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South African pastor predicts rapture on September 23 amid debate and preparations

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Simeon Bateren
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JOHANNESBURG (BN24) — A prophecy by South African pastor Joshua Mhlakela claiming the Rapture will take place on September 23 or possibly the following day has stirred widespread attention among Christians worldwide. Mhlakela asserts he received a divine revelation that Jesus Christ will return to “rescue the Christians out of the world” during these dates, which coincide with the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, also known as the Feast of Trumpets.

The Rapture, a significant yet often debated concept in Christian theology, particularly among evangelical and fundamentalist believers, refers to an event when faithful Christians are “caught up” to meet Christ in the air. It is commonly understood as a preliminary event to the Second Coming of Christ, occurring before a foretold period of tribulation on Earth.

In response to the prophecy, some believers have actively begun preparing for the anticipated event, sharing “Rapture trip tips” and organizing last-minute spiritual readiness activities. Conversely, the prediction has also drawn skepticism and mockery, with some critics sarcastically offering to assume the belongings of those expecting to be taken in the Rapture.

Despite the heightened interest, numerous religious scholars and leaders caution against attempting to set exact dates for the Rapture, citing biblical warnings such as Matthew 24:36, which states that no one knows the day or hour of the end. Critics warn that such date-setting often leads to confusion, distraction, and misinterpretation of Christian teachings.

For many believers, the Rapture symbolizes a divine reward for faithful adherence, delivering them from a forthcoming period of judgment and tribulation on Earth, and uniting them with Christ in heaven. The doctrine also serves as a call for moral vigilance and spiritual preparedness, encouraging believers to live in readiness for Christ’s return.

As the predicted dates approach, the conversation surrounding the Rapture continues to evoke strong responses, underscoring the enduring significance of eschatological beliefs in contemporary Christian communities.

Ballon d’Or: Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie ranked fourth-best Goalkeeper in the world

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Simeon Bateren
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PARIS (BN24) — Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has been ranked the fourth-best goalkeeper in the world at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony, reinforcing her status as one of the standout talents in global women’s football.

The Super Falcons star, who plays for Paris FC in France, was named among the top five finalists for the inaugural Women’s Yashin Trophy, an award introduced this year to honor the best female goalkeepers in the world. The recognition places Nnadozie alongside some of the most elite names in the sport and marks a significant moment in her burgeoning career.

England international and Chelsea standout Hannah Hampton claimed the top honor, making history as the first-ever recipient of the Women’s Yashin Trophy. Hampton’s dominant performances over the past season, which included leading the Lionesses to victory at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 and guiding Chelsea to a domestic treble, earned her widespread acclaim and the coveted prize. She kept 13 clean sheets in the Women’s Super League and shared the Golden Glove award.

Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger was named second, while Spain’s Cata Coll secured third. Nnadozie’s fourth-place finish highlights her growing international stature, particularly after her impressive showing at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Her standout moment came in Nigeria’s 3–2 group stage win over co-hosts Australia, where she earned Player of the Match honors for a commanding performance between the posts.

Since then, the 24-year-old has solidified her reputation as one of Africa’s premier goalkeepers, playing a central role for both club and country. At Paris FC, Nnadozie has been instrumental in the club’s push for domestic and European success, while her leadership continues to anchor Nigeria’s national team.

The introduction of the Women’s Yashin Trophy marks a progressive step in recognizing the contributions of female goalkeepers, and Nnadozie’s ranking signals a breakthrough moment not just for Nigerian football but for African women in the global game.

Grandma arrested after she poisoned grandchildren with cake which killed family pet

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Simeon Bateren
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SÃO FRANCISCO, Brazil (BN24) — A grandmother in Brazil has been arrested after authorities alleged she poisoned her two grandchildren with a cake that resulted in the death of a nine-year-old girl and the family’s pet cat.

Izabel Cardoso de Andrade, 59, was taken into custody Friday in connection with the July incident in São Francisco, a municipality located east of Brasília. Local police say Andrade served cake to her grandchildren, aged nine and 11, during a summer holiday visit to her home on July 23. The cake was reportedly prepared by Andrade herself, while her husband had also brought additional baked goods, including another cake and cheese bread, for the afternoon snack.

Shortly after eating the cake, the younger child, identified as Alana dos Santos Cardoso Marques, began to exhibit signs of severe illness. Her older sibling, who consumed a smaller portion due to reportedly disliking the taste, experienced milder symptoms and survived.

According to witness statements and police reports, Alana and her sister began complaining of nausea and abdominal pain. Alana was later observed expelling a white liquid from her nose. A neighbor rushed her to a nearby hospital, where she died shortly after arrival from cardiopulmonary arrest.

