By Phumlani Saul

” KARIEGA COURT GOES WILD: Murder Accused Sparks Chaos”

Father’s Fury Sparks Mayhem in Veronique’s Murder Case

A dramatic scene unfolded at the Kariega magistrates’ court on Wednesday when Lelethu Nkosana, 27, appeared for the murder of eight-year-old Veronique May.

The victim’s father, Bulelani Khumzi, lunged at Nkosana, hurling a plastic water bottle and shouting “Why! Why did you do it?!” as the public demanded to be let into the courtroom.

The court was adjourned temporarily for 30 minutes to restore order.

When proceedings resumed, Nkosana appeared under heavy police escort and withdrew his bail application. The case has been postponed to November 10 for further investigation.

While the court was in session, another group of community members protested outside the court building, holding placards that demanded justice for the young girl.

The matter was postponed to 10 November for further investigation.

Outside, community members protested, holding placards demanding justice for Veronique. The young girl was reported missing after being last seen with Nkosana, and her body was found at his premises the next day.

By Phumlani Saul

A 27-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of eight-year-old girl, Veronique May, whose lifeless body was found on Monday in Kariega.

“I can only imagine how she must’ve called for me and her uncle when she was going through what she did.”

These were the words of a grieving grandmother from Kariega, whose first granddaughter’s life was cut short at the weekend.

The family of an eight-year-old girl from Kariega are reeling after their “sunflower-child’s” body was found at a house not too far from where they live.

May’s mother, Destiny, was inconsolable on Tuesday as she described her only and oldest daughter.

“My child was a soft-spoken girl who would not even hurt a fly. She was a lovely child and absolutely loved going to school.”

However, she wants to know the reason for the death of her daughter.

“What was going through his head?” she said as she cried uncontrollably.

She also said she believes that Veronique trusted the alleged perpetrator because she (Veronique) is friends with his sister, who is her age.

Her grandmother, Margaret, adds that she and her granddaughter were quite close and were in her care when she went missing.

“My boyfriend came to ask me where Veronique was because he heard from the children in the street that she left with a man.”

She says she quickly jumped up and started looking for her, but could not find her.

“A little later, the man who allegedly took her was spotted, and my boyfriend came to ask again if Veronique was back, and I said no and went to look for her again with no luck.”

According to Margaret, she knew that her granddaughter was no longer alive when the police took out the yellow tape to cordon off the house.

“I got her ready for school. Did her hair in the morning and always washed her clothes.”

“To think that I recently bought her a new school tracksuit, that she will never wear again,” she said as she broke down.

Police spokesperson Capt Sandra Janse van Rensburg said preliminary information had revealed that the victim was reported missing by her family to Kamesh police on Sunday after 5pm.

“A search was immediately launched by police.

“Information was obtained regarding the person Veronique was last seen with on Sunday evening.

“SAPS Kamesh found the man and for his own safety from the community he was remove to the police station,” Janse van Rensburg said.

After questioning the suspect on Monday, she said the suspect took the investigating officer to De Booi Street in Langa where they found Veronique’s lifeless body in one of the rooms on the premises.

“The suspect was arrested on charges of murder and will appear in the Kariega magistrate’s court on Wednesday.”

Nelson Mandela Bay district commissioner Maj-Gen Vuyisile Ncata strongly condemned the horrific act and commended the swift response by the investigating team.

“The murder of a child is one of the most heartless crimes imaginable.

“We will ensure that justice is served for this young victim and her family,” Ncata said.

Janse van Rensburg said the SAPS continues to urge communities to protect children and to report any suspicious behaviour immediately to the nearest police station or Crime Stop on 08600-10111.

By Azola Matros

STONE THROWN, LIFE LOST

After a night of heavy partying, a 29-year-old Despatch resident was fatally stabbed after he accidentally hit a two-year-old with a stone he apparently threw at someone else during an argument.

Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said the incident took place during the early hours of Saturday morning in Albatros Street, Reservoir Hills.

“The SA Police Service in Despatch arrested a 29-year-old man for his alleged involvement in the murder of Shervago Hanse in Despatch.

“It is believed the victim was fatally stabbed after he accidentally hit a two-year-old toddler with a stone, following a heated argument.”

