South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Thursday, 13 April 2023

We’ve got all the latest news stories and headlines in South Africa you really need to know on Thursday, 13 April 2023.

The case against the four men who were expected to stand trial for the murder of Hillary Gardee has been withdrawn. Here’s why..

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Ronald Lamola is expected to be summoned by parliament to explain the mishandling of the Gupta extradition.

A teenager, Christopher Barnard (16), from Johannesburg, died while he was fishing with his father on holiday in Vleesbaai.

Police said two more men had been arrested in the Thabo Bester escape case. Here is the latest on this bizarre case.

Lastly, the deportation process of Thabo Bester and his partner Dr Nandipha Magudumana from Tanzania to South Africa may take up to 15 days.

TODAY’S LATEST NEWS IN SOUTH AFRICA, THURSDAY, 13 APRIL

Hillary Gardee: Murder charges against four accused withdrawn

The Mpumalanga High Court in Mbombela has withdrawn the case against the four men accused of murdering Hillary Gardee.

Hillary, who was the daughter of former Secretary-General of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Godrich Gardee, was found murdered on 3 May 2022, days after she was reported missing.

Sipho Mkhatshwa, Philemon Lukhele, Albert Gama and Hlabirwa Nkune were expected to stand trial for kidnapping and murder.

Click here to read more.

Parliament to probe Justice Minister over Gupta extradition bungle

Parliament is expected to summon Justice Minister Ronald Lamola to provide an explanation for the mishandling of the extradition process of Atul and Rajesh Gupta, the alleged masterminds of state capture, EWN reports.

ALSO READ: BREAKING: Extradition for Gupta brothers UNSUCCESSFUL

According to Lamola, the United Arab Emirates denied South Africa’s request for their extradition in February.

However, the government only became aware of the decision last week.

Click here to read more.

Johannesburg teenager died while fishing in Vleesbaai

A Johannesburg teenager died on Tuesday during the family’s holiday in Vleesbaai.

The grade 10 learner at Helpmekaar College in Christopher Barnard (16) was fishing with his father Barries (47), when he was swept into the sea off rocks from the shoreline.

ALSO READ: UPDATE: Two killed, teenager critical in drive-by shooting in Durban

His father immediately dived in to try and save him but landed trouble himself.

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Thabo Bester and Dr Nandi’s SA return could take a little longer

The return of fugitive, rapist and murderer, Thabo Bester and his partner Dr Nandipha Magudumana could take up to 15 days at least.

ALSO READ:  Two suspects arrested for helping Thabo Bester escape prison

The safety of Thabo Bester and his partner Dr Nandipha Maguduman should be regarded as of importance once they are back in South Africa.

Talking on eNCA, crime expert Professor Kholofelo Rakubu says organised syndicates are involved in the Bester and Dr Nandi saga.

Click here to read more.

JUST IN: Two more arrests in the Thabo Bester escape case

Two more men had been arrested in the Thabo Bester escape case.

According to police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the one man is an employee contracted to a company that installs and maintains cameras at the Mangaung Correctional Centre.

“Anyone who knows they are involved in this case is warned to hand themselves over to authorities. Either they hand themselves in, or we fetch them ourselves,”

said General Masemola.

ALSO READ: Five things you need to know about the arrest of Thabo Bester

Click here to read more.

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HOROSCOPE TODAY

Free daily horoscope, celeb gossip, and lucky numbers for Thursday, 13 April.