Daily news update: Boksburg explosion case, Maselspoort racism case and January 8 celebrations warning

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Daily news update: 30 December

Driver in Boksburg truck explosion may still face charges

The driver involved in the Boksburg truck explosion which left 27 people dead, can still be charged at a later stage.

This is according to police expert Dr. Johan Burger who was responding to the release of the 32-year-old.

The driver was released on Wednesday due to lack of evidence, and police said that further investigations were needed into the matter.

ALSO READ: Boksburg explosion driver released – Further investigation needed before he is charged

Third Maselspoort racism suspect Kobus Klaassen released on R20K bail

The third man arrested for the alleged racist attack on two teenagers at the Maselspoort Resort outside Bloemfontein over Christmas weekend appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s court on Thursday, and has been released on bail.

Kobus Klaassen, the owner of Prima Motors in Bloemfontein, faces a charge of attempted murder after he was seen in cell phone footage jumping into a swimming pool and forcing one of the boys’ head under the water.

Also Read: WATCH: ‘Racists leave!’ – Alleged Maselspoort attacker’s business walls defaced by Azapo

Mbalula warns against using public funds for ANC’s January 8 celebrations

The governing African National Congress (ANC) is adamant that no public funds will be used for its coming January 8 celebrations.

The celebrations will be held at the Dr. Petrus Molemela stadium in the Free State next weekend.

In a statement issued on Thursday, newly-elected secretary-general of the ANC Fikile Mbalula said they have noted with concern messages circulating on social media platforms suggesting that there is a directive from unnamed sources that government departments must fund certain aspects of the party’s 111th Anniversary celebrations.

WATCH: Mourners at Mampintsha’s memorial count down to the New Year

If you told someone who wasn’t familiar with South Africa that the clip of a New Year’s countdown filmed earlier today was at a memorial, they might not believe you but that is what mourners at Mampintsha’s memorial service did in Durban on Thursday. 

The artist (real name Mandla Maphumulo) suffered a minor stroke a week ago and died, aged 40, the following day on Christmas Eve. News of Mampintsha’s death was confirmed by fellow musician and record label boss, DJ Tira. 

In the short clip of Mampintsha’s memorial service shared by broadcaster Mthokozisi “MaBlerh” Cele, mourners can be seen dancing to Gqom music before counting down from 10 to one.

“Happy New Year!” they all shout in unison with the MC before waving their arms in the air. 

“Durban just went to 2023 without us,” joked MaBlerh. 

Mbappe delivers for PSG as Neymar is sent off

Kylian Mbappe scored an injury-time penalty to seal a 2-1 win for Paris Saint-Germain over Strasbourg in Ligue 1 on Wednesday before admitting he will never get over France’s World Cup final defeat to Argentina.

Mbappe was back in action 10 days after scoring a hat-trick in the final but then seeing the South Americans win in a penalty shootout.

PSG had Neymar sent off for two yellow cards as the Brazilian made an unhappy return to action following his country’s elimination in the World Cup quarter-finals.

Captain Marquinhos had put the hosts ahead with an early header but the Brazilian defender scored an own goal after 51 minutes as some of PSG’s stars appeared to be suffering a post-Qatar hangover.