SecondaccusedabandonsbailinKariegamurdercase
SHANTI JAFTA
ASECOND suspect linked to aseries of murdersand disappearances in Kariega abandonedher bail application whenshe appeared in the Kariega Magistrate’sCourton Friday, 3July.
Appearing in apackedcourtroom, Irvincia Basson faces multiple Schedule 6charges of murder as well as acharge of extortion. Beforeher courtappearance, SAPS spokespersonCaptain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said Basson had been arrested on Wednesday,1July, by the Nelson Mandela Bay District Detective InterventionTaskTeam as part of an ongoing investigation intoa series of murders anddisappearancesin Kariega
AccordingtoJanse van Rensburg, Basson is linked to the disappearance and alleged murder of Loay Khayat,who wasreported missing in Kariega during August2025.
“She is furtherlinked to the double murder of Earl Classenand Clarissa Swart in Kariega during September 2021, as well as the doublemurder of Isaac Mosesand Merlyn Elkenstead in Kamesh during April 2022,” she said
However, the charge sheet before the Kariega Magistrate’s Court stated thatBasson is charged in connectionwith the disappearances and alleged murders of Earl Classen during the July 2021 period, Isaac Moses and Merlyn Elkensteadon18April 2022, and LoayKhayatduring theAugust2025 period.
Thecharge sheet further stated that the
meansbywhich Khayat and Classen were allegedly murdered are unknown, while Moses andElkensteadwere bothallegedlyshot with afirearm.
Thecourt heardthatBassonhas apending extortion caseinwhichshe had previously abandonedher bail application. She elected to do the same in this matter, with theState opposing bail in both cases.
Janse vanRensburg added thatthe investigation also formspart of the broader probe into the disappearance of Quinton Plaatjies, also known as “Doenas”,who was reported missing at Bethelsdorp SAPS in 2020.
UD Express previously reported that Donovan Williams,also known as “Poenie”, was arrested in June2026 after allegedly evading police since October2025.
At thetime, SAPS said he waswanted in connection with thekidnapping of aforeign national and wasalsolinked to investigations into murder, kidnapping, fraud and the disappearances of Khayat and Plaatjies.
Speaking to UD Express after theproceedings, Khayat’s wife, Allison, said she was not surprised that Basson had chosen to abandon her bail application.
“She knowsshe is much safer in prison. She cannot face thepeopleofKarieganow. No one will be scared of her anymore —her daysare over,” she said.
Basson remains in custody. The matter waspostponed forfurther investigation, and she is expected to appear alongside her co-accused,Williams, on 17 July for thejoining of thecases.
SAPSprobeDespatchmissingpersoncase
AMAJOR environmental restoration project outside Jansenvilleinthe Sarah Baartman District is set to receive backing from global technology company Amazon, which says the initiative will restore more than 50,000 hectares of degraded land while creating an estimated 11,000 jobs by 2030.
In amedia statement announcing the investment,Amazon described theinitiative as “one of the world’slargest carbonremoval projects”,stating it would involve theplanting of 180million spekboomshrubs across the Eastern Cape to restore the region’s Albany thicket ecosystem.
According to the company, it willpurchase1.95million tonnes of nature-based carbon removal credits generated by the project over more than adecade, providing long-termfinancial supportfor the restorationprogramme
Amazon said its investment wouldexpand an existing restoration project that hasbeenunderway since April 2024. The first phase has already seen 30 million spekboomcuttings planted across10,000 hectares,withthe latest investment expected to add more than 50,000 hectares to the programme.
The company said the project is expected to inject more than US$500 million into surrounding communitiesthroughwages, procurement,landowner payments and communityinvestment, while providing trainingopportunitiesfor localbusinesses involved in ecological restoration.
Accordingtothe statement, theindigenous spekboom plant was selected because it is well suited to the Eastern Cape’s climate and has the abilitytocapture significant amountsofcarbon dioxidewhile improving soil health and restoring degraded landscapes
Amazon saidscientific research has found that spekboom can remove carbon
from the atmosphere at rates comparable toyoung tropical forests. As the plants mature, they help restore soil moisture and createconditions that allow native grasses, shrubs and trees to return, supporting the recovery of wildlife.
The company added that the project area is home to 165 recorded plant and animal species, including several regarded as vulnerable.
Amazon chief sustainability officer Kara Hurstsaid the restorationprogramme was intended to deliver both environmental and economicbenefits.
“This is astory about nature, community, ingenuity,and scale,” said Hurst.
