EASTERNCAPE:
ORTambopolicestationsin top30troublesomestations
ZOLILE MENZELWA
A TOTAL number of nine police stations in OR Tambo appeared in the top 30 stations in the Eastern Cape in a number of crimes, including leading in contact crimes and rape
This was revealed in the 2024/25 third quarter crime statistics as revealed by Transport and Community Safety MEC, Xolile Nqatha, on March 11 The statistics cover the period between October and December 2024
In the 17 community-reported serious crimes top 30 police stations, Mthatha is in second position with Lusikisiki on position 10, Madeira on 13, Qumbu 21 and Libode on 23 In the contact crime category, Mthatha leads the province at number one with 609 reported cases, showing a decrease of 11 cases during the same period in 2023
“The spate of successes in combating crime is indeed setting our province on a high note and is placing our crime-fighting efforts at a far better level towards gaining public confidence,” he said Lusikisiki is at position four and shows a decrease of 12 cases to 396; Ngqeleni is at 12 with 267 cases; Libode has 250 cases at 16 with Qumbu having registered 221 cases at 27
Nqatha said there were 39 murder cases reported in Mthatha, placing it at position five in the province and followed by Bhityi at six with 11 more cases to 34
compared to the 2023 third period
There are seven other police stations from OR Tambo Nqatha said the most used weapons were firearms, responsible for 474 murders followed by knives, having taken 258 lives
“Multiple murders at school: six community patrollers were killed while having a meeting at the school premises in Thina Falls Multiple murders at a residential place: the family members were sleeping when the suspects came and fatally shot five family members and injured two children,” Nqatha said
The number of police murders remained one each for on-duty and off-duty officers in 2024/25, Nqatha said There were five cases reported at farms and small holdings – a decrease of two cases Qumbu is leading the province in stock theft with 120 registered cases, followed by Tsolo with 98
Other cases include:
• Mthatha with 92 from 80 in 2023; Britain with 88 from 58;
• Sulenkama with 73 from 43;
• Libode with 34 from 65;
• Flagstaff with 23 from 14; Lusikisiki with 19 from 25;
• Kwaaiman with 18 from 2; and
• Ngqeleni with 17 from 10
“The number of cases registered does not represent the number of stock stolen One case can have multiple numbers of stock stolen,” he said
THE Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements and Public Works will embark on a project to construct over 200 housing units on a multimillion-rand project in Mbhashe Local Municipality
Department of Human Settlements provincial spokesperson, Yanga Funani, responding to questions from Mthatha Express - confirmed the construction of 250 housing units He said the housing units will be built across wards 21, 22, 24, 29 and 30 Project implementation, he said, commenced on March 3 and was estimated to be completed by March 2, 2028
“Job opportunities for youth, women and men will be offered by both service providers during the implementation of the project Job opportunities are estimated to be around 29 personnel per month The budget for the project is R66 188 295,” Funani
said Funani added that the Department of Human Settlements has built close to 5 000 housing units during the 2024/ 2025 financial year, which is set to conclude on March 31
“We want to ensure that people live decent lives in dignified settlements that are closer to economic amenities,” Funani said It is not the first time that the department has had a major project in Mbhashe during the 2024/2025 financial year The Human Settlements MEC, Siphokazi Lusithi, previously handed over title deeds to 300 government-subsidised houses in Extension 8 in Dutywa
At the time, the department had vowed it would have registered 8 572 title deeds across the Eastern Cape by the end of the currently concluding financial year Some of the beneficiaries were elderly people who had never owned homes before
Policeofficersentencedformurderingfriend
BABALWA NDLANYA
THE Mount Fletcher Regional Court sentenced policeman Busikhaya Zinto (42) to 15 years' imprisonment for the murder of his acquaintance, Mthibeli Lehana (35), during a night out in Fanta location on 25 November 2019.
A spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Luxolo Tyali, said both Zinto and Lehana were friends travelling in the same motor vehicle, consuming alcohol, when an argument ensued over one calling the other a boy, "inkwenkwe", which may be deemed derogatory in their culture
“While the vehicle was still in motion, Zinto took out a firearm and shot him on the left side of the ribs Other occupants did not see the actual shooting as they were drunk, and the music was loud; they only heard the sound and smelled the gunpowder When the driver stopped the vehicle, Zinto got out, leaving his work firearm inside, and disappeared,” said Tyali, adding that those who were in the vehicle rushed the victim to the hospital, but he later succumbed to his gunshot wound
Tyali added that Zinto was later arrested at his home During the trial, the state led the evidence of two witnesses who were inside the vehicle when the deceased was shot and that of a police officer who took gunpowder residue from people inside the vehicle
“He pleaded not guilty, shifting the blame to other occupants in the vehicle Under cross-examination by regional court prosecutor, Zonke Maranjana, Zinto contradicted himself and changed his version on many occasions to paint a picture that he was not on good terms with one of the witnesses who was in the car at the time The court dismissed his version as impossible It also declared him unfit to possess a firearm ” Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Barry Madolo, warned that the prosecution will always ensure that perpetrators of violent crimes are accordingly punished, adding that as a police officer, Zinto should have known better
“The NPA daily prosecutes hundreds of such matters that affect the safety and well-being of our communities and to ensure justice for victims of crime,” said Madolo
ZOLILE MENZELWA
Motherstillawaitsreconstructedhead
ZOLILE MENZELWA
A GATYANA woman whose daughter's suspected remains were allegedly taken by police for a DNA test in May 2020 still awaits further results five years on
Andiswa Madakana asked for help to find closure as she relayed her ordeal She said her daughter, Sisipho, went missing on April 9 at the age of 9
“She went to play and didn't come back home When she didn't come back on the second day, her friends were asked and could only say had gone home So, a missing person case was reported to the Gatyana police,” she said Madakana said clothes were found by young boys close to her home on May 1 and a human head with the skin peeled off was discovered close by She said her family confirmed the clothes belonged to Sisipho “This was reported to the police again and they came with sniffer
dogs Other body parts and hair were later traced by the sniffer dogs I came back home as my daughter lived with my mother
“A DNA test was done but I had to wait for a whole year to hear from the police after I made a follow-up ”
Madakana said only then she was told that the results came back negative
She said the police promised her during the phone call that they would send the head to Pretoria for reconstruction in 2021 Madakana is however adamant the remains are those of her daughter
“I just want the police to give me the body parts they have so that I can bury them Even if it s just rib, they must give it to me so I can have closure I have no grave for my child, I want to have a grave for her,” she said Madakana claimed that when she spoke to the police in February 2024, she was told that Pretoria had promised the police that they would return the head
“I went back again this year and the police could not give me any concrete information This is very painful to me
“I believe the remains belong to Sisiphi because the clothes found there were hers and no other child was reported missing in the area,” she said Madakana constantly worries about the safety of her other three children
Her worst fear is the repeat of what she said had happened to Sisipho
“I just wish they could be around me all the time,” she said Eastern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa, said police could not reconstruct the head
"The investigation continues with the assistance of seasoned detectives Police cannot divulge more information on the matter as the investigation is underway The Head Office (Pretoria) said they can't reconstruct the head as the lower jaw was unavailable," she said
Farmerscelebratemerinoramdonation
BABALWA NDLANYA
SIYABULELA Fono, Secretary of the Mamfeneni Wool Growers Association in Dutywa, confirmed that the Mbhashe Local Municipality, together with BKB Ltd from Gqeberha, had donated 15 Merino Pure Rams to assist members of the association He stated that the association was formed in 2018, and at that time, it had more than 15 members
"We formed this association with the aim of improving our wool and sheep quality so that when we sell wool, we offer a top-class product We believe
this company donated these sheep because we are their customers
“Previously, our coordinator, who is also from this company, advised us to buy Don Merinos
Four of us followed this advice, and we saw a significant improvement in our wool quality "
According to him, the company recognised their dedication and decided to support them with this donation
He expressed their happiness, emphasising that this contribution would positively impact their lives by helping them produce superior wool products
"This kind of support moti-
vates us to remain focused on our work, especially when we receive such valuable assistance," he added
The spokesperson for Mbhashe Local Municipality, Babalwa Magqwanti, said the farmers are assisted with market linkages, wherein private sector partners are lobbied to buy the produce from their emerging farmers
"Thus, BKB is one of the lobbied partners to buy from our farmers Moreover, there are many other capacity-building interventions that we are doing, such as training on Wool Management, Parasite Control, and many more," said Magqwanti
Sisipho Madakana.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Mamfeneni Wool Growers Association received Merino Pure Rams from BKB Ltd to improve their wool and sheep quality
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Campaignto bringsmilesto rurallearners
BABALWA NDLANYA
FOUNDER of Igwiba Lesizwe
Non-Profit Organisation (NPO), Mbuyie Kasana, confirmed that her foundation, in collaboration with Operation Smile SA (NPO), will be bringing a smile to learners by providing dental care at Mkankomo Primary School in Lusikisiki on April 25, 2025
Kasana said Bringing a Smile is a back-to-school campaign focused on supporting Black children, particularly in the deep rural areas of the Eastern Cape Province
She stated that their target month is March, as it is recognised as World Dental Health Month
“This is a collaboration between Igwiba Lesizwe and Operation Smile SA, which focuses on cleft lip and palate
The campaign started in 2021 in the rural areas of Mbhashe Local Municipality in Dutywa
The main goal is to bring a smile to those in need by providing dental care, as well as school shoes and uniforms,” said Kasana Kasana added that their campaign is supported by the Office of the MEC for the Department of Health, as they believe a smile can come in many forms, including self-esteem, proper shoes, and uniforms
According to her, they are striving to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders
“So far, we have managed to assist about 35 schools, targeting almost 1,500 children The
impact has been significant; children have gained self-confidence, and having dignity packs means a lot
“No more smelly armpits, no more dirty teeth Since we are working closely with the Department of Health, those who have dental issues are receiving the necessary treatment
“We urge parents to be present for their children, to listen to them, and to seek assistance when needed
“They should also recognise the value of NPOs and NGOs in addressing their children’s challenges Nowadays, some young people believe suicide is the solution, especially when their self-esteem is damaged ”
Kasana further mentioned that their next target area is the Lusikisiki Mthontsasa Circuit, where a teacher was tragically killed by her partner on Valentine’s Day in February 2025
According to her, they are specifically targeting Mkankomo Primary and Ngwenyeni Senior Secondary School, as these schools have high enrolment numbers and consistently rank among the top three in the circuit despite challenges such as some students lacking birth certificates
Others fear they will not be able to write their matric exams because they do not have identity documents
“We are seeking support from all government departments, especially Home Affairs and the municipality, to join us in assisting these children ”
Founder for Igwiba Lesizwe Non-Profit Organisation, Nombuyiselo Kasana, talks about the plans they have for rural schools. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Museumtoenhancesupportfor essaycompetitionparticipants
BABALWA NDLANYA
ACTING Chief Executive Officer for the day at the Nelson Mandela Museum in Mthatha, Nontlahla Tandwa Dalindyebo, confirmed that the museum would take further steps to ensure that learners participating in their Human Rights Essay Writing Competition are well-prepared, both academically and mentally
She made this statement after one of the participants collapsed on the podium while attempting to answer a question posed by adjudicators The participant’s identity cannot be disclosed for privacy reasons
Dalindyebo stated that this was an unexpected incident, as the museum has been organising such events for five years now
"As the Nelson Mandela Museum, we are committed to hosting more of these events However, we were deeply concerned and shocked by this incident Moving forward, we believe it is crucial to engage with other stakeholders who can assist us in ensuring learners' well-being The more support we receive from various stakeholders, the better," she said She emphasised that preparing someone mentally is not solely about overcoming stage fright; there are various social and psychological factors that may affect learners, which the museum may not be aware of
"As a museum, we are not in a position to visit learners' homes or provide direct psychosocial support However, we must collaborate with experts in the field when organising such programmes This should be a fundamental step before any child participates in a competition like this " She further stated that museums should not only engage with schools on human rights topics but should also run programmes and involve civic organisations to create more awareness and support systems
Discussing the competition, Dalindyebo explained that the Nelson Mandela Museum hosts the Human Rights Essay Writing Competition annually This national programme encourages Grades 10 and 11 learners to write and submit essays focusing on human rights as enshrined in the Bill of Rights (Chapter 2, Sections 7-39) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa
This year's essay topic was:
"You are a student at school, but due to your sexual orientation, you feel discriminated against Your human rights, as enshrined in the Constitution, are being violated by other learners and educators Discuss "
Dalindyebo highlighted that the competition aims to raise awareness of South Africa’s history By starting with learners, the museum hopes to instil a sense of responsibility and encourage them to fol-
low in the footsteps of past generations
"We recognise the importance of this month as Human Rights Month, and our theme emphasises Roles and Responsibilities in History We are aligning our efforts with the theme set by our National Office and have invited all provinces to participate This competition provides learners with a platform to express their perspectives on human rights through essay writing "
She expressed satisfaction that all provinces participated in the competition, which allows learners to analyse the significance of human rights, reflect on South Africa’s history, and understand how the country has transformed since the apartheid era
"This competition shows how we have moved forward from that era and how we are addressing social issues today During apartheid, many people suffered injustices, and now, learners must understand how we have transitioned from that regime and how we continue to deal with societal challenges "
The museum received over 700 essay submissions, and adjudicators worked diligently to select the Top 10 finalists, from which three winners were chosen
"We dedicate this initiative to Tata Nelson Mandela, who believed that education is the most powerful tool for change Through this competition, we aim to empower learners with knowledge and awareness "
Winners of the competition
Anathi Siyalu (16), from Zingisa Comprehensive High School in Mthatha, secured first place in the competition
"I was shocked because the competition was very tough I couldn't believe it when they announced my name, but I am proud to have represented my school well," said Siyalu
Hlomla Qebeyi (16), from Ndamase Senior Secondary School in Ngqeleni, was placed second and expressed his excitement about being in the Top 3
"This was my first time participating in a competition and speaking in front of a crowd I am grateful to the museum for this incredible opportunity To those who didn’t make it, this is not the end of the road Being part of the Top 10 nationally is a huge achievement Everyone who participated is a winner competitions just happen to rank people in positions," said Qebeyi Carter-Blyke McDillon (16), from Kimberley Boys’ High School in the Northern Cape, was placed third Having competed before, he was pleased to make it to the Top 3 again
"This was my second time participating, and I am thankful to God for this opportunity I believe God was on my side, and I am prepared to be a leader To all participants: remember, you are being groomed for success," said McDillon
Anathi Siyalu, from Zingisa Comprehensive High School in Mthatha, obtained first position in an essay competition that was hosted by Nelson Mandela Museum in Mthatha PHOTO: BABALWA NDLANYA
NozuluYouthLegacyCupreturnsforthirdedition
ANELE
RAZIYA
NOZULU Youth Legacy, in partnership with Mnquma Local Football Association (Mnquma LFA), is expected to host the third edition of the annual U/17 Nozulu Youth Legacy Cup starting this Friday until Sunday (March 21 to March 23)
The aim of the event is to contribute to the development of football in Mnquma and surrounding areas and also give young players an opportunity to showcase their talent in front of scouts
Sixteen football teams are expected to compete against each other during this three-day tournament, which will be hosted at Walter Sisulu University at Ibika campus sports grounds near Butterworth town
Among the teams that qualified to be part of the event, eleven clubs are from Mnquma LFA, and five teams will be coming from outside the Mnquma area, including one team from Mpumalanga province
The tournament is expected to be played as a point system at the opening stage, followed by a knockout round for the eight teams that qualify for the quarter-finals
will be able to defend their title or if Centre of Excellence FC, from East London, will correct the mistakes they made last year when they lost against the defending champions
Another interesting aspect of the event is that, since its establishment, no team from outside Mnquma has managed to win this competition
The first edition was won by FC Tshabalala from Butterworth, and the following year, Young Stars United FC Mchubakazi won the cup
However, in all previous finals, Mnquma teams faced teams from East London, so this time it remains to be seen who will win this prestigious event
