By NTSIKELELO QOYO

Hundreds of KwaNobuhle residents started their weekend in high spirits on Friday after looting the stock from a SA Breweries truck that had earlier been hijacked and abandoned in the township.

I’ll The truck, carrying alcohol worth about R300,000, was hijacked on its way to Graaff-Reinet from the iBhayi plant in Perseverance.

Police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge said the truck had been intercepted on the R75 near Springs, Kariega

“At about 5.40am a liquor truck was hijacked by an unknown number of suspects in a silver Ford Bantam bakkie,” Beetge said.

“The truck was travelling on the R75 close to Springs, Kariega, at the Amanzi turn-off, when the bakkie overtook the truck and the driver had a gun pointed at him.

“The truck was then driven off by the suspects and the bakkie was dropped off in bushes close to NU29, Motherwell,” he said.

The truck was recovered in Relu Street, KwaNobuhle, at about 8am.

“All 18 pallets of beer were missing,” Beetge said.

A case of vehicle hijacking is being investigated by the Kariega police.

In pictures circulating on social media, residents can be seen looting the truck and running away with crates.

SAB spokesperson Kanyisa Nondyondya said none of its staff had been hurt during the hijacking.

“This morning an SAB truck was hijacked and looted,” Nondyondya said.

Thankfully, all of the drivers and crew members are unharmed.

“We have provided counselling services to help them cope with the trauma.

“We will co-operate with the authorities to resolve this matter,” she added.

By Xolisile Mazaleni

ZANDILE Nkwanyana was looking forward to a nice Christmas after saving about R10 000 through her stokvel. 

But her neighbour allegedly stole her bank card, making five withdrawls and taking all her money

The 39-year-old from Motherwell near Gqeberha said she always thought the woman who lived in the backyard shack next to her was a helpful person, but now she knows she was mistaken.

“I used to let her family put money for her in my account and then give her my card to withdraw it. 

“She knew my bank pin. When I received my stokvel savings, she stole my card and cellphone,” claimed Zandile. 

She said when she first realised her cellphone had gone missing, she didn’t think her neighbour could be the culprit.

“My friends told me they had seen my neighbour boozing with her friends in town. 

“When I went to check, her friends told me she had gone to her home in Dispatch .

“I followed her to Dispatch and was surprised to hear she had bought presents for everyone in her family.

“They had been given phones, groceries, shoes and clothes,” said Zandile.

“They said after she bought presents for everyone, she left home again and no one knows where she went.” 

Zandile said she is now facing a black Christmas with nothing to celebrate.

“I want the police to arrest this woman so she can pay my money back,” she said. 

Motherwell police spokesman Captain Petros Cholani confirmed a case of theft had been opened.

He said cops were investigating but that no arrest had yet been made.

By Nomalungelo Booi

THERE was a drunken argument in the local tavern when the young men questioned each other’s passage to manhood.

And Sinethemba Ncamiso (24) was necklaced for the apparent sins of his younger brother.

But Sinethemba’s proper passage to the afterlife is in jeopardy!

His family cannot mourn their son because a rival clan keeps throwing stones and petrol bombs at the house where the vigil needs to take place.

It happened on Tuesday night in Kamvelihle, near Motherwell, Port Elizabeth.

Sinethemba was kidnapped and burned to death by a group of unknown men on Sunday evening. His horrific death came after his younger brother (22), who was circumcised in June 2022, apparently questioned another man’s passage to manhood (ukudodisana) at the tavern that morning.

Sinethemba’s dad Mzwakhe (46) told Daily Kasi News : “An old man arrived at my house on Sunday armed with a hammer. He was looking for Sinethemba’s younger brother. He hit me with the hammer on my head and I nearly died.

“Later on I asked Sinethemba to go and buy airtime but he never came back. He was reportedly kidnapped by the crowd at about 7pm and burned to death.

When mourners gathered at my house on Tuesday night, stones and petrol bombs rained on us. I don’t know why my son was killed like this. He had nothing to do with the fight. 

“I will take his body straight from the mortuary to graveyard because I am really scared.’’ 

Constable Mncedi Mbombo said: “Cases of murder and arson have been opened but no one has been arrested yet.”

By Phumlani Saul

As SA continues to bask in the glory of the Springboks’ triumphant Rugby World Cup win, a shadow of injustice hangs over Nelson Mandela Bay. 

The decision by SA Rugby to exclude the metro cannot go unchallenged and that is exactly what numerous organisations and politicians are doing.

It was almost a given that the Bay would be included in the victory lap, as the city was home to several Springbok figures, such as captain Siya Kolisi, director of rugby Rassie Erasmus and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick.

Utility back Manie Libbok also has strong ties to the region.

Despite these deep-rooted connections, the decision to exclude Nelson Mandela Bay from the tour has left many disappointed.

Our city deserves its place in the Springboks’ celebration tour.

Family members of Kolisi and Libbok, Eastern Cape rugby officials, business leaders, and politicians have all voiced their concerns.

Acting EP Rugby Union president George Malgas pointed out that not enough consideration was given to the region’s significance in the history and development of black rugby. 

