Sesona Ngqakamba
Johannesburg
As seen in:
Channel24,
News24,
News24 Business,
AllAfrica,
Mail & Guardian,
Netwerk24,
Daily Sun (South Africa),
Beeld,
Power FM (Gauteng, South Africa),
Sedibeng Ster
and
Covers:
Education, crime, courts
Doesn't Cover:
Finance
@StandardBankZA External Communication | EC native | Xhosa & Proudly 🇿🇦
Articles by Sesona Ngqakamba
Former Roads MEC Butana Komphela sentenced for culpable homicide following fatal crash
Butana Komphela has been sentenced to three years in prison for culpable homicide. Kopano Tlape, Gallo Images, Rapport Former Free State Roads and Transport MEC Butana Komphela tried to blame another motorist for a 2019 road accident. The court found his version of events wasn't possible due to the evidence provided by the State. Kompela's culpable homicide sentence has been suspended for five years.
Mpumalanga private school owner allegedly hit pupil then cut her skirt with a knife
0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article Cefups Academy. (Photo: Adele du Toit) An 18-year-old pupil from a Mpumalanga private school has landed up at a mental health facility after allegedly being assaulted by the owner of the school who also allegedly cut her skirt with a knife. The Grade 11 pupil was taken to hospital for her injuries but later taken to a mental health facility after the incident gave her nightmares as well as leaving her traumatised.
Mpumalanga man sentenced to life for setting house ablaze that killed girlfriend
A man has been sentenced to prison. File/News24 A Mpumalanga man has been slapped with a life sentence for starting a house fire that killed his girlfriend and injured their daughter. Morgan Mashiya set the house on fire then locked himself, his girlfriend and child inside it. His badly injured girlfriend died three days later. A 30-year-old Mpumalanga man who set a house on fire and locked the doors that resulted in the death of his girlfriend has been sentenced to life imprisonment.
Restraint order against Gupta-owned company extended until 2022
Iqbal Sharma. PHOTO: Mlungusi Louw/Gallo Images, Volksblad The restraint order was extended on agreement between the parties. In August, the directors of a Gupta-owned company lost their bid to oppose a restraint order without the approval of the business rescue practitioners. Islandsite Investments, which went into business rescue, has a provisional restraint order against it.
Pretoria schoolgirls kidnapped, drugged and forced to steal devices from their homes
Police are investigating the abduction of two Pretoria girls who were allegedly drugged and forced to steal devices from their homes. Getty Images The two girls were walking to a local clinic on Tuesday when two unknown men pounced on them. The men drugged the girls and drove them to their homes to steal devices. According to the Gauteng education department, the girls managed to escape in a disorientated state.
Student bodies up in arms over new pass rate, accommodation fees proposed by NSFAS
NSFAS recipients will need 75% to pass their modules to continue being funded. According to Wits SRC president Cebolenkosi Khumalo, the increased pass rate is not taking into account the backgrounds some students come from. The SA Union of Students and various SRCs say they will never agree to policies that do not advance poor students. The Student Representative Council at Wits has come out guns blazing against multiple guidelines proposed by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
DBE recruits 280 000 people as education assistants at schools
File image (Picture: iStock) The Department of Basic Education received more than six million applications. The department called on people suspecting foul play in the appointments to report it. Recruited candidates will also undergo training programmes during their time at schools. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) says it has noted concerns around the nature of appointments for some of the 280 000 education assistants recruited at schools across the country.
State Capture Inquiry findings must be on Ramaphosa's desk on 1 January 2022 - report
Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. Veli Nhlapo, Gallo Images D-Day for acting Chief Justice Raymond Zondo to submit his State Capture Inquiry report has been gazetted. Zondo reportedly wants his team to have completed most of their work by 20 December. The commission has been granted five extensions since its inception in 2018. Acting Chief Justice Raymond Zondo reportedly has until 1 January 2022 to submit his State Capture Inquiry report findings and recommendations to President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Private school's deputy head told to 'step aside' amid allegations of sexual assault
St John’s College in Johannesburg. An investigation has revealed a former St John's College teacher allegedly sexually assaulted his former pupils. The man is now employed in a senior position at another private school in Johannesburg. His lawyer says he's a highly respected teacher and has no idea about the investigation or allegations levelled against him.