The family cat, which had also consumed some of the cake, became ill and later died after wandering into a neighbor’s property. That neighbor later handed the deceased animal over to the police during the initial investigation.

Forensic testing carried out on both the food and the victim’s body confirmed the presence of terbufos, a toxic pesticide compound banned in many countries but still used in some agrochemicals. Authorities say the substance is highly toxic to humans and animals, causing symptoms that include respiratory distress, muscle weakness, seizures, and in severe cases, neurological failure or death.

A veterinarian’s report concluded the cat had suffered liver failure, consistent with poisoning. Investigators are still working to determine whether the alleged poisoning was intentional or accidental. Police say they have not yet established a motive.

Andrade’s attorney, Raphael Simões de Moraes Neto, stated that his client has cooperated fully with the investigation, voluntarily authorizing searches of her residence and providing statements to law enforcement. Authorities are continuing to gather evidence and test remaining food samples.

The case bears disturbing similarities to a recent high-profile incident in Australia, where a woman was sentenced to life imprisonment for killing three family members with a mushroom-laced beef Wellington. In Brazil, this latest case adds to growing public concern over domestic poisonings.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Woman in Pennsylvania, USA, charged with homicide after remains of four infants discovered in former home

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admin
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CADOGAN TOWNSHIP, Pa. (BN24) — A Pennsylvania woman has been charged with criminal homicide, involuntary manslaughter and multiple counts of concealing the death of a child after investigators found the remains of her four infants hidden inside a house she had been evicted from last month, authorities said.

Jessica Marie Mauthe, 39

Jessica Marie Mauthe, 39, was arrested after her former landlord made a gruesome discovery while cleaning the property on Oak Avenue in Cadogan Township, a small community about 40 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. According to an arrest affidavit released Thursday, the landlord found a trash bag in a bedroom closet on Sept. 13 that contained a decomposing infant wrapped in towels.

When Pennsylvania State Police searched the rest of the home, they discovered three more infant bodies in the attic, each placed inside tote bags, wrapped in towels, and sealed in plastic bags.

Mauthe reportedly admitted to investigators that she had concealed the births and deaths of her children. About a year ago, she told police, she gave birth to a baby who cried briefly before she held the child against her body until it stopped breathing. She also described another incident roughly six years earlier when she gave birth, passed out on the floor, and later awoke to find the newborn dead beneath her.

Authorities said Mauthe faces one count of criminal homicide for the death last year, one count of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death six years ago, and four counts each of concealing the death of a child and abuse of a corpse.

She is being held in the Armstrong County Jail without bail. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for next week.

Neither Armstrong County District Attorney Katie Charlton nor Mauthe’s public defender, Greta Marie Kiser, responded to requests for comment Monday.

The discovery has rattled Cadogan Township, a community of fewer than 500 residents, where neighbors described the case as both heartbreaking and horrifying.

PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé wins Ballon d’Or after historic treble, beats Lamine Yamal

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PARIS (BN24) — Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has been crowned the winner of the 2025 Ballon d’Or, edging out Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal after a season in which he powered PSG to their first-ever Champions League triumph and an unprecedented domestic treble.

The 28-year-old French international scored 35 goals and delivered 16 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions, spearheading a campaign that saw PSG capture Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the Champions League. His performances also carried the club to the FIFA Club World Cup final in the United States, where they narrowly lost to Chelsea.

Dembélé, currently sidelined by injury, received the award on Monday night at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, presented by Brazilian legend Ronaldinho. The accolade is awarded annually by France Football based on votes from international journalists, who weigh individual brilliance, team success, and sportsmanship.

“Thank you all. What just happened to me is incredible,” Dembélé said in his acceptance speech. “It’s been an amazing season with PSG. Receiving this trophy, especially from Ronaldinho, is truly exceptional. From the president to my teammates and coach Luis Enrique, everyone has treated me like family. This award is for all of us.”

With the honor, Dembélé becomes the sixth Frenchman to win the Ballon d’Or, joining the ranks of Raymond Kopa, Michel Platini, Jean-Pierre Papin, Zinedine Zidane, and Karim Benzema. He succeeds last year’s winner, Manchester City’s Rodri.

Dembélé’s career has been marked by highs and setbacks, from his early breakthrough at Rennes and Borussia Dortmund to his world-record move to Barcelona in 2017 for over €100 million. Despite flashes of brilliance, he never fully fulfilled expectations at Barça. His transfer to PSG in 2023 for €50 million, however, transformed his trajectory under coach Luis Enrique, who often deployed him centrally following Kylian Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid.

