Mthatha Express North - E-Edition - 28 May 2026

Manre-arrestedoverWSU studentregistrationfraud

THEMthatha Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation has re-arrested Sihle Luthuli (29) in connection with allegations of fraud and corruption arising fromthe alleged unlawful registration and admission of astudent at Walter Sisulu University.

Hawks’ Spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, said Luthuli was arrested on May 21, 2026, and appeared in courtonthe same day after awarrant of arrest wasauthorised following his failure to appear during scheduled court proceedings on May 4, 2026.

He appeared before the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court,and the matter was postponed to May 28, 2026, pending further court proceedings. He is out on bail.

“The case stems fromallegations dating back to March 13, 2023, during the peakuniversity registration period at the Health and ScienceFacultyofWalter Sisulu University (WSU). It is alleged that the accused,who was entrusted with responsibilities relating to student registration and administrative assistance at the time, exploited his position of authority and access to institutional processes forpersonal financial gain.

“According to reports, he allegedly approached vulnerable and desperate parents seeking academic placement opportunities fortheir childand falsely represented thathepossessed theinfluence and capacity to secure admission

into theinstitution,” said Mhlakuvana. He added that it is further alleged that he demanded and received an amount of R25,000 in exchange for facilitating the capturing of theprospective student into theuniversityregistration system.

Mhlakuvana added that thevictim allegedly transferred therequested amount into aCapitec Bank account purportedlybelonging to theaccused on March 13, 2023.

According to him, further allegations exposed that,despitethe substantial payment having been made, thestudent was never admittedtothe institution, prompting theparentstoraise concerns with themanagement of the University.

“The matterwas subsequentlyreported to thepolice and later handed over to theMthatha Hawksfor investigation. Investigators reportedly followed up on relevant evidential material and conducted an extensive inquiry into thealleged unlawful transaction.

“Upon completion of theinvestigation, theaccused was initially arrested on September 19, 2024, wherehewas released on R2 000 bail and appeared before court on several occasions as the matterprogressed through thejudicial process.”

He confirmed that his subsequent failure to appear before thecourt on May 4, 2026, constituted adirect disregard for judicial authorityand resultedinthe court authorising awarrant for his arrest.

Manjailedforlifeforraping

teenagerelative

SPOKESPERSON forthe National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Luxolo Tyali, confirmed that they secured a conviction and life imprisonment term against aman (41) for raping his relative (15) who reported her ordeal more than two years after being violated on February 14, 2021.

He said it wasduring aLife Orientation class on sexual relations that the victim broke down and cried, prompting afollow-up by ateacher in whom she confided.

“That resulted in the arrest of the perpetrator at his home in Mnyolo location in NgcoboonJuly 5, 2023, and hisultimate sentencing by theNgcobo Regional Court.

“With no forensic evidence, Regional Court Prosecutor Zisanda Gwadiso led with the compelling evidence of the complainant and thecrucial evidenceofthe Life Orientation teacher to whom the first report was made,” said Tyali.

He added that the court heard that on the afternoon of thedateofthe incident, the accused was at thecomplainant’shome, which was also operating as ashebeen.

He found the victim alone washing her school uniform in one of the rooms and bought an alcoholic beveragefor her

Tyali said that after drinking and conversing, he suddenly went out,and on coming back, he closed bothdoors and threw the victim on thebed, covered her mouth with awork suit jacket he was wearing and raped her without protection.

“He then ordered her to wash herself in the wash basin with thewater in whichshe was washing her uniform and watched her wash.

“He then threatened her with deathif

she told anyone about theincident before leaving. He denied theallegations and claimed that thecomplainant was coached by her mother to bring the allegations against him because of an animositybetween him and thevictim’s mother.”

According to Tyali, he went on to say that theanimosityhad been there for years, but he stillbought alcohol at her place because it was theonly place that was closer to him, and they wererelated.

He further denied that he was at thecomplainant’s home that day, but could not give an account as to where he was, as he was drunk Tyali said thecourt agreed with the State that there werenoexceptional circumstances in his mitigating factors that warranted thecourt to deviatefrom theprescribed minimum sentence.

He added that theNPA remains resoluteinits commitment to vigorously prosecutegender-based violence and ensure that survivors are protected and supported through thecriminal justice process.

Welcoming thesentence, Eastern Cape Acting Director of PublicProsecutions (ADPP), AdvocateSamkelo Mtwana, heaped praise on theteacher who not only reported thecase but became theState’s key witness.