She said at about 4am, the homeowner wanted her children’s friends to vacate her premises after a binge-drinking party at her house.

“It is said that as friends were vacating the premises, one of them started to argue with the homeowner’s daughter, and threw a stone, but missed [her] and struck a two-year-old boy.

“It is further said that the toddler’s uncle, on seeing that his nephew was injured, [allegedly] retaliated and stabbed Hanse, who later died in hospital.”

The 29-year-old uncle was arrested and is due to appear in the Kariega magistrate’s court on Monday on a charge of murder.

By PHUMLANI SAUL

SHE is gatvol after they were moered at a tavern.

A 20-year-old woman from Ezinyoka, Gqeberha in Eastern Cape, sees red after her cousin’s boyfriend moered her and her sister.

The incident occurred on Weekend, 1 October, in Extension 6 around 5pm. She said the boyfriend allegedly dragged her cousin to go and have sex while she was still having fun at the tavern.

According to the woman, they were drinking when mala’s boyfriend asked her to come home with him as he wanted to sleep.

She said her cousin refused as it was too early, and they had just arrived at the joint two hours earlier.

“The boyfriend was drinking at the tavern for hours before we arrived, so we joined him with his girlfriend, who is my cousin, as well as my sister. While we were enjoying ourselves, he told my cousin they should leave and go to the house as he wanted them to go and sleep,” said the victim.

The girlfriend reportedly told him to go alone since she had been at the tavern for only a few hours and was enjoyin erself.

She said the boyfriend got irritated, wanting tlof- flof. He insisted they should leave, saying she could return to the tavern afterwards.

The girlfriend refused, but the horny and drunk boyfriend started dragging her, and the two cousins intervened

“He started beating us up when we tried to stop him. We fought back, but since he is a man, he managed to beat us up some more. He used an empty bottle to attack us, and my sister and I were left injured,” said the girl.

She returned and opened a case against the boyfriend.”My boyfriend never moered me, but mala’s boyfriend dared to do that. I got him arrested, and he will pay for this dearly,” she said.

Boyfriend dared to do that. I got him arrested, and he will pay for this dearly,” she said.The victim’s sister said she would also open a case against the man, who is believed to be 32 years old.

Police spokesman Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed the incident.”eZinyoka police are investigating an assault case following an incident at the Covid informal settlement on Weekend, 1 October 2025.

According to the complainant, she was assaulted while trying to stop a fight.

Circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation, and no arrests have been made yet,” said Twigg.

By Phumeza Oliphant

KHAYELITSHA residents are still in shock.This efter they made a gruesome discovery of a dismembered baby in the Covid area on Sunday morning, 21 September.

The remains were found stuffed into plastic bags and containers in Khayelitsha near Kariega in Covid area, with some body parts scattered close to a nearby yard.

The chilling discovery has left residents horrified and demanding justice.One of the residents, Noluthando Mava (44), said the community had never witnessed something so disturbing.

“We have never seen something like this before. It is sad and scary at the same time. What kind of a mother can do this to their child?” she asked.The first discovery was made by a resident who went to throw rubbish and spotted something

shocking inside a plastic bag.”I saw a hand inside a plastic bag, and I couldn’t believe my eyes. I then called other residents to the scene to see for themselves. It was when we

discovered that the body was dismembered,” the resident explained.As residents searched the area, they came across more pieces of the foetus in other containers and scattered nearby.

The gruesome scene has left the community shaken, with many calling for those responsible to face the harshest punishment.

“People cannot behave like this with no consequences. It only takes a heartless person to cut a foetus into pieces because this was a baby.

As residents, we must come together and find whoever did this. Someone among us knows what happened,” said Mava.

Police spokesman Captain Frederick van Wyk confirmed the discovery and said police have

opened an inquest.” Police registered an inquest on Sunday, 2025-09-21 at 09:40, following an incident at Covid.

Anyone with information about this fatal incident can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously,” said Van Wyk.

By Azola Matros

GOGO is still living in fear after she was allegedly raped in her home.

The 73-year-old sangoma from Magaleni, Gqeberha, said her attacker, a young man, ambushed her in 2025 and kept her hostage in her bedroom for almost three hours.