“I learned so much at Barcelona, playing alongside Messi and Iniesta,” Dembélé added. “But at PSG, I’ve finally found the consistency and responsibility I was looking for. Winning this award is a dream come true.”

While Dembélé took the top honor, Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal, 18, emerged as his closest challenger. Yamal was instrumental in Barça’s domestic treble, delivering decisive goals in LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Supercopa. Though he fell short of the Ballon d’Or, he received the Kopa Trophy as the world’s best under-21 player.

Other major winners in Paris included:

  • Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona/Spain): Claimed her third consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin, joining Michel Platini and Lionel Messi as the only players in history to win the award three times in a row.
  • Vicky López (Barcelona): Won the women’s Kopa Trophy for best under-21 player.
  • Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal) and Ewa Pajor (Barcelona): Joint winners of the Gerd Müller Trophy for top scorers of the season.
  • Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City/Italy) and Hannah Hampton (Chelsea/England): Named best male and female goalkeepers of the year.
  • Luis Enrique (PSG) and Sarina Wiegman (England women’s team): Awarded the Johan Cruyff Trophy for best coaches.

The recognition caps a remarkable year for Dembélé, whose leadership and clinical form elevated PSG to new heights and established him as one of the defining players of his generation.

14 dead in Ecuador prison riot as rival gangs clash with guns, explosives

By
Simeon Bateren
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MACHALA, Ecuador (BN24) — At least 14 people, including a prison guard, were killed and more than a dozen others injured in a brutal confrontation between rival inmate gangs in a southwestern Ecuadoran prison, authorities confirmed Sunday, marking yet another bloody chapter in the nation’s intensifying drug war crisis.

The riot erupted in the early morning hours in a facility located in Machala, near Ecuador’s border with Peru. According to police, inmates from the Los Choneros and Los Lobos gangs — two of Ecuador’s most powerful drug-trafficking factions — exchanged gunfire and hurled explosives during a 40-minute siege that left 13 inmates and one guard dead.

Colonel William Calle, a police commander, described the scene as chaotic and deadly during an interview on Ecuavisa television. Gunfire and explosions drew the attention of prison staff and security forces, who rushed to respond. One guard was shot and killed while attempting to intervene. Several others were briefly taken hostage, though officials have not disclosed their current condition or the number of prisoners who may have escaped amid the violence.

Thirteen inmates have been recaptured, but the full extent of the escape remains unclear.

The prison, designed to house far fewer inmates than it currently holds, has become a battleground for control between armed factions linked to international drug cartels. Police confirmed that the latest bloodshed stemmed from gang rivalries, a familiar pattern in Ecuador’s overcrowded and poorly managed penitentiaries.

Ecuador has become a key player in the international drug trade, positioned between Colombia and Peru, the world’s two largest cocaine producers. More than 70 percent of the global cocaine supply now moves through Ecuadorian ports, according to government data. The country, once regarded as one of the region’s more peaceful nations, has transformed into one of the most violent, with organized crime at the center of its descent.

Since February 2021, roughly 500 inmates have died in Ecuador’s prison system. The most devastating massacre occurred in Guayaquil in 2021, when more than 100 inmates were killed in a single outbreak of gang-fueled carnage. That event, like others, was livestreamed from inside prison walls, with inmates posting images of beheadings and burned bodies to social media.

President Daniel Noboa has taken increasingly hardline measures to combat the escalating crisis. In response to a nationwide surge in violence, including a spate of attacks by organized crime groups earlier this year, he declared a state of “internal armed conflict.”

The country’s most notorious narco boss, Jose Adolfo Macias, also known as “Fito” and leader of Los Choneros, was recaptured in June following a high-profile escape that triggered waves of violence across Ecuador. Even while incarcerated, Fito wielded influence over the drug trade, with videos surfacing showing him holding lavish parties inside prison, complete with fireworks.

Los Choneros maintains strong ties to Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel, Colombia’s Gulf Clan, and Balkan criminal networks, making it one of the most internationally connected gangs in the region.

Authorities say control over the Machala prison has been restored. However, the riot underscores the scale of Ecuador’s ongoing security emergency and the extent to which criminal groups continue to operate with impunity both inside and outside of state institutions.

4.3 magnitude earthquake rattles San Francisco Bay area in early morning jolt

By
Simeon Bateren
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An aerial view of the city of San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge in California, U.S., October 28, 2021. REUTERS/Carlos Barria

BERKELEY, Calif. (BN24) — A 4.3 magnitude earthquake jolted residents awake across the San Francisco Bay Area early Monday morning, with the tremor centered just east-southeast of Berkeley, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Geological Survey.

