Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-06-02 i Cape Argus

Fifth Harmony, the American girl group that rose to fame after competing on a reality singing competition, The X Factor in 2012, is reportedly in talks to reunite in 2026, without Camila Cabello. The pop group is made up of Ally Brooke, Normani Kordei, Dinah Jane Hansen, Lauren Jauregui and Cabello. The group’s history dates back to their auditions on The X Factor, where Simon Cowell, a judge on the show, saw potential in each of them and decided to put them together as a group. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Fifth Harmony is planning a major comeback in 2026, which would coincide with the 10th anniversary of their album 7/27 and the hit single, Work From Home, featuring singer and songwriter Ty Dolla $ign. Insiders reveal that the group…

THE National Consumer Commission (NCC) has issued an update following the recall of certain Chevrolet vehicles and Honda motorcycles due to potentially dangerous defects. Stellantis South Africa (Pty) Ltd, the supplier for Chevrolet, has recalled three vehicle models – the Cruze, Aveo, and Orlando, manufactured and sold nationally between 2010 and 2018. The company says the issue lies in the airbag system. According to Stellantis, “The propellant inside the driver’s airbag may experience alterations over time, which may cause it to generate gas faster than it was designed when the airbag inflator is deployed during a crash.” This could pose a serious safety risk to drivers in the event of a collision. The NCC has urged all affected consumers to take immediate action. “Consumers must visit the nearest authorised dealership…

TWO suspects are expected to appear in court after police officials searched a premises in Goodwood where a victim was allegedly being held against her will as a sex worker. The Hawks, based in Bellville and George, collaborated with the Department of Home Affairs and A21, a non-government organisation, in arresting the suspects on Saturday. Hawks spokesperson, Siyabulela Vukubi, said: “This was as a result of a search warrant that was executed after information was received of a possible trafficked victim being held against her will in a guest house in Goodwood and forced to work as a sex worker. During the search, four females were found in the guest house, who admitted to being sex workers. An additional five other adult persons were found along with three small children.…

A SMALL group of white Afrikaners arrived quietly in the US on Friday, as part of President Donald Trump’s offer to resettle them amid false claims of white genocide and persecution in South Africa. They are part of 8 000 who will be resettled within the next few months, according to Jaco Kleynhans, head of Public Relations for trade union Solidarity. The first group of more than 49 white South African Afrikaners landed in the US last month after a private plane was chartered for them. This, after Trump in February issued an executive order where Washington cited the Expropriation Act 13 of 2024 as one that enables the persecution of Afrikaners. Kleynhans said the second group departed on a commercial flight on Thursday that landed in Atlanta in the…

SUBWAY hours at Heathfield train station are among the measures being introduced to address ongoing safety concerns at the site. This follows a meeting last week between ward councillors Eddie Andrews and Kevin Southgate, the City’s Energy Department, and officials from the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa). Issues raised by residents at the meeting includes poor lighting in the parking area, frequently stolen or non-functional subway water pumps, and unrestricted access to the subway after hours. Andrews said further communication would follow once all stakeholders confirmed the final plans. “In the coming weeks we will make an announcement of the operating hours of the subway. It can’t be business as usual. We can’t be replacing the pump every single time. “The subway will close after the last train and…

AN ELDERLY Mpumalanga man, who was falsely accused of raping a child and had to spend more than 16 months in jail under harrowing circumstances, before the charge was withdrawn against him, is set to receive R1.5 million in damages from the police. The now 70-year-old, only identified as MM, turned to the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, where he claimed R30.3m in damages. This was calculated at R60 000 a day for approximately 505 days. MM was only released from prison a month after the charge was withdrawn against him. The police failed to either inform him or the prison authorities immediately after his name was cleared. MM told the court that upon his release, he faced stigma in his community and even in his home village in Mpumalanga, where…

Water is not only a basic human right, but also the foundation of development, dignity, and stability. As we confront the dual pressures of climate change and increasing water demand, the call to invest boldly and urgently in our water infrastructure is more critical than ever. This moment demands leadership, collaboration, and above all, unity. At the Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM) Climate Resilient Investment Conference in Maseru, Lesotho, recently, I reaffirmed South Africa’s deep and unwavering commitment to regional water cooperation. As the host nation and an active member of ORASECOM, South Africa has long championed the sustainable and equitable management of transboundary water resources. These rivers not only feed our economies and cities, but they also bind us as a region. But our shared future hinges on action. ORASECOM’s…

