Celani Sikhakhane brings you KwaZulu-Natal’s latest news.
Pietermaritzburg: MKP members of the KZN Legislature have opened a criminal case with police against KZN Finance MEC Francois Rodgers, over the use of a bed-and-breakfast establishment in Kokstad by members of the Legislature.
The case was opened at Loop Street SAPS in Pietermaritzburg on Monday afternoon. In its statement, MKP said the case is based on a confidential whistleblower disclosure alleging that the Kokstad bed-and-breakfast used by Legislature members is owned by Rodgers’s family, specifically his wife. MKP alleges Rodgers breached the code of conduct by doing business with the Legislature he serves.
Durban: A 46-year-old man made his second appearance in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing 15 counts of rape.
During proceedings, the State added further charges, including assault, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, kidnapping, theft, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and housebreaking with intent to commit rape. The alleged offences took place between 2014 and 2024 in the Cato Manor area of Durban, as well as in Plessislaer and Taylors Halt in Pietermaritzburg. The matter was adjourned to 28 October 2026, pending a decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions and further investigation.
Zululand: Staff at Zululand District Municipality have finally received their month-end salaries, after an outcry that began last week and prompted intervention from KZN Cogta MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi.
Buthelezi welcomed the payment of September salaries to all municipal employees, following the municipality’s earlier failure to pay staff on time. He instructed Head of Department Scelo Duma to intervene and resolve the matter within 48 hours; the municipality has since confirmed all employees have received their full salaries. Buthelezi warned that a repeat of such delays would not be tolerated, citing the impact on employees, their dependants, and service delivery.
Pictured above: KZN Finance MEC Francois Rodgers, who is facing a criminal case over the use of his family’s bed-and-breakfast by members of the KZN Legislature.
Image source: KZNDA
