Mthatha Express North - E-Edition - 23 October 2025

forhumantrafficking

BABALWA NDLANYA

THE Deputy Principal of Sinomonde Primary School in East London, Vuyokazi Gana (52), briefly appeared at the East London Magistrate’s Court, facing allegations of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and running a brothel.

Her case, which was postponed for a formal bail application, is scheduled for today (23 October 2025). Gana has been remanded in custody.

The Hawks’ spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, confirmed that their Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit executed Gana’s arrest following a prolonged investigation into allegations of human trafficking and prostitution involving young women recruited from the former Transkei region.

The investigation, initiated in September 2023, uncovered claims that a female suspect, who is a teacher in East London, recruited young women from Qumbu, Mthatha and Ngqeleni Gana is said to be facing seven counts of related offences

“The victims were allegedly transported from various areas to East London, housed at the suspect’s residence, and coerced into prostitution. Preliminary findings revealed they engaged in sexual activities with clients and paid accommodation fees ranging between R250 and R300 per night. The suspect reportedly profited from these funds,” said Mhlakuvana.

He further alleged that Gana either personally collected the proceeds or directed victims to transfer funds into her bank account.

A warrant of arrest was authorised, leading to her swift apprehension at her workplace in East London. “She is facing charges of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and operating an illegal brothel,” he added.

Major General Obed Ngwenya, Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commended the investigating team’s diligence and pledged the Hawks’ continued commitment to dismantling organised criminal networks preying on vulnerable individuals.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape Department of Education’s Head of Department (HOD), Sharon Maasdorp, distanced the department from Gana’s alleged actions. She con-

demned the alleged conduct, stating, “These actions strip women of their dignity and human rights.”

Maasdorp emphasised that human trafficking and sexual exploitation are severe criminal offences in South Africa, asserting that such behaviour tarnishes the department’s reputation Should Gana be found guilty, her name would be added to the Sexual Offences Register, disqualifying her from teaching or working with children in South Africa.

The case will also be referred to the South African Council for Educators (SACE) for disciplinary review. “This breach of professional conduct will be addressed through the department’s internal processes,” Maasdorp stated

She further revealed that three educators on the Sexual Offences Register had already been dismissed and reiterated her department’s commitment to eliminating criminals from the education system.

“We are finalising vetting processes for all educators to ensure criminals do not enter the system,” she concluded.

Husbandsentencedforrapinghiswife

THE Mthatha Regional Court has sentenced a 45-year-old man to life imprisonment for violently raping his wife in front of their minor daughter

Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Luxolo Tyali, stated that the court also sentenced the man to three years for assault, five years for violating a protection order, and four years for forcing a person to witness a sexual offence

These latter sentences are to run concurrently with the life sentence

“Before the incident, the couple and their three children resided at their home in Kwa Tshemese village near Mthatha A history of domestic violence led the wife to apply for a protection order against the husband

“The court granted the order on 23 November 2022, prohibiting him from assaulting his wife or exposing their children to domestic violence,” said Tyali

On the evening of 1 January 2023, the intoxicated husband requested his wife to join him in a separate house on their homestead When she refused, he left in anger

Anticipating further violence, the mother and her children locked the doors and retreated to the bedroom

The man later returned with a garden spade, broke into the house, forced his way into the bedroom, and pushed his wife into the living room There, he demanded that she undress to have intercourse

“When the wife refused, he brutally assaulted her with the sharp end of the

spade, causing severe head and body injuries He then proceeded to rape her in the presence of their daughter When the daughter attempted to intervene, he also assaulted her,” said Tyali

The mother and daughter managed to flee and sought medical attention The wife required hospitalisation for a week and received counselling at the Mthatha Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC)

The man evaded arrest until May 2023, when police apprehended him at his residence, where he was reportedly attempting to reconcile with his wife

During the trial, the accused pleaded not guilty, denying all charges without providing any reasonable explanation

