Vernon Bala Tyson Chetty, Farahaa Moosa, Sibusiso Ngcobo, and Vikash “Brian” Sewnath are on trial for the murder of the former Isipingo ward councillor, conspiracy to commit murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

“I had not eaten all day. It was a traumatising day, and I was frustrated.." said a police officer who was among the first responders at Meridian Park on December 29, 2024, where Durban businessman Shailen Singh was fatally shot.

Four people have died and several others injured in two separate accidents in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Both accidents occurred on Saturday, 1 August 2026. In the first crash, Midlands EMS Rescue medics, along with Midlands EMS crews, were dispatched to the R617 between Merrivale and Mpophomeni for a motor vehicle accident. Head-on crash Midlands EMS spokesperson Roland Roberton said on arrival paramedics found that a taxi and a car had been involved in a head-on collision. “One person was found entrapped in the car and had sustained fatal injuries. The patient was declared deceased on scene by paramedics.” 17 injured Robertson said one further patient, who was travelling in the taxi, was found to be severely entrapped and required the use of the Jaws of Life, as well as advanced life support treatment. “Midlands EMS Rescue technicians, together with Fire and Rescue personnel, worked to carefully extricate the patient before treatment continued on scene. “A total of 17 people sustained injuries ranging from moderate to critical. All patients were treated on scene before being transported to various hospitals for further care. The exact circumstances leading up to the collision are not yet known,” Robertson said. Robertson said authorities were in attendance to investigate the cause of the accident. Three dead In a separate accident, three people have died after their vehicle crashed on the P614 near Misty Ridge in KZN. The area is situated approximately midway between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. IPSS Medical Rescue spokesperson Samantha Myrick said that on arrival of paramedics, it was established that two vehicles had collided head-on at high speed. “This resulted in four patients sustaining injuries ranging from serious to critical. All four patients were stabilised on scene before being transported to nearby facilities under the care of IPSS Medical Rescue Advanced Life Support paramedics. “Sadly, three occupants were found to have sustained fatal injuries and were declared deceased at the scene. Our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased,” Meyrick said. Picture: Supplied Meyrick added that the scene was handed over to SAPS, who will investigate the cause of the accident.

A 53‑year-old woman has been sentenced to 18 years in jail for defrauding the South African Revenue Service (SARS) of more than R3.7 million through fraudulent VAT claims, a ruling prosecutors say underscores the seriousness of tax crimes that undermine the government’s ability to deliver essential services. Khanyisile Casianna Gumede appeared in the Durban Regional Court this week, where the sentence was handed down. Conviction Casianna was convicted on five counts of fraud involving approximately R3.7 million and one count of money laundering. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said Gumede’s company, GG Catering and General Services CC, was also sentenced to a R2 million fine, wholly suspended for five years on condition that the company is not convicted of fraud, theft, or an attempted fraud or theft committed during the period of suspension. “The company was registered with the South African Revenue Service for Value-Added Tax (VAT), with Gumede serving as its VAT representative. Between February 2018 and October 2018, Gumede submitted fraudulent VAT returns on behalf of the company by inflating input tax and declaring nil output tax.” False declarations Ramkisson-Kara said these false declarations resulted in unlawful VAT refunds, despite the company not trading during that period and therefore not incurring any qualifying expenses. “As a result, SARS suffered a loss of over than R3.7 million. After receiving the fraudulent refunds, Gumede used the funds for various purposes, including settling a debt owed by the company. The fraud was uncovered during a SARS investigation.” Trial During the trial, Advocate Zinhle Mthembu led the evidence of five witnesses, including SARS officials and a former employee of Gumede. In aggravation of sentence, the State called a SARS criminal investigator, who testified that VAT fraud is a widespread problem. The investigator informed the court that SARS had suffered a loss of R3.7 million, none of which had been recovered. Ramkisson-Kara said the witness further explained that SARS is responsible for collecting revenue on behalf of the government and that fraud against SARS directly undermines the government’s ability to deliver essential public services. Sentencing “In sentencing, the court treated the five counts of fraud as one for purposes of sentence. Gumede was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for the fraud convictions and 10 years’ imprisonment for money laundering. “The court ordered that seven years of the money laundering sentence run concurrently with the fraud sentence, resulting in an effective sentence of 18 years’ direct imprisonment. She was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” Ramkisson-Kara said. Judgement welcomed The NPA welcomed the successful conclusion of the case, highlighting the strong collaboration between prosecutors, SARS and the Saps in tackling tax fraud. “The NPA commends the prosecutors, SARS investigators and SAPS officials whose dedication and professionalism contributed to this successful outcome,” Ramkisson‑Kara said. Ramkisson‑Kara stressed that fraud, tax evasion and money laundering undermine South Africa’s economic stability, deprive the fiscus of vital revenue, and weaken government’s ability to deliver essential services.

