By Azola Menti

TAXI drivers MEN are having a rough time. Drivers said they no longer make as much money as they did in the past because many people are no longer working. 

Making matters worse, they said taxi bosses don’t want to understand this. Taxi driver Nkululeko Mapupa from Holomisa ,Kariega, was moered black and blue allegedly by his boss when he failed to meet his target for the day.

“He kicked me and hit me with his fists and stick, demanding R1 500 he said I owed him.”

The taxi driver, who ferries commuters between Holomisa and eMabhomeni, said he was expected to bring R500 a day.

He said his boss wouldn’t listen when he tried to explain he had used some of the money to buy petrol.

“I work hard for that man and he still doesn’t want to appreciate me,” he said. 

Nkululeko said he would be opening a case. He reported the matter to the kariega Taxi Association

“He hasn’t paid me for five weeks and when I say I want my money, he says I owe him R1 500. Cars need petrol too. We are not driving with air,” he said. 

Nkululeko said what made him most angry was that he had family responsibilities.

“He only thinks about himself. Other people don’t matter to him,” he said. 

Taxi owner Sibusiso Mashaba said he will pay Nkululeko Mapupa the money he owed him. He declined to comment on the assault. The association’s chairman, Mduduzi Mntambo said: they don’t allow taxi owners to assaulted their drivers. “The owner, depending on the harm caused, can be fined or have his membership revoked.”

By Phumlani Saul

THE gobela and his thwasa should thank their ancestors that they are still alive.

They were beaten by four boys in the early hours on Sunday.

Gobela David Mbili (32) said he was coming back from the tavern when he was attacked. His thwasa, Zane Ncuka (31), said he was trying to save his gobela when he got the beating of his life.

The gobela from Jansenvell Village near Phumlani told Daily Kasi News: “I was going home to sleep after spending the night at the local tavern on Saturday. The time was around 3 o’clock in the morning on Sunday. I noticed a group of boys following me. I tried to run away but my legs couldn’t carry me.”

He fell to the ground.

“They started beating me all over the body. I don’t know why they were beating me,” he said.

“They beat me so much that I could feel no pain. They took my phone and left me lying on the street. I tried to scream for help until my thwasa came to my rescue,” he said. 

The gobela said his whole body was painful and he couldn’t walk properly

“I didn’t do anything wrong and I almost died for nothing. Those boys will rue the day they were born. I will get better and open my indumba and all hell will break loose,” he said. 

Mbili told the DkTeam the boys attacked him while he was trying to save his gobela. “They came from behind and hit me on the leg and ran away. I was trying to pick up my gobela from the ground. I thought they were already gone. I also had to lay down on the ground.

“A Good Samaritan appeared and helped us. We went to hospital and my gobela was given medication to ease the pain. I’m limping and use a stick to balance when walking,” he said. 

Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said the victims must open a case at the police station. He said police must have their statements so the culprits can be arrested.

By Phumlani Saul

The atmosphere at Nogoza Jebe Hall on Saturday night was electric as a crowd of around 258 people eagerly awaited the highly anticipated roast of Dr. Tebelele and Mafa Bavuma. The arch rivals, radio host Mafa Bavuma and celebrity medical practitioner Dr. Mthembeni Tebelele, were set to take center stage and unleash a plethora of humorous jabs at each other.

The event, aptly named the Roast of Dr. Tebelele and Mafa Bavuma, promised to be a laughter festival, and it certainly lived up to expectations. Held in Gqeberha at the Nangoza Jebe community hall on November 25, the evening had been eagerly anticipated with several build-up events throughout the year.

With tensions brewing between the two personalities for months, the audience was in for a no-holds-barred roast, offering a rare opportunity for Dr. Tebelele and Mafa Bavuma to let loose. The show featured well-known Gqeberha comedians, along with a number of local comedic talents and surprise celebrity guests.

The event’s success was evident, with tickets selling fast and a packed hall filled with eager spectators. Fans of both Dr. Tebelele and Mafa Bavuma were not disappointed as they unleashed their wits and humor in a battle of banter and good-natured ribbing.

The Roast of Dr. Tebelele and Mafa Bavuma is undoubtedly an unforgettable night of entertainment, laughter, and lighthearted humor. With the resounding success of this event, it is anticipated that similar roasts featuring other well-known personalities from Gqeberha may follow.

