South African Teacher Faces Jail in China After Fatal Traffic Incident

The family of South African teacher Francois Van Zyl de Kock is fundraising to cover 880,000 yuan in compensation sought after a fatal traffic incident in Wuhan in August 2025. He faces a proposed prison sentence of 3-4 years. Funds are being raised through a promotional competition offering entries to win artwork.

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Source: OT-Team(G), The Citizen

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The family of South African teacher Francois Van Zyl de Kock has launched a public fundraising campaign to raise approximately 880,000 yuan (about R2.2 million) in compensation sought by the relatives of a Chinese woman who died following a traffic incident in Wuhan in August 2025.

Van Zyl de Kock, originally from Vanderbijlpark, has been held in detention in the central Chinese city for about three months after being arrested in connection with the incident. Prosecutors have reportedly proposed a prison sentence of between three and four years while legal proceedings continue under the Chinese judicial system.

  • Incident under investigation

According to statements released by his family, the accident occurred on the evening of 3 August 2025 during heavy rain, as Van Zyl de Kock was returning to his apartment on an electric scooter. Relatives say he had recently relocated to Wuhan after teaching in Hainan Province, hoping to expand his teaching career and pursue opportunities in rugby coaching.

The family maintains that poor visibility caused by a sudden downpour and low lighting conditions contributed to the incident. They said an elderly woman allegedly ran into the road from in front of a bus at around 10 p.m., and that Van Zyl de Kock believed he had not made contact with anyone and continued home.

Police later determined that a collision had occurred. The woman succumbed to injuries roughly one month after the incident. Van Zyl de Kock was arrested at his residence two days after the accident and informed of the case at that time, according to his relatives.

The family says he is cooperating fully with authorities and is represented by two lawyers in China.

  • Compensation claim and legal pressure

In addition to the potential custodial sentence, the deceased woman's family is seeking financial compensation totaling 880,000 yuan. Van Zyl de Kock's relatives describe themselves as a middle-class family unable to meet the amount without public assistance.

They added that he moved to China partly to improve his financial prospects, support his hearing-impaired son, and gain international work experience.

Family members say communication with him has been limited since his detention, heightening their concern as the legal process continues.

  • Fundraising campaign launched

To raise funds, the family has organized what they describe as a legally structured promotional competition compliant with South African regulations. For every R100 donated, contributors receive one entry into a draw to win an original artwork by late South African artist Frans Claerhout, valued between R55,000 and R80,000. A free entry option is also available, as required by law.

As of the latest updates, the campaign had raised just over R20,000 from fewer than two dozen donors — far short of the compensation amount being sought.

The case remains before Chinese courts, and no final judgment has yet been issued. Family members say their immediate priority is securing the requested compensation while continuing to support Van Zyl de Kock through the ongoing legal proceedings.

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Shanghai Events Guide : Food Deals, Live Music, Festivals (Feb-Mar 2025)

Guide to February-March 2025 events in Shanghai including food deals (RMB98 for 8 empanadas), free live music, festival previews (Holi on Mar 21), and reader-exclusive offers (RMB88 skate deal). Lists dates, prices, and venues.

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Until Saturday

Empanadas Deal @ Pampa Mia

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Last chance to take advantage of Pampa Mia's tasty Chinese New Year deal: get eight empanadas for the price of six.


That's RMB98 for more flavor and more value. Choose any flavor, baked or frozen. Just order one day ahead.


Until Sat Feb 28


Scan the QR code to order

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Wednesday

Chef Ash Lee Takeover @ BASTARD

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Chef Ash Lee is taking over BASTARD for one night on February 25.


Known for her Berlin restaurant CHUNGKING NOODLES and her Chinese-inspired pop-ups around the globe as OFFMENU.


As a Shanghai native forged by 20 years of experience in Berlin and Paris, Chef Ash brings a fun menu of offbeat flavours and combinations to the table, such as Strange Flavor Burrata and Clam & Salsiccia BBQ Stir-Fry. 


Book your table now for this one night in Kreuzberg.


Wed Feb 25, 6pm & 8.30pm


BASTARD Room 102, #30, 319 Jiaozhou Lu, by XInzha Lu 胶州路313弄,30号102室,近新闸路

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Medieval Games Night @ RIINK

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Medieval Games Night at RIINK. Participants enjoy 15% discounts on food and drink at RIINK diner. Scan the QR code to signup! 


Send a message to RIINK on WeChat with the secret code 'That's How I Roll' for a special RMB88 Skate & Shot Deal for That's Shanghai readers ONLY!


