By Daily Kasi News Reporter

FOUR wanted suspects linked to the Lusikisiki mass murders have been arrested.  

The arrest comes 24 hours after police in the Eastern Cape launched a manhunt for the suspects. 

According to police spokeswoman Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the men, whose identities have been revealed, are believed to be linked to a mass shooting that claimed the lives of 18 people in the area.  

The suspects are Songezo “Mashiya” Vuma (20), Bonga “Rico” Hintsa (31), Aphiwe “AP” Ndende (25), and Lwando Anthony “Abi” Shakes (31). 

On 28 September, at two neighbouring homesteads in Ngobozana Village near the town of Lusikisiki, at least 18 people were killed, and five others were injured.  

Mathe said communities rallied together and informed the police of the suspects’ whereabouts, leading to their arrests.  

She confirmed that all four suspects are now in police custody. 

This brings the total number of suspects arrested to five.  

He appeared before Lusikisiki Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 15 October, where he abandoned his bail. 

Meanwhile, national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola lauded Mzansi for their support in providing information on the whereabouts of the wanted suspects in the Lusikisiki mass murders. 

“Those who shared the pictures of these suspects on social media, to all the journalists and media houses that played their watchdog role, we are indebted to you.  

“This is what the SAPS can achieve when the whole country rallies behind our men and women in blue. We thank you, South Africa, for assisting us to stamp the authority of the state,” Masemola said. 

He also commended the investigating team for their determination in solving this case.  

Masemola said they wouldn’t reveal where the suspects were found and arrested at this stage, as this may jeopardise the investigations. 

By Daily Kasi correspondence

RENOWNED South African rapper Kwesta, real name Senzo Vilakazi, is back with new music.

The Ngud’ hitmaker released his first solo single in years, Dlala Vilakazi, a few weeks ago. This marks his thrilling return to the studio after a two-year break. 

Kwesta told Daily Kasi  he didn’t plan to stay away from the music scene for so long but is ready to make a big impact once again.

Speaking about his new single, he explained that it doesn’t carry any deep message. It’s simply about bringing joy to his fans, he said.

There’s no deep message behind it. It’s just me saying I’m back in the studio, making music. I wanted to put out a song that makes people happy and sends good vibes out. I’m no longer as young, and some of my upcoming music will reflect that it’s me embracing that fact,” he said.

At 36, Kwesta is comfortable with his evolving sound, and admits there was no specific reason for his two-year break.

“When something hits me to make music, I do it. If nothing hits me, I don’t. It’s as simple as that,” he said.

Reflecting on his previous work, including his joint Kwaito album Speak N Vrostaan and the solo album g.o.d guluva, Kwesta is excited to dive back into hip-hop

I’ve always enjoyed experimenting. During lockdown, we worked on Speak N Vrostaan, and when the restrictions eased up, we released it. It wasn’t like I planned to stay away for long,” he said.

Looking into the future, Kwesta reassured his fans that there is even more music in store.

“The project I’m working on is already done, and this isn’t my last single for the year. I’m thinking of releasing more singles, even an album maybe. I want to give people that groove, and have a lot of features lined up, plus my own music that’s coming.”

Kwesta also commented on the genre fusion, citing that he’s cool with amapiano artists dabbling in hip-hop and vice versa.

“At the end of the day, we’re all artists,” he said.

By Nomalungelo Booi

SINOXOLO Kana (27), from Zinyoka Informal Settlement near Gqeberha , is gatvol.  

This is after cops allegedly moered him for no reason. 

He told Daily Kasi News on 12 October 2024, he went to a nearby shebeen in his kasi to get a few beers to drink at home but met with cops who were already ordering the shebeen to close.  

Sinoxolo said they moered him with a sjambok, and a female cop hit him with a brick on the chest.  

He showed the DK-Team his buttocks that still have sjambok marks. 

“I was not even in the shebeen but walking towards it when a cop approached me. Before I could say much, two other cops arrived from a pathway between the shacks and asked me why I was outside. I explained that I wanted to buy booze and go back home since I was already drinking at home,” Sinoxolo said.

“They responded with a sjambok on my back. The female cop hit me with a half-brick on my chest, then I fell to the ground, and she kicked me on my 4-5.” 

