Kouga Express - E-Edition - 12 February 2026

PrisonerescapesexposeEasternCapepolicestationfailures

RAZAANPLAATJIES

ASURGE in prisoner escapes from police custody has placed the spotlight firmly on failing detention facilities in the Eastern Cape, with local police stations such as Patensie and Thornhill emerging as key points of concern

According to Yusuf Cassim, Democratic Alliance Shadow MEC for Community Safety,more than 160 prisoners have escaped from police custody in the Eastern Cape over the past three financial years, with afurther30already recorded this year

Cassim alleges that these escapes expose serious failures in supervision, compliance, and consequence management within the provincial safety system.

“Accused criminals are walking free whilefamilies are leftanxious, and communitieslose faith in the SouthAfrican Police Service’s ability to protect them,” said Cassim.

“Victims are forcedtorelive trauma, residents are left wondering who is back on their streets, andhonest police officers are undermined by weak oversight

and poor consequence management,” he added.

Cassim said that the DA has written to the Community Safety MEC, XolileNqatha,demanding urgent intervention and aclear accountability plan to prevent further escapes.

“This includes immediatereporting on disciplinary outcomes, stricter compliance enforcement at the station level, and decisiveaction against negligence,” said Cassim

In response to aparliamentaryquestion, Nqathaconfirmed that 43 prisoners escaped in 2022/23, risingsharply to 58 in 2023/24, followed by 36 in 2024/25, and 30 more already in the current financial year.

Despite rearrests, adisturbing number remain atlarge, including 22 in 2022/23, 26 in 2023/24, 17 in 2024/25, and 17 this year.

According to adocument released by the Department of Community Safety, locally, one prisoner escaped at the Patensie PoliceStation in 2023/24 and one more in 2024/25.

The Department further acknowledged that escapes are often linked to wrongful release, transportation failures, and offi-

cial negligence.

Cassim saidthat an oversight report confirmed that many stations cannot use theirholding cells because they are unsafeorunfit for purpose, forcing detainees to be transported to otherstations at additional cost and with increased escape risk.

He further said that there are no holdingcells at Thornhill.

“The Legislature has formally recommended that SAPSurgently assist stations in establishing properholding cells,” saidCassim.

“EasternCape residents deservetofeel safeintheirhomes and confident that those arrested will remain in custody.”

According to the datareleased by the Department of CommunitySafety, following the prisoner escapes, disciplinary action has been taken against 95 officials from 2022 to 2026.

Police spokesperson BrigadierNobuntu Gantana saidthat of escapees still at large, prioritymanhunts arefocused on those considered high-risk, with their current recapture rateatapproximately 49%.

Shesaid that escapes mostoftenoccur duringprisoner movement for court,

Abalonepoachingdisruptedalong TsitsikammaMarineProtectedArea

AJOINT anti-poachingoperation in the Tsitsikamma MarineProtected Areahas resultedinthe arrestoffour suspects and theseizure of 204 abalone units worth over R45,000 on 5February,followinga three-day manhunt that began when rangers discovered evidence of illegal harvesting along thepopular OtterTrail.

AccordingtoSouthAfrican National Park spokesperson,JPLouw, on 3February, SANParksreceived information regardingthe presence of approximately 20 suspected abalone poachers operatingwithin the Tsitsikamma MarineProtected Area along the OtterTrail.

SANParks rangers conducted various operationsfrom 3to5 February in response

“On 3February, fresh abalone shells werefound,whichconfirmedthatillegal harvesting had takenplace,”said Louw.

Finally, on 5February, teams tracked thesuspects to an area where theyhad been residing in Covie.

“The suspects attempted to flee whenapproached. Athorough and intensified searchfollowed, which led to the apprehensionoffour suspects,” said Louw.

Duringthe operation,two illegal immigrantswerealso arrested and detained in Plettenberg Bay.

Two cases havebeenopened at the Plettenberg Bay Police Station, one relating to illegal immigration, and the othertothe possession of abalone

“A totalof204 units of abalone were seized, with acombined weight of 29.3 kilograms and an estimatedvalue of R45,630,”said Louw

Theoperation was ajoint effort by SANParks Rangers, Border Police, andthe DepartmentofForestry, Fisheriesand theEnvironment.

medical, or transfer reasons while some incidentsare reported during detention of suspects. Regarding Thornhill Police Station, Gantana said that it is currently housed in aleased property that does not have holdingcells As aresult, she said that arrestees are heldatnearbystations.

Gantana further said that there have been two escapesfrom Thornhill in three years.

“There areplans in place with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to identifya suitable plotto build anew police station with proper holdingcells,” said Gantana.

