MAKABONGWE Vukaphi (31), a police murder suspect, has been remanded in custody after being successfully denied bail by the KwaBhaca (Mount Frere) Magistrate’s Court last week
Hawks' spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, stated that Vukaphi was linked to the killing of female Sergeant Nomlindo Faye (35), who was brutally murdered while on her way to report for duty in 2020
He confirmed that she was stationed at KwaBhaca Police Station when the incident occurred
“During the incident, the officer was allegedly ambushed by unknown armed suspects and brutally murdered Subsequently, the suspects took her service pistol The deceased was shot multiple times and died instantly at the scene from her bullet wounds,” said Mhlakuvana
He added that a manhunt was launched
Four years later, in 2025, Vukaphi was traced and apprehended by the Provincial Cash-In-Transit Task Team of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit for the murder of the police officer on 4 July 2025
Mhlakuvana confirmed that Vukaphi was arrested at the KwaBhaca Magistrate’s Court while attending another matter
“Through an extensive investigation by the Hawks, the suspect was positively linked to the murder case The perpetrator made several court appearances in an attempt to be released on bail but failed, as he was recently denied bail by the KwaBhaca Magistrate’s Court ” The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, praised the investigating team for ensuring that the long-standing suspect was successfully denied bail and remanded in custody
THE Zwelitsha Regional Court has sentenced Bulelani Klaas (27) to 31 years of direct imprisonment for the assault and rape of a 19-year-old woman, which took place at Tyutyu Village on 13 October 2024
Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Luxolo Tyali, stated that Klaas was convicted on a count of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, for which he received 10 years imprisonment, and on a count of rape, for which he received 21 years' imprisonment
The sentences will run concurrently
“The complainant had gone to the accused’s residence to collect her Identity Document Klaas asked her to stay the night, and when she refused, he became enraged
“After forcibly taking her mobile phone and discovering that she had been chatting with another male, he began assaulting her He punched her, banged her against the wall, struck her with an iron-like object, bit her, and shaved off the front part of her hair with a clipper
“He then raped her, stating that he wanted to see if she had slept with the male she had been speaking to,” said Tyali
He added that as a result of the attack, the complainant suffered severe facial swelling, bite marks, and trauma, with one of her eyes swollen shut from the beating
Klaas was arrested at his home shortly afterwards
“During court proceedings, the accused admitted to the assault However, he denied the rape charge, alleging that the complainant had consented
The complainant rejected this claim in her testimony, maintaining that Klaas had forced himself on her
“The court accepted her version and convicted him accordingly The victim had been seen at Qonce Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC), where she received medical and psychosocial support
Court Preparation Officer, Phelisa Matinise, helped prepare her for trial, stood by her during testimony, and facilitated the victim impact statement handed in during sentencing ” Regional Court Prosecutor, Msuthukazi Pango, who led the prosecution, argued that the nature and extent of the violence inflicted on the complainant, the betrayal of trust, and the lasting psychological trauma she endured called for a severe and deterrent sentence
She emphasised that Klaas’s actions were not only physically brutal but also emotionally degrading, particularly given that the attack occurred in his own home, a place where the complainant had come seeking assistance Pango urged the court to send a strong message that gender-based violence (GBV) would not be tolerated
While the prescribed minimum sentence for rape is life imprisonment, the court found that there were substantial and compelling circumstances to depart from it
The court accepted that the accused was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the offences and noted that there was no evidence of permanent physical injury sustained by the complainant
However, Pango maintained that these factors did not diminish the gravity of the offence nor the need for the justice system to protect vulnerable women from such acts of violence
Welcoming the sentence, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Barry Madolo, praised the outcome and commended the team involved
“The sentence is a significant step in affirming the rights and dignity of women and young girls in our society The brutal nature of the offence demanded a strong response, and the NPA is encouraged by the courage of the survivor and the dedication of the prosecution and court preparation teams,” said Madolo
DEPUTY President of South Africa, Paul Mashatile, unveiled a bronze bust of liberation stalwart Mbulelo Alfred Ngono, during the 38th Anniversary of the Battle of Lurhwayizo, which took place in this area in 1987
The event was held last week in the same locality of Willowvale
It was in this village that the brave uMkhonto weSizwe freedom fighters, including Ngono, Atwell Mazizi Maqhekeza, and members of the Jafta family, stood their ground against the brutal apartheid regime
