By Phumlani Saul, Olwethu Nyawo and Nomalungelo Booi

Voting got off to a slow and chilly start at several voting stations in New Brighton on Wednesday, with some glitches delaying the process — including a missing password.

At Ben Sinuka Primary School, where scores of voters lined up at the designated voting station, Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) officials did not have the password to scan IDs to assist with the counting of voters.

The presiding officer at the voting station, who declined to be named, said they had been trying to get hold of their colleagues to get the password.

“We haven’t been able to scan anyone since we started working this morning,” the officer said.

“We have been trying to call people at the office to assist us and are still waiting. But voting has not been affected.”

At Jarvis Gqamlana Primary School, presiding officer Sibuyile Hlungwini said it was mostly the elderly who arrived at the station early in the morning.

He said they had experienced network issues, making it difficult to operate the voter management device (VMD).

“The VMD works intermittently, but we are using the voters roll as back up which makes things easier because it’s in alphabetical order.”

IEC spokesperson Sanda Nodada said there were minor issues at some stations.

“There were a few technical glitches when stations were opening with a delay of about five minutes but this was resolved.”

Nodada said the voter management devices could work offline without a signal.

“They work offline to check whether a person is registered and ballots are to be issued.

“The voter’s roll is not a backup but rather it is used to check if a voter is registered as well and mark them as voted,” Nodada said.

KWADWESI RUN SMOOTHLY:

Despite threats of protests, voting in KwaDwesi went smoothly on Wednesday morning, with scores of young and old people arriving to cast their ballots.nul

A strong police presence ensured voters’ safety.

“I’m thrilled to be here today,” Palesa Payi said at the Sango Methodist Church.

“It’s important to make our voices heard, and the atmosphere has been positive.”

Protesters promised on Tuesday to shut down voting stations in the area, in a bid to grab the government’s attention.

In the Westville informal settlement, residents blocked a section of Gwancu Street with burning tyres on Tuesday, demanding long-awaited promises of houses, sewage systems and roads to be fulfilled.

They torched a bus and chased away special voters.

Ward 36 councillor Khanyisa Mani said the situation was under control.

BY Nomalungela Booi

PARENTS and pupils in Nzondelelo, Eastern Cape, are worried after some kids were allegedly assaulted on Friday, 24 May. It was reported that a group known for wearing camouflage uniform, which was set by the principal to discipline misbehaving pupils, stormed the school and caused chaos.

The group was reportedly brought in to address substance abuse issues at the school, but what was expected to be a normal school day turned chaotic with pupils getting injured.

A 42-year-old parent told Daily kasi  they don’t have a problem with the school acting against offenders, but it should be done the right way. 

“We thought the group would visit the school and address the issue of substance abuse, not hurt children,” said the parent.

Some parents believe the group may be connected to various security groups in Gqeberha that are currently involved in a deadly gang war

A 20-year-old grade 11 pupil said the group separated about 28 pupils and searched them one-by-one. 

“They found some of us with cigarettes, dagga and rizzlas. They assaulted and slapped us. I went home bleeding. Some pupils are non-smokers but were also assaulted. They also took our money and told us to never smoke again,” he said. 

Pupils also claimed some were beaten up for not wearing full school uniform.

On Friday, parents held a meeting with teachers and members of the School Governing Body (SGB). It’s reported the principal apologised and urged pupils not to continue coming to school with substances. 

However, when Daily Kasi tried to contact the SGB, they refused to comment on the matter.

Eastern Cape education spokesman Malibongwe Tima confirmed that the principal didn’t hire any gangsters to beat up pupils.

“The principal implemented Section 8A of the South African Schools Act as amended, which empowers him to delegate a person or persons to conduct a search. We, however, condemn any physical assault against anyone. The school governing body has addressed the issue with the parents, together with pupils,” said Tima.

By Phumlani Saul

HE LIVED a lavish lifestyle all his life – and even in the grave he still had cash, cellphones and expensive clothes!

His friends and some family members poured beer into his grave and tossed in money, cellphones and expensive clothes as an expression of their love for the Skhothane King.

There was singing and dancing, drinking and crazy displays of riches as his friends celebrated his short life at Mathanzima Cemetery on Friday.

Paulos Mandl’endoda from Rocklands Farm, outside Kariega, took his own life over a love tragedy.

He was 27 years old. According to his family, the father of three committed suicide on Mother’s Day by drinking beer laced with rat poison.

At the cemetery, people were screaming, “Fakani futhi! Put more!” calling for clothes, cellphones and money to be thrown into the grave.

Jeannette Mandl’endoda, Paulos’ sister, told Daily Kasi News they knew Paulos as a man of style, so they let his friends celebrate him the way they wanted.

“We could not oppose the manner they wanted to celebrate him. When they poured beer and put money and clothes into the grave, we understood that it was the same way they did things when he was still alive,” she said

Meanwhile, Rhamba liyathwethwa, a cultural expert, said what the young people had done was pure disrespect.

