BY NOMALUNGELO BOOI

A FAMILY is grieving the death of their son Ayabonga Malatjie (17) was hit by a speeding locomotive train.

Ayabonga left home to herd seven cows for grazing.

But he never made it. He was hit by a locomotive engine whilst crossing the herd on the vandalised railway line which cuts through Demist outside Kariega near CBD , Eastern Cape on Saturday, 18 March at about 9 am.

His saddened uncle Moses Malatjie (45) said they became worried when they heard the train rattle as it honked its horn repeatedly before stopping.  

“The train stopped a distance away after hitting him and the cow. It then reversed to the scene. But it quickly sped off as people came running to find out why.

“We couldn’t believe our eyes seeingAyabonga and the cow lying bleeding next to the railway tracks. We alerted the police who quickly activated paramedics who certified him dead upon arrival at the scene,” he said.

Malatjie said Ayabonga was an orphan and raised him after his mum died in 2007.

He said the young herdsman loved animals and dreamed of becoming a veterinary doctor.   

“We are blaming the Transnet Freight Rail for his death. As you can see, this infrastructure is fenceless, damaged and poorly maintained. They have to handle his funeral,” Malatjie added.  

KwaNobuhle Livestock Farmers Association Chairman Nicholas Kooi said: “This infrastructure is vandalised starting from Despatch and Demist as well its fence alongside causing many livestock, especially the cows and constantly vulnerable to be killed by the train. We have long been complaining about it.”

Transnet Freight Rail spokeswoman Kathy Jaftha confirmed that the incident was reported in Uitenhage on the Demist line.

“There is a push from some within the local Community Forum to force Transnet Freight Rail to prematurely take responsibility for this fatality. Through our community engagement channels, we have indicated to the community that this incident is a focus of an ongoing police investigation. We can only make pronouncements on this fatality once the investigation has been concluded,” she said.  

Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said an inquest case was registered for investigation.

BY PHUMLANI SAUL

A healing gospel show as a means to bring people together to pray for their Friendly City.

As crime, violence, load-shedding and a crippling drought wreak havoc on South Africans, a healing gospel show will be held at the Athenaeum to bring people together to pray for the country.

The Healing Gospel and Afro-Soul Explosion Concert 2023 will be held tomorrow — and the timing could not be better, as residents in Nelson Mandela Bay mourn loved ones slain by gun-toting criminals.

Sandla Black told Daily Kasi News: “By hosting this event, we are reaching out to our Maker to send us His blessings and stop this carnage in our country,” Siyavuya Marwanqa, from organisers

“On the last Sunday in February our religious leaders took to the streets of Gqeberha, preaching and asking for intervention to end this violence.

“We believe that music is always a very strong unifier in all situations,” Marwanqa said.

A popular young gospel artist Ayanda Ntanzi, 29, will be featured at The Healing Gospel and Afro-Soul Explosion.

Not only is Ntanzi blessed with a beautiful voice, he also boasts an LLB degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

The “Qhawe Lam” hit maker, Zuko SA and the Buffalo City Praise Encounter Choir are included in the line-up.

Sandla Black was mentored by Mahambehlala Communications, owners of the Ebubeleni Festival, as part of its objective to assist companies with the potential to stage events in the city and province but which lack production knowledge.

This is the third time Sandla Black will partner with Ebubeleni.

A healing gospel show will be held at the Athenaeum in Gqeberha.

Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm.

Tickets cost R250 and are available through Webtickets, Pick n Pay outlets and Boxer stores

BY NOMALUNGELO BOOI

‘We don’t care’ if hospital patients die! These are the words of Angry Healthcare workers.

There has been ongoing strike action in certain health facilities in Nelson Mandela Bay today, March 7, with striking health workers demanding an increment of at least 10%.

Heavy black smoke could be seen in Stanford Road since this morning, where NEHAWU members protested, blocked roads, chanted and used hand sanitiser as accelerants to burn tyres outside Livingstone Hospital.One of the protesters, who did not want to be identified, said that they are tired of everything that is supposedly going on inside this hospital.

The worker claimed that the hospital allegedly does not have enough medication, some facilities, such as stoves are not working and they haven’t received new uniforms since 2010.

Things are much worse than it looks and we are expected to just keep quiet and work like this. We are working very hard but with no increase. We asked for 6.5% in 2018 and did not get it. Now we want at least 10%.”The worker added that they would continue with the strike action for as long as their union tells them to do so.

“We will come back every day until an agreement is reached and we are told by our leaders to stop. They are inside the hospital discussing this while we protest here,” the worker added.

When asked about healthcare interruptions inside the hospital, the worker said that the patients are still inside the hospital. “We told them that we will not touch the ICU and theatres. Surgeries can continue,” the worker said.

