MinniecasereadyfortrialinRegionalorHighCourt
SHANTI JAFTA
FOLLOWING a six-week postponement for further investigation, the case against two suspects facing charges related to kidnapping with intent on human trafficking and extortion of Theresa Minnie (73) on 11 August 2025 has been postponed for a further six weeks This time, the postponement is to decide whether the case will be transferred to the Regional Court or High Court
According to the state prosecutor in court last week, the request to move the case from the Kariega Magistrate’s Court, where the kidnapping happened, to another court
was made on the instructions of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)
The prosecutor added that all pending investigations have been concluded with the docket in the possession of the investigating officer and that the prosecutor from the DPP will prosecute the case further
The pair, Ayabulela Busakwe and Andile Mathumbu, facing Schedule 6 crimes under the South African Criminal Procedure Amendment Act, appeared at the Kariega Magistrate’s Court last week, 4 December 2025, after their last appearance was postponed for further investigation
UD Express previously reported on 22 October 2025 that considerable
investigation is still needed, such as conducting chemical analysis and obtaining a police clearance report
The accused are alleged to have kidnapped Theresa Minnie (73) from her Fairbridge Heights home on the morning of 11 August They also pressured Minnie’s husband, Karel, by demanding he pay a ransom of R10 million for the safe return of Theresa
The matter was remanded to 21 January 2026 for the court to determine the appropriate jurisdiction, with the case set to be transferred to either the Regional Court or High Court
The suspects will remain in custody
Watercrisisdeepensasdemandexceedscapacity
WATER shortages are affecting dozens of suburbs across Nelson Mandela Bay as daily consumption reaches 390-400 million litres nearly 50% above the system's 280-million-litre capacity
According to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM), the crisis has been worsened by infrastructure failures, power outages and ongoing maintenance at key treatment facilities In a statement, the Municipality has revealed that the unprecedented demand, combined with recent upgrades at the Nooitgedacht Water Treatment Works, has left numerous areas experiencing intermittent or no water supply
"When water is consumed almost as fast as it is supplied, reservoirs cannot build reserves, making the
system vulnerable to even minor disruptions," the municipality explained, likening the situation to "filling a bathtub while the drain is open "
During essential improvement works at Nooitgedacht, which included installing a new industrial compressor, the facility operated at reduced capacity, producing between 160-180 million litres daily instead of its usual output, creating a deficit of approximately 20 million litres per day The water crisis has reportedly been further complicated by a series of power outages affecting key infrastructure The Loerie Water Treatment Works experienced electricity cuts on 16, 27, and 30 November, whilst the Motherwell Pump Station was disrupted on 25 November
Even brief power dips can cause
pumps at Nooitgedacht to trip, requiring specialist teams to restart operations Vandalism has added another layer of complexity to the water woes
A major leak caused by deliberate damage to the Motherwell-Chelsea pipeline necessitated replacing a 700mm valve, which halted water transfers from Nooitgedacht for 24 hours Additionally, the 400mm pipeline serving Fairbridge Heights and Vanes Estate has suffered recurring bursts
The extensive list of affected areas spans much of the metro's western and central suburbs The Chelsea Reservoir zone, which supplies areas including Baywest, Sherwood, Lorraine and Sunridge Park, has been particularly hard hit Meanwhile, the Emeraldhill Reser-
voir zone, serving suburbs such as Walmer Heights, Newton Park, and Greenacres, is also experiencing significant disruptions Areas supplied by the Lovemore Heights Reservoir, including Broadwood, Miramar, and Sardinia Bay, continue to face intermittent supply issues Additional affected zones include Kwanobuhle, where the top portions are experiencing water shortages, and areas served by Rosedale supply infrastructure
In response to the crisis, NMBM is implementing enhanced monitoring through regular SCADA system meetings and improving incident reporting procedures
The municipality has also announced plans to intensify efforts against water losses through revamped Non-Revenue Water pro-
grammes "NMBM remains committed to stabilising the water network, improving operational response, and strengthening communication with residents," the municipality stated, urging all residents to "use water sparingly at all times " The municipality has introduced new protocols requiring all water-related complaints to be directed through the Call Centre for proper logging and response A dedicated superintendent will notify councillors immediately when issues arise that could result in water outages
Residents in affected areas are advised to store water where possible and report any leaks or water-related issues through official channels as the municipality works to restore a stable supply across the metro
The two suspects facing charges related to kidnapping with intent on human trafficking and extortion of Theresa Minnie (73), Ayabulela Busakwe and Andile Mathumbu.
