BY NOMALUNGELO BOOI

The police have asked the public’s assistance to identify a woman whose body was found floating in the sea at Cape Recife on Thursday morning.

Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said police divers were called to the Cape Recife lighthouse at about 11am when a family walking nearby noticed a body floating just off the beach.

Police divers retrieved the body of a woman, believed to be between 50-55 years old.

She was dressed in only her bra, and initial reports revealed no visible wounds or injuries.

A postmortem would be conducted to determine the cause of death, Janse van Rensburg said.

Anyone who may be able to identify the woman should contact the Humewood police on 041-504-5019.

Alternatively contact Crime Stop on 08600-10111 or your nearest police station.

BY ZONWABELE JANUARY

An unidentified woman, believed to have been pregnant, has been found dead in a ditch with a gunshot wound to the head.

Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said police were notified on Wednesday morning about a woman, aged 30-35, lying in a ditch on the Old St Albans gravel road.

A truck driver saw the body and contacted police.

“She was dressed in a white and brownish sleeping gown, blue pyjama pants with white stars, and green bedroom sleeping boots.

“She sustained a gunshot wound to the head.

“It is suspected the deceased may have been pregnant; however, a postmortem will be able to confirm this,” Naidu said.

She said police were urgently trying to identify the woman and trace her next of kin.

It was thought that the woman had been shot on Monday night.

Anyone who may be able to identify the woman or have information that could assist in the investigation, should contact Lieutenant-Colonel Alan Stuurman on 071-608-1641, Crime Stop 08600 10111 or the nearest police station.

BY PHUMLANI SAUL

Police in Kwanobuhle have launched a manhunt for two suspects involved in the fatal killing of two people and injury to another three in Mqhaba Street in Kwanobuhle yesterday afternoon.

It is alleged that at about 15:15, a ‘jikeleza’ driver of a Mazda 323 was offloading passengers in Mqhaba Street when two masked men approached the vehicle and fired shots. The driver (24) and two female passengers managed to get out and run away however they sustained gunshot wounds.

The two males, both aged 24 years old that were still in the vehicle were fatally injured. They sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

The driver sustained a gunshot wound to his toe while a 14 year old teenage girl sustained a gunshot wound in her back and another 31 year old female sustained a gunshot wound in her buttocks. All the injured were taken to hospital for treatment.

One of the two deceased persons was identified as Nkosiyabo Nqakula from Kwanobuhle. The other deceased identity is yet to be established.

The motive for the incident is under investigation.

The Provincial Organised Crime Investigation (POCI) in Gqeberha are investigating cases of murder and attempted murder.

Anyone who can assist in the investigation is asked to contact D/Lt Col Willie Mayi on 082 697 5914 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or their nearest police station. All information is confidential and callers may remain anonymous.

BY PHUMLANI SAUL

Parents irate about alleged disappearance of money meant for fun events

A teacher at a KwaNobuhle primary school is being investigated after allegations by pupils that he “ate the money” they handed over for two grade 7 farewell functions.

Eastern Cape education department spokesperson Malibongwe Mtima confirmed the department’s position on the matter last week after parents staged a protest at Mngcunube Primary School related to the alleged disappearance of money, totalling about R17,000.

The matter at Mngcunube was brought to our attention,” Mtima said.

“An educator is accused of financial misconduct and we are investigating.”

On Monday last week, about a dozen parents gathered at the school to protest about the situation.

Landelwa Yayi said their children and others in grade 7 had been due to enjoy a farewell.

“They were going for a meal at a restaurant in Kariega on Thursday [October 20] and then on the Friday they were supposed to go to the beach.

“We paid R400 for each of our children towards the farewell events.

“But the restaurant did not happen properly. They did not get enough food.

“And then on Friday when the kids arrived all excited for the beach, they were told they were no longer going as there was no money.

“When we asked the principal, she told us their teacher had eaten the money.”

Another mother, Simbulele Potye, told Daily Kasi News they had receipts to show that they had each given R400.

Another mother, Vuyiseka Makinana, said: “This thing is affecting 43 learners. It is a lot of money.”

The name of the teacher is known to Daily Kasi News but is being withheld because his contact details could not be traced.

Principal Vuyokazi Gaika referred questions to the department.

EFF regional command member Hector Peter, who alerted DK-NEWS to the protest, said there appeared to be other matters of concern at the school.

