By Akhona Naliti

A tragic road crash has left seven people dead and several others injured after a fully-loaded minibus taxi collided with a bus in Kariega, sending shockwaves through the community.

According to the Eastern Cape Department of Transport, the taxi was transporting workers from KwaNobuhle to town when it allegedly made a sudden U-turn in front of an oncoming Algoa Bus, which was carrying only the driver at the time.

Department spokesperson Unathi Binqose said emergency teams treated 18 people at the scene.

“Two people suffered serious injuries, while several others sustained injuries of varying severity and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment,” Binqose said.

Emergency services responded quickly, but for seven passengers, help came too late.
Investigations are underway to determine exactly what led to the deadly collision.

By Phumlani Saul

Nelson Mandela Bay – 3 May — Rugby supporters were treated to an exciting day of international Under-20 action at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Sunday, as the young stars of South Africa national under-20 rugby union team and New Zealand national under-20 rugby union team delivered commanding performances in front of an energetic crowd.

Ultimate Rugby
South Africa national under-20 rugby union team 56 – 17 Australia U20

The headline fixture saw the Junior Springboks lock horns with Australia U20 in a bruising clash that showcased South Africa’s trademark physicality, pace and attacking flair.

Backed by vocal home support, the young Boks produced moments of brilliance on both sides of the ball, dominating key passages of play and underlining why they remain one of world rugby’s most exciting junior sides.

Australia showed resilience throughout, refusing to back down in a fiercely contested encounter, but South Africa’s intensity at the breakdown, powerful carries and sharp finishing proved decisive as the hosts stamped their authority on the match.

Earlier in the day, the Baby All Blacks put on a clinical display against Argentina U20, combining structure, speed and ruthless execution to outclass a spirited Pumas outfit.

Argentina national under-20 rugby union team 25 – 17 New Zealand national under-20 rugby union team

New Zealand’s youngsters looked polished in attack and composed under pressure, with their slick handling and tactical kicking game causing constant problems for Argentina.

Despite flashes of brilliance from the South Americans, New Zealand controlled possession and territory for long periods, once again showing the depth of talent coming through their rugby system.

Sunday’s double-header in Nelson Mandela Bay was a celebration of the future of international rugby — packed with passion, intensity and glimpses of tomorrow’s stars. For fans in the Bay, it was a reminder that the next generation of Springboks, All Blacks, Wallabies and Pumas is already knocking loudly on the door of the senior stage.

By Phumlani Saul

A suspected hit has left three cousins dead after they were carjacked, kidnapped and later executed in Nelson Mandela Bay during a long weekend soaked in blood.

The triple murder is one of several shocking violent incidents reported across the Bay, including a deadly shooting in Wells Estate on Sunday that left two dead and six seriously wounded, as well as a mob justice killing in Motherwell on Monday in which three men were killed.

According to residents, 38-year-old Thandekile Buzani and his cousins, Loyiso Mkhahluli, 29, and Lithembalamahlubi Tayi, 22, were sitting in a white Mazda 323 outside a rented house in Vukukhanye Street, KwaNobuhle, at about 8.30pm on Sunday when armed men struck.

Police say five suspects, two carrying firearms, approached the vehicle, demanded money and cellphones, and forced the three men away in their own car, leaving a fourth occupant behind.

Hours later, the Mazda was found abandoned in Algoa Road.
Then came the grim discovery.
Police were called to bushes near Old Uitenhage Road, close to Bethelsdorp, where the bodies of the three cousins were found riddled with bullets.

“Two victims were found lying close to each other, while a third was found a few metres away after police followed a trail of blood,” said police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg.
Investigators have since confirmed they were the same three men kidnapped in KwaNobuhle.

Heartbroken relatives described Buzani as ambitious, generous and determined to build a better life. Family members said he had recently bought two sedans using a disability payout after suffering a serious hand injury in 2019. He launched a jikeleza taxi business and hired his two cousins as drivers.

“He was a generous person who loved his family,” said his grandmother, Julia Buzani. “He wanted to renovate our home and buy us a fridge.”
Buzani leaves behind a wife and three children.

Mkhahluli’s mother, Nomonde Hobeni, said her son had no criminal links and was a caring father devoted to his family.
A grieving grandmother, Nomathemba Thys, broke down repeatedly, crying that she had now lost all her grandchildren.

Tayi’s father, Khayalethu, said the pain was unbearable.
“They were cousins. We are devastated,” he said. “I hoped my son would carry the family name forward.”