NPA closes case as woman accused of killing and dismembering husband dies in hospital
Nancy Majonhi's case was closed in the Mogwase Magistrate's Court in North West on Tuesday after the NPA got confirmation that she died. Ntwaagae Seleka, News24 Nancy Majonhi was expected to appear in court on Tuesday. The Zimbabwean woman allegedly murdered her husband in 2015 in the North West, but only confessed to it in January this year. The case was officially closed after she died in hospital.
VBS Mutual Bank looting: North West basic education dept administrator among three people arrested
The Hawks arrested three more suspects in connection with the looting of VBS Mutual Bank. Felix Dlangamandla/Gallo Images The Hawks have arrested three more people in connection with VBS Mutual Bank looting allegations. A former municipal manager is among the three. The former municipal manager is now an administrator at the Department of Basic Education but he will be removed.
JUST IN | VBS Mutual Bank looting: Hawks arrest 3 more suspects
The Hawks arrested three more suspects in connection with the looting of VBS Mutual Bank. PHOTO: Felix Dlangamandla/Gallo Images The Hawks have arrested three more suspects in connection with the looting of VBS Mutual Bank. The three suspects – a 57-year-old former municipal manager of the Fetakgomo-Greater Tubatse Local Municipality in Limpopo, a 39-year-old former chief financial officer, and a 41-year-old business owner – were arrested at their homes in Pretoria on Tuesday, the Hawks said.
Water cuts: Rand Water says it is on schedule and will finish maintenance on time
The maintenance work being done by Rand Water will come in handy in the future, it says. Areas in Roodepoort, Randburg, Langlaagte, and Soweto are among those that are affected by the 54-hour reduced water supply. Rand Water says while taps should not run dry during the process, in some instances, some homes will experience this. Bulk water supplier, Rand Water, says it is on schedule with its maintenance, that has seen parts of Gauteng with reduced water supply.
As Joburg, eThekwini and Gqeberha face cuts, govt assures that SA is not in a water crisis
Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, says there is no water crisis in South Africa, but calls on people to use water sparingly. Dylan Bush Johannesburg, eThekwini, and Gqeberha are experiencing water supply restrictions. Rand Water scheduled a reduced water supply from Monday to Wednesday. Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu says there is a far greater demand for water than the government can supply.
54-hour Joburg water cuts: High Court closes, contingency plans for health facilities, schools
Rand Water announced planned water interruptions in Joburg starting on Monday. iStock Rand Water has scheduled a shutdown of water pipes supplying parts of Gauteng from Monday to Wednesday. Cases in the Gauteng High Court have been rolled over to Thursday as a result of the scheduled shutdown. No problems have been reported in schools, according to Gauteng education department spokesperson Steve Mabona.
'We fear for our own lives' - family of fitness coach killed during virtual training session want answers
2h ago Sesona Ngqakamba Share Share your Subscriber Article You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Enter recipient email address 0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article Lawrence Masinge was shot dead on Wednesday. Twitter/@gugumjadu "He loved God and was a man of many talents, a fitness fanatic at heart." This is how the heartbroken family of a murdered Gauteng fitness coach described him.
Helper, child, 6, among five people who perished in Pretoria West house fire
A house fire in Pretoria West left five people, including a six-year-old, dead on Wednesday. (Sesona Ngqakamba/News24) A helper died during the blaze that killed five people in Pretoria West on Friday. The house owner managed to escape along with her three-year-old child. The families of both the helper and homeowner are devastated by the loss.
North West man on trial for abducting, murdering ex-girlfriend's daughter abandons bail bid
Charles O'Rear, Getty Images The man appeared in the Potchefstroom Magistrate's Court and abandoned his bail bid. He is accused of kidnapping and killing his ex-girlfriend's daughter. Investigations have revealed that the girl may have been strangled, and rape has not been ruled out. A North West man arrested for allegedly kidnapping and killing the 10-year-old daughter of his ex-girlfriend has abandoned his attempt to get bail.
Mthokozisi Ntumba murder: Trial to start in January, cops intend to plead not guilty
The four officers accused of the murder of Mthokizisi Ntumba appear in court. (Photo: Papi Morake/Gallo Images) The four police officers accused of murdering Mthokozisi Ntumba intend not plead not guilty when the trial starts in January 2022. Ntumba had just left a consultation with his doctor at a nearby medical centre in March this year when he was shot, allegedly by the police who were trying to disperse protesting students. The trial is expected to last for 30 days.
