Four individuals, including the mother of 6-year-old Joshlin Smith, appeared in court in connection with the child’s disappearance from an informal settlement in Saldanha Bay. The accused face charges of human trafficking and kidnapping, with the case postponed amidst courtroom drama. Outside the court, protesters demanded justice for Joshlin, while police vowed to continue the search for the missing child.
In a separate legal battle, Lonwabo Sambudla, the former son-in-law of Jacob Zuma, is fighting to keep his luxury vehicles after failing to pay a debt of R3.2 million. Despite partial payment, a financial services provider canceled the agreements, leading to a court dispute. Sambudla’s ties to government contracts add complexity to the case, with the court ruling in his favor due to insufficient evidence.
Meanwhile, Johannesburg faces a water crisis, with Rand Water providing additional supply to alleviate shortages in the city. Residents in affected areas have been without water for up to six days, with concerns about a proposed tariff hike in July. Authorities are urged to prioritize fixing leaks to avoid burdening customers with increased charges, as residents express frustration and reliance on water tankers for supply.
