By Phumlani Saul

South Africa delivered a much-improved performance, recording a comfortable 45-0 win over Italy at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.

Following their 42-24 win over Italy at Loftus Versfeld last week, the Springboks were out to produce a dominant display.

And in terms of the scoreboard, they certainly delivered as they blanked Italy for time in 26 years.

There will be concerns regarding the discipline, with Jasper Wiese red-carded for a head-butt in the 21st minute, leaving the Springboks to play with 14 men for the majority of the match.

Wilco Louw also spent 10 minutes in the bin after his dangerous tackle in the 44th minute.

Nonetheless, the World Champions were innovative and outscored the Italians seven tries to none, with Edwill van der Merwe (2), Grant Williams, Canan Moodie, Malcolm Marx, Makazole Mapimpi and Jan-Hendrik Wessels all crossing the whitewash.

Manie Libbok added the other points via five conversions.

The victory was extra special for South Africa, as one of their stars, Willie le Roux, was celebrating his 100th Test cap.

Le Roux is the eighth South African to join the elite Centurion club, and the fourth backline player to do so.

For Italy, it was a frustrating match. They made unforced errors, which proved to be costly, while Danilo Fischetti and David Odiase were yellow-carded, leaving the team with a mountain to climb.

It was a very unorthodox start, with South Africa purposefully botching the kick-off for an immediate scrum to begin the match.

However, it backfired as Italy came away with a penalty.

Nonetheless, Boks quickly were back on attack and after a knock-on by Jasper Wiese, which saw Pieter-Steph Du Toit’s try chalked off, the Boks eventually got over the line courtesy of Sharks scrumhalf Williams.

At the back of dominant scrum, Van der Merwe made a break before giving it to Mapimpi, who showed great pace and found Williams for the first five-pointer.

Then Van der Merwe also got his name on the scoreboard. The wing went over in the corner after an incredible pass by Libbok inside the Italians’ 22.

With a 10-0 lead, the Boks went down to 14 men when Jasper Wiese was red-carded for a headbutt after a scuffle with Danilo Fischetti.

The red card may have put a sombre atmosphere on the occasion –  just for a minute, but it also gave Rassie Erasmus’ troops a chance to readjust and rejig their game plan, giving Andre Esterhuizen extra work in the pack

Erasmus also employed one of his Bomb Squad members early, with Ox Nché replacing Thomas du Toit in the 30th minute.

The change proved to be a stroke of genius, as Nché’s introduction saw the Springboks dominate the scrum, leading to a penalty advantage that set up Van der Merwe’s second try.

From the back of the scrum, Le Roux booted the ball downfield, and Van der Merwe benefited from a kind bounce to score the try. Libbok finally managed to add the conversion for a 17-0 lead.

The Springboks were ruthless. Williams found Moodie, who showed tremendous strength and bounced a couple of defenders for a try. Libbok slotted the conversion for a 24-0 lead at the break.

The World Champs started the second half with the same intent. They quickly found themselves five metres away from the Italian try-line, but great work at the breakdown saw the visitors survive the onslaught.

Then Wilco Louw copped a yellow card for a high tackle and Italy’s Danilo Fischetti for repeated infringements, leaving the Boks with 13 men and Italy with 14.

Van der Merwe almost had a third, but Le Roux’s pass was ruled forward.

However, the crowd was on its feet moments later as Malcolm Marx drove over, again from the manufactured midfield maul to Nortje.

Libbok’s third conversion made it 31-0 to the Boks.

Erasmus injected fresh legs into his backline, with Cobus Reinach, Sasha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and debutant Ethan Hooker replacing Williams, Le Roux, and Moodie, respectively. Cobus Wiese made his Test debut 55 minutes in, with Evan Roos also getting a run at No. 8. Soon after, Asenathi Ntlabakanye became the third new cap of the evening.

The bench made an impact, with Reinach staying busy and Hooker making solid tackles, but the star of the show remained Van der Merwe, who never stopped chasing and winning high balls or making big tackles.

Eight minutes from time, Mapimpi scored from a line-out move, with soft hands and fast feet bamboozling the Italians and giving the try-scoring king some space on the left. Libbok kicked the conversion for the  38-0 was a fair reflection of the Boks’ dominance.

But the Boks had one more play left with a minute to go. Wessels, who chased everyone and everything all evening, scored the final try from a line-out, and Libbok kicked the conversion from the corner for the victory.

South Africa will return to action next Saturday in Mbombela, where they face Georgia in a one-off Test.

Man of the Match: There were a lot of options. Grant Williams deserves a mention for his effective work behind the pack. Edwill van der Merwe was another standout with his two tries. Malcolm Marx was crucial, making his tackles and scrumming well. However, our nod goes to Manie Libbok. The flyhalf missed a couple of conversions but made up for it with his open play. His cross-kicks were effective, and he had a hand in a couple of the Springboks’ tries.

Moment of the Match: When Ox Nché entered the field in the 30th minute and immediately dominated a scrum.

Villain of the Match: Both teams’ discipline, which saw two yellow cards – Danilo Fischetti, Wilco Louw and David Odiasi – and a red card handed to Jasper Wiese.

By Siphosethu Vandala

“Kwazakhele Clinic over staff shortages”

About 600 frustrated residents of Kwazakhele took to the streets on Monday, shutting down access to the local clinic and burning tyres in protest against the Eastern Cape health department’s failure to fill vacant positions. The clinic, which serves a vast section of the community, has been plagued by staff shortages, putting patients’ lives at risk.

With only eight nurses, one pharmacist assistant, and a general worker, the clinic is struggling to cope with the demand. Patients have to queue outside the facility from 5am, exposing them to the risk of getting mugged. Residents have even taken to standing guard in the early morning hours to ensure those queuing are safe.

“The slow pace of assisting patients due to the shortage of staff is our main problem,” said Lwando Mange, speaking on behalf of the community. “This is a huge facility that caters to several areas of the community, yet there are only eight nurses. They often can’t take leave, and one person’s absence is felt, and residents have to wait longer for the service.”

The clinic’s committee has written numerous letters and made calls to officials to address the issues, but to no avail. “Every time a nurse is transferred to a different facility, we would call and inquire when a replacement will be brought, and we never get a definite answer,” said Nolusindiso Magida, clinic committee secretary.

Health department officials met with the clinic committee and residents on Tuesday, but the meeting was tense, with residents refusing to be left out of the discussions. Sindiswa Gede, health department district health services chief director, said they were busy with a verification process to check all 48 clinics in Nelson Mandela Bay and would address the staffing issues.

However, residents remain skeptical, and the clinic’s closure has left many patients in a difficult situation. “You can’t chase people away because you have a grievance, what about the sickly people who desperately need their medication?” asked Ward 17 councillor Gamalihleli Maqula.

The health department has promised to look into the staffing issues and find a solution, but for now, patients continue to suffer.

By Nomalungelo Booi

“: Family Member Arrested”

A community is in mourning after the burnt body of 12-year-old Lithaliyanda Ntoni was discovered, just three days after she went missing. In a shocking twist, a family member has been arrested in connection with her murder.

Lithaliyanda, a bright and ambitious young girl, had dreams of one day becoming a doctor. Her life was tragically cut short when she failed to return home from a nearby shop in Motherwell last Tuesday.

A family member, visibly shaken. Who don’t want to be named said : “I last saw her walking to the shop, but she never came back,”

“We’re still trying to come to terms with what happened.”

The young girl’s body was discovered in a horrific state, with severe burns. The police were quick to act, and a family member was arrested in connection with her murder.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said “We are deeply disturbed by this heinous crime,” . “We will do everything in our power to ensure justice is served.”

The community is reeling from the shock of Lithaliyanda’s brutal murder.

Madlamini Phoswayo (45) “She was just 12 years old, with her whole life ahead of her,” This is a tragedy that should never have happened.”

As the investigation continues, the family is left to pick up the pieces and try to make sense of this senseless tragedy.

“We just want justice for Lithaliyanda,” said her mother, tears streaming down her face. “We want to know why this happened to our baby girl.”

The case has sparked widespread outrage and concern, with many calling for swift justice and increased security measures in the area. The police are working to reassure the public that they are doing everything in their power to prevent such crimes and bring perpetrators to justice.

Lithaliyanda’s funeral will be held this weekend, and the community will come together to pay their respects to the young girl who had her whole life ahead of her.

“Justice for Lithaliyanda” is the rallying cry in Motherwell, as the community demands answers and justice for the brutal murder of a 12-year-old girl with a bright future ahead of her.

By Phumlani Saul

Ibanathi Peter (17) and Sinothando Malinga (19) Their burned bodies were discovered in bushes by community members in Kwanobuhle in Kariega last Wednesday.

Both teenagers were laid to rest on Weekend Ibanathi on Saturday, 28 June and Sinothando on Sunday 29 June at KwaNobuhle near Kariega.

Ibanathi who was in Grade 11 at Nkululeko Secondary School and Sinothando finished Matric last year.

Speaking during the funeral service, the family’s spokeswoman, Ibanathi’s aunt, Miranda Peter, said the family wants the perpetrators to rot in jail.

