COMMUNITY from the Qwebe-Qwebe Administrative Area in Cofimvaba were left devastated following multiple attacks on several households by unknown assailants last week
One of the victims, Zanele Nkonqa (30), said she received a distressed call from her younger sister at around 21:00, informing her that people were smashing the windows of their home
“I asked her if our mother was around, and she said she was outside talking to a neighbour who had already reported the incident to the police because their house had also been attacked
“When my mother went to the neighbour’s homestead, she saw our big pig lying dead, clearly beaten by the attackers before they vandalised our home,” Nkonqa recounted Nkonqa attempted to contact the Cofimvaba Police Station for assistance but was told by an officer that only one police van was available, which had already been dispatched to another case in the Nquqhu area
According to her, the officer also remarked that their locality was too far and suggested someone would need to report the incident in person at the station
“I explained that I was in Qonce and my mother could not travel to the station herself, but I would go the following morning Before leaving Qonce, I received another call from a different neighbour whose homestead had also been attacked While I was on that call, my sister phoned again, saying the attackers had returned They attacked my mother and vandalised items inside our house ”
She added, “When my mother tried to calm them down, they assaulted her, injuring her left shoulder ”
Police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli, confirmed that police are investigating multiple cases of malicious damage to property and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm concerning the attacks on six homesteads in Qwebe-Qwebe last week
“It is alleged that on Monday, July 14, 2025, at approximately 21:00, a group of at least 20 men attacked six homesteads, causing property damage and physical injuries,” said Nkohli
He further stated that one of the victims had to be hospitalised due to injuries sustained during the incident
The circumstances of the attacks are the subject of an active investigation
Nkohli also confirmed that no arrests have been made yet
NPAwelcomeslifesentence forGBVperpetrator
THE National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the life imprisonment sentence handed down by the Mthatha Regional Court, sitting in Bityi, to Siphendule Buku Cothela (29) for the rape and attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend, the mother of their three-year-old child, in Centuli Village outside Mthatha on December 2, 2023
According to NPA spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, the court also ordered Cothela’s inclusion in the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm Tyali emphasised that this ruling reinforces the NPA’s unwavering commitment to combating gender-based violence (GBV) and protecting victims
On the day of the incident, Cothela approached the victim at a tavern in Centuli Village, where she was socialising with friends Pretending to show concern for their child’s welfare, he confronted her as she left the tavern He then forcibly took her to an abandoned house, where he brutally assaulted her using his fists, open hands, a belt, and scissors, rendering her unable to walk or speak
“He then raped and locked her in the house, leaving her in a dire health condition,” Tyali said
Five days later, on December 7, 2023, the property owner discovered the victim upon returning for the holidays and ensured she received immediate medical attention
“She was admitted to a local clinic and then transferred to a hospital, where she remained wheelchair-bound for five days due to severe injuries Upon discharge, the victim reported the incident to the police and received counselling and a forensic medical examination at the Mthatha Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC), which confirmed injuries consistent with sexual assault Cothela fled to Jojweni Village but was arrested on February 2, 2024, at a relative’s home,” Tyali added Cothela pleaded not guilty to the charge of rape, admitting only to the assault However, State Advocate Luvuyo Komanisi presented compelling evidence, including the victim’s testimony, the account of the person to whom she reported the rape, and a medico-legal examination report (J88) affirming her injuries A Victim Impact Statement, facilitated by the Court Preparation Officer, Nontlahla Siphika, detailed the profound physical and psychological trauma
endured by the victim
The court rejected Cothela’s denial of rape as implausible, instead finding the prosecution’s evidence credible and convicting him of both rape and attempted murder
In aggravation of sentencing, Komanisi argued that Cothela’s actions were both premeditated and malicious, showcasing a heinous act of GBV by exploiting his past relationship with the victim He emphasised the life-threatening injuries and severe trauma inflicted on the victim and urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment under Section 51 (1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997
