South Africa Faces Wet Easter Weekend Amidst Legal Proceedings and Fraud Cases
South Africa is set for a rainy Easter weekend, with warnings from SAWS about travel disruptions and flooding risks particularly affecting KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. The Western Cape High Court will rule on the admissibility of statements in a missing child case involving alleged police torture. A Gauteng fraudster also faces asset forfeiture following fraudulent activities posing as a doctor.
As the Easter weekend approaches, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued warnings about ongoing wet conditions that may disrupt travel and holiday plans. Heavy rainfall, particularly impact areas like KwaZulu-Natal and the eastern Eastern Cape, prompted a Level 2 disruptive rainfall warning for the Wild Coast and southern KZN. Authorities have cautioned against possible flooding and travel interruptions due to persistent cloudiness and heavy rain in the east.
Predictions for April 18-19 indicate a 30% chance of rain in central and north-eastern areas, such as Gauteng, Free State, and North West, while western regions may remain dry. By April 20-21, significant rainfall of 30% to 60% is anticipated across the western interior and southern and south-eastern parts of the country. Increased precipitation is expected near the southern Drakensberg, with temperatures likely to fluctuate from cool to warm conditions, turning colder in rain-affected areas.
In other news, the Western Cape High Court in Saldanha Bay is set to determine the admissibility of confessions made by Jacquen Appollis and Steveno Van Rhyn in the Joshlin Smith case. Both accused allege they were subjected to police torture during their confession process in early March last year. Joshlin’s mother and the two men are on trial for the child’s disappearance in February 2024. Testimonies during the trial revealed claims of brutal treatment by police.
Additionally, fraudulent activities have led to the seizure of a luxury vehicle from Kingsley Leeto Chele, also known as ‘Dr’ KJ Ncube, who posed as a doctor on social media to defraud individuals, primarily women. Arrested in June 2023 for two fraud cases, authorities confirmed that Chele’s 2023 VW Polo was obtained through deception. The National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit succeeded in preserving the vehicle under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act. Currently detained, Chele faces further fraud and corruption charges tied to a fraudulent ID scheme involving his father and various current and former Home Affairs officials.
In summary, South Africa is preparing for a wet Easter weekend, with the SAWS warnings highlighting significant rainfall affecting travel and potential flooding in various regions. The High Court will address torture allegations in a notable case regarding a missing child. Concurrently, a fraudulent individual faces legal action for defrauding victims while operating under false pretenses as a medical professional.
Original Source: allafrica.com
