A Somali asylum-seeker was arrested by Italian police after he allegedly stabbed four women and a six-year-old child in the tourist town of Rimini on Saturday night, ANSA news agency reported on Sunday.
Investigators were for the moment ruling out terrorism as the motive, ANSA added.
Interior minister Luciana Lamorgese called the incident “extremely serious” and said in a statement that she would be in Rimini on Monday to attend a security meeting.
The man wounded two women ticket controllers on a bus with a knife and then, after escaping, three other people, including the child, according to Italian media reports.
After the incident Matteo Salvini, the leader of the far-right League party, which is part of the ruling coalition, criticised the performance of Lamorgese in a Facebook video.
Salvini has been pressing the interior minister for months to adopt stricter immigration policies.
The Somali man, 26, had been in Italy for a few months and had applied for refugee status. He had been in Europe since 2015 and had already applied for refugee status in Denmark, Sweden, Germany and the Netherlands, ANSA said.
The president says the continued decrease in a number of infections in recent weeks is one of the reasons why the restrictions on movement are being eased. With a few weeks ahead of the local government elections, the ANC says this announcement comes at a right time, to allow political parties to conduct election campaigns, but under strict COVID-19 regulations.
ANC national spokesperson Pule Mabe says, “In places where they gather, they should make sure that there is ventilation – especially now that we a few weeks away from the elections. We have to make sure that will be participating in these elections that will be going out there to present their different manifestos do so under conditions where they are able to observe covid-19 protocols.”
The Econoic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has vowed not to adhere to the newly introduced lockdown regulations. EFF spokesperson on elections, Leigh Mathys says in the EFF gatherings comprise of more than 500 people. Therefore she doesn’t see the party adhering to what the President said.
“When we have EFF gathering, it’s never limited to 500 people. But we are also not going to a hearing to Ramaphosa regulations, we know that this is no longer about COVID-19 regulations but it is about the ANC trying to stifle from doing campaigns during elections,” says Mathys.
South Africa moves to Lockdown Level 2: ANC, DA, FF+ and UDM reaction:
Inkatha Freedom Party IFP) spokesperson, Mkhuleko Hlengwa says Ramaphosa’s address to the nation on the fight against the spread of COVID-19 in the country is welcomed. This because it will open the gates for the IFP to intensify its campaign for the local government elections, set to take place in November. He says however, the different political parties will have to keep the eye on the ball and not let their guard down.
COVID-19 regulations still need to be observed. Hlengwa says, the IFP is looking forward to participating in these municipal elections
“This essentially enables us now to have a clear direction on how campaigning should take place. However, we do want to as the IFP reiterate that we do need to continue on the safety trajectory that we all have embarked upon as a country, to ensure that we adhere to the regulations to curb the spread of this virus,” says Hlengwa.
The Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus)says, Ramaphosa’s address is not going to do any good for the country, because already, Police are failing to implement the curfew.
Wouter Wessels, FF Plus spokesperson, says the level two nationwide lockdown will allow the party to go all out and campaign for the coming local government elections. He says, South Africans are hungry for change at the municipal level, change that will see service delivery taking place. Wessels says, “we don’t understand the curfew because currently the police are failing to implement this curfew as is now. We welcome the fact that political gatherings will be allowed. But we do that, the fact the vaccination programme is going well, it must be acknowledged that government initially failed and that there was a slow response.”
United Democratic Movement (UDM) Leader, General Bantu Holomisa says, although the adjusted level two of the nationwide lockdown is welcome – it would have made more sense if Ramaphosa had put the country to level one.
He says the economy is not in favour of those who are in business anymore – therefor something drastic needs to happen to revive the ailing economy.
The UDM’s Holomisa says, “Can’t we make use of our military, at least between now and December, to assist the department of Health, by dispatching those who are tasked to do vaccination to all corners of our South Africa, epscailily in rural areas. If for instance you drive from Mthatha to Coffee Bay, it is embarrassing you would think you are somewhere in Afghanistan, there is no road there.”
Congress of the People (COPE) has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to intensify his awareness campaign on the importance of vaccinating all sectors of society during this time of Covid-19. Party spokesperson, Dennis Bloem says, as much they welcome last night announcement on the easing of lockdown restrictions, more people are still reluctant to take the vaccine due to lack of knowledge and that something must done.
Bloem says there is a need for vaccine education in South Africa.
He spoke to the SABC News following the president’s address to the nation.
