BY PHUMLANI SAUL

Kariega detectives in KwaNobuhle have launched a manhunt for suspects who allegedly gunned down a man on Tuesday night, 28 February.

According to Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, it is alleged that at about 8pm police attended to a complaint of a shooting in Khama Street, Kwanobuhle.

On arrival they found the deceased Loyiso Nxati(40) in front of his house with gunshot wounds to the head and left shoulder.

“It is further alleged that suspects, two armed with firearms fired multiple shots at the deceased while he was seated in his stationary vehicle,” Janse van Rensburg said.

She said the suspects allegedly fled on foot.

“A case of murder is under investigation and the motive for the shooting is unknown at this stage,” Janse van Rensburg added.

Anyone who can assist with any information relating to the shooting, is asked to contact Captain Vernel Arries at 082 442 0963 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111

BY PHUMLANI SAUL

MADALA Maliza Mhlekazi (78) and his wife are about to call it quits because of Eskom.

The 78-year-old accused the power utility of being the reason his wife Junie Mhlekazi (71) moved out of their home.

He said Junie was now living with relatives because she wasn’t coping without electricity as she suffered from chronic diseases. She said some of her medicine needed to be said he and his wife were suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes, but his wife’s condition was worse.

“I’m not happy. I lost weight because I cannot eat properly. I am worried about my wife. I love and miss her,” he said.

The madala from Gunguluza area 9, Kariega, said his cable, which connects electricity into his house, was stolen on 12 January while they were sleeping.

He said when his wife was around, they would spend time sharing stories and enjoyed being together.

“It’s like Eskom has made me divorce my wife,” said Maliza.

He said officials must come and fix the cable.

Mhlekazi said it seemed Eskom didn’t care about senior citizens.

He said he was angry with the thugs who stole his cable and left him in darkness.

Police spokeswoman Precilla Naidoo said: “As per the case number provided, a theft general case has been opened with the police.”

Nelson mandela bay Eskom spokeswoman Amanda Qithi said they were investigating both matters and once they were done, they would send a full response.

BY YOLANDA PALEZWENI

First Kwazakhele, now Motherwell rocked by deadly attacks

While Kwazakhele residents remain in shock after a string of brazen shootings, the violence has spilt over to another Nelson Mandela Bay township, this time in Motherwell.

A husband and wife were shot dead in Motherwell on Sunday shortly after the man arrived home.

Their 13-year-old daughter was shot in the right leg, while two other children were unharmed.

Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said shortly after the father arrived home, three gunmen entered the house in Nkanyezi Street.

“They shot the man and his wife, both aged 46.”

She said the motive for the murders and attempted murders were under investigation.

On Friday, the body of Bulewa Tonga was found at her home in Feni Street, Motherwell.

“She sustained multiple bullet wounds,” Naidu said.

The circumstances and motive for the murder are yet to be investigated.

BY PHUMLANI SAUL

A KwaNobuhle teenager accused of murdering a man and raping two young sisters abandoned his bail application on Thursday.

The 16-year-old boy is being held at a Child and Youth Care Centre after his guardian indicated that he preferred the boy be kept in custody for his own safety, according to NPA regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali.

Tyali said the teenager was facing one count of murder following an incident on January 25, two counts of rape, as well as a charge of house robbery allegedly committed on February 12 in KwaNobuhle.

“The minor abandoned bail and is kept at a Child and Youth Care Centre.

“[On Wednesday], the KwaNobuhle Magistrate’s Court had to be closed and vacated due to protest action resulting from misinformation that the youth had been released to the custody of his parents.

“The correct information is that the matter had not yet been enrolled, as there were outstanding investigations to be done as per the prosecutor’s instructions.

“It is alleged that the teenager, with an accomplice who is still at large, attacked and killed a man in his house in the Dubai area of KwaNobuhle on January 25,” Tyali said.

On February 12, two men stormed a house in KwaNobuhle and raped two minor women, stealing two cellphones, R2,000 cash and alcohol.

“The youth was also identified as a suspect and the case has been remanded to February 20 for further investigations,” Tyali said.

On Wednesday, more than 60 KwaNobuhle residents protested outside the KwaNobuhle Magistrate’s Court.

The irate crowd demanding justice for the two girls who were allegedly raped while their 60-year-old grandmother was locked in her room, from where she was allegedly forced to hear their agonising cries.

Save a Child from Drugs, Save the Community foundation founder the Rev Thamsanqa Nkevu led the protest on Wednesday.

He said the community was shocked by the incident but happy to hear the boy would remain in custody.

“This is great news for the family and it is also a victory for the community.

“It cannot end there or we will miss the whole point, because a child was [allegedly] influenced to partake in activities that will rob his future.

“All these children are important; whether the youth are on drugs or not, they are key in preserving the community.

