By Phumlani Saul

Nelson Mandela Bay was left reeling in shock and horror on Monday night after the brutal murder of renowned photographer,

Xolani Jack. The 42-year-old father of five was senselessly gunned down while speaking on his cellphone, leaving his community and family in a state of devastation.

Eyewitnesses described the chilling scene, recounting loud bangs, blood-curdling screams, and people frantically seeking cover as the tragedy unfolded.

The gruesome discovery of Jack’s lifeless body sent shockwaves through the community, with many struggling to come to terms with the loss of a man who was deeply loved and respected.

Xolani Jack was not only a talented photographer but also a devoted husband, father, and friend. His infectious smile and kind spirit had touched the lives of countless individuals, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories.

As the investigation into his senseless murder continues, the community remains in a state of mourning, grappling with the harsh reality of violence and crime that has claimed yet another innocent life.

Xolani Jack’s tragic death serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.

Zuko Popo (34 ) told DK team “ The family and friends of Xolani Jack are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May his memory be a blessing, and may his legacy continue to inspire and uplift those who knew him.”

South African police spokesperson Aron Kombisa said “ No one has been arrested and   we are still investigating

By Solulwe Vena

TO SANGOMA Mavusi Gqola(44), an owl is a good bird that helps him heal his customers. 

The sangoma based in Emagaleni, Qgeberha said an owl is just an ordinary bird that he can use for his work. He said he can even use owl kak mixed with tortoise kak and it works wonders to deal with nightmares and other illnesses. 

Mavusi has an owl that stays in his indumba to protect him from evil spirits. 

“It depends on what a person uses it for. When I trained as a sangoma, my ancestors gave me certain creatures to protect me from evil spirits.

I have an owl and tortoises and that is what my ancestors instructed me to use,” he said.

He said he can’t be attacked by evil spirits as long as his owl is alive. “Even if a person wants to kill me using evil muthi, the owl can sense the danger. I can communicate with the owl with my own special language. I talk with it and if something bad is going to happen, I can actually tell,” he said. 

Mavusi said he bought the owl from some young boys after they hit it with a stone in bushes in Emagaleni. The sangoma nursed it as it was bleeding just above its eye. 

Now it stays in a cage and he feeds it with meat, mostly chicken. 

Sometimes young kids visit his house but some are scared of the owl. People passing by the road in front of his house curiously look at Mavusi when he feeds his owl.

One of Mavuso’s clients said: “At first I used to be afraid of this owl but as I’ve visited Mavuso to get my treatment and I’ve realised the owl is not harmful. 

“Mavuso explained to me why he has the owl at his indumba.” 

The Eastern Cape SPCA spokeswoman Belinda Abraham said: “Much respect to this man for helping an animal in distress but it is illegal to keep a wild animal as a pet without the necessary permits.” She said their Wildlife Team would give veterinary assistance if required. 

“It would be unkind and cruel to keep an owl confined to a cage. If it is well, it should be set free.”

By Phumlani Saul

CASTING CALL FOR MODELS:

The Eastern Cape Fashion Week is inviting all types of fashion models of all races based in Nelson Mandela Bay to the auditions. If you are a model or think you have what it takes to strut it on the runway and are from the Eastern Cape, then this is your opportunity to be part of the Eastern Cape Fashion Week showcase. The call is open to ages from 18 to35 years with height 1.7m + and waist limit of 36 for males and 42 for females .

Date: Saturday, 13 July 2024

Time: 09h00 – 15h00

Venue: The Athenaeum, 7 Athol Furgard Terrace, Central, Gqeberha

 

The selected models will have an opportunity to model the 3rdannual Eastern Cape Fashion Week Line at a prestigious event to be held on the 10th of August 2024 at Sun Boardwalk Convention Centre in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. 

 

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 Eastern Cape Fashion Week formerly known as Ebubeleni Fashion Show/Week is an annual fashion extravaganza that serves as a vital support platform for the Eastern Cape fashion industry, especially for the fashion and textile designers. The fashion week is a week-long fashion industry event where fashion designers, brands, or “houses” display their latest collections on a runway fashion show to buyers and the media which influence upcoming fashion trends for the current and/or approaching seasons. The designers get an opportunity to showcase their talent through a series of engaging activities including competitions, a fashion market and a designer workshop.

 

Our approach to the designers is a call to submit their recent work including their profiles and a synopsis of what inspires their designs. The applications are adjudicated by a panel of industry experts and a final list of 10 designers was selected and allowed to create a new collection and showcase them at the fashion show runway. The selected designers 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 in South Africa”. 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.  In addition to our esteemed 10 Eastern Cape designers, we are proud to feature 5 Nelson Mandela University Fashion Design students, 2 distinguished guest designers, and captivating performing artists on our runway. Eastern Cape Fashion Week is not just a showcase of style; it’s a celebration of creativity, arts and innovation in fashion. 