All in all, Saturday night’s event at Nogoza Jebe Hall was a resounding success. It was a night filled with laughter and camaraderie, leaving attendees eager for future events of the same caliber.

By Zola Mkhiva

JABULANI Dladla (41) from Zwide outside Gqeberha , Eastern Cape found his house in a mess when he returned home on Wednesday.

He said his girlfriend told him the cops were responsible and it didn’t take long before they came back and confronted him, demanding that he hand over a firearm.

“I was not home when they first came. My girlfriend called me telling me that cops are looking for me. I immediately went home,” said Jabulani.

He said when the cops returned, they allegedly dragged him into the house and demanded a gun.

“They still would not tell me what I did or what the search was about. They searched the house and when they couldn’t find the firearm, they started beating me up,” he said.

“I was humiliated in front of my girlfriend and children. Those cops must pay for what they did to me,” he said

Jabulani’s girlfriend, Babalwa Pholo (35), said the cops came to their house and demanded to see Jabulani.

“The incident has really left us confused and traumatised,” she said.

Babalwa said she has never seen a firearm in the house.

police spokeswoman Colonel Adele Myburgh confirmed that a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm was registered at Zwide Police Station.

“No arrest has been made yet,” said Myburgh.

Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) national spokesman Robbie Raburabu, said they have received a case of assault, adding that it will be investigated

By Phumlani Saul

TRAFFIC cops And Police Officers often encourage people to drive roadworthy cars.

But residents are concerned the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Police and SAPS doesn’t practice what it preaches.

They said the government is failing to maintain its vehicles.

This after a photo of a broken down Police vehicle circulated on social media.

In the photo, two men cops are seen pushing the vehicle in kariega corner of M19 Despatch.

A resident said it’s worrying for SAPS cars to break down on the roads.

“They always tell us to maintain and keep our cars in good condition, but they are clearly failing.

“How are we supposed to respect them when they seem to be failing?” said the resident. 

Another resident said unroadworthy cars shouldn’t be on the road. 

“Cops should check the car before they drive it but in this case I don’t think they did that.”

Metro police spokesman Senior Superintendent Parboo Sewpersad said he was aware of the photo.

He said the car broke down while the police were on duty. 

“So instead of just parking the car in the middle of the road, they decided to push it off the road in order to avoid traffic. 

“There is nothing wrong with what they did and I commend them for doing that.” 

He said people shouldn’t post photos on social media to make the police look bad.

By Nomalungelo Booi

MORE than 50 foreign-owned shops were closed by angry residents.

Community members in Moses Mabhida, Kerkwood, took to the streets on Monday.

Residents were angered by the tragic death of two siblings who had consumed an alleged poison in the snacks they bought at a local spaza shop in Moses Mabhida.

The community leader, Lawrence Mokhele, accused the Health and Environment Department inspectors and the relevant government department of taking bribes instead of protecting the lives of the children.

“We have received reports of children losing their lives and some being admitted to local hospitals for consuming expired food. We are calling on the foreign owned businesses to pack up and leave our kasi in peace. We cannot sit and hold hands while our children die.We’ve managed to close down almost 50 shops, including wholesalers,” he said

Provincial health spokesman, Mondli Mvambi disputed a social media report that three siblings were admitted to Provincial Hospital after consuming sweets from the local tuck shop.

Mvambi said some of the reports provoked the community into xenophobic attacks.

“We do not have such patients in our health facilities. We have a team that responds to outbreaks and has acted as first responders to similar incidents. We are waiting for the final reports on these incidents,” he said

By Phumlani Saul

“Groove on the Green: Thousands Flock to Easy Sunday Soul Sessions Picnic at Gqebera Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium!”

The Easy Sunday Soul Sessions Picnic, held at Gqebera Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Sunday, was a massive success with over 4500 people in attendance. This event catered to a more mature audience and offered a delightful lineup of Soul and RnB music, complemented by Afro Pop and a touch of Soulful Classic House Music from the Early 2000s.

The atmosphere was relaxed and laid-back, with people enjoying the beautiful weather and the soothing sounds of the music. The picnic brought together people from all walks of life to come and unwind, connect, and enjoy some good music and great food.

The idea of a lifestyle picnic for a more mature audience is a refreshing concept. It offers a space for people to come together and experience the soulful vibes of music in a beautiful outdoor setting.

The event provided a perfect opportunity for friends and family to spend quality time with each other and create lasting memories.

