PORT ELIZABETH
CRIMESTATSREVEAL:
SHANTI JAFTA
GQEBERHA has witnessed an alarming escalation in kidnappings targeting business owners in recent years, with a particularly troubling pattern emerging against entrepreneurs of foreign descent
This disturbing trend has contributed to the metro being identified as the most problematic district in the Eastern Cape, according to SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, as revealed in the second and third quarter crime statistics released on March 12, 2025
This analysis examines the scope of the problem, the factors contributing to business owners becoming targets, and the wider implications for community safety and economic development in the Eastern Cape's largest metropolitan area
PE Express spoke to SAPS spokesperson Captain André Beetge, and Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, to obtain relevant information, and they both
shared their expertise regarding the matter
According to Beetge, SAPS Sector Managers visit all businesses, including foreign-owned shops in the area of their responsibility, and regularly address safety concerns where a lack of proper security measures is identified "Regular patrols by crime prevention units also include such businesses in their patrol routes, and on the Community Police Forum (CPF) platforms the topic of safety of local businesses is a regular discussion point," he said "All business owners are generally encouraged to join with their local CPF structures to keep being informed of the latest tendencies, as well as receiving safety hints and tips "
Beetge concluded, "Where any person has a reasonable suspicion that they are possibly being targeted, they are invited to report such information to their local police station immediately "
When asked about the Hawks' involvement in kidnapping cases, Mhlakuvana stated that every kidnapping incident involving a ransom demand falls within their mandate, with
the Directorate actively investigating all such instances
He said, "The Hawks have noted the scourge of kidnapping incidents in the province, especially in Gqeberha, where both residents and foreign business people fall victim However, although we havenoted the rise of kidnapping incidents, the Hawks have made enormous breakthroughs in some of the cases There are a number of suspects currently behind bars who are linked to kidnappings "
He added that the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation is thoroughly examining all abduction cases, actively pursuing every potential lead to ensure that ground investigators can effectively work towards preventing the significant number of such incidents throughout the province
Regarding intelligence gathering efforts to pre-emptively identify potential kidnapping plots against foreign business owners, the Hawks confirmed they are collaborating closely with all other law enforcement organisations, including Crime Intelligence
This coordinated approach demonstrates
that the Hawks are employing all available resources to combat such crimes
"Our analysis indicates that the North Areas and townships are the most problematic areas of Gqeberha," Mhlakuvana said, when asked to identify the hotspot areas in Gqeberha
TipsfromtheHawkstoavoidkidnapping:
• Be vigilant and aware: Pay attention to your surroundings especially in crowded or unfamiliar places
Avoid isolated areas: Stay away from deserted streets, parks, or buildings, particularly at night, but also during the day
• Trustyourinstincts: If you feel uneasy or uncomfortable in a situation,leave
• Communication: Inform a friend or family member about your plans and share your location, especially when travelling
Mhlakuvana concluded, "The Hawks urges victims to collaborate with the police during and after the incident in order to reduce criminal behaviour Be cooperative at every step of the investigation, so that the perpetrators can be brought to book "
WarmupheartswithCommunityChestWinterWoollyDrive
AS temperatures drop, the call for kindness rises. The Community Chest Winter Woolly Drive is collecting warm clothing, blankets and any other winter essentials to help those in need stay warm.
The Kelway Hotel are proudly serving as an official drop-off point. They are offering a free warm beverage, your choice of cappuccino, latte, Americano or tea.
“This is our way of thanking the public for their kind generosity and helping us share the warmth this winter," said Liezel Haar-
hoff, General Manager of The Kelway Hotel.
"The challenge to help everyone is huge, and we keep pushing, ensuring that many more will receive through our drive," added Community Chest CEO Selwyn Willis Every jersey, blanket or beanie donated is a step closer to making someone’s winter a little more bearable Other drop-off points in the Nelson Mandela Bay can be found at all the Pick n Pay stores, Boardwalk Mall, Baywest Mall and Walmer Park Shopping Centre.
Selwyn Willis (CEO Community Chest of the Easter Kelway Hotel).
