In a dramatic turn of events, Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, daughter of South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma, has filed a criminal complaint against her sister, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, accusing her of recruiting men to fight in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Zuma-Mncube alleges that her sister, a sitting Member of Parliament, along with two others, deceived 17 men from South Africa and Botswana into joining Russian mercenary forces under the guise of training as bodyguards for the Mkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party, founded by their father. South African authorities have confirmed they are investigating the matter, though Zuma-Sambudla has yet to respond to media inquiries. The government has previously acknowledged receiving distress calls from citizens who were allegedly lured into the conflict with promises of lucrative contracts. South Africa’s high unemployment rate, particularly among youth, has made individuals susceptible to such recruitment schemes. This accusation adds to Zuma-Sambudla’s ongoing legal troubles, as she is currently on trial for terrorism-related charges stemming from her social media activity during the 2021 protests that followed her father’s arrest. Zuma-Mncube claims her decision to report her sister was driven by a ‘moral obligation.’ The case highlights the complex interplay of family, politics, and international conflict in South Africa.
标签： Africa
非洲
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Hunting down those who kill people to sell their body parts for ‘magic charms’
In Sierra Leone, a grim shadow looms over communities as ritual killings linked to black magic continue to devastate families. The murder of 11-year-old Papayo, whose body was found mutilated with vital organs, eyes, and an arm removed, remains unsolved four years later. His mother, Sallay Kalokoh, is tormented by the silence surrounding her son’s death. ‘They killed my child, and now there is just silence,’ she told BBC Africa Eye. Papayo’s case is emblematic of a broader crisis in the country, where killings tied to juju (black magic) often go uninvestigated due to under-resourced authorities and deeply ingrained superstitions. BBC Africa Eye’s investigation uncovered a clandestine network of juju practitioners who claim to supply human body parts for rituals, promising clients prosperity and power. One practitioner, Kanu, boasted of political connections across West Africa and showed undercover reporters a human skull as evidence of his trade. Another, Idara, claimed to lead a network of 250 herbalists. Despite arrests and raids, justice remains elusive, with many cases stalled or dismissed. The lack of closure for victims’ families fuels fear and despair in communities already grappling with poverty and the legacy of civil war. Traditional healers, often conflated with these rogue practitioners, are working to clear their name, but the fight against this dark trade remains an uphill battle.
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UAE’s Mohammed Al Balooshi clinches fourth FIM World Cup Bajas title
The Dubai International Baja 2025 concluded with a thrilling finale as UAE’s Mohammed Al Balooshi clinched his fourth FIM World Cup Bajas title, solidifying his reputation as the undisputed king of desert motorcycle racing. The event, held across the challenging terrains of Hatta and Al Qudra, saw Al Balooshi adopt a strategic, no-risk approach on the final day to secure his historic victory. Despite finishing third in the race, his focus on accumulating points ensured his triumph in the World Cup standings, marking his third consecutive title. Reflecting on his achievement, Al Balooshi praised his competitors, Alex McInnes of Britain and Poland’s Konrad Dabrowski, who battled fiercely for the event’s top spot. Meanwhile, Abdulaziz Ahli celebrated a dominant victory in the Quads category, overcoming mechanical issues to claim the title. In the FIA World Baja Cup, Argentina’s Juan Cruz Yacopini emerged victorious after a gripping three-day duel with Seth Quintero of California, capping off a stellar season with his fifth win in six starts.
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50 children kidnapped from Nigerian Catholic school escape captivity
In a glimmer of hope amidst a grim situation, 50 children abducted from St Mary’s Catholic School in Nigeria have managed to escape their captors. The mass kidnapping, which occurred on Friday in Niger state, saw gunmen seize 303 students and 12 teachers, marking one of the largest such incidents in the country’s history. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirmed the escape, stating that the children, aged between eight and 18, reunited with their families between Friday and Saturday. This group represents nearly half of the school’s total student population of 629. The Nigerian government has yet to issue an official statement on the abduction. Reverend Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, CAN chairman in Niger State, urged continued prayers for the safe return of the remaining victims. The incident has reignited concerns over Nigeria’s escalating security crisis, which has led to widespread school closures. Since the infamous Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction over a decade ago, Nigeria has faced a surge in mass kidnappings, often orchestrated by criminal gangs seeking ransom. Pope Leo XIV expressed ‘deep sorrow’ for the victims and their families, calling for the immediate release of all hostages. The recent spate of kidnappings and attacks, including an assault on a church in western Nigeria, has drawn international attention, with former US President Donald Trump condemning the violence as ‘a disgrace.’ Meanwhile, Nigeria continues to grapple with a deadly militant insurgency in its northeast, which has claimed over 40,000 lives and displaced millions since 2019.
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G20 called on to firmly uphold free trade
At the 20th G20 Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa, Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the urgent need for global solidarity and cooperation to address pressing economic challenges. The summit, themed ‘Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability,’ focused on fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth, building resilience, and ensuring a fair future for all. Premier Li highlighted the rise of unilateralism and protectionism, which have exacerbated trade restrictions and confrontations, hindering international cooperation. He urged G20 members to confront these issues head-on, advocating for multilateralism and the reform of global institutions like the World Bank, IMF, and WTO. Li also underscored the importance of supporting developing countries, announcing China’s initiatives to reduce debts and promote industrialization in Africa. The summit concluded with a leaders’ declaration addressing climate change and other global challenges, signaling a strong commitment to multilateralism. Additionally, Premier Li engaged in bilateral meetings with leaders from Italy, France, South Korea, Angola, Spain, and the WTO, reinforcing China’s dedication to fostering international partnerships and fair trade practices.
