Sema Fonkem 21/01/2025

South Africa: Five killed outside a corner store in Atteridgeville

Five men were shot dead earlier on today just outside a corner shop (tuck shop) in Atteridgeville. Three of the deceased are confirmed to be foreign nationals. According to the police, 9mm pistol cartridges were found on the crime scene. Investigation to identify the two other victims and suspects is currently going on.

South Africa: 13 school children die after bus crash

Collision between a truck and a mini school bus in Gauteng province caused the death 13 children on January 19, 2025. 11 died at the scene while two others succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. According to sources, the bus driver was overtaking stationary vehicles when it hit the truck in a head-on collision.

The president of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his condolences and assure the public that government will provide all assistance required to the bereaved families.

“Our children are the nation’s most precious assets and we must do all we can” said Ramaphosa.

Ramaphosa has also urged road users to follow all traffic rules to avoid accidents.

The bus driver involved in the accident has been arrested by authorities and will soon appear in court.

South Africa: Five people shot outside Magistrates Court

Two people were reported dead after unknown gunmen shot at five persons outside Booysens Magistrate court in Johannesburg on January 20, 2025. According to sources, the victims including a lawyer were in to court to support an accused in the Mondeor murder case.

The three other victims were taken to the hospital where they are being treated for gunshot wounds.

South Africa: Police guard primary school accused of admitting high number of foreign children

Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) are still present at Addignton Primary School in Kwa-Zulu Natal Province.

The school is being accused by anti-illegal immigration groups (Operation Dudula, March and March) for prioritising children of foreigners over South Africans. Supported by MK Party led by former president Jacob Zuma the organisations are calling on the ministry of education to look into the matter.

According to the groups approximately 90% of the school’s 1500 pupils are foreign nationals but the school argues that only 500 children are immigrants.

March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese says the schooling system is victimising South African children and demands for change.

“We want South African children to be prioritised in their own country,” said, Jacinta.

Recently there has been a clash between parents and members of the anti-immigration groups.

Morocco: AFCON fans remember Morocco National Team Supporters for snatching towels

During the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final match on January 18 2026 at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco’s ball boys were seen trying to steal Édouard Mendy’s towel from Yehvann Diouf.

Goal keepers usually need a towel to dry their gloves for a good grip and so Moroccan ball boys felt it is was necessary to sabotage Senegal’s national team by snatching Édouard Mendy towel which was under the protection of backup goal keeper Yehvann Diouf.

After chaotic scenes, Senegal ended up wining its second AFCON title.

Malawi: New government hikes fuel prices by 40%

Malawi’s Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has increased petrol and diesel prices by 40% on Tuesday, January 20, 2025. According to the organisation, the petroleum industry witnessed a significant loss due to instability from the previous government and recommends that this move is required to rescue the country’s declining economy.

Uganda: Incarcerated opposition leader Kizza Besigye’s health deteriorates

69 years old politician and People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) leader Kizza Besigye has been driven to a private medical facility in Kampala with heavy security after falling seriously ill in prison.

Besigye was president Yoweri Museveni’s personal doctor before becoming a political rival. He has been in detention since November 2024 after he was charged in a military court for treason and illegal possession of a firearm.

Besigye has denied all charges and is yet to enter to a plea.