Eastern Cape Health MEC, Nomakhosazana Meth, reiterated that health is an essential service, which means that strike action in this sector is unprotected and unlawful, more so where these acts of intimidation and withholding of services affect abilities to provide care and make employees feel threatened.

“We understand that workers have a right to demonstrate but when they do, they cannot infringe on the rights of others. We cannot afford to have a situation where the lives of patients and staff not on strike are in danger as a result of the action of those who have embarked on this action.

“We have noted that the NEHAWU-affiliated workers have embarked on the strike despite being interdicted by the high court. Such lawlessness is condemned with the contempt it deserves,” Meth said.

“We urge workers to go back to their workstations so that we can continue delivering quality health and care services to our people,” she added.

According to Meth, the disruptive actions by certain members at some health facilities around the province affects access for the non-protesting staff and also denies patients access to healthcare services.

“Such acts of intimidation and violence violate the constitutional rights of the people to life and access to healthcare. Any form of violence and intimidation directed at health workers, patients and infrastructure is condemned in the strongest terms.”She explained that four out of five unions are not supporting the strike action and have raised concerns that their members are being intimidated and denied access to their work stations. “We do appreciate responsible shop stewards who have called their members to order where necessary, ensured that critical services continue and that our patients receive necessary care. However, we take very seriously those employees who intimidate others, and cause services to be affected negatively.”

She added that appropriate action will be taken in all such instances, and law enforcement agencies are being deployed to support the facilities where there are such acts of lawlessness. In addition, a no-work-no-pay principle will apply to all the officials participating in the strike action.

“The department wishes to ensure the public that services are being offered at our health facilities by members who are not on strike and we are doing everything we can to bring stability to the service. There are reports of disruptions in some areas attributable to acts of intimidation. The department will continue to engage NEHAWU leadership about such incidents.

“Members of the SAPS are highly applauded where they have intervened and dealt with these kinds of incidents, protecting both the members of the public, staff and state infrastructure from these illegal activities. We are, however, maintaining high levels of vigilance, until the strike action is called off.”

Police spokesperson, Col. Priscilla Naidu, said at approximately 14:00 that the protests were still peaceful.

BY PHUMLANI SAUL

Kariega detectives in KwaNobuhle have launched a manhunt for suspects who allegedly gunned down a man on Tuesday night, 28 February.

According to Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, it is alleged that at about 8pm police attended to a complaint of a shooting in Khama Street, Kwanobuhle.

On arrival they found the deceased Loyiso Nxati(40) in front of his house with gunshot wounds to the head and left shoulder.

“It is further alleged that suspects, two armed with firearms fired multiple shots at the deceased while he was seated in his stationary vehicle,” Janse van Rensburg said.

She said the suspects allegedly fled on foot.

“A case of murder is under investigation and the motive for the shooting is unknown at this stage,” Janse van Rensburg added.

Anyone who can assist with any information relating to the shooting, is asked to contact Captain Vernel Arries at 082 442 0963 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111

BY PHUMLANI SAUL

MADALA Maliza Mhlekazi (78) and his wife are about to call it quits because of Eskom.

The 78-year-old accused the power utility of being the reason his wife Junie Mhlekazi (71) moved out of their home.

He said Junie was now living with relatives because she wasn’t coping without electricity as she suffered from chronic diseases. She said some of her medicine needed to be said he and his wife were suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes, but his wife’s condition was worse.

“I’m not happy. I lost weight because I cannot eat properly. I am worried about my wife. I love and miss her,” he said.

The madala from Gunguluza area 9, Kariega, said his cable, which connects electricity into his house, was stolen on 12 January while they were sleeping.

He said when his wife was around, they would spend time sharing stories and enjoyed being together.

“It’s like Eskom has made me divorce my wife,” said Maliza.

He said officials must come and fix the cable.

Mhlekazi said it seemed Eskom didn’t care about senior citizens.

He said he was angry with the thugs who stole his cable and left him in darkness.

Police spokeswoman Precilla Naidoo said: “As per the case number provided, a theft general case has been opened with the police.”

Nelson mandela bay Eskom spokeswoman Amanda Qithi said they were investigating both matters and once they were done, they would send a full response.

BY YOLANDA PALEZWENI

First Kwazakhele, now Motherwell rocked by deadly attacks

While Kwazakhele residents remain in shock after a string of brazen shootings, the violence has spilt over to another Nelson Mandela Bay township, this time in Motherwell.

A husband and wife were shot dead in Motherwell on Sunday shortly after the man arrived home.

Their 13-year-old daughter was shot in the right leg, while two other children were unharmed.

Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said shortly after the father arrived home, three gunmen entered the house in Nkanyezi Street.

“They shot the man and his wife, both aged 46.”

She said the motive for the murders and attempted murders were under investigation.

On Friday, the body of Bulewa Tonga was found at her home in Feni Street, Motherwell.

