South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Monday 7 September

Stay up to date with all the latest news in South Africa by reviewing all major headlines on Monday 7 September.

As South Africans brace for a day of alternate load shedding schedules as a result of Eskom breakdowns, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) embark on protest action intended to disrupt trading at Clicks stores nationwide.

TODAY’S LATEST NEWS IN SOUTH AFRICA, Monday 7 SEPTEMBER

EFF vows to close Clicks stores despite stern legal warning

EFF members are expected to descend on Clicks stores today, despite the Red Berets receiving a stern legal warning from Werksman Attorneys on Sunday afternoon. The uproar follows Clicks’ controversial ‘hair campaign’ which deemed African hair as “dry and damaged” and “frizzy and dull”. The retailer issued an apology for its ‘racial insensitivity’ and swiftly pulled the contentious advertisements.

The EFF, however, rebuked Clicks’ retraction and called for all stores to be closed on Monday 7 September. Clicks have vowed to remain open despite threats posed to the safety and security of staff and customers. On the eve of the protest, EFF leader Julius Malema said:

“If they want war give it to them including any land lord of any mall who refuses you entrance . No one must disrespect black people after 2013 without any consequences, if it means death so be it. We are ready for the ultimate sacrifice in defense of black people.”

Arms deal corruption: Zuma dodges court date, blames prosecutors

Former President Jacob Zuma won’t be appearing in court this week, despite the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) pushing for a swift restart to the infamous Arms Deal trial which has dragged on for more than a decade. Zuma, who has managed to steer clear of the courts through clever legal wrangling forcing postponements, was expected to appear before the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Tuesday.

A statement issued by the Jacob Zuma Foundation has put the blame solely on the shoulders of the NPA, arguing that the state failed to prepare for the latest court appearance. The statement, issued on Sunday night, said:

“For too long, the NPA together with the media accused President Zuma of applying delaying tactics. Yet, it is the NPA that is not ready to proceed when President Zuma calls upon it to present its case against him.”

Manhunt launched to find Thandeka Mdeliswa’s killer

Mpumalanga police are hot on the heels of the man suspected of fatally shooting 34-year-old actress Thandeka Mdeliswa. Police spokesperson Leonard Hlathi noted that preliminary investigations had provided positive leads which were being followed up on and that a manhunt, launched shortly after the murder on Thursday evening, was closing the net on the suspect.

Hlathi explained that the murder resulted from a commotion between two groups of people, including Mdeliswa’s brother. It’s alleged that Mdeliswa was shot when trying to intervene.

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