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Articles by Shanti Jafta
King Phalo Airport still operating amid bomb threat
KUGOMPO CITY – The King Phalo Airport is still operational with flights scheduled for today still going on as planned, as the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape confirmed that an aircraft has landed at the airport following a reported bomb threat. SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed that a call was received from an unknown caller using a private number, alleging the presence of a bomb on the aircraft.
Residents left struggling to reach SAPS Kariega as contact numbers fail
KARIEGA – Kariega residents face difficulties reaching police for emergency assistance, with multiple contact numbers for the local SAPS station either diverting to voicemail or connecting callers to other stations, while the 10111 emergency line in Gqeberha remains affected by technical problems. According to SAPS spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge, the 10111 call centre has experienced technical difficulties with its telephone system since the evening of Monday, 19 October.
State disputes Hawks officer Busakwe’s claim of having one cellphone
GQEBERHA – Xolani Busakwe, a police officer attached to the Directorate of Priority Crimes Investigation (DPCI), appeared at the Gqeberha Regional Court on Monday, 19 October for the continuation of his bail application, where the State disputed his claim that he had only one cellphone with two SIM cards. The State alleges that each SIM card was registered on two different International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, indicating that two different handsets were used.
Hawks officer Busakwe’s bail hearing postponed in Gqeberha court
GQEBERHA – The matter of the police officer attached to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI), also known as the Hawks, appeared before the Gqeberha Regional Court with a smile on his face, seemingly after seeing familiar faces among people in court.
Brother allegedly implicated police officer in kidnapping syndicate
GQEBERHA – The police officer attached to the Digital Forensic Investigations (DFI) unit of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI), also known as the Hawks, appeared at the Gqeberha Regional Court on Thursday, October 15, for the continuation of his bail application. It emerged in court that Xolani Busakwe was allegedly implicated by his brother, Ayabulela Busakwe, in a kidnapping.
Surprise seventh suspect joins Hawks official’s bail application
GQEBERHA – In a surprise twist in what was supposed to be the formal bail application of a police official linked to several serious organised crimes, he was briefly joined on the dock by a seventh suspect in the matter in the Gqeberha Regional Court yesterday, 14 October. Unathi Mayi from Maletswai was arrested on 23 July 2025 for robbery of a vehicle, the same day the vehicle was stolen.
Hawks arrest suspect after police sergeant is stabbed to death
KUGOMPO CITY – The Hawks have arrested a 30-year-old man in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 48-year-old police sergeant in Duncan Village, KuGompo City, on Sunday, 11 October. The officer was allegedly stabbed at a residential property in Gardenia Street at about 16:30.
Grey College celebrating excellence at annual Prize‑Giving
Bloemfontein – Grey College’s annual Prize‑Giving Ceremony proudly recognised outstanding learners whose achievements in academics, sport, culture and leadership embody the highest traditions of excellence. Raphael Kambanis was honoured for his exemplary sportsmanship, reflecting integrity, respect and dedication on and off the field.
Bail for police officer linked to Gqeberha organised crimes postponed
GQEBERHA – The accused linked to a series of serious organised crimes in the Gqeberha region briefly appeared in the Gqeberha Regional Court for his formal bail application, which was postponed until Wednesday. Xolani Busakwe (42) is a serving police officer attached to the DPCI Cyber Crimes component at SAPS Head Office in Pretoria and is accused of alleged kidnappings, ransom demands, extortion, robbery with aggravating circumstances and suspected organised criminal activity.
Hawks arrest kidnapping suspect in Bizana
EASTERN CAPE — A 36-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with a kidnapping in Bizana, Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana confirmed. The arrest followed a crime intelligence-led operation on Friday, 9 October 2026, conducted by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit in collaboration with Crime Intelligence and Mbizana Visible Policing. The incident occurred on 25 September 2026, when a young man was allegedly kidnapped following a dispute over money.
