More than a month has passed since authorities in Kenya pledged a fresh drive against high-level graft in the corruption-riddled East African country, but no assets have been seized, as promised. The first group of high-profile Kenyans suspected of looting public coffers recently appeared in court on related charges.
Rivers swollen by recent rain and melting snow flooded towns in the Czech Republic and Germany, and forced evacuations of thousands people from their homes on Saturday. Eight cities in Germany were affected by floods, with 1 300 people forced to leave their homes.
Employers in the private security industry reached a three-year wage agreement on Saturday night with 14 unions from the sector, parties said in a joint statement. Negotiations began last year and resulted in a two-day strike in March. According to the agreement, there will be a 26% increase in benefits over a three-year period.
African leaders have the capacity to assist the African masses, despite systematic distortions of African history, President Thabo Mbeki said on Saturday. Delivering a lecture on perspectives on Africa, Mbeki said this capacity could see Africans analyse their collective strengths and weaknesses and plot a way to a better future.
Two people involved in post-production of the Oscar-winning Tsotsi and the Leon Schuster comedy Mama Jack have been arrested for producing and distributing pirate copies of the movies, the Sunday Times reported. The suspects are in prison and will face charges of fraud, theft and corruption.
Australia, led by middle-order batsman Michael Hussey, fought back magnificently after tea on the second day of the third Castle Lager Test at the Wanderers on Saturday. At close of play, Australia had 246 for seven. South Africa resumed play on their overnight score of 238 for six, with one over to go before the new ball was taken.
Makhaya Ntini struck two early blows on the second morning of the third Castle Lager Test at the Wanderers on Saturday, and Australia went to lunch on 47 for one, in reply to South Africa’s first-innings total of 303. Australian opener Justin Langer was felled by a rocket from Ntini’s first delivery.
All Blacks number eight Sione Lauaki scored a vital second-half try for the Waikato Chiefs Saturday on their way to a 16-13 win over the Otago Highlanders in Super 14 rugby. Lauaki’s 62nd-minute try, a reward for a sustained and bruising performance, separated the teams, giving breathing space to the Chiefs.
Penguins in the River Thames, oak trees in the shape of the queen, the door to 10 Downing Street being repainted red and biscuits being used to resurface roads: could it be April Fool’s Day in Britain? The national press hit the stands with a range of nonsense exclusives on Saturday.
The Canterbury Crusaders shrugged off a midseason bye to beat the Wellington Hurricanes 20-11 on Saturday and retain their unbeaten record in rugby’s Super 14. Soft first-half tries to hooker Corey Flynn and halfback Andy Ellis gave the Crusaders a 17-6 half-time lead.