www.nytimes.com What is the Hajj? What to Know About the Pilgrimage and Saudi Arabia’s Preparations
Millions will make the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. The kingdom faces scrutiny over safety after more than 1,300 people died last year.
Amid Rising Heat, Hajj Becomes Test of Endurance for Pilgrims and Saudi Arabia
The hajj, one of the largest annual human gatherings in the world, begins on Wednesday in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Amid rising temperatures and logistical challenges, the pilgrimage has increasingly become a test of endurance both for pilgrims and the Saudi government.
Millions of Muslims from around the world travel to the city to take part; Saudi Arabia said 1,475,230 pilgrims from abroad have arrived since Sunday. Last year, the Saudi government said more than 1,300 pilgrims died, many from Egypt. Most of those who perished had been unregistered, Saudi officials said, meaning they had made the trip without the permits that gave them access to heat protections.
South Africa's hunt for 'Tiger' - alleged illegal mining kingpin
www.bbc.com South Africa illegal mining: The hunt for alleged Stilfontein kingpin Tiger
The BBC tracks down people close to the alleged crime kingpin who escaped custody while awaiting trial.
Nobody in South Africa seems to know where Tiger is.
The 42-year-old from neighbouring Lesotho, whose real name is James Neo Tshoaeli, has evaded a police manhunt for the past four months.
Detained after being accused of controlling the illegal operations at an abandoned gold mine near Stilfontein in South Africa, where 78 corpses were discovered underground in January, Tiger escaped custody, police allege.
Four policemen, alleged to have aided his breakout, are out on bail and awaiting trial, but the authorities appear no closer to learning the fugitive's whereabouts.