ronald Masinda, Simayile confessed to killing her children, and it is believed that she may have suffered from a mental disorder because she became enraged before to killing her children. Her family feels she was a mother who cherished her children dearly. Read more here

Elton Jantjies sued for breach of contract – News24 (for subscribers)

Springbok fly half Elton Jantjies and his agent James Adams have developed a rift. According to News24, after assisting the rugby player in securing a lucrative international deal and endorsements, the latter sued Jantjies of breach of contract for neglecting to pay him his commission.

“The papers also outline that Jantjies accepted an acknowledgment of debt agreement in February last year, which subsequently led him to pay a lump sum of R300 000 late last month. The court application cites Adams’ company, In Touch Sports, as the second plaintiff in the matter.” Read more here

Netflix Taps Chris Rock for First Stand-Up Special to Livestream Globally – Complex

Netflix is looking to Chris Rock to accomplish something the streaming service has never attempted: a live-streamed stand-up special. Netflix tweet stated that the event will “premiere live—globally—in early 2023.” The post was accompanied by an image of the multihyphenate performing in July with a frozen goat. The farm animal’s name was Will Smith, a joke present from Kevin Hart at Madison Square Garden. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Phala Phala: Three investigations, very few facts, and a president under pressure – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: SAMWU vows to continue with protest – eNCA

Headline: Get your Smart ID and passport at a bank — These are the branches offering the services – TimesLIVE

Headline: Stream Rihanna’s New Song “Born Again” From ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ – Complex

Headline: Latest Kaizer Chiefs transfer rumours: Friday 11 November – The South African

Weather: Fire warnings for Northern Cape, with thunderstorms in several provinces – News24

Image credit: Wikimedia

• SAHRC Chief: Malema’s hate speech is clear even to children.
• Matthew Booth allegedly uses car tracker to search her vehicle.
• Qatari World Cup ambassador apologises for homophobic comments.

EFF on Malema hate speech finding: ‘SA Human Rights Commission no different to AfriForum’ – News24 (for subscribers)

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is sure that it is “clear even to a child” that EFF leader Julius Malema engaged in hate speech during his speech to supporters last month, in which he stated that murdering is permitted, News24 reports. 

“Based on our observations, we got worried that the sentiments invite violence. It [Malema’s speech] encourages people to go and kill because his party members were beaten by someone, and by not retaliating, he says they are not revolutionaries,” said the chairperson of the SA Human Rights Commission Advocate Bongani Majola. Read more here

‘I hope you find what you are looking for’ — Sonia Booth to Matthew after alleging he ‘searched’ her car – TimesLIVE

According to TimesLIVE, hours after Matthew Booth broke his silence over his wife Sonia Booth’s infidelity charges, a new plot is unfolding. Sonia posted a live Instagram video on Wednesday, informing her followers that her husband allegedly followed her to the gym using a car tracker and then searched her vehicle while she was inside.

“Me being tracked, my car searched using a spare key … unfortunately for him I stepped out the gym as he was busy searching. Ten seconds later he steps out the gym for a ‘talk’, too late. Done with the lies,” Sonia said on Instagram. Read more here

‘Our religion and culture will NOT change’: World Cup ambassador – The South African

On Wednesday, a Qatari World Cup ambassador who referred to homosexuality as “damage in the mind” contended that his remarks were misinterpreted, but insisted that his country’s strict culture will not change. Khalid Salman’s remarks, which were aired on German television on Tuesday, sparked additional concerns regarding LGBTQ rights in the host nation of the international competition, which begins on November 20. “I regret that what I said was taken out of context, because neither our religion nor our nature is to offend or insult,” he said. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Avoid Dept of Labour, Home Affairs, Transport Dept as civil servants strike: PSA – EWN

Headline: WATCH | I’m hopeful we will remain in office – Phalatse

Headline: Bok coach’s lie about Kolbe, the goalkicker – TimesLIVE (for subscribers)

Headline: Kaizer Chiefs NEW transfer criteria detailed! – The South African

Headline: Rihanna makes modelling return in Savage x Fenty show – Independent

Weather: Cloudy, with thunderstorms and isolated showers in several regions – News24

Image credit: Gallo Images

• Pearl Shongwe has passed away. 
• Qatar football ambassador “says homosexuality is ‘damage in the mind’.
• Condé Nast has filed a lawsuit against Drake and 21 Savage over their album cover. 