“We are calling on the principal to host a meeting of all Mngcunube parents and the community at large so these concerns can be put on the table,” he said.

In a similar case at Motherwell’s Mfesane Senior Secondary School, the department was last week set to begin hearings on allegations that members of the school governing body had used school feeding scheme funds to stock up their own larders and even tried to use the money to buy alcohol.

The money from the provincial education department, totalling about R1m a year, was supposed to be used to provide Mfesane pupils, many of whom come from impoverished households, with one healthy meal a day.

The allegations that the funds were being misused were brought to the fore by three former members of the school governing body.

They said they had resigned in September after trying for months without success to raise their concerns with the department though they provided receipts and other evidence of what was allegedly going on.

According to the whistle-blowers, the school governing body members also allegedly claimed for transport to meetings even when there was no meeting.

Furthermore, no budget or financial plan had been drawn up to properly manage the spending of funds, as the governing body was required to do.

BY PHUMLANI SAUL AND ZOLISA WILLIAMS

Transport minister launches first leg of project between Sunland and Kirkwood

A R275m road upgrade on the R336 between Addo and Kirkwood will be the first of a series of repairs between Sundays River Valley and Gqeberha to fix the busy citrus export route.

The repairs are part of R2bn set aside by Sanral and the national transport department to fix a network of roads between the city and provincial citrus hub.

On Wednesday, transport minister Fikile Mbalula was at the R336 between Sunland and Kirkwood to launch the first leg of the works which, when completed, will cover 13.75km.

Construction has already begun and will be completed in 24 months, with the rest of the network repaired over five years.

The R336 upgrade will also include safety features such as pedestrian pavements and traffic controls.

The Sundays River Bridge will also be widened to accommodate a new pedestrian walkway.

Mbalula told DK news “department through Sanral was taking over earmarked municipal and provincial roads to assist cash-strapped municipalities.

“Small towns and municipalities suffer from lack of revenue,” he said.

“This is a regional road, but through an MOU [memorandum of understanding] and the minister’s proclamation we have taken it over to help the province.

“The R336 is the main artery that leads into the main town and beyond.”

Mbulula said the Eastern Cape was the biggest beneficiary of the non-tolling roads of Sanral.

“There are no toll gates here but some of the roads [in the province], particularly on the N2, are in pristine condition because of our investment.

We have taken over the R61 which connects to the N2 going to KwaZulu-Natal.

“In five years, this work will be complete.”

He also said he was happy with the turnover of SMMEs hired for the R275m upgrade.

The reconstruction will also cover the R335 which connects to the R336, linking the vital citrus export route from the Sunday River Municipality.

Sanral project manager Thabiso Ngozwana said the repairs were essential in supporting the harbour-bound cargo.

“The most important thing about having good roads is to make sure the fruit does not get damaged during transportation.

“This area is the second-biggest employer after the automotive sector and it is, therefore, crucial that the necessary support is there,” Ngozwana said.

According to Ngozwana, the road repairs were divided into nine packages, which will cost R2bn.

Work has already begun on the R75 between Kirkwood and Kariega.

“Construction was also under way on the R342 but has been halted becomes the contractor had gone into business rescue,” he said.

Mbulala said there would be further work with Sanral to repair roads inside Kirkwood that had collapsed.

“When you pass through the town, you see they have collapsed.

“We will extend inside and redo the roads.”

According to Mbulala, no assistance was likely to come to Nelson Mandela Bay which had budgeted R30m for its potholes.

“Nelson Mandela Bay has a lot of challenges, from political leadership to coalitions.

“This has delayed the implementation of service delivery.

“Nelson Mandela Bay does not have revenue problems but mismanagement, they have some capacity unlike here.

“But we work with municipalities,” he said.

“We need to understand what are the challenges in terms of potholes and fixing the road.”

BY NOMALUNGELO BOOI

Nelson Mandela Bay top cop sets sights on seizing illegal
Police in Nelson Mandela Bay have confiscated an average of more than one firearm a day for the month of October, reinforcing their renewed efforts to eradicate illegal weapons and ensure the safety of the community at large.

During the first three weeks of the month, a total of 32 illegal firearms were recovered, and while these figures are encouraging, Nelson Mandela Bay district police commissioner Major-General Vuyisile Ncata believes more can be done to curb the scourge.