“Spekboom is anatural wonder,but it can’theal the land without help from the peoplewho call the Eastern Cape home. This project will restore the ecosystem and create jobs–amodel forhow nature-based solutions can enable bothclimateaction and economicdevelopment.”
Amazon said its long-term commitment to purchasing carbon removal credits enabled the World Bank to launchaSpekboom Outcome Bond,providing investors withconfidence that therewould be afuture buyer forthe project’s carbon credits.
The company said the credits would meet internationally recognised standardsfor nature-based carbonremoval, including the ABACUS label and Climate, Community &Biodiversity certification.
According to Amazon, the restoration projecthas received apre-issuance “AA. pre” rating fromindependent carbon ratings agency BeZero Carbon, placing it among the highest-rated afforestation, reforestation and revegetation projects globally.
The investment formspartofAmazon’s ClimatePledge, under which the company aims toachievenet-zero carbon emissions across its operations by 2040.
DESPATCHSAPS areappealing to the public forassistance in tracing 21-yearold Sinoxolo Silomtu, who was recently reportedmissing
In astatement, SAPS spokesperson Captain SandraJanse vanRensburg said that according to the complainant, Sinoxolo was last seen on Saturday,27 June, at approximately23:00 at Manyatis Tavern in Despatch.
“She had been with a friend, who later left to go home,” she said “Sinoxolo never returned
home andher whereabouts remain unknown.”
Police arefollowing up on all available leads;however, anyonewho mayhaveseen Sinoxolo or whomay have information thatcould assist in locating herisurged to come forward.
Anyonewith information is requested to contact Detective Constable Isaacs of Despatch SAPS on 041 933 8013 or 082 441 7828.
Information mayalsobereported anonymously via the SAPS CrimeStop number 08600 10111 or by usingthe MySAPS mobile application
YusufCassimjoinsnationalexecutive inRamaphosaCabinetreshuffle
PRESIDENTCyril Ramaphosa's latestCabinet reshuffle has propelled DemocraticAlliance (DA) Eastern Cape provincial chairperson, Yusuf Cassim, into national executive officeafter appointing him Deputy Ministerof Higher Education and Training.
Cassim's appointment forms partofawider shake-up of the Government of National Unity, which included changes to three ministerialportfolios and four deputy minister positions.
According to astatement issued by the Presidency, the changes followed consultations parties represented in the Government of National Unity and were made in terms of Section 91(2) of the Constitution.
cil(SRC) election in 2011 beforewinning the SRCelection in 2012, when Cassimbecame the organisation's firstSRC president. Although he studied to become achartered accountant, Cassiminstead pursued apolitical career focused on improving accesstohigher education andsupportingstudentsfromdisadvantagedbackgrounds.
Thereshuffle saw Willem Aucamp appointed Minister of Agriculture, David Maynier appointed Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Envi ronment and Dina Pule appointed Minister of So Development.
At deputy minister level,John Steenhuisen wasappointed to Trade,Industry and Competition, Alexandra Abrahams to Electricity and Energy, Jack Bloom to Water and Sanitation, and Cassim to Higher Education and Training.
In 2013, he was elected Federal Chairperson of the DA Youth and, ayear later, entered parliament at the age of 24 as South Africa's youngest Member of Parliament. ghis time in Parliament, served on the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, where he focused on mattersaffecting universities,Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, the National Student Financial AidScheme (NSFAS) and the Sector Education and TrainingAuthorities (SETAs). He also contributed to legislative process that resulted in the Higher Education Amendment Act.
YusufCassim. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Cassim (36), currently serves as the DA's Eastern Cape provincialchairpersonand Chief Whipofthe Official Oppositioninthe Eastern Cape Legislature.
Originally fromthe NorthernAreas of Nelson Mandela Bay,hehas built much of his political career around higher education, student leadership and expanding opportunities foryoung South Africans.
Hispassion forhigher education began while studying towards achartered accountancy qualification at Nelson Mandela University. In 2009, he helped establish the DA Student Organisation (DASO) on campus,which gained official recognition thefollowing year Under his leadership, DASO secured four seats in its first Student Representative Coun-
According to the DA, Cassim's prioritiesasDeputy Minister include strengthening accountability within NSFAS, improving the quality and relevance of TVET education, reforming the SETA sector and expanding nationally recognised qualifications for learnersattending Schools of Skills
DA Eastern Cape provincialleader, Andrew Whitfield,welcomedthe appointment
"The DemocraticAlliance in theEastern Cape proudly congratulatesits Provincial Chairperson, Yusuf Cassim, on hisappointment as Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training."