NEWS TIPS?
Life-threateningdiagnosis shinesspotlightonneedfor diversestemcelldonors
NATASHA BEZUIDENHOUT
A ROUTINE doctor’s visit and keen observation of unusually low blood pressure led to the discovery of a life-threatening illness for Gqeberha resident, Zachary Francis
The 21-year-old Nelson Mandela University student was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia, a rare condition which affects an estimated two to seven people per million annually
From an active and sporty young man who spent his weekends playing rugby, cricket and socialising, Zachary s weekdays are now filled with syringes and trips to the hospital as he navigates the biggest fight of his life
The Bachelor of Education Foundation Phase student is in urgent need of a stem cell match
However, according to DKMS Africa only 0 36% of South Africans are registered as potential stem cell donors, of which 8% are Asian 9% Coloured, and 38% Black
What does this mean?
The data suggests that patients from the above ethnic groups face a herculean challenge in finding potential life-saving matches
DKMS Africa Donor Recruiter, Yanelani Mbolompo, explained the medical prognosis and treatment for aplastic anaemia
“The prognosis for individuals
with aplastic anaemia can vary significantly, as responses to treatment differ from person to person However, with standard treatments, approximately 80% of patients show improvement," he said
Zachary receives his weekly transfusions at Life Mercantile Hospital, and although he is on a medical aid, it does not cover all his expenses
“In April, Zachary began treatment with Revolade to stimulate his bone marrow, but unfortunately, as of now, there have not been the expected improvements,” Mbolompo shared with PE Express on Monday, June 23
"In June, Zachary started an immunosuppressive therapy called Atgam, which aims to suppress the immune response that affects bone marrow and assists in its recovery," he added
According to Mbolompo, aplastic anaemia can occur at any age but is more commonly diagnosed in young adults (15-25 years) and older adults (over 60 years)
Unfortunately, none of Zachary's family members are a stem cell match, and according to DKMS Africa around 70 % of patients rely on the kindness of strangers for their survival
Marlon Francis, Zachary's father, explained: "A sibling could most likely have been a match, but unfortunately he is an only child Parents are only up to a 50% (match) but we are not, so he
needs a donor from the database "
Although everything seems bleak, hope remains
“We are all feeling positive at the moment and praying that we find a donor "
Francis explained how the medical costs for treatments has depleted their medical aid benefits, which is why a fundraising event is planned for July
"In the last three months he has used close to R400 000 in benefits," said Marlon "His savings are depleted, and we have to make 20% co-payments for medication and doctor's visits now "
Zachary's diagnosis came as a surprise, as he was always a healthy child and adult, his father added
“Zachary was out on a park run in early February this year," Marlon recalled "After the run, he felt a bit tired and took his blood pressure, which was very low, and then went to see his doctor who who sent him right to the Mercantile Hospital "
Zachary was admitted to the hospital, where he underwent various blood tests and a bone marrow biopsy, and the diagnosis was confirmed
"Zachary did not have low blood pressure before, but as the doctor explained, symptoms are very hard to see with aplastic anaemia "
To assist with the medical costs, a fundraising event will take place at the Nelson Mandela
Yacht Club on July 26 at the cost of R80 For more information on how to register as a stem cell donor go to www.dkms-africa.org/get-involved/
virtual-drives/be-the-match-zachary-needs
Donors need to be between the ages of 17–55 years old, in good health and living in South Africa
ConstructionofnewMadibazCricketclubhouseinfullswing
MADIBAZ Cricket is set to reclaim its home ground advantage as Nelson Mandela University (NMU) begins construction on a new R11 million clubhouse at its South Campus
The University’s Infrastructure Services and Space Optimisation Senior Director, Melvin Syce, explained that the old cricket clubhouse had to be replaced after heavy flooding eroded the soil under its foundation
"It became structurally unsafe, and as a result, the structure had to be condemned
In response, the University allocated R11million for the reconstruction of the dilapidated facility "
He added that the new struc-
erate income for the university "
The new clubhouse structure, which is based on current design trends, is aimed at meeting the needs of Madibaz Sport and is expected to be completed by the end of this year