She said that when adangerous prisoner escapes, communities arenotified throughvarious channels, including mediareleases andlocal alerts.

“Preventivemeasures under implementation include enhanced security, upgradedtraining,strict disciplinary action for negligence, andaudits of all holdingfacilities,” concludedGantana She said that they arecommittedtoresolvingsystemic issues, and they appeal to thepublic to report any information to Crime Stopat08600 10111.

anti-poachingoperationinthe

e e proper uding acancies, earan to

Local couple marks70thanniversary

RAZAANPLAATJIES

ONS Tuiste Humansdorp residents Daniel (92) and Edna de Kooker (89) recently celebrated 70 years of marriage, marking more than seven decades of shared life, faith and companionship.

The couple, who were married on 3February 1956, saidthat their journey together began a year earlier at acar race in Johannesburg in 1955.

Daniel was ridinginone of the cars, while Ednaand afriend travelled to theevent by

Danieland EdnadeKooker on their wedding day on 3February1956. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

bus

“When Daniel began talking to me at the carrace, he asked how we weregetting home and then offered to give my friend and me a lift.During the car ride, he asked if he could seemeagain, and when Iagreed, he gave me apeck on the lips,” Ednasaidwitha broad smile on her face

Twodays later Daniel visited her at home, and six weeks after that they were engaged.

Edna said that they wereengaged for ayear before getting married

“While wehave been married for 70 years, we have been together for 71 years. Ibelieveit was all planned by God,” said Edna.

Further elaborating on theirjourney as a married couple, she said that theirmarriage, like any other, had its challenges, butthat they have lived happily together.

“Wehave great loveand respect for each other, which has keptustogether.Weare blessed beyond measure,” said Edna.

While sitting lovinglynext to each other,she said thatwhen people see them holdinghands in public, they always comment that they are still in love, despite being seniors.

The couple previously lived in JeffreysBay for 33years and recently had asmall celebration withfriends in the town to marktheir 70th wedding anniversary

In February 2025, they moved to Ons Tuiste inHumansdorp.

Edna said the decision followed adifficult period when Daniel was bitten by apoisonous spider in 2024, which caused adecline in his health.

“We believed it would be best to sell our home and move to Ons Tuiste. We have been very happy here, and all our needs and health challenges are taken careof. Thank God we have good health. We do not have any major health problems, only minor issues related to ageing,” said Edna.

Family has been central to theirlives, although loss has shaped their later years.

Both Ednaand Daniel’s siblings have passed away, leaving them with asmall family. They had two children, bothofwhom have passed on.

Ednasaidtheir son, Theodore, passed away five years ago. He and his wife, Jill, had two children, Christopher and Ken. Christopher and his wife,Melanie, have one child together

Ednaand Daniel’s late daughter, Janet, passed away at just three days old.

Reflecting on theirlifetogether, Daniel said their unity never came at the cost of individuality

“Despite doing everything together and being united as one, we have not lostour identities,” said Daniel

He added that they have been supported by many people along the way and appreciate all the assistance that they received when needed.

Daniel said Edna handles the administrative worksince she’s skilled at it,and they team up when she needs help finding solutions. When disagreements arise, communication is key.

“When we do disagree on something, we sit down at atable and speak openly about how we feel,”said Daniel.

“We do not have to hide anything from one another. We speak about everything.”

Looking back over seven decades, Daniel said he would change nothing.

“I would not change anything about our story or what has happened over the last70 years,”said Daniel.

“Edna is avery wonderful partner.”

OomJonasLinksgehuldig virdekadesvandiens

IN 'n roerende huldeblyk het diegemeenskap vanKareedouw onlangs 'n besondereeer bewys aan Jonas Links (88), 'n manwat meer as ses dekades lank as 'n baken vanhoop en hulpgedien het virfamilies in hul donkerste oomblikke Oom Jonas, wat as jong man sy loopbaan as amptelike grafgrawer begin het, het selfs na sy aftredevoortgegaan om families by te staan wanneer hulle ditdie meeste nodiggehadhet.Sy toewyding aan die gemeenskap het hom 'n gerespekteerde figuur gemaak wat nooit'nee' gesêhet vir 'n familie in nood nie.

Die huldeblyk is geïnisieer deur dieJantjies en Miggels-families, met ondersteuning van die breër Kareedouw-gemeenskap, wat besluithet datoom Jonas se stille heldedade erkenning verdien.

