South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Wednesday 25 November

We’re speeding through the week, and at the halfway mark on this Wednesday the 25th of November, there is a lot to catch up on already. But first, let’s look at the latest news over the past 24 hours. 

We begin with a wild story …

TODAY’S LATEST NEWS IN SOUTH AFRICA, Wednesday 25 November 

RAMAPHOSA ACCUSED OF ‘PROFITING’ FROM TROPHY HUNTING

President Cyril Ramaphosa and the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) are at loggerheads over alleged trophy hunting at his wildlife farm, Phala Phala Wildlife in Limpopo.

The Presidency denied that either the president or Phala Phala – whose business is breeding game – have a stake in the trophy hunting industry.

Peta has called Ramaphosa’s denial “embarrassing”. We’ll keep this story in our cross-hairs.

MALEMA SHARES ‘DEATH THREATS’ ON TWITTER

EFF leader Julius Malema can’t seem to stay away from the headlines these days. The party’s commander-in-chief appears to have received death threats, following comments that encouraged violence against police.

Malema’s suggestion – that supporters take action against police officers by “going into their homes and fighting them in their own houses, with their own families” – clearly didn’t go down well.

His controversial comments follow clashes between the police and protesters in Brackenfell, Cape Town last week.

The firebrand politician may be facing more legal action brought by AfriForum. The organisation’s Head of Policy, Ernst Roets, confirmed that they would be filing criminal charges against the contentious Parliamentarian this morning.

Gauteng farmer shoots attacker dead

In other news … a farmer based in Boschkop near Pretoria, Gauteng shot an intruder dead at his property. 

The 62-year-old was targeted by a gang on Saturday, and one of the three attackers was killed at the scene. 

Police have now been left with little alternative but to open a ‘murder case’ while investigating the victim’s self-defence claims.

The law of using lethal force in your own home is something of a grey area in South Africa. Essentially, you’re allowed to use ‘equal force’ to that used by a criminal in question. If this gang was armed, the law should favour the farmer. Somewhat shockingly, the landowner was attacked by thugs earlier this year in July.

INVESTIGATIONS UNDERWAY INTO MATRIC EXAM LEAKS  

Now an update from the Matric exams … questions are being raised over the education department’s ability run honest assessments, after a second exam paper – Physical Science – was leaked on Tuesday.

The Council of Education Ministers (CEM) held an urgent meeting yesterday to consider the implications of the latest leak. 

Meanwhile, The Hawks, are continuing their investigation into the initial leak of the maths paper 2 exam last week. 

And now for some good news …

TREVOR NOAH WILL HOST THE GRAMMY AWARDS

South African Trevor Noah’s star keeps rising. The 36-year-old host of The Daily Show was announced yesterday as the master of ceremonies for the 63rd Grammy awards to be held in January 2021.

This is without doubt one of the most prestigious gigs of Noah’s career, even by his high standards. 

Chiefs’ struggles mount after Swallows Soweto derby defeat

Kaizer Chiefs’ struggles, particularly in front of goal, continued on Tuesday in their latest DStv Premiership match against Moroka Swallows.

The Birds triumphed 1-0 thanks to an 86th-minute winner from Joseph Mhlongo at the Dobsonville Stadium to condemn Chiefs to their second loss of the season.

Chiefs have managed just three goals in their opening five matches this season – one of which was an own-goal.

Could Ernst Middendorp be on his way back to Maritzburg United?

Meanwhile, former Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp has emerged as a candidate for the vacant coaching position at Maritzburg United.

The Team of Choice is currently without a head coach having parted ways with Eric Tinkler on Monday.

Delron Buckley has since taken over training sessions at the KwaZulu-Natal outfit and is set to lead the team against SuperSport United on Friday.

LATEST WEATHER FORECAST, Wednesday 25 November   

Take a look at weather forecasts for all nine provinces here.

LIVE TRAFFIC UPDATES FOR CAPE TOWN, JOHANNESBURG AND DURBAN

Stay one step ahead of the traffic by viewing our live traffic updates here.

Horoscope today

Free daily horoscope, celeb gossip and lucky numbers for Wednesday 25 November.