 

Additionally, one of the most crucial aspects of Eastern Cape Fashion Week is empowering not only the selected designers but all fashion entrepreneurs in the province via a fashion entrepreneurs’ “Designers” workshop and fashion market. The workshop comprises several fashion industry and SMME experts who impart knowledge and relevant tools to scale and or improve small businesses.  The fashion market will run concurrently with other Fashion Week activities for three days and will provide pop-up store spaces for fashion entrepreneurs at no cost to them at the prestigious Boardwalk Mall Exhibition Centre.

By Phumlani Saul

A 31year-old man has been shot and killed in his house, 

RESIDENTS of Angola in KwaNobuhle in Eastern Cape were asleep when they were suddenly awoken by gunshot sounds.

This occurred because a man was being shot at. The man was gunned down while watching a movies with his girlfriend on a Cellphone in Bering street, on Friday night, 05 July.

A resident said she was already sleeping when the loud gunshot sounds woke her up.

“The shooters fired several shots at the man. I knew that he wasn’t going to survive,” the resident stated.

Another resident mentioned that the man who was killed was a quiet man, and always with his girlfriend.

The Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) spokesman, Prem Balram, said residents contacted their unit after they made the discovery

“Reaction officers were immediately dispatched and arrived on the scene at approximately 10pm,” he explained.

He reported that the officers discovered the body of a man lying in a pool of blood.

“The man sustained a gunshot wound to his head and died on the scene. The kitchen door was broken and they got an excess to the house and shot him Three spent 9mm cartridges were recovered in on the scene,” he added.

He noted that the motive for the execution has not been confirmed.

Eastern Cape police spokeswoman Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo confirmed the incident, stating that the cops in Kwanobuhle are investigating a case of murder.

By Phumlani Saul

KWANOBUHLE – Residents of Wards 43 and 44 in KwaNobuhle have embarked on a fierce protest against the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality’s decision to implement load reduction measures.

The community’s frustration over persistent power outages has reached a boiling point, leading to drastic demonstrations.

Hundreds of residents took to the streets, blocking roads and burning tyres. The protesters, carrying placards and chanting slogans, demanded an end to the load reduction measures and a permanent solution to the power outages.

Bongani Kula (34 ) told Daily Kasi News “We are tired of living in darkness,” said Bongani

A resident of Ward 43. “The municipality has failed us, and we won’t stand for it anymore.”

The Nelson Mandela Bay municipality has acknowledged the residents’ concerns and promised to engage with the community to find a solution.

The protest has caused significant disruptions in the area, with businesses and schools forced to close. The situation remains tense, with residents vowing to continue their protests until their demands are met.

By Azola Funani

The thug was attacked by the community for theft – but they didn’t kill him.

Instead they left him to live with a lifelong reminder of his evil deeds. The face he sees when he looks in the mirror is a face no one one wants to see.

When the DKTeam arrived in Joe Slovo Park, in near Gqeberha,on Wednesday morning, they were greeted by the sight of angry residents and a badly beaten man.

One of his eyes had been ripped out of his face. “That eye that looked for things to steal will never see again,” said an angry resident.

The alleged thief, aged about 25, was accused of stealing a suitcase full of branded clothing and R1 000.

He had to beg for mercy and surrendered himself to police.

He said he no longer had the stolen clothes as he had sold some of them. “I used to buy drugs in Joe Slovo Park,” he said. The man had allegedly spent some of the money on a bowl of russian sausages for his sister.

“We are tired of this boy’s behaviour. He steals from us but when we take him to the police he gets released the following day,” said an angry woman.

“Please let me pee on him.”said angry resident

Community leader Stini kholeka said they found the man drinking tea at a friend’s house.

Kholeka said they patrol at night because of thieves who steal and rape women at night.

“Our people are not safe here. We have to watch our backs all the time because of the drugs they use. This is too much, he should be killed,” she said.

Some residents said they even had to move because of the suspect. They claimed it was the same thug who had allegedly broken into a shack three days earlier and stolen a television set.

When the people insisted that the thug show them the place where he had sold the clothes, he took them to a house where Phumlani Mapoma (18) lives.

The young man claimed he knew nothing, in spite of being sjambokked.

“I do not even know this man. He is not my friend,” said Phumlani.

The thug then pointed out another person who also said he didn’t know anything.

By the time he was taken to the cop shop he could barely see the road. His other eye was slowly shutting and there was blood all over his face.

KwaDwesi police spokesman Captain Philemon kona said a case of theft was opened and the suspect was receiving medical treatment under police guard.

By Phumlani Saul

A Eastern Cape rape victim who waited 10 years for justice to prevail is not satisfied with the sentence given to her rapist. 

Putrus Swart (51) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Kariega Magistrates Court on Monday, 01 July, for the rape of his former domestic worker in Langa in 2021.

It’s reported that the 47-year-old woman was busy doing chores in the Swart family household, and the accused’s wife was away taking their children to school when the incident happened. The accused suddenly grabbed the victim from behind and wrestled her to the ground.