"Oor al die jare het hy met ongeëwenaarde toewyding en diep respek elke familiewat hom genader het, gehelp," het Jacobus Jantjes,wat namens die families gepraat het, vertel. "Hy het nooitnet 'n gatgegrawe nie–hyhet seker gemaak datelke grafvolgensdie hoogste munisipale standaarde voorberei word, want hy het geweet dit was iemand se geliefde."

Volgens gemeenskapslede het oom Jonas se buitengewone bereidwilligheid om te help, ongeag weer, tyd van die dag, of persoonlike omstandighede, hom 'n legende in dieareagemaak. Sy diep menslikheidenempatiehet 'n onuitwisbare merkoptalle families se lewens gelaat tydens hul moeilikste oomblikke. "Wat oom Jonas so besonders maak, is dat sy diens nooit virerkenning of vergoeding was nie," het Jantjes beklemtoon. "Dit het uit'nsuiwer hart vanliefde en omgee virsymedemens gekom. Hy was daar wanneer mensehom die meeste nodig gehadhet."

Die gemeenskap het ook hulde gebringaan Links se kinders, wat deur diejarehul pa se roeping ondersteun het. Hulbegrip en opoffering het dit moontlikgemaak viroom Jonas om oor so 'n lang tydperk 'n bron van troos en hulp te wees.

"Sy familie het hom gedeel metons almal, en daarvoor is ons ewigdankbaar," het Jantjes bygevoeg

Oom Jonas se bydraesal virgenerasiesmet die diepste respek en dankbaarheid onthouword. OomJonas Links

KougaMunicipalitysweepsPotjiekosCompetition

TWENTY-THREEparticipants

competed in the Potjiekos Competition at Pharos School, Jeffreys Bay, on 7February, while families cheered and children enjoyed entertainment

With festive music creating the perfect atmosphere, this community event delivered an ideal blend of culinary competition, family fun, and local spirit for everyone to enjoy.

Marenda Venter, event organis-

er and teacher at Pharos School, said that the Kouga Municipality certainly set the bar high at the Potjiekos Competition by entering 11 teams andproudlywalking away withall three prizes

She said that Team Gusha took firstplace with their outstanding lamb pot, winning Tsitsikamma Canopy Zipline vouchers, while Team Spetsnaz claimed second place, earning aLombardini game drive and Rhino experience.

Bringingthe vibe and the visuals, Team Stirring Legends won Best Team Spirit and StallDisplay, walking away with aPili Pili meal voucher.

“What afantastic showing of skill, flavour,and team spirit,” saidVenter.

Shefurther saidthat the competition judges had no easy task and therefore deserve special recognition.

“Not only did the judges have to choose awinner from such

strong competition, buttasting so many incredible dishes wasa huge task. Their dedicationand brave taste buds truly helped make the day asuccess,” said Venter

Shesaid that theentertainment was expertly organised and hosted by Pharos School’s parents and teachers, andthey truly outdid themselves.

Venter said that thechildren had an excitingmorning,enjoy-

ing allthe different games on offer, with thewaterslidebeing a hugehit.

For many,swimming in the dam wasa first-timeadventure, making theday even more memorable and special

“This event will become an annual highlight hosted earlyin February,with hugepotential to grow and bring thetowntogether for aday of fun, connection, and communityspirit,” said Venter.

NewsportscourtsforStultingPrimary

MARCIA BOYENS

THERE was an unmistakable buzz of excitement at StultingPrimary School on Thursday, 5February2026, as theschool officially celebrated the handover of itsnewly resurfaced multipurpose sportscourts, a milestone made possible throughthe generous support of the Kouga Windfarm Community Development Trust

The event markedfar more than the completion of an infrastructureproject. It was acelebration of partnership, progress, and the belief that investing in young people builds stronger communities

The upgraded netball and tennis courts now boast amodern,high-quality Lokflor multipurposesurface, transforming the space intoavibrant, safe, and durable facility. Designed to accommodatenetball, tennis,athletics, cricket, and hockey, the courts will create newopportunities for learnerparticipation,skill development, and healthy competition for years to come. Addressingguests duringthe ceremony, Stulting PrimarySchool principal Cornelius Coetzer expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Trust for its commitment toeducation, sport, and community upliftment He emphasised thatthe project represents much more than aphysical upgrade.

"This is an investment in opportunity," he said,"and in the future of every learner who will step onto these courts."

The senseofappreciation was echoed by Oloff Cilliers, Chairmanofthe School Governing Body, who thanked the Trust on behalf of the parents andthe wider school community fortheir meaningful contribution to thelives of the learners.