The Stormers may have struggled for positives after their 36-18 humbling against the Glasgow Warriors in the United Rugby Championship quarter-final on Friday, but winger Seabelo Senatla's performance was one of the silver linings to a dark cloud for head coach John Dobson. Senatla's early yellow card at the Scotstoun Stadium in Scotland proved costly for the visitors from the Cape. In the time he was off the field, Glasgow scored two tries. The former Springbok Sevens star seemed determined to make amends on his return from the bin, scoring two tries that brought his team right back into the match as he energised the Stormers attack. He showed the kind of indomitable spirit that has seen him overcome personal tragedy. A horiffic car crash in 2023 sidelined him from…

James Moloi is ready to hit the ground running after retaining his position as president of Athletics South Africa (ASA) at the national federation's quadrennial general meeting in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, on Saturday. Moloi received the majority of votes from ASA members and will now lead the association for a second four-year term. Among his challengers was former president Aleck Skhosana. "I'm thankful for the support shown by the council, which shows that we've done well over the last four years, and now I'm going to do my level best to uplift the sport even further and bring more events to South Africa," Moloi said afterwards. He immediately outlined several key focus areas for himself and the new board, including stabilising the federation administratively and attracting more sponsors to the…

Triple-defending Roland Garros champion Iga Swiatek battled into the quarter-finals of the French Open on Sunday, overcoming a bruising first-set loss to eventually defeat former Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina. The four-time holder of the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen displayed great resilience to win 1–6, 6–3, 7–5 in two hours and 29 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier. Swiatek will next face Elina Svitolina for a place in the semi-finals, after the Ukrainian earlier saved three match points to eliminate last year’s runner-up, Jasmine Paolini. After winning Roland Garros last year to complete a remarkable treble of clay-court victories in Madrid, Rome, and Paris, the Pole’s turbulent 2025 season looked set to hit a new low as she found herself a set and a break down against the 12th-seeded Kazakh. Following early exits…

When a pop star starts climbing the charts and turning heads, it’s only a matter of time before Hollywood comes knocking. That’s the path Sabrina Carpenter seems to be on. After dominating the music scene and becoming a full-blown celebrity, she’s now reportedly being lined up for a role in the next Mamma Mia! film. Yes, the Espresso singer is said to be “sought for a role” in the third Mamma Mia! movie, which has been in the rumour mill for years. And now, thanks to a fresh update from long-time franchise producer Judy Craymer, it looks like the film might finally be taking shape. In a recent interview with Deadline, Craymer confirmed that Mamma Mia! 3 is “well into development,” adding, “We know what we want to do with…

OLORATO Mongale, the 30-year-old former Wits student who was killed after going on a date last Sunday, was a fighter, who fought to the end of her life. This is how her mother Basetsana Mongale described her daughter as she paid her last respects during an emotional send off, as scores of mourners, including friends, relatives and community members, gathered at the Bloemfontein City Hall for her funeral yesterday. Last week, police named three suspects linked to the killing as Fezile Ngubane, Philangenkosi Makhanya and Bongani Mthimkhulu. On Friday, Makhanya shot at police, who returned fire and killed him at a residential complex in Amanzimtoti, while Ngubane was cleared in the investigation after police established that he had also been a victim of Makhanya and Mthimkhulu. Government officials and…

POLICE have launched a manhunt for the suspects who killed a sergeant in Vrygrond, Muizenberg, during the early hours of Friday. Residents were shocked at the discovery of the 48-year-old police officer who was found gunned down next to his vehicle outside his home at around 5am. He was in uniform and on his way to report for duty at Wynberg SAPS. Police spokesperson, Andrè Traut, said the Hawks have been assigned to lead the investigation. “At approximately 5am, the body of the 48-year-old police sergeant was discovered outside his home in Thys Witbooi Street, Vrygrond. He had sustained fatal gunshot wounds,” said Traut. “At the time of the incident, he was in uniform and was en route to report for duty at Wynberg SAPS. His family members, who were…

