Worshippers at Zayoni Kingdom Catholic Church in Waterloo, north of Durban, were left shaken on Friday night after two armed men stormed a prayer service and robbed dozens of congregants at gunpoint.
The incident occurred at around 9 p.m., according to the Reaction Unit of South Africa (RUSA). Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants, dressed head-to-toe in black, entered the church during the service and ordered the congregation to hand over their belongings.
“The men were brandishing firearms. They demanded mobile phones from the congregation, collecting a total of 46 devices, which they placed into a plastic packet before fleeing the scene,” said RUSA spokesperson Prem Balram.
It remains unclear whether the robbers fled on foot or used a getaway vehicle. Despite the tense standoff, none of the estimated 60 congregants, among them several children, were hurt during the ordeal.
The attack has sparked renewed concerns about rising violent crime in South Africa, where places of worship have increasingly become soft targets for criminals. Local police have not yet confirmed whether any arrests have been made.
Tensions surrounding Malawi’s 2025 General Elections deepened on Friday after eight people employed as data clerks were arrested for allegedly manipulating election data at the Nkhoma Constituency Tally Centre in Lilongwe.
The Malawi Police Service confirmed the arrests in a statement dated September 19, noting that the suspects were engaged in data entry during the polls. Authorities linked the detentions to an ongoing investigation into an attempted suicide involving Clement Chikanhka, the Malawi Electoral Commission’s returning officer for Lilongwe Nkhoma Constituency.
“Their arrest follows investigations MPS was conducting on an attempted suicide case involving Mr. Clement Chikanhka,” the police said. Details of the connection between Chikanhka’s case and the alleged manipulation have not yet been made public, but the incident has fueled speculation over possible irregularities in the election process.
Official results from the vote have not been released, and the arrests have heightened anxiety as Malawians await clarity on whether the case will affect the final outcome. Electoral malpractice has long been a sensitive issue in Malawi, where disputed results in past elections have led to political unrest and court challenges.
Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Peter Kalaya said the investigation was broader than a single incident. “The Service is also following up on a number of similar cases reported in Mangochi, Chikwawa, Blantyre, Machinga and Rumphi Districts,” he explained, urging the public to remain calm as inquiries continue.
So far, authorities have not disclosed the methods allegedly used to manipulate the data or the specific charges that will be brought against the eight individuals. The case remains under review, with investigators working “against the clock” to establish the facts.
The arrests underscore the fragility of electoral integrity in the country and have sparked renewed calls for transparency from both civil society groups and political observers. With the official announcement of results still pending, Malawians are watching closely to see how the scandal unfolds and what it might mean for the credibility of the 2025 vote.
Alleged Cape Town underworld boss Nafiz Modack has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for corruption, though he will serve an effective seven years after part of the sentence was suspended.
The 44-year-old appeared before the Cape Town regional court in South Africa, where the judgment was delivered. According to the Hawks, Modack was found guilty of paying nearly R150,000 to Brigadier Kolindren Govender in exchange for preferential treatment.
Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi explained that Modack was convicted on June 6. “It was reported Modack was involved in criminal activities with the former senior police officer, Brigadier Kolindren Govender. The latter had since pleaded guilty and been sentenced. Investigation by the Hawks’ serious corruption investigation unit revealed that Modack acted with common purpose by paying gratification totalling R146,000 to Govender in return for special treatment,” Vukubi said.
The investigation uncovered that Govender shielded Modack from law enforcement scrutiny, including blocking attempts to seize a Mercedes-Benz central to an ongoing case. Vukubi noted that Govender also prevented cooperation between officers of the South African Police Service, undermining an active investigation at Cape Town Central.
Modack, who has also been linked to the murder of anti-gang unit detective Lieutenant Colonel Charl Kinnear, has long been a controversial figure in Cape Town’s underworld. His sentencing is seen as a significant outcome in the state’s broader effort to tackle corruption and organized crime.
Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump received a grand royal welcome at Windsor Castle on Wednesday as they began a historic second state visit to the United Kingdom.