Whitfield saidthe party believed Cassim's experience and long-standing commitment to educational opportunity would servethe countrywell.
"TheDAisconfident that Yusuf's experience, energy and unwaveringcommitment to educational opportunity will serve SouthAfrica well in this importantrole," he said
Sinoxolo Silomtu (21) was last seenon27June.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Younggirlsempoweredthroughlifeskillsprogramme
SHANTI JAFTA
ALIFE skills programme aimed at equipping younggirls with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions was recently hosted at DespatchPreparatorySchool in partnership with the Sinako Reading Club.
The Level Up Life Skills Event brought together 18 girls under theage of16for aday of interactive learning focused on gender-based violence, personal safety, substance abuse awareness, health and hygiene, peer education, career guidanceand essentiallife skills.
The initiative was organised in response to growing concerns over teenagepregnancy and other socialchallenges affecting younggirls in theEastern Cape.
Theorganiser of the initiative, Nandi Kolisile said according to the latestEasternCapeDepartment of Healthfigures for the 2025/26 financialyear, 13,916 teenagers aged between 15 and 19 gave birth in public hospitals, while 292 girls aged between 10 and 14 also gave birth.
The province has the country’shighest prevalence of births to mothers under the ageof20, at 16.9%.
Sheadded that Sinako Reading Club recognised thatliteracy alone was not enough to addressthe challenges facing many girls in thecommunity.
“The Level Up Life SkillsEvent means everything to us at SinakoReading Club. It is proof that when we invest in agirl, we invest in the future of ourentire community. Reading opens doors to imagination and opportunity, butlife skills givegirls the toolstowalk through those doors with confidence,” shesaid.
Kolisile said many girls face pressures that affect their confidence, education and future prospects.
“Too many of our girls arefacing pressures thatforce them to grow up too fast. By combiningreading with mentorship, self-worthand practical life skills, we are telling them: yourvoice matters, youreducation matters, and your dreams are valid,”she said “This work is important because empowered girlsbecome leaders, mothers, teachers and changemakers. When agirl is educated and equipped, she doesn’t justlift herself, she lifts her family, her school and her community. That is the futureweare building together.”
The programme included motivational
talks, reading activities, games and dancing,while learners also received practical information about reporting gender-based violence, including updatedemergency contact numbersfor police services
Career guidance formed akey part of the event. Kolisile said the session, presented by Taffie fromthe Literacy Association of South Africa, focused on helping learners understand their strengths and interests before exploring career options.
The programme will continuewith atwoday workshop during the September school holidays.
Kolisile said Despatch Preparatory School
has beenalongstanding partner of the Sinako Reading Clubsince February 2022, providing books,stationery, desks, chairs, transport for holiday programmes and ongoing supportfor Mandela Dayinitiatives.
“Sinako doesn’t have funding, so DespatchPreparatoryislike our oxygen,” she said Theorganisers alsothankedNelson Mandela University,the SouthAfrican Police Service, the Departments of Social Development and Health, LoveLife Centre, Lukhanyo Community Clinicand theLiteracy Association of South Africafor supporting the initiative.
NovaNews:Oneyearofgrowth,recognitionandcommunityimpact
ONEyear ago, NovaNews.co.za launched with abold ambition: to transformdecades-old community print titlesinto a thriving,free, and fully connected digital news ecosystem.
Today,asthe platform celebrates its first anniversary, that ambition hasbeen thoroughly vindicated —byits audiences, its advertisers and the global journalism community.Toadd to the celebration, the site is boasting one million pageviews per month.
"One year ago, we made apromiseto South Africancommunities;free,connected, bilingual news, international, national and hyper-local stories that belongtoyou Today, with over amillionfollowers,an engagement rate of 98% and aWAN-IFRA SilverAward, with community voices united under one platform,wecan say–we kept it. NovaNews is growing; its providing community journalism, doneboldly anddoneright,withthe powertochange
lives andserve our democracy,"saidEsmé Smit, Executive ManagerofNovusMedia LaunchedinJuly 2025, following Novus Media's acquisition of 21 communitynewspaper titles fromMedia24 in November 2024, NovaNews wasbuilt from scratch as acomprehensive hyper-local digital news network. Its flagship umbrellasite, novanews.co.za, connects 21 individual community websites, replacing the traditional section-based publisher model with ageography-led navigationsystem built around amap-based content architecture —allowing users to move seamlesslyfrom international headlines to province-, town- andcommunity-level reporting within oneconnected ecosystem, entirely without apaywall.
