By Ozengiwe Mani.

SHE thought she met the love of her life in 2023 after taking a break from dating.

Askies sisters, what happened?

Today, she’s homeless after her boyfriend, who’s on the run, allegedly burnt her four-roomed shack down.

Phumeza Hluthwa (47) from Emadadeni informal settlement in KwaLanga, near Kariega, claimed her trouble started when she told him they must part ways.

The man allegedly moved out some weeks ago, only to return on Saturday night, 31 August, to demand his R450 heater he had lent her.

On that day, Phumeza was at a stokvel, she told him to come fetch it on Sunday.

The man, armed with a hammer, allegedly threatened to kill her in front of the people at her stokvel gathering. But a neighbour came to her defence.

Angry lover sets home on fire

Instead of leaving, the dumped and jealous boyfriend went to Phumeza’s place on the same Saturday. Instead of taking his heater, he allegedly burnt her four-roomed shack to the ground. 

When Phumeza came back, her shack was all ashes. 

Devastated, Phumeza said she lost everything she had accumulated over the years. She lost beds, two fridges, sofas, wardrobes, her clothes and those of her children, and other things.

“My shack was full. I made sure I spent my stokvel money wisely. I think he was also jealous of my achievements,” Phumeza claimed.

Sisters reveals reason behind breakup

She decided to end the relationship because the boyfriend was irresponsible with his money and stole from her.

Phumeza, who works as a domestic said: “I make sure the little salary I receive goes an extra mile. He always spends his money on booze.”

She claimed she had tried several times to guide him, but he felt it was his money and would spend it however he wanted

Her daughter, Anga Hluthwa (25), said after the man stole from her mum, she told her to leave him. 

“The man would come beg my mum to take him back and forced his way back into our home. We wish the law could take its course and arrest him. We lost everything. My son has no clothes, my younger brother has no school uniform,” said Anga.

She claimed on the night the man came to burn the shack she was out.

“I wanted to sleep but decided to go see my friend. I could have burnt to death.”

Anga said they suspect the boyfriend used petrol to set their home ablaze.

Neighbour, Nzuzo Sambo, said they’re disturbed by what happened.

“Phumeza has worked hard for what she had, and for this man to come and destroy her life within a minute. We appeal to the community to contribute anything they have to help her rebuild her home.”

Daily Kasi News  tried to get hold of the alleged boyfriend, but his phone went straight to voicemail, and he’s not been seen since the fire incident.

Captain Nelda Sekgobela, spokeswoman for Kariega District Police, said the police are investigating a case of arson. No arrest has been made yet.

By Phumlani Saul

An alleged lunch box and cellphones tsotsi was moered by pupils from two different schools in KwaNobuhle in Khayelitsha on Monday afternoon, 02 September for allegedly snatching one of the pupils’ cellphones.

The angry pupils say the alleged culprit has been terrorising them on the streets since the beginning of the year.

They said he would target their lunch boxes, snatch them then run away. Recently he started snatching cellphones from them too.

On Monday afternoon khama hit the man, this after he allegedly snatched one of the pupil’s cellphones but later met his match.

After having her phone stolen, the 14-year-old pupil told her fellow pupils who were walking behind her. This angered the group who were walking home.

They chased the man and caught up with him while he was sitting on the side of the road, eating the skhaftin he had just snatched. He allegedly stood up and started by threatening the kids but without success. The man was then beaten to a pulp by the group of pupils.

One of the parents who was at the scene, told Daily Kasi News that the man targets school pupils that cross the road from KwaNobuhle to Khayelitsha.

“He takes their lunch boxes, cellphones, and money every day and when they refuse he threatens to stab them with a knife,” said the angry parent.

“They caught him, tied his hands, and started assaulting him till they got tired and left him on the side of the road,” said the parent.

Police spokesman, Sergeant Shaan Ngalo, said no arrests had been made and no cases were opened after the incident.

Ngalo also said that mob justice is against the law and people should report crime to the police instead of taking the law into their own hands

By Thandi Vaaltien

A GOBELA was warned that something bad would happen to her grandson. 

Sadly, her three-year-old grandson was bitten by dogs in NewBrighton, near Gqeberha on Wednesday 22 August

Traditional healer Pauline Baloyi (48) from eZinyoka told Daily Kasi her twin sister, who is a prophet, called her a week before the incident and told her she must be alert as something bad would happen to the child.

She said before the dog bit the child, a neighbour also warned her that something bad would happen to the child.

