Local Newcastle News

03/01/2026

US allies are responding with caution after Donald Trump attacked Venezuela and captured its president, Nicolas Maduro. Venezuela's allies like Iran and Russia have condemned the strikes and criticised Trump's moves. Palki Sharma tells you how the world reacted to Maduro's capture...

US allies are responding with caution after Donald Trump attacked Venezuela and captured its president, Nicolas Maduro. Venezuela's allies like Iran and Russ...

03/01/2026

BREAKING INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Multiple explosions and low-flying aircraft were reported across Caracas in the early hours of January 3, sending residents rushing into the streets as loud ...

02/01/2026

EVER WONDERED WHO PAYS THE MOST TAX?
THE SMALL PERCENTAGE CARRYING SA

The answer may surprise you
Short Read*

The main source of tax revenue comes from INDIVIDUAL TAXPAYERS.... Yes you read right.... With Personal Income Tax accounting for R733.2 billion, or 40% of the total collected!!!

This is followed by VAT (26.5%), Corporate Income Tax (CIT – 17.4%), and other taxes, which balance it out.
ACCORDING to the annual Tax Statistics for the 2024/25 financial tax collections increased from R113.8 billion in 1994/95 to R1,855.3 billion in 2024/25, at a compounded annual growth rate of 9.8%.

Over this period, South Africans remained highly taxed, with the average tax-to-GDP ratio hitting 22.3%. However, it hit a record high in 2025 at 25.1% of GDP.

31/12/2025

With an increased police presence on South African roads this festive season, many motorists have been held at roadblocks for speeding and other traffic offences.

Some offenders report being stopped and asked to pay fines immediately.
Is it mandatory to pay on-the-spot traffic fines?

HERE’S WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY ABOUT SPOT FINE

“You are not obliged to pay at a roadblock,” said Bobby Gage, CEO of the National Motorist Association of South Africa.
According to Section 2 and Section 16 of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act (AARTO), motorists are allowed to contest fines or pay later .

Additionally, the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA), 1977 (Section 54), which governs arrest and detention procedures, ensures that only a judicial officer can issue a warrant of arrest – not a traffic officer.

Officers cannot threaten or intimidate you into paying fines or force compliance by withholding your license or vehicle.

Traffic officers are also required by law to inform you of your rights during any interaction, including the option to contest the fine.
Recording the interaction is another important right. As a public official, a traffic officer may be recorded in any public space.

Issued by
The South African

30/12/2025

December 27, Bitou Beach Control observed a seal exhibiting erratic behaviour moving towards the bathing area. Shark spotters and Central Beach lifeguards were alerted and cleared swimmers from the water.

According to Bitou municipality, the seal came ashore near members of the public, and lifeguards continued crowd control to ensure safety. Video footage of the animal was shared with the Garden Route Rabies Response (GRR) group, which includes leading marine and veterinary experts such as Dr Greg Hofmeyer and Dr Gwen Penry.

After reviewing the initial footage, the GRR requested further videos to assess the animal’s condition. Additional footage confirmed abnormal behaviour consistent with rabies symptoms. On expert recommendation, the decision was taken to euthanise the animal to protect public safety and allow for rabies testing.

“NSRI’s Jaco Kruger and police officer Anton Mostert, both members of the GRR response team, attended the scene.

After careful observation and in consultation with GRR, the seal was humanely euthanised approximately 200m off Hobie Beach. The carcass was retrieved and will be sent for further laboratory testing to confirm the rabies virus.

"The decision to euthanise was not taken lightly. The animal’s behaviour was highly abnormal and consistent with rabies, a fatal disease that poses serious risks to both humans and other animals. Removing the seal was the safest course of action to protect the public and to allow for diagnostic testing. This ensures we can respond appropriately and transparently to any confirmed rabies cases in the region," said marine mammal specialist and GRR member, Dr Greg Hofmeyer.

Issues by
Bitou Municipality corporate communications

29/12/2025

Appeared in Court and Bail Denied

The East London Magistrate’s Court has denied bail to a 52-year-old deputy principal accused of trafficking and prostituting young girls at her Quigney residence.

Vuyokazi Gana, who teaches at a primary school in Orange Grove, faces eight counts of human trafficking, each carrying a minimum sentence of 15 years if convicted.

Delivering judgment on Monday, the magistrate ruled that Gana failed to prove exceptional circumstances that would justify her release.

The magistrate also cited the seriousness of the charges, Gana’s history of threatening victims, and concerns for the safety of the young girls should she be released.

