James Vlassakis, convicted for his role in Australia’s infamous Snowtown serial killings, has been granted conditional parole after serving more than 27 years in prison.

Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga and Lukas Graham have withdrawn from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after Macklemore was removed from the line-up following pro-Palestinian remarks.

North West police have dismissed viral social media claims that the so‑called “Kempton Park Serial Killer” has relocated to Potchefstroom, warning residents not to spread unverified information that fuels panic and diverts resources. Police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh said no official report or complaint confirms the claims, which include the alleged relocation of a suspect, an incident near the Bult, or the deployment of drones and specialised units. “The police in the North West are, however, aware of the serious investigations currently taking place in the Kempton Park area. Recent official police communication confirms that investigations into the deaths of women in Kempton Park are continuing. “This does not, on its own, establish that a suspect connected to those investigations has relocated to Potchefstroom,” Myburg said. Call for calm Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Ryno Naidoo urged calm and responsibility. “We understand the concern that a message of this nature can cause, particularly among residents and students, but we appeal to the community not to spread unverified information or create unnecessary panic. Police nevertheless encouraged residents to observe sensible personal‑safety precautions, particularly after dark. Guidance includes avoiding walking alone, using well‑lit areas, and remaining alert to surroundings. Naidoo stressed that anyone with credible information about criminal activity should report it directly to the SA Police Service rather than attempting to investigate or confront suspects themselves. Emergencies can be reported to 10111, while Crime Stop 08600 10111 remains available for anonymous tip‑offs. “We urge residents to remain vigilant but calm. Safety is a shared responsibility, and spreading rumours undermines the very security we are working to uphold,” Naidoo said.

Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile has called for collective action against gender-based violence and femicide following the confirmed death of 38-year-old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo. Moselakgomo disappeared after leaving her home in Rhodesfield, Kempton Park, for a routine run. Her family positively identified her body at the Germiston mortuary after an extensive search involving relatives, community members, and law enforcement agencies. Her death comes amid concern over the discovery of several women’s bodies in and around Kempton Park. ‘This is devastating’ Maile expressed his condolences to Moselakgomo’s eight-year-old daughter, family and friends, saying women should be able to exercise and move around their communities without fear. “This is devastating. Elizabeth went out to exercise, something millions of people should be able to do without fear, and she did not return home,” Maile said. “A woman should be able to walk, run, work, study, travel and simply exist in her own community without having to calculate the possibility that she may be attacked or killed.” Maile said the circumstances were particularly painful because Moselakgomo’s young daughter had lost her mother. An eight-year-old girl was reportedly the first to realise her mother had not returned home and alerted family members. “No child should have to endure such an experience,” Maile said. Police investigate Kempton Park deaths The South African Police Service (Saps) has established a multidisciplinary investigation involving detectives and specialised policing resources to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether the cases are connected. Police have cautioned that no conclusion should yet be drawn that the cases are linked or involve a single perpetrator. Maile called for those responsible for the killings to be identified and brought before the criminal justice system, while cautioning against speculation that could compromise the investigation. “This situation requires the full attention of our law-enforcement agencies. Those responsible for murdering women must be identified and brought before the criminal justice system. “At the same time, we must allow the South African Police Service to conduct an evidence-based investigation and avoid speculation that could compromise its work.” Maile calls on men to act Maile said tackling gender-based violence and femicide could not be left to police, government or women’s organisations alone. “Protecting women is a collective societal responsibility,” he said, calling on families, schools, communities, religious institutions, civil society, workplaces and men to confront violence against women. He also highlighted the role of schools in challenging attitudes that enable violence from an early age. “We therefore have to teach our boys that masculinity can never be measured by domination, intimidation or violence, and teach all our children about dignity, equality, consent, respect and the sanctity of human life,” Maile said. He urged men to challenge misogyny, threats, harassment, abuse and violent behaviour among their peers. “Silence in the presence of abuse creates space for abuse to continue,” he said. Maile also called on anyone with information relevant to the investigation to cooperate fully with the Saps. “We cannot commemorate women after they have been killed and then return to business as usual. Our collective responsibility is to build a society in which they live. “Elizabeth should have returned home from her run. She should have returned to her daughter and her family. That is the ordinary freedom every woman in Gauteng and South Africa deserves.”

Seasoned investigators have been drawn in to help track down the perpetrator/s for the deaths of eight women, whose bodies were found in Ekurhuleni over the past two months. KEMPTON PARK KILLINGS: SEASONED INVESTIGATORS BROUGHT IN TO PROBE DEATH OF EIGHT WOMEN The South African Police Service (SAPS) have established a high-level multidisciplinary investigations team as the probe into the death of eight women continues. Authorities have warned against speculation and unverified claims circulating on social media during this time. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has said that these investigators have the experience and expertise needed to deal with multiple murder cases. It seems that authorities do not believe the murders are connected. However, the investigation is still ongoing. “At this stage, it’s premature to speculate on patterns. These appear to be quite distinct, separate events. But at this point, it would be unhelpful to speculate,” Cachalia said. KEMPTON PARK UNDER ‘LOCKDOWN’ Cachalia has also announced plans to shut down parts of Ekurhuleni, particularly Kempton Park and surrounding areas. This is intended to intensify the hunt for those responsible for a growing number of killings of women. Cachalia also stated that police visibility in the area will be substantially increased. This will take place through Operation Shanela, backed by a multidisciplinary investigative team led by a deputy provincial commissioner. “So, in addition to the establishment of this multidisciplinary team of highly competent investigators and professionals, we will massively expand visibility through Operation Shanela in Kempton Park and the surrounding areas. In the weeks ahead, the police will lock down this area. In the coming weeks, community will see the presence of the South African Police Service (SAPS), and we will mobilise all necessary law enforcement capabilities,” he said. A R400 000 reward has also been offered for information leading to a breakthrough.

Heavy downpours have caused flooding in parts of Durban, affecting roads and creating difficult conditions for motorists. Bayhead Road is among the affected areas, with flooding reported on the road and motorists warned to avoid the affected section. ⛈️ Flooding on Bayhead Rd, Durban [KZN] – road flooded. drive with caution. Avoid area, use alt routes. Do NOT cross flooded section.#FloodingAlert #Durban#TruckersSaNational pic.twitter.com/d5jjYLghu5— SA NATIONAL TRAFFIC UPDATES (@lnnocent191535) September 16, 2026 Flooding affects roads The heavy rain has left parts of the road flooded, making travel more difficult for motorists. Drivers travelling through affected areas should remain alert for standing water and avoid roads where flooding has made conditions unsafe. Motorists have been warned to stay away from the flooded section of Bayhead Road and use alternative routes. Drivers should not attempt to cross the flooded section, even if they believe their vehicle can make it through. Water can make road conditions difficult to assess and can leave vehicles stranded. Motorists urged to take care The flooding comes as parts of Durban experience wet weather, highlighting the risk that heavy rain can create for roads and motorists. Drivers should remain alert for further flooding, follow local traffic updates and allow extra time for their journeys. For now, motorists travelling near Bayhead Road should avoid the flooded section and take an alternative route.

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