The quake struck at 2:58 a.m. The earthquake, which occurred at 3:04 Pacific Daylight Time, was widely felt throughout the East Bay, San Francisco, and surrounding communities.

While no immediate reports of injuries or structural damage were confirmed, the temblor startled many in the pre-dawn hours, prompting a wave of posts on social media from residents who reported feeling their homes shake.

In a live broadcast following the quake, KTVU-TV anchor Dave Clark noted that calls were coming in from across the Bay Area. “Things were shaking in our newsroom,” Clark said. “It caught everyone off guard.”

The USGS has not yet indicated whether any aftershocks followed the initial quake, but local officials are monitoring the situation.

The Bay Area, which sits near the Hayward Fault and several other active fault lines, regularly experiences small to moderate seismic activity. Monday’s quake serves as a reminder of the region’s ongoing vulnerability to earthquakes and the importance of preparedness in a state known for its seismic risk.

Emergency services have not issued any alerts or advisories as of Monday morning, and transportation infrastructure appears to be operating normally.

The earthquake marks the most significant seismic event in the Bay Area in recent weeks.

Thousands protest across Brazil against Bolsonaro amnesty bill

By
Simeon Bateren
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RIO DE JANEIRO (BN24) — Tens of thousands of Brazilians filled the streets of major cities Sunday in a sweeping show of opposition to a bill that could grant amnesty to former President Jair Bolsonaro and his allies, following his recent conviction for plotting a coup.

Bolsonaro, who was sentenced earlier this month to 27 years in prison after Brazil’s Supreme Court found him guilty of conspiring to overturn the results of the 2022 presidential election, remains under house arrest while his legal team pursues appeals. Despite the conviction, allies of the far-right former leader in Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies have moved swiftly to advance legislation that would prevent Bolsonaro and his co-defendants from serving time behind bars.

The proposed bill has sparked a wave of outrage from civil society groups, legal experts, and pro-democracy advocates, culminating in Sunday’s mass protests. Demonstrators marched through cities including São Paulo, Brasília, and Rio de Janeiro, chanting “No amnesty” and holding signs condemning Congress as “shameless.” Trade unions, left-wing political parties, and a broad coalition of civil society organizations supported the protests.

In Rio, the atmosphere was charged but peaceful, with renowned Brazilian musicians Chico Buarque, Gilberto Gil, and Caetano Veloso performing to show solidarity with the protesters. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also lent his support to the demonstrations, stating on X, formerly Twitter, that “the population does not want impunity or amnesty.” He added that he would veto the amnesty bill if it passed in the Senate.

The protests also targeted a recently passed constitutional amendment in the lower house that would make it harder to prosecute lawmakers. The measure, which now heads to the Senate, would require a secret-ballot vote by members of Congress to approve any legal charges or arrests of sitting legislators. Critics have slammed it as the “Banditry Bill,” warning that it undermines judicial accountability and paves the way for impunity among the political elite.

Tensions surrounding Bolsonaro’s legal fate remain high in Brazil. Just two weeks earlier, his supporters had staged their own rallies decrying the Supreme Court’s decision. The polarized atmosphere highlights a deepening national divide over the former president’s role in the events of January 8, 2023, when thousands of his supporters stormed key government buildings in Brasília, including Congress, the Supreme Court, and the presidential palace.

The court ruled that Bolsonaro and seven associates orchestrated the attempted coup but failed to garner the backing of top military leaders, resulting in the insurrection being quickly suppressed. More than 1,500 people were arrested following the riots, and some have already received long prison terms.

Bolsonaro’s Liberal Party has since lobbied aggressively for amnesty, not only for the former president but also for those involved in the attack on Brazil’s democratic institutions. Yet the momentum from Sunday’s protests indicates that a significant portion of the public is pushing back. Many attendees told local media they were “fighting for Brazil’s democracy” and demanding accountability at the highest levels.

A poll by Datafolha released on September 16 reflected the national divide: 50% of respondents believed Bolsonaro should be imprisoned, while 43% opposed incarceration.

As the amnesty bill heads to the Senate, Brazil finds itself at a critical crossroads between institutional justice and a political effort to rewrite the consequences of a failed coup.

Super typhoon Ragasa strikes Philippines, forcing thousands to evacuate

By
Simeon Bateren
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MANILA (BN24) — Super Typhoon Ragasa made landfall Monday on Panuitan Island, part of the Babuyan Islands in the northern Philippine province of Cagayan, prompting thousands of residents to evacuate amid warnings of life-threatening storm surges and widespread damage.

