We are hardly through the year and have already experience some of the most shocking news stories of the year. 2015 has been an eventful year already and LiveSA has rounded up some of the news  stories that shook the world in the past six months.

1 Oscar’s release date set for August

Oscar Pistorius is expected to be  released from prison on August 21, after serving just 10 months for murdering his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day 2013.

2 2010 FIFA World Cup scandal 

The FBI released a report in which they allege that the South African government  paid a $10 million bribe to secure the country as the host of the 2010 Fifa World Cup. The government has denied this and they are claiming that the money was to be used for development.

3 Tourist Killed in Lion Park Attack

An American tourist was killed at Lion Park in Joburg, following a savage attack that began when a lioness leaped through her open passenger window and mauled her to death.

4 The Nkandla Report

Opposition parties rejected the report by Police Minister, Nkosinathi Nhleko, which acquitted President Jacob Zuma of any financial liability following the R246 million upgrades to his Kwazulu Natal home.

5 Rhodes Must Fall

Students in Cape Town rallied against the statue of historical figure, Cecil John Rhodes, and eventually demanded that it be removed from the University of Cape Town (UCT) campus, where it has been since 1908. This prompted similar protests at other universities across the country including Stellenbosch, Wits and Rhodes University. Watch our coverage of Rhodes falling here.

6 Xenophobic Attacks

Foreign-owned shops were looted, people were injured including a man who was stabbed to death – in front of cameras – in Alexandra township in Johannesburg. This was one of the worst instances of xenophobia that South Africa has seen since the 2008 attacks and we still don’t have a proper plan in place to stop such attacks in the future.

7 Al-Bashir in South Africa

This just in, Sudanese president Omar Al-Bashir who was in South Africa attending the 2015 African Union summit has apparently left the country ahead of his arrest for war crimes committed during the conflict in Darfur. As a signatory to the International Criminal Court (ICC), South Africa is obliged to oversee the leader’s detainment.

8 Blast Kills dozens in Accra

At least 200 people died after an explosion at The Goil Fuel Station in the Ghanaian capital of Accra on June 3 following torrential rains that caused severe flooding in the region.

9 Capetonian Girl nearly joins ISIS

Earlier this year, a young girl was detained at the Cape Town International airport after it was revealed that she was allegedly en route to join the notorious group, IS.

10 Murder in unlikely places

Four people, including a woman, and a police major were killed when a constable arrived at the Alexandria police station, north of Johannesburg  and opened fire before fleeing. After being followed home, the murderous officer was killed in a gun battle with police.

Words by: @RaeezJacobs