Police’s Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Investigation Unit is investigating charges of carjacking, kidnapping and three counts of murder. No arrests have yet been made.

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By Phumlani Saul

Gqeberha police are investigating a case of
carjacking and kidnapping that ended in the
discovery of three murder victims in Bethelsdorp.

Police spokesperson Capt Sandra Janse van
Rensburg said the bodies of the victims. aged
between 23 and 37, were discovered near Salt
Dams, Salt Lake Bethelsdorp, on Monday
morning She said two victims were found lving close to
each other. while a third was located a few metres
away after police followed a trail of blood.

“On Sundav at about 8.30pm a complainant
reported at SAPS Kwanobuhle the kidnapping and
carjacking in Vukukhanye Street, Kwanobuhle.

“It is alleged the complainant was seated inside a
white Mazda 323 with other occupants when they
were approached by five unknown males. two of
whom were armed with firearms.

“She said the suspects allegedly threatened the
victims at gunpoint and demanded money and
cellphones. “One suspect took control of the vehicle and drove
off with three occupants inside. while the
remaining victims were left at the scene.

“The suspects fled with the vehicle and two
cellphones. No shots were fired during the
incident. The vehicle was later recovered
abandoned in Algoa Road.”

Janse van Rensburg said the next day police were
called to a scene next to Old Uitenhage Road near
Salt Dams where the bodies of three adult males
were discovered with gunshot wounds.
“Preliminary investigations have confirmed the
three deceased are the same victims who were
kidnapped during the Kwanobuhle carjacking
incident.

“Cases of carjacking. kidnapping and triple
murder are under investization. No arests has
been made, and the suspects remain unknown at this stage.”

Anyone with information that could assist in the
investigation is urged to contact Lt-Col Monde
Sithole on 082-457-2812 or Crime Stop on 086-
001-0111.

By Akhona Naliti

Two Killed, Six Wounded in Mass Shooting in Gqeberha’s Wells Estate

Fear and shock have gripped residents of Gqeberha’s Wells Estate after a deadly mass shooting claimed the lives of two men and left at least six others wounded on Sunday afternoon.

Police confirmed that detectives have launched an investigation into a case of double murder and multiple attempted murders following the brazen attack, which unfolded at approximately 4:30pm in Masinga Street, Wells Estate.

According to police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, officers were on duty when they received reports of gunfire in the area and rushed to the scene.
“Upon arrival, police discovered the bodies of two adult men who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Both victims were declared dead at the scene,” said Janse van Rensburg.

Preliminary information gathered by investigators indicates that at least six other people were injured in the shooting, sending panic through the neighbourhood as emergency services and private vehicles scrambled to transport victims to nearby medical facilities for urgent treatment.

“The injured were taken to hospitals by ambulance services as well as by members of the community using private transport,” Janse van Rensburg confirmed.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased, pending formal identification procedures and notification of next of kin.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear, with police yet to make any arrests. Investigators are exploring all possible leads, including whether the shooting may be linked to ongoing criminal activity in the metro.

Sunday’s bloodshed has once again raised serious concerns over violent crime in parts of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, where communities continue to grapple with gun violence and deadly attacks.

Residents in Wells Estate described scenes of chaos and terror as multiple gunshots rang out, leaving families shaken and fearful.
One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “People started running in all directions when the shots went off. It was terrifying. We are tired of living in fear and violence in our community.”

Community leaders have called for greater police visibility and urgent intervention to tackle the escalating violence.
“Enough is enough. Our communities deserve safety and peace. Those responsible for this horrific act must be brought to justice,” a local community representative said.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has information that could assist the investigation to come forward.

As detectives continue combing through evidence, grieving families are left mourning yet another tragedy — while an entire community waits anxiously for answers.
No arrests had been made at the time of publication, and investigations remain ongoing.

By Phumlani Saul

GQEBERHA – Eastern Cape Fashion Week’s first-ever POP UP Edition made a striking impression, drawing a strong turnout and creating a vibrant platform for local designers to shine in a more intimate and engaging setting on Sunday.

Designed as a fresh extension of the annual Eastern Cape Fashion Week showcase, the POP UP Edition offered a stripped-down yet powerful celebration of fashion, creativity, and innovation.

The event focused on giving both emerging and established designers an opportunity to present their work to potential clients, industry buyers, and fashion enthusiasts, while building recognition for the talent emerging from the province.

