Court Rules Parliament Arsonist Unfit to Stand Trial
The Western Cape High Court deems Parliament arsonist Zandile Mafe unfit for trial following an assessment of his capacity to comprehend legal proceedings, reports News24. Judge Nathan Erasmus concluded that Mafe lacked the ability to grasp the trial process, aligning with expert opinions. Despite Mafe's denial of any issues and his assertion that he set fire to the National Assembly due to Parliament being "useless," his counsel, Dali Mpofu, said intentions to appeal the ruling.
Hunger Forces Miners Out After 4-Day Gold Mine Standoff
More than 400 mineworkers emerged from an underground shaft at Gold One Mine in Springs after a four-day sit-in, revealing they lacked food during their stay below ground, reports IOL. The sit-in was both a protest in solidarity with 50 workers dismissed after an earlier sit-in and a demand for their reinstatement. Vuyolwethu Makwenda, one of the miners, disclosed the hunger they endured, forcing them to surface. Reports of alleged mistreatment, including racial targeting and physical assaults, emerged, with the National Union of Mineworkers characterizing the situation as a hostage crisis rather than a voluntary sit-in. The union alleged severe beatings, racial bias, and instances of undressing and whipping of white miners, describing a volatile and concerning situation.
Truck Accident Near Philadelphia, Western Cape, Claims 3 Lives, Injures 77
Three farmworkers tragically lost their lives while 77 others sustained injuries in an accident involving an Isuzu truck that overturned near Philadelphia in the Western Cape, reports News24. Police, emergency services, and forensic teams are on site investigating, urging motorists for patience as the road between Adderley Road and the R304 remains closed. Agriculture MEC Ivan Meyer is on his way to the scene. The details surrounding the accident remain the subject of ongoing investigation.