Local woman turns matric dance dreams into reality for nine learners
HANKEY,Eastern Cape – For one young boy from Hankey, the thought of missing his matric dance because his family could not afford a suit was something he had already accepted. He had achieved excellent results but knew there was little his family could do to help him attend the milestone event. The boy told Ziyanda “Lady Zee” Kilimani, founder of A Dream Come True MD by Lady Zee, that he knew his mother, had she still been alive, would have found a way to make sure he attended.
NPA opposes bail for attorney in multi-million RAF fraud case
KUGOMPO CITY – A KuGompo City-based attorney is facing fraud charges after allegedly submitting false Road Accident Fund (RAF) claims valued at approximately R5.2 million, with the National Prosecuting Authority confirming it will oppose her bid for bail. According to NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali, Muleya, a Zimbabwean national, briefly appeared in the KuGompo Magistrates’ Court, and the matter was postponed to Friday, 9 October for a formal bail application, which the State intends to oppose.
Gqeberha fugitive insists he’ll represent himself in 18-count case
GQEBERHA – Accused Donovan “Poenie” Williams (48), one of Gqeberha’s most wanted fugitives, still intends to represent himself despite having no formal legal background, as he and co-accused Irvincia Basson (42) briefly appeared before the Gqeberha Regional Court today, 30 September, facing 18 counts of serious offences. The presiding magistrate reminded Williams again of the danger of representing himself without any formal legal background.
WATCH | Hawks seek armed cash-in-transit heist suspects
GQEBERHA – A cash-in-transit heist took place yesterday at a KwaDwesi shopping centre in front of a police station. According to the SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, the matter falls within the jurisdiction of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks. The Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, confirmed the incident.
Prosecutor murder case becomes kidnapping and extortion trial
GQEBERHA – What was supposed to be the murder case of slain Nelson Mandela Bay State prosecutor Tracy Brown on 31 July turned into a case of kidnapping, extortion and other serious organised crime at the Gqeberha Regional Court today, 28 September. The matter began with two suspects arrested for the murder of Brown, namely Simthembile Xungu and Ayabulela Busakwe, before more suspects were arrested and added to the list of suspects.
Annual women’s race draws thousands as anti-GBV wave rises
GQEBERHA – Gender-based violence and inclement weather stood no chance against the magenta wave that swept over the Gqeberha beachfront on Saturday. Despite the morning rain, there was no stopping the 6,000 participants from enjoying the 33rd SPAR Women’s Challenge with friends and family. This year’s edition took on special significance amid the recent series of murders in Gauteng, where the body of a 10th woman was discovered at the weekend.
Kidnapping | Criminals target predictable routines, not just wealth
JOHANNESBURG – Entrepreneurs and professionals should rethink the assumption that kidnapping is primarily a threat to wealthy executives and high-profile individuals, as criminals may exploit something far more common: predictable routines, access to mobile banking, vehicles and knowledge of where a person lives and works. “You don’t necessarily have to be a millionaire.
Police officer appears with co-accused in kidnapping case
GQEBERHA – The newly added police officer accused in the kidnapping and extortion case appeared alongside his co-accused in the Gqeberha Regional Court on Friday, 25 September. Xolani Busakwe, a 42-year-old Warrant Officer attached to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s (DPCI) Cyber Crimes component at SAPS Head Office in Pretoria, is facing charges relating to alleged kidnapping, extortion and other serious organised crimes.
Police officer arrested for serious organised crimes in Gqeberha
GQEBERHA – A police constable, Warrant Officer Xolani Busakwe, appeared before the Gqeberha New Law Court on Wednesday, 23 September, facing charges relating to a series of serious organised crimes, including alleged kidnappings and extortion.
Lillian Diedericks building evacuated after fire
GQEBERHA – A fire broke out on the 17th floor of the Lillian Diedericks building, located in Govan Mbeki, Gqeberha, this morning, Wednesday, 23 September. According to Sithembiso Soyaya, the spokesperson for Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, the municipal fire and rescue services were on site, and all staff were safely evacuated from the building. “No injuries have been reported, and the building will remain closed,” he said.