Upgrades to the building include improved amenities, panoramic field views and space for community engagement all in time to support South Africa’s hosting of the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup
“We can’t wait St George’s [in Gqeberha] will get some of the games, so we are trying to really work on our facilities so that we may be a preferred training ground,” shared Sipho Sibande, the university’s Sport
"massive", he added, thrilled
“We are all about the culture of brotherhood and sisterhood, and a clubhouse plays a huge role In the past, we used to host provincial games, and not having a clubhouse meant the club lost out, because you need change rooms and ablution facilities For the students, it was also a safe space to study before practice ”
Madibaz Cricket Club has been a fertile field for growing provincial and national talent such as Proteas batsman Tristan Stubbs, Anrich Nortje, Simon Harmer, Pite van Biljon, Edward Moore, Justin Kemp, Robin Peterson, Sisanda Magala and Lutho Sipamla
Other notable talents include former Madibaz cricket club
coaches Baakier Abrahams, who is part of the Proteas Women’s coaching staff, and Runeshan Moodley, the strength and conditioning coach for the Proteas men’s squad
Both Abrahams and Moodley are alumni and played cricket as students before growing their career paths in their respective fields
There is also more talent emerging
“We have a young group now and are really looking forward to seeing them come through,” said Sibande, citing student Jason Raubenheimer, who already plays for the Warriors, and allrounder Ethan Frosler, who recently graduated but still plays for Madibaz
Sibande concluded that the new clubhouse would not only be of benefit to senior players and spectators but also to the broader community, including schoolchildren
Nelson Mandela University is the largest university in the southern and eastern Cape as the direct result of a merger between the University of Port Elizabeth, Port Elizabeth Technikon and the Port Elizabeth campus of Vista University
It was initially named Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in 2004, in line with the restructuring of the higher education sector and was renamed in 2017
For more information, kindly visit: www.mandela.ac.za
Gqeberha resident Zachary Francis (21) needs a stem cell donation after he was diagnosed with a rare illness.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Competitionwinnersare ambassadorstocommunities
KabegaPrimary’sclubheroes
Beyondthechessboardfor SettlersParkPrimary
TISHAE van Staaden, a fourth-year IIE Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching student at the IIE Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay campus and a VC Voice committee member, recently demonstrated exceptional dedication by initiating a fundraising drive among her fellow VC Voice committee members for the purchase of chess equipment for Settlers Park Primary School in Gqeberha
The aim of this initiative is to assist the school’s chess club in offering learners the invaluable opportunity to learn and engage with the game and to provide a sustainable platform for learners to discover the joys and benefits of chess
Van Staaden said, "Chess is often overlooked or seen as just a board game, but it essentially teaches important skills such as thinking ahead, being patient and solving problems Sport plays a big role in shaping young people, and chess
is no different as it offers learners the chance to play and learn as well ” Settlers Park Primary School is the IIE Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay campus’s Kid Heroes Under Mentorship of Others (KHUMO) partner, the IIE’s Varsity College and IIE MSA’s national Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme KHUMO is dedicated to community upliftment through local empowerment
It strives to enhance the educational environment of under-resourced schools across South Africa by implementing impactful and sustainable community initiatives
“We are truly grateful for the generous donation to our chess club Because of it, we can now offer our learners more opportunities to grow, compete and excel in this space,” said Desmond Ruddy, principal of Settlers Park Primary School
From left are Desmond Ruddy (Principal Settlers Park Primary School), Rutendo Mbovo (Grade 7), and Jenay Groenewald (Grade 7), receiving the donation of chess equipment from (far right) Tishae van Staaden (fourth year IIE Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching student, and VC Voice committee member at the IIE Varsity College Nelson Mandela Bay campus).
