‘Pay ransom or lose a kidney’: Illegal migrants bound for UK kidnapped in Libya
The Iraqi Kurds were captured by a militia who demanded a ransom of $5,000 (£3,700) per person.
Top Stories
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING: Backrooms: The horror beneath everyday liminal spaces in Kane Parsons’ debut feature
Fresh off those Oscar wins, horror movies are continuing to gather audiences in 2026. Born of the online phenomenon, Backrooms is another critical and commercial success.
Football regulator ‘in contact’ with West Ham over Sullivan
Multiple women accuse the billionaire of abusing his power and preying on them for sex, in some cases when they were in their late teens.
Introducing rising star Londeka Mkhwanazi
Fresh-faced star Londeka Mkhwanazi makes her big TV debut in new local drama eGagasini: Waves of Change premiering end of this month.
Broos faces selection headache for Bafana v Mexico
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is confronted with a few selection headaches ahead of the anticipated 2026 Fifa World Cup opener against co-hosts Mexico at the imposing Azteca Stadium on Thursday
Congo says Ebola deaths top 100 as armed groups threaten response
DAKAR, June 8 (Reuters) – Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday said confirmed Ebola deaths had climbed to 101 and that the presence of armed groups was continuing to hinder the response in the hardest-hit province.
Trump booed in New York as he becomes first US president to attend NBA Finals
The catcalls came after ticketholders faced airport-style security to enter the venue at Madison Square Garden.
Hotto, Keet among PSL oldies who rolled back the years
Generally in football, the spotlight is shone more on youngsters, while veterans rarely get recognition.
SOWETAN | Sassa should protect vulnerable pensioners
The government pays over R133m in grant deductions every month to insurance companies that have been authorised to receive money from social grants for funeral policies.
Dijana out to win his first Comrades up-run on Sunday
Dijana, who claimed victories in 2022, 2023 and 2025 Down Run, has never won an Up Run. A victory on Sunday would see him complete the collection of both Up and Down and also move level with four-time champion Alan Robb.
Somali soccer referee denied US entry, will miss World Cup debut
June 8 (Reuters) – The United States denied entry over the weekend to soccer referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who had been expected to be the first Somali to officiate at a World Cup match.
The Papers: ‘Israel and Iran step back’ and ‘Is uni a waste of money?’
Several front pages cover the agreement between Israel and Iran to halt attacks on one another, following an exchange of fire on Monday.
Spencer Pratt out of LA mayor race as left-wing rival Nithya Raman advances
The reality star couldn’t outpace a democratic socialist to lead the second largest US city.
Israel and Iran flare-up tests Trump’s grip and could strengthen Tehran’s negotiating hand
The web of fractious alliances and dysfunctional ceasefires shows how destabilised the region remains.
Russia’s fuel crisis intensifies as Ukraine steps up strikes on occupied territories
Kyiv has made it difficult for Moscow to provide military and civilian supplies to the territories it occupies.
‘Lives still at risk’ from unregulated baby sleep industry after BBC investigation
‘Families deserve clarity about the qualifications and training of those caring for their children’
Driving test booking rules tightened after thousands of no shows
Learner drivers can only swap their test to the three centres nearest to their original booking.
‘I was a prisoner in my home’: Drug gangs ‘cuckooing’ hundreds of homes a week, police warn
Hundreds if not thousands of people’s homes are being taken over by UK gangs every week, say police.
OPEN SESAME: EFF’s Julius Malema provided political protection for Feroz Khan, Madlanga Commission investigator reveals
WhatsApp messages between Major General Feroz Khan and Mohamed Sayed, co-founder of the Carnilinx tobacco company, implicate the former Crime Intelligence head in a series of dodgy activities, including colluding with EFF leader Julius Malema.
How one of India’s most successful female politicians is losing her party
Mamata Banerjee’s once-dominant Trinamool Congress party is unravelling, weeks after losing power in West Bengal.
Zelensky thanks UK for ‘ironclad’ support after meeting King
Following their meeting, Zelensky thanks the UK for its “ironclad” support for Ukraine.