Police appeal for information after double murder, assault in Coega
EASTERN CAPE – Police are appealing for information after two men were found dead and a third seriously injured following an assault near the R334 in the Coega area, Eastern Cape, on Saturday 19 September. SAPS Eastern Cape said in a statement that police received a complaint at approximately 10:23 regarding a murder next to the R334 in Coega. On responding to the scene, officers found three male victims with serious assault-related injuries.
KwaNobuhle actor cast on national soapie
KARIEGA – A young woman from KwaNobuhle, in Kariega is set to grace the screens of one of South Africa’s longest-running soapies, proving once again that talent from this Kariega township can reach the biggest stages. Hlumela Tini (25), a rising star in television and theatre, has landed a role on Generations: The Legacy, where she will play the stepdaughter of a well-known hip-hop artist.
Learner fatally stabbed as minor suspect appears before court
QONCE – A Grade 8 learner died after a stabbing at a high school in Dimbaza, just outside Qonce, at about 12:00 on Tuesday, 15 September, and police have since opened a murder docket. SAPS spokesperson Captain Mluleki Mbi said that according to the report, it is alleged that the deceased was sitting in his classroom when the suspect, also a 16-year-old Grade 10 learner, came to the window with his friends and started mocking him.
WATCH | Ward councillor murder accused smirks in court
GQEBERHA – The two murder accused of ANC Ward 27 councillor Sicelo Mleve briefly appeared before the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 15 September, facing charges of murder, robbery, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, with possible charges to be added at a later stage. Lufunolwethu Nyodi (20) and his co-accused Ahlumile Stofile (21) entered the court dock with smirks on their faces, without a worried look, as they face serious charges.
Former Kariega learner donates to alma mater
KARIEGA – Muir College Boys’ High School has received sponsorship and donations valued at approximately R142,000 during 2026 from former learner and Kariega attorney Claude Smith. Smith, the owner of Claude Smith Attorneys, has contributed towards sporting equipment, team kits and clothing, as well as items for school committees, staff and learner activities.
Family secures halt to reopened Biko inquest
GQEBERHA – The 49th anniversary of Steve Biko’s death will be marked tomorrow, 12 September, with his family having secured a temporary halt to proceedings in the reopened inquest into his death. The High Court in Gqeberha has ordered that further proceedings in the inquest be stayed pending the final determination of the family’s review application.
Grey College Honours Matriculant of the Year
Grey College, Bloemfontein, proudly announces its finalists in the prestigious Matriculant of the Year Competition, an annual tradition that honors outstanding Grade 12 learners who embody the school’s values of scholarship, leadership, and community service. The competition attracted exceptional candidates, each demonstrating remarkable dedication to academics, cultural involvement, and social responsibility.
Jeffreys Bay man dies in suspected abalone poaching incident
JEFFREYS BAY – A 22-year-old man has drowned at Wallskipper Beach in Aston Bay, Jeffreys Bay, with police opening an inquest after it was suspected that the deceased drowned while allegedly poaching abalone. According to police spokesperson Captain Marius McCarthy, it is alleged that on 9 September, a private security guard was on patrol when he found the lifeless body of an unknown man on the beach, who was later positively identified as Inga Bakupeni (22).
Three firearms, drugs confiscated in Helenvale operation
GQEBERHA – A multidisciplinary police and military team conducted an intelligence-driven operation in Helenvale on Wednesday, 9 September, targeting suspected criminal activity in the area. The operation involved members of the Anti-Gang Unit, AGU Detectives, SANDF/South African Air Force, Gelvandale SAPS, Gelvandale Tracing Team, Gelvandale Crime Prevention Unit and the SAPS K9 Unit.
Police seek missing mentally challenged Kariega man (20)
KARIEGA – SAPS Kariega detectives are appealing to the public for assistance in locating 20-year-old Oyintando Gqabi, a mentally challenged man who was reported missing on Monday, 7 September. According to SAPS spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, it is alleged that on Saturday, 5 September, at approximately 11:20, Gqabi left KwaNobuhle by taxi, travelling to Kariega town. “He arrived in town and was last seen in Caledon Street, Kariega,” she said.
