By Phumlani Saul

A daring attempt to offload stolen cement at a local hardware store ended in handcuffs as police officers in Bethelsdorp near Gqeberha swooped in, arresting two suspects and recovering 17 pallets of cement worth over R66,000.

The arrests occurred on Monday , February 23, in Extension 32, Bethelsdorp, near Gqeberha after police received intelligence about an illicit sale of suspected stolen property.https://image-prod.iol.co.za/16×9/800/The-confiscated-truck-carrying-stolen-cement-pallets-worth-R66-300-recovered-by-police-during-a-sting-operation-in-Extension-32-Bethelsdorp.

It is alleged that on the abovementioned date at approximately 12.50pm, police Bethelsdorp received information of suspects attempting to sell suspected stolen property (bags of cement) at a hardware store in Barberry Drive, Extension 32, Bethelsdorp,” said police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg.

With swift action, law enforcement operationalised the tip-off. Officers positioned themselves strategically as they watched a silver Suzuki Electra enter the parking lot, closely followed by a large truck hauling two trailers loaded with cement pallets.

A Hyundai motor vehicle tailed the convoy, drawing further suspicion

In what appeared to be a meticulously coordinated theft, the suspects, aged 32 and 41, were intercepted as they prepared to complete their transaction.

A thorough investigation revealed that the cement was stolen from a company in Coega.

Authorities wasted no time in arresting the duo on charges of theft and possession of suspected stolen property.

“The cement was stolen from a cement company in Coega with an estimated value of R66,300,” said Janse van Rensburg.

“The members further confiscated the motor vehicles for further investigation.”

Both suspects are set to appear before the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday , February 26

By Phumlani Saul

A man was electrocuted in Kariega at the weekend while allegedly trying to steal cables.

The incident occurred during the early hours of Saturday.

Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said Kariega police attended to a complaint of an electrocution shortly after midnight in Algoa Road, at the Swartkops Bridge.

“On arrival, they found an unknown man who was electrocuted and passed away.

“It is further alleged that the man was attempting to steal copper cables.

“The members also confiscated a hacksaw, knife and a backpack,” she said.

“The deceased is aged between 25 and 30 years old, and was dressed in blue pants and a dark blue jacket.”

Janse van Rensburg said anyone able to assist the police to identify the deceased is asked to contact detective Sergeant JP Smith on 071-475-2230, Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the nearest police station.

By Phumlani Saul

THE Thieves Target Electricity Cable, Leaving Residents Without Power for Two Weeks

KWANOBUHLE – In a devastating blow to the community, the Kariega township has been left without electricity after thieves allegedly damaged a critical 66kV feeder cable on the Mabandla Bridge near KwaNqgula popular known Businessman in KwaNobuhle.

According to Nelson Mandela Bay officials, the damage is extensive, and it will take at least two weeks to restore power to the area. This is not the first time that the township has been targeted by criminals, with similar incidents occurring in the past two years.

In May 2023, the municipality lost one of the two 66kV feeders supplying power to the township due to vandalism. The repeated attacks on the electricity infrastructure have left residents frustrated and concerned about their safety.

Zamuxolo Sitoto (55) told Daily Kasi News “A blackout is not just a loss of power, it’s a reminder of our vulnerability and our resilience.” said Sitoto

Nonkosi Williams (24) said “Blackouts are like life’s unexpected surprises – they can be inconvenient, but they can also be a chance to reconnect with what’s truly important.”said Nonkosi

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has urged residents to report any information regarding the theft to the authorities. The municipality has also promised to work around the clock to restore power to the area as soon as possible.

Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe “We are closely monitoring the service delivery challenges faced by our communities, attending to them speedily, and coming up with sustainable solutions for those that require longer periods of time to resolve.”

“We must however express our extreme concern and disappointment of the high levels of vandalism currently being experienced in Kariega. We call on our people, and law enforcement to work together with us in apprehending these destructive individuals’ culprits.”

In the meantime, residents are advised to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during the prolonged power outage.

By Nomalungelo Booi

Two Nelson Mandela Bay policemen are due back in court in March on charges of attempted murder and the unlawful discharge of a firearm in a public place.

Both men were off-duty at the time of the incident, according to police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa.

Their arrest came after a shocking video emerged on social media last week of a brawl at a filling station in Main Street, Despatch.

The incident occurred at about 5.20am on January 21 and was recorded on a cellphone. The video has since gone viral.

Mawisa said an argument had erupted between a group of people and soon escalated into a physical altercation.

When bystanders tried to intervene and break up the fight, many of them were also allegedly assaulted.

“Two suspects, both 25, were arrested on Friday and appeared in court on the same date.

“They were granted bail of R1,000 each and are due back in court on March 3.”

Prompted further, Mawisa confirmed that both of the arrested men were police officers.

However, she said they were off-duty at the time of the incident.

Their names have not yet been released.

In the video, multiple people can be seen embroiled in a fight. A taxi is parked in the background.

Atlas Security officers are also present after they were called to the scene.

A shirtless man, wearing only grey shorts, is repeatedly hit with a stick or a sjambok.

The K-word is repeatedly used by more than one person.

Another man not involved in the fight, and who appears to be the person recording the video, tries to assist two women who fall to the ground during the fracas.

He also repeatedly tells them to sit in the car, away from the danger, but they resist.

Speaking in Afrikaans, the man also repeatedly begs everyone to calm down and stop fighting.

When the fighting continues, he says: “Nee man, daar is vroumense hier.” This translates to: “No man, there are women here.”

He then asks for someone to call the police as another shirtless man, wearing pink shorts, allegedly continues to assault another man.

