Veronique’smotherwaitsforjusticeasaccusedreturnstocourt
SHANTI JAFTA
THE public galleryatthe Gqeberha High Court was empty when alleged child killer Lelethu Nkosana appeared briefly before the court on Tuesday28July in connection with the kidnapping, rape and murder of eight-year-oldVeronique May
Nkosana, who was arrested in October last year, remains in custody as the matter continuesthrough theHighCourt
Thecourt heardthatthe matter came before the High Court for the first time on Tuesday, having been transferred from the Kariega Magistrates'Court. The case was remanded for fi-
nalisationofconsultation, meaning lawyers and their clients require further privatemeetingsto finalise instructions, reviewevidence andprepare for the nextstage of theproceedings.
Express previously reported that, according to police spokesperson Capt Sandra Janse van Rensburg, preliminary informationindicated thatVeronique was reported missing by her familyonSunday 5October, at the Kamesh police after 17:00.
“A search wasimmediatelylaunchedbythe police,”she said. “Information wasobtained regarding whom Veronique was last seen with on Sunday evening. TheKameshpolice found the man and, for hisown safety,hewas removed from the communitytothe police station.”
Speakingtothe Express shortly after the brief appearance, Veronique’s mother, Destiny May, shared her disappointment at missing what she describedasanopportunity to witness “justice” for her daughter. Destinyhad travelled from Kariega by public transport, which resulted in her missingthe courtappearance.
Askedhow shefeltaboutthe progression of thecase, Destinysaid shewas “a little relieved” that thematterhad been postponed as it meant shewouldhave another opportunity to see the accused. “I wasworried coming here, thinking that Iwill not get to seejustice being served for my child, butnow this means Ihave another opportunity to witnessit,”she said.
Destinysaid that while shehad accepted what
had happened to Veronique, seeing justiceprevail would give her closure.
“For me, Ineed to know that the person that took my daughter from me is dealt with so that Ican move on with my life as well, because so far, Ihave accepted the situation, but Iamwaiting for the next part of the proceedings,”she said.
Destiny said that although many months had passed since the incident,the pain of losing her daughter had not become easier.
“It really does not get easier, but the hope that justice will prevail is the only thing keeping me positive,” she said.
The case was postponed to 6August, and Nkosana will remain in custody.
Nelson MandelaBay given60daystotacklesewagepollution
NELSON Mandela Bay's failingwastewater infrastructure is continuing to pollute riversand beaches, according to anew report by theSouth African Human RightsCommission(SAHRC)
The SAHRC's investigation into wastewater
heavy metalsmonitoring and an investigation intopossible industrial sources of the lead contamination.
The report also documented repeated sewage-related beach closures during 2025. Brigh-
It added that the reportdoes not suggest every affected beach is permanently unsafe but rather demonstrates how quickly water quality can
change and why sustained monitoring, prompt public communication and effective wastewater management are essential to protect thepublic.
Mayorhitsbackat VanNiekerk’sclaims
NATASHA BEZUIDENHOUT
NELSON Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe has responded to Deputy Executive Mayor Gary van Niekerk’sallegations that hisefforts to improve servicedelivery in the metrohave been obstructed.
PE Express reported on Van Niekerk’s allegations on Wednesday, 29 July afterheraised concerns in aJuly 2representation to Eastern Cape Cooperative Governanceand Traditional Affairs (CoGT Velenkosini Hlabisa.
(CoGTA) MEC that
Van Niekerk claimed tha practical service delivery initiatives, including the RapidTurnaround Strategy, had been prevented from progressing despite being supported by municipal officials.
He also alleged that Lobishe had consistently obstructed his efforts and said his ability to fulfil his responsibilities as deput mayor had consequently constrained.
She said these interventions had recently been reaffirmed through the municipality’s Strategic Turnaround Session, which produced clear implementation priorities and strengthened accountability
Lobishe alsosought to clarifythe respective responsibilities of political officebearers and the municipal administration.
She said membersofthe Mayoral Committee were assigned portfolio responsibilitiesto provide political oversight, while executive directors and their directorates were reefor implementing Counprovedprogrammes.
In his representation, Van Niekerk asked theprovincial government to consider what he described as political and institutional barriers hampering service delivery in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Responding to the allegations, Lobishe said she had noted the correspondence but did not believe that public exchanges overinternal governancematters served the interestsof residents. “While every officebearer is entitledtoexpress their views through the appropriate institutional and constitutional channels, Idonot believe thatpublic exchanges on internal governancematters advancethe interests of the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay,”she said Lobishe said the municipalityhad never concealed or ignoredthe challenges it faced and had been working with national and provincial Cogta, National Treasury and other strategic partners on astructured turnaround programme.
sponsible for l-approved programmes.