PHOTO: KIM EDWARDS
The winners of the first GQ Ambassador Eastern Cape Competition 2025 were announced at a beautiful event held on Saturday, June 21. Event organisers, Extreme Models, received 41 entries. The overall winners were Renata de Villiers, Casey Harmse, Peter Botha, Lara Claasen, Adri Maritz, Megan-Anne Rautenbach and Phawulothando Ncwana. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Kabega Primary School’s Pick n Pay School Club Heroes for Term 2 are Conner Meyer (honesty), Alexis Barendse (dedication), Anthony Williams (environmental awareness), Ndlovu Sizohila (honesty), Skyler Jantjies (outstanding leadership) and Zain Abrahams (dedication).
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
The Department of Social Development Motherwell Service Office is requesting anyone with information with regards to the whereabouts of Sisipho Thobi. She left a child that she never registered with the Department of Home Affairs, Born 26.01.2023 to contact Social Worker: M. N. Ngqawana at 041 461 7914/5/6/7 during office hours
ERF 2058 KABEGA FORM JJJ
LOST OR DESTROYED DEED
Notice is hereby given in terms of regulation 68 of the
ERF 321 WESTERING FORM JJJ
LOST OR DESTROYED DEED
Notice is hereby given in terms of regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to ap- ply for the issue of a certi- fied copy of Deed of Transfer No T23926/ 1973CTN passed by MARI- LYN DENISE EGGETT, born Waterfall on 27th June 1946, married out of com-
LOST OR DESTROYED DEED
Notice is hereby given in terms of Regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act 47, 1937, of the intention to apply for the issue of a certified copy of Deed of Transfer Number T54348 /2011CTN passed by A
GINSBERG, Identity Number 490104 5122 08 7, Unmarried, in favour of M
LOST OR DESTROYED DEED
Notice is hereby given in terms of Regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply for a certified copy of Sectional Indemnity Bond SB4501/2018 passed by TARIN LEIGH HANEKOM, Identity Number 881107 0160 08 2, Married out of community of property, for a capital amount of R240 000,00 (Two Hundred and
LOST OR DESTROYED DEED Notice is hereby given in terms of Regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply for the issue of a certified copy of Sectional Deed of Transfer Number ST9786/2018 passed by IAN TODD, Identity Number 790210 5006 08 4, Married out of community of property, in favour of TARIN LEIGH HANEKOM, Identity
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EP Media en Novus bevestig of enige van dienste of produkte ve of die verlangde uitw sal hê nie. Lesers wor die adverteerder se g te oorweeg en EP Media en Novus hoegenaamd geen aa opsigte van en geadverteerde dienste
INTHESADDLE:HENKSTEENKAMP
MyBestShotreadytoshineonSaturday
THE first local horse in 21 years to run in Africa’s greatest race is ready to give it his best shot!
My Best Shot, trained by the East Cape champion Alan Greeff, takes his place in the 129th renewal of the R5 million Hollywoodbets Durban
July on Saturday
The last Gqeberha-trained horse to run in the July was Shoes of Silver from the Gavin Smith stable in 2004
Shoes of Silver wasn’t disgraced at all when, as a 100/1 shot, he finished midfield Bold Silvano, which was locally bred at Ascot Stud, started his career with Smith, but was in the
care of Gauteng conditioner, Mike de Kock, when he won the July in 2010
The local racing fraternity is super excited to see what My Best Shot can do and will be gathering at the Fairview track in Greenbushes on Saturday to support their champion
Racing fans can join them to follow the July meeting from 10:00, when food, bar and totalisator facilities will be available There are 18 runners in this prestigious race over 2200m My Best Shot will carry saddle cloth number 9 with Chase Maujean in the saddle Greeff has been the East Cape
DIARY|DAGBOEK