"On any givenday, areader on NovaNews can go froma school sports result in Knysnatoa nationalelection story —all free, all in one place. That is what we built, andthat is why it works," said Bet-
tie Giliomee-Rossouw, NovaNews Head of Digital and EditorialCommissioning.
Ayear of firsts
Twelve months in, NovaNews has delivered aremarkable series of milestones. Theplatform became the go-to destination forthousands of South African families during matric results season, demonstrating its capacity to serve high-stakes national moments. TheSchools Zone and Schools Sports Zone —incorporating the beloved Schools That Rock brand —gave South African schools adedicated digital home. ACatalogues section opened anew commercial touchpoint for advertisers, and NovaNews beganearning programmaticadvertising revenue within its first year—clear proof of its commercial viability.
The Rugby Factory, its sports vodcast with KickOff Rugby Magazine, surpassed 10,000 subscribers in two months and has recorded episodes exceeding 54,000 views.
The platform's proudest milestone is its Silver Award at theWAN-IFRA 2026 African Digital Media Awards in theBest Emerging News Provider category —a global honour recognising credibility, originality and public value, awarded in theplatform's very first year.
"Nobody expected abrand-new platform to win aWAN-IFRA award in its first year. We did. But what matters more is that South African communities now have afree, connected digital home that belongs to them," said Giliomee-Rossouw. Serving abilingual audience across its websitenetwork, Facebook (1 million+ followers), WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and email newsletters, NovaNewsenters its second year with momentum, credibility and aclear mandate: to ensure no South African communityisleft without avoice.
UD Express is apublication of NovaNews.
From left areSergeantNwabisaMay (Despatch (SAPS),Nandi Kolisile (Director/organiserofLevelUpSkills event),Sergeant Thandiswa Ngapi (Despatch SAPS),Thembakazi Tola (DSD Uitenhage), LuthoBucwa (Ekuphumleni NPO,Joe Slovo) andLerishadeKock(Despatch Prep teacher) PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Woolly Drive. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
behindAbigail(10)
SHANTI JAFTA
THE Fuel on Wheels team will spend 12 hours on their bicycles this weekend as they rally the community to help raise fundsfor abattery-powered walking device for 10-year-old AbigailSmith from Despatch.
The “RidetoSupport Abigail” will take place on 11 July from 07:00 to 19:00 at the sports groundsinDespatch,where residents are invited to walk,run or cycle in supportofthe young girl, wholives with the rare neurological disorder Dystonia GNAO1.
Fuel on Wheelsfounder, Johan Oosthuizen, said the event is aboutmorethan cycling; it is about giving achildgreater independence while demonstratingthe power of community support.
“This is abig ridefor us, andweare grateful to be part of an initiative like this,” he said.“Abigailisa specialneeds girl who desperately needs awalking device to help her in her daily life. From the moment Imet her, although she is non-verbal, she stole my heart. It is our duty to help others.”
condition define whoshe is. Hersmile is contagious, her laughterfills everyroom, andshe hasa way of touching the hearts of everyoneshe meets,” she said AdrisaidAbigailenjoys spending time with her friends, swimming whenever she gets theopportunityand watching her favourite programmesonNetflixand YouTube.
Although she is unable to walk or speak, Abigaildreams of playing alongsideother children andsimply being included.
“Being wheelchair-bound means Abigailwatches so manyoflife’s little momentsfromthe sidelines,” Adrisaid.
“A walkingdevicewould give her so much morethanmobility. It would give her freedom, confidenceand the opportunitytoparticipate insteadofwatching from theside. To manypeople it’s just awalking frame,but to Abigailit’s the chance to experiencelifeina whole new way.”
As asingle mother, Adrisaid, caring for Abigailhas been both the greatest privilegeand thegreatest challenge of her life
WinterWoollyDrive reachesone-tonne milestone
THE Community Chest Winter Woolly Drive, powered by Kelston, has reached an exciting milestone,collecting itsfirst tonne of winter clothingand blankets justtwo monthsinto the campaign.
Theoverwhelming support from individuals, businessesand community organisations has enabled Community Chesttobegindistributing these much-needed winteressentials to its beneficiaries, ensuring that vulnerable individualsand families receive warmth during thecoldest monthsofthe year.
"We are truly overwhelmed by the generosity shown by our community,"said Colette Theron of CommunityChest.
