By Phumlani Saul

KARIEGA HOSPITAL IN CHAOS: “WAIT DAYS” TURN INTO ENDLESS NIGHTMARE FOR PATIENTS_

Kariega- Desperate patients are being forced to endure excruciating “wait days” at Provincial Hospital, with some employees revealing that severe staff and resource shortages are pushing the facility to breaking point.

Sakhile April ( 34) told Daily Kasi News ”Emergency department as a “war zone”, with patients lining the corridors on makeshift beds, waiting for hours – sometimes even days – for a bed to become available.

Provincial Hospital Nurse told Daily Team who wished to remain anonymous. “It’s heartbreaking to see people suffering like this,” “We’re doing our best, but we’re fighting a losing battle. There just aren’t enough of us to cope with the demand.”said nurse

Hospital insiders claim that the shortages are not limited to staff, but also extend to essential medical supplies and equipment.

“We’re having to make impossible choices every day,” said another employee. “Do we treat the patient with the broken leg or the one with the heart condition? It’s not right that we have to prioritize like this.”

The crisis at Kariega Hospital has sparked outrage among local residents, who are demanding answers from the Eastern Cape Department of Health.

DA councillor, Riaan van Schalkwyk.said “This is a disaster waiting to happen. The provincial government needs to take immediate action to address these shortages and ensure that our hospitals are equipped to provide the care that our people deserve.”

The Department of Health has promised to investigate the allegations and take corrective action.

In the meantime, patients and staff at Kariega Hospital remain trapped in a never-ending cycle of chaos and despair.

By Tembile Sgqolana

A FAMILY is struggling with the tragic loss of their loved one. 

This follows the brutal murder of Sisanda Booi (36) from Cwengcwe Ville in the Eastern Cape. 

Sisanda went missing on 25 October 2024 and was found on 31 October.  

According to Sisanda’s brother, Inganathi Booi, Sisanda left home for work on 25 October, leaving behind her gogo, whom she was looking after.  

“On her way from work, she walks on a long gravel road that passes through the forest before she reaches a place where she can catch a hike,” Inganathi said.  

He said the family became worried when Sisanda didn’t return from work and started asking around.  

“This was unlike her. I then posted on social media and asked her friends, including her boyfriend, if they had seen her. No one had seen her. She was last seen going to work.”

Inganathi said they only heard on 31 October that someone had gone to the police to report that a body was found in the forest.  

“The person pointed out the plastics that had covered her body after doing all he wanted to do with her. He then stabbed her two deep wounds which killed her. When her body was found it was already decomposing.”  

He said all they want to know is why did the perpetrator kill her.  

“The family depended on her to take care of our gogo and she was a breadwinner. Why kill her? We have hope in the criminal justice system that the suspect will rot in jail.”  

Police spokeswoman Lieutenant-Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa said police can confirm that a murder case is under investigation following the discovery of a woman’s body at Cwengcwe forest on 31 October 2024 after she had gone missing.  

“This was after a 52-year-old man went to the police in Zele, outside Qonce, claiming he had stumbled upon a woman’s body in the forest. Police then went along with him to the scene, and on interrogating the 52-year-old man, it came out he was, in fact, the alleged killer,” she said.  

Mawisa said the suspect was arrested and has since appeared in the Zwelitsha Magistrates Court on 4 November 2024, on a murder charge.  

“The case has been postponed to 19 November for a bail hearing application. The deceased was found with stab wounds,” Mawisa said. 

By Anoxolo Hans

ON Wednesday , 12 November three pupils, who are friends entered a ceiling to allegedly smoke dagga.

Yho!, what happened next

The smoke attracted the deputy principal, who told the three pupils to get out. They decided to run through the ceiling to the next class, where they jumped out of the holes in the ceiling.

These pupils were allegedly high. One jumped out of the window, thinking he would land on the balcony but fell hard and sustained serious head injuries.

Injured pupil taken to hospital

An ambulance and Mkoko police were called, and the pupil was taken to hospital.

According to witnesses, the pupil jumped from the second floor.

“These pupils were high and were scared when they realised that they had been caught. This one pupil didn’t realise, because he was high, that he was jumping from the back side, not the side of the balcony,” said the witness.

The mum of the injured boy was called to the school but was too traumatised to speak.

Yongama Mtimka, spokesman for the Eastern Cape Department of Education, confirmed the incident. 

He, however, said the grade 11 pupil was seen jumping from the second floor, not the third floor.

Mtimkasaid the department has launched an investigation, and the outcomes will determine the action to be taken. 

“Consequently, the ambulance was called, and the parents of the pupil were informed accordingly. The pupil was taken to hospital where he is recovering,” said Mtimka

By Phumlani Saul and Azola Matros

KwaNobuhle Horror: Street Vendor’s Chips Leave Pupils Writhing in Agony

In a shocking incident that has left parents and authorities reeling, 29 primary school children were rushed to a clinic yesterday after falling ill from eating chips allegedly sold by a street vendor.

The pupils, all from Nokwezi Primary School in KwaNobuhle, complained of itchy skin and stomach cramps shortly after consuming the suspicious snacks.