“This undermines our culture. It is a meaningless publicity stunt created by people who seek fame,” he said.

“There is nothing respectful about people pouring beer into a dead person’s final resting place. If they wanted to celebrate him, they should have done it while he was still alive.”

By Andisa Bonani

An eight-year-old boy died in a shack fire on Friday evening while his mother was hanging laundry at a neighbouring property in NU 30, Motherwell.

Babanyane Mbalane was asleep in his parent’s shack after he returned home from playing when neighbours noticed heavy smoke coming from the shack. 

Seconds later it was engulfed by the blaze, making it almost impossible to get inside to save Babanyane.

Police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge said the incident happened at about 5.40pm.

“The shack completely burned out from an unknown cause in Sininzi Street, NU30, Motherwell,” he said.

An inquest docket has been opened and an investigation will be conducted by Motherwell officers. 

Community members collected water with buckets in an attempt to douse the fire, but low water pressure in the taps slowed their efforts.

Babanyane’s stepfather, Mthetheleli Mjekula, said he and another resident had to break the plumbing mechanism in the toilets to get stronger-flowing water.

“Everything happened so quickly. We kicked the door open and huge flames could be seen,” he said.

“We managed to put out the fire eventually and the fire brigade arrived after the fact.”

Mjekula said he suspected the fire was as a result of faulty electricity connections in the area.

“All of us in this area experience the same thing. When we use electricity, sparks come from the plugs or sometimes the meter box itself.

“So you can imagine that if a small shack like ours catches fire everything will be destroyed.”

Ward 54 committee chair Xolie Mestile said this was not the first time shacks had burned because of the faulty electricity connection in the area.

Formal electricity connections were installed in 2018 by the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality.

“This area has been experiencing electricity issues which pose danger to the residents for a while now and no-one is stealing electricity here because we all have meter boxes.”

She said there were often sparks from electricity poles as had been the case in April when three families were displaced after their shacks caught fire and burned down.

“We don’t know what needs to be done before the municipality acts because we don’t want to experience any more tragedies.

“If nothing is being done about this electricity, I’m afraid more shacks will burn and that puts everyone’s life in danger because one shack burning, depending on how big the blaze is, can cause the next to catch fire.”

Resident Siphokazi Oniwe whose shack burned down in April, said she had been at a funeral when she heard her home had burned down. 

“I later found out that the fire had started at the electricity pole and my neighbour was cooking at the time.

“I don’t know what happened, but her shack caught fire, which also affected mine and another neighbour’s.

“Everything I owned was destroyed. I could only save a couch. Now I have been placed in an open field alone and I don’t feel safe here as a woman.”

Infrastructure and engineering political head  Khanya Ngqisha said they had not been aware of the electricity and water issues in the area and would follow up.

“These issues have never been brought to our attention before and now that we are aware we will zoom into it and ensure the community is assisted to avoid further incidents.

“We convey our condolences to the affected family and urge residents to practise caution until a lasting solution on the electricity matter is achieved.”

By Phumlani Saul

A Kariega mother  was shot and killed in Rosedale on Thursday evening as she was returning home from a nearby shop. 

Keziah Kleinbooi, 23, died on the scene in Pelican Street while a 16-year-old girl, who had accompanying her, was hospitalised after sustaining several gunshot wounds.

Kleinbooi was a mother of two, a six month old and 3-year-old.

Police spokesperson captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said the motive for shooting was suspected to be gang-related.

“The anti-gang unit is investigating a case of murder and attempted murder after two women were shot on Saturday in Kamesh.

“It is alleged that at approximately 9:10pm the women were found lying with multiple gunshot wounds in Kamesh.

“One 23-year-old woman died on the scene while the other  was taken to hospital for treatment.”

Janse van Rensburg said anyone who could assist identify the unknown suspects should contact the police.

By Asanda Welani

“Unleash Your Creativity” the closing date for the call is next week 10 May 2024.

The fashion industry in the Eastern Cape is set to get a major boost with the upcoming 3rd Annual Eastern Cape Fashion Week in 2024. Ebubeleni Festival Projects NPC is inviting all talented fashion and textile designers in the region to showcase their creations at this prestigious event.

Formerly known as Ebubeleni Fashion Show/Week, the Eastern Cape Fashion Week has rebranded and is now open to all designers in the Eastern Cape, not just those based in Nelson Mandela Bay. This change aims to provide a platform for all local designers to shine and celebrate their creativity.

Designers interested in participating can apply online at http://www.ecfashionweek.co.za, with applications closing

on 10th May 2024. The selected designers will have the opportunity to showcase their work at the Fashion Week in August, alongside Nelson Mandela University’s fashion design students, guest designers, and performing artists.

Organized by Ebubeleni Festival Projects, a Non-Profit Company dedicated to promoting arts, culture, and fashion in the region, the Fashion Week aims to support and develop the Eastern Cape fashion industry. The event promises to be a celebration of style, creativity, and innovation in fashion.

