Here’s this morning’s news update: An easy-to-read selection of top stories. Keep up to date with it The Warga – More news, Your Way.
Daily news update: February 18
Cele said police have cleared 99% of the DNA backlog
Police Minister Bheki Cele, at the release on Friday of the country’s third quarter crime statistics, announced that the South African Police Service (Saps) has cleared its DNA backlog.
“As of yesterday, February 16, 2023, the DNA backlog which was initially more than 241 000 is now 1 600. This is a 99.3% reduction in the country’s DNA backlog,” he said.
The identity of the ‘maybe’ AKA killer is known to the police, the investigation is ongoing
The South African Police Service (Saps) said it could not delve into the details of the investigation into the murder of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes.
Forbes was shot outside a restaurant on Florida Road in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) last Friday.
The musician was pronounced dead at the scene and his close friend, Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, died later, despite paramedics’ efforts to resuscitate him.
Read more: Bheki Cele on AKA murder
A fuel tank caught fire after a collision on the N1
A fuel tank exploded on the N1 in Johannesburg on Friday, February 17, 2023, at around 11am.
According to Emer-G-Med, the tank was caught after a collision on the N1 near the William Nicol offramp.
The tank was engulfed in flames. Emergency services attended the scene.
Read more: Fuel tank catches fire after collision on N1 highway
READ MORE: Cele says police have cleared 99% of DNA backlog
WATCH LIVE: AKA’s memorial service
Preparations for the memorial service of rapper Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, better known as AKA.
The memorial service starts at 3pm at the Sandton Convention Centre.
WATCH: WATCH LIVE: AKA’s memorial service
AKA Memorial: ‘I got two daughters’– Lynn Forbes on Nadia Nakai and DJ Zinhle
The memorial service for rapper Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, popularly known as AKA, at the Sandton Convention Center on Friday began after a delay of almost half an hour.
Rapper and TV presenter Nomuzi Mabena, better known as Moozlie, kicked off proceedings as MC as thousands gathered to celebrate the late rapper in a packed hall.
Attendees included the Forbes family, father AKA Tony, mother Lynn, brother Steffan, Brittany Smith, girlfriend Nadia Nakai, DJ Zinhle, daughter Kairo Forbes and daughter Pearl Thusi Thando Mokoena.
READ MORE: ‘I got two daughters’- Lynn Forbes on Nadia Nakai and DJ Zinhle
Madrid may need support to help pressure leaders Barca
Real Madrid may need a supporting player to step up against Osasuna and help the champions keep up the pressure on La Liga leaders Barcelona, amid doubts over Karim Benzema’s fitness.
Victory at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday against Elche cut Barcelona’s lead to eight points and Madrid could go into Saturday’s draw.
READ MORE: Madrid may need support to help pressure leaders Barca