It was like a scene from a horror movie,” said a teacher, who wished to remain anonymous. “Kids were screaming and crying, clutching their stomachs. We didn’t know what was happening.”

The incident occurred during lunch break when the vendor, whose identity has not been disclosed, sold the chips to the unsuspecting pupils.

Nombulelo Mdingi. Told Daily Kasi News “My child called me, crying, saying she couldn’t breathe,”

“I rushed to the school and found chaos. I demand answers.”

Authorities swiftly responded, transporting the affected children to a nearby clinic for treatment.

Nelson Mandela Bay District Health spokesperson Lumka Mtimka” said. “We take incidents like this very seriously,” said “An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the illness.”

The street vendor, who has since gone into hiding, faces potential charges of food poisoning and endangering the lives of minors.

School Principal, Thembinkosi Matika.said “This is a wake-up call for our community,” “We will work tirelessly to ensure our children’s safety.”

As the probe continues, parents and pupils remain shaken.

“How could someone do this to our children?” asked community member, Thandolwazi Nqweniso. “Justice must be served.”

STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES ON THIS DEVELOPING STORY

By Azola Matros

A MOTHER is living with regret.

The mum who allegedly sold her eight-month-old son to a stranger regrets it and wants her baby back. 

She allegedly sold her baby on Facebook Marketplace in October 2024. 

She’s now accused of child trafficking and appeared in the Cawa Magistrates Court in Port Alfred on Friday, 8 November where she was granted R500 bail. Her case was postponed to 6 February 2025.

The 23-year-old from Boknes, Port Alfred said she met the woman on social media, and they started a conversation. They later exchanged contacts. 

She said they met at Kowie River , and the baby was handed over to the woman, who left in a taxi.

“I regret everything I did. I did that out of desperation. I was struggling financially to raise my baby. I’m not ok. I want my baby. I love my baby,” she said.

The mum said a week after giving her baby away, she told the woman she wanted him back, but the woman did not want to give him back.

“The woman lives near Kenton-on-Sea. The last time I spoke to her, I told her I was afraid of being arrested. I want to tell that woman that what I did was wrong. I shouldn’t have taken that route,” she said.

“I should have taken my baby to social workers. I spent almost two weeks in prison and it’s not a good place to be. There’s no freedom in prison. I was eating two times a day,” she said

The woman’s boyfriend (25) from Boknes, also in Port Alfred, said the baby is his, but he doesn’t believe his girlfriend sold him. 

“She didn’t have money to take care of the baby. I wasn’t living with her when this happened. I thought she had sent the baby to her family,” he said.

Eastern Cape police spokeswoman Captain Vukile tswete said: “A case of child trafficking was opened on 19 October. The suspect, the mother of the child, was arrested the same day and she appeared in the Cawa Magistrates Court on 21 October.”

Eastern Cape National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesman Sivenathi Gunya said: “It’s alleged that she advertised her child for sale on Facebook Marketplace and some woman showed interest, took the child and promised to give the mother R1 000 monthly until she is back on her feet again. But she hasn’t paid the money and can’t be traced.”

By Phumlani Saul

A daring operation by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Metro Police has led to the arrest of a suspect caught with a 200-meter stolen copper cable.

The police acted swiftly during a fireworks compliance inspection, uncovering the hidden cable in a spaza shop storeroom in KwaNobuhle, Kariega.

The arrest ensued after the inspection of a spaza shop at Mtyingizane Street in KwaNobuhle, near Kariega.

Metro Police Acting Commissioner, Advocate Andrew Moses told Daily Kasi News “ following the permitted inspection, arrests were made, and a 200-meter copper cable was confiscated. The suspect has been detained at the KwaNobuhle police station.”

“The metro police is encouraged by the arrest affected today in KwaNobuhle. The municipality is experiencing high levels of cable theft and this crime undermines the efforts to grow the economy of the city and the region. It impacts greatly on safety and security,” said Metro Police Acting Commissioner.

He applauded operation response members for their keen vigilance.

Mkhuseli Wonci (56) told Daily Kasi News “ I was walking past the spaza shop when I saw the police arriving. Next thing I knew, they were dragging out a guy with a huge roll of copper cable. It was shocking!”

“ I’ve seen that guy around before, but I never thought he was involved in something like this. He looked so calm and collected, but I guess you never really know what people are capable of.” Said Wonci

Community members are urged to join the fight against cable theft by reporting to the 24- hour room on 041 585 1555 or 041 508 5501.

By Phumlani Saul, Akhona Williams

Home of Legends Cup Drama: Bay Side Pulls Out, CT City Steps In

NELSON MANDELA BAY – In a stunning twist, Chippa United has withdrawn from the Home of Legends Cup at the 11th hour, leaving fans reeling!

But the show must go on! The Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) swiftly announced Cape Town City as the replacement team, ensuring the tournament’s survival.

Tuesday’s dramatic developments were marked by a flurry of media statements, with Chippa United’s sudden exit sparking outrage. A former Bafana Bafana star even threatened legal action!

Chippa United’s Shock Withdrawal: What Went Wrong?

