
News24 brings you the top 7 stories of the day.
Graphic: Sharlene Rood/News24
News24 brings you the top stories of the day, summarised into neat little packages. Read through quickly or listen to the articles via our customised text-to-speech feature.

The body of a woman was found on the banks of the Braamfontein Spruit in Emmarentia in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
Supplied via SCP Security
Suburban horror: Woman’s brutal murder, rape thought linked to ‘problem property’
- A young woman was found raped and murdered near Braamfontein Spruit; her death is suspected to be linked to a nearby “problem property”.
- The “problem property” is suspected of illegal activities including drug dealing and sex work, and the woman allegedly frequented the property.
- The discovery has left Emmarentia residents reeling, and authorities are investigating the incident amid intensified efforts to crack down on hijacked and by-law-violating properties.

A teacher has been killed at an Eastern Cape school. According to an insider, the gunman stormed the school and attacked the teachers.
Ifeanyi Immanuel Bakwenye/AFP
2 teachers killed, one injured in Eastern Cape school shooting
- Two teachers were fatally shot while a third was injured in a shooting at Ntabankulu Junior Secondary School in the Eastern Cape.
- The gunman, a former staff member fired last year, reportedly stormed the school, attacked the teachers, and then turned the gun on himself.
- The shooting happened in full view of pupils.

Ayanda Dludla, 22, appears in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court charged with 14 counts of murder linked to Monday's horror scholar transport crash in the Vaal.
Vaal scholar transport crash: Driver now facing 14 counts of murder
- The driver of the scholar taxi involved in the Vaal crash, Ayanda Dludla, has been charged with 14 counts of murder.
- Dludla is also facing charges of attempted murder, driving without a permit, driving an unlicensed vehicle, and reckless driving.
- He appeared in court and was advised to seek legal representation due to the severity of the charges.

US President Donald Trump's address at the World Economic Forum on 21 January in Davos, Switzerland, was met with widespread relief after he dismissed the idea of using military action to acquire Greenland, though he emphasised that his desire to obtain the territory remains.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
As Trump shatters world order, SA is urged to embrace Carney’s vision of middle powers
- Trump threatened Europe with economic and security consequences if the US wasn’t allowed control of Greenland, while Carney warned of a “rupture” in the world order and urged middle nations to stand up to larger powers.
- Analysts suggest South Africa is a middle nation that should align with Carney’s position, forging alliances within the “middle powers,” but faces constraints due to fiscal limitations and a fading foreign service.
- Despite domestic challenges and a changing world order, some European diplomats believe South Africa’s experience with turbulence positions it well, while acknowledging Washington’s hostility and the need for Europe to adapt to a potential withdrawal of US security support.

The rand has gained ground following signs of cooperation between the US and Europe over Greenland’s future security.
Javier Ghersi/Getty Images
Rand’s run to R16/$ halted, for now
- The rand reached its strongest level in almost four years, closing at R16.26 per dollar, after Trump eased tariff threats.
- Global markets experienced a relief rally following Trump’s announcement, with stock indexes like the S&P 500 rising.
- Despite the rand’s strength, oil prices increased, and gold prices remained high, reflecting geopolitical uncertainty.

Donovan Ferreira in action for the Proteas during a T20 against India.
Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images
Proteas injury fears come true as De Zorzi, Ferreira ruled out of T20 World Cup
- Tony de Zorzi and Donovan Ferreira are out of the T20 World Cup due to injuries, replaced by Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs.
- David Miller is injured and will need to pass a fitness test to participate in the T20 World Cup.
- Rubin Hermann will join the Proteas squad for the T20 series against the West Indies.

Marise and Handre Pollard are one of South Africa's favourite rugby couples.
5 times Springbok WAG Marise Pollard captivated us with the beauty of motherhood
- Marise Pollard, wife of Handrè Pollard, shares glimpses of her life as a mom through heartfelt social media posts.
- Her Instagram posts capture touching family moments, including baby resemblances, pool days, and Hunter’s first rugby match.
- Marise’s honest captions highlight the joys and challenges of motherhood, resonating with her followers and showcasing family adventures.
*These summaries were written with the support of Gemini Pro AI.
Discover the Truth
Step into a world where the truth shines bright, and every headline is worth your time. With News24, you're not just reading the news; you are part of a community that values knowledge and insight. Immerse yourself in compelling stories, sharp analyses, and content that keeps you ahead of the curve.
 (1).png)

















