Africa news — August 12, 2026

5 publications

1. SocietyAfricaFraudCybercrime

   Aug 12, 2026, 23:36 UTC

   Thai Scam: Secretly Recorded Video Chats Leaked Online

   A new scam has emerged in Thailand, targeting female university students. The scammer, posing as a wealthy businessman, offers financial assistance in exchange for video chats, which are then secretly recorded and leaked online along with personal information and gambling website links. Over 10 victims have been identified, including students and celebrities. Authorities are investigating.

   17 sourcesSee all sources
2. SocietyLawLocal GovAfricaFraud

   Aug 12, 2026, 20:01 UTC

   Illegal Alien Stabs California Man to Death After Judge's Release

   A Venezuelan illegal alien, Marcos Iriarte-Valdez, stabbed a 68-year-old California man, Todd Stewart, to death in Martinez on August 6th. Iriarte-Valdez had a lengthy criminal record, including burglary charges, and was initially released on pre-trial release in April. He was re-arrested in August but was released on his own recognizance by Contra Costa Superior Court Judge Nichelle Holmes the day before Stewart's murder. Iriarte-Valdez is now in custody without bail.

   5 sourcesSee all sources
3. WorldAfricaMiddle East

   Aug 12, 2026, 14:01 UTC

   Dancer Catches Fire During 'Fire Festival' in China

   A dancer's dress caught fire during a performance at the 'Fire Festival' in Jiangsu province, China. The flames quickly engulfed her entire outfit, but she stood before the audience until bystanders rushed to her aid.

   2 sourcesSee all sources
4. SportsAfrica

   Aug 12, 2026, 10:34 UTC

   Bus Accident in Citygate Tunnel Injures Driver, Causes Congestion

   A traffic accident occurred in the Citygate Tunnel heading towards Tsuen Wan around 3:30 pm today. A tour bus carrying 47 children crashed into a barrier, injuring the 71-year-old driver and a 53-year-old woman passenger. The driver was unconscious and later confirmed dead. The children were unharmed. The accident caused traffic congestion as the Transport Department implemented single-lane, two-way traffic, which was lifted at 4:28 pm.

   2 sourcesSee all sources
5. WorldAfricaBudgetReal Estate

   Aug 12, 2026, 01:12 UTC

   Hong Kong Public Housing Rent Increase by 2.85%

   The Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS) has announced a 2.85% increase in rent for public housing units under its management, effective from October 1, 2023, until September 30, 2028. Low-income families (Group A) will see an average monthly increase of HK$73, while relatively higher income families (Group B) will pay an additional HK$200 per month. New estates completed in the past two years will not be affected by this rent review. This increase follows a 10% rent hike in 2024, with the first three months' increases waived for most households. Around 30% of Hong Kong's population resides in public rental housing.

   2 sourcesSee all sources