Monday's news

16 Dec 2013

Mandela laid to rest in hometown of Qunu, remembered as a freedom fighter and loving patriarch. In other news, it’s snowing in the desert.

Mandela laid to rest

South Africa’s son, Nelson Mandela, was laid to rest during a state funeral in his hometown of Qunu over the weekend. Mandela was remembered as a freedom fighter, ground-breaking politician and loving patriarch during the service. His granddaughter spoke on behalf of his family and President Jacob Zuma vowed South Africa’s continued support for building a free and democratic South Africa. Read more.

Indonesian President determined to repair relations

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is determined to repair relations with Australia before he leaves office in 2014, telling The Australian that while the phone tapping hurt him personally, he wants to repair the relationship as part of his legacy for Indonesia. Watch the video on Sky News.

Peter O’Toole dies, aged 81

Star of Oscar-winning Lawrence of Arabia, Peter O’Toole has died, aged 81. Tributes have been flowing for the film legend who died after a long battle with illness. Read what those in the entertainment industry have been saying about the actor.

Snow in the desert

It has snowed in Cairo for the first time in 112 years. Incredible pictures show the city blanketed in white, with snow reported on Mount Sinai and Saint Catherine’s monastery. See the pictures of the powerful winter storm affecting parts of the Middle East.

Spy plane may have filmed Madeleine’s kidnappers

A spy plane on a NATO exercise may have filmed the people who kidnapped Madeleine McCann. A military aircraft took photos of the coastline on the day the three-year-old disappeared with the images reportedly clear enough to identify faces. Nine News has more.

Gun found on NT beach dates back 250 years

An old swivel gun found on a Northern Territory beach had allegedly been on the seabed for as long as 250 years, pre-dating Captain Cook. Scientists say this may show that there was previously unknown foreign contact with Australian shores. Read about the incredible study on Sky News.