In one of the latest recoveries, on Sunday afternoon, members of Gqeberha’s anti-gang unit responded to reports of shots being fired in Barcelona at about 3pm, leading to the arrest of a 31-year-old man.

In Bramlin Markman Street, police spotted a man with a firearm and chased after him in their vehicle and on foot.

After the man was cornered in a yard in Uranus Street, he turned and allegedly pointed the firearm at officers, who in turn opened fire and wounded the man in both legs.

It was established later that the 9mm pistol recovered on the scene had been reported stolen in East London in January 2019.

The man was arrested for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, and will also face a charge of pointing a firearm.

Another 9mm pistol was recovered on Friday and a 23-year-old suspected gang affiliate arrested at a club in Smilex Street, Salsoneville, after a tip-off.

Several other operations last week also led to the arrest of 11 people in Bethelsdorp and 25 in Walmer, suspected of various crimes including murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, and charges related to stolen goods and drugs.

Ncata commended police members for their efforts, in particular the operation that led to the recovery of illegal firearms.

Since his appointment in July, Ncata has dedicated time and resources specifically at removing illegal firearms from the hands of criminal elements in the Bay.“We are taking firearms off the streets, but it is concerning to see there are still many firearms going onto the streets when they are taken during burglaries and robberies,” Ncata said.We find that homes are targeted specifically because of their likelihood to have firearms.

“Security operatives and armed guards have also fallen prey to these criminals, and recently we even had an incident where a traffic officer was killed for her firearm.”

Ncata said he would like to see more formal engagements with the National Prosecuting Authority to follow up on cases where suspects were arrested for the illegal possession of firearms.

He said the police should be able to track the progress of these cases, and he would like to see harsher sentences.

“Firearms are the weapon of choice for criminals, and the theft and illegal possession of firearms often lead to much more serious crime.

“We need to chase harsher sentences as a deterrent for would-be criminals.”

Ncata said he also aimed to embark on a campaign to check up on legitimate firearm owners, to ensure they were adhering to the required regulations.

Part of this campaign would include verifying addresses, safe inspections and checking if firearm licences were up to date.

BY NONKQUBELA MALIZA

A Gqeberha businessman was abducted in broad daylight on Wednesday afternoon.

Though details are scant, it is believed Ashraf Laher was abducted in Korsten.

The businessman’s bakkie was abandoned and later recovered by police in Struandale near Eveready.

When The Herald arrived at the scene, two police vehicles, a metro police vehicle and an unmarked law enforcement vehicle were parked alongside the cordoned off area.

A member of the Gelvandale community police forum, Iresh Chetty, said he was not in a position to divulge details at this stage, but would comment later after the police had released a statement.

This is a developing story.

BY PHUMLANI SAUL

Five men charged with the murders of nine people and the attempted murder of another, appeared in the KwaNobuhle Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where their case was postponed to October 24.

Luvuyo Madela, 29, Nkosinathi Zonke, 30, Ludwe Djantjies, 29, Smiselo Lukwe, 26, and Siyabulela Ndamase, 34, were arrested between Friday morning and Saturday night after a shooting rampage in the Kariega township on Thursday.

The victims were finally identified by the police as Lizo Ntantawe, 26, Siphiwo Mtana, 53, Wamkelo Lukashe, 37, Siphosethu Jonas, 23, Misumzi Willie, 26, Zukisa Sokhiya, 25, Siyamthanda Vusani, 24, and Siyamthanda Spogter, 18.

The identity of the ninth person killed has not yet been released.

The state has already indicated that it will oppose bail, with at least three of the accused facing unrelated murder charges for which they were out on bail at the time of Thursday’s mass shooting.

The men appeared in court under heavy police guard on Monday morning before being escorted back to the St Albans prison, where they remain in custody.

During their brief court appearance, it emerged that one of the men needed time to appoint a legal representative.

The remaining accused are represented by Legal Aid SA.

Chaos had erupted in the large township on Thursday.

In the first incident, at about 11.45am, police attended to a shooting in Mabi Street where the bodies of four men were found in a Mazda 323, with a fifth lying a few metres from the car.

In the second incident, at about 12.10pm, the bodies of three men were found in Zola Nqini Street.

The sole surviving victim, also with multiple gunshot wounds, was discovered lying behind the vehicle and transported to hospital for treatment.Later that same day, the body of a man aged between 18 and 25 was found lying on the side of the road in Rooihoogte near KwaNobuhle.