The court agreed, declaring that the accused’s brutal assault and rape of a vulnerable woman, coupled with his attempt to end her life, warranted the maximum penalty to protect society Finding no compelling or mitigating circumstances, the court sentenced him to life imprisonment for rape and a concurrent sentence for attempted murder, alongside firearm restrictions and inclusion in the sex offender register Tyali commended the resilience of the victim, whose courage in reporting the crime, aided by the property owner and support from the TCC, ensured that justice was served The Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Barry Madolo, praised all those involved in the case, asserting that the life sentence delivers justice for the victim and removes a dangerous offender from society
“This outcome reinforces our resolve to combat GBV The NPA’s partnership with Thuthuzela Care Centres played a critical role in supporting survivors, reflecting our victim-centric approach We encourage communities to remain vigilant, report gender-based violence promptly, and support survivors through TCCs, which provide medical, legal, and psychological assistance,” Madolo said
He added that the case highlighted the vital role of community members, such as the property owner, in saving lives and ensuring justice
“We call on all South Africans to unite against GBV, to foster safe environments that uphold the constitutional rights of women and children to dignity and safety, while ensuring that perpetrators face the full might of the law ”
Governmentprovidesupdateonreliefeff
THE MEC for the Department of Eastern Cape Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (ECCOGTA) provided an update regarding the government’s efforts to assist flood victims during a media briefing at O R Tambo District Municipality in Mthatha last week
He described the work as some of the most challenging they have ever undertaken since the devastating floods claimed 103 lives and left thousands homeless
The floods, which occurred on June 9 and June 10, caused widespread destruction across the province The O R Tambo and Amathole District Municipalities were hit hardest, with areas such as Alfred Nzo, Chris Hani District, Joe Gqabi and Sarah Baartman Municipalities also impacted “The disaster included loss of lives, significant infrastructure damage, displaced families, livestock losses, learners missing examinations, and disruptions to essential services such as water, electricity, and healthcare As the Provincial Government, we carry the responsibility to respond with compassion and speed,” said Williams
Updateonthedeceasedandburialsupport
The total number of fatalities remains at 103, of which 100 have been positively identified and laid to rest with dignity One child remains missing, and rescue teams are still
searching Three bodies are unclaimed, with two yet to be identified through the national population register
Among the deceased are five government employees, including an educator, two nurses, and two firefighters Williams expressed profound condolences to the bereaved families, urging others still searching for loved ones to come forward to aid rescue teams Burial support to families has been coordinated by government agencies, including Home Affairs, SASSA, and AVBOB, alongside the provision of groceries and assistance with registrations and funeral arrangements
Immediatehumanitariansupport
More than 6,896 households were affected, with 4,724 homes destroyed and 2,145 partially damaged Displaced individuals have received support through a collaborative response led by the Department of Social Development, SASSA and NGOs such as Gift of the Givers So far, 1,353 displaced individuals have been accommodated in Mass Care Centres, while 122 are in Temporary Emergency Accommodation Services provided include access to healthcare, food, sanitation, dignity packs, mattresses, blankets, and school uniforms
Numbers in Mass Care Centres are dropping as people return to their homes or seek shelter with relatives Over 2,900 beneficiaries have
also received psychosocial support through mobile teams and social workers deployed to the worst-hit areas
Socialandeconomicdamage
The flood damage has been estimated to cost over R5 billion Williams confirmed assessments of infrastructure damage are complete, with 63 public health facilities affected Repairs, costing about R88 million, have already begun, ensuring primary healthcare access is maintained
In the education sector, 229 schools were damaged, disrupting the education of nearly 50,000 learners One school was completely destroyed, and repairs are estimated to cost over R437 million Damaged stationery and uniforms for 727 learners have been replaced, while the delivery of uniforms for 731 additional learners will be finalised by the end of July 2025 Examinations missed by 12,330 learners have also been rescheduled and completed
Resettlementoffamilies