Addingtothe significance of theday, Siyabulela Zondani, Projects Operations Managerofthe Kouga Windfarm Community Development Trust, shared his pride in the project, noting thatthis development is the first of its kind for the Trust. He explained thatitsets an important benchmark and will help shape future communityinitiatives supported by theorganisation.

StFrancisTourismGolfDaytomakeacomeback

AFTER afew quiet years, the St FrancisTourism Golf Day is making along-awaitedreturn on 28 Marchatthe St Francis Bay Golf Club, andit'sshaping up to be the kindofcommunity eventlocals will look forward to year after year.

Teeing off at 11:00, the Golf Daybrings together competitiveplay, serious prizes anda renewed focus on creating an event that belongs to the St Francis community.

One of the standout moments on thecourse

will be the hole-in-one opportunity, proudly supported by Dirk Ellis Volkswagen andJust Property, with aVolkswagen Polo Vivo 1.4Life up for grabs, valued at R280,000.

Adding to the excitement, every golfer automatically receives entry into the raffle, with prizes valued at over R40,000. Themainprize is atwo-nightstay for two at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge,offering winners the chancetoexperience one of Africa's most iconicdestinations.

As withall prizes on the day, participants

Adorabledogsseeknewhomes

JBAY Animal Rescue Sanctuary, whichsterilises at least 80 animals every month in the Kouga region, is in Ocean View Township in Jeffreys Bay.

Bailey is a12-week-oldmixed-breed male dog

He is absolutely gorgeous.

Pedro has the cutest ears. He is amixed-breed andis14weeks old.

Spot is 8weeks old. He will be asmalltomedium-sized dog when fully grown Kayla is amixedJack Russellpuppy. Sheis around 10 weeksold now

Formore info or to visit the clinic, contact Cindy Muller at 083 320 4173, email jbayanimals@gmail.com, or visit JBay Animal Rescue Sanctuary at www.Jbayanimalsanctuary.co.za

will need to be present to win.

TheGolf Day flows seamlesslyinto the afternoon with Sip 'n Stride, startingat16:00.

This relaxedwalk aroundthe golf course opens the event to families, friends and non-golfers, creating afestive atmospherethat extends the daywell beyond the final hole.

Importantly,a large portion of the funds raised during Sip 'n Stride will be donated to the Disaster Volunteer Group (DVG), ensuring the event delivers meaningfulsupportwhere

As learners eagerlylook forward to puttingthe new courtstogood use, theStulting Primary communityhas committed itself to caring for and fully utilising this outstanding facility. Withfresh surfaces underfoot,the courtsstand as apowerful reminder of what can be achieved when education, sport, and communitypartners come together.

it'sneeded most. With golf, prizes, afamily-friendly follow-on event and opportunities for businessesand individuals to get involved through sponsorships, prizes or activations, the St Francis TourismGolf Day marks the beginning of what is intended to become amuch-loved annual tradition.

For bookings or to find out how you or your business can still be part of the day, contact Debbieon042 294 0076 or 060 531 0516.

of the Deeds RegistriesAct, 1937, of the intenti to

KREDITEUREEN DEBITEURE 4201

EKSEKUSIE VERKOPING 4500

GEREGTELIKE VEILING 4501

Local club aimstoupliftyouth throughsoccer

RAZAAN PLAATJIES

FUTURE Stars Football Club, based in Humansdorp, is making ameaningful impact on young people in the community through sport and development.

According to coach Thando Tyibilika, who was motivated by his upbringing, his family’s love of sport and his late brother Reggie Tyibilika, who played abig role in Kougasoccer, the club was formed in 2024.

He said that he initially started the club with eight players aged between seven and 17.

Tyibilika saidthat the club, whichhas played acrucialrole in steering childrenfromnegative influences in the community, has sincegrown to 65 players.

“In our area thereare alot of challenges with the youth being involvedwith gangsterism, drugs and violenceatschools,”saidTyibilika

“Soccer keepschildren away from badelementsinthe community by teaching them about life skills andthe various challenges they can experience, with the help of motivational speakers.”

The team practices from Monday to Friday at 15:00 on an open field in Vergenoeg.

Despite the positive growth, the club faces financialdifficulties.

“We’re struggling alot without funding.Wecan’t even afford to buy aballfor training as we rely on oldpensioners who are the grandparents of theplayers,” said Tyibilika.

He added that the benefits of the programmeextendbeyondthe soccer field

Tyibilika saidthat he has seen ahuge change in eachplayer’s behaviourwhichhas positively impacted theirschoolwork since they helpone anotherafter soccer practice.

He further saidthat the community response to the soccer club hasbeenencouraging.