She broke down in tears as she recalled the horror,”I told him to stop because I was in pain, but he continued to rape me. I’m still traumatised,” she said.

The gogo explained that she had returned from church when she noticed a man loitering near her yard.

The gogo explained that she had returned from church when she noticed a man loitering nearher yard.

“I asked him to take whatever he wanted, Ou he said he wanted me. He even told me to give myself to him or else he’d kill me,” said gogo

But he left behind a cap and takkies as he was in a rush.Gogo, who lives alone after losing her husband and three kids, said she no longer practises as a sangoma as her ancestors are angry with her since the ordeal.

“The evil man almost killed me ljust want justice and for him to rot in jail,” she said

Thabisile Nyakama, spokeswoman for DA Social Development, said the gogo is deeply traumatised This is so bad. She has nightmares and struggles to face the suspect in court. We want /justice to take its course. The man must rot in jail,” said Nyakama.

According to the sangoma, the suspect was arrested in Ezinyoka after five days.

Eastern Cape police spokeswoman Colonel Kacy Smith confirmed the matter,”It is a rape case with one suspect arrested and the matter is before the court,” she said.The man will appear in the Newbrigton Magistrates Court on Monday, 15 September.

By Phumlani Saul

The small town of Kariega is still reeling in shock and outrage following the brutal murders and alleged rapes of two local teenagers, Ibanathi Peter and Sinothando Malinga.

The heinous crimes have sparked widespread demands for justice, with four men accused of the crimes making a brief appearance in the local magistrates’ court on Monday, September 1.

Akhululwe Phungulwa, Anele Ngalo, Zubenathi Dyakumeni, and Siphosethu Gomomo, aged between 21 and 28, face serious charges, including two counts of murder and multiple counts of rape. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, the alleged incident began when the two victims were socializing with the four accused at a house in the area.

The court heard that the situation took a violent turn when the four men allegedly forced their way into the house, interrupting a consensual sexual encounter between one of the victims and another individual. The four men then allegedly committed the heinous crimes, resulting in the deaths of the two teenagers.

The discovery of the charred bodies of the two young victims in an open field last month sparked widespread outrage and demands for justice. In a previous court appearance, the four men abandoned their bids for bail, and they will now return to court on October 8.

Outside the court, a group of protesters, including school children, gathered to demand justice for the victims. Although the group was smaller than the previous one, their determination to see justice served was evident. The community is still reeling from the brutal nature of the crimes, and the court appearance has brought the case back into the spotlight.

The NPA’s efforts to prosecute the accused will be closely watched, and many are hoping for a successful outcome. As the case progresses, the victims’ families and the community will be seeking closure and justice. The court will have to consider the evidence presented and determine the guilt or innocence of the accused.

With the next court appearance scheduled for October 8, the community remains vigilant, demanding justice for the two young lives lost in such tragic circumstances. The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for communities to come together to support one another and to demand justice for victims of violent crimes. As the legal process unfolds, many will be watching closely, hoping that justice will be served and that the perpetrators will be held accountable for their alleged actions.

By Daily Kasi News Reporter

The 2nd Annual Wild Coast Cap Classique Festival is just around the corner, promising to be a sophisticated celebration of South Africa’s finest Method Cap Classique sparkling wines. On August 30, 2025, the picturesque Birkview Lodge in Chintsa will transform into a haven for wine enthusiasts, music lovers, and foodies alike.

A Celebration of South African Excellence

The festival will feature an exquisite selection of Cap Classique wines from leading houses such as Simonsig, Pierre Jourdan, De Grendel, Stellenrust, Ken Forrester, and Zardetto from Italy. Guests will have the opportunity to indulge in wine tastings, gourmet food pairings, and live music performances by renowned artists, including:

• Vusi Mahlasela, South African Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award recipient
• Ikhona, Afro-soul sensation from Ngqeleni
• Ncumisa Garishe
• Natalia Rungan
• Gospel music DJ Groovie Christ and DJ Welo

A Platform for Local Businesses

The festival will also provide a platform for local businesses to showcase their products to a discerning clientele. This event is expected to contribute to the local economy and promote the unique charm of the Wild Coast.