Speaking about the vision behind the event, organisers described the POP UP Edition as a way to keep momentum alive between the main annual showcases while continuing to elevate designers and other creative voices in the fashion space.

Director Eastern Cape Fashion Week Busisiwe Nxele Told Daily Kasi News  “This is about creating a platform where designers  especially up-and-coming talent  can showcase their work, be seen by potential clients, connect with industry buyers, and receive the recognition they deserve,” Busisiwe said.

” Unlike previous editions, this showcase was intentionally crafted as a more intimate experience, allowing designers and guests to engage directly. Beyond the runway, attendees had the opportunity to interact with creatives, learn about their brands, and appreciate the craftsmanship behind each collection.” she added.

While the setting was more personal, the quality and passion remained unmistakably Eastern Cape Fashion Week — bold, elegant, and deeply rooted in creativity.

This year’s theme, “Fashion in the Age of AI,” added a forward-thinking dimension to the event, exploring how technology and artificial intelligence are beginning to influence design, production, and the future of fashion, while still preserving the artistry and originality at its core.

With a successful debut and overwhelming support from the fashion community, the POP UP Edition has positioned itself as an exciting addition to the Eastern Cape’s growing fashion calendar — proving that style, innovation, and local talent continue to thrive.

Mfundo Phama Fashion designer Told DK team” Eastern Cape Fashion Week is more than a runway — it is a platform that nurtures creativity, opens doors for emerging designers, and celebrates the rich fashion identity of the Eastern Cape.

” Through events like its first-ever Pop-Up Edition in Gqeberha, the initiative continues to create opportunities for local talent to be seen, recognised, and connected with industry leaders, buyers, and fashion lovers.” said Phama.

Siphokuhle Mehlo (27) ” Eastern Cape Fashion Week was inspiring. The event was more than just a fashion showcase — it was a celebration of creativity, culture, and the incredible talent emerging from the Eastern Cape.

” From the energy on the runway to the originality of each design, it created an atmosphere that made everyone in the room feel part of something special. It’s exciting to witness a platform that is truly uplifting local designers and giving them the recognition they deserve.”said Mehlo

By Phumlani Saul

Eastern Cape Fashion Week (ECFW) is set to break new ground with the launch of its first-ever Pop-Up Edition, taking place on Sunday, 26 April 2026, at The Gallery on Produce in Gqeberha.

Positioned as a prelude to the fourth official Eastern Cape Fashion Week, the pop-up event signals the continued growth of one of the province’s most influential fashion platforms.

Over the years, ECFW has carved out a reputation for elevating emerging designers, connecting them to wider markets, and showcasing Eastern Cape creativity on both local and national stages.

This latest edition introduces a fresh and immersive concept — a curated fashion market. The space will bring together designers, crafters and retailers in an interactive setting where guests can experience, engage with, and purchase local fashion directly from creators.

Organisers describe the event as more than just a showcase. “It’s a movement of creativity, culture and innovation,” they say, highlighting the platform’s ongoing mission to create opportunities and build meaningful connections between designers, buyers and audiences.

Among the featured highlights is Gqeberha’s renowned fashion brand, Hombakazi, known for its distinctive aesthetic and strong local identity.
Visitors can expect a lively atmosphere, complete with a vibrant fashion marketplace, local food vendors, music, and a style-conscious crowd.

This year’s theme, “Fashion in the Age of AI – A Glitch in the Stitch,” explores the intersection of technology and human creativity. It reflects on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the fashion industry, while celebrating the imperfections and authenticity that define human craftsmanship.

The concept embraces the idea that flaws and “glitches” can spark innovation and originality in an increasingly digital world.
A selection of designers from across the Eastern Cape will present collections inspired by the theme.

These include talents from Nelson Mandela Bay, Buffalo City Metro, Chris Hani District, Joe Gqabi District and OR Tambo District, reflecting the province’s diverse and dynamic fashion landscape.

The event programme will begin with the opening of the fashion market at 15:00, followed by the main fashion show at 17:00. Tickets are priced at R250 and are available through Webtickets, Pick n Pay and Boxer stores.

The Pop-Up Edition is supported by key partners, including the National Arts Council and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, with additional backing from sponsors such as Woolworths Beauty (Walmer Park), The Legends Barber, Sunrise Hotel and Audi Nelson Mandela Bay.

