Xolile Mtembu

Digital Journalist, IOL News

University dispels hantavirus outbreak claims on campus

Xolile Mtembu|Published

Rhodes University has clarified that there are no reports of hantavirus on its Makhanda campus, dispelling recent claims.

Community in shock after coffee shop owner dies in generator explosion

Xolile Mtembu|Published

JO-ANN Pieters, the heart and soul of Indulge Coffee in Gqeberha, has tragically passed away following a suspected generator explosion, leaving the community in ...

'Cheated': Pupils given chicken strips and chips at R900 a ticket matric ball

Xolile Mtembu|Published

A furious parent has launched a scathing attack on a school after this year's matric ball, claiming learners were left 'cheated' out of a milestone night despite ...

Travel influencer Jake Rosmarin shares emotional experience amid hantavirus outbreak on MV Hondius

Xolile Mtembu|Published

Despite mounting concern around the outbreak, authorities are calling for calm, maintaining that the threat to the South African public remains minimal while investigations ...

KZN prepares for heavy rainfall and flooding as weather warnings escalate

Xolile Mtembu|Published

KwaZulu-Natal's disaster management teams are on high alert as severe weather warnings escalate to Level 6 in parts of the province.

Body of pupil missing for three days recovered from Durban beach

Xolile Mtembu|Published

A search and rescue operation had been underway since Friday afternoon, when a group of school pupils reportedly got into difficulty while swimming at the beach. ...

Woman found guilty of killing her partner, and attempted murder of his mom

Xolile Mtembu|Published

The accused dragged the partner's lifeless body to another room before hiding until morning. But the horror was far from over.

Wentworth Hospital faces backlash after child writhing in pain discharged with paracetamol

Xolile Mtembu|Published

The Department of Health, however, has disputed the claims, stating that patient assessments and treatment decisions are made based on clinical evaluation and protocols, ...

Little Snesihle's classroom seat is now empty as dad arrested for alleged rape and murder

Xolile Mtembu|Published

The Grade 1 pupil, described by neighbours as cheerful and full of life, had not gone to school that day after reportedly becoming unwell at home.

Freedom Day reflections: what does freedom mean to today's youth in South Africa?

Xolile Mtembu|Published

As South Africa celebrates Freedom Day, hear from young voices reflecting on the nuances of freedom nearly 30 years post-apartheid.

Mechanics Gang members receive six life sentences for brutal murders

Xolile Mtembu|Published

TWO men linked to the notorious Mechanics Gang have been sentenced to six life sentences for their roles in a drive-by shooting that claimed three lives

'Defending constitutional rights': picket planned at golf club over Palestinian flag incident

Xolile Mtembu|Published

The ANC has planned to picket at the Houghton Golf Club on Friday after a man displaying a Palestinian flag on his vehicle was ordered to leave. The club deemed ...

Golf club condemned after 'barring' visiting golfer displaying Palestinian flag on his vehicle

Xolile Mtembu|Published

Louis Seeco said the confrontation happened while he was preparing for a round of golf. He said the flag was not a spur-of-the-moment decision but a long-standing ...

NPA condemns threats against prosecutors in Julius Malema case

Xolile Mtembu|Published

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has condemned alleged threats directed at prosecutors handling the Julius Malema matter.

Viral TikTok dance on Checkers checkout counter sparks outrage

Xolile Mtembu|Published

A TikTok video showing a woman dancing on a Checkers checkout counter has gone viral, sparking outrage and a formal response from the retailer

Umzinyathi woman seeks help after husband allegedly dies fighting in Russia-Ukraine war

Xolile Mtembu|Published

The wife requested MEC Siboniso Duma's assistance to ensure the repatriation of her husband's remains. .

Child, 8, threatened she would 'see a ghost' if she told anyone about being raped

Xolile Mtembu|Published

The abuse was reported after a neighbour visited the home and directly asked the girl if she was being raped.

Two men sentenced to life plus 15 years for murder of businessman in Umhlanga

Xolile Mtembu|Published

Following their conviction, both accused refused to enter the dock for sentencing proceedings.

Celebration turns fatal: Fireworks spark stabbing and arson in Rustenburg tavern

Xolile Mtembu|Published

A 38-year-old man was stabbed to death in Lethabong near Rustenburg after a New Year’s Eve tavern fight allegedly triggered by the reckless ignition of fireworks. ...

First half of New Year’s Day brings dozens of tiny arrivals

Brandon Nel and Xolile Mtembu|Published

On New Year's Day, a significant number of babies were born in South Africa, marking the start of 2026 with a noteworthy event.

Aspiring restaurateur's dreams die with him in Free State N3 crash that killed newlyweds

Brandon Nel and Xolile Mtembu|Updated

20-year-old Ethan Lourens had big dreams. But, days after Christmas, those dreams died with him when he was killed in a fiery head-on car crash alongside his cousin, ...

Your ultimate five-month guide to acing final Matric exams

Xolile Mtembu|Published

Matric exams are essential because they determine your overall academic performance and can have a significant impact on your future educational and career opportunities. ...

Stepfather gets life imprisonment for raping 14-year-old stepdaughter

Xolile Mtembu|Published

The man raped his then 14-year-old stepdaughter in Galeshewe between 2017 and June 22, 2020. He initially threatened to kill her and her mother if she reported the ...

Ratepayers halt municipality's upgrade of informal settlement in Durban suburb

Xolile Mtembu|Published

The struggle over this land reportedly dates back more than 30 years, and throughout that time the informal settlement continued to grow.

South African youth cannot go an hour without smartphones, says survey

Xolile Mtembu|Published

92 percent feel they could not go more than 24 hours without having their mobile device close by, revealed the survey.