Williams outlined plans for the resettlement of displaced families The Department of Human Settlements has reprioritised R120 million to provide Temporary Residential Units (TRUs) for the most vulnerable, though the cost of providing TRUs and permanent housing solutions is projected at R461 million and
R1 7 billion, respectively Of the 4,724 TRUs needed, funding is currently available for only 1,230 Allocations include 350 for Amathole, 182 for Alfred Nzo, and 600 for O R Tambo Land has been identified in Mnquma Local Municipality for 350 TRUs and in King Sabatha Dalindyebo (KSD) Municipality at Maydene Farms for an additional 345 TRUs However, social resistance has delayed construction in some areas Williams urged community members to support government efforts: “It is regrettable that municipalities have had to take legal action due to resistance, despite every citizen’s right to shelter We must ensure families begin rebuilding their lives without enduring secondary trauma ”
Thepathforward
Williams acknowledged the enormity of the task ahead but reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting flood victims with dignity and urgency while planning long-term strategies for rebuilding communities The provincial government continues working with its partners to close funding gaps and expedite the rollout of humanitarian interventions
The MEC concluded by honouring the lives lost and emphasising the importance of community cooperation in overcoming the challenges brought by this unprecedented disaster
Yolanda Silinga:Fromcrochettocrown
BABALWA NDLANYA
YOLANDA Silinga (25), a multi-talented woman from the Mngazana locality in Ngqeleni, is the reigning Miss Nyandeni Local Municipality (NLM) Queen for 2025–26 Alongside her title, she supports herself by selling clothes she crochets by hand Silinga described her recent crowning as a magical experience because it marked her first win in a beauty pageant and an important milestone in her modelling career "It was a significant moment for me Seeing myself on the front page of the Nyandeni Local Municipality newsletter reinforced my belief that, with God, nothing is impossible I have always been passionate about modelling, especially this pageant, as it was the only one we knew in our small town while growing up, apart
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Contact Bubele Tyani at BubeleTyani@ novusmedia.co.za
from Miss SA," she said
Silinga shared that she first entered the pageant in 2018, competing in Miss Nyandeni Teen, but was unsuccessful She entered again in 2023 and was crowned the first princess for Miss Cluster In 2024, she entered for the third time and finally won
“What kept me going was the personal growth this pageant encourages in contestants self-discipline, self-discovery, and my own drive for success and recognition,” she said “I told myself that if I became Queen, people would begin recognising my potential and supporting me financially by purchasing my designs and clothing That would allow me to help lift my family out of poverty ”
Silinga noted that the experience taught her a lot about her municipality’s beautiful locations and, more importantly, helped her discover
herself Academically, she is currently redoing her Grade 12 at Nogemane Senior Secondary School after being unemployed for three years “I first completed my matric in 2018 and went on to study Animal Health at Tsolo Agriculture and Rural Development Institute (TARDI) After graduating, I struggled to find employment So, I made the bold decision to redo my matric Winning Miss NLM helped because I used my prize money to pay for school incubation and cover my monthly needs ”
In addition to her pageant journey and studies, Silinga runs a crochet business Most of her designs are self-taught through YouTube channels such as AC Crochets and Nitah Crochets She credits her neighbour for introducing her to crochet back in 2013 “She even bought me mate-
rials and taught me how to make a scarf ”
Silinga started her business with just a R370 South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant, initially using it to support her family Today, she sells her crochet items across the Eastern Cape, with help from her sister Amanda Silinga, who manages sales and attends local events at Nyandeni Local Municipality functions
Silinga also addressed a pressing issue facing young people in her community:
“The challenge of drugs and alcohol is universal It doesn’t just affect the victims but everyone around them from close friends and family to young children who witness and imitate the behaviour, thinking it’s cool
It also impacts the broader community, leaving people feeling unsafe It’s a serious issue that leaves deep wounds,” she concluded
Festivaltobeheldtoempowercommunity
BABALWA
NDLANYA
THE KwaNtu Arts Annual Community Festival 2025 is set to take place over two
“The name KwaNtu reflects our belief in ubuntu, ‘I am because we are ’ This festival is about celebrating our shared heritage our stories our music tradi-
ties The multidisciplinary programme features traditional dance, cultural parades, theatre, poetry, storytelling and outdoor activities such as hiking and