“Every day there’s anew face at training andthat means alot to us,” said Tyibilika

He said hislong-term goal is to expand the initiativebyestablishing asocceracademy forthe youth in Kouga

This academywillfocus on producing professionalplayers forbig teamsaroundSouth Africaand abroad.

Tyibilika said that the club is currently seeking sponsorshipfor uniforms, soccer kits, training equipmentand transport fortrips outside Kouga, as the team has already participated in tournaments aroundthe Eastern Cape Parent AyandaMtyaleka, whose 14-year-old son joined the club at the beginning of 2025, said the programme has had apositive influence on her child.

“I continuetosupportthe club because of what our children are gaining from being part of thissoccer team,which is priceless. It is an investment in their future, and

GLAathletics:Orangeforthewin

GLOBALLeadership Academy's

Athletics Day 2026 was marked by strong participation, visible effort, and excellent teamspirit.

This year saw the highest level of learner involvement to date, with colour teams competing with pride and enthusiasm across both track and field events.

Despite challenging windy conditions,several school records were broken,highlightingmoments of individual excellence and perseverance on the day.

These performances reflected the commitmentand focusofour athletesunder testing circumstances.

Congratulations are extended to theOrange teamfor securing backto-back victories, as wellastothe Red andYellow teams for their competitive spirit and positive energy throughout theevent.

The school also thanked event sponsors, Chery KelstonMotors Jeffreys Bay, Beesland Butchery, and Fountains Mall, for their valued support of schoolsport.

Appreciation is also extended to the parents who assisted at food stations and those who provided gazebos, contributing greatly to the smooth running of the day.

Building on thismomentum, 77 learners represented GLAatthe Paul Sauer KougaAthletics Meeting on 31 January.

Athletes competed with determination and commitment, earning an impressive medal tally of eight gold, 11 silver, and 10 bronze medals.

Athletics at GLAcontinues to focus on participation, development, and learning,laying asolidfoundation forfuture progress.

seeing their determination andjoy makesevery sacrificewedoasparents worthwhile,” said Mtyaleka.

She furtherhighlightedthe importance of such programmesin the community.

“Soccer teams andprogrammes areimportant because theybuild a strong foundation,teach life skills, keep childreninasafe,structured environmentand improve their physical fitness andmental health,”saidMtyaleka.

She added thatparents currently fund equipment, kits andtravel coststhemselves

Mtyalekaalsoshared thather son's health hasimprovedsignificantlysince joiningthe team.

“My son is an asthmapatient and ever since he startedsoccer we ha-

ven’thad anyissues. Hisdoctor alsosuggested thathejoins soccer to improve hislungfunction and reduce asthmasymptoms,” said Mtyaleka.

“Hehas alsobecomemoresocial, lively andenthusiastic.”

Mtyaleka expressed hergratitudetolastyear'ssponsors, includinglocal business GrandLiquors Humansdorpand former resident Vukile Maseti, both of whom sponsoredFuture Stars Football Club during the 2025 tournament where the clubhostedapproximately 15 teams from around Kougaand the Nelson Mandela BayMetro, and enabled the clubtopurchasetrophies.

For more information contact Thando Tyibilika at 065 559 6394.

Nico Malan bult spiereinatletiek

HANNES SCHOEMAN

ATLETE van dieHoërskool Nico Malan op Humansdorpwas diegroot uitblinkers by dieKouga- en Koukammastreek se byeenkoms

Ses rekords is verbeter wat wys dat ’n sterk poging van hulle verwag kan word by dieSarah Baartman-byeenkoms op 17 FebruarieinGqeberha.

Doné MostertenLienke Vosloo het elk twee rekords verbeter.Doné se rekord in die0.14-gewigstoot was 11.67 meter, terwyl haar diskuspogingvan 31.27m ook in dierekordboeke opgeteken staan.

Lienke is ’n hekkiesatleet wat fyn

dopgehou moet word. Sy het die 90m-wedloop virmeisies o.15 in 14.00 sekondes gewen en ditopgevolg met nóg ’n rekord in die300m-hekkies toe sy in 46.41 gewen het.

Annique de Beer was weer op dreef in die3000m-wedloop virmeisies o.15 toe sy in 13:03.25 gewen het. Dan het Liam Vosloo ’n rekord in die 110m-hekkies virseuns o.19 opgestel. Sy wentyd was 15.97 sek. Altesaam 56 atlete sal NicoMalan by dieSarah Baartman-byeenkoms verteenwoordig.

Dieverwagting is dat hulle ’n groot faktor in dieBaai sal wees en dat nóg rekords in dieslag kan bly.

Doné Mostertoppad na haar rekord in die gewigstoot.