By Daily Kasi News Reporter

Seismic Media is delighted to announce a groundbreaking creative collaboration that sees its upcoming prime-time drama series, Dirty East, film a pivotal scene during the prominent Afrika Unite Rooftop Experience music festival. This innovative move ensures an unparalleled level of authenticity for the series, which is set to capture the pulse and powerful narratives of the historically significant regions of Mdantsane and East London.

The series has cast local musician and rising star, Sinesipho Unathi Magwa, in the lead role of Thandi Mvulane, who hails from Cradock in iNxuba Yethemba Municipality. Sinesipho will perform live alongside a stellar lineup of music icons, including Mawhoo, Zuko SA, Zain SA, and Jaziel Brothers, with his entire set being recorded live as a scene for the pilot episode.

The series boasts a formidable cast, including Andile Nebulana, Zola Nombona, Luzuko Nkqetho, Zandile Msutwana, and Rorisang Mohapi, who bring decades of industry experience, critical acclaim, and immense popular appeal to the project.

“This is more than just filming; it’s a celebration of Eastern Cape talent and culture,” said Mariza Matshaya, Dirty East Producer and Seismic Media Executive Producer. “Our collaboration with the Afrika Unite Rooftop Experience allows us to weave the real, vibrant energy of the community directly into the heart of Dirty East. It’s a bold step towards authentic, impactful South African storytelling.”

The project is supported by the Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and Culture Council (ECPACC) and the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), highlighting Seismic Media’s commitment to building local capacity and fostering job creation within the province.

For more information, please contact:
Mariza Matshaya
Dirty East Producer and Seismic Media Executive Producer

“This is more than just filming; it’s a celebration of Eastern Cape talent and culture. Our

collaboration with the Afrika Unite Rooftop Experience allows us to weave the real, vibrant

energy of the community directly into the heart of Dirty East. It’s a bold step towards

authentic, impactful South African storytelling.”

By Phumlani Saul

A father’s day sick joke turned stomachs in a Gqeberha courtroom yesterday as Robin Clarke, wearing a “Best Dad Ever” T-shirt, was found guilty of murdering his 19-month-old stepdaughter, Krisley Dirker.

The little girl, who was brutally beaten to death in 2013, had been in Clarke’s care when she suffered fatal head injuries. Clarke claimed the toddler had fallen and hit her head, but Judge Vuyokazi Noncembu rejected his version, saying it was “inconceivable” that such injuries could occur from a simple fall.

Krisley’s mother, Kristen Clarke, was acquitted of murder but found guilty of child abuse and neglect. The judge slammed Kristen for failing to protect her daughter and instead covering for her husband’s abuse.

The couple, who have three children together, showed no remorse as they were led away. Clarke even flipped the bird to a family friend in court, prompting cries of “Justice for Krisley”.

The case has sparked outrage and calls for justice, with the prosecution describing it as one of the most horrific cases of child abuse they’ve ever seen. Clarke will remain in custody pending sentencing, while Kristen was granted bail to care for their children.

By Xolelwa Magaqa

BULELANI regrets throwing away his car keys when he was being hijacked in 2024

He believes he’d still have his eyesight if he hadn’t.

He believes he’d still have his eyesight if he hadn’t.

Bulelani Mngayana (36) from Khayamnandi in Dispatch , Eastern Cape, told Daily Kasi News , “1 was from a site on my way to drop off my team at their homes when amapara blocked my car.

“They forced me to open it and give them the keys.” threw the keys away, and when they could not find them they started hitting my head with knobkerries.

“He said doctors told him that due to too much injury on his forehead, veins became blocked and caused blindness.

“I’m totally blind and regret throwing away the keys. If you’re robbed, give them what they want rather than retaliating and losing what you will never replace,” he said.

Bulelani is the owner of Simanyene Construction Alternative, which he has been running since 2017.My daily responsibilities are managing the company.

“I make sure all emails are opened, read and replied to.”I compile quotations and visit the site. I do marketing and liaise with my team of builders, electricians, carpenters, drivers and administrative staff.

“He said some of his clients are Turbo Facilities Solutions, Absa and British American Tobacco.

“I’m a qualified carpenter who trained at Chamdor in Ngqurha for six months. After graduating I worked for companies including Associated Alteration, Komodo Shopfitters, and Office Direct.