With its blend of innovation, culture and style, the Eastern Cape Fashion Week Pop-Up Edition promises to deliver a bold and memorable fashion experience.

By Phumlani Saul

Chilling details of a night of terror endured by two teenagers emerged in an indictment on Wednesday as men accused of taking turns to rape them, before allegedly stabbing them to death and burning their bodies, made their first appearance in the Gqeberha high court.

The murders of Sinothando Malinga, 19, and Ibanathi Peter, 17, in KwaNobuhle in June 2025 sent shockwaves across Nelson Mandela Bay, resulting in mass protests at the Kariega magistrate’s court when the accused made their first appearance.

The charred bodies of the two high school pupils were found in an open field on the edge of the Nyosi Wildlife Reserve near Fourth Avenue in Khayelitsha.

Three of the four accused, who cannot be named until they have pleaded to the rape charges, briefly took to the dock of the high court on Wednesday morning.

They are represented by Legal Aid SA.
The fourth man could not appear in court because he was incarcerated for an unrelated matter.

The trial was accordingly postponed to May 22.
According to the detailed charge sheet, the accused allegedly acted in concert when they unlawfully and intentionally conspired with one another to kill Malinga and Ibanathi.They face charges of conspiracy, rape, murder, housebreaking, kidnapping, defeating the ends of justice and intimidation.

The accused allegedly stabbed the teenagers with a knife or sharp object.
The charge of defeating the ends of justice relates to when they allegedly burnt their bodies.

According to the state, the accused had broken into a house in Hlosi Street, KwaNobuhle, on June 17 2025.
At the time, Malinga and Ibanathi were in the house, with friends.

“The accused, acting in concert and execution of a common purpose, unlawfully and with intent to deprive [the occupants] of their freedom of movement, forcefully held them inside the house while they [allegedly] raped and killed Malinga and Ibanathi,” court papers read.

The accused allegedly went further, threatening the other occupants in a bid to stop them reporting what had happened to the police.

The state said if the men were convicted, they would call for life sentences.
The prosecution believes the murders were premeditated and committed by a group of people or a syndicate acting in concert and in the furtherance of common purpose or conspiracy.

The victims were each raped more than once.
Ibanathi was just a child, the state said.
KwaNobuhle community leader and crime activist Tamsanqa Nkevu, who indicated that he was instrumental in the arrest of the accused, said he was disappointed that he had not been updated with the progress in the matter.

Ibanathi’s aunt, Phatiswa Mtwalo, told Daily Kasi News “The family was still hurting.

“We’re really hurt about what happened. We have flashbacks. We still have unanswered questions.

We need to know why they felt the need to do this … to kill in such a brutal manner.

“I’m sick. I live on tablets. Iba’s murder hit me very hard. She’s supposed to be doing her last lap this year [in school] and go to university.”said Phatiswa Mtwalo

By Thulisile Mapongwana

Economic Freedom Fighters leader, Julius Malema, has been sentenced to an effective five years in jail on Thursday for firing an assault rifle at a rally eight years ago.

Hundreds of red-clad supporters of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party leader gathered outside the court for the sentencing in the politically charged case.

Large groups of EFF supporters also gathered in other cities, including Johannesburg, to watch the sentencing broadcast live from the court in the city of KuGompo, formerly called East London.

Magistrate Twanette Olivier said Malema, 45, had deliberately violated firearm laws by shooting a gun in the air at an EFF rally in 2018 in a planned event.

“It wasn’t… an impulsive act,” the magistrate said. “It was the event of the evening.”

“The decision to break the law has been made and it was made with the approval of the accused person, and the leadership,” she said.

Malema’s defence said the shots were only intended to be celebratory.

The state had been seeking the maximum 15-year jail term for Malema, who was found guilty in October. His defence team said they would appeal the conviction and the sentence.

The EFF says the case is an attempt to silence its outspoken leader, who is known for fiery speeches.

With this sentence, Malema stands to lose his seat in parliament.

Party supporters have threatened protests should their leader be jailed.

The magistrate stressed it “is not a political party who has been convicted here… it is a person, an individual.”

The case against the EFF leader was brought by the small, conservative group AfriForum.

Malema has long been criticised by AfriForum, notably for his use at rallies of an anti-apartheid chant, “Kill the Boer” — a word for the country’s white Afrikaner population.

The says it is hate speech and incites anti-white violence. This has been rejected by the courts.