The victim attempted to resist. However, the accused overpowered her and raped her. 

Shortly after the incident, the accused’s wife arrived and found the complainant crying. When she asked what happened, the complainant reported the ordeal to her.

For the past years, the defence has delayed the trial, disputing the forensic expert evidence about the accused’s blood samples. As a result, the matter was taken to the High Court for review, and the court ordered that new DNA samples be taken. 

The DNA results positively linked the accused to the offence; then, the matter had to be sent back to the trial court.

As much as the victim is relieved that justice has finally prevailed, she told Daily Kasi News  that she strongly believes the punishment is not too harsh for someone who made her life miserable. 

She said she had to move from one shelter to another as her life was in danger. The victim said she had suffered a lot as she was waiting for justice to prevail. 

“I’m not happy with the sentence. This is not what I expected,” she said.

She said that what saddens her is that she will never work in her entire life because she was allegedly badly assaulted by Swart’s wife. 

The woman said she wants the state to review the sentence and impose a sentence that will send a strong message to other perpetrators. 

Provincial National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokeswoman, Monica Nyuswa, said the court didn’t deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence; the sentence imposed on the accused is the prescribed minimum sentence for a single rape of an adult.

By Phumzile Feni

Three bodies sprawled on a pavement, weeping relatives and police tape near a day care centre painted a disturbing scene in Khozi Street, Motherwell, on Thursday.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa said a manhunt had been launched for the suspects linked to the deadly shooting which occurred in NU3 at noon.

She said it was alleged that unknown armed men were in the street when they fired several shots, killing three people.

The names of the victims are being withheld out of respect for their families, who, by the time of publication, had not all been informed.

“The motive is unknown at this stage, and circumstances surrounding the incident form part of the investigation,” Mawisa said.

Eastern Cape provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Nomthetheleli Mene condemned the killings.

“We wish to express our abhorrence for such blatant and reckless disregard for human life.

“Our dedicated investigators are currently on the ground, utilising all available resources and intelligence to identify and apprehend those responsible,” she said.

When The Herald arrived at the scene at about 2pm, a large crowd had gathered around the perimeter.

A distraught brother of one of the victims said he was informed of the tragedy while at work.

“When I was told, I quickly came to the scene,” the man said.

“I still don’t understand what happened … but that’s my brother lying there.”

Tears welled up in his eyes as he described his brother, who ran a jikeleza taxi business in the area.

“He was a good man, a pillar of the community.

“This house, right here where he’s lying, was his home.”

The victim’s cousin said she was too emotional to speak.

Community activist Pamela Mabini said the shooting was a tragic reminder of the impact of illegal firearms on the community.

“The increasing number of shootings has shaken our faith in law enforcement’s ability to combat this issue,” she said.

“It’s disheartening that people are losing faith in our law enforcement but then it’s not surprising when there is an increase in violent crime.

“We as a community don’t feel safe in our own spaces and this is already out of our hands.

“It proves that we are on our own. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims.”

Mawisa said police appealed to anyone with information that could assist in tracing the suspects to contact detective Captain Monde Sithole of the provincial serious and violent crimes unit on 082-457-2812 or call the SAPS CrimeStop number, 08600-10111.

By Daily kasi Reporter

The body of a woman swept away by the floods in Kariega last week was found on the Swartkops river bank in Cuyler Street on Saturday, bringing the death toll due to the harsh weather conditions to 10.

Her friend, who was said to be with her at the time, is still missing.

Ten people have been reported to have died in the recent floods in the Nelson Mandela Bay metro since Sunday last week.

Severe storms and heavy rains battered the Bay, resulting in extreme damage in areas such as Kariega, KwaNobuhle and Kamesh, Walmer and Blue Horizon Bay.

In KwaNobuhle, four people died, while another four died in Kamesh, Kabega Park, Chatty and Walmer.

A further two people died in Kariega.

“The body of the 10th victim, a female who was reported missing in Kariega, was recovered this [Saturday] afternoon on the Swartkops river bank in Cuyler Street,” police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said.

“The victim went missing together with a friend when their car was washed away on June 1 in Kariega.

“The vehicle was also found submerged in water. Inquest dockets have been opened in respect of all the drownings.

“Searches for people not yet accounted for continue with the assistance of the SAPS K9 search and rescue and diving units.”

By Simthembile Mgidi

Police are investigating a case of malicious damage to property after a truck was set alight during a service delivery protest along Dan Pienaar Road near Motherwell on Friday morning.

Police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge said the truck had been pulling two trailers. The truck and one trailer were burnt.

By the time the police arrived, the protesters had dispersed, he said. 

“It is believed protesters targeted a truck and set it alight at 7am. 

“Public order policing members responded at about 7.10am, by which time the truck and its first trailer had been destroyed.

“While the second trailer was not damaged, police are still on the scene while they wait for a tow truck.

“The protest was seemingly over a service delivery issue,” Beetge said.

No injuries were reported.