* A hacker left top management at Independent Newspapers with egg on their faces after he distributed a confidential e-mail that discussed the incompetence of some reporters and editors. The hacker broke into the e-mail accounts on Tuesday and then mailed the letter to all the staff, as well as some outside recipients. Peter Davis, editor of the Sunday Tribune and The Independent on Saturday, sent the e-mail to Graeme King, MD. Davis has since gone on indefinite leave. “It was clear that it was never intended that this e-mail should become public and it is very regrettable that this occurred,” King said. Debbie Reynolds was appointed acting editor of the Sunday Tribune for three weeks, until deputy editor Shami Harichunder returns from overseas. In the e-mail Davis said that “for the good of the organisation, we ought, if possible, to get rid of the following who are either destructive or useless”. He said he compiled the list after consulting with Bruce Colly, the chief of staff at Independent Newspapers KZN.
* In a surprise move, the state closed its case against the Ncamazana brothers in East London on Wednesday after calling only 14 of 50 scheduled witnesses. Pardoned former Azanian People’s Liberation Army cadre Dumisani Ncamazana (26) and his brother Simnikiwe (22) face nine charges in the East London High Court. They have been charged with the murder and robbery of local businessman Martin Whitaker on May 27 and taxi operator Xolani Gongota on June 28. The other charges include armed robbery, housebreaking with intent to rob, possession of unlicensed firearms, unlawful possession of ammunition and defeating the ends of justice.
Compiled by the Mail & Guardian Online. For daily breaking news visit www.mg.co.za