PHOTO: SHANTI JAFTA
CHRISTMAS BABY COMPETITION 2025:
MeetourTop10finalists!
ConceptCrewchallengeorganisations tomatchtheirSPCAdonation
SHANTI JAFTA
AS December marks the busiest time for the SPCA, the Kariega branch recently received a donation of close to R13,000 from Concept Crew Car Club (CCCC) The donation was divided into two parts: R10,500 for animal food and the rest towards other needs of the SPCA, such as medical supplies
CCCC President Pierre Janse Van Rensburg said that the club donated a portion of its proceeds from the Concept Crew Car Show held earlier this year to the SPCA “We chose to delay the donation to the SPCA because we know how much strain the organisation experiences during this time of the year Often people leave their pets at the shelter when they go on holiday, forgetting that the shelter has its own needs and limited funds to care for all the additional animals ”
Janse Van Rensburg added that this year’s car show, which had over 600 cars and 140 stalls, was a huge success, which allowed them to, in his words, “plough back into the community that supported us during the car show by donating to an organisation that goes above and beyond ”
The CCCC also challenged other car clubs and organisations in the area to match their donation or donate what they can towards the organisation during this festive season
“Even if it is a bag of food, that is fine Yes, matching our donation is ideal, but even one bag of food is enough If all car clubs donated one bag, that would be a substantial donation already ”
When asked why CCCC chose to donate a portion of their proceeds to the SPCA for the second consecutive year just in time for the festive season, Janse Van Rensburg said, “People often do not realise how difficult December is for the SPCA People often go on vacation, leaving their pets behind to be cared for by the SPCA
The organisation works tirelessly through-
out the festive period, looking after these pets without having budgeted for additional animals, on top of those they already have at the shelter Animals cannot speak for themselves, so we try to do so in our own way by supporting them ”
Believing in this good cause, he added that every year, one reads about lost or missing pets, “so by donating, we hope that this donation can help those animals who will be without their families during this time, and make the lives of those working at the SPCA all the easier ”
The CCCC members are all animal lovers and are passionate about animal welfare, which is why they chose to support the organisation “When there was no water in the Graaff-Reinet area years ago, we transported water for the animals of that region So, animal welfare is close to our hearts ” SPCA Uitenhage’s Deirdré Swift expressed their gratitude for the donation “We are extremely grateful for this donation and the CCCC’s continued support towards animal welfare Without support like this, the organisation would be in dire straits ”
Swift shared the needs the organisation has aheadofthefestiveseason:
• Automatic washing powder
• Pine Gel
• Jik bleach
Heavy-duty black bags
• Catmor Kitten pellets
• Small bite Adult dog pellets
Stormy blankets
• Copy paper
• Nexgard tablets
• Toys: tennis balls,ropes and cat toys
“If anyone would prefer to make a cash donation towards the purchase of these items, that would also be most welcome Our banking details are on our SPCA website and Facebook page,” Swift concluded
PRO Design Photographers, the official photographer for the Express Front Page Christmas Baby Competition, is bringing professional Christmas photography services to families
The photography studio, situated in Westering (Gqeberha), is currently offering enchanting Christmas photo shoots featuring three beautifully decorated backdrop areas specifically designed to capture the perfect festive memories for children and families
The studio’s Christmas sessions are priced at R850 as part of a special holiday promotion
Pro Design Photographers brings extensive experience across multiple photography disciplines These include family photography, baby and newborn sessions, professional headshots, personal and lifestyle portfolios, model portfolios, boudoir photography, corporate photography, events and functions, and celebration photography
The studio has announced plans to introduce additional specialised setups catered specifically for young children in the coming year
Details of these new offerings will be shared on the studio’s Facebook and Instagram social media channels
Families interested in booking a Christmas photography session can contact Liezel directly via WhatsApp at 073 161 3176 With the holiday season approaching, early booking is recommended to secure preferred session times
Pictured from left are Herman Stumke, Pierre Janse van Rensburg, Deirdré Swift, Juvaan du Toit and Marion Diener. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Pro Design Photographers is offering festive Christmas photo sessions for families this holiday season. Bookings now open! PHOTO: PRO DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHERS
Carter Beukes. Lemé and Ilené Muller
Leeché Roos.