In his address, Mashatile reflected on the historical significance of the day, stating that they had gathered to remember the Battle of Lurhwayizo
He said that one of the key objectives of this annual remembrance is to raise awareness in society about the importance of the liberation struggle
“Those who fought in the Battle of Lurhwayizo played an instrumental role in defying the odds and shaping the political direction of the country, laying the groundwork for a democratic South Africa We will forever remember their selflessness, courage, and commitment to fighting for the rights and freedoms of all in our nation
“In all of them, we saw unwavering resolve and courage in the face of adversity, demonstrating great bravery, strength and determination under very challenging circumstances,” said Mashatile
He added that starting from this community and extending across South Africa, people must hold close the memory of those who battled apartheid, torn from the warmth of their families, living in dusty, frozen trenches, and dodging bullets for the sake of peace and freedom
“Let the Battle of Lurhwayizo and the unveiling of the Mbulelo Ngono bust be a reminder of where we come from as a country, especially as we face current challenges May his memory continue to inspire us, and may his example guide us as we forge ahead on the path toward a brighter future for our nation and all who call it home
“Let us strive to carry forward their legacy by working together to build a more just, equitable and inclusive society This com-
memoration is not only a solemn remembrance but also a call to action to uphold the values and vision of those who sacrificed for South Africa’s freedom ”
Premier of the Eastern Cape, Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, said Ngono was one of the heroes who came from this part of the country
“Comrades fought here in the Battle of Lurhwayizo; gallant fighters who were able to confront the regime We will never forget them Their contribution to what we now call a liberated South Africa cannot be taken for granted Blood was spilt here
The people of this area are part
of the history of the liberation movement of our country,” said Mabuyane
He said they had joined Mashatile in honouring those comrades and liberation fighters who had worked underground in this region
According to him, this area was home to several underground cells of Umkhonto weSizwe, and many Azanian People's Liberation Army (APLA) cells were also found here
“Almost all our liberation movements operated in this part of the province, ensuring that this country was liberated 1994 did not come as a surprise; it
was the result of years of hard work, and we continue that work by transforming our country into one that is non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous
“We invite all South Africans, especially during these times of different challenges, to come together to build a united country
This site is symbolic and will become historical We want it to be a tourist attraction We are no longer talking about war; we are building a country We must make these places accessible so that our people can benefit We have game reserves around here, and they must serve our people and aid in development ”
One of the uMkhonto weSizwe veterans, Mngaliso Kenny Jafta, speaking to Express, said they had organised the commemoration to ensure that people remember that there were fighters for liberation whose stories remain untold, such as Ngono, whose whereabouts are still unknown “What makes us happy is the economic development and the many activities now taking place in this area of Lurhwayizo We believe that we will finally find his remains We trust that the government will help us locate his body It is not that we cannot do it ourselves, but we trust our government to do it for us ”
PRINCESS Stella Sigcau, one of the organisers of the Annual Mpondo Culture and Heritage Festival and a representative of the AmaMpondo Kingdom, has confirmed that the 19th commemoration of the festival will take place on 13 and 14 September 2025 at the Lwandlolubomvu Great Place in Ntabankulu
Sigcau said that the festival is a celebration of Mpondo culture, heritage and identity, with a strong emphasis on promoting the Mpondo language and showcasing the region as a tourism destination
“This also contributes to rural development and the cultural economy Festival activities will include a horse parade, arts and crafts exhibitions, and traditional music and dances The festival also promotes unity in cultural diversity,” she said
The two-day event will be preceded by the Annual Mpondo Reed Dance (Inciyo yamaMpondo), which has now reached its 17th year since its launch in 2008 This year’s theme for the Reed Dance focuses on raising awareness of gender-based violence (GBV), child abuse and human trafficking Princess Sigcau highlighted that the AmaMpondo people have a rich history, unique customs, a distinctive language, and colourful traditional regalia of which they are immensely proud
Launched in 2006, the festival is the largest cultural event of its kind in the Mpondo Kingdom and the broader Eastern Cape province It commemorates the late Nkosi Ntsikayezwe Sigcau (1947–1996), an African National Congress liberation activist and senior traditional leader of the Lwandlolubomvu Traditional Council