Gqeberha Central Men's Shed: Join them every Monday from 10:00 to 12:00 at Caritas 16 West Street, Newton Park All ages are welcome WhatsApp Will e at 071 142 3771 School Holiday Fun: Join the fun at Afr can Sky's Venue with interactive entertainment, creative arts, face painting puppet shows games and more at 120 Nassau Avenue Theescombe from July 2 to 5 and on July 9 and 10 Entertainment will take place from 10:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 15:00 Entry is free Pay per activity on the day Contact (call or WhatsApp) 071 125 0878
Basaar: Die Lede in Christus Kerk sal 'n "Christmas in July" basaar op 5 Julie vanaf 08:00 to 14:00 hou op die hoek van Kwikkie en Williamstraat Cotswold Kontak Elmarie by 081 793 7793 om n stalletj e te bespreek
LocalIsLekkerMarket: The market will take p ace at African Sky s Venue on July 5 from 12:00 to 16:00 with local vendors,live music, ocal cuisine,entertainment and much more For more info contact Janine at 063 014 5312
Mini Market: The Aloe White Ens gn She lhole
Moths Mini Market w ll take place on the corner of Church Road and 8th Avenue Walmer on Saturday July 5 from 08:00 to 12:00 The cost is R50 per stall holder Contact Noel Smith at 082 657 1062
The Antique Collective: Visit the collective at Walmer Park Shopping Centre via Entrance 2 in the Edgars Court from 10:00 to 14:00 on Sunday, July 6 Hosted by Trueb ue Communication and Events Contact 082 873 7663
Diabetes Wellness Group (Malabar): A meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 8, at 19:00 at the Malabar Commun ty Centre Minor Hall in Haworthia Drive FutureLife representative Ros ynn Steenkamp will speak about ‘A Dietician’s Toolkit for Diabetes Management Contact Surendra Daya at 083 653 1491 or 041 457 4576
DiabetesWellnessGroup(Springdale): A meet-
ing w ll be held on Tuesday July 8 at 19:00 at the GospelHallonthecornerofGeldenhuysandOlympia Streets JoannePotgieterwillspeakabout‘MyDiabetes Journey Contact Clive Burke at 083 500 9394
Diabetes Wellness Group (PE Branch): A meetingwi lbeheldonWednesday,July9,at19:15for19:30, at the Caritas Service Centre in West Street Newton
Park Registered counse lor Chanté Janse van Rensburg will speak about ‘Equipped with the Necessary Tools to Nav gate Diabetes’ Contact Martin/Elizabeth at 082 579 9059 or 041 367 2810
GenealogicalSocietyofSA:TheEastCapebranch willho daFamilyHistorymeetingonThursday,July17
Contact John Wilmot at jaysqh@iafricacom or 068 802 1518
Re-SecondsMarket: Calling all collectors and treasure hunters to the market at Walmer Town Hall on Saturday July 19 from 09:00 to 14:00 Vendors will showcase thrift clothing toys Tupperware jewellery pet treats, hair accessories, home décor, as well as plenty of food and great coffee Entry is free Contact 083 588 5823 or theresecondsmarket@gmailcom for more information
STAPE: The Sectional Title Association of PE will have a debate forum on Saturday Ju y 26 at the PE BowlingClub StGeorge sPark at09:30for10:00 Entry is free for members and portfolio managers, and R20 for non-members The speaker will be Demetrios Agryakis Topics will include responsibility and accountability - body corporate, trustees, manag ng agents and executive managing agents For more info contact infostape@gmailcom
RELIGIOUS
Hi'sPlaceDevelopingCentre: They have a church serviceeverySundaymorningat09:00andaheal ng service every first and th rd Saturday of the month at 17:00 This month's healing services will be on July 5 and July 19 A l are welcome Contact Pastor Christo Campher at 082 515 2294
champion trainer 16 times already and has won big races all over the country since he became a trainer in 1995 He has never saddled a July runner, though, and this will be a wonderful milestone
My Best Shot’s regular jockey, Richard Fourie, has opted to ride Eight on Eighteen, trained by the national champion, Justin Snaith, in the Western Cape Eight on Eighteen is the favourite to win the race
The July meeting consists of 12 races The first race is at 11:45, the July is race seven at 16:00, and the last race is off at 19:40 Punters will be particularly interested in the Pick
Six (expected pool R15 million) and July Quartet (expected pool R10 million) bets on the national totalisator
