By Lolwethu Leeu

NEIGHBOURS from Khayamnandi, near Dispatch are at war over a brick wall separating their homes.

On Wednesday morning, Audrey Mahlala (50) woke up to paint her side of the wall, but she never anticipated that her 71-year-old neighbour would not be happy.

She said she painted the wall orange and when she was about to finish, the angry gogo splashed white paint all over the newly-painted wall.

Audrey said when she asked her why she did that, the gogo asked her why they painted the wall without her approval

Audrey said she needed help on how to deal with her neighbour.

“I don’t know why she has a problem with us painting the wall. 

“Maybe the paint is disturbing her things from entering our yard,” she said.

The gogo, who didn’t want to be named, disputed the claims. She said she poured white paint on the wall as she was gatvol of the disrespect from her neighbours.

She said they hadn’t been on speaking terms for eight years because the neighbours decided to build the wall without talking to her. 

“The wall took some parts of my yard, but they are not complaining about that,” she said.

The gogo accused her neighbours of being ungrateful. 

She said she helped them get the house. 

“I took them with me when news came out that we should apply for RDPs. This is the thanks I get. They want to take advantage because I’m an old woman, but I won’t have that.”

BY NOSIYABO ZONDANI

Gqeberha – A shocking incident of violence has rocked Paterson High School, leaving a community reeling in shock. On Friday, a pupil was stabbed in the head, allegedly by a fellow student, in a brazen attack that has raised concerns about safety and discipline in schools.

The 18-year-old suspect, whose identity has not been released, is expected to appear in the Gelvandale Magistrate’s Court on Monday to face charges related to the stabbing.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred during school hours, sending shockwaves through the school community. The victim, whose condition is currently unknown, was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

This disturbing incident has sparked a heated debate about the escalating levels of violence in schools and the need for urgent intervention. Parents, educators, and authorities are calling for increased security measures and counseling services to address the root causes of such behavior.

As the suspect prepares to face justice, the community remains on edge, wondering how such a heinous act could occur in a place of learning. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing our youth and the need for collective action to ensure a safer, more supportive environment for all students.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story continues to unfold.

By PHUMLANI SAUL

“Sonwabile Ndamase Honoured for Iconic ‘Madiba Shirt’”

Sonwabile Ndamase, the creative genius behind the iconic “Madiba shirt”, was bestowed with a well-deserved award at the Eastern Cape Fashion Week in Gqeberha over the weekend. The colourful shirt, famously worn by former President Nelson Mandela, has become an integral part of South African heritage.

Ndamase was visibly moved by the recognition, which acknowledges his significant contribution to the fashion industry. His design legacy extends far beyond the “Madiba shirt”, but this particular creation remains an enduring symbol of South African culture and identity.

The Eastern Cape Fashion Week provided a fitting platform to honour Ndamase’s achievements, celebrating his role in shaping the country’s fashion landscape. His work continues to inspire new generations of designers, cementing his status as a pioneer in the industry.

The award serves as a testament to Ndamase’s dedication, creativity, and lasting impact on South African fashion. As he accepted the honour, Ndamase was reminded of the profound influence of his design on the nation’s identity.

Ndamase said “It is a great privilege to have played a part in creating something that has become so iconic,” Ndamase said, his voice filled with emotion. “I am humbled by this recognition and will continue to strive for excellence in my craft.”

The “Madiba shirt” has become synonymous with South African style, and Ndamase’s contribution to the fashion industry will forever be remembered. This fitting honour serves as a tribute to his innovative spirit and lasting legacy.

By PHUMLANI SAUL

Gqeberha police have arrested two suspects in connection with a robbery that occurred during a church service in New Brighton last week. The incident took place on Monday night at the Assemblies of God church, where congregants were left traumatized after gunshots were fired and personal belongings were stolen.

According to police spokesperson Lt. Col. Siphokazi Mawisa, the two suspects, aged 18, were traced to their homes and arrested shortly after the incident. Amahle Netu and Abukwe Ntame appeared in court on Monday and have been remanded in custody until their next appearance on 20 August 2024.

Investigations revealed that one of the suspects was out on free bail for previous charges, including possession of an unlicensed firearm and stolen vehicle. Lt. Col. Mawisa stated that the task team is continuing with the investigation and further arrests are expected.

During the incident, at least four armed men entered the church, fired a gunshot in the air, and robbed congregants of their personal belongings, including four cell phones and a laptop.

Bishop Sindile Mazantsi, who was in attendance, described the scene as chaotic, with congregants falling to the floor and crying out in fear.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the church has confirmed that revival services will continue. A video of the incident has been circulating on social media.

The police are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation

.

By Phumlani Saul

A man accused of multiple kidnappings for ransom in Nelson Mandela Bay appeared alone in the Kariega Magistrate’s Court on Monday, after his attorney failed to show up.

Mnyamezeli Tete, the accused, seemed bewildered when asked by the court about the whereabouts of his lawyer, Zolile Ngqeza. He simply shrugged his shoulders and requested a postponement to contact his legal representative.

The court was left with no choice but to grant the postponement, leaving Tete to face another day in court without legal counsel.

Tete is facing charges of kidnapping for ransom, with multiple cases pending against him. The prosecution alleges that he was involved in a string of kidnappings in the Nelson Mandela Bay area, demanding hefty ransoms from the victims’ families.

The case has sparked widespread concern about the safety and security of residents in the region. The community is eagerly awaiting the outcome of the trial, hoping for justice to be served.

The matter has been postponed to a later date, pending Tete’s legal representation.

