#5Things: Russian vaccine, swimming ban in Durban, Billy Connolly's final special, and more
These are the five stories you need to know as you wake up this Friday the 13th.
1. 50 people beheaded in Mozambique
According to reports, more than 50 people have been beheaded in northern Mozambique by militant Islamists. The beheadings are the latest in a series of gruesome attacks that the militants have carried out in the gas-rich Cabo Delgado province since 2017. The militants are linked to the Islamic State (IS) group, giving it a foothold in Southern Africa.
2. Russia's vaccine could be more effective than Pfizer's
Just two days after developers at Pfizer and Biontech said their vaccine has more than a 90% efficacy in preventing COVID-19, new data claims that Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine is more effective than Pfizer’s. However, the analysis is based on a smaller number of coronavirus cases. Russia said the safety of its vaccine is constantly being monitored and the observation of the trial’s participants will continue for six months before it presents a final report.
READ: Prof Salim Abdool Karim weighs in on Pfizer vaccine results, herd immunity, and SA transmission rate
3. Swimming banned at some Durban beaches due to water turning murky
The City of eThekwini has banned swimming at some Durban beaches as the risk of a shark attack might increase following recent heavy rainfall. In a statement issued on Thursday, the City said that in the interest of safety for residents and tourists, the Northern and Southern beaches were closed following heavy downpours in the past two days which have resulted in the seawater becoming murky.
The full story is available here.
4. Customers flock to adult book store after Trump news conference
The owner of Fantasy Island, the now famous adult book store next door to Four Seasons Total Landscaping, has spoken out about the attention his business has had following that disastrous press conference by the Trump administration. This was no doubt a bruising humiliation for Trump supporters, and a gift from sitcom heaven for comedy writers.
5. Billy Connolly to bow out of world of comedy next month
Sir Billy Connolly will be hosting his final TV special next month, before bowing out from the world of comedy altogether. He has enjoyed a prestigious career spanning 60 years, and is widely regarded to be one of the greatest stand-up comics of all time. Amid a battle with Parkinson’s disease, the 77-year-old is leaving the spotlight behind with a stand-up special entitled, 'Billy Connolly: It’s Been A Pleasure'.
READ: #5Things: US election fake news, Britney Spears wants freedom, helicopter crash, and more
IMAGE CREDIT: Twitter/Metro_ents