By Azola Matros

A MOTHER is living with regret.

The mum who allegedly sold her eight-month-old son to a stranger regrets it and wants her baby back. 

She allegedly sold her baby on Facebook Marketplace in October 2024. 

She’s now accused of child trafficking and appeared in the Cawa Magistrates Court in Port Alfred on Friday, 8 November where she was granted R500 bail. Her case was postponed to 6 February 2025.

The 23-year-old from Boknes, Port Alfred said she met the woman on social media, and they started a conversation. They later exchanged contacts. 

She said they met at Kowie River , and the baby was handed over to the woman, who left in a taxi.

“I regret everything I did. I did that out of desperation. I was struggling financially to raise my baby. I’m not ok. I want my baby. I love my baby,” she said.

The mum said a week after giving her baby away, she told the woman she wanted him back, but the woman did not want to give him back.

“The woman lives near Kenton-on-Sea. The last time I spoke to her, I told her I was afraid of being arrested. I want to tell that woman that what I did was wrong. I shouldn’t have taken that route,” she said.

“I should have taken my baby to social workers. I spent almost two weeks in prison and it’s not a good place to be. There’s no freedom in prison. I was eating two times a day,” she said

The woman’s boyfriend (25) from Boknes, also in Port Alfred, said the baby is his, but he doesn’t believe his girlfriend sold him. 

“She didn’t have money to take care of the baby. I wasn’t living with her when this happened. I thought she had sent the baby to her family,” he said.

Eastern Cape police spokeswoman Captain Vukile tswete said: “A case of child trafficking was opened on 19 October. The suspect, the mother of the child, was arrested the same day and she appeared in the Cawa Magistrates Court on 21 October.”

Eastern Cape National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesman Sivenathi Gunya said: “It’s alleged that she advertised her child for sale on Facebook Marketplace and some woman showed interest, took the child and promised to give the mother R1 000 monthly until she is back on her feet again. But she hasn’t paid the money and can’t be traced.”

By Phumlani Saul

A daring operation by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Metro Police has led to the arrest of a suspect caught with a 200-meter stolen copper cable.

The police acted swiftly during a fireworks compliance inspection, uncovering the hidden cable in a spaza shop storeroom in KwaNobuhle, Kariega.

The arrest ensued after the inspection of a spaza shop at Mtyingizane Street in KwaNobuhle, near Kariega.

Metro Police Acting Commissioner, Advocate Andrew Moses told Daily Kasi News “ following the permitted inspection, arrests were made, and a 200-meter copper cable was confiscated. The suspect has been detained at the KwaNobuhle police station.”

“The metro police is encouraged by the arrest affected today in KwaNobuhle. The municipality is experiencing high levels of cable theft and this crime undermines the efforts to grow the economy of the city and the region. It impacts greatly on safety and security,” said Metro Police Acting Commissioner.

He applauded operation response members for their keen vigilance.

Mkhuseli Wonci (56) told Daily Kasi News “ I was walking past the spaza shop when I saw the police arriving. Next thing I knew, they were dragging out a guy with a huge roll of copper cable. It was shocking!”

“ I’ve seen that guy around before, but I never thought he was involved in something like this. He looked so calm and collected, but I guess you never really know what people are capable of.” Said Wonci

Community members are urged to join the fight against cable theft by reporting to the 24- hour room on 041 585 1555 or 041 508 5501.

By Phumlani Saul, Akhona Williams

Home of Legends Cup Drama: Bay Side Pulls Out, CT City Steps In

NELSON MANDELA BAY – In a stunning twist, Chippa United has withdrawn from the Home of Legends Cup at the 11th hour, leaving fans reeling!

But the show must go on! The Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) swiftly announced Cape Town City as the replacement team, ensuring the tournament’s survival.

Tuesday’s dramatic developments were marked by a flurry of media statements, with Chippa United’s sudden exit sparking outrage. A former Bafana Bafana star even threatened legal action!

Chippa United’s Shock Withdrawal: What Went Wrong?

• CT City’s Emergency Call-Up: Can They Save the Day?
• Exclusive Interview: MBDA CEO Breaks Silence on Controversy
• Fans React: “Betrayal” and “Disappointment” in Bay

Sources close to the team reveal that financial constraints and internal conflicts led to the shocking withdrawal.

“It’s a dark day for Eastern Cape football,” said a former Chippa United player. “The team’s financial struggles have been well-documented, and it’s unfortunate that it had to end like this.”

Cape Town City FC has confirmed its participation, with coach Eric Tinkler expressing excitement.

“We’re thrilled to join the Home of Legends Cup,” Tinkler said. “We’ll make the most of this opportunity and give the Bay’s fans a show to remember.”