However, State Advocate Luvuyo Komanisi presented compelling evidence, including testimonies from the mother and daughter, as well as medical reports detailing the injuries inflicted by the man

Victim impact statements, facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Ziyanda Fambaza, were also submitted

The court found no mitigating circumstances for deviating from the prescribed minimum sentences The man was described as unrepentant and unremorseful

Welcoming the sentence, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Barry Madolo, commended the collaborative efforts of the police, TCC, CPO, and the prosecutor

“This case demonstrates our commitment to removing perpetrators of gender-based and domestic violence from our communities,” said Madolo

OldSavoyGardens:Mayoropensnewpark

BABALWA NDLANYA

KING Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Executive Mayor, Councillor Nyaniso Nelani, led a multidisciplinary team in a downtown clean-up campaign in Mthatha last week

As part of the initiative, the mayor officially opened a new park situated in Old Savoy Gardens The park, now available for event bookings, has already hosted its first event

Nearby, a plant nursery is cultivating indigenous plants for distribution across the province

To conclude this phase of the clean-up, trees were planted to green and beautify Mthatha, reflecting the strong support from local stakeholders This development marks an exciting step in the ongoing renewal of the town

Mayor Nelani highlighted that improved management systems have been implemented to ensure proper control of the park, which had previously been a hotspot for criminal activities

“We’ve transformed this space into somewhere manageable and enjoyable for the entire community The revitalisation of the park and swimming pool is part of one combined project We’re finalising the last touches just watch this space; we’ll open the swimming pool soon,” he said

He also mentioned plans for a swimming pool in Ngangelizwe Township, which is currently in the pipeline Funding has been requested, and the municipality is awaiting a response

Nelani explained that the clean-up campaign, launched on 11 July 2019, has been running for five years and aims to promote cleanliness and responsibility across the town

“While cleaning Mthatha, we’re also sending a clear message: the area must be kept clean, and business owners need to ensure that their premises are tidy

We appreciate the progress made so far Things have changed, and now we can work with our community to make Mthatha the cleanest town in the Eastern Cape and even in South Africa We call on the community to join us in reclaiming and revitalising our city,” said Nelani One of the completed projects is the newly reopened and fully renovated Savoy Gardens Park, which is in excellent condition The municipality has also

strengthened its management of public spaces to ensure they are used properly

Nelani expressed an urgent focus on improving the neglected Mthatha River, emphasising that “downtown is not a dumping site ”

He called on government departments to assist in restoring the area With a business plan being finalised in collaboration with the National Treasury, the focus is on rehabilitating and revitalising neglected spaces to make them sources of community pride

“We’re transforming the Mthatha River into something new something to be proud of,” he added

He emphasised that multiple projects aimed at restoring Mthatha are in motion, as cleanliness and safety are key to attracting investment Recent improvements in the Jubilee area reinforce this, with a new project on the way due to the municipality’s environmental focus and efforts to combat crime

In addition, the municipality celebrated Arbor Day by planting trees on Owen Street Nelani also stressed the importance of enforcing bylaws, including designated areas for hawkers, to ensure the town is treated with care

“We’re reclaiming public spaces, improving their condition, and ensuring better control and regulation for the benefit of all,” Nelani concluded

Mansentencedtolifeimprisonment fortwocountsofrape

THE Bityi Magistrate’s Court, outside Mthatha, has sentenced Siphelele Mtshotshweni (30) to life imprisonment after convicting him on two counts of rape and two counts of housebreaking with intent to commit a crime

According to Luxolo Tyali, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the crimes occurred in the Mqhekezweni Administrative Area, near Mthatha, in August and November 2022 Mtshotshweni broke into the home of a 60-year-old woman on two occasions, raping her during the early hours of the morning

The first incident occurred on 6 August 2022 when the victim was asleep with her three minor grandchildren, aged between two and six Mtshotshweni forcefully kicked open the locked door, broke a lightbulb to darken the room, and forced the victim to undress before raping her As the room was dark, the victim could not initially identify her attacker, and a case was registered as undetected