He added that while on the ground, the beating didn’t stop until another cop asked them to let him go.  

“They told me to run and not look back. So, I ran, but I was in pain.Sinoxolo, who arrived in Gqeberha in May this year, said this felt like “a rude welcome to Gqeberha”

He said while they were beating him, he asked for forgiveness, but they didn’t stop.  

“I was asking them to forgive me for whatever they may think I had done, but they didn’t listen to my cries,” he said. 

After the beating, Sinoxolo went home and told his brother, who was gatvol about the incident and posted it on social media.  

However, he didn’t know the officers’ names who moered him, and didn’t see the vehicle they were driving, so he ended up not opening a case.  

Sinoxolo added that he hasn’t opened a case for as fear of being targeted by the same cops

Meanwhile, police spokesman Captain Frederick Van Wyk said: “In order for him to get assistance, he must go to the nearest cop shop and open a criminal case.” 

By Anoxolo Zenzile

Friday night’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium witnessed an electrifying performance by Bafana Bafana, who demolished Congo-Brazzaville 5-0. However, the jubilant atmosphere was temporarily disrupted by two pitch invasions during the first half.

A near-capacity crowd of 35,000 enthusiastic fans cheered on the South African team as they dominated the match, showcasing their skills and determination. The convincing win has boosted Bafana Bafana’s chances of advancing in the tournament.

Unfortunately, the excitement got the better of some overzealous supporters, who breached security and invaded the pitch twice before halftime. The incidents prompted concerns about stadium safety and the potential risks for players, officials, and spectators.

In response to the incidents, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium management has pledged to identify and implement long-term solutions to prevent future pitch invasions. The stadium’s authorities have assured fans that additional measures will be taken to strengthen security protocols.

“We apologize for the unfortunate incidents and acknowledge the concerns raised,” said a stadium management spokesperson. “We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all spectators. We will work closely with security agencies and stakeholders to ensure that our venue remains a secure and welcoming environment for international football events.”

Despite the disruptions, Bafana Bafana’s outstanding display on the field was the main talking point. The team’s attacking prowess and solid defense earned them a well-deserved victory, sending the crowd into raptures.

Coach Hugo Bross praised his team’s performance, saying, “The players showed tremendous spirit and discipline. We’re delighted with the result and look forward to building on this momentum.”

As Bafana Bafana continue their Africa Cup of Nations campaign, fans will be eagerly awaiting their next match, hoping for a repeat performance without any security concerns.

The stadium management’s proactive stance on enhancing security will be welcomed by fans, players, and officials alike, ensuring that future matches are played in a safe and festive atmosphere.

By Tembile Sgqolana

ABAHLALI are still in shock after a man was arrested for an evil deed against his daughter (15). 

This after the 35-year-old man from Komani in the Eastern Cape allegedly raped and impregnated the teenager. 

According to the neighbours, the mum of the child left her 15-year-old daughter and a four-year-old with the father when she went to work in Joburg, Gauteng.

A resident alleged that the man raped his 15-year-old daughter while the mum was away, and this was only discovered when she fell pregnant.

“The community confronted the dad and asked him. He admitted to sleeping with his daughter and claimed he was bewitched. He told us his people bewitched him and made him rape his daughter,” said the resident. 

The resident claimed that the community wanted to beat the dad, but the victim’s uncle asked them not to take the law into their own hands.

We waited for the police to take him,” he said.

He said it was inhuman for any person to sleep with their kids and as a community, they demand justice.

The man appeared in the Komani Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 9 October. He has since applied for legal aid and will appear again on Monday, 14 October.

Police spokeswoman Captain Namhla Mdleleni confirmed the incident, saying the suspect is facing a rape charge. 

“He’ll be appearing again in court on Monday, 14 October 2024 for a formal bail application,” she said.

BY AZOLA MATROS

MEET Cian “Mahlalekhaya” McClelland, a traditional healer.

The 55-year-old traditional healer from KwaNonqaba in Alexandria rural, Eastern Cape, embraces amadlozi through zol.

He has worked with different traditional healers in Mzansi, including the late isanusi Vusamazulu “Credo Mutwa”, where he learnt about plants for medicine.

He runs a company called Druids Garden, where they plant zol for commercial and research purposes.