“She sustained multiple bullet wounds,” Naidu said.

The circumstances and motive for the murder are yet to be investigated.

BY PHUMLANI SAUL

A KwaNobuhle teenager accused of murdering a man and raping two young sisters abandoned his bail application on Thursday.

The 16-year-old boy is being held at a Child and Youth Care Centre after his guardian indicated that he preferred the boy be kept in custody for his own safety, according to NPA regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali.

Tyali said the teenager was facing one count of murder following an incident on January 25, two counts of rape, as well as a charge of house robbery allegedly committed on February 12 in KwaNobuhle.

“The minor abandoned bail and is kept at a Child and Youth Care Centre.

“[On Wednesday], the KwaNobuhle Magistrate’s Court had to be closed and vacated due to protest action resulting from misinformation that the youth had been released to the custody of his parents.

“The correct information is that the matter had not yet been enrolled, as there were outstanding investigations to be done as per the prosecutor’s instructions.

“It is alleged that the teenager, with an accomplice who is still at large, attacked and killed a man in his house in the Dubai area of KwaNobuhle on January 25,” Tyali said.

On February 12, two men stormed a house in KwaNobuhle and raped two minor women, stealing two cellphones, R2,000 cash and alcohol.

“The youth was also identified as a suspect and the case has been remanded to February 20 for further investigations,” Tyali said.

On Wednesday, more than 60 KwaNobuhle residents protested outside the KwaNobuhle Magistrate’s Court.

The irate crowd demanding justice for the two girls who were allegedly raped while their 60-year-old grandmother was locked in her room, from where she was allegedly forced to hear their agonising cries.

Save a Child from Drugs, Save the Community foundation founder the Rev Thamsanqa Nkevu led the protest on Wednesday.

He said the community was shocked by the incident but happy to hear the boy would remain in custody.

“This is great news for the family and it is also a victory for the community.

“It cannot end there or we will miss the whole point, because a child was [allegedly] influenced to partake in activities that will rob his future.

“All these children are important; whether the youth are on drugs or not, they are key in preserving the community.

“This speaks to the conscience of those criminals who recruit children into a life of crime,” Nkevu said.

BY PHUMLANI SAUL

Three men were allegedly caught red-handed stealing electricity cables in the early hours of Sunday in Kempston Road, Gqeberha.

They were arrested at about 1.50am by metro police officers who were patrolling the area.

The Nelson Mandela Bay municipality said the metro police officers had noticed the suspects tampering with an electricity box.

The men were allegedly found in possession of copper cables and a hacksaw.

Bay safety and security political head Lawrence Troon welcomed the arrests and commended the officers for their swift response.

“The suspects were detained at the Algoa Park police station on charges of cable theft and infrastructure damage.

“We welcome these arrests as they mean we are taking away thieves that are crippling service delivery in our city,” Troon said.

Residents are urged to report any suspected cable theft on 041-508-5576.

BY LOXOLO NGWENDU

A second mass shooting in Kwazakhele in as many weeks has left a further four people dead at the weekend.

Gqeberha police are now appealing to the Kwazakhele and New Brighton communities to join hands with authorities to eradicate senseless shootings after the latest incident in Kwazakhele on Sunday morning.

Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said that at about 12.45am a patrolling police vehicle was stopped by a woman who said that she and others were shot at by unknown men.

“It is alleged that approximately 11 people, six females and five males, were drinking and enjoying themselves at the house when three unknown men entered and started shooting,” Naidu said.

Three women, aged between 20 and 25, and the 28-year-old male homeowner were fatally wounded while three people sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to hospital for treatment.

The remaining four, two men and two women, escaped unharmed.

The motive for the shooting is unknown at this stage and the next of kin of the dead are still being traced and verified.

“The Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit in Gqeberha is investigating a case of four counts of murder and seven counts of attempted murder,” Naidu said.

Anyone who can assist in tracing the suspects is asked to contact Colonel Willie Mayi on 082-697-5914 or Crime Stop on 08600-10111 or the nearest police station.

The incident comes about two weeks after eight people died when two gunmen opened fire on people attending a birthday party at a Maqanda Street home.

BY XOLA NGCANGCA

Another killing in Gqeberha in few hours after Police Minister Bheki Cele visited the scene of the mass shooting in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape on Monday, 30 January.

Cele was accompanied by the National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola.

Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said the woman was identified as Nosipho Zwide. 

“It is alleged that, at about 9.30am, two unknown men entered a house in Dubula Street, and shot and killed the woman.”

She said the motive for the murder was under investigation.

Two men entered a house in New Brighton on Tuesday and killed a 73-year-old woman

Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said the woman was identified as Nosipho Zwide.

“It is alleged that, at about 9.30am, two unknown men entered a house in Dubula Street, and shot and killed the woman.”

She said the motive for the murder was under investigation.