The man’s bakkie is also damaged in the process.

A gunshot is then fired into the air.

“Where are the police? I can’t get my bakkie out of here,” the person seemingly recording the video shouts in Afrikaans.

As the fight dies down, people begin to disperse and the various vehicles are driven off. 

By Phumlani Saul

PLEA FOR HELP: Kirkwood Man’s Eye Condition Deteriorates

A 26-year-old man from Kirkwood, Cebo Majoka, has been battling a debilitating eye condition since September 2021, with no access to medical aid.

Cebo’s right eye has become permanently open and is swelling daily, causing severe pain and restricting his movement. Despite his dire situation, Cebo has received no medical assistance.

Child rights activist Petros Majola, from the Khula Community Development Project EC, has stepped in to appeal for help. The community is urged to contribute towards Cebo’s medical expenses, whether through medication, financial support for private care, or other forms of aid.

COMMUNITY URGED TO RALLY AROUND CEBO

Child rights activist Petros Majola is issuing a heartfelt appeal to the community to provide guidance and support to Cebo, a young man struggling with a debilitating eye condition.

Cebo’s eye has lost its ability to blink, causing him immense discomfort and making it challenging for him to rest. The condition has also taken a toll on his social life, as he often faces ridicule from his peers.

To cope, Cebo relies on black spectacles to feel comfortable among friends. However, he desperately needs medical attention to alleviate his suffering.

Majola urges anyone willing to lend a helping hand to contact his office or reach out through the Facebook page. Your support can make a significant difference in Cebo’s life.

As Majola poignantly reminds us, “A person is a person, deserving of dignity and compassion.”

By Phumlani Saul

In a shocking twist, four suspects appeared in the Gqeberha High Court on charges of murder, corruption, and blackmailing, all allegedly motivated by a sinister burial insurance scheme.

Siyabulela Mbane, Unathi Peter, Ntobeko, and Xolelwa Msome face a staggering 10 murder charges, 30 corruption charges, and additional counts of illegal gun possession and blackmailing. The estimated value of the corruption exceeds a whopping $3 million.

According to Court Attorney Louis Sinclair, the suspects’ intention was clear: to profit from burial insurance payouts. Sinclair revealed that the suspects even fabricated relationships with the victims to legitimize their claims.

The alleged plot began unfolding in mid-2021, with incidents reported in Kariega and Whittlesea. The case is set to continue on the 25th, with Peter facing additional charges outside of bail.

State Prosecutor said “ Justice will be served, and those responsible will face the consequences.” Said state Prosecutor

Family members who don’t want to be named said “ Justice will be served, and those responsible will face the consequences.”

Court Attorney Louis Sinclair said “ The pursuit of greed has led them down a dark path.”

By Azola Matros

The horrific murders occurred at about 6.30pm, when three men barged into a Khalendula Street home in NU11 and opened fire.null

Among the dead were three men, aged between 20 and 25, and a 16-year-old girl, police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge said.

Another victim, aged 24, was left wounded after he was shot in the leg.

Beetge said murder and attempted murder cases were being investigated. The motive was unknown at this stage.

Anyone with information that could assist the police with the investigation can contact detective Sergeant Nigel Wright on 082-921-2312 or Crime Stop on 08600-10111.

By Phumlani Saul

Closing Arguments Mark Final Countdown in Omotoso Trial

The wait is finally over! Tomorrow, the Gqeberha High Court will hear the explosive closing arguments in the sensational trial of televangelist Timothy Omotoso, accused of rape and human trafficking.

The self-proclaimed “man of God” was busted in April 2017, and has been denying the shocking allegations alongside his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, both members of his Jesus Dominion International Church.

Will justice be served? The prosecution and defense will deliver their final blows before the judge delivers the verdict. Stay tuned for the dramatic conclusion!

Omotoso’s lawyer told Daily Kasi News “We maintain his innocence and look forward to the verdict.”

“ The truth will come out.” Said lawyer

By Nomalungelo Booi

At least five people, including a four-month-old baby, died in a head-on collision on the N2 between Nanaga and Makhanda on Sunday.

A further six people were injured. 

“So far, five people have died on the N2 between Nanaga and Makhanda following a horrific accident involving a VW Polo and a Chevrolet Spark,” Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha’s spokesperson, Makhaya Komisa, said.

“The accident has just occurred and emergency services are at the scene.”

It is believed that the crash occurred at 4.30pm when the two vehicles collided head-on.

It is further understood that one woman was trapped in the Polo and that the jaws of life had to be used in an attempt to free her.

Among the six injured is a boy, about seven or eight years old, whose skull was severely injured in the crash.

He was rushed to Livingstone Hospital in Gqeberha.

By Phumlani Saul

Addo police have arrested five suspects for their alleged involvement in damaging a cellphone tower in the Karoo town of Jansenville on Wednesday.null

A suspicious vehicle, a grey Datsun Go with five occupants, was intercepted and stopped on the R336, just a few kilometres from Addo.

Police spokesperson WO Majola Nkohli said police had received information that the occupants of the vehicle were possibly involved in the theft of batteries from a cellphone tower in Jansenville in the early hours of that morning.

“Immediately, members were dispatched to be on the lookout for the suspicious vehicle.

“Moments later, the vehicle was spotted and pulled off the road,” Nkohli said.

“The vehicle was searched, and several implements such as grinders were recovered from the vehicle.”

He said five suspects had been arrested and charged with contravention of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act for damage to essential infrastructure.

The case was handed over to the Hawks for further investigation.

The suspects, aged between 24 and 31, are due to appear in the Jansenville magistrate’s court on Friday.