While the chant is controversial in South Africa, courts have ruled it does not constitute hate speech and should be considered in the context of the struggle against white-minority rule, which ended in 1994.

The Afrikaner lobby group has brought its long-standing complaints against Malema to the attention of US President Donald Trump.

Trump showed clips of Malema chanting the slogan at talks at the White House with President Cyril Ramaphosa in May last year.

“But why wouldn’t you arrest that man?” Trump asked Ramaphosa, referring to Malema.

The EFF won under 10 percent of votes in the 2024 general elections, and has 39 seats in parliament.

Malema’s sentencing was welcomed by the centre-right Democratic Alliance, the second largest political party in the country after Ramaphosa’s African National Congress.

“Gun violence is out of control in South Africa, so any crime involving illegal gunfire is extremely serious. It’s important to punish illegal firearm crimes harshly,” party leader Geordin Hill-Lewis said in a statement.

By Thulisile Mapongwana

EFF leader Julius Malema is likely to be sentenced on Thursday in his firearms case in the Magistrates Court in KuGompo City.

This follows a full day of pre-sentencing proceedings on Wednesday, where both the State and the defence wrapped up arguments before Magistrate Twannette Olivier reserves judgment.

Malema was previously convicted on five charges relating to contraventions of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.

The State is pushing for a minimum sentence of 15 years’ direct imprisonment, arguing that Malema, as a Member of Parliament and public figure, should be held to a higher standard.

“The accused is a Member of Parliament, a lawmaker — yet he is the one who broke the law,” prosecutor Joel Cesar argued. “If it were anyone else, he would be calling for imprisonment, but now he seeks a non-custodial sentence.”

However, defence advocate Laurence Hodes SC rejected this approach, telling the court it would be “grossly unfair” to use Malema’s political position against him while also insisting he be treated as an ordinary citizen.

“You cannot have it both ways,” Hodes argued. “On the one hand, you say treat him like everyone else. On the other hand, you rely on his status to justify a harsher sentence.”

Hodes further criticised the State’s reliance on case law involving violent offenders, saying: “These are cases dealing with gangsters. The context here is entirely different.”

He told the court the incident was brief and not premeditated. “This was a single, continuous event lasting less than a minute,” he said, adding that although multiple shots were fired, “only one live round could be forensically linked, which makes the sentence proposed disproportionate.”

The defence also pointed out that the firearm was returned before judgment was delivered. “If there was any ongoing criminal intent, that firearm would not have been handed back,” Hodes submitted.

He emphasised that no one was harmed and no property was damaged. “There is no evidence of injury, no damage, and no witness who testified that they were placed in fear,” he said.

On sentencing, Hodes told the court that imprisonment should not be treated as automatic. “Sentencing is not a perfect exercise,” he argued. “There is always a range of appropriate sentences, and imprisonment is not the default.”

He added: “To send a person to prison for a single event of this nature would be shockingly inappropriate.”

The defence maintained that similar cases involving possession and discharge of firearms have often resulted in fines or suspended sentences, and warned that a custodial sentence would amount to unfairly singling out the accused.

Meanwhile, the State argued that a strong message must be sent, particularly in light of a growing trend of celebratory gunfire at public events.

Lobby group AfriForum’s Community Safety Spokesperson, Jacque Broodryk, echoed the State’s concerns, saying Malema playing the race card was also growing old. The lobby group took Malema to court over the 2018 incident, saying they were ready to do it again.

“The EFF race card has expired, its old and boring. Their leadership needs to start taking responsibility for the reckless, illegal actions.

We’ve seen this become a culture where people fire in and shots into the air and doing celebrations and funerals during birthday parties.”

He said they were busy compiling charges against another politician who had recently fired shots into the air during a funeral.

He said that while they cannot pre-empt the sentence, it should be harsh enough to prevent others from reenacting what Malema has been doing.

“We need to set an example to say that when you act reckless like this and endanger people’s lives, there are going to be consequences that you do not want to deal with.” Broodryk concluded.

Magistrate Olivier is expected to deliver the sentencing on Thursday.

Addressing his supporters outside the courtroom, Malema said the outcome of the case does not matter as there is already a guilty verdict.

“We are going to appeal this case until the highest court in the land.

When you are appealing, it does not mean you don’t show remorse; it means you disagree with the conclusion of the Magistrate, and therefore you appeal.”

Malema concluded, and his EFF supporters marched back to Jan Smuts Stadium, where they have been booked for the duration of the proceedings.