Education dept requested meeting with Eskom amid load shedding, committee hears
Basic education department director-general Mathanzima Mweli. Picture: Lucky Nxumalo The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education says the continuous blackouts amid exams are concerning. The Department of Basic Education is expected to brief the committee after its meeting with Eskom. The department says load shedding is not affecting the matric exams because natural light is available when pupils write their papers.
Two suspects arrested after SUV found stripped in Gauteng
Suspects who were arrested in Zakariyya Park, northeast of Elandsfontein in Gauteng after being found with a stripped SUV, will remain in custody. (Vehicle Trackers via Twitter) The suspects fled the scene after they were caught red-handed. The vehicle was reported stolen. It was found stripped of parts. Two suspects aged 36 who were arrested in the past weekend in Zakariyya Park, northeast of Elandsfontein in Gauteng after being found with a stripped SUV, will remain in custody.
'I used my cellphone's torch' to study - load shedding impacts matrics in the heart of their finals
The Department of Basic Education says load shedding is not affecting the matric exams because natural light is available when they write their papers. But a matric pupil says studying is a challenge and that she is forced to use candles and rechargeable lights. Meanwhile, teachers' union, Naptosa, has advised pupils to leave home early to avoid delays on the road caused by load shedding.
Fatal school stabbing: Boys accused of killing fellow Free State pupil seek legal assistance
A Grade 5 pupil has been killed. Getty Images The case against two boys, aged 11 and 13, who were arrested in the Free State after a 13-year-old boy was stabbed to death, has been postponed to Thursday for them to get Legal Aid assistance. The two boys were arrested on Friday after Hertzogville police received complaints of a fight happening at Kegomoditswe Primary School.
Mystery surrounds deaths of 3 children who died after eating noodles
Three children aged 4 months to 11 years have died after experiencing stomach cramps. The children were transported to medical facilities after eating noodles. Post-mortems will be conducted to establish the exact cause of death. What led to the deaths of three Gqeberha children, who died after eating noodles, is still a mystery. But the family said the noodles had not expired.
JUST IN | Two gunmen on the loose after killing 4, wounding 5 in Gqeberha
Four people have been shot dead in Gqeberha. (Photo by Alet Pretorius/Gallo Images via Getty Images) National police commissioner General Khehla Sitole instructed Eastern Cape police to launch a 72-hour activation plan to track down two men who shot dead four people in Gqeberha on Wednesday night. Five others were wounded.
Scam alert! Agriculture dept warns farmers of Covid-19 SMS scam
The government has warned of a Covid-19 scam. File Farmers are receiving SMSes giving them banking details to deposit money, claiming their applications for a relief grant can be fast-tracked. The department of Agriculture says government would never ask money from applicants. It added that farmers who applied have in fact been receiving their outcomes via text messages.
Probe under way after allegation that ballot boxes from Mpumalanga voting stations transported together
A probe is under way after several Mpumalanga voting stations' ballot boxes were transported together. The ballot boxes were allegedly transported in one taxi, with some boxes showing signs of having been tampered with. The taxi driver was also allegedly wearing an ANC shirt. Mpumalanga police are investigating a case in which election ballot boxes from different voting stations were transported by a taxi in the Ehlanzeni district.
Nearly 200 seals buried in a day in Western Cape, but avian influenza not suspected
The Western Cape government says that dead seals are dying of malnutrition and that their deaths are not linked to avian influenza, which can affect other species. (File image: Getty Images) The Western Cape provincial department of environmental affairs says it is investigating the issue of dying seals on the coast. Meanwhile at least 16 514 wild birds have also been reported dead in the province. Last year 5 000 seals were found dead in Namibia.
Harmony Gold worker killed in mine near Soweto
A mineworker has been killed. File/stock A Harmony Gold mine employee was killed on Sunday afternoon following a shaft-related incident at its Doornkop mine near Soweto. Harmony Gold CEO Peter Steenkamp, in a statement, said the company was deeply concerned about the incident and would continue reinforcing its "proactive safety culture".