Clara Ferreira.
Zak van Rooyen. Cairo van Wyk. Mia Rhodes.
Miané Janse van Vuuren.
Arlo Baker
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 Title Deed T.29875 /2003CTN, passed by THE N E L S O N M A N D E L A M E T R O P O L T A N MUNICIPALITY, in favour of BIEL BLAAUW, Identity Number: 540801 5217 08 6,
NOTICE
LIQUIDATION & DISTRIBUTION
ACCOUNT TO LIE FOR INSPECTION
In the Estate of the Late AYESHA WICOMB, Identity Number 440811 0072 08 0, who died on 06 November 2023, who was MARRIED IN COMMUNITY OF PROPERTY to EBRAHIM WICOMB Identity Number 401128 5019 08 2 and who resided at 70 Cannon Street, Uitenhage, Eastern Cape.
NOTICE OF FIRST AND FINAL LIQUIDATION & DISTRIBUTION
ACCOUNT TO LIE FOR INSPECTION
In the Estate of the Late MONDE MATEZA, Identity Number 541010 5692 08 7, who died on 29 August 2021, who was MARRIED IN COMMUNITY OF PROPERTY to NTOMBIZODWA MAVIS MATEZA, Identity Number 571108 0812 08 1 and who resided at 2A Cuthe Street, Kwanobuhle, Eastern Cape.
Brandwag-seuns,pa’ssluitsportjaarophoënootaf
HANNES SCHOEMAN
DIE Hoërskool Brandwag het die sportjaar met ’n opwindende krieketwedstryd tussen pa’s en die seuns se eerste span afgesluit Aksie was volop en dié T20-eindstryd het ’n spannende gelykop uitslag opgelewer
Wat as ’n lighartige wedstryd begin het, het vinnig in ’n opwindende kragmeting ontaard hoewel die pa’s op ander reëls as die seuns gespeel het
Die seuns het sterk begin en vroeg beheer geneem Hul kolwers het gewys hoekom hulle die skool se trots is, en het die pa’s se boulers van vroeg af onder druk geplaas
Tog was die pa’s nie van plan om sommer terug te staan nie Met ervaring, geduld en ’n paar verrassende skerp veldwerk-oomblikke, het hulle vinnig teruggeveg en die wedstryd weer oop gespeel Ondersteuners, ouers en vriende het die kantlyn lewendig gehou met gejuig, grappies en aanmoediging
In die laaste paar boulbeurte het die spanning hoog geloop Die seuns
Die pa’s
het alles gegee om die wedstryd te beslis, maar die pa’s – vasbeslote om nie te verloor nie – het op die laaste oomblik die telling gelyk getrek
Die eindresultaat was ’n dramatiese, maar gepaste gelykop-uitslag Hoewel geen span met die oor-
winning weggestap het nie, was dit duidelik dat die ware wenner die Brandwag-gemeenskap self was
Die dag het nie net sporttalent uitgelig nie, maar ook die spesiale band tussen die spelers en hul families Met hope lag, sportmanskap en trots
KirkwoodBowlingClubChamps2
SusannahFourieTrolleyRunwinner
oor die seisoen wat verby is, was dit die ideale manier om 2025 af te sluit
Brandwag se afrigters bedank almal wat die dag moontlik gemaak het, en sien uit na nóg ’n jaar vol groei, spanbou en onvergeetlike herinneringe
Susannah Fourie Primary School thanks everyone who supported their annual Trolley Run fundraiser, with special thanks to Despatch Superspar for their continued support. The winner was Yonela Blou Her husband did the dash at Despatch Superspar on 3 December and bagged enough groceries to make the holidays really festive. From left are Elton Loxton (Despatch Superspar), Buyile Blou, Yonela Blou, Lane Engelbrecht (organiser), and Marius Oelofse (Deputy Principal). PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Kirkwood Bowling Club Champ games were recently held.
Soekie Mulder and Frikkie Terblanche were the Pairs Champs. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Naomie Needham is the Ladies Singles el is the Men’s Singles Champ. Any pe ing Lawn Bowls at Kirkwood Bowling club captain, Gerrit Kriel, on 079 552 666