“The perpetrator would still be roaming thestreetsand preying on other young girls, had theteacher ignored thecries of thepupil.

“His actions are atestament to what is envisaged by Section 54 of theSexual Offences and Related Matters Amendment Act,which makes it an obligation to report thecommission of sexual offences against vulnerable persons,”said Mtwana.

MECstrengthenspolicevisibility asstock-theftcrimecontinues

MANDLENKOSI MXENGI

THE Eastern Cape Community Safety MEC

Xolile Nqatha is strengthening police visibility across the province in an attempt to fight crime targeting the stock-theft-related crimein the province.

Nqatha, in partnership with the police, Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), Home Affairs, the provincial Department of Agriculture and otherrelevant stakeholders, hosted acommunity anti-crimeoutreachprogramme in the Mgwali community hall in Stutterheim in the greater Amahlathi municipal area.

The Amahlathi Municipality, including its nearby Great Kei Municipality, has been battling with astock theft syndicate, which has resulted in attacks on farm owners and workers in the greater Amathole municipal region Addressing apacked crowd atthe Mgwali communityhall in Bholovillage,Stutterheim, Nqatha said the engagement wasaimed at strengtheningpolice accountability, promoting community safety, and encouraging ac-

tive public participation in crime prevention initiatives in the region.“This meeting which is expectedtotobeconvened throughout the regions in theprovince is aimed at crime preventionespecially criminal activities affecting farmers and workers throughout theEastern Cape,”saidNqatha.

The Community Safety MECwho is also the political head of the provincial Department of Transporthandedover50two-way radios, 50 blankets, sanitarytowels, 50 bicyclesand schoolbagstolearnersnot yetaccommodated by the scholar transport programme in the region. The MEC was joined by Amahlathi Local Municipality councillors and members of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster, including Home Affairs, Health, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA),South African RevenueService (SARS), Human Settlements, Agriculture, Employment and Labour, South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), EasternCape Liquor Board, Eskom, and the Industrial Development Corporation(IDC) providinggovernment services.

FourwomenarrestedoverwitchcraftlinkedkillingofelderlywomaninNgcobo

NGCOBO police are investigatingthe brutal murder of a75-year-old woman at Zadungeni A/A, Luthuthu Locality in Ngcobo, following an incident on the morningof17May in which the victim was accusedofwitchcraft and killed by certain family members.

According to SAPSspokesperson BrigadierNobuntu Gantana, the victim, identified as Nokhansala Sidiki, was taken from her homeand led to anearby stream, where she was assaulted with aplank and subsequently drowned Her body was found nakednext to the stream,bearing bruises to the head andface, as well as strangulation marks on the neck.

Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata, ProvincialCommissioner of the Eastern Cape, strongly condemned the killing.

“This is asavage and deeplydisturbing attack on avulnerable elderly woman.Accusing someone of witchcraft andtakingthe law into your own hands is notonlyillegal but inhuman,” he said.

“I also call on community leaders to help

us uproot this dangerous mob justice mentality. If you know something, speak out, as silence makes you complicit.”

On 18 May, two female suspects, aged 26 and 28, were taken into policecustody. Brigadier Gantana indicated at the time that further arrests wereimminent.

In asubsequent development on 20 May, two additional female suspects, aged 28 and 35, were arrested, bringingthe total number of arrests to four.

The pair appeared before the Ngcobo Magistrate’s Court on 22 May 2026. The two suspects arrestedon18May also appeared in court on 20May and have been remanded in custody, with theirfollowing appearance on 25 May. The matter was postponed to 1June 2026 for aformal bailapplication.

Brigadier Gantana confirmedthat the investigationisongoing and that further arrests have not been ruled out.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or to report anonymously via the MySAPS app.

MassivesupportfortheBKCOB’s inauguralAfricaAgriculturalIndaba

MANDLENKOSI MXENGI

THE Border-Kei Chamber of Business’s (BKCOB) recently concluded three-day inaugural Africa Agricultural Indaba has garneredmassive support from the Eastern Cape provincial government,the province’s state-owned entities (SoEs), and the agriculture andprivate sectors.

Some of the stakeholdersthat pledged support forthe Africa Agricultural Indabaincluded the Department of Agriculture, the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA), Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), Coega Development Corporation, East London IDZ, BuffaloCityMetro and FreshmarkSystems, among others.