“We are specifically happy that we can now go to church now freely. But Francis we must say that government must put more effort in the covid-19 vaccine education – we know that there are still a section of a society that are very reluctant to take the vaccine says.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa national address on the COVID-19 response:
Two world records tumbled on Saturday when Kenya’s Agnes Tirop surged to victory in the 10 km race and Ethiopia’s Senbere Teferi triumphed in the 5 km distance at an event in Herzogenaurach, Germany.
Tirop, a twice world 10,000m bronze medallist, won the 10 km event with a time of 30 minutes and one second, finishing ahead of Sheila Chepkirui and shaving 28 seconds off the record previously set by Morocco’s Asmae Leghzaoui 19 years ago.
“I’m so happy to have broken the world record,” Tirop said. “I felt the pace was good and Sheila assisted me a lot. The course was very good too.”
Chepkirui finished with a time of 30:17, also inside the previous record time, but was no match for Tirop, who broke away with two kilometres to go and surged to the finish line.
In the 5 km race, Teferi finished with a time of 14:30, overthrowing the record of 14:44 set by Kenyan Beatrice Chepkoech.
“I’m so happy,” said Teferi, who finished sixth in the 5,000m at the Tokyo Olympics. “After the Olympics, I knew I was ready to go after this world record.”
So long as we love we serve; So long as we are loved by others, I would almost say that we are indispensible; And no man is useless while he has a friend. — Robert Louis Stevenson
TODAY’S WISDOM FROM AROUND THE WORLD:
Listen to all, plucking a feather from every passing goose, but, follow no one absolutely. — Chinese Proverb
TODAY’S CHINESE PROVERB:
Only when all contribute their firewood can they build up a strong fire.
FOR THOSE OF US BORN ON THIS DAY:
Happy Birthday! The months ahead will see you becoming a bit of a leader, whether that’s at school or in the workplace. However it might be that you will overdo it at times because you will be accident prone at times. However, it’s likely that you will make an important career decision and it will be one that you are happy with. Any minor hurdles in romantic matters will be cleared as long as you’re willing to recognize your responsibility. There is the possibility of a major upheaval in the later months of the year probably related to a home move or travel plans, but patience will be the key to success at this time.
Jacqueline Bisset, Peter Cetera, Fiona Apple, Ben Savage, Michael Johnson, Jean Smart, Nell Carter, Fred Silverman, Mel Torme, Scott Vickaryous
CELEBRITY GOSSIP:
Elle Fanning is expected to be a major Hollywood figure for years to come, but according to the planets her fortunes are about to dip significantly in the next few months!
ARIES DAILY HOROSCOPE | Mar 21 – Apr 19
If you can stop yourself from setting unrealistic goals then you’ll be able to make the most of the day’s excellent influences. A minor boost to your income may well be just enough to offset recent excesses and a boost to your confidence is likely to offset a work related matter!
Today’s Numbers: 3, 5, 11, 23, 32, 46
TAURUS DAILY HOROSCOPE | Apr 20 – May 20
It is likely to be a mixed day. In your favor is something that you might have regarded as a dismal failure recently may become all the more achievable. However, the blot on the landscape is an inclination to wear rose colored spectacles when it comes to someone’s attitude!
Today’s Numbers: 7, 14, 22, 26, 38, 45
GEMINI DAILY HOROSCOPE | May 21 – Jun 20
Pesky lunar influences fade away by the afternoon, and if you can summon a little patience and if you can accept that some things take time, then you’ll be able to take a lot more from the day. However, a slightly fickle or flighty attitude won’t go down too well with a friend this evening!
Today’s Numbers: 1, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36
CANCER DAILY HOROSCOPE | Jun 21 – Jul 22
A productive day is in the air, thanks to the moon’s influence, and because of other key planets you’ll rise to the challenge with style. Be careful how you get the message across, however, because someone close to you could misinterpret an enthusiastic attitude for a controlling one!
Today’s Numbers: 7, 13, 25, 29, 36, 43
LEO DAILY HOROSCOPE | Jul 23 – Aug 22
A fairly powerful Mercury/Mars aspect should place the proverbial ball in your court. If you are careful you will be able to turn it to your advantage. This is great day for making a major impression in the office or indeed for getting parents or boss-figures to recognize your efforts!