5km Fun Run: Registration – R50 per participant
While general attendance to the fes-
Yolanda Silinga (25) wearing one of her dresses that she crochets with her own hands. PHOTO:SUPPLIED
Doublederby actionmarksSasol Leaguekickoff
HOSEYA JUBASE
THE Inland Sasol League
kicked off with an exciting double Mthatha derby at Rotary Stadium
In the first clash, Ayakha Stars Ladies delivered a commanding performance, defeating their rivals, WSU Mthatha Campus FC, with a remarkable 6–0 victory
The second game saw newly
promoted Sapphire Ladies’ FC surprising Coastal Ladies’ FC in a thrilling encounter Although Coastal Ladies led 1–0 at halftime, Sapphire Ladies made a stunning comeback in the second half to secure a 2–1 victory
The league’s season was initially expected to begin in early April but experienced delays due to teams not receiving their payments
Imbabala’s trials a success with 11 new recruits identified
HOSEYA JUBASE
BUSH Bucks FC team manager, Afika Sodo, expressed delight over the success of the trials held this past weekend, which saw an impressive turnout of 357 players
Following rigorous selection, 11 players have been chosen to join the team for further assessments
Among the selected players, four hail from outside the local area, specifically from Ngqeleni, Libode, Mqanduli and Mt Fletcher
"There was immense talent and potential displayed during these trials
It would have been easy to select double the number of players we did
“However, we had to lim-
it our selection because the team is already in place, and these additions are to strengthen the squad further We will now focus on seeking experienced players to solidify the team we had last season," Sodo stated
At this stage, the names of the selected players will remain confidential until signing is complete
Since Bush Bucks FC’s return from East London to Mthatha, the team, fondly known as Imbabala, has provided young stars from rural areas in the province with opportunities to shine
Many of these players have advanced their careers by joining top teams in the ABC Motsepe League and NFD
Ayakha Stars Ladies’ FC celebrating the victory against WSU Mthatha Campus FC. PHOTO: HOSEYA JUBASE
"WE are truly thrilled to be crowned champions again We believe this achievement brings us closer to our ultimate goal of reaching the Premier League, and it will undoubtedly open more opportunities for rugby in our area," expressed Wallabies Rugby Football Club team manager, Masibonge Godfrey Mtitshana, following the team's second consecutive OR Tambo Rugby Federation title victory
"Our preparations have already begun; we are training from Monday to Thursday at the Umtata High sports field Having experienced the playoffs before, we now know what to expect as we aim at
Premier League promotion," Mtitshana shared
This year’s playoffs are scheduled to take place later in 2025
Last season, the Wallabies fell short, finishing fourth in the provincial playoffs, but this time around, they are determined to secure promotion to the Premier League
Adding to their success, the Wallabies have qualified for the newly established Bruten Cup, a tournament introduced by the Border Rugby Union in partnership with FNB
The cup features the top Border Rugby clubs, providing exceptional exposure for both youth and senior players
"We are also thrilled to have qualified for the Dan Pasiya Legacy Games, where
the league’s top four teams will compete on August 30, 2025," Mtitshana noted
"Our mission is to foster rugby in our region and encourage more youth to participate in sport rather than engaging in negative activities like frequenting shebeens "
The team has benefited significantly from partnerships and assistance Players from Khanyisa High School have contributed, along with coaches and sponsors
"We’ve been fortunate to receive a full kit from the Kula Afrika Group and generous support from Dunlop Fitrite, Anix Trading, North Crest Spar, S O V Group, Mama’s Bread, Jimmy Spar, and others who have supported the team," Mtitshana concluded
ANELE RAZIYA
WHILE some promotion and regional leagues remain dormant during the off-season, Z Black Aces FC from Qwaninga, Willowvale, is gearing up to host a major soccer tournament next month
Teams from Mbhashe, Mnquma, and surrounding areas will battle for top prizes at the Qwaninga Sports Ground on August 23 and August 24
This initiative by Z Black Aces FC aims to foster sports development in rural areas and steer the youth away from substance abuse
The team has extended an open invitation to soccer clubs, regardless of their location, to participate in this exciting event Event organiser, Sihle Yoko, shared that registration is now open, and teams are encouraged to join for a fee of R600 The winners will walk away with a brand-new soccer kit, a trophy, gold medals and R5,000 in prize money The runners-up will win a new soccer kit, silver medals, and R2,000, while the third-placed team will receive bronze medals and R1,000
Yoko revealed that individual awards, such as Goalkeeper of the Tournament, Player of the Tournament, and Top Goal Scorer, will be presented to recognise outstanding performances
The draw for the participating teams will be conducted on August 14 at the Qwaninga Sports Ground, and interested teams are urged to register promptly For details and registration, teams can contact Yoko at 063 0081 570 via call or WhatsApp
The organisers have also emphasised that dangerous weapons will not be allowed at the event They’ve encouraged football fans from the local community to attend in large numbers and support the tournament
I recently had the pleasure of driving a basic, no-frills workhorse bakkie It was an absolute joy to experience a straightforward, well-engineered, and practical, purpose-built vehicle The base or XL-badged Ranger diesel is precisely that kind of truck not just value for money, but simply great value
The bakkie we tested was the double-cab 6-speed manual transmission 2 0L turbodiesel, which produces 125 kW of power and, more crucially, 405 Nm of torque This allows it to carry a payload of 947 kg and tow a 3,500 kg braked trailer For operational ease, it has high and low-range 4x4 with an electronic shift-onthe-fly system, but no terrain mode selections something I believe the typical buyer likely wouldn’t miss, as such electronics are rarely used and can create issues The XL is truly fit for purpose, and it is good-looking, inside and out
The shift-on-the-fly selector works seamlessly, and the gearbox is a pleasure to operate, although the clutch feels quite heavy initially However, one gets accustomed to it quickly I found the (reach-and-rake adjustable) steering and brake response to hit just the right balance For a working truck, the acceleration was surprisingly brisk Apart from a slight challenge when manoeuvring into small mall parking bays, this bakkie is easy to drive with excellent visibility and comfortable cloth-covered, manually adjustable seats It is, however, odd that the seats aren’t vertically adjustable
The tyres are size 255/70 R17 fitted to alloy rims, but strangely, the spare is a 16” steel
rim Equipment levels are commendable for an entry-level model Features include halogen daytime running lamps, powered mirrors, a very handy load box access step at the rear on either side, and external tie-down rails for easy mounting It also boasts a factory-sprayed bedliner with interior tie-down points, and the tailgate is equipped with lift assist The unit we tested came with rubber floor mats in the cabin and side steps already fitted
The interior functions well as a mobile office, offering plenty of storage spaces and four cup holders The centre console is equipped with a 12-volt auxiliary power point, USB-A and USB-C ports Befitting a working vehicle, the
XL features manual climate control, under-seat storage, and a 10 1” multifunction touch screen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Ford's Sync 4, ensuring full connectivity
The multifunction steering wheel allows audio and display control, and the cabin itself is spacious, practical, and comfortable
Safety features come as standard and include dynamic stability control, ABS, trailer sway control, an alarm, four airbags, an immobiliser and electronic door deadlocks Additional features include hill launch and descent assist, rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera
In terms of fuel efficiency, we recorded 9 2 L/100 km in urban conditions and 9 L/100 km
during general driving On the open road, it is expected to achieve around 8 L/100 km or better Bear in mind that the test Ranger only had 2,000 km on the clock, so fuel consumption is expected to improve as the engine runs in Ford claims an optimal figure of 7 7 L/100 km
As mentioned earlier, aside from parking challenges due to its size, the XL is a joy to drive It features brisk acceleration, responsive brakes, excellent visibility, and well-positioned controls That said, it does come with a few minor omissions cruise control, forward parking sensors, and a vanity mirror, which my wife missed dearly Nonetheless, this is a fantastic, no-nonsense bakkie
A range of accessories is available and falls under the vehicle warranty if added at the time of purchase
Options include an air compressor, 12-volt auxiliary socket for the load bay, auxiliary battery kit, bed divider, sports bars, bonnet protector, canopy, cargo slide, storage U-box, carry bars and drawer systems, among others
The XL is priced at R574,000, with additional models such as the XLT at R622,000, Wildtrak at R841,500, and Platinum at R1,150,000 The Raptor is deemed a distinct model due to its enhanced suspension and performance upgrades, which differ significantly from the rest of the Ranger range
The XL’s primary competitors include base models from Toyota, Isuzu, Nissan, GWM, Peugeot, and some emerging Chinese brands
A service plan for six years or 90,000 km is included, with service intervals at 15,000 km an essential feature for high-mileage users The warranty covers four years or 120,000 km
The Wallabies Rugby Club has qualified to compete in the provincial playoffs for the second time