However, Pauline said her ancestors saved the child from the three big dogs as they would have killed him.

“We’re still traumatised and the little boy is having nightmares. He talks about how he fears dogs. This is because I ignored what I was told by my sister and neigbour. My ancestors were talking through them,” she said.

Pauline said on the day of the incident, her grandson wanted to see her mother’s thwasa who lives around the area. As Pauline was going to the shops, she went along with the child.

“I waited not far and my grandson went to visit the thwasa. I suddenly saw three big dogs run towards him in the street. In some few seconds, my grandson was on the ground and the dogs were biting him.

I’m grateful to residents who fought the dogs. I suspect only one dog bit him on the head and cheek. That’s why he survived,” she said.

The little boy was taken to a hospital in Dora Nginza, given medication and discharged on the same day. “My grandson is now scared to go out of as he fears the dogs. He is still traumatised,” she said.

Pauline said that the dogs must be removed from the area as the owner doesn’t take care of them properly. “The owner of the dogs has not even bothered to check on the child,” said the angry gobela.

The boy’s mother, Happy Baloyi (22), said: “We are still traumatised as the dogs almost killed my son. I’m thankful to my ancestors who saved his life.”

By Lolwethu Leeu

NEIGHBOURS from Khayamnandi, near Dispatch are at war over a brick wall separating their homes.

On Wednesday morning, Audrey Mahlala (50) woke up to paint her side of the wall, but she never anticipated that her 71-year-old neighbour would not be happy.

She said she painted the wall orange and when she was about to finish, the angry gogo splashed white paint all over the newly-painted wall.

Audrey said when she asked her why she did that, the gogo asked her why they painted the wall without her approval

Audrey said she needed help on how to deal with her neighbour.

“I don’t know why she has a problem with us painting the wall. 

“Maybe the paint is disturbing her things from entering our yard,” she said.

The gogo, who didn’t want to be named, disputed the claims. She said she poured white paint on the wall as she was gatvol of the disrespect from her neighbours.

She said they hadn’t been on speaking terms for eight years because the neighbours decided to build the wall without talking to her. 

“The wall took some parts of my yard, but they are not complaining about that,” she said.

The gogo accused her neighbours of being ungrateful. 

She said she helped them get the house. 

“I took them with me when news came out that we should apply for RDPs. This is the thanks I get. They want to take advantage because I’m an old woman, but I won’t have that.”

BY NOSIYABO ZONDANI

Gqeberha – A shocking incident of violence has rocked Paterson High School, leaving a community reeling in shock. On Friday, a pupil was stabbed in the head, allegedly by a fellow student, in a brazen attack that has raised concerns about safety and discipline in schools.

The 18-year-old suspect, whose identity has not been released, is expected to appear in the Gelvandale Magistrate’s Court on Monday to face charges related to the stabbing.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred during school hours, sending shockwaves through the school community. The victim, whose condition is currently unknown, was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

This disturbing incident has sparked a heated debate about the escalating levels of violence in schools and the need for urgent intervention. Parents, educators, and authorities are calling for increased security measures and counseling services to address the root causes of such behavior.

As the suspect prepares to face justice, the community remains on edge, wondering how such a heinous act could occur in a place of learning. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing our youth and the need for collective action to ensure a safer, more supportive environment for all students.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story continues to unfold.

By PHUMLANI SAUL

“Sonwabile Ndamase Honoured for Iconic ‘Madiba Shirt’”

Sonwabile Ndamase, the creative genius behind the iconic “Madiba shirt”, was bestowed with a well-deserved award at the Eastern Cape Fashion Week in Gqeberha over the weekend. The colourful shirt, famously worn by former President Nelson Mandela, has become an integral part of South African heritage.

Ndamase was visibly moved by the recognition, which acknowledges his significant contribution to the fashion industry. His design legacy extends far beyond the “Madiba shirt”, but this particular creation remains an enduring symbol of South African culture and identity.

The Eastern Cape Fashion Week provided a fitting platform to honour Ndamase’s achievements, celebrating his role in shaping the country’s fashion landscape. His work continues to inspire new generations of designers, cementing his status as a pioneer in the industry.

The award serves as a testament to Ndamase’s dedication, creativity, and lasting impact on South African fashion. As he accepted the honour, Ndamase was reminded of the profound influence of his design on the nation’s identity.

Ndamase said “It is a great privilege to have played a part in creating something that has become so iconic,” Ndamase said, his voice filled with emotion. “I am humbled by this recognition and will continue to strive for excellence in my craft.”