ONE of the suspects accused of murdering uMngeni Municipality chief whip, DA councillor Nhlalayenza Ndlovu, was heard complaining about the conditions in Westville Prison when he and two other accused appeared in court for the murder. Ndlovu was shot dead at his home near Mpophomeni in December 2023. The man believed to be the main suspect, Zwelithini Buthelezi, was arrested and joined his two co-accused, Thobani Hlongwa and Khayelihle Shabalala, in the dock on Friday. KwaZulu-Natal DA leader Francois Rodgers, who was in court alongside uMngeni Municipality Mayor Chris Pappas, Deputy Mayor Sandile Mnikathi and councillors, said Buthelezi did not apply for bail. The case has been postponed to July 9 for further investigation. All three suspects remain in custody. “We welcome the fact that there was no bail application,”…

A Muslim man who was imprisoned in Chad on grounds of his sexual orientation and fled to South Africa after he was released as he fears persecution, turned to court after home affairs officials here refused to grant him refugee status. The man, only identified as MA, on Friday headed to the urgent court at the Western Cape High Court, where he obtained a lifeline. He asked that the decision by the Refugee Status Determination Officer, in refusing his refugee status, be overturned. Judge Gayaat da Silva-Salie ordered that his application for asylum status had to be heard afresh, by another officer. The judge remarked that the reasons given by the officer for refusing his application were nonsensical. MA fled to South Africa to join his lover, a doctor working…

PYRAMIDS (2) 2 Mayele 23’, Samy 56’ MAMELODI SUNDOWNS (0) 1 Rayners 75’ w Pyramids won 3-2 on aggregate It was a case of ‘so close, yet so far’ for Mamelodi Sundowns as they missed out on the CAF Champions League crown after losing 3–2 on aggregate to Pyramids in the final. Sundowns lost 2–1 in the second leg at 30 June Stadium on Sunday night, courtesy of goals from Fiston Mayele and Ahmed Samy, having drawn 1–1 in the first leg at home, Loftus Versfeld. The Brazilians were their own worst enemies in Cairo, conceding both goals through avoidable errors in each half. Mayele capitalised on a poor clearance by Grant Kekana in the first half, pouncing inside the box to unleash a low-driven strike past the goalkeeper. The…

Oscar Piastri drove with exemplary calm and control in a torrid race on Sunday to beat teammate and rival Lando Norris, as McLaren claimed their first Spanish Grand Prix victory since 2005 with a resounding one-two finish. The 24-year-old Australian came home 2.4 seconds clear of Norris to extend his lead in the Drivers’ Championship to 10 points, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finishing third after a dramatic finale. Four-time champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull opted for a three-stop strategy, which cost him third place in the closing laps before he was handed a 10-second penalty for a collision with Mercedes’ George Russell, who finished fourth. It was Piastri’s fifth win of the season, the seventh of his career, and his eighth consecutive podium finish for McLaren — a feat…

John Plumtree has been involved in rugby in one form or another for half a century, but Saturday night’s bizarre conclusion to the United Rugby Championship (URC) quarter-final against Munster was a first even for the seasoned Sharks head coach. After a gruelling 100 minutes of high-stakes rugby, with the scores locked at 24-24 and no breakthrough during 20 minutes of extra time, the match had to be decided by an unprecedented penalty shoot-out — a scenario more familiar to football than to the rugby field. Instead of traditional conversions, each team nominated three kickers to take shots at goal from various positions across the pitch. As the second period of extra time wound down, the Sharks' coaching box was suddenly a hive of activity, scrambling to locate the map…

THE City of Cape Town said it’s working with police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman who died after a tree fell on her while she was running the Slave Route Challenge yesterday. Event organisers said the tragic incident took place along the race route in the Company’s Garden area. “Emergency services responded swiftly and transported the runner to hospital, where she sadly succumbed to her injuries. “On behalf of the Slave Route Challenge Organising Committee, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the runner’s family, friends, and loved ones. “This is a devastating loss, and we are holding her family in our thoughts during this profoundly difficult time,” organisers said. They added that the safety and well-being of every participant remains a top priority. “All safety…

