After enduring an arduous six-year captivity, South African paramedic Gerco van Deventer has finally been freed from his ordeal in Libya by a splinter group of Al-Qaeda, as reported by TimesLIVE. Gift of the Givers, who worked tirelessly on securing his release, received word of his unconditional freedom in Algeria due to complications arising from conflicts in Mali. Negotiations, leveraging significant Islamic events, and humanitarian efforts played pivotal roles in this much-awaited breakthrough. Van Deventer’s homecoming, after failed ransom negotiations and years of hope, marks the end of a long and harrowing ordeal for him and his family.
In another disheartening development, the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) has taken decisive action by dismissing 30 teachers since April after finding them guilty of sexual misconduct, as reported by News24. The alleged offences range from inappropriate touching of students to making sexual threats and even rape. Additionally, 34 others were dismissed for various offences, and 31 were struck off the professional register for misconduct including assault, insolent behaviour, theft, and absenteeism. This distressing trend has sparked concerns among authorities, prompting calls for stricter measures like stronger vetting, consistent discipline, and providing support for students to report incidents.
Tragedy struck in Rustenburg, as the North West police are investigating a heart-wrenching incident where nine individuals were fatally shot at an informal settlement near Rustenburg in Boitekong, as reported by EWN. The victims were targeted while sitting outside by unidentified suspects on a fateful Saturday night. Eight lost their lives on the scene, while the ninth passed away in the hospital. Moreover, eight others sustained injuries in this horrifying incident. As the motive remains shrouded in mystery and no arrests have been made, a specialized task force has been deployed to shed light on this tragic mass shooting, leaving the community in shock and grief.