'We tried doing country duty' - voters in Centurion frustrated by long queues
Residents in Centurion were still waiting to vote just before 22:00 on Monday. Voters expressed their frustration at the slow service at a polling station. A resident had to barge inside a tent looking for a presiding officer to update them on what was causing the delay. Some disheartened would-be voters at a voting station in Centurion had to return home without casting their votes on Monday. A voting tent at the corner of Rooihuiskraal and Rietspruit roads had snaking long queues way past 21:30.
7 killed in horror head-on collision in Limpopo
Seven have died in an accident. iStock Seven people were killed in a head-on collision outside Mokopane in Limpopo on Monday. According to the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety, a VW kombi and a Hyundai collided on the N1 south near Oorlogfontein. The department said one of the drivers was suspected to have lost control of the vehicle and drove into oncoming traffic, crashing into the other. Six passengers were in the Hyundai sedan vehicle while the Kombi driver was alone.
Northern Cape first-time voter says registration blunders barred him from voting
A Northern Cape man says he was initially told he was registered and should wait for an SMS confirming that, but he never got it. He was looking forward to voting for the first time at 29 after previously being complacent. 99% of the 23 148 voting stations opened on time on Monday and some people were turned back because they were not on the roll.
IEC national results centre in Tshwane evacuated after power cut | News24
IEC voting station. (Duncan Alfreds, News24, file) People were evacuated from the national Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) Results Operations Centre in Tshwane on Saturday evening after a circuit breaker tripped. Tshwane Emergency Services spokesperson Thabo Charles Mabaso said a circuit breaker burnt, but there was no fire at the centre. When News24 contacted IEC spokesperson Kate Bapela, she was still awaiting a report from the centre's security personnel.
4 people killed, 2 police officers injured in accident in Western Cape
Four people have been killed and two police officers injured in accident in Western Cape. (iStock) Four adults were killed in a crash involving a police vehicle in Hermanus, Western Cape, on Saturday morning. According to police, the accident happened at about 03:20 on the corner of the R43 and R320 roads. Two males and two females succumbed to their injuries, and two police officers were injured. A case of culpable homicide is being investigated, said police spokesperson Wesley Twigg.
City Power warns about illegal electricity connections after 2 children trip on live wire and die
On Thursday City Power cut off illegal electrical power lines valued at half a million at Slovo informal settlement Chanté Schatz The children reportedly tripped on an exposed live electricity wire in the Mangolongolo informal settlement. According to City Power, the informal settlement is a hot spot for illegal electricity connection.
'They felt the full impact of apartheid' - Desmond Tutu, wife cast special vote from home in Cape Town | News24
IEC officials visited Desmond Tutu and his wife, Leah, at their home on Saturday morning. The two registered for special votes, which opened in the morning. Municipal elections are scheduled for Monday, 1 November 2021. Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and his wife, Leah, are among the thousands who cast their special vote for the municipal elections on Saturday. The Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) opened for special votes on Saturday morning.
Bakkie carrying passengers from funeral in Gauteng overturns, 13 injured
Thirteen people were injured, and two airlifted after a bakkie overturned on its way from a funeral in Fochville on Saturday afternoon.(SUPPLIED by ER24) SUPPLIED Thirteen people, including teenagers, were injured after being thrown off a bakkie which overturned in Kokozi, Fochville, in Gauteng on Saturday. The group were travelling from a funeral when the vehicle they were in overturned. According to ER24 spokesperson Werner Vermaak, some passengers were airlifted to the hospital.
Kingswood College teacher assistant alleged to have abused pupils | News24
0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article Getty Images A teacher assistant at another prestigious Eastern Cape school has been accused of abusing pupils. Kingswood College in Makhanda placed Mokgatle Lebogang Thulare on precautionary suspension after a pupil reported that he was abused by him on 12 October. According to the school's acting head, Tracy van Molendorff, Thulare's disciplinary hearing took place on 26 October, but he failed to show.
EXCLUSIVE | ‘My son died so a system could be exposed’- Father of boy, who hanged himself at SAC
The death of Thomas Kruger, 16, a Grade 10 pupil at St Andrew's College remains a mystery. (Supplied) My Only Story Season 2: Back to School is a podcast series and live investigation. It is written and edited by Deon Wiggett and co-produced by NPC My Only Story and News24. This podcast discusses suicide and suicidal ideation, and some people might find it troubling. If anything comes up for you while listening to this episode, please talk to someone.