Commitment to Excellence

The festival organizers have confirmed that all preparations are on schedule, and the venue is being transformed into a stunning festival ground. “We are taking every measure to ensure the event meets the highest standards of safety and hospitality,” said event project manager Sinethemba Gayiza.

A Fusion of Fine Wine, Music, and Culture

Festival director Papama Mnqandi emphasized the importance of music in creating an atmosphere that complements the elegance of Cap Classique. “Our goal is to create an unforgettable event that showcases the best of South African culture, wine, and music,” he said.

“Champagne Hues” Theme

This year’s theme, “Champagne Hues,” was chosen by patrons of the festival via social media platforms, demonstrating the existence of a market for bubbly enthusiasts in the province.

Don’t miss out on this sophisticated celebration of South African excellence! Mark your calendars for August 30, 2025, and join the Wild Coast Cap Classique Festival at Birkview Lodge in Chintsa.

More information can be found on the event website https://wildcoastcapclassiquefest.co.za/           

By Phumlani Saul

900 Workers Sent Packing as Plant Closes Immediately

In a shocking turn of events, Goodyear’s Kariega plant has closed its doors with immediate effect, following the acceptance of an improved redundancy offer by its 900 employees.

The plant, which has been manufacturing tyres since 1947, had been expected to close gradually, but the new offer has brought forward the closure date.

The redundancy package, which includes R100,000 plus four weeks’ pay for every year worked, along with August salary and 2025 bonus entitlement, is seen as a generous gesture by the American-owned company. However, the sudden closure marks the end of an era for the plant, which has been a significant employer in the region.

The closure is part of Goodyear’s global restructuring efforts, aimed at coping with intense competition from Chinese tyre manufacturers. The plant’s shutdown will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the local economy, although the extent of this impact remains to be seen.

In other economic news, South Africa’s economy is expected to have expanded for a third consecutive quarter, driven by recoveries in the manufacturing and mining sectors. According to analysts polled by Bloomberg, the economy is likely to have grown by 0.4% in the second quarter, up from 0.1% in the previous quarter.

However, the economic growth may be short-lived, as US tariffs pose a fresh challenge to growth. Moreover, inflation is expected to rise, driven by fuel and food price increases, as well as rising municipal tariffs. The July inflation figure, due out this week, is expected to reach 3.7%, with some economists predicting it could reach as high as 4.5% by year-end.

The Reserve Bank faces a tough challenge in managing inflation expectations, particularly if the inflation rate continues to rise. As the economy navigates these challenges, businesses and policymakers will need to work together to ensure sustainable growth and stability.

In the midst of these economic developments, the Goodyear closure serves as a reminder of the complexities and uncertainties of the global economy. While the redundancy package will provide some relief to affected employees, the plant’s closure marks the end of a chapter for a significant employer in the region.

By Nomalungelo Booi

“Parole Crackdown: “Check-up operation in KwaNobuhle a success, says national correctional services commissioner

In a surprise operation led by National Correctional Services Commissioner Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale, five individuals on parole were found to be violating their conditions in KwaNobuhle on Saturday.

One of the most alarming cases involved a rapist who was arrested for being drunk at a tavern while he was supposed to be at home.

The operation, conducted in partnership with the police, aimed to ensure that parolees were complying with their conditions. Thobakgale emphasized that the department was in the process of acquiring an electronic monitoring system to better track parolees.

During the operation, the rapist’s brother revealed that he was at the tavern, and when officers took him home, he was unable to stand, leading to his arrest. Thobakgale stressed that the individual posed a risk to the community, particularly girls and women.

Other parolees, including a woman who had been rehabilitated while in jail, were also monitored. She credited anger management classes and skills training, such as sewing and making beads, for helping her turn her life around. A man who had been jailed for rape and was now watching YouTube videos at home claimed to have started a new life.

Thobakgale highlighted the importance of family support in the reintegration process, noting that a lack of support can contribute to parolees violating their conditions. He urged communities to report any violations directly to the department or the police, emphasizing that failure to comply would result in parolees being taken back into custody.

The operation exposed several challenges, including the need for better support systems for parolees. Thobakgale emphasized that successful reintegration requires a combination of factors, including the behavior of the parolee, a support system at home, and community acceptance.