Farmers’Weekly,South Africa’s leading agricultural publication, was announcedasthe indaba’smediapartner during the signing of the pledge by all stakeholders as acommitment to collaboration and buildingastrong agriculturalsector.

The Africa Agricultural Indabaorganised by the BKCOB was held at the East London InternationalConvention Centre (ELICC) in KuGompoCity, starting from Wednesday, 20 May, andconcluding on Friday,22May

The agricultural sector is central to theprovince’s economic growth; however, despite its potential, thesector is constrainedbyenvironmentalpressures,water scarcity,climate change, persistent drought and limitedmarket access, factorsdescribed as threatening longterm sustainability.

The inaugural indaba was designedtoad-

ECPL,IEClaunchvoter educationdrivefor2026polls

ZAVELA MAKWABE

THEEasternCapeProvincial Legislature (ECPL), in partnership with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC),has launched a province-wide Civic Voter Education campaign in preparationfor the Local Government Elections scheduled for 4November 2026.

Theprogramme, running from 13 Mayto4 September 2026, is being rolled out in three phases and targets young people and firsttime voters under the theme “Promoting Active and Responsible CitizenryThrough Civic Education.”

From 13 to 15 May 2026, the campaign visited the AlfredNzo, Amathole, Buffalo City MetropolitanMunicipality, and OR Tambo regions Schools in Dutywa, Mbizana, Libode and Mthatha hosted engagements where learners had the opportunity to askquestions and deepen their understandingofdemocracy.

Discussions focused on keyconstitutional provisions, including why only South African citizens may vote, and explained the roles of

In Lusikisiki, MPLMlibo Qhoboshiyane and ECPL SecretaryNomawethu Ngcakani visited Mqikela SSS and Ingwe TVET College. There, learners received insights on civicparticipation, while the Department of Home Affairs provided on-site ID application services for thoseaged 16 or over

Other institutions reached include the Centre of Excellence, Executive High School in Idutywa, KSD TVET College -Libode Campus, Chatsmed Candlelight NursingSchool, Ingwe TVET College -Siteto Campus and Hlamandana Senior SecondarySchool in Mbizana.

Theprogramme will continue in the Chris Hani,Joe Gqabi, Nelson Mandela Bay, and SarahBaartman districts.Itwill conclude with aPublicParticipation, Petitions and Education Week focusedonCivic Education, running from 1to4September 2026. Throughthe campaign,the ECPL and IEC aimtoequipyoung citizens with the knowledge and tools to exercise their democratic rights, shape the futureoftheircommunities and hold leaders accountable.

dressthese challenges and unlock opportunities,particularly for ruralcommunities affected by high unemployment.

Thechamber’sCEO,Lizelle Maurice, said the AfricaAgricultural Indaba aims to become akey platform thatwill stimulate agricultural growth in the Eastern Cape through creating economic linkages within the agriculturalvalue chain, promoting jobcreationand enterprisedevelopment.

“Italso aims to showcase opportunities in agro-processing andagri-business, promote agritourism across the provinceand connect farmers,investors, government and industry stakeholders,” said Maurice.

PremierLubabalo Mabuyane described the indaba as adefining moment forthe province, emphasising that agriculture is no longer only about farming, but also about building rural economies,job creation and driving inclusive economic growth.

Mabuyane highlighted the province’s strength incitrus, livestock, wool,dairy, aquaculture, horticulture and cannabis while stressingthe importanceofagro-processing, local procurement and agriculturalindustrialisation to retain economic value within the province. Agriculture MEC, Nonceba Kontsiwe,saidthe indaba is set to playacrucial role in empowering farmers throughcollaboration efforts

Buffalo CityMetro’sacting executive mayor, Sakhumzi Caga,also emphasised the importance ofsupporting emerging farmers, women-owned farming projects and youth participation in farming.

E-wasterecyclingprojectlaunchedinMthatha

DEPUTY Minister of Forestry,Fisheries and theEnvironment, Bernice Swarts launchedthe E-Waste Recycling Pilot Project that representsapractical andtimely intervention to strengthen wastemanagement,protect the environmentand unlock economic opportunitieswithin the province.The launch was held atNgangelizwe Township in Mthatha last week.