“That’s where | learnt team work, running a building company, strategising on projects, and the importance of quality.”Bulelani said one of the disadvantages of being blind is not being able to see progress on aproject.

Bulelani said one of the disadvantages of being blind is not being able to see progress on a project.”I have to rely on the next person. Blindness can lead to rejection in business. When I do marketing, people ask how I’m going to do my job as I cannot see. I do not need my eyes to do my job. I have brains,” said Bulelani.

By PHUMLANI SAUL

Timothy Kiesling from Norway enjoys staying in KwaNobuhle near Kariega.

The 58-year-old mlungu is having so much fun he might consider marrying ekasi, if he gets a good Xhosa girlfriend.

But he never thought he’d be accepted in Khayelitsha in Kariega, Mondile street.
when he joined his long time friend from Malawi where they spray paint cars.

He didn’t think he’d live there that long.”The people here are amazing. They greet me whenever they pass me standing next to the Somalia Shop where I always stand next to it,” he said.

Timothy, who stays with his Somalia friend, lived in Khayelitsha for 3 years, also before he moved to Kariega. He wasn’t comfortable talking about why he moved from Norway three years ago . All he told the DK news was he wanted a better and new life.

We spray paint cars to make a living. ” Motto is no stolen cars in our business.

” Those who steal from others should not bother coming to spray paint here” he said

I’m not married my wife passed away during Covid 19 era now I’m single looking for a good girlfriend. And I would love to get married in Kasi because woman in the area are beautiful, ” he said.

When he is not at workshop, Timothy spends his spare time standing around the Somalia Shop.

By Phumlani Saul

Kariega, Eastern Cape – In a desperate bid for housing, shack dwellers in Kariega’s Gunguluza area 11 brought the R334 Rocklands Road to a grinding halt on Monday and Tuesday morning for the second consecutive day.

The protesters, including people with disabilities and former backyarders, blockaded the road with burning tyres and rubble, demanding that the municipality build houses for them.

The protesters claim they were relocated to the area in 2017 but still live in squalid conditions next to 300 built toilets that have been vandalised and a faulty sewerage system. Despite promises from the municipality, the community has been left to suffer in deplorable conditions.

Nokuzola Mahlahla, a protester, expressed her frustration, “We thought the municipality would fix the leaking sewage before the June as they promised . They came and campaigned, but we are still living next to vandalised toilets.”

Siphiwe Petela, a father of three, described the dire situation, “I arrived in 2017 from Taliban informal settlement, which was declared a flood plain. When we arrived, there was no seat on my toilet. Some people bought themselves toilet seats, but the toilets don’t flush. We have to pour water to flush.”

The protesters were met with unfulfilled promises from the municipality. Ward councillor (ANC) admitted,

“I don’t have answers. I have gone back to the meetings we had with the municipal officials, when we were promised on 24 May that a contractor would be introduced on 5 June. But that did not happen.”

Rudi April, assistant director of human settlements, attributed the lack of progress to the recent floods and the resignation of the engineer in February. However, the protesters remain resolute, demanding that houses be built for them.

The protest highlights the dire housing situation in Kariega, with many residents living in subhuman conditions. The community’s plight is a stark reminder of the need for urgent action to address the housing crisis in the area.

The protesters vowed to continue their demonstration until their demands are met, leaving the municipality under pressure to deliver on its promises.

By Daily Kasi News Reporter

The Volkswagen plant in Kariega, South Africa, has marked a significant milestone, producing its three-millionth vehicle in nearly 75 years of operation. To commemorate this achievement, the VW’s Kariega (VWGA) team gathered to celebrate the production of a smoky-grey Polo Vivo, the three-millionth car built for the South African market.

This impressive milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the VWGA employees who have contributed to the plant’s success over the years. The Kariega plant has played a vital role in providing employment opportunities and driving economic growth in the region.

The Polo Vivo is an iconic model for Volkswagen in South Africa, and its production at the Kariega plant has been instrumental in making the brand accessible to many South Africans. The three-millionth vehicle milestone is a significant achievement, reflecting the plant’s commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

As the plant continues to produce vehicles for the local and international markets, the VWGA team remains focused on delivering high-quality products that meet the evolving needs of customers. The three-millionth vehicle milestone is a celebration of the plant’s rich history and a testament to its bright future.

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.