Gino Fabbri 2.0 hits the Heritage trail to share the love
Eastern Cape performer Gino Fabbri is setting off on a Heritage Month tour that serves the dual purpose of promoting unity and confirming his metamorphosis as an entertainer. In the coming weeks, Fabbri will be travelling across the Sunshine Coast, Karoo and Garden Route to stage a series of pop-up concerts at SPAR supermarkets in these areas. For the 56-year-old, the undertaking is as much personal as it is about spreading joy and ubuntu among Eastern and Southern Cape communities.
Suspect arrested following murder of 88-year-old woman
KUGOMPO CITY – An 88-year-old woman’s life was cut short in an alleged violent attack in Tsholomnqa on Sunday morning, with police arresting a suspect hours after the incident. The elderly woman was found deceased at Phozi Location in Tsholomnqa, outside KuGompo City in the Eastern Cape, at about 08:40 on 6 September. Her death sparked an immediate police investigation, with officers working alongside community members to track down the person allegedly responsible.
Gqeberha Flying Squad vehicle crisis sparks Parliament’s concern
GQEBERHA – The Gqeberha Flying Squad’s ongoing vehicle shortage has come under renewed scrutiny after Parliament condemned reports that officers who used their own vehicles to respond to crimes could face an internal investigation.
Georgiou mother and son in Kariega bail hearing today on theft, property damage charges
Two members of the once-powerful Georgiou family will be appearing in the Kariega Magistrate’s Court today on charges of malicious damage to property and theft of a motor vehicle. Yvette Georgiou (54) and her son George (27), were arrested in Kariega and brought before the court on Thursday, 27 August 2026. Police spokesperson Captain André Beetge confirmed the arrests and said the pair was remanded in custody pending a formal bail application scheduled for today (Monday).
Electricity tariff credits on the cards for Nelson Mandela Bay customers
GQEBERHA – Nelson Mandela Bay electricity customers affected by a change in how their electricity was charged could receive credits or adjustments after the municipality applied to restore its previous tariff system. The municipality announced on Thursday, 27 August, that it had applied to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) for approval of the changes.
Muir College celebrates another academic honours blazer
KARIEGA – Muir College Boys’ High School is celebrating another outstanding academic achievement after Grade 12 learner Kyle Hennings earned an aggregate of 87%, securing the prestigious white Honours Blazer for academics. Hennings was awarded the Honours Blazer at this year’s Muir College Founders’ Day celebrations, where the achievement was met with a standing ovation from the school community as he was presented with the blazer.
Police seize R11m narcotics haul in Riviersonderend traffic stop
RIVIERSONDEREND – A routine police stop-and-search operation on the N2 highway yielded a massive R11-million drug bust late Tuesday evening (25 August). Officers were conducting vehicle checks near Riviersonderend at approximately 22:35 when they pulled over a black Nissan Tida. Upon inspecting the vehicle’s boot, police discovered a substantial haul of illicit narcotics.
Drug, firearm suspect arrested during Kariega police raid
KARIEGA – SAPS Nelson Mandela Bay District Crime Combating Unit arrested a 33 year old man on 23 August at about 15:30 in Kariega. According to SAPS spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge, this follows after the unit members were following up on information that drugs are sold at a house in Stow Road, Central, Kariega. “On their arrival the suspect attempted to hide his contraband, but after the members made a speedy entrance through the roof, a search was conducted of the premises,” he said.
Three arrested in alleged controlled medication syndicate bust
GQEBERHA – Three men have appeared in court following a coordinated Hawks and Anti-Gang Unit operation targeting the alleged illegal dealing of scheduled pharmaceutical substances, drugs and cannabis in Gqeberha and Kariega.
Port Alfred seniors warned of scams targeting their life savings
PORT ALFRED – More than 70 senior citizens gathered in Port Alfred on 19 August for a fraud awareness campaign aimed at protecting elderly residents from a reported rise in sophisticated imposter scams targeting their life savings.