She said electronic waste,commonly referred to as e-waste, is the fastest-growing wastestream globally. The increasing use of electrical and electronic equipment has resulted in large volumes of discarded devices, many of whichcontainhazardous substancesthat poseseriousrisks to human health and the environment if not managed well

“South Africa generates morethan360 000 tonnes of e-waste annually, yet only a small proportion is formally recycled. The prohibition of e-waste disposal to landfill, together with the introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations, reflects the government’sclear intentto divertthis waste stream towardsincreasing reuse, recycling and recovery

“Within the Eastern Cape,and particularly in municipalitiessuchas King Sabatha Dalindyebo Local Municipality (KSDLM), waste management challengesare compoundedbylimited infrastructure and waste minimisation initiatives, andlow levels of publicawareness of e-waste recycling,” saidSwarts.

She added thatthis project responds directly to these realitiesbyestablishingaccessible collection systemswhile strengthening community participation and accountability.

Accordingtoher, in the 2024/25 financial year, the Department commencedwiththe launch of an e-waste collection as part of EPR implementation to ensurethe collectionand safe recycling of e-waste across thecountry. This was first launched in Mpumalanga Province in Bushbuckridge

Councillor Nyaniso Nelani (King SabathaDalindyebo Local MunicipalityMayor)and Bernice Swarts (Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment) at the launch of e-WasteRecyclingPilot ProjectatNgangelizweinMthatha.

andNkomaziLocal Municipalities

“This work continued in Rustenburg and Madibeng Local MunicipalitiesinNorthWest Province under the BojanalaDistrict Municipality, followedbythe cities of Johannesburgand Ekurhuleni in Gauteng Province.Iwas abletoengage with communities in the NorthernCape Province, Ga-SegonyanaLocal Municipality, in April 2026, on theimportance of community action on tacklinge-waste.”

Sheadded that through thesevarious e-waste programmesinrural and peri-urbanlocations in South Africa, theProduc-

er ResponsibilityOrganisations wereable to collect more than 86 000 kilograms (86 tonnes) of e-waste withmore than R267 000.00 in incentives paid to the communities

Swartssaid this is aclear demonstration of the success of this partnership and the gains to the environment and to public health.

“The department is here to launch this successful project in the Eastern Cape Province. The project is implemented through apartnership withthe Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Envi-

ronment,the Eastern Cape Department of Environment, KSDLM and the Producer ResponsibilityOrganisations. This collaborative approach enables better coordination across spheres of government and ensures that implementation on the ground is aligned with national policy and regulatoryframeworks.”

She said community involvement is critical to the success of thisinitiative. Through the provision of drop-off or collection points, collaboration with local SMMEs and targeted awareness activities, they are working to embed responsible waste separation and recycling practices at the household level.

Swarts added that beyond environmental protection, thisproject creates opportunities for local economic development.

“E-waste recycling has the potential to support job creation, skills development and small enterprise participation while contributing to the growth of acircular economy withinthe municipality and province as awhole. This project also supports the objectives of the National Waste Management Strategy and advances provincial priorities to reduce waste to landfill, increase recycling rates and promote inclusive economic growth. Importantly, it provides amodel that can be adapted and replicated in other municipalities across the Eastern Cape.”

According to her, sustainability and implementation progress will be monitored by the DFFE against clear indicators, including the volumes of e-waste collected, levels of community participation, SMME collaboration and employment opportunities created. These lessons will inform futureexpansion and policy refinement

“I call upon the residentsofKSDLM and the entire O.R.Tambo District, industry partners and community structures to take ownership of thisinitiative. Through collective effort, we can reduce environmental risks, recover valuable resources and create sustainable livelihoods.”

IsiqaloYouthFundcontinuestoboostyouth-ownedbusinesses

MANDLENKOSI MXENGI

TWO emerging youth-owned businesses operating in the Eastern Cape recently received amajor boost,securing millions of rands’ worth of businessequipment, including two vehicles, throughthe provincial government’s Isiqalo Youth Fund business investmentinitiative.

YPL Networks Limited, ayouth-owned telecommunications service company based in Mthatha, recently secured over R1.3 millionworth of business equipment, including acaddy bakkie, invested in the

company by IsiqaloYouth Fund

Justafew days after providing the much-needed business equipment to YPL Networks Limited,Isiqalo Youth Fund delegates proceeded to KuGompo City (formerly East London) and donated abrand new Hino truck valued at R800,000 to Epitomely InteriorDoctors, an interiordesign company operating in the Buffalo City region.

The investment and funding support initiative forms part of the provincial government’s continued efforts to support youthowned businesses operating throughout

the province.