READ MORE: Exclusive ¥88 RIINK Deal for That's Shanghai Readers!


Wed Feb 25, from 6.30pm; RMB25


RIINK Shankang Li, Building 18, Room 102, 358 Kangding Lu, by Shaanxi Bei Lu 静安区康定路358陕康里18号楼102

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StoneSmith & Friends @ Cotton's

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The StoneSmith duo—Dave Stone and Greg Smith, plus special guests—will perform at Cotton's in celebration of the venue's grand reopening and the christening of its brand new indoor stage.


The performance runs from 7pm to 10pm. Come by to see, hear, and soak in the atmosphere.


Wed Feb 25, 7-10pm; Free Entry


Cotton's 294 Xinhua Lu, by Panyu Lu 新华路294 号, 近番禺路

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FOTO LIVE @ Fotografiska Shanghai

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Every Wednesday, Fotografiska Shanghai hosts a FOTO LIVE event, showcasing avant-garde jazz musicians on the fourth-floor lounge stage.


Enjoy captivating performances and meticulously crafted cocktails, and spend quality time with friends in a modern art-enriched ambiance.


The ticket price includes a general admission pass to Fotografiska Shanghai, providing access to all current exhibitions, in addition to an evening of live music.


READ MORE: 2 New Shows at Fotografiska Shanghai


Click below to get your tickets now:


Every Wed, 8-10pm; RMB80, ticket covers all ongoing exhibitions in Fotografiska


Fotografiska 4/F, 127 Guangfu Lu, by Jinyuan Lu, Jing'an District 光复路127近晋元路

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Thursday

Grapes N Grooves @ The Cannery

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Half price bottles of wine.


A funky soundtrack.


What's not to love?


Every Thu, 11.30am-Close, Music from 8.30pm; Free Entry


The Cannery 1107 Yuyuan Lu, by Jiangsu Lu, Changning District 愚园路1107号, 近江


20% Off!

For a limited time, snag RMB100 The Cannery vouchers for just RMB80!


Click below to get yours now:

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Selim Boudraa & Etienne Jeanne @ Cotton's

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Live music is back at Cotton's every Thursday night, best enjoyed at sunset with a drink in hand!


Come for the music, stay for the magic.


Thu Feb 26, 7-10pm; Free Entry


Cotton's 294 Xinhua Lu, by Panyu Lu 新华路294 号, 近番禺路

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Bingo Night @ Cages

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Get ready for Bingo Night at Cages, an exciting evening of thrilling games, incredible prizes, and delicious food and drinks.


Book your spot early and join the fun!


Thu Feb 26, from 8pm; Free Entry


Cages Jing'an 3/F, Jing'an Sports Center, 428 Jiangning Lu, by Wuding Lu 江宁路428号静安体育中心3近武定路

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Yiko & Les Hombres Blues Night @ House of Blues & Jazz

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Yiko & Les Hombres—Yiko Gu, Jorland Paulino, and Greg Smith—play the blues. With soulful grooves and decades of stage chemistry, they turn every set into a late-night juke joint revival.


Thu, Feb 26, 9pm; RMB50


House of Blues & Jazz 60 Fuzhou Lu, by the Bund, Huangpu District 福州路60号, 近外滩

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Friday

World Pancake Day @ Papito

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Celebrate World Pancake Day, a small reminder of how much joy a simple pancake can bring.


For Papito, pancakes are childhood memories, comfort moments, and little rewards after a long day.


So this Friday, when you purchase any pancake in their stores, they'll treat you to a FREE MINI Nutella pancake,  just to sweeten your day a little more.


Head to Papito and enjoy good pancakes and good vibes.


Fri Feb 27


All Papito locations across town

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Friday & Saturday

Nono's Nights @ Nono's

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Nono's launches Nono's Nights, a new late-night kitchen and bar running every Friday and Saturday from 10pm.


As dinner winds down, the dining room shifts into an after-hours space built for magnums, martinis, and moments that stretch well past midnight.


The cocktail program is curated by Tommy Wong (Hope & Sesame), spotlighting classics with a Chinese twist and will feature guest bartenders from leading bars in China and abroad.


Franklin Chiang presents a line-up of large-format magnums, available by the glass, designed for communal celebration.


Chef Chris Zhu anchors the night with a focused late-night menu: fried chicken, noodles, and pizza fritta. 


Walk-ins only.


Every Fri & Sat, from 10pm; Free Entry 


Nono's 2/F, 47 Yongfu Lu, by Wuyuan Lu, Xuhui District 永福路47号201室, 近五原路

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Saturday

Retro Skate Party @ RIINK

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Head to RIINK for a retro night of nostalgic music, free props for playful moments, and hearty diner-style fare. 


Welcome to New Year of the Horse with Eat, Drink, Skate, and Be Merry—celebrate good friends, great tunes, and timeless fun in a nostalgically chic, fun-loving atmosphere.


Send a message to RIINK on WeChat with the secret code 'That's How I Roll' for a special RMB88 Skate & Shot Deal for That's Shanghai readers ONLY!


READ MORE: Exclusive ¥88 RIINK Deal for That's Shanghai Readers!


Sat Feb 28, 7pm-Late; Free Entry


RIINK Shankang Li, Building 18, Room 102, 358 Kangding Lu, by Shaanxi Bei Lu 静安区康定路358陕康里18号楼102

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Shanghai 1930s @ Cotton's

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Take a musical step back in time at Cotton's beautiful villa.


Sat Feb 28, 7-10pm; Free Entry


Cotton's 294 Xinhua Lu, by Panyu Lu 新华路294 号, 近番禺路

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Chopin's Song of Strings and Keys - KJ Wong and Chengyan Shi Piano and Cello Concert @ Shanghai Concert Hall

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Experience a rare and complete journey through Chopin's music for cello and piano with two acclaimed young musicians: pianist KJ Wong (KJ黄家正) and cellist Chengyan Shi (史丞言).


The program is a special exploration of the 'Poet of the Piano's' intimate connection to the cello. It features all three of Chopin's major works for the instrument—pieces that bookend his career from youthful brilliance to final masterwork. 


These are interspersed with evocative arrangements of his famous solo piano études, preludes, and waltzes for the duo.


Wong, a Hong Kong-born pianist celebrated for his profound artistry, joins forces with the accomplished cellist Shi, former assistant principal of the Belgian National Orchestra. 


Together, they promise an evening of deep musical dialogue and poetic charm, offering a unique lens into Chopin's world.


Click below to get your tickets now:


Sat Feb 28, 7.30pm, RMB180-380


Shanghai Concert Hall 523 Yan'an Dong Lu, by Jinling Zhong Lu, Huangpu District 延安东路523号, 近金陵中路

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Bar Bash 2026 @ Café Gray Deluxe

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In honor of World Bartender Day, Upper House Shanghai's Café Gray Deluxe will unite five internationally acclaimed master mixologists, presenting Bar Bash 2026, featuring Eggsy from ALICE in Seoul (Ranked No. 13 on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025).


Joining him will be Filippo from BAR S-OTTO, Gary from DENTREE, Choni from POLAR, and Allen from ASIAN FLUSH, all based in Shanghai. 


Together, they will embark on a collaborative cocktail journey, curating a bespoke menu of 12 brilliant signature creations.


It's RMB88 per cocktail, or enjoy an early bird offer of RMB399 for any five cocktails on the night. Reservations: 021 3216 8088, [email protected]


Sat Feb 28, from 8pm


Café Gray Deluxe The Middle House, 3/F, 366 Shimen Yi Lu, by Weihai Lu, Jing'an District 门一路3663近威海路

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Sunday

St. David's Day Carvery @ Guinness Social

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The Guinness Social carvery is back, and it's arriving just in time for St. David's Day!


For just RMB198, guests can tuck into a feast of slow-roasted lamb, authentic Welsh cakes, and all the trimmings—all served up in celebration of Wales' patron saint.


For an extra RMB198, diners can also enjoy three hours of free flow drinks, including Becks, Sapporo, cider, house wines, spirits, and Aperol.


Fresh off being named Brunch of the Year at the 2025 That's Food & Drink Awards, this is one Sunday session not to be missed.


Scan the QR code to book now with Mark!


Sun Mar 1, 12 noon-7pm; RMB198


Guinness Social by Butler & White's No. 7-7, Tianzifang, Lane 210 Taikang Lu, by Sinan Lu, Huangpu District 田子坊7号7室, 泰康路210弄, 近思南路


20% Off!

For a limited time, snag RMB100 Guinness Social vouchers for just RMB80!


Click below to get yours now:

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Quiz & Carvery: We Love Movies @ BNC

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This weekend BNC quiz and carvery pairing has the theme We Love Movies.


Family-friendly, entry to the quiz is absolutely free and there are great prizes on offer—with some very special ones up for grabs!


The carvery is just RMB128 for adults, and RMB68 for kids, lasts from 1-4pm, and includes two meats (which change each week), two types of potato, three veg, and—of course—Yorkshire pudding with your choice of beef or onion gravy and horseradish.


Better still, you can add three hours of free flow drinks for just RMB168!


Scan the QR on the poster above to reserve your spot.


Sun Mar 1, from 1pm; Free Entry


BNC 685 Xikang Lu, by Changping Lu, Jing'an District 西康路685号, 近昌平路

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Monday

Magic City Monday @ Tacolicious

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Magic City Monday is back again to turn the week into something worth celebrating. Enjoy happy hour drinks all day alongside any two tacos for just RMB50, giving you the perfect excuse to gather friends, settle in, and keep the Tacolicious energy going. 


Starting March 2, they're open every day of the week, bringing more tacos, more margaritas, and more chances to make spontaneous plans.


Whether you're easing into the week or diving straight into the fun, Magic City Monday sets the tone. 


Swing by, grab your taco duo, sip something refreshing, and make Mondays part of your Tacolicious ritual.


Every Mon, 12-10:30pm


Tacolicious Room 104-105, 34 Yuyao Lu, by Xikang Lu 余姚路34号1幢104-105室, 近西康路


20% Off!

For a limited time, snag RMB100 Tacolicious vouchers for just RMB80!


Click below to get yours now:

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Ongoing

Demo Lesson @ Panda Education

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Since 2004, Panda Education has specialized exclusively in one-on-one Mandarin instruction. With a longstanding commitment to expert teaching at fair prices, the school has delivered professional Chinese language training to more than 29,000 expatriate students.


Whether a student's goals involve conversational skills, after-school tutoring, business Chinese, or HSK test preparation, Panda Education designs fully personalized courses to match their specific needs. Learners can choose between online and in-person formats—each seamlessly adapted to their schedule and preferences.


Why Choose a Demo Lesson?

  • Experience a tailored teaching methodology firsthand

  • Discuss specific learning objectives with an expert

  • Receive a professional assessment and customized course plan

  • Explore flexible learning formats to fit any lifestyle

Scan the QR code on the poster above to book your free demo lesson

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Wagyu Board @ Morton's The Steakhouse

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These are boards for true Wagyu enthusiasts, presenting a world-class tour of premium cuts, each with its own story.


The classic board offers three distinct experiences: the rich marbling of an Australian rump cap, the buttery texture of a New Zealand oyster blade, and the cultural fusion of an Australian ribeye cap.


For those seeking the ultimate indulgence, the premium board elevates the experience. It features a supremely tender filet mignon, a New York strip with notes of caramel and herbs, and a generously marbled ribeye steak.


Each cut is precisely sourced and graded, promising a memorable journey into the art of Wagyu.


All Feb; RMB688-1,288


Morton's The Steakhouse IFC Pudong, 4/F, 8 Shiji Da Dao, by Lujiazui Huan Lu, Pudong District 世纪大道8号, 国金中心IFC商场4楼, 近陆家嘴环路

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Cocktail of the Month: Moonlight Rose @ The Rooster

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This February, Moonlight Rose debuts as The Rooster Cocktail of the Month, served at the Happy Hour price of RMB48 during Happy Hour.


Crafted with Crimson Pangolin Peach Rose Gin, a Chinese botanical spirit infused with rose tea, hibiscus, apple, and peach, whether you're toasting new beginnings, celebrating together, or settling into a beautiful night out, this is one to crush.


One glass. Two celebrations. All of February.


All Feb


The Rooster 107, 445 Jiangning Lu, by Wuding Lu, Jing'an District 江宁路445107, 近武定路


20% Off!

For a limited time, snag RMB100 The Rooster vouchers for just RMB80!


Click below to get yours now:

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Looking Ahead

Rang Barse: Festival of Colors @ BU Castle on the Bund

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Get ready for Shanghai's biggest Holi celebration and embark on a chromatic journey with an open-air Festival of Colors partyRang Barse at BU Castle on the Bund.


Experience the joy, music, and vibrant energy of Holi at one of the most stunning rooftops of Shanghai, where breathtaking views meet endless festivities.


Feel the rhythm as top DJs spin electrifying beats, making Shanghai dance like never before. Immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of colors, laughter, and unforgettable memories with friends old and new.


This is more than just a party—it's a celebration of togetherness, joy, and new beginnings. So, wear white, bring your brightest energy, and make this Holi unforgettable!


Click below to get your tickets now:


Sat Mar 21, 12 noon-8pm; RMB218-258


BU Castle on the Bund 6/F, 99 Beijing Dong Lu, by Yuanmingyuan Lu 北京东路99号6/F, 近圆明园路

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