He was the youngest son of the late King Botha Manzolwandle Sigcau, and played a significant role in both the liberation struggle and rural development in the Mpondo Kingdom
As part of the Kingdom’s broader cultural preservation efforts, Sigcau announced that they are actively campaigning for isiMpondo to be recognised as South Africa’s 13th official language
“The promotion of the Mpondo language is central to our cultural identity and heritage as AmaMpondo We have our own language, but unlike isiZulu or isiXhosa, it has not been scientifically researched, developed, or promoted We believe it deserves official recognition "
She added that the Kingdom has been engaging with the Department of Arts and Culture about the matter and emphasised the urgency
“We do not want our language to disappear We want future generations to speak it, which is why its preservation is so important ”
As part of the language revival campaign, Sigcau said isiMpondo should be introduced in local schools The Kingdom has also launched competitions in Mpondo literature, poetry and comedy to encourage the use and creative expression of the language Ntombifuthi Ncwayiba, a local comedian who plays a major role in promoting the isiMpondo language and activism, expressed excitement about the growing recognition of isiMpondo: “It has always been my dream to see our mother tongue among the official languages This will restore the dignity of AmaMpondo, who have long been made to feel invisible ” Ncwayiba revealed that she, along with collaborators from the University of Fort Hare, has co-authored several isiMpondo children’s books, which are awaiting publication “These books will soon be available online and in schools Young people will be able to read stories in their own language, and that’s something to be proud of,” she said
A DATA-DRIVEN revolution is quietly unfolding in Mthatha, with Professor Thozama Dubula, a leading rheumatologist, at its centre
Prof Dubula is spearheading the development of an electronic patient database and referral system that could transform rheumatology care across South Africa
“We want to ensure that doctors in rural areas can manage these conditions effectively before needing to refer patients,” he explained
For years, patient care at the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital (NMAH) has relied almost entirely on paper records, a system that has hindered research and management
In the Eastern Cape, diseases like arthritis, gout, and tendonitis remain underreported and overshadowed by more visible health crises
As Head of Internal Medicine and Pharmacology at NMAH, Prof Dubula is set to change that
As South Africa marked Rheumatic Fever Week (1-7 August), a national awareness initiative, the professor’s Discovery Foundation Rural Institutional Award (2023/2024) is funding the development of a digital system to streamline care in remote communities
Rheumatic fever, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to a Group A Streptococcus infection, potentially causing Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) if untreated
Between 2021 and 2024, South Africa recorded an average of 824 acute rheumatic fever (ARF) cases annually, most common in children aged 5 to 14, while RHD disproportionately affects women aged 20 to 39
Prof Dubula highlighted the challenges of the outdated system: “Since 2018, NMAH’s rheumatology clinic has operated using paper-based records The Discovery Foundation grant will help us transition to an electronic system, making it easier to manage patient data and conduct long-term research ”
The database will collect retrospective and prospective data, particularly from districts like Lusikisiki and Matatiele, enabling clinicians to study disease trends
“We see many referrals from these regions, and it’s unclear whether this is due to a higher prevalence of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or because doctors in these areas are more proactive
“This system will help us find answers,” Prof Dubula explained
Raised in Idutywa in a closeknit rural setting, Prof Dubula’s dedication to medicine was inspired by his mother, a teacher, and his late aunt’s advocacy for local healthcare
After training in rheumatology under Professor Giresh Moodley at King Edward VIII Hospital, he co-founded rheumatology services in Gqeberha before returning to Mthatha to bridge systemic gaps in care
“Digitisation allows for consistent follow-ups, better risk stratification, and improved community education,” he said, emphasising its alignment with global public health efforts to prevent heart disease He added, “With more specialists, we can see more patients and intervene earlier to prevent complications such as kidney failure or advanced RHD ”
Beyond rheumatic conditions, Prof Dubula aims to explore gout, a condition he believes is underestimated in South African clinics
He hopes to collaborate with institutions like Groote Schuur Hospital (Cape Town) and Livingstone Hospital (Gqeberha) to build a gout patient cohort
As a professor at Walter Sisulu University, he also trains medical students who often come from rural areas where healthcare infrastructure is limited
“Many of our students understand these challenges firsthand My goal is to equip them with the skills and resilience to thrive in resource-constrained environments,” he concluded
BABALWA NDLAMNYA
THE founder of Jesus Assemblies of God in Mthatha, Bishop Goodman Zamela, confirmed that as a congregation, they believe giving to others is a key way to preach the word of God.
The church recently donated clothes to people living on the streets and to those affected by the floods that occurred on 10 June in the Eastern
Cape. Zamela confirmed that their donations reached 3,000 people
“The aim of our congregation is not only to focus on preaching, but also to make sure we free people in their minds by assisting wherever we can. You cannot preach to someone who is starving because they won’t hear what you are saying due to their situation.
“We decided that each month, we will collect money from our own pock-
ets as church members and do something for them. We are not receiving donations from outside; we take from our own pockets. We buy food, cook for them, and then give them clothes,” said Zamela
He said that while they initially focused on church members, they now prioritise helping people living on the streets and those who are less fortunate.
According to him, their approach is inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ, addressing not just spiritual needs but also physical ones.
“We also provide necessary training so that these people can gain skills and be assisted in seeking job opportunities.
“We truly believe we are building the Kingdom of God. We have met people living on the streets, and some of them we have helped find jobs, and they are now working.”
Zamela noted their efforts to distribute food parcels, but a lack of funds prevented this from happening.
He highlighted the goal of building a united society where everyone can live in a healthy environment, stating, “By doing this, we are meeting our government halfway Some congregations are quiet and not doing
HOSEYA JUBASE
AS part of reviving school sport, the Build It company partnered with SAFA OR Tambo and other stakeholders to host the U/13 tournament this coming Friday, 15 August
The tournament is aimed at giving opportunities to young players and identifying their talent at a young age, but mostly to revive school sports
Back in the day, South African school sports programmes like this tournament used to be a strong foun-
dation producing top-tier athletes and superstars who are now playing in the professional leagues, and the majority of football legends were identified through these kinds of programmes during their childhood days
Build It's manager in Mthatha, Zolile Dasopi, said they are doing the tournament for all the schools around Mthatha
"We are assisting the government to combat crime and the use of drugs by young people Our main goal is to contribute to the development of school sport, to foster youth develop-
ment in football by identifying and nurturing young talent
"This is all about reviving school sport
"All the winners will receive awards on the day, including individual awards "
SAFA OR Tambo president, Sandile Nowalaza, said they are happy to see stakeholders like Build It intervening to revive school sport, as they have been calling for this for a very long time
"The programme is very big It provides a platform for aspiring players to showcase their skills and possibly
VOBI Stars FC from Ntabankulu and Telly Tubbies netball team from East London were both crowned champions of the Khiwa Media Annual Tournament 2025 Vobi Stars defeated Napoli FC from Port St John's on penalties after the match ended in a 0-0 draw
This is the first time Vobi Stars have won this tournament, and they went home with R35,000 while netball champions, Telly Tubbies, won R10,000 The founder of Khiwa Media Tournament, Bulelani Mancotywa, has thanked all the sponsors and
people who attended the two-day occasion which attracted even people from outside the province OR Tambo Mayor Mesuli Ngqondwana emphasised that this tournament played a vital role in the development of the local economy as it attracted visitors from other provinces
Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape MEC of Sport, Sibulele Ngongo, said she is happy that the Nomcamba Sports Ground will be upgraded, as the department has already injected R9 9 million for the upgrade of the sports ground, and said by next year the ground will be improved
Thirty-two soccer teams participated in the tournament, which started on Saturday and ended on Sunday
The dignitaries included MEC Sibulele Ngongo, OR Tambo Mayor Mesuli Ngqondwana, Nyandeni municipal mayor, Viwe Ndamase, KSD municipal mayor, Nyaniso Nelani, OR Tambo DSRAC district director Mr Mdlangazi and SAFA OR Tambo president, Sandile Nowalaza
Individualawards:
• Jabu Nqwelo, goal keeper of tournament (Vobi Stars FC)
• Player of the tournament: Sakhumzi Mpolase (Napoli FC)
FC Battalion, who recently bought their status in the ABC Motsepe League in the Eastern Cape, have held their first players' assessment as they prepare for the opening of the season. The purpose of the assessment was to scout players that the team is going to sign and who will be capable of competing in the ABC Motsepe League.
FC Battalion bought the status of G-Millioner FC a month ago In
their players' assessment, which started on 4 August and was held at SOS Sports Ground, more than 200 players attended the session, coming from across the Eastern Cape province.
Even though the assessment is still continuing, head coach, Boyboy Mayatula, said they had already managed to "sign six players" during the ongoing assessment.
"The players gave it their all; the assessment was a fantastic opportunity for us as coaches to identify the right players for the team, and
we are still identifying the right talent," said Coach Mayatula.
"We have decided to conduct this assessment for more days in order to be able to scout the right talent. This week we will be doing our last assessment; then by next week we can start our pre-season, but for now it's all about assembling a good squad," added coach Mayatula.
"Some of the players are still going to be part of us until we have made the decision about them," concluded the coach.
be discovered for higher levels
"We are appealing to all parents to allow their children to participate in school sport Football is a career nowadays, and the majority of people are surviving through sport, getting paid, and this festival is to develop and give opportunities to these young stars at a young age "
The president said this is not the first time they have partnered with Build It
The tournament will assist rural young stars to improve their tactics and techniques and develop more passion for sport, specifically foot-
ball
Rural areas under the OR Tambo District are known for producing good and quality players, but due to a lack of development programmes, this is no longer happening because the majority of these players are being discovered at a later age If you discover talent over the age of 16, it's difficult for any coach to teach or develop the player properly
The U/13 tournament includes football and netball
The festival will be held this Friday, 15 August, at Rotary Stadium
The tournament will start at 08:00
ANELE RAZIYA
MOUNT Fletcher-born Walter Sisulu University (WSU) student, Zizipho Valashiya (21), has remained committed and determined in her pursuit of becoming a professional soccer referee one day
This follows the WSU student, Valashiya, winning an officiating award in a recent U/18 Engen Knockout Challenge tournament, which was staged at Qonce, Dale College Sports Grounds
It was the second award for Valashiya since she started her journey of officiating in 2022 Last year, she won the best assistant referee of the tournament in the second edition of the Nozulu Youth Legacy Cup tournament in Butterworth
Then, in the recent second edition of the Engen Knockout Challenge event, which was played by Under-18 teams from both boys and girls' categories, Valashiya was named as the referee of the tournament after she performed well in officiating matches throughout the event
Speaking with her after she won another award in officiating, she said she was very excited and happy to win the referee of the tournament award, as she was not expecting it
"I'm humble, excited and very happy with the referee of the tournament award as I was not expecting it, and I think it means or shows that I have done a great job throughout the tournament," said Valashiya
She said she went to officiate at the Engen Knockout Challenge tournament, knowing very well that she was going to work with experienced officials, so that is why she was not expecting anything like an award Prior to the kick-off of the event, no one ever mentioned that there would be awards for officials who performed well
But she ensured that she had performed her officiating duties well because she didn't know who was watching her performance and following her work, and she ended up winning the award at the end of the event
Furthermore, Valashiya said the awards she has already received in her officiating journey are motivation and encouragement as she is aiming to be a professional referee in the near future
She said she would continue working hard, officiating in Sasol League fixtures and tournaments, until her dreams come true in officiating