Isiqalo Youth Fund is an initiative of the Eastern Cape government in partnership with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA)aimed at empowering and providing financialassistance to youth-owned emerging businesses and young entrepreneurs.

YPL Networks Limited, atelecommunications service company, providesfast, efficient and affordablewireless internet services to homes and businessesoperating in the Alfred Nzoand O.R Tambo districts.

YPL Networks managing director, Yamkela Gegula, welcomed thelatestinvestment, adding thatitwill helpexpand the company’s business operations and create jobs for the youth.

Young entrepreneur, Sandiswa Mgolozeli (31), is the founder andowner of Epitomely Interior Doctors, an interior designbusiness, and the Epitomely PRM, apublic relations and marketing agency operating in KuGompo City. Both companies were established in 2018.

Mgolozeli believes that thenewly acquired truckwill enhance thecompany's operational and logistical capacity, enabling the business to expandits bespoke interiordesign, furniture manufacturing,upholstery,and removal services across the province.

“The support provided throughIsiqalo will assist the business to scale its services, create job opportunities and contribute meaningfully to thelocal economy and youth empowerment,”said Mgolozeli

Mgolozeli,apublic relations, marketing and communications strategist, has won numerous awards, includingthe 2019 South AfricaHeroesBusiness Empowerment award, Buffalo City Metro Female Entrepreneur of theYearaward and afinalist in the StandardBanktop women young achiever awards category. Shehas worked for severalbrands, including the Walter SisuluUniversity

marketingand communicationsdepartment,KuGompo City-basedKeithNgesi Radio, Forbes International, Zevo Travelsand Womandla Foundation, among others.

The formerBuffalo City Metro Youth Council memberisactively involved in charity work assisting poor andvulnerable communities in the region. Other notable youth-ownedbusinesses that have benefited from Isiqalo funding include Mario’s Grass CuttingService, Amahomba Entertainment,KwaNontsomi Enterprise andLabtronic Solutions

Sport

HOSEYAJUBASE

IMISOBoysFCare preparing to host their first U15 development tournament.

The Top 8tournament will take place on 16 June 2026 at the Police Camp Ground, Mthatha.

The winners will go home with R1 500, goldmedals, acup, andafull kit. The runners-up will receive R100, silver medals, and match balls.

The tournament will also serveasthe official launch of the club’s branchat the Police Camp

Imiso Boys FC was establishedin2022 by Nelisa Bhekezantsi.

“The team is playing arole in teaching our kids to take responsibility and focusonschool and sport,” said Imiso

Boys FC spokespersonFunekaLagatya.

“Weare alsoplanning to opena women’s football team andintroduce other sports codes.

“Our plan is to create opportunities for ouryoung people,and we are going to invite scouts to identifytalent,”added Lagatya.

Imiso Boys have playedahugerole in shaping thefuture of young stars. Every year,Chairman Bhekezantsitakes his players on atourtovisit bigclubs in Gautengtomotivate the players.

Fixtures forthe day:

ImisoBoysFCvsAthletic Leopards FC

• Eleven Attackers FC vs Premier United FC

• BhombersFCvsYoung Santos FC

• Bakhwekhwetha FC vs Falcon KnightsFC

UnitedFCreadytoavengeNedbank

HOSEYAJUBASE

UNITED FC head coach,Odwa Robson Mpukuzela, sayshis team is ready to face O.R. Tambo Regional LeagueCoastal Stream winners, PSGMajola FC, in this weekend’s decider

Coach Robson Mpukuzelasaidhe knows exactly what is needed to win the match and advance to theprovincial play-offs.

United FC clinched the InlandStream title after finishing in first position Reflecting on the leaguecampaign, Coach Robson said:

“It was not an easy leagueatall because WSUNMD gave us ahuge problem. Most of the season we were in second position, butinthe last match we

managedtowin, while WSUplayed to a draw on the otherside.”

United FC arenostrangers to PSG Majola FC. The two sides metlastseason in theNedbankCup decider, where PSG Majola FC won 3–0.

“Atthe time,I was theassistant coach; nowIamthe headcoach.I know their style of play, andweare going to do everything to make sure we win this decidermatch,” addedRobson Mpukuzela. This is thefirst time United FC will contest theRegionalLeaguedecider.If they win,they will represent the O.R Tambo Region at theprovincialplayoffs

The regionaldecider will be played at Rotary Stadium in Mthathathis coming Saturday, 31 May2026.