Africa

70 people, including children, died in a fire in a five-storey building in central Johannesburg, South Africa, according to reports. Another 52 were injured, some suffering from smoke inhalation, and were taken for treatment at local hospitals, Emergency Management Services spokesman, Robert Mulaudzi, said. “We have now 73 fatalities and …

Josep Borrell, the head of European diplomacy, insisted on Thursday on the difference between the coups in Niger and Gabon, declaring that the elections in Gabon were marred by irregularities. “Naturally, military coups are not the solution but we must not forget that in Gabon there were elections full of …

A 21-year-old lady has been set ablaze by a pastor when he was trying to perform deliverance on her in Offin in the Sagamu area of Ogun State, Nigeria. “The incident happened when the victim visited the church for a special prayer at the pastor’s invitation,” reports said. The pastor, …

Gabon’s putschists have appointed the head of the Presidential Guard, General Oligui Ngema Brice, to lead the country after the overthrow of President Ali Bongo. “General Oligui Nguema Brice has been unanimously appointed as president of the Commission for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI),” Colonel Ulrich Manfounbi, spokesman …

An alleged gay teacher has been assaulted over an alleged affair with another man at Prestea in the Western Region, Ghana, according to reports. “The teacher was beaten and injured for engaging in sexual intercourse with his fellow man,” reports said. This occurred while he was on his way home …

At least 63 people have died and dozens have been injured in a fire that ripped through a five-storey building in central Johannesburg on Thursday morning, the city’s emergency services said. An initial report showed at least 20 deaths. Firefighters brought the fire under control, the building was evacuated and …

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a middle-aged man for stabbing his landlord in Rumuiprikon, Obio Local Government Area of the state, Nigeria. “The landlord had gone to rescue the suspect’s wife from him when she was being manhandled,” reports said. “The suspect tried to drag the wife to …

Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba, whose re-election after 14 years in power had just been announced, has been “retired”, said Wednesday the head of the Republican Guard, General Brice Oligui Nguema. Ali Bongo, currently under house arrest, “is retired, he enjoys all his rights. He is a normal Gabonese, like …

A 20-year-old lady threw her newborn baby into a pit toilet in Otuocha community, Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. “The lady was pregnant at the time, secured a farm job in the community and while on the farm, went to use the toilet after which she …

A 20-year-old man has been charged and remanded in custody for having illegal sex with a 41-year-old adult man in Uganda, according to reports. This is the first time a person has been prosecuted by the Ugandan justice system since President Yoweri Museveni promulgated the controversial law on homos3xuality. This …