“On that day it was extremely difficult for all of us at home. We kept asking what she did to deserve to die like that. We want to see them rot in jail. They must never get peace,” she said.

Ibanathi’s aunt, Miranda Peter, said it was heart-wrenching to see the people who allegedly killed “her child.”

“They are cowards for abandoning bail,” she said after proceedings.

Ibanathi’s Class teacher Portia Katkat described ber as a kind person she spoke to on Tuesday, 13 June at school sharing jokes.

“She was a very kind person. What happened to her shocked us, we feel afraid because it shows that as women in this country, we don’t have the power to say no,” she said.This incident left residents of Kariega shaking with shock.

Sibothoma Mamaila (35) said they are unable to express how they’re feeling.”We are unable to express how we feel after witnessing the brutal murder of such a young girls whose future looked bright. They were was slaughtered and burned like an animal. We don’t know what to say, we are still. Shaking with shock and disbelieve,” said Mamaila.

Uitenhage District Taxi Association ( UDTA ) Spokesperson Mr Vesele said it’s shocking to see young people killing one another.

“We become shocked when young people kill one another in this horrific manner. It’s still youth month, and we know our young people are faced with countless challenges,

We are here today to offer our condolences to the family of Peter during this difficult time,” Vesele said. Teenagers alleged killers made their first court appearance at Kariega Magistrates Court on Monday, 23 June. The four suspects will return to court on 30 July.

By Phumlani Saul

The Kariega magistrates court witnessed a highly emotional scene on Monday as the four suspects accused of murdering two teenagers, Sinothando Malinga and Ibanathi Peter, made their first appearance. On Monday..

About Thousands of community members gathered outside the court, singing “struggle” songs and holding placards demanding justice for the victims.

The suspects, Akhululwe Pungulwa, Anele Ngalo, Siphosethu Gomomo, and Zubenathi Dyakumeni, aged between 21 and 28, face charges of murder and rape.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the victims were allegedly raped and murdered by the suspects after they interrupted a consensual sexual encounter between one of the victims and a teenage boy.

Miranda Peter Ibanathi’s aunt Told Daily Kasi News “It’s heart-wrenching to see the people who allegedly killed my child,”

“They are cowards for abandoning bail.” Said heartbroken Aunt

The families of the victims have expressed relief that the suspects will remain in custody, with the case set to continue on July 30.

The community is still reeling from the shock of the brutal murder, and the court proceedings have brought a sense of closure.

The victims will be laid to rest this weekend, with Ibanathi’s funeral scheduled for Saturday and Sinothando’s for next Sunday.

By Phumlani Saul

The Kariega magistrates court witnessed a highly emotional scene on Monday as the four suspects accused of murdering two teenagers, Sinothando Malinga and Ibanathi Peter, made their first appearance. On Monday..

About Thousands of community members gathered outside the court, singing “struggle” songs and holding placards demanding justice for the victims.

The suspects, Akhululwe Pungulwa, Anele Ngalo, Siphosethu Gomomo, and Zubenathi Dyakumeni, aged between 21 and 28, face charges of murder and rape.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the victims were allegedly raped and murdered by the suspects after they interrupted a consensual sexual encounter between one of the victims and a teenage boy.

Miranda Peter Ibanathi’s aunt Told Daily Kasi News “It’s heart-wrenching to see the people who allegedly killed my child,”

“They are cowards for abandoning bail.” Said heartbroken Aunt

The families of the victims have expressed relief that the suspects will remain in custody, with the case set to continue on July 30.

The community is still reeling from the shock of the brutal murder, and the court proceedings have brought a sense of closure.

The victims will be laid to rest this weekend, with Ibanathi’s funeral scheduled for Saturday and Sinothando’s for next Sunday.

By Phumlani Saul

The investigation into the gruesome discovery of two burnt bodies in KwaNobuhle has taken a significant turn, with the number of suspects arrested in connection with the crime rising to eight.

According to police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, the suspects, aged between 16 and 27, will appear before the KwaNobuhle magistrate’s court on Monday.

The bodies of the two victims, believed to be teenage girls aged between 17 and 19, were found by goat herders at approximately 7am near the boundary of the Nyosi Wildlife Reserve and KwaNobuhle.

Initially, four suspects were arrested, but following an interrogation process, four additional suspects were detained, bringing the total number of arrests to eight.

The suspects are expected to face charges related to the double murder, and the police are working to gather more evidence to build a strong case. Brigadier Gantana urged anyone with information related to the case to come forward and assist with the investigation.

The community is still reeling from the shock of the gruesome discovery, and the police are working to bring closure to the families of the victims. The investigation is ongoing, and the police are committed to ensuring that justice is served.

