Daily Archives: December 6, 2025

Madlanga Commission of Inquiry witness killed

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: A slain Mandlanga Commission of Inquiry witness, Marius van der Merwe/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE   

A ‘Witness D’ who recently gave evidence before Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has been shot and killed outside his home in Brakpan, Gauteng in an apparent hit on Friday evening. According to the police, Marius van der Merwe who was also known as Witness D at Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, was gunned down by unknown assailants who were driving NP200 bakkie with a canopy.

The National Commissioner of the Police, General Fannie Masemola said the evidence gathered at the scene, confirms that an AK47 automatic rifle was used in the commission of the crime. Masemola said at the crime scene outside the home of van der Merwe, various units of the SAPS including ballistics and crime scene experts, crime intelligence officers and members of the serious and violent crime unit worked until the early hours of this morning, combing the scene for available material evidence.

“According to a preliminary investigation, van der Merwe arrived at his home just after 8:30pm with his wife and as he was about to open the gate, he was shot and sustained wounds to his upper body. He was certified dead at the scene. His wife, who was a passenger in the car, escaped unharmed and it should be noted that nothing was taken from van der Merwe, seeing that his firearm, cell phone and wallet were still in his possession.

“A case of murder has been registered and police have launched a manhunt for the hit orderer and the hitmen who shot and killed Witness D. Police are also looking for the murder weapon. I will meet and brief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga on investigations into the murder of Witness D,” he said.

Masemola further said he will utilise the opportunity to also discuss efforts to improve and enhance safety and security measures for all role-players at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. He added that he has also ordered the NATJOINTS Co-chair, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili to urgently convene a NATJOINTS meeting over the weekend to discuss and look at ways of improving and or enhancing the safety and security of commission officials as well as all witnesses.

Meanwhile, Marius van der Merwe was said to expose more details about illegal mining operations linking to high ranking officials. He was the owner of QRF Task Team.

“He had already testified about a body Julius Mkhwanazi ordered him to dispose of.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Hollywoodbets Durban July doubles prize money to R10m

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The Real Prince reigns supreme at 2025 Durban July event   

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

6 December 2025- Africa’s greatest horse racing and social event is now the continent’s richest horse race with the announcement that the prize money for the Hollywoodbets Durban July will double to R10 million in 2026. This comes after the revamped handicaps honour the iconic event’s 130 year-old roots and give more horses better chances to win.

Unveiling the new record stakes at the “July in Christmas” event at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on 5 December, the Group’s Brand and Communications Manager, Devin Heffer announced that next year’s 130th running of the Hollywoodbets Durban July will return the race to its traditional true handicap roots. Heffer said the winner’s prize will double to R6 million and the rest of the prize money on 4 July 2026, will be shared among the next 11 finishers, rather than the nine of previous years.

“Weights are allocated in handicap races, which enable horses of varied ability to race competitively against each other. Taking into account the variables of age and sex, the fundamental is that the higher a horse’s official merit rating, the more weight that horse will carry. 

“This opens the Hollywoodbets Durban July to a wider competitive spectrum of owners and horses. By reducing the lightest weight horses carry – that is from 54kgs to 52kgs – and increasing the heaviest weight, we’re levelling the playing field and honouring the true handicap heritage of a race that was first run in 1897,” he said. 

Heffer further said this is the race that belongs to Mzansi and the true handicap will add hugely to its excitement. He added that it gives punters more chances to win and it means that even long-shot horses have a real chance of glory in a race that is the pinnacle achievement of every owner, trainer, breeder, jockey and groom in South Africa.

Heffer said Hollywoodbets took over sponsorship of the Durban July in 2022, when it raised the stakes from R2 million to R5 million. 

“Every year since, the July meeting has been bigger and better, and we decided the prize money should match the growing prestige and popularity of the feature race. The whole country comes to a standstill for the two minutes of the Hollywoodbets Durban July and doubling the stakes is part of our mission to return South African horse racing to its glory days.

“The greater betting opportunities from the more open handicap, as well as the chance for rank outsiders to win, will make next year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July a race no one will want to miss. This is the biggest day of the year for Hollywoodbets, with record audiences online and in our 90 bricks and mortar stores throughout the country,” said Heffer. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

U15 Boys and Girls look to defend their titles 

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: U15 Boys and Girls look to defend their titles at COSAFA qualifiers in Stellenbosch/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

5 December 2025- Following a heartfelt and inspiring send-off ceremony hosted by the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the Department of Sport, the Department of Education, the SA U15 Boys and Girls national teams are now on their way to Stellenbosch to compete in the ASFC 2025 – COSAFA Qualifiers.

The event will be held from 5–7 December 2025 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. The two squads assembled on 27 November 2025 at the University of the Western Cape where they have prepared and focused on sharpening their technical skills ahead of this regional tournament. The coaches of both teams said their players are physically ready, mentally sharp, and united in their goal to retain their titles.

As reigning champions, both teams enter the tournament with confidence, determination and a renewed drive to maintain their dominance in the region. Their performances in previous editions have set a high benchmark, one they are fully committed to upholding in Stellenbosch.

As both U15 teams embark on this journey, they carry with them the support, pride, and expectations of the nation. Their status as defending champions adds excitement and pressure, but the players and staff are ready to rise to the moment with hard work, unity, and the spirit of champions.

taungdailynews@gmail.com