South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Friday 11 December

It’s been an eventful week. One that brought South Africa a second wave, and saw the plotters of terrorist attacks in South Africa jailed.

In the latest news on Friday 11 December, the Bushiris are no closer to a South African jail cell than they were since they skipped the country. And this week we learnt how their escape was made possible – courtesy of a police brigadier and R500 000.

TODAY’S LATEST NEWS IN SOUTH AFRICA, Friday 11 December 

SAPS brigadier allegedly received R500K from Bushiri – here’s why

A 45-year-old brigadier, Rosey Resondt, who works for the SAPS National Organised Crime Unit appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court with her husband, Clifford Cornelius Resondt, on Thursday 10 December. Clifford, according to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), is the head of security for Shepherd Bushiri.

Early on Thursday morning, police said a brigadier had allegedly received R500 000 as gratification in relation to the investigation into self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri. Colonel Katlego Mogale could not, however, confirm that the money was given to the brigadier by Bushiri and for what purpose. 

Now, hours later and following a court appearance, we have more answers and can confirm that the brigadier allegedly received R500 000 from Shepherd Bushiri Ministries. The question is, why? 

NCCC to discuss COVID-19 preventative measures, says Cele

The Minister of Police Bheki Cele has said government noted South Africans’ disregard for the necessary health and safety guidelines to counter the spread of COVID-19 and now the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) would be meeting to engage on the matter.

Cele was speaking in Du Noon in the Western Cape during a festive season safety campaign on Thursday, 10 December 2020.

The NCCC was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic striking South Africa. The NCCC also determines the levels of lockdown and restrictions.

ANC official applies to live in Orania – and plans legal action if rejected

ANC Northern Cape provincial secretary Deshi Ngxanga has made a very rare and unlikely application this week. The party official has inquired about buying any available land plots in Orania, arguing that the laws of South Africa allow him to reside anywhere in the country – even if that’s in a ‘whites-only’ town.

Orania has been in existence for the best part of three decades. It has gained global notoriety for its solely Afrikaner population and often finds itself at the centre of discussions relating to racial harmony in South Africa. A few thousand people live, work and exist peacefully in the town – but its very existence can be classed as a sore spot for many.

In Ngxanga’s book, Orania doesn’t sit well with him – and he’s decided to do something about it. The provincial secretary wants to move to the enclave, and exercise his basic right to freedom. In an email he shared on his social media pages, the politician states that he would like to build his own house in this racially-exclusive setting.

WHY IS MISS SA SHUDUFHADZO MUSIDA NOT COMPETING AT MISS UNIVERSE?

For those of you hoping to see Limpopo’s finest defend the Miss Universe tiara at the upcoming pageant, we’ve got some bad news: Shudufhadzo Musida, the current Miss SA, will not be competing in the glitzy ceremony. However, there is a sound method behind the apparent madness – and the people’s champion has another ace up her sleeve.

In a statement released by Miss SA officials on Thursday, it was confirmed that Shudufhadzo Musida will instead compete in the Miss World pageant – following in the footsteps of Rolene Strauss, who was the last South African winner back in 2014. The move is part of a purposeful strategy that will send three contestants to three different competitions:

“This year’s Miss South Africa top three contestants are set to represent the country on three different global stages in 2021. Reigning Miss South Africa 2020 Shudufhadzo Musida will be participating in the Miss World pageant and will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Rolene Strauss who took the title in 2014.”

Channing Tatum needs you… if you’ve got an idea for ‘Magic Mike 3’

Anele Ngcongca has been remembered as a “gentle giant” who was “respectful” and always had time to “mentor younger players”.

The former Bafana Bafana defender’s funeral took place in Gugulethu, Cape Town on Thursday following his tragic death in November in a motor vehicle accident on the N2 freeway near Mtunzini in KwaZulu-Natal.

He was 33.

Along with his former team-mates and coaches, Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa was in attendance and paid tribute to him.

“The role Anele played in maintaining wonderful family bonds must forever be cherished and be applauded. I can only imagine what the family is currently going through, I am certain that the grief that uMama is going through is overwhelming,” Mthethwa said.

”As an active and creative nation, we’re indebted to the family and most importantly the mother of Anele for bringing to earth this wonderful soul and for ensuring that he remains focused to his career until his last day on earth. Anele’s void will forever be felt by all of us,” he added.

Players from Ngcongca’s former club Aces United carried the coffin into the church.

LATEST WEATHER FORECAST, Friday 11 December   

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Horoscope today

Free daily horoscope, celeb gossip and lucky numbers for Friday 11 December .