Friday, 7 August 2026

Trigger-Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Contract Killing of DJ Warras

KASiBCAFRiCA©®™
BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR

Trigger-Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Contract Killing of DJ Warras

By KasiBCAfrica News

7 August 2026

JOHANNESBURG — The Gauteng Division of the High Court in Johannesburg has sentenced 25-year-old Mozambican national Joaquim Armando Pacula to an effective 25 years in prison for the hitman-style murder of popular media personality and businessman Warrick "DJ Warras" Stock.

The conviction and sentencing follow a formal plea and sentence agreement concluded between Pacula and the State under Section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act, finalized after direct consultation with the victim's family.

Admitted Hit for R25,000

DJ Warras was shot and killed on 16 December 2025 outside the Zambesi Building in the Johannesburg Central Business District (CBD).

As part of his plea bargain, Pacula admitted in court that he was hired as the hitman and executed the fatal shooting of Stock in exchange for a R25,000 payment.

Pacula pleaded guilty to multiple charges, resulting in the following concurrent sentences:

Murder: 25 years' imprisonment
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm: 8 years' imprisonment
Unlawful Possession of Ammunition: 6 months' imprisonment
Contravening the Immigration Act: 12 months' imprisonment

The High Court ordered all additional terms to run concurrently with the 25-year murder sentence, fixing his total time behind bars at 25 years.

Prosecution of Alleged Mastermind Continues

While the trigger-man has now been sentenced, the legal proceedings against his alleged co-accused remain ongoing.

Victor Majola, who stands accused of orchestrating and conspiring in the contract killing, remains in custody after being denied bail earlier this year. The pre-trial conference for Majola's trial has been postponed to 17 August 2026 in the Johannesburg High Court.

"This successful prosecution reflects the NPA's continued determination to combat organised and violent crime, including contract killings. The NPA remains committed to pursuing all those involved in such offences and ensuring that justice is served for victims and their families."

— National Prosecuting Authority Statement

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the sentence, citing it as a clear demonstration of law enforcement's resolve to bring perpetrators of contract violence to justice.

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Government Issues Urgent Warning as Severe Cold Front Hits South Africa Ahead of Long Weekend

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BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR

Government Issues Urgent Warning as Severe Cold Front Hits South Africa Ahead of Long Weekend

By : KasiBCAfrica News

KASIBCAUDIO

7 August 2026

SOUTH AFRICA — Government and disaster management authorities have issued an urgent warning to the public to exercise maximum caution as an intense cold front approaches the country. The weather system is expected to deliver freezing temperatures, heavy rainfall, damaging winds, rough seas, and widespread snowfall starting Sunday, 9 August 2026.

According to advisories from the South African Weather Service (SAWS), the cold front will make landfall over the Western Cape and Northern Cape before moving eastwards across the Eastern Cape and spreading deep into the interior.

Regional Breakdown & Expected Impact

The incoming system—driven by a steep upper-air trough—is set to cause sharp temperature drops and significant weather disruptions:

Western & Northern Cape: Heavy rainfall, localized flooding, strong to gale-force winds, and very cold conditions.
Coastal Areas: Damaging waves and rough seas, posing hazards to maritime operations and coastal infrastructure.
Free State, KwaZulu-Natal & Mpumalanga: Snowfall over high-lying mountain ranges and passes, with potential disruptions to key transport routes.
Gauteng & Surrounding Interior: Sharp drop in daytime temperatures accompanied by cold, blustery winds.

"The expected conditions may result in localised flooding, damaging winds, rough seas, very cold conditions, and snowfall over mountainous areas, with potential impacts on communities, infrastructure, and travel." — Government Statement

Safety Guidelines & Precautions for the Public

Authorities are calling on motorists, residents in flood-prone areas, and agricultural workers to remain vigilant and plan ahead:

1. Road & Travel Safety

Plan Journeys: Check real-time road conditions and SAWS forecasts before traveling through mountain passes or high-risk areas.
Drive Responsibly: Reduce speed, increase following distance, and keep headlights on during poor visibility or heavy rain.
Never Cross Flooded Roads: Turn around if approaching submerged bridges or fast-flowing water—whether in a vehicle or on foot.

2. Household & Community Preparedness

Protect the Vulnerable: Ensure children, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and exposed community members are warm and safe.
Secure Property: Tie down or store loose outdoor structures, equipment, and items that strong winds could dislodge.
Monitor Water Levels: Residents in informal settlements and low-lying areas should stay alert to rising water levels.

3. Agricultural Guidance

Livestock Care: Farmers are strongly urged to move animals to sheltered, secure, and covered areas to protect them from exposure and freezing temperatures.

Avoid Fake News: Rely on Verified Sources

Government has emphasized the importance of sharing verified weather updates to prevent unnecessary panic. The public is advised to monitor official channels and avoid forwarding unverified voice notes or social media rumors.

