Today’s latest news and headlines, Friday 24 January

For everything related to the latest news in South Africa, be sure to check out our wrap of all major headlines on Friday 24 January.

We’ve got a whistlestop tour of the big news stories on Friday morning. There was a tragic plane crash in George, and fears about the spread of the coronavirus have hit South Africa. However, it’s the violent protests in Diepsloot, Gauteng which is the source of our major talking points today:

Today’s latest news in South Africa, Friday 24 January:

Diepsloot burns as anger swells in Gauteng

Tensions in one of Gauteng’s biggest townships spilled over dramatically on Thursday, with the flames of protests burning brightly on Friday morning. Hundreds of residents took to the streets to protest the high volume of crime, after a police officer was fatally wounded in the area. However, the demonstrations soon got ugly.

There have been reports of looting, buring tyres and clashes between officers and citizens. Things took a tragic turn when a 13-year-old was knocked down by a bus amid the chaos. She has since been confirmed dead, and the people of Diepsloot remain apoplectic with the situation, with some blaming foreign nationals for the volatile environment.

BREAKING: A 13 year old school girl has died after being run over by a bus in #Diepsloot. @Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/tAm95VXF2d

— Linda Mnisi (@LindA_MniSii) January 23, 2020

Coronavirus: Is it on course for South Africa?

A deadly virus has gone global. The coronavirus – which has killed 17 and hospitalised hundreds more – was first detected in China, before a case was reported in America. South African officials have confirmed they are preparing for the onset of the disease to reach our shores by taking the following precautions.

Doctors and nurses have already been briefed about the symptoms, signs and treatments linked to the virus.
The government are on standby to further liaise with health professionals to help prevent any potential spread.
All major ports of entry into South Africa will now step-up their inspections of travellers from China and Asia.

George plane crash

Three people are feared to have died after a plane crashed just outside of George Airport. The small aircraft – which was being used to test navigational equipment – had two men and one woman on board. The flight went off the radar 10 minutes after take-off, and a rescue mission was launched at 10:50 on Thursday.

However, these efforts have been hampered by bad weather. Although emergency crews believe they have located the crash site, accessibility still remains an issue. Some wreckage from the plane has been found in the Ruiterbos area near Mossel Bay

SACP in trouble for “anti-American” chanting

What started out a peaceful protest in Pretoria descended into something a little more sinister. The SA Communist Party made their opposition to Donald Trump and his position on Iran loud and clear as they picketed the embassy – however, chants on “one bullet, one American” soured the afternoon.

State Capture latest

The State Capture Inquiry will hear Transnet-related testimony from Internal Communications Specialists for Transnet Group Capital, Joseph Frank Jackson, on Friday. The Commission will also hear testimony from former Senior Coordinator of Stakeholder Relations for Transnet – and former Transnet Board Chairperson / Eskom board member – Mafika Mkhwanazi.

Controversy-hit minister to appear in Gauteng

Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams conduct an oversight visit to various Gauteng facilities where over 500 students are being trained on the department’s 4IR Skills Programme. It’ll be her first public appearance since she was accused of wasting taxpayer money on an expensive holiday for herself and her partner.

Fourth Test: South Africa vs England

South Africa stand to lose their third series in a row should they fail to beat England at The Wanderers. The two nations contest the final game of a four-match series, where the hosts trail 2-1 after losing twice in a row. Play is expected to start at 10:00 (SAST).

The Proteas will be without a key member of their team in Kagiso Rabada, who has been suspended for the match. A replacement for the fast bowler is yet to be confirmed, while vice-captain Temba Bavuma slots in for Zubayr Hamza, who has struggled for runs throughout the series.