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Violent Protests In South Africa Amid Growing Frustration At Electricity Crisis

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2 years ago

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Growing frustration at the worsening energy situation in South Africa is seeing residents call for a national shutdown.

On Monday, residents of Boksburg took to the streets to protest against long hours of power cuts.

TimesLive, local news site, reports that roads in Boksburg have been blockaded with burning tyres and rocks.

The protest was at the corner of Rondebult road and the R554 between Dawn Park and Klippoortjie in the city.

“The road has been barricaded by protesters due to a service delivery protest that started earlier this morning. We have SAPS and EMPD monitoring the scene,” TimesLive quoted Deliwe Ndlovu, police spokesperson, to have said.

“Motorists are advised to use alternative routes to avoid further delays.”

This is not the first time Boksburg is witnessing violent protests as protests over poor services occur regularly in South Africa.

In 2018, residents blocked off a major route with stones and burning tyres over “illegal” use of electricity from neighboring areas.

Soweto has also recorded violent protests over electricity. In 2021, several roads were cordoned off with rocks and stones by residents over a lack of electricity supply.

In August 2022, at least four people died during protests over the cost of electricity in Johannesburg.

Experts have warned that the frequency and intensity of load shedding are expected to escalate this year.

The announcement of a massive hike in electricity costs has spurred a call for a national shutdown on February 9, which is trending on social media platforms such as Twitter.

It isn’t immediately clear who is responsible for the protest action.

Politicians from opposing parties are also using the national shutdown hashtag to express their positions on the electricity crisis.

“The success of the #NationalShutdown would be dependent on it being depoliticised,” Gayton McKenzie, leader of Patriotic Alliance, a political party, tweeted.

“You are first a citizen before you are a member of a political party and loadshedding affects all citizens even those amongst us who are off grid. Let’s protest together as South Africans.”

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BIG STORY

JUST IN: Customs Hands Over 21 Stolen Vehicles To Canadian Government

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8 mins ago

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November 26, 2024

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The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has transferred 21 stolen “Sport Utility Vehicles” (SUVs) and other assorted vehicles to the Canadian Government, following their recovery from various locations across the country.

 

More to come…

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BIG STORY

Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Now In Our Custody — EFCC

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46 mins ago

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November 26, 2024

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed that former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has been detained in the agency’s custody for allegedly misappropriating over N110 billion in public funds.

The EFCC stated that the former governor appeared at its headquarters after months of ignoring invitations and avoiding court summons related to fraud connected to his administration.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, on Tuesday said that Bello had been detained and would be questioned about the allegations against him.

According to reports, Bello responded to the EFCC’s invitation on Tuesday, arriving at the EFCC office with his lawyers, but without his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, who had reportedly been shielding him from arrest.

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Libya Arrests Four Nigerians Over Drug Trafficking, Health Risks [VIDEO]

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3 hours ago

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November 26, 2024

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Libyan authorities have arrested four Nigerians in Sabha and Bani Walid on charges related to drug trafficking and testing positive for infectious diseases.

The arrests were announced on Monday by Migrant Rescue Watch, an advocacy group, through a post on X (formerly Twitter).

In Sabha, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) conducted a raid at the residence of two Nigerian suspects and seized 1,200 hallucinogenic pills along with other illicit substances. Both suspects were handed over to the Sabha Security Directorate for further investigation.

In a statement, Migrant Rescue Watch confirmed: “CID in Sabha carried out a raid on a reported location and arrested two Nigerian drug traffickers. During a search of the premises, police found 1,200 hallucinogenic pills and other illicit drugs. Both individuals were transferred to the Sabha Security Directorate.”

In a separate incident, two Nigerians, a male and a female, were detained in Bani Walid during a routine health screening after testing positive for infectious diseases.

The Directorate for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM) in Bani Walid transferred the suspects to Tripoli, Libya’s capital, for further processing and eventual repatriation to Nigeria.

Migrant Rescue Watch’s statement read, “DCIM Bureau in Bani Walid transferred two Nigerian #migrants (female and male) who tested positive for infectious diseases to Tripoli for repatriation.”

Bani Walid, located south of Tripoli, is known as a transit hub for migrants attempting to cross into Europe. Libyan authorities continue to crack down on illegal activities and enforce public health measures within the region.

 

Watch video below:

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