Metro FM newsreader Pearl Shongwe, 35, has died – News24

Pearl Shongwe, the presenter for Metro FM and Daily Thetha, has passed away. According to News24, Shongwe supposedly passed away peacefully while sleeping. On Tuesday, her neighbours found her dead.

“It is with great sadness that the Shongwe family announces the untimely passing of our beloved daughter Ntombifuthi Pearl Shongwe,” News24 reports. The family has requested privacy during their period of bereavement, noting that memorial information will be released in due time. Read more here

Qatar World Cup facing ‘boycott’ after ambassador’s statement – The South African 

The ambassador for Qatar at the World Cup was criticised on Tuesday by European and American officials for calling homosexuality “damage in the mind” in an interview broadcast in Germany, only 12 days before the tournament begins, The South African reports. 

Former international footballer Khalid Salman remarked in an interview with the ZDF television that LGBT visitors to Qatar would be welcome, but “they have to accept our rules.” After Salman declared homosexuality to be “haram” (prohibited in Islam), the interview was cut short. Read more here

Drake and 21 Savage sued over use of Vogue name to promote new album – The Guardian

Condé Nast, the parent company of Vogue magazine, has filed a lawsuit against Drake and 21 Savage for allegedly misappropriating the Vogue brand in order to promote their new album, Her Loss.

“Condé Nast, also known as Advance Magazine Publishers Inc, is seeking at least $4m (£3.5m) in damages, or triple the defendants’ profits from their album and counterfeit magazine.” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Ekurhuleni serial rapist Phakathi guilty of 148 charges – TimesLIVE

Headline: ‘Black people feel unwelcome’: Khampepe report slams Stellenbosch University language policy, DA to take it on review – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Here is SA’s first DRIVE-THROUGH service for motor vehicle license renewals – The South African

Headline: Veteran Le Roux among five Springbok changes for France Test – eNCA

Headline: So you’re looking for a TWITTER replacement – check this out! – The South African

Weather: Partly cloudy and warm, with rain in several regions – News24

Image credit: Pearl Shongwe/Instagram

• SAPS investigating Philani Lushaba’s theft allegations.
• Cher confirms romance with younger boyfriend Alexander Edwards after surprising PDA photos.
• Springboks to review goalkicking. 

‘Sex, lies and parties’: Crime Intelligence rocked by another scandal – News24 (for subscribers)

Major General Philani Lushaba opened a theft complaint in Tshwane on August 6. Lushaba told News24 he left his house with a companion the night before and went to various sites. On his return, the house was still in order, so he went to bed. When he woke up, his laptop and mobile, valued R75,000, were gone. But a source from CI and the Independent Police Union of South Africa (Ipusa) said that Lushaba was not telling the whole truth.

“It is alleged that General Lushaba brought in [sex workers] at his house in the absence of his wife, who was away on business purposes and partied the whole night until the morning. The [sex workers] ransacked the house of moveable properties, including [state-owned] properties (laptop and firearm),” said National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola. Read more here

Cher Shuts Down Critics Of 40-Year Age Gap With New Boyfriend: ‘Love Doesn’t Know Math’ – Huffington Post 

Cher was spotted leaving a Los Angeles restaurant while holding hands with Alexander “AE” Edwards over the weekend. The photographs, notably one of Edwards kissing her hand, fuelled rumours of a possible new romance and raised eyebrows over their 40-year age difference.

According to Huffington Post, Cher, 76, confirmed her relationship with the 36-year-old music businessman and responded to admirers who questioned the couple’s age gap. Read more here

Bok assistant coach Davids says goalkicking issues discussed ahead of France Test – News24

Prior to Saturday’s match against France at Marseilles, Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids stated that the team has thoroughly examined their goalkicking. At Saturday’s Test against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, the goalkicking was a significant issue, among others, News24 reports. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: ‘We just want our daughter back’ – family of girl, 8, abducted in Cape Town pleads for safe return – News24

Headline: City of Joburg | Minority parties meet on way forward – eCNA

Headline: Boucher says Proteas’ poor World Cup history is a mental hurdle: ‘It’s not the only upset’ – News24

Headline: Drake finds ‘sense of fun’ on new album, but Alexis Ohanian and Megan Thee Stallion aren’t laughing – News24

Headline: PICS | Natasha Thahane and Thembinkosi Lorch reportedly got married – African Insider

Weather: Storm and flood warnings for several regions – News24

Image credit: Pixabay

• Krugersdorp residents distrust police and are living in fear. 
• Nick Carter cries during performance after brother Aaron Carter’s death.
•  Orlando Pirates midfielder Miguel Timm wins man of the match.