Namhla Fihla, one of the organizers, expressed excitement about this year’s event, calling it a vital platform for the local fashion industry. The 3rd Eastern Cape Fashion Week will take place in Gqeberha during Women’s month from the 7th to the 10th of August 2024.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a fashion extravaganza that showcases the best of Eastern Cape’s design talent and marks a significant milestone in the region’s fashion industry. Stay tuned for more details about the upcoming Fashion Week.

By Phumlani Saul

WIG thugs are on the prowl in Motherwell Gqeberha!

While people know they have to hold on to their bags and cellphones, now cops have warned women to hold on to their wigs too. 

According to police spokesman Captain Xoli Mbele, wig snatching is a common trick. 

Mbele has urged women to report the theft so they can send cops to patrol the hot spots

Xoliswa Ndlazi (35), from Zwide, Gqeberha was robbed last Saturday. 

Xoliswa said she had just bought a wig to wear for her brother’s wedding.

“I was so excited and removed my old wig to try the new one.

“While walking to a taxi rank in Zwide , a man just snatched the wig and made a run for it.”

Xoliswa said although people saw what happened, the thug was just too quick for them. 

“I went back to the woman I had bought the wig from but she was gone. I was told she worked with the thugs. 

She said she tried to reach her on her cellphone but it was off.

“That proved she knew something,” said Xoliswa, who paid R400 for the wig
Some of the women claimed to have lost Brazilian wigs worth about R3 500 each

“The other vendors told me after selling you the weave, the woman points you out to her friends who snatch it back.”

By PHUMLANI SAUL

A man has been killed after climbing through the sunroof of a moving vehicle to car surf before falling off the roof and breaking his neck in Motherwell, UN2 Eastern Cape.

The horrific 25-second video taken by a passenger in another car shows the soon-to-be victim getting onto the roof of a Volkswagen Polo in Jabavu Street.

He raised himself to his feet and pointed his arms skywards but after just five seconds he fell onto his backside and somersaulted off the back of the car to his death.

The car surfer landed head first and was reported to have broken his neck and died instantly.

Some responded with sympathy, while others said his stupidity cost him his life in over 850 comments on the socials Arrive Alive as the video went viral.

As the man, who is barefoot and wearing white trousers and a maroon shirt, got to his feet on the VW Polo roof, the driver of the vehicle behind him said: ‘I don’t know what this Oke is doing.

‘He’s lost his mind, lost his mind.’

The car surfer then staggers and grabs the side of the roof before tumbling backwards off the rear of the car head first towards the road.

He hits the ground head first with an impact that caused almost certain instant death and those on the Socials quoting local sources said that the victim had snapped his neck.

The driver hoots his horn and says: ‘Ja I was waiting for that. I was waiting for that’.

The body of the man lies unmoving on the road following the sound of the sickening thud when his head hit the ground and the VW Polo comes to a halt thirty yards up the road.

Another person posted: ‘At least he’s not around anymore to pass on his idiocy to his offspring.

On X Thembela khuzani wrote: ‘Yes it was a stupid thing to do but frankly everyone has done something dumb in our youth and fortunately have lived to tell the tale.

‘This youngster’s family are in bits and my sympathy to his family and I pray he rests in peace.’

Kellogs Ngobeni added: ‘His ancestors were calling him and he answered’.

The South African Police Service press office said “ I can confirm the tragic incident that happen in Nu 2 around 15:45. A 27-years old man has been killed after climbing through the sunroof of a moving vehicle to car surf before falling off the roof and breaking his neck. Police are investigating.

By Chumani Koko

A Kariega man arrested for allegedly faking his own kidnapping was released on R7,000 bail on Wednesday.

Xolile Ben Douw, 52, disappeared on April 16 and allegedly led his family to believe he had been abducted, even demanding a R60,000 ransom.

He was found in KwaNobuhle on Saturday and arrested.

“Xolile Douw appeared in the Kariega magistrate’s court on charges of defeating the ends of justice and extortion,” Hawks spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela said. on Wednesday afternoon. 

“He was released on R7,000 bail and will  appear in court again on May 23, pending investigations.”

Douw was meant to deliver a lecture at a school on the outskirts of Kariega on the day he disappeared, but failed to turn up.

He was reported missing the next day.

Armand du Preez, a Kariega businessman and chair of Emerging Farmers, who then offered a R20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the abductors, said Douw remained his friend.

By Phumlani Saul

A young woman drowned at the Gqeberha harbour on Thursday morning after accidentally driving a new car off a vessel into the sea.

Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said the 32-year-old woman had been found trapped inside the vehicle at about 3.45am.

Witnesses said the woman had been working at the vehicle terminal and while driving a Ford Ranger onto the vessel, the vehicle had accelerated and plunged into the harbour, she said.

“The woman could not exit the vehicle, which subsequently submerged and she drowned.

“Her body was retrieved. Her name is being withheld until her next of kin has been informed.”

Janse van Rensburg said Humewood police were investigating the incident.

This is a developing story.