Africa

A South African woman, Racquel "Kelly" Smith, was sentenced to life in prison for kidnapping and trafficking her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin, alongside her accomplices, Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn, after a highly publicized trial. Despite extensive search efforts since Joshlin's disappearance in February 2024, she remains missing, and testimonies revealed shocking allegations, including that Smith sold her daughter to a traditional healer. Judge Nathan Erasmus emphasized the trio's lack of remorse and the profound impact on their community during the sentencing, which drew strong emotional reactions from residents. Full Article

Khanyisile NgcoboBBC News, JohannesburgA courtroom in Saldanha Bay, South Africa, was emotional as a video of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith was shown during the sentencing of her mother, Racquel Smith, convicted of kidnapping and trafficking her. Testimonies from family and friends revealed the pain of Joshlin's disappearance, with allegations her mother had sold her for money, possibly to a traditional healer. Despite the convictions of Smith and her accomplices, the whereabouts of Joshlin remain unknown, leaving the community and her loved ones in anguish. Full Article

ADHD Medication Overview ADHD medications are often misused by university students aiming to enhance their study capabilities during exams; however, psychiatrist Renata Schoeman emphasizes that these drugs are ineffective for individuals without the condition. These medications primarily function by altering brain chemistry to improve focus and attention in those diagnosed with ADHD, but they do not provide the same benefits to others. Consequently, while ADHD medications can aid those with the disorder, they cannot serve as a legitimate cognitive enhancer for the general population. Full Article

Kenya's President William Ruto has apologized to Tanzania amid escalating tensions following the detention and deportation of activists. Ruto's remarks, made during a national prayer breakfast, aimed to mend relations after Kenyans targeted Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan on social media, prompting accusations of cyberbullying from Tanzanian MPs. The diplomatic row was intensified by claims of mistreatment of the activists, leading to protests from Kenya and Uganda, while Tanzanian officials defended their sovereignty and encouraged dialogue with young Kenyans. Full Article

The bodies of 11 individuals, suspected to be migrants from Mali, were discovered in a 45ft boat that washed ashore on the Caribbean island of Canouan, part of St Vincent and the Grenadines. Authorities were alerted on Monday, and several passports found suggest a potential attempt to reach the Canary Islands rather than the Caribbean, as the boat's size makes that unlikely. With Mali facing a humanitarian crisis, including violence and displacement since 2012, many are seeking refuge abroad, often leading to perilous journeys across the Atlantic, which are exploited by smugglers. Full Article

Standout defenders in the Premier LeagueThree full-backs excelled this season: Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham), Rayan Ait-Nouri (Wolves), and Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest). Wan-Bissaka led with 66 interceptions and 64 dribbles, while Ait-Nouri contributed four goals and seven assists; Aina won possession 190 times, the highest for any defender. Calvin Bassey (Fulham) topped African players with 2,536 touches and notable defensive stats, while Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United) ranked second and third in tackles and duels, respectively. Full Article

South Africans are mourning the death of actor Presley Chweneyagae at age 40, who passed away from natural causes after experiencing breathing problems. Renowned for his role in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi, which highlighted post-apartheid social issues, Chweneyagae was celebrated as a "South African icon" and a "gifted storyteller," also appearing in the biopic Long Walk to Freedom and popular series like River. His agency and the South African government recognized him as a trailblazer in cinema, with a legacy that resonated deeply within the nation. Full Article

A KwaZulu-Natal traditional leader survived an assassination attempt in eZinqoleni, Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality, following a shooting incident. This attack marks the second such incident in two months, as another traditional leader was killed at his home in Durban last month. The ongoing violence against traditional leaders raises significant concerns about their safety in the region. Full Article

Ullstein Bild / Getty ImagesThe genocide in what is now Namibia lasted from 1904 to 1908Dubbed "Germany's forgotten genocide", the systematic murder of over 70,000 Africans from the Ovaherero and Nama communities in Namibia between 1904 and 1908 is being recognized with a new national day of remembrance. This observance, established amid calls for reparations from Germany, will include ceremonies like a candlelight vigil and a minute's silence. Although Germany has acknowledged its colonial atrocities and offered development aid, many Namibians feel that justice and reparations remain unfulfilled. Full Article

Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa has enacted a controversial law mandating that all motorists obtain a radio licence for $92 annually before they can acquire vehicle insurance. Critics, including opposition leader Nelson Chamisa, argue that the fee is excessively burdensome amid economic difficulties and label the law as draconian. The law aims to bolster revenue for the struggling Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) and mandates compliance, prohibiting insurance sales to those without a valid licence, furthering discontent among citizens. Full Article