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

By Phumlani Saul

Gqeberha police are on the hunt for the suspects who robbed congregants during a church service in New Brighton on Monday night.

The incident, which saw those in attendance dive for cover as gunshots echoed through the church, has left many worshippers traumatised.

A video that was seemingly taken during the commotion has been doing the rounds on social media.

The robbery happened at around 19:20 at Assemblies of God in New Brighton, on the corners of Avenue A and Pendla Street.

Police spokesperson, Captain Andre Beetge said four armed men entered the church and fired a gunshot in the air.

The suspects robbed congregants of their personal belongings and stole an undisclosed amount of money from the victims before fleeing the scene.

Four cell phones and a laptop were among the items stolen.

Bishop Sindile Mazantsi said he attended the Revival Service on Monday night.

According to Mazantsi he noticed a commotion at the back of the church at around 19:20 just as the pastor was about to finish his sermon.

When he turned to look he noticed a man walking to the front of the church, holding a gun.

Congregants frantically fell to the floor and started to cry and pray when the man fired a gunshot.

Mazantsi said the man and three others started to search people and stole their belongings.

In the commotion, another gunshot was fired.

Mazantsi said everyone involved was grateful that there were no fatalities and confirmed that the revival services would continue.

Beetge confirmed that no injuries were reported.

A case of business robbery was opened and is being investigated by SAPS New Brighton

By Phumlani Saul

A routine trip to the shop turned into a nightmare for Ivy Michaels and her family when her 26-year-old son was brutally gunned down while running a simple errand. The Kariega mother is now left to pick up the pieces of her shattered world, grappling with the guilt of having asked her son to go to the shop that fateful Wednesday.

Ivy Michael told Daily Kasi News “I wish I could turn back time,” a distraught Ivy said in an exclusive interview.

“I never thought that asking my son to buy a bag of potatoes would be the last thing I’d ever ask him to do.”

The senseless tragedy has left the community reeling, and Ivy’s family is struggling to come to terms with their loss. As the investigation into the shooting continues, Ivy is left to wonder what could have been done to prevent this tragedy.

“I’m consumed by survivor’s guilt,” Ivy confessed. “I keep thinking, ‘What if I had gone to the shop myself?’ or ‘What if I had asked someone else to go?’ But deep down, I know it wasn’t my fault.”

The community is rallying around Ivy and her family, offering support and condolences during this difficult time. As the search for answers continues, one thing is clear: a young life was senselessly cut short, leaving behind a trail of devastation and heartbreak.

Rest in peace, young man. Your community will not forget you.said community member wjo don’t want to be named.

By Phumlani Saul

A devastating incident has left a community reeling as an 18-year-old pupil, Azizipho Langbooi, lost his life in an alleged school gang fight at Rocklands High. The grade-12 student was fatally stabbed in the neck and died at the scene.

Heartbroken father, Zithulele Rhuneli, expressed his outrage and concern, stating, “There is no policy that guides teachers on what to do when a pupil is injured or dies at school.”

He painfully recalled arriving at the scene to find his son’s lifeless body, saying, “When I got there, he was already covered with a silver blanket, and his eyes were still open. I closed them myself.”

The incident follows another alleged gang violence incident in nearby Kwanobuhle, where a pupil survived.

Noxolo Nconco (46) told Daily Kasi News “As the community mourns the loss of young Azizipho, questions arise about school safety and the lack of clear protocols in place. The Eastern Cape Education Department has yet to comment on the matter“.

Nelson Mandela Bay Police Commissioner Vuyisile Ncata confirmed the arrest of a 17-year-old suspect, who was processed in accordance with the Child Justice Act.

By Phumlani Saul

Nelson Mandela Bay was left reeling in shock and horror on Monday night after the brutal murder of renowned photographer,

Xolani Jack. The 42-year-old father of five was senselessly gunned down while speaking on his cellphone, leaving his community and family in a state of devastation.

Eyewitnesses described the chilling scene, recounting loud bangs, blood-curdling screams, and people frantically seeking cover as the tragedy unfolded.

The gruesome discovery of Jack’s lifeless body sent shockwaves through the community, with many struggling to come to terms with the loss of a man who was deeply loved and respected.

Xolani Jack was not only a talented photographer but also a devoted husband, father, and friend. His infectious smile and kind spirit had touched the lives of countless individuals, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories.

As the investigation into his senseless murder continues, the community remains in a state of mourning, grappling with the harsh reality of violence and crime that has claimed yet another innocent life.

Xolani Jack’s tragic death serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.

Zuko Popo (34 ) told DK team “ The family and friends of Xolani Jack are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May his memory be a blessing, and may his legacy continue to inspire and uplift those who knew him.”

South African police spokesperson Aron Kombisa said “ No one has been arrested and   we are still investigating

By Solulwe Vena

TO SANGOMA Mavusi Gqola(44), an owl is a good bird that helps him heal his customers. 

The sangoma based in Emagaleni, Qgeberha said an owl is just an ordinary bird that he can use for his work. He said he can even use owl kak mixed with tortoise kak and it works wonders to deal with nightmares and other illnesses. 