“This speaks to the conscience of those criminals who recruit children into a life of crime,” Nkevu said.

BY PHUMLANI SAUL

Three men were allegedly caught red-handed stealing electricity cables in the early hours of Sunday in Kempston Road, Gqeberha.

They were arrested at about 1.50am by metro police officers who were patrolling the area.

The Nelson Mandela Bay municipality said the metro police officers had noticed the suspects tampering with an electricity box.

The men were allegedly found in possession of copper cables and a hacksaw.

Bay safety and security political head Lawrence Troon welcomed the arrests and commended the officers for their swift response.

“The suspects were detained at the Algoa Park police station on charges of cable theft and infrastructure damage.

“We welcome these arrests as they mean we are taking away thieves that are crippling service delivery in our city,” Troon said.

Residents are urged to report any suspected cable theft on 041-508-5576.

BY LOXOLO NGWENDU

A second mass shooting in Kwazakhele in as many weeks has left a further four people dead at the weekend.

Gqeberha police are now appealing to the Kwazakhele and New Brighton communities to join hands with authorities to eradicate senseless shootings after the latest incident in Kwazakhele on Sunday morning.

Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said that at about 12.45am a patrolling police vehicle was stopped by a woman who said that she and others were shot at by unknown men.

“It is alleged that approximately 11 people, six females and five males, were drinking and enjoying themselves at the house when three unknown men entered and started shooting,” Naidu said.

Three women, aged between 20 and 25, and the 28-year-old male homeowner were fatally wounded while three people sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to hospital for treatment.

The remaining four, two men and two women, escaped unharmed.

The motive for the shooting is unknown at this stage and the next of kin of the dead are still being traced and verified.

“The Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit in Gqeberha is investigating a case of four counts of murder and seven counts of attempted murder,” Naidu said.

Anyone who can assist in tracing the suspects is asked to contact Colonel Willie Mayi on 082-697-5914 or Crime Stop on 08600-10111 or the nearest police station.

The incident comes about two weeks after eight people died when two gunmen opened fire on people attending a birthday party at a Maqanda Street home.

BY XOLA NGCANGCA

Another killing in Gqeberha in few hours after Police Minister Bheki Cele visited the scene of the mass shooting in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape on Monday, 30 January.

Cele was accompanied by the National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola.

Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said the woman was identified as Nosipho Zwide. 

“It is alleged that, at about 9.30am, two unknown men entered a house in Dubula Street, and shot and killed the woman.”

She said the motive for the murder was under investigation.

Two men entered a house in New Brighton on Tuesday and killed a 73-year-old woman

Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said the woman was identified as Nosipho Zwide.

“It is alleged that, at about 9.30am, two unknown men entered a house in Dubula Street, and shot and killed the woman.”

She said the motive for the murder was under investigation.

BY PHUMLANI SAUL

Police have released the names of seven victims who died in a mass shooting during a birthday celebration at a house in Kwazakhele on Sunday night.

An eighth person, who also died as a result of wounds sustained when two armed gunmen opened fire at the Maqanda Street home, will be identified once his next of kin have been notified.

Homeowner Vusumzi Sishuba, who was celebrating his 50th birthday, died at the scene.

His older brother Andile, 52, was also killed.

The other deceased have been identified as Kholekile Frans, 54, Mbuyiseli Mboya, 64, Nomatamsanqa Mandla, 58, Liyema Poro, 20, and Nandipha Koliti, 42.

Of the three people who survived the massacre, one was discharged from hospital on Monday, while two others are still receiving medical attention.

The incident took place shortly after 5.15pm on Sunday when two men entered the yard where the party was being held and opened fire.

Police are investigating eight cases of murder and three of attempted murder.

No arrests have been made.

Police minister General Bheki Cele, accompanied by a delegation of high-ranking police officials, on Monday visited the family of the two deceased brothers at the scene where the shooting took place.

Cele promised that national and provincial resources would be brought in to assist in the matter, and called for calm from the community while the police conducted their investigation

BY PHUMLANI SAUL

Police minister General Bheki Cele and national commissioner General Fannie Masemola will on Monday morning lead a delegation of various experts within the organisation to the scene of Sunday’s mass shooting at a birthday party in Kwazakhele.

The death toll has risen to eight overnight and three other people were wounded when two gunmen stormed into a yard in Kwazakhele’s Maqanda Street and began shooting while friends celebrated..

Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects while an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack is under way. No arrests have been made at this stage.

The identity of the deceased and wounded are still to be established, the police said in a statement.

Provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Nomthetheleli Mene has condemned the killings.

She has ordered the team of investigators to speedily track and trace the perpetrators.

She also appealed to the community to come forward with any information, pleading with them not to harbour the criminals.