• CT City’s Emergency Call-Up: Can They Save the Day?
• Exclusive Interview: MBDA CEO Breaks Silence on Controversy
• Fans React: “Betrayal” and “Disappointment” in Bay

Sources close to the team reveal that financial constraints and internal conflicts led to the shocking withdrawal.

“It’s a dark day for Eastern Cape football,” said a former Chippa United player. “The team’s financial struggles have been well-documented, and it’s unfortunate that it had to end like this.”

Cape Town City FC has confirmed its participation, with coach Eric Tinkler expressing excitement.

“We’re thrilled to join the Home of Legends Cup,” Tinkler said. “We’ll make the most of this opportunity and give the Bay’s fans a show to remember.”

Chippa United Supporter Khayelethu Tu Chairperson of Tinarha Branch told Daily Kasi News “I feel betrayed. “We were looking forward to watching our team play in this tournament Chippa is the Pride of Eastern Cape.

“I’m disappointed, Now, it’s like they’ve taken away our identity.”

“How could they do this to us? We’ve supported them through thick and thin.”said Tu

The tournament kicks off on Friday at the Bay Stadium. Will Cape Town City bring home the trophy? Stay tuned for live updates!

MATCH SCHEDULE*

• Friday: Cape Town City vs. AmaZulu (7:30 pm)
• Saturday: Golden Arrows vs. Orlando Pirates (3:00 pm)

*GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

By Nomalungelo Booi

MSIMELELO Bekwa is lucky to be alive.

This after his girlfriend allegedly tried to set him alight in his shack in Khayelitsha, Holomisa Kariega on Sunday, 27 October. 

Speaking to Daily Kasi News, Msimelelo said he had to break the door of his shack when he realised there was smoke in the shack. Though he survived, the fire destroyed six other shacks, killing two people.

Msimelelo said his girlfriend got angry as he had found a job on a farm outside Kariega and didn’t want him to go. He claimed she threatened him that if he ever wanted to go to work, he must go with her or else he wouldn’t go to the new job.

He said at about 10pm on Saturday, 26 October, the woman tried to burn the shack while he was inside, but he managed to escape and extinguish the fire. The woman then ran away and allegedly went to a nearby shebeen.

Msimelelo slept, but at about 2am, the shack was set alight again and again he managed to escape, but this time, the fire spread, burnt six shacks and almost killed two men

“She said if I go to work without her, I must consider myself dead. She believed there was no job and that I was going to get a girlfriend. She wanted me dead for a long time and didn’t hide it. 

“There was a time when I was stabbed, and she said: ‘They should have finished you’. I don’t know why she has been like this to me. Why would she want me to die when I do almost everything for her,” said Msimelelo.

The 35-year-old Msimelelo said he’s been dating Bukeka Happiness Qakazi, (38) since 2013. They don’t have a child together, but Msimelelo said he’s been a father figure to Bukeka’s kids – aged 17 and 19.

“I go to their schools for parents’ meetings, and I pay their school fees. I do everything as their father, but my girlfriend doesn’t appreciate me, all she does is give problems,” he said.

Msimelelo’s mum, Nokulunga Bekwa (63) said she tried to go to a pastor to help separate her son and his girlfriend, but it didn’t work. The pastor told her she couldn’t separate them “because you are not the one who brought them together”.

The mum said the couple was chased out of various homes which they rented until she bought a shack for her son, which the woman allegedly set alight.

“There hasn’t been peace in the relationship since they started dating. The relationship is toxic, and the woman is always abusing my child. I once stayed with them and chased her out of my house because of the abuse and disrespect, but my son followed her. It’s like my son was given strong korobela because this woman plays with him like a ball,” said Nokulunga.

Bukeka was arrested and she appeared in the KwaNobuhle Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 30 October facing murder charges.

Police spokesman Sergeant Twigg said the inquest at docket which was initially opened was changed to attempted murder. He said Bukeka is expected to appear in court again on Wednesday 13 November for a bail application.

By Phumlani Saul

Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape – Bereaved families are living their worst nightmare as rats the size of CATS ravage the bodies of their loved ones at the New Brighton mortuary!

The Eastern Cape health department has confirmed the disgusting rodent infestation, leaving grieving relatives traumatized and outraged.

“RATS FEASTING ON MY BROTHER’S BODY!”

“I’m haunted by the thought of those filthy creatures crawling over my brother’s lifeless body,” said a distraught family member, who wishes to remain anonymous.

Employee who like to remain anonymous told Daily Kasi News “ Rats have been gnawing on corpses for months as the Mortuary staff allegedly we ignored warnings Health department officials knew but failed to act” said employee

FAMILIES DEMAND ANSWERS

“How can they allow this to happen?” asked another grieving relative. “It’s disrespect to the dead and the living.”

HEALTH DEPARTMENT UNDER FIRE

The Eastern Cape health department has promised action, but for families, it’s too little, too late.

“We will investigate and address the issue,” said a department spokesperson.

JUSTICE FOR THE DECEASED

The community demands:

• Immediate action against responsible officials
• Improved mortuary conditions
• Compensation for affected families

STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES

Follow us for more on this developing story.