News24 | Prasa’s R2.5bn train flop; Malema’s Trump card: Today’s top 7 stories in 7 minutes

A Cape Town couple facing charges of rape, human trafficking, and drug possession have been granted R50 000 bail each.

• A Cape Town couple, aged 47 and 38, facing charges including rape, human trafficking, and drug possession, have been granted R50 000 bail each by the Western Cape High Court.
• The court overturned a previous denial of bail, imposing strict conditions such as surrendering passports and regular police check-ins, after the couple argued the State's case was weak.
• The couple, accused of offences against a 26-year-old former employee and their own 5-year-old child, deny all allegations, claiming the complainant had a consensual agreement and is now resentful of losing her job.

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Former Free State Premier Ace Magashule speak to his former PA Moroadi Cholota in the Bloemfontein High Court on 15 April 2025 in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Magashule and 17 co-accused face charges including fraud, corruption and money laundering from the case relating to the controversial R255-million asbestos audit tender.

• Moroadi Cholota's legal team criticised the State for not calling NPA officials to testify in the trial-within-a-trial regarding her extradition.
• Cholota's lawyers argued that the NPA lacked the authority to request her extradition, citing a Supreme Court of Appeal ruling.
• The court has postponed the case to 3 June for judgment on Cholota's special plea challenging the court's jurisdiction.

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A forensic investigation has revealed that Prasa paid R2.5 billion to contractors to repair old trains that are not being used.

• Prasa has paid R2.5 billion to contractors to repair old trains that are not being used, with plans to spend R7.5 billion by 2027 on this project.
• A forensic investigation revealed that the refurbished trains are discarded in depots, and some Prasa executives questioned the project's value.
• The report recommends declaring the expenditure irregular and pursuing criminal charges against those involved in potential fraud.

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EFF leader Julius Malema.

• Julius Malema claims the EFF is more powerful after being discussed during the Ramaphosa-Trump meeting in the White House.
• Malema criticised Ramaphosa for highlighting South Africa's crime crisis in the US, saying it will harm tourism.
• The EFF is campaigning in the Free State ahead of a by-election, hoping to gain control of Ward 16 in the Ngwathe municipality.

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President Cyril Ramaphosa said that Starlink was not discussed at meetings in the Oval Office on Wednesday.

• A proposed directive in SA could allow satellite services like Starlink to offer foreign firms a workaround to black shareholding requirements, aligning with the government's five-year plan.
• Experts say the rules are due for a change, although certain vulnerable industry players, such as small rural ISPs, will need to be protected from the impact of large satellite services.
• The proposed policy directive is likely to be contested, with concerns raised about bypassing legislative frameworks and the potential negative impact on local empowerment imperatives.

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Pyramids FC's coach Krunoslav Jurcic and his Mamelodi Sundowns' counterpart Miguel Cardoso will have different pressures in the second leg of the CAF Champions League final in Cairo on Sunday.

• Mamelodi Sundowns will travel to Cairo for the second leg of the CAF Champions League final against Pyramids FC, with many Egyptians surprisingly supporting Sundowns due to Pyramids' unpopularity.
• Pyramids FC faces numerous challenges, including a congested schedule, lack of fan support, and alleged bias from Egyptian football authorities, making this a tricky match for Sundowns despite appearing easier on paper.
• Coach Miguel Cardoso emphasises the importance of showing a champion's attitude in difficult situations and taking responsibility for mistakes, as Sundowns aims to overcome the 1-1 draw from the first leg and win in Cairo.

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A more capable V8-powered Tank 300? GWM wasn’t subtle about that possibility, in Shanghai.

• Despite the push for EVs, GWM is developing a 4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, recognising the continued demand and profit potential in markets like South Africa, Australia, and the US, especially for double-cabs and SUVs.
• GWM's V8 is designed as part of a PHEV system, aiming to reduce emissions taxes and improve fuel consumption, making it competitive in markets with strict regulations and appealing to customers seeking both power and efficiency.
• The development of the V8 is also strategic for GWM's potential entry into the US market, where V8 powertrains are popular in double cabs, and the PHEV configuration aligns with the growing interest in electrified trucks.

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