Mahlalekhaya said Africans who are becoming more westernized view izinyanga as witch doctors and evil.

“It’s not true. They’re indoctrinated by the West. This is a beautiful culture, not witchcraft. Zol is a powerful medicine. Our community in South Africa has been using it as food and medicine for many years,” Mahlalekhaya said.

He started his journey as an inyanga in 1990 and registered in 2019. He heals through questions, focusing on the body, mind, and pain.

Mahlalekhaya believes amadlozi are not evil but ancestors who are with God. He connects with the spirits and energy of ancestors and God, living near the mountains.

Mahlalekhaya has never seen a mamlambo but believes they exist. He started smoking zol and was arrested three times.

“Zol is the most powerful medicine in the world. I even used muthi in 1990 to wash my face for the magistrate to be nice to me,” said Mahlalekhaya.

He loves Xhosa traditional culture and energy and encourages other mlungus to embrace African culture and its medicine.

“It’s natural, and it has no side effects. It heals in a clean way,” he said.

The zol tree can make medicine, bricks, oil, fuel, plastics, clothes, and more.

Mahlalekhaya works with different plants and has more than 30 community projects in the country. 

He collaborates with gobela Simon “Mkhulu sijo” Varrall, understanding both African and Western ways of life.

Kariega Hospital on Brink of Collapse: Nurses Threaten Strike Over Staff Shortage and Unpaid Overtime

By Phumlani Saul

Kariega Hospital, formerly known as Uitenhage Provincial Hospital, is facing a crippling staff shortage, pushing nurses to the breaking point. Overworked and underpaid, they are now threatening to down tools unless the Eastern Cape Health Department addresses the critical shortage of workers and settles outstanding overtime payments.

The hospital’s understaffing has resulted in an unbearable workload for the remaining nurses, forcing them to assume additional responsibilities. Exhausted and demoralized, they claim that the department’s inaction has left them no choice but to consider industrial action.

Nurse told Daily Kasi News “We’re at a breaking point,” , who wished to remain anonymous. “We can’t keep shouldering the burden of inadequate staffing. Patient care is suffering, and our well-being is at risk.”

The nurses’ grievances include:

1. Chronic understaffing: Insufficient personnel to manage patient load.
2. Unpaid overtime: Staff have not received compensation for extra hours worked.
3. Increased workload: Remaining staff must take on additional responsibilities.

The Eastern Cape Health Department has been urged to:

1. Recruit more staff to alleviate the workload.
2. Settle outstanding overtime payments.
3. Improve working conditions.

Failure to address these concerns may lead to a full-scale strike, compromising patient care and exacerbating the hospital’s crisis.

The provincial health department has promised to investigate the matter, but nurses remain skeptical. “We’ve heard promises before,” said the nurse. “This time, we need action.”

As the situation unfolds, patients and the community hold their breath, hoping for a swift resolution to ensure quality healthcare and prevent a catastrophic collapse of Kariega Hospital.

BY Azola Matros

A 16-YEAR-OLD Gqeberha pupil has died after a taxi overturned.

The taxi, which was carrying 29 pupils overturned on Swartkops, near Gqeberha on Monday, 07 October.

The driver was transporting pupils from Motherwell. They attend various schools in the Gqeberha and Swartkops areas.

Police revealed that the 25-year-old driver, who has since been arrested, doesn’t have a driver’s licence. 

When the DK Team arrived at the scene, the taxi was still upside down on the side of the road. When it was later removed by a car towing company, a school bag, pencils, water bottles and hair extensions with some blood stains were found at the scene.

Police spokesman, Captain Frederick van Wyk said the taxi was overloaded.

Swartkops police registered a culpable homicide, driving without a valid driving licence, unroadworthy vehicle and overloading case for further investigation following an accident around 6.30am on Monday, 7 October, between Tafelberg street and Spine Road, where a Toyota Quantum carrying about 29 schoolkids lost control and overturned,” Van Wyk said.

“According to reports, the minibus taxi was transporting schoolkids to different schools in Swartkops and Motherwell when it lost control and overturned. A 16-year-old girl was declared dead on the scene by medical personnel due to injuries sustained. Others were transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment. The 25-year-old taxi driver was arrested for the abovementioned charges and will appear in the Gqeberha Magistrates Court once charged

We’re deeply saddened by the tragic accident involving a vehicle transporting pupils this morning, which resulted in the heartbreaking loss of a young life. 