Mavusi has an owl that stays in his indumba to protect him from evil spirits. 

“It depends on what a person uses it for. When I trained as a sangoma, my ancestors gave me certain creatures to protect me from evil spirits.

I have an owl and tortoises and that is what my ancestors instructed me to use,” he said.

He said he can’t be attacked by evil spirits as long as his owl is alive. “Even if a person wants to kill me using evil muthi, the owl can sense the danger. I can communicate with the owl with my own special language. I talk with it and if something bad is going to happen, I can actually tell,” he said. 

Mavusi said he bought the owl from some young boys after they hit it with a stone in bushes in Emagaleni. The sangoma nursed it as it was bleeding just above its eye. 

Now it stays in a cage and he feeds it with meat, mostly chicken. 

Sometimes young kids visit his house but some are scared of the owl. People passing by the road in front of his house curiously look at Mavusi when he feeds his owl.

One of Mavuso’s clients said: “At first I used to be afraid of this owl but as I’ve visited Mavuso to get my treatment and I’ve realised the owl is not harmful. 

“Mavuso explained to me why he has the owl at his indumba.” 

The Eastern Cape SPCA spokeswoman Belinda Abraham said: “Much respect to this man for helping an animal in distress but it is illegal to keep a wild animal as a pet without the necessary permits.” She said their Wildlife Team would give veterinary assistance if required. 

“It would be unkind and cruel to keep an owl confined to a cage. If it is well, it should be set free.”

By Phumlani Saul

CASTING CALL FOR MODELS:

The Eastern Cape Fashion Week is inviting all types of fashion models of all races based in Nelson Mandela Bay to the auditions. If you are a model or think you have what it takes to strut it on the runway and are from the Eastern Cape, then this is your opportunity to be part of the Eastern Cape Fashion Week showcase. The call is open to ages from 18 to35 years with height 1.7m + and waist limit of 36 for males and 42 for females .

Date: Saturday, 13 July 2024

Time: 09h00 – 15h00

Venue: The Athenaeum, 7 Athol Furgard Terrace, Central, Gqeberha

 

The selected models will have an opportunity to model the 3rdannual Eastern Cape Fashion Week Line at a prestigious event to be held on the 10th of August 2024 at Sun Boardwalk Convention Centre in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. 

 

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 Eastern Cape Fashion Week formerly known as Ebubeleni Fashion Show/Week is an annual fashion extravaganza that serves as a vital support platform for the Eastern Cape fashion industry, especially for the fashion and textile designers. The fashion week is a week-long fashion industry event where fashion designers, brands, or “houses” display their latest collections on a runway fashion show to buyers and the media which influence upcoming fashion trends for the current and/or approaching seasons. The designers get an opportunity to showcase their talent through a series of engaging activities including competitions, a fashion market and a designer workshop.

 

Our approach to the designers is a call to submit their recent work including their profiles and a synopsis of what inspires their designs. The applications are adjudicated by a panel of industry experts and a final list of 10 designers was selected and allowed to create a new collection and showcase them at the fashion show runway. The selected designers 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 in South Africa”. 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.  In addition to our esteemed 10 Eastern Cape designers, we are proud to feature 5 Nelson Mandela University Fashion Design students, 2 distinguished guest designers, and captivating performing artists on our runway. Eastern Cape Fashion Week is not just a showcase of style; it’s a celebration of creativity, arts and innovation in fashion. 

 

Additionally, one of the most crucial aspects of Eastern Cape Fashion Week is empowering not only the selected designers but all fashion entrepreneurs in the province via a fashion entrepreneurs’ “Designers” workshop and fashion market. The workshop comprises several fashion industry and SMME experts who impart knowledge and relevant tools to scale and or improve small businesses.  The fashion market will run concurrently with other Fashion Week activities for three days and will provide pop-up store spaces for fashion entrepreneurs at no cost to them at the prestigious Boardwalk Mall Exhibition Centre.

By Phumlani Saul

A 31year-old man has been shot and killed in his house, 

RESIDENTS of Angola in KwaNobuhle in Eastern Cape were asleep when they were suddenly awoken by gunshot sounds.

This occurred because a man was being shot at. The man was gunned down while watching a movies with his girlfriend on a Cellphone in Bering street, on Friday night, 05 July.

A resident said she was already sleeping when the loud gunshot sounds woke her up.

“The shooters fired several shots at the man. I knew that he wasn’t going to survive,” the resident stated.

Another resident mentioned that the man who was killed was a quiet man, and always with his girlfriend.

The Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) spokesman, Prem Balram, said residents contacted their unit after they made the discovery

“Reaction officers were immediately dispatched and arrived on the scene at approximately 10pm,” he explained.

He reported that the officers discovered the body of a man lying in a pool of blood.

“The man sustained a gunshot wound to his head and died on the scene. The kitchen door was broken and they got an excess to the house and shot him Three spent 9mm cartridges were recovered in on the scene,” he added.

He noted that the motive for the execution has not been confirmed.

Eastern Cape police spokeswoman Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo confirmed the incident, stating that the cops in Kwanobuhle are investigating a case of murder.