Dennilton, Limpopo – A man wanted in connection with the murder of his wife has been found hanged from a tree in the Limpopo province. According to Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, spokesperson for the Limpopo police, an inquest into the man’s death has been opened. The incident unfolded on November 25, 2024, in Ntoane Village, Dennilton, where the man allegedly murdered his wife following a domestic dispute. The woman, who had been stabbed, was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival. “The suspect fled the scene after committing the crime and had been evading arrest,” said Ledwaba. Police are now investigating whether the suspect received assistance in his attempts to avoid capture. Ledwaba also issued a stern warning to communities, emphasizing that harbouring a criminal is a serious offense punishable by law.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, expressed her sorrow over the tragic incident, highlighting the devastating impact on the children left behind. “It is heart-breaking to see both parents passing on, thus leaving their children as orphans,” she said. This case comes during the ongoing 16 Days Campaign on No Violence Against Women and Children, which began on November 25 and runs until December 10, 2024. The campaign aims to raise awareness of gender-based violence (GBV), a persistent issue in South Africa. Recent crime statistics released by the SAPS reveal that nearly 1,000 women and over 300 children were killed in just three months.
National Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has referred to gender-based violence as a “pandemic,” stressing the need for focused interventions. “It continues to devastate families and communities, and demands specialized intervention, thorough investigations, and collaborative solutions,” Mchunu added. The Limpopo police have urged the community to actively engage with law enforcement and other relevant structures in the fight against gender-based violence and domestic abuse.
Skedonks in disguise! Faulty used cars becoming big headache in South Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa – South African consumers are increasingly finding major defects with used cars shortly after purchase, with many left stuck with vehicles they cannot use, and still owe money on, warns the National Consumer Commission (NCC). On average, the commission receives between 250 and 300 complaints each month from frustrated used car buyers. Spokesperson Phetho Ntaba shared in a recent interview with Newzroom Afrika that consumers are reporting issues with vehicles soon after purchase, ranging from a few days to a month. “Consumers say when they bought these vehicles, they were not given information about the car or its history,” Ntaba explained. “The defects show up alarmingly quickly, sometimes within hours or just a few days.” In many cases, car dealerships refuse to repair the vehicles or refund the buyers, even after the NCC steps in. The problem is compounded by poor or shoddy repairs when dealers do agree to assist, with some even blaming the buyer’s driving behavior. In certain instances, dealerships also invoke the controversial “voetstoots” (as is) clause, avoiding responsibility for any defects.
Despite these challenges, South African consumers are protected by the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), which ensures that buyers receive goods of “good quality” that are “reasonably suitable” for their intended purpose. If a defect is discovered within six months of purchase, buyers are entitled to a full refund, replacement, or repair. However, it’s important to note that private sales are often not covered by the CPA, as they are not considered part of the “ordinary course of business.” To avoid becoming a victim of defective car purchases, experts advise buyers to do thorough research before signing any contracts. Purchasing from a reputable dealer accredited by the Retail Motor Industry (RMI) is a good starting point. Buyers should also request the vehicle’s full service history and consider bringing an expert to inspect the car before buying. Professional inspection services are available, and while they may come at an additional cost, they can save significant headaches in the long run. MotorHappy, an online platform of the Motus Corporation, offers several tips for inspecting a used car. Among the key steps: check for visible oil leaks, listen for strange engine noises, inspect the body for signs of crash damage, and test the car’s safety features like brakes and seatbelts. Test-driving the vehicle, particularly on highways, is also crucial to assess its performance and ensure all components are functioning properly.
Eugene Herbert, CEO of MasterDrive, emphasizes that safety-critical components, like brakes and seatbelts, should be carefully checked during the test drive. “Test the brakes under different conditions, and make sure the seatbelts and windows are in good condition,” Herbert advises. If defects are found, buyers should insist on written confirmation from the dealer about any promised repairs. Additionally, it’s essential to confirm that all service intervals have been met, and that the car’s service book is properly stamped, especially if an extended warranty is involved. “Do not buy the vehicle before getting confirmation of this,” advises Andrea Bogner, Regional Chairperson of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA). The growing number of complaints about defective cars highlights the importance of diligence and awareness in the used car market. Buyers are encouraged to do their homework to avoid the costly and frustrating consequences of purchasing a problematic vehicle.