Three months later, on 6 November 2022, the assailant returned He once again broke down the door to the victim’s house The terrified victim attempted to flee and alert her neighbours, but a struggle ensued outside her home

Due to pre-existing medical conditions, including high blood pressure and diabetes, the victim quickly lost strength

Mtshotshweni then used a knife to tear off her clothing and raped her twice outside her home The victim sustained injuries to her left hand during the incident, but was still unable to identify her attacker However, semen samples were collected for forensic analysis

In 2023, Mtshotshweni was linked to another rape case involving an elderly woman in the same community This time, the victim positively identified him Buccal samples were taken and sent for forensic analysis, which confirmed that the DNA matched the semen collected from the two prior incidents Mtshotshweni was subsequently arrested and charged During his trial, the accused pleaded not guilty and claimed he had been with his mother during both incidents However, under cross-examination by Prosecutor Anelisiwe Rwaxa, his alibi fell apart due to inconsistencies and lack of credibility His mother, who testified in his defence, was also found to lack credibility under scrutiny, and the court deemed their accounts self-serving

The court instead accepted the State’s evidence, including the victim’s testimony, which was consistent and clear, alongside conclusive forensic evidence provided by DNA analysis

For the first incident on 6 August 2022, Mtshotshweni was sentenced to five years for housebreaking and 20 years for rape For the second incident on 6 November 2022, he was sentenced to five years for housebreaking and life imprisonment for rape All sentences were ordered to run concurrently, resulting in an effective life sentence The NPA welcomed the sentence, recognising it as justice for the victim and a strong deterrent against gender-based violence

“Cases of this nature reaffirm the NPA’s commitment to fighting gender-based violence and ensuring that perpetrators are removed from our communities,” said Tyali

R350Kboostforcooperativeto driveruralfarminggrowth

THE Nqabarha Cooperative, a registered farming initiative founded by local farmers in Nqabarha Village, Willowvale, has received a major boost of R350 000 from the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) via its Imvaba Fund Cooperative Programme

The official handover took place on Monday, 13 October 2025, and was led by MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Nonkqubela Pieters

The Imvaba Fund supports the growth and sustainability of primary cooperatives across the Eastern Cape through both financial and non-financial assistance In this case, the Nqabarha Cooperative received 20 heifers and cattle feed supplements to strengthen its livestock and goat farming operations

Since its founding several years ago, the Nqabarha Cooperative has been instrumental in promoting community-based farming in the Mbashe region The latest support will enable the cooperative to expand its herd and increase productivity, as well as source key farming inputs such as maize and hay from local producers

Sindisa Dunga, co-founder and leader of the

cooperative, said the investment marks a turning point in their efforts to create sustainable rural livelihoods

“This assistance will go a long way in not just sustaining but also upscaling our initiative to become a force to be reckoned with in the Mbashe region and beyond The grant will enable our cooperative to reach production volumes required to trade profitably much sooner, while accelerating the economic benefits within our local communities,” Dunga said

He added that subsistence farmers in surrounding areas will also benefit through new opportunities to supply maize and other produce to the cooperative

“Many local farmers will be able to supply produce earlier than expected, helping us meet the growing demand for livestock we’ve long struggled to fulfil,” he said

Dunga, a chartered accountant by profession and part-time accounting lecturer at a university in the Eastern Cape, brings valuable corporate experience to the initiative He believes that local farming is a critical extension of community development and a key driver of rural transformation

“In rural areas like ours, agriculture plays a crucial role in sustaining livelihoods It creates opportunities for local herdsmen and artisans involved in fencing, while also supporting cultural activities that hold deep spiritual significance for our people from births and initiation ceremonies to funerals,” Dunga said

The handover ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including MEC Nonkqubela Pieters, Mbhashe Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr Samkelo Janda, and members of the traditional leadership, who all commended the cooperative for its dedication to local economic empowerment

Dunga concluded by reaffirming the cooperative’s broader vision of turning Nqabarha Village into a hub of rural economic activity, where agricultural markets are developed closer to communities