“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the dead during this incredibly difficult time. We also wish those who were injured speedy recovery. The safety and well-being of our kids are of utmost importance, and this incident is a devastating reminder of the fragility of life,” Sileku said.  

By NOMALUNGELO BOOI

The muthi battle between a wife and a nyatsi has left the 43-year-old wife with a husband who won’t poke her – and even if he tries, his erection can’t stand up to the occasion.

The woman from Duduza, KwaNobuhle, near Kariega told DK-News she’s been married to her husband for 13 years and she knows he has cheated on her several times. 

In September she found out her husband was cheating on her again and this time she decided to fight the nyatsi because she had already tried to sort out her husband and the woman was from her kasi.

“We were even in a stokvel together,” she said

She went to a sangoma.

“The sangoma told me this woman was already using muthi to try and destroy my marriage,” she said. 

She said the sangoma gave her some muthi to burn while communicating with her ancestors. 

She did as she was instructed and early in January, she bumped into the nyatsi at the mall.

“I confronted her and threatened to block her punani,” she said. 

But a week later, her husband’s 4-5 started failing when it was time to poke. Now the husband doesn’t want to poke her anymore and told her she needed to fix whatever was wrong with her punani. “This makes me angry. We’ve got this problem because of him!” she said. 

DK-News team spoke to the husband (49) who said he regretted cheating and would try his best to stop. He said he didn’t know why his 4-5 fails. 

He also said he had stopped seeing the other woman and would help his wife through this journey of getting her punani sorted out. 

The sangoma she consulted, Gogo Nomathongo Mngomezulu, confirmed the husband’s 4-5 is affected by the muthi the nyatsi was using to block the wife’s punani. 

She said in order for them to get their bedroom life back and to protect their marriage, they’d need to do certain things together. “It can’t just be the wife,” said GogoNomathongo. 

DK- team tried speaking to the nyatsi but she hung up when the reporter said she’s from the newspaper

BY AKHONA FENI

Inqweba Music Festival: A Celebration of Music, Community, and Economic Growth in Addo when Tennis Chic Takes Center Stage at Valencia Stadium on Saturday.

The picturesque town of Addo, nestled in the heart of the Eastern Cape, came alive with the rhythms of the Inqweba Music Festival.

This highly anticipated event brought together music enthusiasts, local and national artists, and community members for a day of unparalleled entertainment and unity.

Zolani Thukani ( 34 ) told Daily Kasi news “ iNgweba Festival is my favorite event of the year, the vibes are always electric!.

We’re excited to be here and create unforgettable experiences for this festival.

Amanda Rens ( 33 )said “ Festival brings our community together, it’s a truly special experience.

The festival showcased an impressive lineup of artists, blending genres and styles to cater to diverse musical tastes. National headliners shared the stage with local talent, providing a platform for emerging artists to shine.

The electric atmosphere was palpable as festival-goers sang along to familiar tunes and discovered new favorites.

Mr. Thela Steals the Show

As the sun began to set, the crowd’s anticipation grew, awaiting the arrival of the festival’s main attraction – Mr. Thela. The dynamic performer took to the stage, delivering an electrifying set that left the audience mesmerized.

Hundreds of festival-goers danced and sang along, lost in the infectious energy of Mr. Thela’s performance.

Community Spirit and Economic Growth

Beyond the music, the Inqweba Music Festival aimed to contribute meaningfully to the local economy. By hosting this event, organizers sought to:

•⁠ ⁠Boost tourism in the Sundays River Municipality
•⁠ ⁠Support local businesses and entrepreneurs
•⁠ ⁠Foster community engagement and social cohesion

The festival’s impact extended beyond the music, cultivating a sense of pride and ownership among residents. As local businesses benefited from increased foot traffic and revenue, the community came together to celebrate their shared heritage.

The Inqweba Music Festival proved an unqualified success, surpassing expectations and setting the stage for future events. As the dust settles and plans begin for next year’s festival, one thing is clear – Inqweba has cemented its place as a premier music event in the Eastern Cape.