The couple arrived via Marine One and were greeted by Prince William and Princess Catherine before meeting King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The ceremonial reception included the Mounted Band of the Household Cavalry performing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” a horse-drawn carriage procession, and a 41-gun royal salute fired from Tower Wharf by Tower Bridge.
More than 1,300 military personnel and 120 horses took part in the elaborate display, marking one of the largest ceremonial operations since King Charles’ coronation. The U.S. and UK also staged a joint military flypast featuring F-35 aircraft, underscoring defense ties between the two nations.
Following the formalities, the Trumps joined King Charles and Queen Camilla for lunch in the State Dining Room. Later in the evening, a lavish state banquet is set to host over 150 guests, including royals, politicians, and key figures from both countries.
During the procession, Queen Camilla accompanied Melania Trump in the Scottish State Coach, while King Charles rode alongside President Trump in the Irish State Coach.
Security around Windsor has been intensified, with Thames Valley Police overseeing the UK’s largest security operation since 2023. The Trumps are staying at Windsor Castle, as Buckingham Palace remains under renovation until 2027.
The visit will also include a solemn tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, with President Trump expected to lay a wreath at her tomb in St George’s Chapel. On Thursday, the Trumps are scheduled to meet UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, though Parliament is currently in recess, meaning no official address will take place.
This marks Trump’s second state visit to Britain, following his first in June 2019.
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Iranian authorities on Wednesday, September 17 executed a man convicted of spying for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency since 2022, according to the country’s judiciary.
“Babak Shahbazi… was executed by hanging this morning following due legal process and the confirmation of his sentence by the Supreme Court,” reported Mizan Online, the judiciary’s official news outlet.
It was not specified when Shahbazi was arrested, but officials said he was sentenced to death for the capital offences of “corruption on earth” and “waging war against God.”
Mizan stated that Shahbazi had worked on the design and installation of industrial cooling systems for companies linked to Iran’s military, security, and telecommunications sectors. This access allegedly allowed him to pass sensitive information to Mossad “in exchange for money and residency in a foreign country.”
Since its June war with Israel, Iran has promised swift punishment for those accused of collaborating with its archrival.
In August, authorities executed Roozbeh Vadi, an employee of a subsidiary of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran, after convicting him of providing intelligence on Iranian nuclear scientists and facilities.
In late July, Iran’s intelligence ministry announced the arrest of “20 spies, Mossad operational and support agents, and elements connected to the Israeli regime’s intelligence officers” across Tehran and several provinces.
Iran remains the world’s second-most prolific executioner after China, according to Amnesty International and other human rights groups.
Jose Mourinho is on the verge of returning to management, with Benfica expected to appoint him as their new head coach before the weekend.
The move follows the dismissal of Bruno Lage after the club’s shock Champions League defeat to Qarabag.
The Lisbon giants had initially considered Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, but reports from Portugal indicate that a deal with Mourinho has already been struck, with only final contractual details to be agreed.
Mourinho, 62, briefly managed Benfica at the start of his career in 2000, taking charge of 11 matches before departing. He went on to achieve major success with Porto, winning both the UEFA Cup and Champions League, before moving on to Chelsea and later managing Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma and, most recently, Fenerbahce.
Benfica president Rui Costa confirmed the urgency of the club’s decision after their European collapse. “Regarding the next coach, we expect to have the new one on the bench at Vila das Aves next Saturday,” Costa told Portuguese media.
Lage came under fire for throwing away a two-goal lead at home to Qarabag, with the result seen as a major blow to Benfica’s ambitions of re-establishing domestic dominance.
If confirmed, Mourinho’s appointment would mark a homecoming for one of Portugal’s most decorated coaches, as Benfica seek to steady their season and reassert their place among Europe’s elite.
France’s Axelle Berthoumieu has received a 12-match ban after biting Ireland’s Aoife Wafer during their quarterfinal clash at the ongoing 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in Exeter, England.
The incident occurred in France’s 18-13 victory on Sunday, with TV replays showing the 25-year-old appearing to bite Wafer’s arm during a penalty turnover. Although no immediate action was taken during the match, Ireland captain Sam Monaghan raised the matter with referee Aimee Barrett-Theron.