"Reachingour first tonne of donations is an incredible achievement, but the need remains great. As winter reaches its peak, we encourage everyone to con-
tinue donating warm clothing, blankets, shoes and other winter essentials."
Donations can be dropped off at the following collection points: all Kelston Motor Group dealerships, Pick nPay stores,Walmer ParkShopping Centre, Baywest Mall, Boardwalk Mall and The BridgeShopping Centre.
Community Chest is also delighted to announce anew partnershipwith HowZat Locals at Baywest Mall. During the campaign, 5% of every bill at any of HowZat Locals' fourrestaurants will be donatedtoCommunity Chest, allowing diners to supportthe Winter Woolly Drive while enjoyingameal.
Every donation, no matter how big or small, helps bring warmth, dignity and hope tothose facing the harsh realities of winter.
Oosthuizen said the team hasorganised a12-hour ridearound the sports grounds, with families encouraged to take part by walking,running or cycling.
ThankstoJohnny Bicycles, bicycles will also be available to hire on theday, with all proceeds going towards Abigail’s fundraiser.
Throughout the event, Luister FM will broadcast livefromthe venue, while food stalls will offer avariety of refreshments.
Asteak braai will be heldat19:00 at acost of R150 persteak, with all funds raised also going towards helping Abigail.
Oosthuizen thanked the community, sponsors and supporters for continuing to back Fuel on Wheels’ charitable initiatives and making projects like this possible.
Abigail’smother,Adri Smith, described her daughter as acheerful anddetermined little girl.
“Abigail is the most incredible little girl, and Itruly believeshe is agiftfrom God. Despite everything she has been through, she wakes up every day with the biggest smile. Shedoesn’t let her
Four yearsago, Abigailsuffered a life-threateningdystonia storm and was airliftedtoRed CrossWar Memorial Children’s Hospital, where sheunderwent morethan10hours of life-saving brainsurgery
She nowlives with deep brainstimulation implants that helpprevent the severe dystonia episodescausedbyher condition.Within thenextyear, the battery powering thedevicewill need to be replacedatacostofbetween R180,000 andR200,000. The fundraiser will help coverthe cost for this as well.
Smith said meeting theFuel on Wheels team aboutsix monthsago throughAbigail’s teacher hadbrought renewed hope to thefamily. “Fromthe moment they came into ourlives, they reminded us that we arenot fightingthisbattle alone. Knowingthatcomplete strangers arewilling to helpmylittle girl has been overwhelming in themostbeautiful way,” shesaid.
“My greatest wishasher mother is not for an easy life,but for every opportunity to give her thehappiest andmostbeautifullifepossible.She deserves the chance to laugh,play, exploreand simply be a child.”
Selwyn Willis, CEO of Community Chest EC, with someofthe winter items received duringthe CommunityChest’sWinter
Dancefestivalmarks45thyear
THEmuch-anticipated Nelson Mandela Bay Dance Festival will dazzle audiencesatthe SavoyTheatre from 24 to 29 August 2026, and this year the love of dance will be matched by alove of animals as adjudicator and animalwelfare advocate, Brigitte Reeve-Taylor, brings the Dancers Love Dogs spirit to the festival.
Now in its45thyear since foundersJenniferAbrahamand HermioneBallinger, beganthe celebration, the festival returns as amajor highlight for dancers, teachersand audiences, which will be offering sixdaysof competition, amasterclassfor participating dancersand performancesthat showcase local talentand commitment to thearts
This year’s festival features 29 studios and807 registered dancers,producing arecord-breaking 1692 performancesacross genres and age groups; the eventculminates
in agala evening on Saturday29August that willpresent the festivalhighlights andthe awards presentation.
Adjudicator Brigitte Reeve-Taylorwill bring her international dance experience and beautiful heart, strengthening the connection between the dance community and animal welfare.
“NMBDF hasalways been about community,creativity and careand this year we’re proud to bring those values together by supportingthe AnimalAnti-Cruelty League in memory of Linda-Louise Swain,” says BrigitteReeve-Taylor.
Inhonour of the late Linda-Louise Swain, abelovedlocal theatrepersonality andanimal welfare volunteer whose tireless rescue effortsmade alasting impact in Nelson Mandela Bay, an Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL) donation station will be on site throughoutthe festival.
Allegra van Zyl (11)from Carmen’sSchool of Dance,with rescuedog Ellie-Mae. PHOTO: DIRK MOGGEE