The “Madiba shirt” has become synonymous with South African style, and Ndamase’s contribution to the fashion industry will forever be remembered. This fitting honour serves as a tribute to his innovative spirit and lasting legacy.

By PHUMLANI SAUL

Gqeberha police have arrested two suspects in connection with a robbery that occurred during a church service in New Brighton last week. The incident took place on Monday night at the Assemblies of God church, where congregants were left traumatized after gunshots were fired and personal belongings were stolen.

According to police spokesperson Lt. Col. Siphokazi Mawisa, the two suspects, aged 18, were traced to their homes and arrested shortly after the incident. Amahle Netu and Abukwe Ntame appeared in court on Monday and have been remanded in custody until their next appearance on 20 August 2024.

Investigations revealed that one of the suspects was out on free bail for previous charges, including possession of an unlicensed firearm and stolen vehicle. Lt. Col. Mawisa stated that the task team is continuing with the investigation and further arrests are expected.

During the incident, at least four armed men entered the church, fired a gunshot in the air, and robbed congregants of their personal belongings, including four cell phones and a laptop.

Bishop Sindile Mazantsi, who was in attendance, described the scene as chaotic, with congregants falling to the floor and crying out in fear.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the church has confirmed that revival services will continue. A video of the incident has been circulating on social media.

The police are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation

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By Phumlani Saul

A man accused of multiple kidnappings for ransom in Nelson Mandela Bay appeared alone in the Kariega Magistrate’s Court on Monday, after his attorney failed to show up.

Mnyamezeli Tete, the accused, seemed bewildered when asked by the court about the whereabouts of his lawyer, Zolile Ngqeza. He simply shrugged his shoulders and requested a postponement to contact his legal representative.

The court was left with no choice but to grant the postponement, leaving Tete to face another day in court without legal counsel.

Tete is facing charges of kidnapping for ransom, with multiple cases pending against him. The prosecution alleges that he was involved in a string of kidnappings in the Nelson Mandela Bay area, demanding hefty ransoms from the victims’ families.

The case has sparked widespread concern about the safety and security of residents in the region. The community is eagerly awaiting the outcome of the trial, hoping for justice to be served.

The matter has been postponed to a later date, pending Tete’s legal representation.

By Phumlani Saul

The Eastern Cape Fashion Week is an initiative of the Ebubeleni Festival Projects, a Non-Profit Company established in 2019 to specifically focus on the development of the Arts, Culture, and Fashion/Design industry in Nelson Mandela Bay and the greater Eastern Cape.

 

The designers set to showcase at this year’s show are tasked to tell a story through their garments which will form part of this year’s theme “Evolution of Fashion over the 30 Years of Democracy” – Expressions of FREEDOM – The F is for FASHION.. 

The local designers will be judged by a panel of experts and will stand a chance to be awarded BEST COLLECTION and/or BEST SHOWSTOPPER GARMENT. The Eastern Cape designers are SANDI DANI DESIGNS by Sandisiwe Dani; LEMFUX SA by Athenkosi Mfungula; CUSH DESIGNS by Siyabulela Zondani; CARLOS FRITZ CREATIONS by Carlos Fritz; MSABA EMPORIUM by Thakazelwa Mhlomi; MARTIN JOHN BESPOKE by Martin John Steenkamp; HANDMADE BY TAZLEIGH by Tazleigh Swartz; UKHOBO by Khanyisa Miliho; WHIMSICAL CHILD CLOTHING by Annabel Hift and VAN ZYL APPAREL by Jan Hendrik Van Zyl.

 

In addition to our esteemed 10 Eastern Cape designers, we are proud to feature Nelson Mandela University Fashion Design students, our distinguished guest designer Mr Sonwabile Ndamase, the icon who designed the famous Tata Mandela’s shirts, and captivating performance by LIRA on our runway.

 

Mr. Sonwabile Ndamase will subsequently be honoured with the “Eastern Cape Fashion Week Cape Aloe Legacy Award” during the prestigious Fashion Show in recognition of his great work as a fashion designer and his contribution to the fashion industry in the 30 years of South Africa’s democracy.

Date:       Saturday 10 August 2024

Venue:      Boardwalk Hotel and Casino – Gqeberha

Time:       Doors open at 17:00 for BLACK CARPET and Dinner | Show starts at 18:30

Theme:      ”Evolution of Fashion over the 30 Years of Democracy” – Expressions of FREEDOM – The F is for FASHION