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‘Predicting death’ to fitness guru: Biohacker to help Dubai residents be ‘ultimate humans’
Dubai is poised to become a global leader in longevity and wellness, thanks to the efforts of American biohacker and longevity expert Gary Brecka. Known as ‘The Ultimate Human,’ Brecka is spearheading a movement to help Dubai residents optimize their health and extend their lifespans. His initiatives include the upcoming Ultimate Human Wellness Clinic, set to open in early 2026, and an at-home gene testing system designed to identify nutrient deficiencies and provide personalized health solutions. Brecka’s approach focuses on addressing the root causes of health issues by analyzing methylation pathways, which reveal how the body processes nutrients and manages ageing. His methods aim to combat common ailments like brain fog, poor sleep, and hormone imbalances by replenishing essential nutrients. Brecka’s vision aligns with Dubai’s broader wellness ambitions, as the city integrates longevity clinics into its real estate developments and lifestyle offerings. With a background in mortality research, Brecka has shifted his focus from predicting death to empowering individuals to live healthier, happier, and longer lives. His Ultimate Human programme, which includes high-intensity workouts, breath work, and whole-food nutrition, is already making waves in the UAE. As Dubai continues to position itself as a global wellness destination, Brecka’s innovative strategies could redefine the future of health and longevity in the region.
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China-South Africa relationship lauded at G20 Summit
The enduring and robust partnership between China and South Africa has been highlighted as a cornerstone of international cooperation during the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg. Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, described the bilateral relationship as ‘an excellent partnership that resonates in multilateral engagements.’ Speaking to China Daily, Magwenya underscored the alignment of both nations on critical global issues, particularly those central to South Africa’s G20 presidency. He emphasized that the strength of this collaboration is unequivocal, with no room for doubt or ambiguity. The remarks come at a time when both countries are deepening their ties across various sectors, including trade, infrastructure, and global governance. The G20 Summit served as a platform to showcase this partnership as a model of effective bilateral cooperation in addressing shared challenges and advancing mutual interests on the global stage.
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Arne Slot takes blame after Liverpool stunned by Nottingham Forest
Liverpool’s Premier League campaign hit a new low as they suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday. The loss, which marked their sixth defeat in seven league matches, left manager Arne Slot shouldering the blame for the team’s dismal performance. Forest’s tactical masterclass, orchestrated by manager Sean Dyche, exploited Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities and lack of attacking precision. Murillo, Nicolo Savona, and Morgan Gibbs-White were the goal scorers, delivering Liverpool’s heaviest home defeat since their 4-1 loss to Manchester City in 2021. Slot acknowledged the severity of the result, stating, ‘Losing 3-0 at home, no matter the opponent, is very, very bad.’ He emphasized his responsibility for the team’s recent struggles, refusing to make excuses for their poor form. The defeat dropped Liverpool to 11th in the table, eight points behind league leaders Arsenal, and raised serious questions about their title defense. Despite a summer spending spree of nearly £450 million, key signings like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have failed to deliver. Slot remains optimistic, however, asserting that the team’s quality will eventually shine through. He pointed to Liverpool’s strong first-half performance against Forest as a sign of potential, though their inability to convert chances proved costly. ‘It’s a difficult cocktail to drink when you miss your own chances and concede every time,’ Slot remarked. As Liverpool’s season continues to unravel, the pressure mounts on Slot to turn the tide and salvage their campaign.
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Sheikh Mohammed approves record Dh302.7-billion Dubai budget for 2026–2028
Dubai has set a new benchmark in fiscal planning with the approval of its largest-ever budget cycle for 2026–2028, totaling Dh302.7 billion in expenditures and Dh329.2 billion in revenues, marking a 5% operating surplus. The budget, endorsed by Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, underscores the emirate’s commitment to economic growth, infrastructure development, and social welfare.
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Malawi debuts world’s first AI-Enabled Paris Agreement integrated platform at COP30
At COP30’s Finance Day, Malawi unveiled the world’s first AI-enabled Paris Agreement Implementation Platform (PAIP), marking a significant milestone in climate finance innovation. This blockchain-verified platform integrates artificial intelligence, smart contracts, satellite imagery, and machine learning to monitor carbon emissions and verify climate projects. Designed to create a transparent, investor-ready marketplace for climate finance, PAIP links every stage of the emissions value chain—from inventory to project validation, auctioning, and retirement—into a unified digital ecosystem. Developed by the Green Economy Partnership (GEP) and TRST01, the platform is tailored to Malawi’s needs and will be offered free of charge to other Global South nations to accelerate their Article 6 projects. Richard Perekamoyo, Principal Secretary of Malawi’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change, emphasized the platform’s ability to track CO₂ emissions, restored hectares, and investment returns with scientific precision, bolstering trust in national data. Ivano Iannelli, GEP’s Chief Sustainability Officer, highlighted the platform’s role as the world’s first Environmental Treasury, setting a benchmark for transparency and accountability. Malawi’s Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change, Hon. Jean Mathanga, noted that the initiative demonstrates Africa’s leadership in climate innovation. GEP plans to expand PAIP through its Digital Climate Transformation Program across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, aiming to unlock Article 6 projects and ensure transparent climate finance flows to developing nations.