IN TENSE, last minute discussions at the weekend, Trade, Industry, and Competition Minister Parks Tau intervened to prevent a shutdown of the National Lottery. Tau’s intervention came after a high-stakes meeting on Saturday with the National Lottery Commission (NLC) and Ithuba, the current lottery operator. The situation arose after the Gauteng High Court ruled that Ithuba’s operating license could only be extended for five months, until the new operator, Sizekhaya Holdings, takes over. The NLC argued that a 12-month temporary license was necessary to ensure a smooth transition, but the court disagreed. However, in a surprise move, Tau announced that he had granted a 12-month temporary license to Ithuba Holdings, allowing them to continue operating the National Lottery from June 1 until the end of May next year –…

VIRGINITY testing for girls under the age of 16 has resurfaced as a contentious issue after the cultural rights commission issued directives prohibiting the practice for that age group-a a move that has drawn strong opposition from Zulu traditionalists. The Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL) chairperson Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva met Social Development MEC Mbali Shinga last week and directed that the testing of maidens below 16 years of age was illegal and should be stopped, however, culturists have vowed to defy this order. Dr Nomagugu Ngobese, the founder of Nombukhubulwane Institute, a cultural body advocating for the preservation of African cultural practice said the practice will continue and will not be stopped. Ngobese said the practice has helped to reduce…

TAFELSIG learners were among 2 500 participants across the Mother City in a year-long campaign to learn about the dangers of tobacco use and vaping. The learners, aged between seven and 17, since July last year, made up nearly 70 percent of the audiences at City of Cape Town Health’s interventions around the dangers of smoking and vaping. According to a recent survey of learners in grades 8 to 12 at South African schools, two percent of respondents smoke cigarettes, 17 percent vape and 36 percent tried vaping. The survey also found that the frequency of vaping increased among learners in higher grades. Community Services and Health mayco member, Francine Higham, said this is why education efforts are primarily directed at learners. “There has been a decline in the use…

After almost 15 years of massive investment, frequent disappointment, and the occasional humiliation, Paris Saint-Germain finally got their hands on the Uefa Champions League trophy on Saturday — allowing their Qatari owners to revel in the glory of a historic and emphatic triumph. PSG had failed to secure European football’s biggest prize in previous eras despite squads featuring the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimović, Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, and even Lionel Messi. But they have finally succeeded — after pivoting away from assembling superstar line-ups and instead entrusting a brilliant coach, Luis Enrique, with a hungry and dynamic young team. PSG have arguably been Europe’s best side in 2025, but their performance against Inter Milan in Munich surpassed all expectations. A thumping 5-0 victory — the biggest win ever recorded in a…

As Bafana Bafana gear up for their upcoming international friendlies against Tanzania and Mozambique, national team coach Hugo Broos has voiced his support for three rising stars from Orlando Pirates looking to make their mark abroad. Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota (both 20), and Mbekezeli Mbokazi (19) have all impressed this season, earning spots in Broos’ final 23-man squad. However, the seasoned Belgian tactician is urging caution when it comes to their potential moves to Europe. Mofokeng, a 20-year-old sensation, has become a pivotal player for Pirates, contributing significantly to the team’s success across various competitions. Spanish giants Barcelona have reportedly expressed interest in both Mofokeng and Nkota, while Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly are believed to be monitoring Mbokazi. Underpinning his impact, Mofokeng has netted 18 goals and provided 22 assists…

With all the attention focused of Zakithi Nene's blistering world lead of 43.76 to take gold in the 400m at at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi on Saturday, there were also podium finishes for Bayanda Walaza in the 100m and Shaun Maswanganyi in the men's 200m contest. The achievements marked another stellar weekend for South African sprinters. Nene was the best of the SA athletes on the international track and field circuit this weekend. He became the second SA athlete to run under 44 seconds over the one-lap distance after world record holder Wayde van Niekerk. Nene finished well clear of Nigerian athlete Chidi Okezie, who took second place in 44.98. All eyes will be on the one-lap star as he heads for the Rome Diamond League meeting, to…

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis says it will be important for the team to win their final Three Nations match against Zambia on Tuesday as they continue preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Banyana started the tournament on a high, beating neighbours Botswana 3–2 at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Wednesday. It was a patchy display, though, as they went into the break 3–1 up, only to concede another goal in the second half, making for a nervy finish. Ellis knows that mistakes are part and parcel of football, and that’s why she won’t be hard on the players if they make errors at this stage of the build-up to WAFCON. Banyana will need to produce a sterling campaign in Morocco, where they will head as…