20-year-old arrested for Algoa Park pavement shooting
GQEBERHA – A 20-year-old suspect has been arrested in Algoa Park in connection with a murder, marking a breakthrough for the Nelson Mandela Bay District Detective Intervention Task Team in its investigation. According to SAPS spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, the NMB Detective Intervention Task Team arrested the suspect on Monday, 17 August, in Algoa Park.
Nqweba holding cells still condemned after eight years
NQWEBA – The holding cells at Nqweba Police Station, formerly known as Kirkwood Police Station, have been condemned since 2018 and remain out of operation, with no firm timeline yet provided for their restoration. The South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson, Captain Marius McCarthy, confirmed that the holding cells were condemned by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) in 2018.
Police officer abducted during armed guest house robbery
GQEBERHA – An off-duty police constable was abducted and robbed after three armed suspects allegedly stormed a guesthouse on Buckingham Road, Mount Croix, Gqeberha, late on Monday night. The incident occurred at about 23:30 on 17 August, with Fidelity ADT reporting that its armed response officer later found the police officer on Mount Road shortly before 01:00.
WATCH | Convicted child murderer sentenced to two life sentences, three years
GQEBERHA – A Kariega father with a previous domestic violence conviction has been sentenced by the Gqeberha High Court to two life terms plus three years for the rape and murder of eight-year-old Veronique May, with his conviction and sentencing coming during Women’s Month, placing renewed focus on violence against women and children in South Africa. Veronique May (8).
Tiryville entrepreneur puts his community on the map
KARIEGA – For Yaseen Jasat Mohammed, better known as Sasso Vlet, launching a dishwashing liquid brand is about much more than selling a household product. The 31-year-old entrepreneur hopes his business will help rewrite the narrative surrounding Tiryville by showing that innovation, quality and entrepreneurship can emerge from a community that is too often associated with negative headlines.
WATCH | Headache delays alleged Kariega child murder sentencing
GQEBERHA – The sentencing of a 27-year-old Kariega man accused of the brutal murder of eight-year-old Veronique Erroldene May did not proceed in the Gqeberha High Court on Thursday, 13 August, after the accused complained of a headache. The matter was scheduled to proceed with sentencing, but the court was informed that the accused, Lelethu Nkosana was experiencing a headache and felt that he would not be fully present should proceedings continue while he was feeling unwell.
Raw sewage floods Gerald Smith yards, streets
KARIEGA – Residents of Gerald Smith, who say they have been living with raw sewage flowing through their yards and streets for months, have approached the UD Express after alleging that repeated reports to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and their ward councillor have failed to bring a lasting solution.
R61 million pothole repair campaign launched in NMBM
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) has officially launched its “Fill Up the Bay” pothole repair campaign, backed by a R61 million road maintenance budget aimed at restoring the metro’s deteriorating road network. Executive Mayor Councillor Babalwa Lobishe launched the campaign in Perseverance on Monday 3 August, where repair teams were already on the ground in Ward 30, covering Veeplaas, KwaDwesi and the Perseverance Industrial Area.
Veronique May (8) murder: Suspect’s case postponed for plea deal talks
GQEBERHA – The suspect accused of the murder of Veronique May (8) recently appeared before the Gqeberha High Court today, 6 August, where his matter was postponed for the finalisation of negotiations between the State and the defence. Arrested in the Kamesh precinct on 6 October 2025, Lelethu Nkosana faces charges of kidnapping, rape, and murder of a minor.
Case against three police-murder accused postponed for legal representation
GQEBERHA – The three suspects accused of the murder of South African Police Service (SAPS) Constable Callan Andrews briefly appeared at the Gqeberha High Court, for what was scheduled to be the pre-trial. The matter was postponed for legal representation. The three, whose names are known to the Express but cannot be shared as one of the accused was a minor at the time the crime was allegedly committed, appeared in the dock, hiding their faces to avoid being photographed.
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