“This collective to accountability, coordination and effective service the
“Thiscollective governance model is designed to ensure accountability,coordination and effective service delivery across the institution,” she said.
Niekerk had delegated to his office and all members of the Mayoral deputy mayor, focus on their respective responsibilities while supporting collective decisions
Lobishe said Van Niekerkhad delegated responsibilities assigned to hisoffice and expected all membersofthe MayorCommittee, including the ty mayor, to focusontheir ve responsibilities while supportingcollectivedecisions of Council and the Executive. She added that residents expected stable and united leadership rather than political infighting.
“Our residents expect leadershipthat is stable,united in purpose and committed to service deliveryinstead of political infighting and instability,” she said
“They expect roads to be repaired, reliable water and electricity services, cleaner neighbourhoods, safer communities, and accountable governance. That is where my focusand priorities remain.”
Lobishe saidshe remained committed to working withthe Mayoral Committee, Council, the administration and provincial and national government to implement solutions aimed at improving residents’ quality of life
“The people of Nelson Mandela Bay deserve leadership that places service delivery above personalities, collaboration above division and implementation above rhetoric,” Lobishe said.
GQreceivesR60millionboostforpowergrid
RESIDENTS and businesses across Gqeberha can look forward to amore reliable electricity supply, with R60 millionset to be injected into two major power infrastructure projectsinthe city.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) has confirmed the funding as part of itsongoing drive to modernise ageing electricitynetworks, reduce outages, andcreate the conditions for economic growth acrossthe Metro.
Thebulkofthe investment is split between twostrategic projects. R35 million will go towards replacing the Chelsea–Summerstrand 132kV powerline, which feeds one of Gqeberha's key tourism and hospitality hubs.The ageing line is being swapped out to reduce supply interruptions and strengthen acorridor that servesbothresidents andthe visitor economy.
Afurther R25 million has been allocated for reinforcing the electricity network insidethe Coega Special Economic Zone(SEZ), oneof South Africa's flagshipindustrial destinations
The upgrade will meet current industrial demand while building headroom for future expansion
An additional R13 million has been earmarkedfor uncategorised electrical infrastructure, covering minor grid extensions,unplanned maintenance, and thereplacement of critical equipment across the city.
For ordinary households, the practicalpayoff is fewer unplanned outages and agrid better able to cope withgrowing demand. TheMunicipalitysays the investment is not only about new infrastructurebut also about maintaining and modernising the assetsalreadyserving residents.
Executive Mayor Councillor Babalwa Lobishe said reliable infrastructure remainsone of theMetro’s most important economicdevel-
opment priorities.
“A reliable electricity network is the foundation of acompetitiveand growing city,” she said. “These investments arenot onlyabout constructingnew infrastructure, they are aboutmodernising our electricity network, maintaining critical assets and creating the conditionsfor investment, business expansion and sustainable economic growth. By strengthening strategic infrastructure today,weare improving servicereliability for our residents while positioning Nelson Mandela Bay as a destination of choice forinvestment, industry and tourism.”
Theseprojects sit within awider programme that includes substation refurbishments, ongoing maintenance, and the replacement of ageing infrastructureacross the metro. The municipalitysays it is balancing new capital investment with the day-to-day upkeep needed tokeep existing systems running efficiently.
The municipality has also flagged infrastructure crime as aserious ongoing threat. Cable theft and vandalism remain among the leading causes ofavoidable power outages in Nelson Mandela Bay. The city saysitisworking more closely withlaw enforcement to protect public infrastructure and has urged residents, businesses, and community organisations to report any incidents.
“Protecting public infrastructure is ashared responsibility,” the municipality said, adding that safeguarding these assets protects both servicedelivery and public investment.
All three allocations, the Summerstrand powerline, the Coega network reinforcement, and the R13 million flexible fund,will be rolled out through the municipality’s approved capital programme, with established project management and governance processes in place to monitor progress and ensure value formoney
Nelson MandelaBay Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe.
deputy had been
Don’tmissanightof world-classmusic
MUSIC lovers in the Eastern Cape havesomething special to look forwardtothis Heritage Month.
The Gqeberha Legends Festival –Heritage Alive will bring an unforgettable evening of world-class live music to Boardwalk International Convention Centre (ICC) on Saturday 19 September.
Designed for music lovers of all ages, the festival showcases the diversity, creativity and musical excellence that have made Gqeberha one of South Africa's leading cultural destinations. Audiences can expect ablend of jazz, R&B,soul, pop, Motown, Afro jazz and indigenousSouth African music —all on one stage
The line-up features ahost of acclaimed performers and outstanding
local talent, includingMCBradley Goldman, Micayla Lee, Neli Chitha, Tash Mahal, After 7, Kerry Hiles and Kristo Zondagh,Creshwell October, Chapter Three, Blaze Band and Andy Ndlazilwana.
Festival director Creshwell October saysthe event is about bringing people together through musicwhile celebrating thecity's unique cultural identity. “Heritage Month is the perfect opportunitytocelebrate the incredible musical talent thatexists in Gqeberha,” he said. “We look forward to welcoming audiences for an unforgettable evening of live music.”
Doors openat17:00 and the show starts at 18:00. General admission tickets areR150, available online through the Sun International Boardwalkwebsite or Webtickets.
DIARY|DAGBOEK
OpenDay-DrAmbroseCatoGeorgeSkills
DevelopmentCentre: The centrewill host its annual open dayon6Augustattheir premises at 70 Kobus Road, Gelvandale,at11:00.Their learnerswill have the opportunitytoshowcase theirhandiwork.Therewill be avariety of items on sale,including bakedgoodies, woodwork items, needlework items, pre-lovedclothing andmore. Dr Ambrose CatoGeorge Skills Development CentreisanNPO that provides skills training to learnerswith learningdifficulties, enabling them to becomeself-sustaining membersofsociety.For moreinfo, contact Ruth Tobias on 063274 1232 or JennyJohaar on 083 791 2652.
Juan Boucher: Thepopular singer bringshis “Afrikaans op Toer”tothe stageatBoardwalk ICCon7August,at 19:30.Tickets from R230 are availablefromopentickets.co.za
Market Day/BootSale: St Peter’sCongregational Church, Walter Road, Charlo, will have an event on Saturday8 August until 13:00. Stall vendorssetup from 08:00.Freeentry to the public from 09:00.Stall rental is R50. Therewill be eats,refreshments, fruit and veg, clothes, bric-a-bracand toysfor sale. Flippie Kapp will bring entertainment and music. ContactDeirdreon076 0678019 to reservespace
DiabetesWellness Meeting (S'Khona): The monthlymeetingwill be heldatthe Pieter RademeyerHall, CouncillorsOffice,12Chudleigh Street in Algoa Park on Saturday8 August at 14:00.NomabandlaZono will speak about “Cancer and causes”. ContactSisterPamela Molefeon082 556 6134.
Free Talk -Breastfeeding Week: Registered nursesand midwives,LinetteLouwand Michellevan der Westhuizen, will have afreetalk forBreastfeeding Week on 8August, at Intercare Walmer at 10:00.The guestspeaker is Nan Jollyand the localLaLecheLeaguehas been invited. Bookingisessential. WhatsApp Michelle on 082 940 4200 or Sr Linetteon066 238 1467. “RootsintheDark”: Don’tmiss theWomen’s Dayevent at GrootKloof in Hillside on 10August from 10:00 to 12:00.HostedbyDrBaeruniva Francis of INNOV8 Skills Club,the event will honour and empowerwomen by highlighting storiesofresilience,growth andpurpose DiabetesWellness Meeting (Malabar):
The monthlymeetingwill be heldatthe MalabarCommunityCentreMinor Hall in Haworthia DriveonTuesday 11 August at 19:00.Fezeka Tsotsobe from Asassa will speak about “What is dementia and howdoesitaffectfamilies? ContactSurendraDayaon083 6531491or041 4574576.
DiabetesWellness Meeting (Springdale):
The monthlymeetingwill takeplace at the GospelHall on the corner of Geldenhuys and OlympiastreetonTuesday 11 August at 19:00 Nzwaki Gwavuwill speak about “Diabetesand gangrene”.ContactCliveBurkeon083 500 9394.