“Most rural families are hardworking, keeping small herds or planting crops Establishing markets for rural produce has the potential to transform farming from subsistence to semi-commercial levels If communities know where to sell their produce, they will be encouraged to farm productively,” he said

MthathahostsWhiteCaneSafetySayAwarenessWalk

BABALWA NDLANYA

AS part of Eye Care Awareness Month, the South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB) Eastern Cape Provincial Executive Committee (PEC), in partnership with Efata School for the Blind and Deaf, hosted the White Cane Safety Day Awareness Walk in Mthatha last week The aim was to educate the public about eye care and the importance of the white cane White Cane Day is commemorated globally on October 15 each year to celebrate the independence, mobility, and empowerment of blind and partially sighted individuals Established in 1964 by U S President Lyndon B Johnson, the day raises awareness about the rights, capabilities and safety of those using the white cane, a universal

symbol of independence

The walk was attended by learners, teachers and community members South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB) Eastern Cape PEC Chairperson, Xolisa Yekani, said one of the major challenges faced by white cane users is a lack of acceptance by society

He noted that this is often due to a limited understanding of how to interact with visually impaired individuals

“Another challenge is employment opportunities; people doubt our capabilities, which makes it hard for us to find jobs even when we are educated Today’s event helps raise awareness, so even motorists understand that when they see someone holding a white cane, it means the person cannot see and must be allowed to cross the road safely,” he said

blind people face, stating that they live normal lives like everyone else There are also platforms, including media, where they voice their concerns and raise awareness He mentioned that National Disability Rights Awareness Month, observed from November 3 to December 3, provides an opportunity to advocate further for the rights of people who are blind

“We speak on radio stations and participate in various programmes where we ask to be involved so we can talk about these issues

People who are blind are also talented, but we need to educate one another ”

The coordinator for the Eye Care Awareness Campaign from Efata School for the Blind in Mthatha, Lulama Msimang, said the campaign focuses on raising awareness about blindness She explained that September and October are dedicated to blindness and eye care aware-

Partners welcomenew liquorinspectors

BABALWA NDLANYA

IN a major initiative to strengthen public safety and regulatory compliance, the King Sabatha Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality, in collaboration with the Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB), held a ceremony at the Mthatha Stadium last week to introduce 45 newly trained liquor inspectors

The Mayor of KSD Local Municipality, Councillor Nyaniso Nelani, commended the partnership with the ECLB, highlighting the critical importance of enforcing liquor laws and municipal bylaws to safeguard communities

“We are here to focus on a crucial aspect of public safety Liquor boards, alongside law enforcement, are essential for regulating the liquor industry, preventing sales to minors, curbing excessive drinking, and mitigating the negative impacts of alcohol on our communities,” said Nelani He further praised the rapid progress achieved through the collaboration, describing it as a significant transformation Zola Tyikwe, Executive Senior Manager for the ECLB, explained that the new inspectors were rigorously trained on the Eastern Cape Liquor Act and its recently amended regulations The training equips them to interpret and implement the laws effectively

“The training covered the legislative framework governing liquor regulation in South Africa, including provincial laws, and the role of municipal law enforcement in enforcing bylaws such as those related to liquor trading, noise pollution and more,” Tyikwe said He noted that this initiative builds upon previous training sessions in the Buffalo City Metro and Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Police, making KSD the third municipality to benefit The next target is the Chris Hani District Municipality

The newly trained inspectors will monitor trading hours, ensure liquor outlets comply with the Liquor Act, and address alcohol-related crimes Tyikwe expressed hope that, resources permitting, all wards within the KSD jurisdiction will be covered in the future

Acting District Commissioner Brigadier Vukani Ntuli addressed the inspectors, urging them to uphold integrity and resist corruption

“Accepting bribes will cost you your career Be proud to serve your country and firmly adhere to constitutional principles Criminals will attempt to manipulate you do not fall into their traps Greed will lead to arrest, dismissal or worse Serve this municipality with pride and without fear,” Ntuli warned

