Mthatha, Eastern Cape – Police are actively searching for suspects allegedly involved in the brutal murder of two women in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. The women, aged 28 and 53, were found dead in the Ntokozweni area on Sunday night, just after 9 p.m. According to Captain Welile Matyolo, spokesperson for the Eastern Cape police, the two women were shot inside their home by two unknown men who knocked on their door and forced their way in before opening fire. “Both females died on the scene,” Matyolo said, adding that the motive for the killings remains unclear and is part of an ongoing investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Police have provided two ways for the public to report tips: they can contact their nearest police station, or get in touch with Mthatha Central Detective Commander Lieutenant Colonel Ndzamela at 082 442 0743. The Crime Stop Number (08600 10111) is also available for tips, and those who wish to remain anonymous can do so, as their identity will be kept confidential.
This latest killing adds to a troubling trend of violent crime in the region. Just last month, 18 people were shot and killed in Lusikisiki, also in the Eastern Cape. On September 28, 2024, a wave of violence left 15 women and 3 men dead in two separate shootings, shocking local communities. The police investigation into the Lusikisiki murders has led to the arrest of seven suspects, including the alleged mastermind, who is currently facing murder charges. All of the accused in the Lusikisiki shootings have been denied bail, and the case will return to court later this month for further proceedings. As the hunt for the suspects in the Mthatha murder continues, local authorities are under increasing pressure to curb the rising violence in the region and ensure justice for the victims and their families.
December fuel price outlook – good news for petrol, bad news for diesel
Cape Town – Your December road trip may cost a little less if you’re driving a petrol-powered vehicle, as early data points to a potential decrease in fuel prices next month. According to the latest update from the Central Energy Fund (CEF), petrol prices could drop by as much as 20 to 30 cents per litre, providing some relief for motorists heading into the holiday season. The current forecast suggests that the price of 95 Unleaded petrol at the coast and 93 Unleaded inland could return to levels seen in October, their lowest since February 2022. In October, the price of 95 Unleaded petrol was R20.26 at the coast and R20.73 inland. This would represent a small but welcome decrease, especially after a 25-cent increase in petrol prices earlier this month.
If current trends in oil prices and the exchange rate persist, these reductions could bring petrol prices back down to pre-November levels. The price of diesel, on the other hand, is expected to increase by more than 30 cents per litre due to a growing under-recovery in diesel prices, though this is somewhat diminishing as the month progresses. While petrol prices are trending downward, diesel prices are facing an upward trajectory. Early indications suggest a 30-cent increase due to an under-recovery that has developed in the first 10 days of November. However, this trend is showing signs of shrinking, and if oil prices continue to behave as they have this month, the increase could be less severe by the time the official fuel prices are announced.
In early November, diesel saw a 20-cent increase, and should the current oil price trajectory continue, diesel could see a further rise before the month ends. The latest data also points to some positive signs for petrol prices, with Brent Crude oil dropping to its lowest level of the month on November 11, falling to $71.70 per barrel (R1,278). This is a significant decrease from the month’s high of $75.63 on November 7. In comparison, Brent Crude averaged around $75 per barrel in October, which was beneficial for petrol prices. A stable rand combined with lower oil prices could lead to a growing over-recovery for petrol, helping to bring prices down further in December. However, much can still change between now and the final pricing announcement at the end of the month.
While the official fuel price adjustments for December won’t be finalized until November 29, current trends suggest that any changes will likely be minimal. This will be a relief to consumers, as stable fuel prices are good news for overall inflation and help keep costs down for holiday travel plans. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy will make the final decision on December fuel prices, taking into account the international oil market, currency fluctuations, and other factors that affect the pricing structure.
For now, drivers can look forward to potentially cheaper petrol prices for their festive road trips, but diesel owners may face slightly higher costs as the year draws to a close.