Illegal mining | Krugersdorp residents living in fear – eNCA

Residents of Krugersdorp claim that the discovery of 21 deaths suspected to be illegal miners has traumatised and frightened them once more. Residents are losing hope that the murders will stop, they say. “We’re paranoid and fearful,” said one resident. While police have ruled out foul play for the murders, they say investigations are continuing, eNCA reports. Read more here

Nick Carter Sobs as Backstreet Boys Honor Aaron Carter Onstage at London Concert – E! News

Nick Carter is still grieving his brother Aaron Carter’s passing. During the Backstreet Boys’ performance on November 6 at London’s O2 Arena, the singer was visibly moved as he and his colleagues paid respect to the deceased musician onstage, E! News reports. 

“Tonight we’ve got a little bit of heavy hearts. Because we lost one of our family members yesterday. We just wanted to find a moment in our show to recognize him,” said Nick Carter. Read more here

Orlando Pirates’ Timm to snatch Soweto derby bragging rights back from Kaizer Chiefs? – Goal

Saturday evening in Durban, Orlando Pirates holding midfielder won the Man-of-the-Match award in their 1-0 MTN8 final victory over AmaZulu, Goal reorts. With the return of Miguel Timm for Orlando Pirates before their Black Label Cup Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs, Bucs could have the advantage they need to exact revenge. “Timm was the pick of a bunch of excellent Pirates players in the final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium and constantly seemed to be ahead of everyone else with his sense of anticipation, ball-winning skills and incisive passing.” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Family of six, including three children, killed in HORRIFIC N4 truck accident – The South African

Headline: Daily load shedding planned from Monday – News24

Headline: France ‘on alert’ for South Africa despite world champions’ Ireland loss – News24

Headline: WATCH | Video of a fan hysterically chasing after Cassper Nyovest during his jog goes viral – African Insider

Headline: Kendall Jenner wears sheer bodysuit and silver skirt to LACMA gala – Elle Magazine

Weather: SA Weather Forecast

Image credit: Gallo Images

• Eskom’s Kusile chimney suffers ‘severe’ damage.
• Police release report on Takeoff’s death.
• MTN8 Preview: Orlando Pirates readies for AmaZulu.

Severe damage to Kusile chimney – News24 

Kusile’s severely damaged chimney is the latest setback for Eskom, News24 reports. On Wednesday, Eskom reported that on October 23, the flue gas duct at Unit 1 of the Mpumalanga power station “failed” in two places. 

“On 23 October 2022, a section of the Kusile Unit 1 flue gas duct (the equivalent of a chimney in a household) exiting the sulphur dioxide absorber failed on the horizontal rubber expansion joint as well as the compensator (a bend to direct flue gas up the chimney and to allow for thermal expansion of the chimney) whilst the unit was on forced shutdown for Flue Gas Desulphurisation recirculating pump repairs,” said spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha. Read more here

Takeoff shooting: Coroner’s report reveals Migos rapper was shot multiple times

The coroner’s report reveals new information on the recent death of rapper Takeoff. The former Migos member was tragically murdered on November 1 in a bowling alley in Houston, Texas, during a dispute that allegedly arose from a dice game According to a report published by the New York Post, Takeoff was shot many times. It revealed that he died from “penetrating gunshot wounds.” Read more here

‘We want to get rid of that feeling’: Pirates fuelled by Soweto derby upset as MTN8 final beckons – News24

The MTN8 finals are approaching as the first domestic trophy is up for grabs, with Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu facing off at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. According to the Orlando Pirates coach, the Buccaneers are coming off an intense and dramatic Soweto derby.

“We are competitive people. We are not good losers, to be honest. So when we suffer a defeat, like we did in our last game, obviously we want to get rid of that feeling as soon as possible,” said Jose Riveiro. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: ‘Ekurhuleni serial rapist’ details crimes – eNCA

Headline: Ben Chilwell: Chelsea left-back an England doubt for World Cup after hamstring injury – BBC

Headline: T20 World Cup calculations: Proteas within touching distance of SF spot – News24

Headline: No foul play suspected after bodies of 19 illegal miners found in Krugersdorp – EWN

Headline: Selena Gomez Addresses Those Viral Photos With Hailey Bieber – Complex

Weather: Cloudy day, with thundershowers in several provinces – News24

Image credit: Flickr