“These victims were killed by criminals and we will not rest until we find out what happened and who was responsible for these callous and cold blooded attack on these unsuspecting victims,” Mene said.

Anyone who can assist in identifying the victims or tracing their next of kin or any information relating to the suspects is asked to please contact the Provincial OCI, D/Capt Sitole on 082 457 2812 or Crime Stop on 086 00 10111.

BY PHUMLANI SAUL

Molly Blackburn High School is known for making headlines for all the wrong reasons, usually falling among the worst-performing schools in the Kariega district.

But with a 10% increase in its matric results and a hero’s welcome for their top pupil of 2022, the school in KwaNobuhle seeks to rewrite its history.SCHOOL HERO: Molly Blackburn High School’s top matric Bathiniwam Vusani, who achieved four distinctions, with his proud maths teacher Vuyiswa Hempe-Size

There was a buzz of excitement in the schoolyard as dozens of matrics lined up outside the designated classroom to receive their results.

One by one they exited — some with smiles, others with frowns.

Then suddenly a teacher came wading through the crowd, repeatedly shouting: “Make way! Top student coming through!”

The excited crowd erupted into deafening cheers as a shy boy, with his head bowed and his cap pulled over his eyes, was led to the front of the line to receive his results.

And as Bathiniwam Vusani walked through the crowd of classmates he received hugs, high fives and pats on the back as they all rallied behind the top achiever of their 2022 class.

When asked how it felt to be such an inspiration to his fellow pupils, he just shook his head.

“I never intended for anyone to look at me like this. I just wanted to study and get good grades so that I can pursue my law degree. That’s all,” Vusani said, with a shy smile on his face.

“But if some of my classmates take inspiration from me, and some of the younger children see me as an example they can follow, then I am happy for them and I encourage them to work hard for what they want to achieve.”

Vusani achieved distinctions for four of his seven subjects; maths literacy, geography, life orientation and isiXhosa home language.

For the remaining three subjects — life science, history and English first additional language — he achieved level 6 grades.


Molly Blackburn High School’s top matric Bathiniwam Vusani, who achieved four distinctions, with his proud maths teacher Vuyiswa Hempe-Size

SCHOOL HERO: Molly Blackburn High School’s top matric Bathiniwam Vusani, who achieved four distinctions, with his proud maths teacher Vuyiswa Hempe-Size

Molly Blackburn High School is known for making headlines for all the wrong reasons, usually falling among the worst-performing schools in the Kariega district.

But with a 10% increase in its matric results and a hero’s welcome for their top pupil of 2022, the school in KwaNobuhle seeks to rewrite its history.


There was a buzz of excitement in the schoolyard as dozens of matrics lined up outside the designated classroom to receive their results.

One by one they exited — some with smiles, others with frowns.

Then suddenly a teacher came wading through the crowd, repeatedly shouting: “Make way! Top student coming through!”

The excited crowd erupted into deafening cheers as a shy boy, with his head bowed and his cap pulled over his eyes, was led to the front of the line to receive his results.

And as Bathiniwam Vusani walked through the crowd of classmates he received hugs, high fives and pats on the back as they all rallied behind the top achiever of their 2022 class.

When asked how it felt to be such an inspiration to his fellow pupils, he just shook his head.

“I never intended for anyone to look at me like this. I just wanted to study and get good grades so that I can pursue my law degree. That’s all,” Vusani said, with a shy smile on his face.

“But if some of my classmates take inspiration from me, and some of the younger children see me as an example they can follow, then I am happy for them and I encourage them to work hard for what they want to achieve.”

Vusani achieved distinctions for four of his seven subjects; maths literacy, geography, life orientation and isiXhosa home language.

For the remaining three subjects — life science, history and English first additional language — he achieved level 6 grades.


“I am very happy about my results. For some of my subjects, I was very nervous and once I handed them in and knew my marks were in someone else’s hands, I became even more nervous.

“But now that I have my results, I can see that my hard work paid off, and I am satisfied with my performance.”

What made Vusani such a hero among his fellow pupils was the time he took to assist some of them to study, helping them with work they did not understand, and getting them ready ahead of the final exams.

Looking ahead, he hopes his marks are good enough to get him into university for his LLB degree.

If not, he plans to study at a nearby college to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to then pursue a career in legal studies.

Molly Blackburn principal Unathi Bhe said he was proud of Vusani and the pupils who put in the work to make 2022 a much improved year.

He thanked the district education office for assisting the school with additional tutors to help pupils with additional classes in a handful of subjects they identified as problem areas early in the year, and praised his staff for their dedication to their subjects and the pupils they taught.

“Every school strives for great results, and taking our circumstances and the school’s history, into account, an improvement from 55% to 65% is a huge achievement.

“We have already identified areas we need to improve on and the goal for this year’s matric class is an 80% pass rate,” Bhe said