Chippa United Supporter Khayelethu Tu Chairperson of Tinarha Branch told Daily Kasi News “I feel betrayed. “We were looking forward to watching our team play in this tournament Chippa is the Pride of Eastern Cape.

“I’m disappointed, Now, it’s like they’ve taken away our identity.”

“How could they do this to us? We’ve supported them through thick and thin.”said Tu

The tournament kicks off on Friday at the Bay Stadium. Will Cape Town City bring home the trophy? Stay tuned for live updates!

MATCH SCHEDULE*

• Friday: Cape Town City vs. AmaZulu (7:30 pm)
• Saturday: Golden Arrows vs. Orlando Pirates (3:00 pm)

*GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

By Nomalungelo Booi

MSIMELELO Bekwa is lucky to be alive.

This after his girlfriend allegedly tried to set him alight in his shack in Khayelitsha, Holomisa Kariega on Sunday, 27 October. 

Speaking to Daily Kasi News, Msimelelo said he had to break the door of his shack when he realised there was smoke in the shack. Though he survived, the fire destroyed six other shacks, killing two people.

Msimelelo said his girlfriend got angry as he had found a job on a farm outside Kariega and didn’t want him to go. He claimed she threatened him that if he ever wanted to go to work, he must go with her or else he wouldn’t go to the new job.

He said at about 10pm on Saturday, 26 October, the woman tried to burn the shack while he was inside, but he managed to escape and extinguish the fire. The woman then ran away and allegedly went to a nearby shebeen.

Msimelelo slept, but at about 2am, the shack was set alight again and again he managed to escape, but this time, the fire spread, burnt six shacks and almost killed two men

“She said if I go to work without her, I must consider myself dead. She believed there was no job and that I was going to get a girlfriend. She wanted me dead for a long time and didn’t hide it. 

“There was a time when I was stabbed, and she said: ‘They should have finished you’. I don’t know why she has been like this to me. Why would she want me to die when I do almost everything for her,” said Msimelelo.

The 35-year-old Msimelelo said he’s been dating Bukeka Happiness Qakazi, (38) since 2013. They don’t have a child together, but Msimelelo said he’s been a father figure to Bukeka’s kids – aged 17 and 19.

“I go to their schools for parents’ meetings, and I pay their school fees. I do everything as their father, but my girlfriend doesn’t appreciate me, all she does is give problems,” he said.

Msimelelo’s mum, Nokulunga Bekwa (63) said she tried to go to a pastor to help separate her son and his girlfriend, but it didn’t work. The pastor told her she couldn’t separate them “because you are not the one who brought them together”.

The mum said the couple was chased out of various homes which they rented until she bought a shack for her son, which the woman allegedly set alight.

“There hasn’t been peace in the relationship since they started dating. The relationship is toxic, and the woman is always abusing my child. I once stayed with them and chased her out of my house because of the abuse and disrespect, but my son followed her. It’s like my son was given strong korobela because this woman plays with him like a ball,” said Nokulunga.

Bukeka was arrested and she appeared in the KwaNobuhle Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 30 October facing murder charges.

Police spokesman Sergeant Twigg said the inquest at docket which was initially opened was changed to attempted murder. He said Bukeka is expected to appear in court again on Wednesday 13 November for a bail application.

By Phumlani Saul

Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape – Bereaved families are living their worst nightmare as rats the size of CATS ravage the bodies of their loved ones at the New Brighton mortuary!

The Eastern Cape health department has confirmed the disgusting rodent infestation, leaving grieving relatives traumatized and outraged.

“RATS FEASTING ON MY BROTHER’S BODY!”

“I’m haunted by the thought of those filthy creatures crawling over my brother’s lifeless body,” said a distraught family member, who wishes to remain anonymous.

Employee who like to remain anonymous told Daily Kasi News “ Rats have been gnawing on corpses for months as the Mortuary staff allegedly we ignored warnings Health department officials knew but failed to act” said employee

FAMILIES DEMAND ANSWERS

“How can they allow this to happen?” asked another grieving relative. “It’s disrespect to the dead and the living.”

HEALTH DEPARTMENT UNDER FIRE

The Eastern Cape health department has promised action, but for families, it’s too little, too late.

“We will investigate and address the issue,” said a department spokesperson.

JUSTICE FOR THE DECEASED

The community demands:

• Immediate action against responsible officials
• Improved mortuary conditions
• Compensation for affected families

STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES

Follow us for more on this developing story.

By Anathi Singeni

A POOL of kak is what you see when you enter Nomvula Mayedwa’s yard.

Nomvula, who owns a tavern, is frustrated by this as it’s chasing customers away and killing her business.

The businesswoman from Alexandra, Eastern Cape, said she’s been to the local municipal customer service centre several times, but still sitting with a river of kak.

I’m losing money because I can’t accommodate my customers. Who would want to swim in this river?” Nomvula asked.

“It’s knee-deep and we have no control over it. The only people who can help are the municipal workers, but they’re not willing to stop this problem,” she said

Nomvula said the problem is the manhole, which she suspects, is blocked. She’s worried the problem will continue if it is not attended to.

Patrons would love to chill at my place on payday, but now there’s kak water everywhere. We inhale, eat and sleep with kak. This is traumatic and we wish the municipality solves this problem.”

Nomvula’s neighbour, Lindiwe Makaziwe, has the same problem as the water is flowing into her yard.

“We’ve put bricks to step on as we get in and out of the house. This is bad. It’s also bad for our health. I have small kids who can’t play outside because of the kak river in our yards,” Nomvula said.

Eric Ashton spokesman of Municipality, said workers will be sent to assess the problem.

“If the problem is in her yard, she needs to pay someone to fix the problem, but if it’s outside the yard, the municipality will take over,” Ashton said.

By Voyolwethu Suswana

Suspect in Quintuple Murder Dies in Police Standoff

The man accused of brutally killing five people in a mass shooting on Tuesday night met his demise yesterday in a dramatic standoff with police.

The 30-year-old suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, was cornered by a joint team of crime intelligence, specialized units and visible policing in a Tsewu Street house, mere meters from the scene of the previous night’s carnage.

Eyewitnesses describe the intense scene: “Police surrounded the house, ordering him to surrender. He refused, pointing his gun at officers. That’s when they opened fire.”

Police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, confirmed: “Our officers acted swiftly to prevent further bloodshed. The suspect was fatally wounded.”

Tuesday’s rampage left five victims dead and a community reeling. The motive remains unclear.

VICTIMS IDENTIFIED

1.⁠ ⁠Nombulelo Mafilika (25)
2.⁠ ⁠Lungile Mabulu (30)
3.⁠ ⁠Thembisile Ngcaweni (28)
4.⁠ ⁠Siyabonga Nogemane (22)
5.⁠ ⁠Ayanda Qotoyi (29)

Police are investigating possible links to gang activity.

“We urge anyone with information to come forward,” Colonel Naidu appealed.

Residents expressed relief and shock: “Justice has been served, but the pain remains.” – Local resident

By Zikhona Mlimlwana and Akhona Thys

NELSON MANDELA BAY – The relentless rains lashing the city have claimed two lives, leaving families shattered and communities reeling.

Amidst the floods and devastation, a tragic electrocution incident has stunned residents of Booysen Park. A local woman, identified as Natasha, 35, was fatally electrocuted when she accidentally hit her head on a low-hanging, wet illegal electrical wire while seeking shelter at the community hall.

Eyewitnesses describe the horrific scene told Daily Kasi News: “She was trying to get to the hall to charge her phone and find safety. The wire was hidden by the floodwaters… It was like a silent killer waiting to strike.”

In a separate incident, a 42-year-old man from Kwazakhele was electrocuted while attempting to repair a flooded electrical connection in his home.

As the death toll rises, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality faces mounting pressure to address the city’s crumbling infrastructure and illicit electrical connections.

“We urge residents to exercise extreme caution and report any illegal connections to authorities,” said Municipal Spokesperson, Mthubanzi Mniki

Stay safe, Nelson Mandela Bay!

•⁠ ⁠Avoid downed power lines and flooded areas
•⁠ ⁠Report illegal connections to 0800 111 081
•⁠ ⁠Follow evacuation instructions from authorities

By Phumlani Saul

Residents Left Homeless, Powerless and Terrified

Heavy rains have unleashed chaos in Nelson Mandela Bay, sweeping away bridges, roads, and dams. Thousands are now seeking shelter in churches and community halls, clutching only the clothes on their backs.

Kariega resident Lydia Mey, (54) told Daily Kasi News recalls the horror of June’s floods. “We didn’t think twice, we just left,” she said, comforting her sleeping daughter in a crowded community hall.

Shafiek Sathorar, (43),fled his Jones Street home with his paraplegic wife. “Last time, we lost everything. We can’t risk it again.”

The SA Weather Service’s Level 6 warning remains in effect, with Kariega, Despatch, and Kwazakhele among the worst-hit areas.

n Kariega, Willow Dam and the Cat River Canal overflowed.

Most of the homeless are now being housed in community halls.

Residents in flooded Kariega streets were evacuated and taken to Sunshine Special School or De-Mist NG Kerk.