By Phumlani Saul

The Eastern Cape Fashion Week is an initiative of the Ebubeleni Festival Projects, a Non-Profit Company established in 2019 to specifically focus on the development of the Arts, Culture, and Fashion/Design industry in Nelson Mandela Bay and the greater Eastern Cape.

 

The designers set to showcase at this year’s show are tasked to tell a story through their garments which will form part of this year’s theme “Evolution of Fashion over the 30 Years of Democracy” – Expressions of FREEDOM – The F is for FASHION.. 

The local designers will be judged by a panel of experts and will stand a chance to be awarded BEST COLLECTION and/or BEST SHOWSTOPPER GARMENT. The Eastern Cape designers are SANDI DANI DESIGNS by Sandisiwe Dani; LEMFUX SA by Athenkosi Mfungula; CUSH DESIGNS by Siyabulela Zondani; CARLOS FRITZ CREATIONS by Carlos Fritz; MSABA EMPORIUM by Thakazelwa Mhlomi; MARTIN JOHN BESPOKE by Martin John Steenkamp; HANDMADE BY TAZLEIGH by Tazleigh Swartz; UKHOBO by Khanyisa Miliho; WHIMSICAL CHILD CLOTHING by Annabel Hift and VAN ZYL APPAREL by Jan Hendrik Van Zyl.

 

In addition to our esteemed 10 Eastern Cape designers, we are proud to feature Nelson Mandela University Fashion Design students, our distinguished guest designer Mr Sonwabile Ndamase, the icon who designed the famous Tata Mandela’s shirts, and captivating performance by LIRA on our runway.

 

Mr. Sonwabile Ndamase will subsequently be honoured with the “Eastern Cape Fashion Week Cape Aloe Legacy Award” during the prestigious Fashion Show in recognition of his great work as a fashion designer and his contribution to the fashion industry in the 30 years of South Africa’s democracy.

Date:       Saturday 10 August 2024

Venue:      Boardwalk Hotel and Casino – Gqeberha

Time:       Doors open at 17:00 for BLACK CARPET and Dinner | Show starts at 18:30

Theme:      ”Evolution of Fashion over the 30 Years of Democracy” – Expressions of FREEDOM – The F is for FASHION

By Phumlani Saul

Gqeberha police are on the hunt for the suspects who robbed congregants during a church service in New Brighton on Monday night.

The incident, which saw those in attendance dive for cover as gunshots echoed through the church, has left many worshippers traumatised.

A video that was seemingly taken during the commotion has been doing the rounds on social media.

The robbery happened at around 19:20 at Assemblies of God in New Brighton, on the corners of Avenue A and Pendla Street.

Police spokesperson, Captain Andre Beetge said four armed men entered the church and fired a gunshot in the air.

The suspects robbed congregants of their personal belongings and stole an undisclosed amount of money from the victims before fleeing the scene.

Four cell phones and a laptop were among the items stolen.

Bishop Sindile Mazantsi said he attended the Revival Service on Monday night.

According to Mazantsi he noticed a commotion at the back of the church at around 19:20 just as the pastor was about to finish his sermon.

When he turned to look he noticed a man walking to the front of the church, holding a gun.

Congregants frantically fell to the floor and started to cry and pray when the man fired a gunshot.

Mazantsi said the man and three others started to search people and stole their belongings.

In the commotion, another gunshot was fired.

Mazantsi said everyone involved was grateful that there were no fatalities and confirmed that the revival services would continue.

Beetge confirmed that no injuries were reported.

A case of business robbery was opened and is being investigated by SAPS New Brighton

By Phumlani Saul

A routine trip to the shop turned into a nightmare for Ivy Michaels and her family when her 26-year-old son was brutally gunned down while running a simple errand. The Kariega mother is now left to pick up the pieces of her shattered world, grappling with the guilt of having asked her son to go to the shop that fateful Wednesday.

Ivy Michael told Daily Kasi News “I wish I could turn back time,” a distraught Ivy said in an exclusive interview.

“I never thought that asking my son to buy a bag of potatoes would be the last thing I’d ever ask him to do.”

The senseless tragedy has left the community reeling, and Ivy’s family is struggling to come to terms with their loss. As the investigation into the shooting continues, Ivy is left to wonder what could have been done to prevent this tragedy.

“I’m consumed by survivor’s guilt,” Ivy confessed. “I keep thinking, ‘What if I had gone to the shop myself?’ or ‘What if I had asked someone else to go?’ But deep down, I know it wasn’t my fault.”

The community is rallying around Ivy and her family, offering support and condolences during this difficult time. As the search for answers continues, one thing is clear: a young life was senselessly cut short, leaving behind a trail of devastation and heartbreak.

Rest in peace, young man. Your community will not forget you.said community member wjo don’t want to be named.

By Phumlani Saul

A devastating incident has left a community reeling as an 18-year-old pupil, Azizipho Langbooi, lost his life in an alleged school gang fight at Rocklands High. The grade-12 student was fatally stabbed in the neck and died at the scene.

Heartbroken father, Zithulele Rhuneli, expressed his outrage and concern, stating, “There is no policy that guides teachers on what to do when a pupil is injured or dies at school.”

He painfully recalled arriving at the scene to find his son’s lifeless body, saying, “When I got there, he was already covered with a silver blanket, and his eyes were still open. I closed them myself.”

The incident follows another alleged gang violence incident in nearby Kwanobuhle, where a pupil survived.

Noxolo Nconco (46) told Daily Kasi News “As the community mourns the loss of young Azizipho, questions arise about school safety and the lack of clear protocols in place. The Eastern Cape Education Department has yet to comment on the matter“.

Nelson Mandela Bay Police Commissioner Vuyisile Ncata confirmed the arrest of a 17-year-old suspect, who was processed in accordance with the Child Justice Act.