The case has sparked widespread outrage and concern, with many calling for swift justice and increased security measures in the area. The police are working to reassure the public that they are doing everything in their power to prevent such crimes and bring perpetrators to justice.

As the case unfolds, the community remains on edge, eagerly awaiting the outcome of the investigation and the court proceedings. The police are committed to transparency and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

The KwaNobuhle magistrate’s court is expected to play a crucial role in determining the fate of the suspects, and the community is watching closely for justice to be served. With the suspects set to appear in court on Monday, the case is set to take a significant turn, and many are hoping for a resolution to this tragic and disturbing case.

By Phumlani Saul

Four young suspects, aged 16 to 23, have been taken into custody in connection with the horrific discovery of two charred bodies in KwaNobuhle.

The swift arrests were made possible by diligent police work and community cooperation.

The bodies of two females were found by goat herders at about 7am, near the Nyosi Wildlife Reserve adjacent to Fourth Avenue, Khayelitsha on Wednesday morning.

Acting Eastern Cape provincial commissioner Maj-Gen Thandiswa Kupiso praised the KwaNobuhle police for their quick action.

” We assure the public that we are treating this case with the utmost seriousness,” Kupiso said.

Gantana said the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the murders was ongoing and further details regarding the charges the suspects faced would be disclosed as the case unfolded.

The investigation is ongoing, and further details about the charges will be revealed as the case unfolds. The SAPS is urging anyone with information to come forward and assist with the investigation.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE UPDATES ON THIS DEVELOPING STORY

By Phumlani Saul

Double Murder Investigation Underway in Kwanobuhle

A gruesome discovery was made in Kwanobuhle’s Khayelitsha area on Wednesday, as the charred bodies of two young women were found in bushes adjacent to 4th Avenue.

The Kariega police are now investigating a double murder, with detectives working tirelessly to unravel the circumstances surrounding the brutal act.

According to Captain Andre Beetge, the spokesperson for the Kariega police, the bodies of the two unidentified females are estimated to be between the ages of 17 and 19. Their identities remain unknown at this stage, and the police are urging anyone with information to come forward.

“The motive for this callous act is also unknown and forms a critical part of the ongoing investigation being conducted by Kwanobuhle SAPS detectives under the leadership of the Serious Violent Crimes unit,” Beetge said.

The police are appealing to the community for any information that could assist the investigation. Captain Beetge emphasized the importance of public cooperation in helping the police to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“We urge anyone with information, no matter how small it may seem, to come forward and assist us in our investigation. We are committed to ensuring that justice is served, and we need the community’s help to achieve this,” Beetge said.

The investigation is ongoing, with detectives working around the clock to piece together the events leading up to the gruesome discovery. The police are also working to identify the victims, and a post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted to determine the cause of death.

The community is shocked and outraged by the brutal murder, and there are growing concerns about safety and security in the area. The police are reassuring residents that they are doing everything in their power to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Kariega police or the investigating officer. The police are committed to ensuring that justice is served, and they are counting on the community’s cooperation to help solve this heinous crime.

Anyone with information can contact the Kariega police or the investigating officer.

By Nomalungelo Booi

“THERE is always mercy to people who say sorry.”

These were the words of acting Judge Henk Roelofse when handing down sentence to a Gqeberha law enforcement officer on

Tuesday, 10 June.

These were the words of acting Judge Henk Roelofse when handing down sentence to a

Gqeberha law enforcement officer on

Tuesday, 10 June.Abednigo Mbuyane (40) was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment by the Gqeberha High Court for the murder of his wife’s Nyansi (side chick), Thamsanqa Nkosi (34).

Nkosi, who was a provincial traffic inspectorate officer, was gunned down on 15 April 2023 at Njoli square outside Zwide after Mbuyane found him with his wife.

Mbuyane told the court when he wanted to confront his wife, the deceased interjected and a fight broke out. He said he was angry and confused and took out his service pistol, shot Nkosi twice and left the scene.

Roelofse said the state did not prove beyond reasonable doubt that Mbuyane had planned to kill the deceased. He said on the day of the incident, Mbuyane never knew his life and that of the victim’s family would 

Roelofse said Mbuyane’s action had a negative impact on the victim’s family.”To show mercy l order that your sentence runs from 15 April 2023 when you were arrested. Your sentence will run concurrently. Unfortunately, no sentence can satisfy everybody, but the court has taken into account everything and must find balance.

There is always mercy to people who say sorry.

Your behaviour will determine your future. Take care of yourself,” he said.

“I would like to apologise to everything what has happened to the Nkosi family. I am very sorry and would like to apologise to the community and also like to apologise to the court,” he said.