Softball coach found dead a day after handing himself over to police for raping teens in 2016
0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article Two women have accused a coach of rape. Getty Images A softball coach was found dead at work a day after handing himself over to police in Johannesburg for charges relating to the alleged rape of minors in 2016. Two complainants who laid a charge against the man and wanted to face him in court, have been left devastated, saying justice would not prevail now that he was dead. News24 understands the man committed suicide.
St Andrew's College sets date, terms of reference for review of complaints against ex-water polo coach
St Andrew's College says a report from the review board will be presented to council in January. The process will run for two weeks, from 8 November. Current and former pupils, parents and staff members will be allowed to make presentations; no anonymous complaints will be accepted. St Andrew's College (SAC) in Makhanda has finalised its terms of reference for the review board which will investigate allegations against its former water polo coach David Mackenzie.
AbaThembu king thanks Malema for 'brand new car', throws weight behind EFF for upcoming elections
King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo with Julius Malema at Mandela Park in Mthatha. (Photo via Economic Freedom Fighters, @EFFSouthAfrica) AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo addressed EFF supporters at a rally in Mandela Park, Mthatha. He told them EFF leader Julius Malema would be buying him a brand new car. He urged the people to vote for the EFF in the upcoming municipal elections. AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo has thanked EFF leader Julius Malema for saying he will buy him a brand new car.
EXCLUSIVE | Another water polo coach suspended at top school amid News24/My Only Story investigation
1h ago Sesona Ngqakamba Share Share your Subscriber Article You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Enter recipient email address 0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article Mark Evans. Facebook/Mark Evans My Only Story Season 2: Back to School is a podcast series and live investigation. It is written and edited by Deon Wiggett and co-produced by NPC My Only Story and News24.
Former SA champion swimmer alleges he was sexually abused by Australian coach – report | News24
Australian swimming coach John Wright is alleged to have sexually abused Anthony Rocchi for a period of six months in 1998. Rocchi opened up about his experience after reading ABC News' exposé about Wright's history of alleged sex abuse. Australian swimmer Shane Lewis, who died in February, is among those who alleged that he was sexually abused by Wright.
'Interesting event in my room with Std 7 boy': Ex-Grey High School water polo coach's disturbing texts
36m ago Sesona Ngqakamba Share Share your Subscriber Article You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Enter recipient email address Dean Carelse.
All systems go for 2021 matric finals, but 2020 question paper leak report still outstanding
Quality assurance council Umalusi has issued a stern warning to pupils and teachers to refrain from cheating in the matric finals or leaking question papers. Umalusi focused on eight areas for quality assurance ahead of the exams later this month. The Department of Basic Education has put measures in place for the release and collection of question papers after leaks last year.
Case against ex-Gymnastics SA coach arrested for alleged sexual assault not enrolled in court
The complainant against a gymnastics coach was present when he was arrested last week. Women and Men Against Child Abuse says it received other complaints against the coach. Gymnastics SA says it has barred the coach from registering with it until his criminal case ends. A former SA Gymnastics Federation (SAGF) coach was arrested last week for alleged sexual assault.
EXCLUSIVE | Inside embattled water polo coach David Mackenzie's iPhone messages to schoolboys, colleagues
14 Oct Sesona Ngqakamba, Marvin Charles and Lisalee Solomons Share Share your Subscriber Article You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Enter recipient email address David Mackenzie. Supplied My Only Story Season 2: Back to School is a podcast series and live investigation. It is written and edited by Deon Wiggett and is a co-production of NPC My Only Story and News24.
Retired judge to lead review of evidence against embattled ex-St Andrew's College water polo coach
David Mackenzie was employed at St Andrew's College (SAC) before abruptly resigning after he was found to have signed out two boys from the sanatorium against policy. He was dismissed last week by Reddam House Bedfordview for gross dishonesty and misrepresentation. SAC says it will conduct a review and has secured a retired judge to chair the process. Former and current pupils, parents and staff members will be welcome to make submissions during the review process.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Sesona
Contact Sesona, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack