Daily Voice 2026-04-16

AFTER qualifying for major dance competitions in Saldanha and Sun City this June and September, 21-year-old Cassidy Bailey now faces a different kopseer: how to raise the funds needed to attend. Cassidy, a talented wheelchair user from Primrose Park in Athlone, has been selected to compete at an international dance competition in the North West province in September this year. She will represent her province alongside her dance partner, Vuyani Masiza, at the prestigious Rumba in the Jungle competition. Despite living with a physical disability, Cassidy has turned dance into her passion and purpose. With the unwavering support of her dedicated partner, Vuyani, she continues to break barriers and inspire others through her performances. Now, Cassidy and her family are appealing to the community for financial assistance to help her…

Appointed Following Rasool’s expulsion, Ramaphosa appointed former Deputy Minister of Finance, Mcebisi Jonas, as a special envoy to the US in April to manage bilateral, trade, and diplomatic priorities while the permanent position remained vacant. However, the United States government denied Jonas a diplomatic visa and rejected his credentials, citing past critical remarks in which he reportedly called Trump a “racist”, “homophobe”, and a “narcissistic right-winger” in 2020. Former apartheid minister Meyer’s appointment is stirring debate over his suitability for the role. International relations expert Kingsley Makhubela voiced concerns about Meyer’s appointment, arguing that it prioritises political expertise over diplomacy. He said: “While Meyer’s extensive experience as a negotiator for the National Party is acknowledged, there are valid concerns surrounding both his age and the physical demands of the role.”…

ECONOMIC Freedom Fighter (EFF) leader Julius Malema will learn his fate in the Magistrate’s Court in KuGompo City (formerly East London) today, as the State pushes to put him behind bars for 15 years. Malema was convicted in October 2025 on five counts under the Firearms Control Act after firing a rifle into the air at an EFF rally in Mdantsane in 2018. His former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, who was charged alongside him, was acquitted. The charges included unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, reckless endangerment, and discharging a firearm in a public place. After a full day of arguments yesterday, sentencing was postponed to today. Malema’s political future is on the line if he is sentenced to a lang tydjie agter tralies. If sentenced to more than 12…

Court Yesterday’s appearance was set down to hear arguments and judgment. But the State told the court that they have an affidavit from a witness claiming that Roos attempted to have them harmed. The State said: “The affidavit was presented to the State on Wednesday morning, which was made by a witness, after which SAPS got the information directly from the witness that there were certain threats made on their life. “It involves, once again, the interference with the witness and causing them harm. This affidavit has a direct impact on the question of bail, and we ask that we are given an opportunity to reopen our case to represent this evidence.” The State said that the alleged threats were made on 27 March and 7 April, and that they…

THE man accused of murdering the mother of his five-year-old child made his first appearance in the Paarl Magistrate’s Court. Proceedings were delayed after he refused to accept State-provided legal representation. Mnikelo Khese, who stands accused of killing Ntombi Ntsondwa in Drommedaris, Mbekweni, appeared in court amid heightened public interest in the case. According to police, the deceased was found lying on her back at the suspect’s home on 13 April at around 12.30pm, with multiple stab wounds to her forehead and arms. Upon entering the dock, Khese was informed by the magistrate that his private lawyer was present at court but would not be appearing on his behalf due to non-payment. He was then offered the option of making use of a Legal Aid attorney. However, Khese insisted that…

Shattered A Daily Voice source close to the family said “they are shattered”. Police spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala confirmed that the double murder is under investigation with no arrests made as yet. Gwala said: “Elsies River police responded to reports of a shooting at a wendy house behind Queenswood Court, Avonwood, on Wednesday (15 April) morning at around 4.15am. “Upon arrival, they found the bodies of a 26-year-old female and a 29-year-old male with multiple gunshot wounds. “The police registered two counts of murder for investigation. The motive for the shooting is a subject of police investigation, and no arrest has been effected yet.”…