Two other Fairview stars, Anotherdanceforme (Greeff stable, race 5) and Cruise Control (Smith stable, race 9), will also be in action in big races in Durban Anotherdanceforme runs in the Lady Slipper and Cruise Control in the Post Merchants
There is another East Cape connection on the big day The Gqeberha-born and raised Zolani Mahola will sing the national anthem in front of a capacity crowd of about 45 000
Mahola grew up in New Brighton
She was the lead singer for the popular band Freshlyground before embarking on a solo career in 2019
Before we get to Saturday’s meeting, there are two action-packed local meetings to keep an eye on Both these meetings, today and on Friday, are on the Fairview Polytrack Today’s meeting starts at 12:30 The Walmer Handicap is the feature race on Friday
You can watch the July on SABC, SuperSport, Dstv channel 240, and free streaming is on GallopTV.co.za Get your tips on the Facebook page Henk Se Wenk
Weekendsportresults
SELBY MADIKANE
Major Chiefs Sports Club win ZWIFA PremierLeague
FOLLOWING their impressive performance this season, Major Chiefs Sports Club have been crowned Zwide Football Association (ZWIFA) Premier League champions, having claimed a hardfought 1-0 victory against Real Crusaders FC at Young Romans on Sunday Chiefs are Stream A log leaders, while Crusaders are Stream B log leaders Chiefs recorded their biggest victory after they thumped Kuyasa United Brothers FC 17-1 before facing the Stream B log leaders Silindokuhle Nyati scored for Chiefs, guiding his side to the league title Chiefs will join other local football associations' champions in the SAFA Nelson Mandela Bay regional play-offs that will be played at a venue and on a date to be announced very soon
All eyes were on Zwide Pirates, who took the ZWIFA Stream B teams by storm Pirates kept securing excellent results Crusaders were determined not to let their advantage slip Saders, as Real Crusaders are known, silenced Pirates supporters as they finished their Stream B campaign at the top of
the log table
In the third-place play-off, Amadamara FC concluded their campaign after they defeated Strikers United FC 4-0 in a one-sided clash that took place at Young Romans Grounds on Sunday
ZWIFAFirstDivisionresults: Zwide Celtics FC 0-1 Young Romans FC Zwide Pirates FC B 1- 3 Shining Stars FC B Real Rovers FC 1-4 Mwalimu All Stars FC B Young Killers FC 1-3 NUBS FC B Gal
Mighty Warriors FC win PEEFA Premier League
ZWIDE-based side, Mighty Warriors FC, known as Amagents by their supporters, have achieved their dream as they are Port Elizabeth East Football Association (PEEFA) Premier League champions
Amagents needed one point to be crowned champions on Saturday Warriors hammered the struggling Power Stars FC 8-0 at Veeplaas Turf Stadium on Sunday Lwando Mfino, Bongani Ntuthu, Alulutho Kolisile and Siphenathi Kolisile scored a goal apiece, whilst Nande Qavavana and Lathitha Ndimba scored a brace each A week ago, Amagents drubbed the title contenders Peace Lovers FC 6-2 at Veeplaas Turf Stadium Warriors will
receive their league trophy at Veeplaas Turf Stadium next Saturday Lovers defeated Golden Stars FC 4-1 at Veeplaas Turf Stadium on Saturday The beleaguered Bayland FC suffered a huge 5-0 loss to Real Lions FC United Brothers FC secured an impressive 2-0 triumph over Forresters FC at Veeplaas Turf Stadium on Saturday Young Teenagers FC earned an easy 4-1 win against Real Aces FC at Veeplaas Turf Stadium on Saturday Aces gave a good account of themselves in the narrow 4-3 loss to Golden Stars FC The supporters of Mighty Birds FC were taken aback when they saw their tough side go down 8-3 to Power Stars FC at Veeplaas Turf Stadium on Sunday Bayland continued their poor form as they crashed 6-1 to United Brothers, whilst Hillside United FC claimed a narrow 3-2 win against Forresters
Correction
In the June 25 edition of PE Express, the article “All systems go for Mandela Day 5km fun run” incorrectly referred to EnviroServ, a SUEZ Company, as EnviroServ Suez Canal PE Express unreservedly apologises for the error