He emphasised the exclusion of the city that bears Nelson Mandela’s name as a glaring omission.

SA Rugby president Mark Alexander has defended the decision by prioritising population centres in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Soweto, Pretoria and Buffalo City to maximise the tour’s reach. 

While acknowledging the Eastern Cape’s importance in rugby history, SA Rugby’s decision to tour Buffalo City over Nelson Mandela Bay is puzzling.

This decision has dampened the pride that rugby brings to the Bay.

The disappointment expressed by relatives of Kolisi and Libbok is a stark reminder of the emotional connection the community has with these players.

It’s understandable that the people of Nelson Mandela Bay would like to be included in the celebration of the Springboks’ win, as it could serve as an inspiration for future rugby talent.

Residents must voice their concerns with SA Rugby to ensure our city is added to the tour as anything short of that is an injustice.

By Ozalanathi Langbooi

THE current situation outside the Gqeberha High Court in the Eastern Cape is heating up.

This is where Pastor Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused will learn their fate regarding the acquittal application. 

The case was postponed after Judge Irma Schoemann reserved her judgment on the defence’s application for a mistrial until Tuesday, 31 October.

On Monday, 4 September, defence lawyer Peter Daubermann made an application before the Gqeberha High Court, calling for the acquittal of his clients after the state closed its case

Daubermann accused the state of misleading the court and alleged that prosecutors colluded to change witness evidence.

Omotoso and his two co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, are facing charges of rape, human trafficking, and racketeering.Omotoso supporters gathered outside the court with banners chanting and singing their leader’s name, while on the other side, the ANC women’s league and other political party supporters said no to gender-based violence.

By Ntebatse Masipa

MONDAY, 30 October, marks the official start of the final matric exams.  

More than 717 377 pupils sat for English paper 1 exams on Monday morning. 

And parents have been warned that those who use the matric exams to fight service delivery battles could land behind bars.  

The Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill, which was passed by the National Assembly on Thursday, 26 October, criminalises the disruptions of schools and exams.

“We can’t allow adults to use children as pons for their service delivery protests at the expense of the children’s education,” warned Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga. 

For years, parents used this opportunity and, in the process, disrupted exams. 

Motshekga announced this during a media briefing on the readiness of matric exams on Sunday, 29 October. 

Elaborating more on the Bela Bill, the minister said the amendments address some of the key challenges that have, for years, hindered the progress of our education ecosystem.

The bill has 56 clauses ranging from the introduction of grade R to learner attendance, code of conduct for learners, home schooling, rationalisation of schools, abolishment of corporal punishment and initiations, language policy, admission policy, criminalisation of disruptions of school,” said Motshekga. 

All the above-mentioned clauses in the bill are about providing access to education and providing a child-friendly environment as per the dictates of international treaties. 

“The country can’t fold its arms and watch parents using children at traffic lights as beggars instead of sending them to school,” the minister said. 

“The country can’t afford to have children working on farms or roam the streets nor allow adults to use children as pons for their service delivery protests at the expense of the children’s education.” 

The minister said this year, more than 717 377 candidates will sit for the final examinations at 6 898 centres nationwide.  

She said a total of 207 question papers will be written, with 72 500 invigilators monitoring the exams, and 52 500 markers have been appointed.

By Phumlani Saul

The world champion Springbok rugby team will embark on a four-day Trophy Tour to major regional population centres from Thursday, SA Rugby announced on Sunday. 

The team will attend the gala World Rugby Awards ceremony in Paris on Sunday night before leaving France for South Africa on Monday morning.

The Boks arrive back in South Africa on Tuesday (10h55) at OR Tambo International Airport and will commence the tour 48 hours later.

The tour will start in Pretoria, Johannesburg and Soweto – concluding at FNB Stadium – on Thursday, 2 November, and take in Cape Town (Friday, 3 November) and Durban (Saturday, 4 November) before concluding in the Eastern Cape (East London) on Sunday, 5 November.

The locations have been selected for population size in the first three instances and because of the Eastern Cape’s rugby significance in the fourth.

Satellite tours to Bloemfontein, Nelson Mandela Bay and other centres will be scheduled for 2024. Such tours following the 2019 victory had to be abandoned because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The route for each tour has been prepared in consultation with the respective local authorities and the South African Police Service.

Route maps and timings will be published at www.springboks.rugby, on SA Rugby’s social media channels and by local authorities in due course.

By Phumlani Saul

Nozikhumbuzo suspects someone is raping her goat.

Nozikhumbuzo Mefo (45) from KwaLanga near Kariega Eastern Cape, bought two goats on her birthday last May.

“It was the happiest moment of my life and I saw a good future ahead for me and my goats,” she said.

“I got a male and a female so they could make babies and multiply every year,” Nozikhumbuzo said.

She said she never thought the animals would become targets of sex pests.

Nozikhumbuzo said the male goat was killed in July by unknown people.

She then named the remaining goat Tshidi, which means condolences.

Things started to change when she realised that something was wrong with Tshidi in October.

She said she saw the goat was bleeding from the back. She then asked one of her neighbors to lock it in their kraal at night and she would check it every morning.

But that did not help because the problem continued.

“Tshidi has been violated multiple times and the attacks are continuing even now.” 