Today’s Numbers: 2, 11, 26, 34, 41, 47
VIRGO DAILY HOROSCOPE | Aug 23 – Sep 22
A string of minor but disruptive lunar aspects suggests that someone or something will unsettle you in the morning. You may feel as though things are getting on top of you, but someone, possibly a fellow air sign figure, will offer you some much needed support and guidance!
Today’s Numbers: 8, 14, 25, 33, 38, 42
LIBRA DAILY HOROSCOPE | Sep 23 – Oct 22
As soon as you wake up it should feel as though everything is running as smoothly as clockwork, and that is how the rest of the day should proceed. A helping hand, a few lucky coincidences and a generous or kindly family member should supply the day’s highlights!
Today’s Numbers: 2, 7, 12, 24, 29, 43
SCORPIO DAILY HOROSCOPE | Oct 23 – Nov 21
If you find that you’re on the cusp of formulating some new ideas that involve some positive changes to your lifestyle, just wait a while longer. The forthcoming planetary influences over the next few days will be like a breath of fresh air. You just need to wait for the timing to be right!
Today’s Numbers: 5, 14, 21, 33, 38, 47
SAGITTARIUS DAILY HOROSCOPE | Nov 22 – Dec 21
The good news is that a couple of pesky influences lose their grip, so that it will feel as though a certain romantic problem just melts away. However, thanks to one distracting aspect, you’re likely to be a little too short-sighted in terms of work matters. This is where you’ll need to invest your time
Today’s Numbers: 7, 15, 19, 26, 35, 43
CAPRICORN DAILY HOROSCOPE | Dec 22 – Jan 19
While nearly everyone else is likely to be making the most of the planetary activity your inquisitive mood will mean that you’re more in the frame of mind for some involved discussions and deep and meaningful conversations. Share a few involved hours with a like-minded friend!
Today’s Numbers: 9, 13, 21, 25, 32, 49
AQUARIUS DAILY HOROSCOPE | Jan 20 – Feb 18
If you can manage to avoid making any decisions that relate to romance, you’ll be able to extract a lot of positives from today’s planetary line-up. Friendships and communication are particularly well aspected, and making your views known or making your point should be easy!
Today’s Numbers: 5, 11, 22, 26, 35, 44
PISCES DAILY HOROSCOPE | Feb 19 – Mar 20
Watch out for the little signs of rising tension over sensitive or touchy matter. You might think you’re sailing through the day, but the evidence for developing strain will be there. Don’t ignore it; address it as soon as possible and you’ll be the one who ends up looking good!
Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected over the Walter Sisulu and Senqu LMS over the Eastern Cape.
ADVISORIES:
Nil.
Gauteng:
Temperature: Fine and warm.
The expected UVB Sunburn Index: Very high.
Mpumalanga:
Temperature: Fine and warm but hot in the Lowveld.
Limpopo:
Temperature: Fine and warm but hot in the Lowveld.
North-West Province:
Temperature: Fine and warm.
Free State:
Temperature: Fine and warm.
Northern Cape:
Temperature: Cloudy to partly cloudy in places in the morning, becoming fine and cool to warm.
Wind: The wind along the coast will be fresh to strong southerly to south-easterly moderating by the evening.
Western Cape:
Temperature: Partly cloudy along the west,becoming fine in the evening, otherwise cloudy and cool with isolated showers along the south coast and adjacent interior, where it will be cold, clearing from the west by the afternoon.
Wind: The wind along the coast will be fresh to strong southerly to south-easterly but light to moderate along the south coast.
The expected UVB Sunburn Index: High.
Eastern Cape:
The Western half–Temperature: Cloudy and cool with light rain along the coast and adjacent interior, but partly cloudy and warm in the north and fine in the extreme north.
The Western half – Wind: The wind along the coast will be light to moderate south-westerly, becoming moderate to fresh south-easterly in the afternoon.
The Eastern half–Temperature: Fine in the north, otherwise partly cloudy and cool to warm, but cloudy along the coast and adjacent interior with light morning rain in places and in the south-west in the evening.
The Eastern half–Wind: The wind along the coast will be light to moderate south-westerly at first, otherwise light to moderate southerly, becoming moderate to fresh easterly in the south in the evening.
Kwazulu-Natal:
Temperature: Partly cloudy and warm but cool in the south-east.
Wind: The wind along the coast will be Moderate to fresh easterly to north-easterly north of Richards Bay, otherwise moderate southerly to south-westerly.
Love 4 Money 4 Mood 3 Style 2
