Ladysmith Gazette’s pick of the top 5 local and international news stories of today

1: 69-year-old attacked for her necklace in Murchison Street

A 69-year-old Ladysmith woman was attacked recently in Murchison Street for the necklace she was wearing. The elderly woman was crossing over the pedestrian crossing from the Oval Shopping Complex to the Murchison Mall when the attack took place. Read full story: 69-year-old attacked for her necklace in Murchison Street

2: Forensic evidence helps secure prison sentences in Ladysmith murder case

Two accused in a Ladysmith murder and robbery case will spend a long time behind bars after being convicted and sentenced in the Ezakheni Regional Court on April 24. This conviction stems from a crime that took place on the afternoon of March 18, 2015. Read full story: Forensic evidence helps secure prison sentences in Ladysmith murder case

3: Popular singer Refentsi at the Ladysmith Show

Popular singer Refentsi took the stage at the Ladysmith Show on May 4. A large crowd gathered to watch the young African musician singing songs in Afrikaans. Read full story: Popular singer Refentsi at the Ladysmith Show

4: Afghan beauty parlours are a sanctuary for city women

After the Taliban regime was toppled in 2001, small oases of glamour began to flourish in the Afghan capital – glittering feminine spaces in stark contrast to the dusty, dangerous, male-dominated streets outside. Read full story: Afghan beauty parlours are a sanctuary for city women

5: Spain probes ex-HSBC executives over money laundering

In an order dated January but not published until now, the National High Court named seven persons under suspicion of “persistent money laundering and criminal association” who in 2006 and 2007 held senior positions at the Swiss subsidiary of HSBC. They include former chairman of the board Peter Widmer and former CEOs Christopher Meares and Clive Bannister. Read full story: Spain probes ex-HSBC executives over money laundering