News24 brings you the top 7 stories of the day.
News24 brings you the top stories of the day, summarised into neat little packages. Read through quickly or listen to the articles via our customised text-to-speech feature.
Former president Jacob Zuma’s 21-year legal battle to avoid standing trial on corruption charges has come to an end after the KwaZulu-Natal High Court ruled on Thursday that his arms deal trial must proceed, with the case now set to begin in February 2027.
Gallo Images/Darren Stewart
RIP Stalingrad: End of the legal road for Jacob Zuma
– The KwaZulu-Natal High Court has ordered that Jacob Zuma’s arms deal corruption trial proceed, regardless of any further applications or appeals. The trial is set to begin on 1 February 2027.
– The court found that Zuma has been using “Stalingrad delay tactics” to avoid prosecution for over two decades. This ruling aims to prevent further delays and protect the integrity of the justice system.
– Despite the ruling, Zuma’s foundation announced that he will appeal, but legal experts believe he has virtually exhausted all legal avenues to delay the trial.
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The Madlanga Commission has accused information peddler Brown Mogotsi of deliberately altering WhatsApp conversations with evidence leader advocate Matthew Chaskalson.
Mogotsi’s bid to remove Madlanga evidence leader dismissed after he altered WhatsApp conversations
– Brown Mogotsi altered WhatsApp conversations with advocate Matthew Chaskalson, deleting messages and calls, in his unsuccessful recusal application to the Madlanga Commission.
– Mogotsi falsely claimed that Chaskalson induced him to give false evidence against Suleiman Carrim, but his own advocate conceded that Mogotsi initiated contact and offered information.
– Evidence leader Adila Hassim argued Mogotsi should be investigated for forgery and perjury, viewing the recusal application as a tactic to avoid giving evidence.
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NCC leader Fadiel Adams appears in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court for a bail application on 15 May. Adams faces charges of fraud and defeating the ends of justice in relation to his alleged interference in the murder probe into ANC Youth League SG, Sindiso Magaqa.
Gallo Images/Darren Stewart
Fadiel Adams granted R10 000 bail
– Fadiel Adams, MP and leader of the National Coloured Congress, was granted R10 000 bail.
– He was arrested on fraud and defeating the ends of justice charges related to the Sindiso Magaqa murder investigation.
– Adams allegedly interviewed an imprisoned suspect while a police investigation was ongoing.
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In June, the total increase in fuel prices after four months may well exceed R8 per litre for petrol and R22 per litre for diesel. Dwayne Senior/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Dwayne Senior/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Diesel price drop possible in June
– Diesel prices are expected to decrease in June, while petrol prices will increase for the fourth consecutive month.
– The reduction in fuel levy relief will partially offset diesel savings and add to petrol cost increases.
– Rising fuel costs have prompted concerns about broader inflation, with interest rate increases anticipated in May and July.
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President Cyril Ramaphosa answers questions in the National Assembly on Thursday.
Ramaphosa defends Masemola’s suspension, Dimpane’s appointment
– President Ramaphosa defended suspending police commissioner Fannie Masemola without an inquiry, stating Masemola consented to the suspension to ensure police stability.
– Ramaphosa faced criticism in Parliament over impeachment proceedings and police leadership issues, leading to a walkout by opposition MPs.
– He justified appointing Puleng Dimpane as acting commissioner, citing her record, and said he awaited the Madlanga Commission’s findings on police dysfunction.
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Lions and Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye.
Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
The tragedy of Asenathi Ntlabakanye: A promising career in ruins
– Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye received an 18-month ban for doping due to prescribed substances, potentially ending his World Cup hopes.
– The ban resulted from medical negligence, where multiple doctors failed to check the legality of the prescribed medications.
– Ntlabakanye’s case raises questions about his career’s future, potential legal action, and the Lions’ responsibility in the matter.
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Mandy Wiener, Pieter du Toit, Qaanitah Hunter and Tara Roos at the News24 breakfast, Franschoek literary festival.
Franschhoek Literary Festival | GNU an ‘unhappy marriage’, with parents staying ‘for the kids’
– Journalists and authors at the Franschhoek Literary Festival described South Africa’s government of national unity as a fragile but necessary arrangement.
– Panellists agreed that the success of the GNU should be measured in economic growth and job creation, with DA ministers currently focused on “clean-up campaigns”.
– Political analysts are divided on who will lead Johannesburg after the municipal elections, with Loyiso Masuku, Herman Mashaba and Helen Zille all considered potential candidates.
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*These summaries were written with the support of Gemini Pro AI.
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