This week, World Rugby’s independent foul play review committee (FPRC) confirmed the sanction. Originally facing a maximum penalty of 18 games, Berthoumieu’s suspension was reduced to 12 after the panel considered her remorse and admission of foul play.
“The TMO was unable to determine clear and obvious foul play live and did not have additional evidence to corroborate,” the FPRC explained in its decision.
Berthoumieu accepted responsibility for a red-card offense but intends to appeal the length of the ban. If upheld, she will miss the remainder of the World Cup — including France’s semifinal against England on Saturday and either the final or bronze medal match on September 27 — along with 10 games in her domestic season. She will be eligible to return on March 1, 2026.
In addition, France co-captain Manae Feleu was handed a three-match ban for a dangerous tackle in the same game. While she accepted foul play occurred, Feleu is appealing the severity of her punishment.
Paul Scholes has strongly criticised Manchester United’s transfer dealings following their 3-0 defeat to rivals Manchester City in the derby.
United have endured a poor start to the campaign, collecting just four points from their opening four league matches and crashing out of the Carabao Cup to Grimsby Town. This comes despite spending over £200 million on signings including Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, and Senne Lammens.
Scholes was particularly unimpressed with United’s goalkeeping situation. Despite signing Lammens for £18.2 million, the Belgian was benched against City in favour of Altay Bayindir, while Andre Onana was sent on loan to Trabzonspor after struggling earlier in the season.
Meanwhile, Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was available for just £26 million, joined Manchester City and impressed on his debut in the derby.
“Goalkeeper as well was a major issue,” Scholes said on the BBC Football Daily podcast. “Did you really need to get to that Grimsby game to realise Onana has not been good enough? Then you see someone like Donnarumma become available and you think: this is a chance. You can get a keeper for £35–40m who can serve you for the next 10 years.”
Donnarumma, who helped PSG to their first Champions League title last season, was deemed surplus to requirements by Luis Enrique after the arrival of Lucas Chevalier. Although linked to Old Trafford, United opted for Lammens, leaving City free to make the move after selling Ederson to Fenerbahce.
Scholes didn’t hold back: “If Man United were not in the market for Donnarumma when he became available, that’s a criminal offence for me. You buy this lad from Belgium for €20m (£18.2m) — that tells you everything about him at this point.”
Speaking later on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, he doubled down: “The Donnarumma one is the biggest mistake I can see. As soon as that man became available, drive to Paris, go get him, give him whatever he wants. He could easily be the best goalkeeper in the world — he reminds me of Peter Schmeichel.”
President Bola Tinubu has lifted the State of Emergency in Rivers State and has directed the governor, Sim Fubara, his deputy and members of the State House of Assembly to resume their duties on Thursday, September 18.
The President, in a statement, announced that peace has been restored in the state.
The statement in part reads
“It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today. The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the deputy governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from 18 September 2025.”
Nigerian fashion
Recall that the President imposed the emergency rule on the state and suspended the governor, his deputy and members of the state House of Assembly following the protracted battle between the governor and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
Footballer Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
The 32-year-old midfielder appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday morning, just hours after featuring in Villarreal’s 1-0 Champions League defeat to Tottenham.
According to Daily Mail, Partey is accused of raping two women on separate occasions, as well as sexually assaulting a third woman. He strongly denies all the allegations.
At the hearing, Partey confirmed his name and date of birth before entering his plea of not guilty to all six charges. He was dressed in black trousers, a quarter-zip jumper, and a blue jacket.
A trial date has been fixed for November 2, 2026. Judge Christopher Hehir explained the delay, noting that crown courts are facing a significant backlog and priority is given to defendants currently in custody.
The Ghanaian international was charged days after leaving Arsenal when his contract ended in June. He later joined Spanish club Villarreal in August, a move that initially sparked protests among fans.
Partey, who remains on bail, is barred from contacting the three women involved in the case. His legal team has previously said he “denies all the charges” and looks forward to clearing his name in court.