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nomthetheleli Mene had ordered a 72-hour activation plan on Thursday evening to track, trace and arrest the culprits.

By Friday morning, four men had been taken in for questioning and by Sunday they were formally charged.

The police team had established that a white Toyota Quantum was used in the commission of the murders and had worked around the clock to trace the vehicle.

The vehicle was eventually spotted at about 6.10pm on Saturday, travelling from Langa township in Kariega towards town, and a 34-year-old man apprehended.

BY NOMALUNGELO BOOI

A traditional herbalist had the shock of his life when he discovered a fully clothed human skeleton in a drain bridge in Kwanobuhle, Kariega.

Monwabisi Makhwetha says that while he was looking for indigenous herbs on Saturday evening, as he usually does on weekends, he noticed something wrapped in a blanket near Nomakhwezana Street.

He says out of curiosity he unwrapped the blanket and to his surprise, a human skull rolled out of it.

He says he was so shocked that he immediately left the area and went home but he didn’t sleep a wink.

“I went home after I saw the skeleton but I couldn’t sleep all night as I kept having visions of what I had seen,” Makhwetha added.

On Sunday, a panicked Makhwetha contacted an DK-NEWS journalist who was in the same area to assist him in trying to contact the relevant authorities.

He also took the journalist to the scene where he had made the discovery.

Makhwetha reported the matter to a Mkoko police station who went out to the scene with him.

He told DK NEWS that he will sleep peacefully knowing that the deceased person’s family who might have been in the dark about his whereabouts will finally get closure.

The identity of the victim is unknown at this stage and anybody who might have information is asked to contact the police.

He was wearing brown pants and a denim jacket with a purple cap.

It is not yet clear if police are investigating a murder or an inquest.

BY PHUMLANI SAUL

The Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene has welcomed and applauded the multi-disciplinary team that swiftly traced and arrested five men suspected to be connected to the murders of nine people and the injury to another in three separate shooting incidents in Kwanobuhle and Kariega on Thursday, 13 October.

In the first incident, it is alleged that at about 11:45 on Thursday, police attended to a shooting in Mabi Street where the bodies of four men were found inside a Mazda 323.

Colonel Priscilla Naidu, police spokesperson, said all the men sustained multiple gunshot wounds to their upper bodies.

“A fifth male (also with multiple gunshot wounds) was lying behind the vehicle and was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. A sixth victim, who had already succumbed to his wounds, was found lying a few metres away from the car,” Naidu said.

The victims are between 18 and 25 years old.

“In the second incident, at about 12:10, the bodies of three males were found in Zolanqini Street. Two were found inside a silver VW Polo while the third deceased was found lying outside the vehicle.”

They all had multiple gunshot wounds to their bodies.

“The victims are estimated to be between 32 and 40 years old. The vehicle was reported stolen in Humansdorp in May 2022.” As soon as the murders were reported, Mene instructed the implementation of the 72-hour activation plan.

“Within this time frame, at about 08:00 on Friday, 14 October four men who were persons of interest were detained for questioning. The men, aged between 26 to 30-years old, were found at a possible hideout in Summerstrand.

“It was further established that on the same day of the murders, another body of a man aged between 18 to 25-years old was found lying on the side of the road in Rooihoogte near Kwanobuhle.”

During the investigation, the investigating team established that a white Toyota Quantum was suspected to have been involved in the murders.

“Police worked tirelessly and around the clock to trace this vehicle and on 14 October at about 18:10, the vehicle was spotted driving from Langa location in Kariega towards town. The vehicle was stopped in Van Riebeeck Hoogte and a 34-year-old man was apprehended. The Quantum was confiscated.”

Naidu confirmed that the three murder scenes are linked.

All five suspects are charged on nine cases of murder and one of attempted murder. They will appear in the Kwanobuhle Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 17 October.

Mene commended the team for their outstanding and brilliant investigation.

“The effect of the 72-hour activation plan was felt as the joint multidisciplinary SAPS team worked around the clock to ensure the speedy apprehension of the alleged suspects. It is, however, extremely disturbing that lives could be lost in such a cruel and violent manner. We will be collaborating closely with the NPA to make sure that bail is denied as well as to ensure a successful prosecution,” added Mene.