The organizers did a fantastic job of curating a diverse lineup of artists and DJs ensuring that there was something for everyone to enjoy.

From smooth RnB tunes to upbeat Afro Pop rhythms, the music selection had everyone up and dancing or simply swaying to the music.

The Easy Sunday Soul Sessions Picnic was not just about the music; it was also about the overall experience.

From the delicious food and drinks available to the cozy picnic setup, everything was designed to make attendees feel comfortable and at ease.

It was a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon, basking in the sun, enjoying good music, and connecting with like-minded individuals.

Siphosethu Adams (34) Told Daily Kasi News “Events like the Easy Sunday Soul Sessions Picnic serve as a reminder of the importance of taking time out to relax and enjoy the simple pleasures in life”

“In a world that is constantly on the go, it’s essential to have events that allow us to slow down, unwind, and rejuvenate our souls.” said Siphosethu.

Easy Soul Sunday Session Organisor doesn’t want to be named Said “For those who missed out on the Easy Sunday Soul Sessions Picnic, be sure to keep an eye out for future events. It’s an experience not to be missed, offering a perfect blend of relaxation, good music, and great company.

By PHUMLANI SAUL

Women in Gqeberha and surrounding areas were treated to a fun, yet empowering event at Board Walk Park on Saturday, 11 November.

The event was hosted by Doek On Fleek Nation Movement, a 100% black female-owned organisation that prides itself on employing and empowering young females. It was founded by Thandi Mavata in 2016 with the aim to celebrate women, their tenacious spirit as well as self-love and love for those around them.

Thandi Mavata, founder of the movement told Daily Kasi News “The Doek Nation Movement has spread throughout the nine provinces and in recent months we have introduced the movement to our neighboring African countries such as Botswana,

Lesotho and Zimbabwe. Our main focus in all these events is always the unity and empowerment of women by exposing them to opportunities within their communities as well as providing them with information of empowerment initiatives designed for women.

We also use these events to give locals and small business owners a platform to showcase their talent and products, but most importantly the events have become a safe space for women to let their hair down and fully enjoy themselves in the company of other women,” she explained

The event was attended by both young and old in a Park setting, where guests brought their camp chairs, blankets and picnic baskets. Guests also decorated their own picnic space as they saw fit, to give it an On Fleek picnic experience ambiance.

Andiswa Blaawu (23) Told DK team “I enjoyed myself today as I always look for such empowering and positive events to attend, and this one has met all expectations. I feel empowered and braver than before to go out there and continue to work on myself so that I can become the best version of myself, professionally and socially as both aspects play important roles in life. I look forward to attend more of these events in the future,” said Andiswa,

one of the guests. The ladies socialised while Jumbo sang his Hit Songs to keep them entertained, while having fun. Local businesses were also given the opportunity to showcase their products.

BY Phumlani Saul

At least four people were killed, and one person injured, in a mass shooting in a KwaDwesi home on Sunday night.

Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg confirmed the incident.

“I can confirm that four people died and one sustained injuries during a shooting incident,” she said.

“I don’t have any other information at this stage.”

According to police sources, the shooting claimed the lives of three men and one woman.. 

Sunday’s event marks the fifth known incident in Nelson Mandela Bay this year where four or more people lost their lives in a mass shooting.

This is a developing story.

By Phumlani Saul

The kariega safety co-ordinator caught three suspected livestock thieves slaughtering a stolen cow.

Nkosinathi Mdingi (46), Teboho Mphathi (46), and Gcobani Lekhanya (32) appeared in court on 31 October for possession of presumably suspected stolen livestock, and the case was postponed until 6 November for bail information.

The three suspects were caught red-handed slaughtering one of the cows near Dispatch power station on Saturday, 28 October, after the co-ordinator received a tip-off on the matter.

The rural safety officers and kariega stock theft officers spotted the suspects at a river bank slaughtering a cow. Two suspects were arrested, while the third escaped.

The Metro visible policing officers were called to the scene and with the help of the community, the third suspect was traced and caught near Khayamnadi Streets.

The officers recovered the slaughtered cow, three Brangus cattle including a calf, two heads of Brangus cattle, knives, pangas, and home-made spears.

The owner of livestock from Stankie near Perseverance identified his cattle, as seven were stolen from his farm.

An additional charge of stock theft will be added against the three arrested suspects.