DiabetesWellness Meeting (PE Branch):
Themonthly meeting will takeplace at the Caritas ServiceCentreinWestStreet, Newton Park on Wednesday 12 August at 19:15for 19:30
SELBY MADIKANE
ImbabalaYoung StarsFC, Golden HeroesFCpromotedtoregionalleague
Two sides, Imbabala Young Stars FC from NODEFA and Golden Heroes fromWAFA, puttheir local football associations (LFAs) on the map when they were promoted to the regional league during the SAFA Nelson Mandela Bay Hollywoodbets Men’s Regional League play-offs at Walmer Community FieldsonSunday.
All SAFANMB LFAs, proudly represented by their league winners, were divided into four groups.
Mighty Warriors FC (PEEFA), Valencia United Brothers FC (MOFA) and Futures FC (KUYGA FA) formed atoughGroup A, while West Lake Sports Club (NAFA), eBhayi FC (PEFA)and NewBrightonAcademy (NEBFA) clashed against each other in Group B.
Group Cwas represented by Shining Stars FC (ZWIFA), Swartkops FC (ZAFA)and Imbabala Young Stars FC (NODEFA), while Tambo Chiefs FC (LAROFA), Nkandla Super Eagles FC (PENFA) and Golden Heroes FC (WAFA) battled it out in Group D.
ContactMartinorElizabeth on 082 5799059 or 041367 2810. Robin Pieters -LiveProduction: Empower Her Resilience,will hitthe stageatBoardwalk ICCon 15 August at 20:00. Tickets from R200 areavailablefromWebtickets.
Langarmand Golden Oldies: Don’tmiss the funevent,presented by BiancaSchool of Dancing, at Our Lady of Perpetual HelpCatholic Church Hall,52 MountviewDrive,Malabar on 28 August. Doorsopen at 20:00. Entry is R100 per person. The DJ is FazalAmien.Bring your own cooler box.ContactMaureen on 076822 1128 Re-Seconds Market: Calling all collectors treasurehunters and those looking forunique itemstothe market at the Walmer Town Hall, Main Road, on Sunday30August, from 09:00 to 14:00.It’sthe market’s 10thbirthday.There will be thriftclothing, toys,Tupperware, jewellery,pet treats,hairaccessories, home decor, vintage items, freshfruit and vegetables, food andgreat coffee.Entry is free.Contact083 588 5823 or theresecondsmarket@gmail.comto book your spot.
TheSoil -HeritageFestival: Don’tmiss the Afro pop showwith The Soilon26September at Boardwalk ICCat19:00. TicketsfromR250 areavailablefromWebtickets.
CashBingo: Acash bingowill be heldon31 October at the West EndCommunityCentre(Small Hall) at 14:00. The cost is R150 for twoplaying cards. Refreshmentswill be sold WhatsApp 073375 7405 fortickets
Gqeberha Central Men’sShed: They meet every Mondayfrom10:30 to 12:00 at Caritas, 16 West Street,NewtonPark (between Tiger Wheel and Newton Park Spar). Amen’s shed is aspace wheremen canrelax, gettogether to talk, work together,haveacup of coffee and create friends. Allagesare welcome.For more info,WhatsApp Willie at 071142 3771
Caritas ServiceCentre: They welcome senior citizens to become members. Mealsare availableonorder daily.The tearoom is open every second Fridayofthe month. Trigym, pilatesand linedancing fitness sessionsare held Mondays to Thursdays.A blood pressureclinic is availablemonthly. The Centrealsoprovidesa library,artsand crafts,canasta, knitting groups and social outings.The hall at 16 West Street NewtonPark,is also availablefor weddings and parties. Contact066 1112497Mondays to Fridays,from08:30 to 12:30
RELIGIOUS:
CityLights Church: This family-style,Bible-based church isaffiliatedwiththe Advance Group of churches.Theymeetevery Sunday at 09:30 at The EP Badminton Hallatthe endof Alan DriveinWalmer Downs. WhatsApp Dave at 084 999 9197 forinfo.
Hi’s PlaceDevelopingCentre: Achurchand healingserviceis heldevery Sunday morning at 09:00.All arewelcome.Drive from Gqeberha on OldCape Road,1,6kmpastthe Wedgewood GolfCourse entrance, and enter throughthe gate ofSovereign Foods.For info,contactPastorChristoCampher at 082515 2294.
