(Graphic by Sharlene Rood/News24)
News24 brings you the top stories of the day, summarised into neat little packages. Read through quickly or listen to the articles via our customised text-to-speech feature.
A ballistics report found Deputy President Paul Mashatile's vehicle was likely struck by stray shotgun pellets, not intentionally fired upon. (Graphic: Sharlene Rood. Images: Ditiro Selepe/News24, Datawrapper, Tebogo Letsie/City Press/Gallo Images)
Stray shotgun blast not aimed at Paul Mashatile, SAPS ballistics report finds
- A police ballistics report suggests Deputy President Paul Mashatile's car was hit by stray shotgun pellets, not intentionally targeted.
- The incident, initially thought to be stones hitting the windscreen, coincided with the apparent launch of Mashatile's 2027 ANC presidency bid.
- A police investigation is under way to determine the shot's origin and whether the Presidential Protection Service responded appropriately.
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Moroadi Cholota and Ace Magashule in the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein on Thursday. (Mlungisi Louw/Netwerk24)
State slams Magashule's ex-PA's latest extradition challenge, says she was 'playing games'
- Moroadi Cholota, Ace Magashule's former assistant, is challenging the jurisdiction of the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein in the R255 million asbestos corruption case.
- Cholota claims her extradition from the US was unlawful and that she was unfairly treated by investigators, while the State contends she refused to cooperate and is now fabricating claims.
- The State argues the court has jurisdiction based on US court rulings and that Cholota's repeated challenges are an attempt to avoid justice.
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President Cyril Ramaphosa hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Union Buildings on Thursday. (@PresidencyZA/X, formerly Twitter)
Ukraine open to unconditional ceasefire, Zelensky tells Ramaphosa during Pretoria talks
- During a meeting in Pretoria, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his willingness to pursue an unconditional ceasefire with Russia to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
- Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of diplomacy and dialogue to resolve the conflict, referencing South Africa's experience with apartheid.
- Zelensky confirmed his agreement with the need for a ceasefire but stated that Russia's actions have hindered its implementation, forcing Ukraine to defend itself.
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The defence in Bafana Mahungela's trial claims foreign female DNA was found under murdered teacher Kirsten Kluyts' fingernails, as the case was postponed again in the Gauteng High Court. (Hoedspruit parkrun/Facebook)
Surprise DNA discovery raises doubts in murder of pregnant teacher Kirsten Kluyts
- DNA found under Kirsten Kluyts' fingernails allegedly belongs to a woman, potentially challenging the case against accused Bafana Mahungela.
- The defence received this new forensic evidence last week and plans to use it as a key part of Mahungela's defence strategy.
- The trial has been postponed again to allow the State to provide the defence with additional evidence, including video footage.
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Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, between deputy minister David Masondo and SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter. (Brenton Geach/ Gallo Images via Getty Images)
EXPLAINER | VAT: What happens next - the legal stuff and the politics
- A court order is the quickest way to stop the VAT increase, bypassing the lengthy parliamentary process.
- The Treasury will adjust expenditure to compensate for the revenue shortfall from the cancelled VAT increase.
- Finance Minister Godongwana's future is uncertain after facing criticism for his handling of the VAT increase.
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Sprinter Gift Leotlela for Gauteng North at the SA National Championships. (Anton Geyser/Gallo Images)
A new 100m SA champ as favourite Walaza is pipped to the line by Leotlela
- Bayanda Walaza and Benjamin Richardson qualified fastest for the SA Senior National Track and Field Championships 100m semi-finals.
- Richardson clocked the fastest heat time of 10.08 seconds, while Walaza ran 10.18.
-Gauteng North sprinter Gift Leotlela pipped Walaza to be crowned South Africa's new men's 100m champion.
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Former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi and her husband, Luthando Bolowana. (Supplied/TYME Collective/ Dylan & Tamlyn L)
'I knew he was the one': Zozibini Tunzi shares her 10-year love story with Luthando Bolowana
- Zozibini Tunzi and Luthando Bolowana, who met at Tunzi's 21st birthday, recently celebrated their wedding a month after announcing their marriage.
- The couple, who got engaged in Greece during Tunzi's 30th birthday, chose a Western Cape venue for their garden wedding, incorporating both Greek and Xhosa elements.
- Tunzi is pursuing an acting career and continuing to create music, while the couple plans to support each other's goals and eventually start a family.
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*These summaries were written with the support of Gemini Pro AI.
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