The Sunday, 02 August episode of Carte Blanche Carte investigates the far-reaching impact of the devastating floods that damaged Meiringspoort, the iconic mountain pass that serves as the only direct route between communities on either side of the Swartberg Mountains. The programme explores how the destruction of sections of the road has cut off a vital transport link, disrupting daily life, costing jobs and threatening livelihoods in the region. As residents grapple with the aftermath, Carte Blanche highlights the heavy dependence on the mountain pass while examining how affected communities are rebuilding and searching for new opportunities in the wake of the disaster. Credibility among South African viewers Carte Blanche is a South African investigative journalism television series that airs on M-Net every Sunday at 19:00. Its first episode aired on 21 August 1988 and over the last 34-plus years has earned credibility among South African viewers for its investigation into corruption, consumer issues, and current events. Are you a regular Carte Blanche viewer? If so, let us know by clicking on the comment banner below …

Kaizer Chiefs are desperate to challenge Orlando Pirates for their Betway Premiership crown. Can they do it after this window? Kaizer Chiefs aim to usurp Orlando Pirates at the summit Chiefs additions Khanyisa Mayo has signed permanently from CR Belouizdad for a reported fee close to R9.8 million following a prior loan spell. Adolf Mtasingwa is a 27-year-old defensive midfielder signed from Azam FC for an undisclosed fee, and the first Tanzanian player to join Amakhosi. Mtasingwa brings valuable experience, having spent six seasons in Scandinavia, playing in the Icelandic, Norwegian and Finnish leagues. He returned home in 2024 to help Azam FC finish third in the Tanzanian league last season. He is the vice-captain of his nation. Central defender Thabo Moloisane brings PSL know-how after becoming a mainstay for an impressive Stellenbosch side. Moloisane can also operate at right back when needed. 28-year-old goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner joins from Sekhukhune to bolster Chiefs’ options between the sticks. The 1.87m-tall stopper has been capped by Bafana. There’s also a growing expectation that 21-year-old Stellies winger Langelihle Phili will join the Glamour Boys. Pirates additions Most of the club’s acquisitions this window have been with the view of future-proofing their squad with young options. Pirates have welcomed Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Sbangani Zulu, Bohlale Ngwato, Ghampani Lungu, Neo Rapoo, Aphiwe Baliti and Matome Mmolai. After the sale of Rele Mofokeng, the club needed a statement signing, and it remains to be seen whether Christian Pedersen will fit the bill. For now, the jury is out, and the Norwegian might need to sit on the bench to prove his worth. How did Chiefs and Pirates fare on matchday 1? Both Soweto giants got 2026-27 off to a winning start. Chiefs beat Kruger United 3-1 thanks to a goal from Flavio Silva and a brace from substitute Wandile Duba. Pirates, meanwhile, beat Milford 2-0 with strikes from wide men Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi. What’s next? Pirates are in MTN8 action on Saturday 8 August against Durban City. Chiefs, meanwhile, face Golden Arrows on Sunday 9 August in the same competition.

Nedbank has appointed Nikos Angelopoulos, formerly MTN Group's CIO, to the same role at the bank.

Eskom recorded a daily energy availability factor of 80.24% on 20 July, its best single day since 20 September 2017.