Last month, she said, she was called by a passerby to rescue the goat as it was tied up a few houses away from hers.

“Its private parts were bleeding and it couldn’t move. It was just lying there,” she said.

“I don’t know what will happen when it gives birth. 

“Will it be a kid or a human being? 

“I want the evil person doing this to be locked up,” she said. 

SPCA’s inspector Nicolas Brooks said they took the goat so it could be examined.

By Daily Kasi News Reporter

Volkswagen Group SA, in partnership with its Advanced Driving Academy, has developed the first open-source night driving safety course aptly dubbed “Night School”.

In a bid to reduce the high rate of accident fatalities on SA’s roads, with more than 55% occurring at night, the course aims to educate drivers on the challenges and risks associated with night-time driving.

VWSA head of marketing  Bridget Harpur said the course was launched little less than a week ago and would be open to the public from November.

“We are acutely focused on our ambition of creating safer roads, not only for our drivers, but for all road users including passengers, pedestrians, cyclists and animals,” Harpur said.

“With over half of our country’s fatal accidents occurring at night, we asked ourselves, then why do we all only learn to drive during the day?

“Through our Night School curriculum, we are hoping to provide a tangible and effective solution that will help play a part in reducing the country’s night-time road accident statistics and, as a result, help save lives.” 

The Night School is made up of a comprehensive open-source online curriculum that is fully dedicated to night-time driving education and includes learner tests at the end of each chapter. 

The curriculum is free and accessible to all road users. 

In addition to the online curriculum, Volkswagen’s Advanced Driving academy will also be offering a real-world theoretical and practical course hosted by their experienced defensive driving instructors based at the Zwartkops Raceway.

Volkswagen’s Night School curriculum covers a range of night-driving topics from understanding your vehicle, visibility and poor vision, driver fatigue, recklessness, personal safety, weather conditions and a host of factors that compromise a driver’s ability when on the roads after dark. 

The Night School is joining forces with existing initiatives, led by both government agencies and the private sector, with the intended purpose of collaborating to save lives.

By LOLWETHU LEEU

When rain clouds loomed over the rescheduled date of the 2nd Annual All-White Heritage Day picnic, many wondered if it would put a damper on the festivities. However, to everyone’s delight, the rain couldn’t wash away the enthusiasm of attendees, resulting in a remarkable turnout that only heightened the sense of unity and celebration. Despite the weather challenges, the picnic became a memorable affair, showcasing the resilience and determination of South Africans to celebrate their heritage, rain or shine in Gqeberha thousands of patrons flock to Victoria Park to celebrate Heritage Day in white and traditional attire.

The celebration of Heritage Day featuring a diverse line-up. The line-up includes Thandiswa Mazwai, Mandisi Dyantyis, Big Zulu, Lwah Ndunkulu, Aymos, Betusile & more.

As the heavens opened and raindrops fell, the atmosphere at the All-White Heritage Day picnic held on Saturday, 21 October, was nothing short of electric. Attendees embraced the rainfall, trading umbrellas for dance partners, and celebrating their diverse cultural backgrounds with joy and zest. The weather became an unexpected ally, creating a unique and unforgettable experience that will undoubtedly be remembered by all those in attendance.

Originally planned for 24th September, the picnic had to be postponed due to inclement weather conditions. However, the rescheduled date saw an impressive turnout, demonstrating the commitment and determination of South Africans to celebrate their heritage. The rain, rather than deterring attendees, seemed to add an extra layer of excitement and camaraderie to the event.

The rain became a unifying force, breaking down barriers and bringing people together under shared laughter and dance. Attendees exchanged stories, indulged in delicious food, and celebrated the rich tapestry of South Africa’s diverse cultures. The constant drizzle transformed into a dance partner, inspiring impromptu performances and creating an atmosphere of togetherness that will be cherished for years to come.

Ebubeleni Festival Projects chair Marc Mahambehlala said “

The turnout was amazing and truly humbling,” Mahambehlala said. 

“It was a beautiful sight seeing all the festinos in their All-Whites with a touch of heritage as they filled up Victoria Park.

The 2nd Annual All-White Heritage Day picnic, held in the midst of a refreshing rain shower, demonstrated the tenacity and unwavering spirit of South Africans. The event showcased the freedom of cultural expression and the power of unity. Attendees danced, laughed, and celebrated under the rain-soaked sky, forging connections and establishing lasting memories. It was a testament to the fact that no weather can dampen the indomitable spirit of a nation celebrating its heritage

Ayabonga Zenzile (45) Told Daily Kasi News “ The rain-blessed.

“ 2nd Annual All-White Heritage Day picnic proved that when it comes to celebrating South Africa’s rich heritage, nothing can stand in the way – not even inclement weather.”

Another Attendees Zukiswa Gomomo (32) Said: “exemplified the spirit of unity and adaptability, creating an unforgettable experience that showcased the nation’s diverse cultures.”

“ In the face of rain showers, South Africans danced, laughed, and reveled in the joy of their shared heritage, leaving an indelible mark on the 2nd Annual All-White Heritage Day picnic and setting the stage for even more memorable celebrations to come.”