Here’s this morning’s news update: An easy-to-read selection of top stories. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way.
Daily news update: March 26
An investigation by the Department of Correctional Services has found that the charred body found after a fire at Mangaung Free State’s private prison was not that of murderer and rapist Thabo Bester.
The department said all evidence indicates that Bester escaped from jail on May 3, 2022, and a manhunt has been launched for him.
“Critical at this stage is to find Thabo Bester. DCS appeals to the public to help with any information that may lead to Bester’s re-arrest,” the department said on Saturday.
Bester, nicknamed the Facebook rapist after a string of robberies, rapes and even murders, was sentenced to 50 years in prison by the Durban Magistrate’s Court in 2011.
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An African National Congress (ANC) parliamentary lekgotla held in Ekurhuleni is aware of a “coalition” by opposition parties to remove the ruling party from power, party leader whip Pemmy Majodina has said.
The ANC caucus is meeting this weekend to plan the way forward for the upcoming 2024 general election, where voter support below 50% has been widely predicted for the 110-year-old political party.
Speaking on the sidelines of a lekgotla held in Boksburg, Majodina said the country had said that eliminating the ANC was a priority for opposition parties.
“They are trying with a movement against the president [Cyril Ramaphosa] and distrust the Speaker [Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula] – which we all lose. And we know there’s another movement in the pipeline against the president again and we’re going to beat that too.
“They have agreed to work together and remove the power of the ANC. The coalition is almost there against the ANC,” he said.
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The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have joined the chorus of condemnation against Uganda’s anti-homosexuality bill.
The bill was passed by the Ugandan parliament this week and aims to criminalize people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+).
The law, which proposes severe penalties such as life imprisonment and the death penalty for some offences, must now go to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni for his approval.
In response to the east African move, the EFF opposed the bill, saying it was a violation of human rights.
The red berets believe that the passing of the “draconian law” is a step backwards for the African continent because it is “rooted in religious fundamentalism and hatred”.
“Stigma and hatred against the LGBTQI + community, not only in Africa but throughout the world, violates the rights of individuals to identify as they are fit to express their sexuality without fear or persecution,” the party said.
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British actor Idris Elba has been spotted several times in Cape Town, mainly by university students this week.
A student from the University of Cape Town (UCT) posted on Twitter that they were seeing the award-winning actor.
This is not the first time the actor has come to South African shores. The last time he was in the country was in 2021 when he was filming the movie animal.
Elba openly shared that Mzansi has a special place in his heart.
According to reports, Elba’s presence at UCT is part of a wider version of his work with African creatives.
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West Indies combined well to reach their target on Saturday, racing to victory in the first T20 International against South Africa in Centurion.
In a match reduced to 11 overs, after rain delayed the start by two hours, the tourists needed 132 runs to win.
They were able to put together some solid partnerships to build the foundation, and captain Rovman Powell took them home with a smashing 43 off just 18 balls, as they reached a total of 132/7 with three balls to spare.
Sisanda Magala was the Proteas’ best bowler, taking 3/21 from two overs. Earlier, the Proteas had an early scare after being sent into bat when opening batsman Quinton de Kock was dismissed with the first ball of the home innings.
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