Founder of Nozulu Youth Legacy Cup, Lux Matikinca, who also works for Betway Premiership side, Sekhukhune FC, told Mthatha Express that they will group the sixteen teams into four groups, and the two teams that finish in first and second place in each group will proceed to the next round of the competition
HowardFC playershonour lateteammate Ayabonga Mfundisi
Howard FC players paid their last respects to their late teammate Ayabonga Goodman Mfundisi, who was laid to rest in his home in Mqanduli this past Saturday Goodman Mfundisi died a week ago after a church wall collapsed on him and his teammates. On the day of the incident, Mfundisi was training with the team during rainy and windy weather They ran to take shelter in a nearby church, but unfortunately, the building collapsed on them Pictured are the Howard FC players honouring their late teammate, Goodman Mfundisi. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
"We are ready to host our annual U/17 Nozulu Youth Legacy Cup again, and I
can confirm that sixteen teams from places like Mnquma, Mthatha, Mdantsane, and Mpumalanga will be battling against each other during the event," said Matikinca
He said the event is expected to be more interesting as football supporters will be watching to see whether Young Stars United FC, from Mchubakazi in Mnquma,
The event usually has scouts who select a squad to represent the Nozulu Youth Legacy Cup, giving them the opportunity to travel across South Africa to play friendly games, including tournaments against well-known academies By doing this, the Nozulu Youth Legacy Cup provides young players with an opportunity to showcase their talent to Betway Premiership teams
The first games of the event are expected to start at 09:00, and the draw for groups will be conducted on Wednesday at theButterworth town hall
PeaceLoversFCgearsupfornewSasolLeagueseason
EASTERN Cape Peace Lovers FC from Ngcobo has started to prepare for the brand new 2025 Sasol League season, which is expected to start on 29 March
Last season, the Ngcobo-based team, Eastern Cape Peace Lovers FC, were left disappointed after they finished their league campaign behind Sasol League Inland Stream winners, Executive Ladies’ FC, from Ntabankulu
Although the team finished in second place last year, the Ngcobo outfit was hoping to do better, as their target was to play in provin-
cial playoffs to stand a chance of playing in the Sasol League national promotion playoffs
Despite their previous season plans not coming through, the team is not discouraged by that as they are starting afresh this season, looking to build on last year's performance
In a recent interview with Mthatha Express, one of the club officials, Dumisani Gcina, said they have started to prepare for the upcoming league campaign and are targeting to do better than last season
"Recently, our players have been working hard in training sessions to get their fitness
BushBucksFCavoidsrelegation,onematchleft
HOSEYA JUBASE
BUSH Bucks FC has survived relegation with one match to go Bush Bucks FC managed to secure their second win of the league after a 2:1 victory over Amaxesibe FC
So far, Bush Bucks have won two league matches and drawn one this season
Their first win was a 2:1 against Young Challengers FC, followed by a 1:1 draw against FC Siyanda, and the recent 2:1 win over Amaxesibe this past Saturday Imbabala is now sitting in second position from the bottom with eight points, while Young Challengers are at the bot-
tom with only two points
This coming weekend, EC ABC Motsepe teams will play their last matches of the season
Bush Bucks FC will play against the troubled Young Challengers FC
So far, Imbabala is safe from relegation, which means Mthatha will have two teams again next season playing in the EC ABC Motsepe provincial league
Last matches for Inland stream this Saturday:
• Sinenkani FC vs FC Ravens
• Bush Bucks FC vs Young Challengers FC • Mighty Eagle FC vs FC Siyanda • G Millionaires FC vs Amaxesibe FC
back so that they can be ready for the new season," said Gcina
He said their main target this season is to perform better than last season so that they can have an opportunity to win their Stream
Furthermore, he said last season they dropped important points in games that they shouldn't have, and they have learnt their lessons from those mistakes
Gcina concluded by saying they have a good squad that can compete in the division, and they are hoping to get positive results when the league starts
During this week, the South African Football Association (SAFA) in the Eastern Cape
is expected to publish all the league fixtures, with the first matches starting next weekend on Saturday Butterworth team, Thunderbird Ladies’ FC, who were relegated last season from the Hollywoodbets Super League, is also among the teams getting ready for the start of the Sasol League
The division is expected to be more interesting this time around as teams like Ayakha Stars from Mthatha, Thunderbirds Ladies, and others, will try their best to dethrone Executive Ladies, who have won the Sasol League Inland Stream for four successive years
DRAKEFLEMMER&ORSMOND(E.L.)INC. QueneraPark,12QueneraDrive,BeaconBay,EastLondon e-mail: sharronr@drakefo.co.za TelNo.043-7224210
Nozulu Youth Legacy Cup is back again and it will be hosted at Walter Sisulu University’s Ibika campus this weekend.
PHOTO: ANELE RAZIYA
ANELE RAZIYA