RuraldevelopmentgamessetforWard29inNqabara

ANELE RAZIYA

LOCAL netball and football teams from Ward 29 in Mbhashe are set to compete in the Rural Development Games this weekend

The two-day event will take place at the Mlandeli Mahobe Sports Ground in Nqabara village, starting on Saturday, 25 November

Twelve football teams from Ward 29 are

BushBucks FCprogressto decidermatch

HOSEYA JUBASE

BUSH Bucks FC has progressed to the Nedbank Cup provincial decider match

Imbabala was crowned the winner of the ABC Motsepe League Nedbank Cup

Preliminary games after defeating FC Ravens on penalties during the final held at Rotary Stadium

Now Bush Bucks FC is waiting for the Regional League winner

The Regional League Nedbank Cup

Preliminary games are expected to be held this coming weekend, 25 and 26 October 2025

The winner of the match between Bush Bucks FC and the regional league winner will book their spot in the Nedbank Cup last 32

Speaking after the match, Bush Bucks FC head coach, Siyabulela Gwambi, said he is very excited to have progressed to the decider five weeks after being appointed as the new Imbabala coach

expected to participate, alongside netball teams competing for top honours Supported by the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture in the Amathole District, the event aims to promote and develop sports in rural areas

Teams excelling across both sporting codes will be rewarded with trophies, gold medals, and brand-new kits The games will commence at 9:00 am on Saturday, and all teams are urged to arrive promptly at the venue Finals are sched-

uled for Sunday Assistant coach of XD United FC, Lupho Dyomfana, expressed confidence ahead of the event “As XD United FC, we are more than ready for the tournament, and we hope to perform well,” said Dyomfana XD United FC, based in Nqabara, is a dominant force in the area and frequently wins tournaments However, this weekend’s games will reveal whether their winning streak continues or if another team can pull off a surprise victory

The tournament will follow a knockout format, with dignitaries from the Amathole District’s Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture expected to attend

Football fans around Nqabara are encouraged to attend in large numbers to cheer on their favourite teams as they compete in both netball and football matches Attendees are reminded that dangerous weapons are strictly prohibited within the venue

“Winning the ABC Motsepe League Nedbank Cup games means the team is heading in the right direction ” It's the first time Bush Bucks have gone to the provincial decider match Bush Bucks FC players celebrating their victory.

ButterworthtohostNationalTalentIDWorkshopandFunRun

ANELE RAZIYA

THE Nozulu Youth Legacy Cup, in collaboration with Walter Sisulu University (Ibika Campus), is set to host a significant National Talent ID Workshop in Butterworth on 2 November

The workshop aims to equip and share skills with upcoming coaches, selectors,

and scouts on the latest trends in identifying talented players for their teams Dr Walter Steenbok, former head of scouting at Kaizer Chiefs and leader of the National Talent ID Workshop project, will be the keynote speaker at the event Event preparations are well underway, according to Nozulu Youth Legacy Cup founder, Luxolo Matikinca, who also serves as General Manager for Betway Premiership side Sekhukhune United Matikinca confirmed that the event would take place at Walter Sisulu University’s Ibika Campus from 7:00 to 17:00 pm on 2

Matikinca added that participants would have the opportunity to ask questions, ensuring they fully understand the topics discussed

The National Talent ID Workshop project, led by Dr Steenbok, is touring the country, sharing skills with coaches, scouts and former players keen to contribute to football development Following the Butterworth event, the project will proceed to East London

Ahead of the workshop, on 1 November,

the Lux Matikinca Foundation and Bridge to Heaven Christian Fellowship will host a 5km Fun Run and Walk near Msobomvu Shopping Centre The event will also feature aerobics

Those interested in participating in the Fun Run and Walk can contact Msweli on 063 631 1427 or Boxer on 071 186 0489 for more information

For registration to attend the National Talent ID Workshop, attendees can contact Mr Matikinca on 073 513 0549