For official weather alerts and updates, visit the South African Weather Service portal at www.weathersa.co.za or follow official disaster management communications.

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MMC Moshe Koma Engages MTN Taxi Rank Operators to Tackle Crime and By-Law Non-Compliance

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BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR

MMC Moshe Koma Engages MTN Taxi Rank Operators to Tackle Crime and By-Law Non-Compliance

By : KasiBCAfrica News

KASIBCAUDIO

7 August 2026

JOHANNESBURG — In a direct bid to restore order and bolster safety at one of the city's busiest public transit hubs, Johannesburg’s MMC for Public Safety, Councillor Moshe Koma, visited the MTN Taxi Rank today for an on-the-ground engagement with local taxi operators.

The visit provided a platform for operators to air pressing challenges that affect both their daily business operations and the safety of thousands of commuters passing through the rank daily.

Key Concerns Raised by Taxi Operators

During the interactive session, taxi operators detailed several operational and safety bottlenecks plaguing the facility and its surrounding perimeter:

Pervasive Criminal Activity: Robberies, muggings, and alleged drug dealing in and around the rank.
Persistent Power Outages: Dark, unlit areas caused by electricity outages, which create ideal conditions for criminal opportunistic acts.
By-Law Violations: Widespread non-compliance with municipal regulations, including the illegal washing of taxis on public roads and unregulated informal trading spilling onto transit lanes.
Environmental Degradation: Poor general cleanliness and lack of waste management around the immediate rank precinct.

Public Safety as a Shared Responsibility

Addressing the operators, MMC Koma made it clear that while the City is stepping up its enforcement and service delivery interventions, maintaining order requires active partnership from all stakeholders.

"Taxi ranks are critical public transport facilities that serve thousands of residents every day. We cannot allow these spaces to become breeding grounds for criminality, illegal activities, or non-compliance with City by-laws. We have listened to the concerns of the operators, and we will work with them and the relevant City departments to address the challenges raised."

— Councillor Moshe Koma, MMC for Public Safety

Koma urged taxi operators to take pride and ownership of their workspace by adhering to municipal regulations, discouraging illegal activities, and reporting crimes promptly.

City Commits to Actionable Interventions

The City of Johannesburg confirmed that multi-departmental interventions will be targeted at the MTN Taxi Rank precinct, focusing on:

Targeted Law Enforcement: Stricter policing around crime hot spots, drug-related activities, and illegal trading.
Infrastructure Repairs: Working alongside City entities to address lighting and electrical infrastructure failures around the rank.
By-Law Enforcement: Ensuring equal and non-selective enforcement of municipal rules while resolving legitimate service delivery complaints.

Closing his address, MMC Koma reiterated the municipality's balanced approach:

"We want taxi operators to know that the City is listening. At the same time, we expect full cooperation and compliance. There can be no selective enforcement of the law. Where there are violations, the City will act, but where there are legitimate service delivery challenges, we must work together to resolve them."

The engagement marks an ongoing effort by the City of Johannesburg to transform public transport hubs into safer, cleaner, and more efficient environments for commuters and transport workers alike.

For live South African news updates and ongoing stories, you can check out the latest SABC News Headlines. This news broadcast covers recent public safety developments, community issues, and law enforcement updates across South Africa.

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IEC Countdown Begins: Official Election Timetable Published as Registration Closes

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BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR

IEC Countdown Begins: Official Election Timetable Published as Registration Closes

By : KasiBCAfrica News

7 August 2026

KASIBCAUDIO

SOUTH AFRICA — The stage is officially set for South Africa’s upcoming local democracy showcase. Following the proclamation of the election date by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), , the Electoral Commission (IEC) has published the official , kicking off an intensive 89-day operational rollout leading to Election Day on Wednesday, 4 November 2026.

The proclamation provides legal certainty and operational clarity for political parties, independent candidates, and voters across the country.

“The Election Timetable serves as the lodestar for the electoral programme, guiding every milestone from candidate nominations to the declaration of results in accordance with the Constitution.” — Electoral Commission Statement

Final Hours to Register: Voters’ Roll Closes at Midnight

The most critical consequence of the election date proclamation is the immediate deadline for voter registration. The national voters’ roll closes at midnight tonight (7 August 2026). After this cutoff, no new registrations or address updates will be accepted for the 2026 Local Government Elections.

Eligible citizens are urged to make use of digital channels before midnight:

Online Portal: Data-free registration via registertovote.elections.org.za

WhatsApp Channel: Message "Hi" to 0600 88 0000

SMS Status Check: Text ID number to 32810

Digital uptake has surged in recent days. The IEC reported over 2 million voter interactions during this registration cycle, with more than 210,000 recorded in the final stretch alone.

Gauteng led provincial interactions with 55,313 transactions, followed by KwaZulu-Natal (36,996) and the Western Cape (28,736).

The newly launched WhatsApp channel also garnered over 14,000 registrations within days of its launch.

Key Election Timetable Milestones

All activities outlined in the election timetable carry a strict 17:00 cut-off time on their respective dates:

Date	Milestone / Statutory Activity
7 August 2026	Candidate Nominations Open & Voters’ Roll Closes (Midnight)
11 August 2026	Provisional Voters’ Roll published for public inspection
14 August 2026	Publication of Voting Stations list (including 32 mobile routes)
18 August 2026	Inspection period for Provisional Voters’ Roll closes
26 August 2026	Chief Electoral Officer certifies the Final Voters' Roll
28 August 2026	Candidate Nominations Close (Strictly at 17:00)
16 September 2026	Final list of approved candidates published
21 September 2026	Special Vote Applications Open
12 October 2026	Special Vote Applications Close
2–3 November 2026	Special Voting Days (Home visits and early station votes)
4 November 2026	ELECTION DAY

Candidate Nominations & Contest Deposit Breakdown

Political parties and prospective independent candidates have 21 calendar days to submit their documentation and candidate lists, either via the Online Candidate Nomination System (OCNS) or by manual delivery to local IEC municipal offices.

Political contestation is set to be fiercely competitive. The party register currently stands at 674 registered political parties (330 national, 32 provincial, 257 district, and 55 metro-level).

To confirm serious intent, contestants must pay monetary deposits, which are refundable if they secure at least one PR seat or 10% of valid votes in a ward election:

Metropolitan Municipalities: R4,700.00 (Covers all PR & Ward candidates of a party)

Local Councils: R2,800.00

District Councils: R1,800.00

Independent Ward Candidates: R1,800.00

Full National Contest (All Municipalities): R693,600.00

High Court Ruling: Kopanong Boundaries Preserved

The IEC also clarified a crucial late legal development in the Free State Province. On 6 August 2026, the High Court in Bloemfontein stayed a decision by the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) that sought to split the Kopanong Local Municipality into two entities.

As a result of the court order, Kopanong will remain a single municipality with 9 Wards for the 2026 elections, retaining its 2021 boundaries until at least the 2031 election cycle.

Voting Local: Strict Ward Registration Rules

Unlike national and provincial elections, local government elections strictly enforce voting district rules. Voters must vote at the specific voting station where they are registered within their ordinary ward of residence. There is no provision to cast a ballot at a station outside your registered district.

For media inquiries or voter assistance, contact the IEC helpline at 0800 11 8000 or visit www.elections.org.za.

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Thursday, 6 August 2026

MEC Lebogang Maile Condemns Violent Attacks on Gauteng Schools Following Alexandra and Waverley Incidents

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Byline: Education & Crime Desk

Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng

Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, has issued a sharp condemnation following two violent criminal incidents at public schools in Johannesburg, calling them a direct attack on learners' constitutional right to basic education.

The incidents—occurring at Iphutheng Primary School in Alexandra and Waverley Girls’ High School—left multiple learners traumatized and one hospitalized, prompting the deployment of emergency psychosocial support teams.

Armed Robbery and Hijacking Cause Panic

The first attack occurred on school grounds at Iphutheng Primary School in Alexandra, where armed suspects entered the premises during a robbery. Suspects fired several warning shots, causing panic among educators and young learners who fled for safety.

One learner was subsequently transported to the hospital; the department noted that the precise circumstances surrounding the hospitalization remain under investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS).

In a separate incident on the same day, an armed hijacking unfolded directly outside the gates of Waverley Girls’ High School. Suspects fired shots into the air before fleeing.

Reports indicate that several learners were caught outside the school gates as the incident occurred. The Department of Education confirmed it is engaging school management to verify the facts and ensure all standard emergency safety protocols were observed.

"Schools are sacred spaces dedicated to teaching and learning and must never become theatres of violence, fear or intimidation. Criminals who threaten the safety of our children, educators and school communities have no place in our society and must face the full might of the law," said MEC Maile.

Emergency Intervention and Psychological Support

Following the incidents, MEC Maile directed departmental officials, district offices, and law enforcement to coordinate closely to minimize disruption to the academic calendar.

The department dispatched specialized psychosocial support personnel and trauma counselors to both schools to assist affected learners, staff, and educators.

Call for Community Partnership

Highlighting the province's ongoing safety interventions—which target gangsterism, dangerous weapons, and substance abuse around schools—MEC Maile emphasized that law enforcement alone cannot secure school perimeters without active public participation.

Invoking the province's "It Takes a Village to Raise a Child" campaign, Maile appealed to parents, Community Policing Forums (CPFs), Gauteng Traffic Wardens, and local neighborhood watches to assist SAPS by reporting intelligence on local gangs and criminal activity surrounding school grounds.

Police investigations into both incidents remain ongoing.

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Friday, 7 August 2026