Investigating officer Nangamso Ndlawule previously testified that Gana threatened assault on girls who failed to pay between R250 and R300 per day.

The court further noted that evidence showed “there are no traces of love between the victims and the accused” and that, given the possibility of a life sentence, Gana might attempt to intimidate witnesses.

The court emphasized that human trafficking offences are becoming increasingly prevalent and must be treated with the utmost seriousness.

The court’s verdict has brought a strong sense of relief to the East London community, reinforcing trust in law enforcement and the justice system.

The verdict was widely welcomed as a clear message that perpetrators of gender-based violence and trafficking will not be tolerated, aligning with the community’s efforts to protect children and vulnerable young women.
The Hawks also welcomed the verdict.

Spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said they would now be able to continue with their investigations without any interference from the accused.

He said as investigations continue, more charges might be added against the suspect.

follow up on the next court date 28th November.

26/12/2025

Join for local news, entertainment & weather updates
Newcastle Northern Kzn & Surrounding areas

26/12/2025

26/12/2025

Bhowani road flooding... Dannhauser
Hail storm Glencoe

Newcastle stable weather conditions with small hail stones, heavy winds and rain that subsided quite quickly

NORTHERN kzn Weather 26/12/2025
Pictures supplied by local residents

25/12/2025

Suluman Tyob appeared at the Newcastle Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 24 December 2025,
with an application to be released out on bail.

The court considered whether Tyob, facing murder and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, should be released pending trial.

Tyob’s attorney, Zubair Chothia, presented his client’s affidavit, noting that Tyob worked at a local car wash and relied on the income to support his elderly parents.

Chothia argued that detention would jeopardise both his employment and his family’s wellbeing.

He also raised health concerns, stating that smoking in prison cells aggravated Tyob’s asthma, and argued that remaining in custody would limit his ability to prepare his defence.

After weighing the submissions and Tyob’s circumstances, Magistrate Shabanga granted R2 500 bail, allowing him to leave custody for the holiday period.

The case is scheduled to continue on 13 February 2026.

Henrico’s death resulted from a fatal incident between him and the accused in Hutten Heights on 6 December 2025.

Despite medical intervention, he sadly passed away on 8 December 2025.

24/12/2025

Just in
24/12/2025

The body of a teenage boy, who drowned while swimming at Umdloti beach last week, has been recovered.

Lifesaving South Africa said that the body of the 17-year-old male was recovered at the same beach by lifeguards on Saturday, December 20.

The boy, along with two other teens, had gone swimming on December 17 when all three got into difficulty. While lifeguards were able to rescue the two others, the 17-year-old could not be found.

“The family positively identified the deceased, and the body was handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for further processing,” Lifesaving South Africa said.

“These patients were fortunate to be swimming at a lifeguarded beach. This incident reinforces the critical message that bathers should only swim at beaches where lifeguards are on duty and during designated duty hours. Entering the water at unpatrolled beaches places lives at unnecessary risk.”

Issued by Mercury Reporter

23/12/2025

Cape Town has been ranked among the top ten cities in the world for food in the Condé Nast Traveller’s Choice Awards for 2025. Moving down the ranking but remained among its global peers, ranking sixth overall.
Notably, Cape Town is the only city from the top 10 in 2024 to still keep a place among the top 10 in 2025.

“African, Dutch, Malay, and Indian cuisines all influence South African cuisine, making it a veritable melting pot of exceptional food,” Conde Nast said.
“Amble along the waterfront and nurse a crisp glass of wine while steaks and fresh seafood sizzle in the kitchen, or get in on the viniculture at Babylonstoren, the celebrated vineyard in the Cape Winelands.”

According to travellers and tourists, what sets Cape Town apart is the sheer variety for foods to enjoy, all set against the stunning views the city has to offer.

However, one of the bigger prizes is the wine, with a vast number of vineyards to explore and tastes to take in.
Adding to Cape Town’s shine is the city’s reputation as one of the friendliest cities in the world, which was also acknowledged by Conde Nast readers in 2025.
“While the complex history of apartheid means communities are far from perfect, many will agree that they also represent a hopeful symbol of resilience,” the magazine said.

“Continued efforts to rebuild society and a proud multicultural identity are what make Capetonians truly special.”

Tokyo was ranked as the best city for food in the world in 2025, displacing Cape Town. Spanish cuisine also had an amazing showing in the ranking, with three cities from Spain cracking the top 10.
While Cape Town may have fallen down the ranking this year, it remains squarely within the top 10, showing the lasting impact of South Africa’s Mother City.
Issued by Business Tech