The Philippine weather bureau reported that while Ragasa has “slightly” weakened since it struck at 3 p.m. local time (0800 GMT), the typhoon still packed powerful wind gusts reaching 285 kilometers per hour (177 miles per hour). Forecasters expect the storm to move westward, targeting southern China next, with severe impacts anticipated.

Despite the minor decrease in intensity, authorities warned of a “high risk of life-threatening storm surge,” with peak waves potentially exceeding three meters (10 feet) along coastal areas. Officials also cautioned residents about the likelihood of extensive flooding and landslides that could damage homes and critical infrastructure.

In response, schools and government offices were closed in many regions, including the capital Manila, as communities braced for the typhoon’s impact. The remote Babuyan and Batanes islands, home to roughly 20,000 inhabitants, many of whom live in poverty, were particularly vulnerable.

Herbert Singun, an information officer on Calayan Island, described the storm’s devastation during a video call with Agence France-Presse. “Chunks of a school roof were ripped off and landed on an evacuation center about 30 meters away, causing a minor injury,” he said. “Can you see those coconut trees swaying in the distance? There were eight of them before. Now only four are still standing. That shows how strong this typhoon is.”

The storm is forecast to skirt Taiwan, located about 740 kilometers (460 miles) north of the Babuyan Islands. While not expected to make direct landfall, Taiwan’s east coast is bracing for heavy rains, leading to the closure of forest areas and nature trails and suspension of some ferry services.

In China’s Guangdong province, authorities have issued warnings to prepare for a “catastrophic” and “large-scale disaster” as Ragasa approaches. The province could experience heavy rains and strong winds as early as Tuesday, two days before the typhoon is expected to hit.

The southern Chinese city of Shenzhen plans to evacuate 400,000 residents in anticipation of the storm. At a supermarket in Shenzhen’s Bao’an district, an employee noted the unusual rush on Monday, reporting that bread had sold out by midday. “It’s not normally like this,” he said.

Hong Kong is also on alert, with officials forecasting a rapid deterioration of weather conditions on Tuesday. The city’s education bureau is evaluating whether to close schools. Cathay Pacific announced it would cancel 500 outbound flights starting from 6 p.m. local time Tuesday, while Hong Kong Airlines suspended all departures from the city.

Locally known as Nando, Typhoon Ragasa arrives as the Philippines continues to grapple with the aftermath of weeks of severe flooding caused by an unusually strong monsoon season. Just days before Ragasa’s arrival, tens of thousands protested nationwide against government corruption, which many blame for the lack of adequate flood control infrastructure.

As Ragasa moves westward, authorities across the region remain vigilant, preparing for the full force of the super typhoon’s destructive potential.

Botswana declares public holiday after historic gold at World Championships

By
Simeon Bateren
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GABORONE, Botswana (BN24) — Botswana has declared Monday, September 29, a public holiday to celebrate its historic victory in the men’s 4×400-meter relay at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, marking the first time an African nation has ever won the event.

President Duma Boko announced in a televised address from New York, where he is attending the United Nations General Assembly, calling the victory a “historic African win” and a moment that cements Botswana’s rising global stature. The gold medal triumph came just one day before the country’s Independence Day and will now be commemorated with a full-day holiday nationwide.

“I’ll be sure to tell everyone—Botswana’s natural diamonds are not just in the ground, they are our World Champion athletes,” Boko said. “The moment was electric.”

Botswana’s relay team, comprising Lee Bhekempilo Eppie, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori, and Busang Collen Kebinatshipi, edged out the United States, the dominant force in the event with ten consecutive world titles, in a rain-soaked final. South Africa finished third in what many are calling one of the most memorable races of the championship.

The gold medal was part of Botswana’s record-breaking performance at the championships. The southern African nation finished fifth in the overall medal standings with two golds, one silver, and one bronze—its best-ever return, trailing only the United States, Kenya, the Netherlands, and Canada.

This latest success adds to Botswana’s growing reputation in global athletics. Just last year, sprinter Letsile Tebogo made history by winning the country’s first Olympic gold medal in the men’s 200 meters at the Paris 2024 Games. That victory also marked the first time an African athlete had claimed the title in the event, sparking a nationwide celebration.

Tebogo’s return to Botswana in 2024 drew tens of thousands to the National Stadium in Gaborone, and the government declared a half-day holiday to honor him. Then-President Mokgweetsi Masisi described the moment as a “most unique celebration… etched in the annals of the Republic.”

Now, under President Boko’s leadership, Botswana is once again celebrating athletic excellence with a nationwide gesture that underscores the significance of sport in national identity and pride.

“This is more than a medal,” Boko said. “It’s a message to the world that Botswana is here, running shoulder to shoulder with the best.”

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