GroupBresults: West Lake SportsClub2-2 eBhayi FC
NewBrighton Academy5-2 West LakeSC eBhayi FC 3-0 NewBrightonAcademy
GroupCresults: Shining StarsFC1-1 SwartkopsFC
ImbabalaYoung StarsFC3-1 Shining StarsFC SwartkopsFC0 -1 ImbabalaYoung StarsFC
GroupDresults: Tambo Chiefs 2-1Nkandla Super Eagles FC NkandlaSuperEaglesFC0-3GoldenHeroesFC Tambo Chiefs FC 2–3GoldenHeroesF
MightyHeroesFCfightforZWIFASuper Leaguetrophy
Kwazakhele-based side Mighty Heroes FC have set their sights on winning the Zwide Football Association (ZWIFA) Super League title, as they are currently in second place on the log table.
Heroes,who areaffectionately known as Mangaung, collected four league points in their two games at Gal City Grounds over the weekend. Mangaung shared a2-2 draw with the Missionvale side Black Stars FC on Saturday, and secured a2-0 win by default over Real CrusadersFC Bteam on Sunday. Heroes aretwo points behind the log leaders, Shining StarsFCB team.
Ndyebo SecondarySchool defeated Motherwell High School 1-0, while Soqhayisa SecondarySchool handed Coselelani SecondarySchool a 2-1 defeat.
NMB Industrial Football Association actionheatsup Followingtheirback-to-back wins, Willard-Auto Xput immense pressureonthe Nelson Mandela Bay IndustrialFootball Association (NMB-IFA) League log leaders, Continental Tyres.
NMB-IFALeagueresults: Dana1Field Willard-Auto X2-0 TennecoRide ControlSA (Pty)Ltd SovereignFoods3-2Benteler BobertSA(Pty)Ltd2-1Volpes PurembyEberspacher5-1Dana Bridgemead AdientPPC5-3FreseniusKabi ForviaPortElizabeth5-5Kanu ResrgRehau3-1TritonExpress Mondelez3-0Valeo ShatterprufeStruandale ContinentalTyres5-2FomocoFord DairyGroup4-3ShatterprufeNeave ShatterprufeStruandale4-1Tradekor Sasko2-1BlackMagic
Theplay-offs started in the round-robin stage and ended in the knockout stage. In the semi-finals, Imbabala overcame Futures 5-3on penalties at Walmer Community Field 1. eBhayishared a1-1 full-time score, with Imbabala winning the game 7-6onpenalties at Walmer Community Field 2.
Imbabala and Heroes will campaign in the SAFA NMB Hollywoodbets Men’s Regional League in the 2026/27 season.
GroupAresults: MightyWarriors0-0ValenciaUnitedBrothersFC FuturesFC1-0 MightyWarriorsFC Valencia UnitedBrothersFC2-3 Futures FC
VictoryRaceway’snextevent, theClub Championship Round 6, will takeplace on 8August at their premises in Victoria Drive, Walmer.Classes competing: 1600 Saloons, 1660s, 2.1 Modifieds, Hot Rods, Heavy Metals andAmerican Saloons. Gates open at 13:00 and racing will startfrom 17:00. Entry is R70 per adult and R40 per child under 12. Track parkingis R50 per vehicle. There will be a variety of food stalls available. For moreinfo, contact Maggie on 082 656 8830. Pictured is E60Rohan van Vuuren in the V8 American Saloons class.
PHOTO:PETER HENNING
Stars secured a1-0 triumph over Zwide Celtics.
Real RoversFC, looking to keep their position among the top eight, earned a1-0 win over Young KillersFC. Everton FC claimed anarrow3-2 victoryover Kuyasa United Brothers FC Bteam. Roverscrashed 3-0toBlack Stars FC. Zwide Celtics cruised to a7-2 win over Kuyasa United Brothers FC Bteam.
Ndyebo,SoqhayisaSecondary Schools winChampionshipCupgames
Learnersfromall cornersofMotherwell attended the Sanlam KayMotsepe Schools ChampionshipCup games at the Motherwell NU 9Community Grounds on Friday.
NMB-IFAupcomingfixturesonSunday: Bridgemead:
• 09:00BlackMagic-Tradekor
• 10:30Valeo–DairyGroup
• 12:00PurembyEberspacher–Kanu
• 13:30ResrgRehau-BorbetSA(Pty)Ltd Dana1Field:
• 09:00:Dana–AdientPPC
• 10:30:Mondelez–ContinentalTyres
• 12:00Sasko–Willard-AutoX
• 13:30 FomocoFord– Tenneco Ride Control SA (Pty) Ltd ShatterprufeStruandale:
• 09:00:ShatterprufeStruandale–Sovereign Foods
• 10:30:ShatterprufeNeave–KeyPak
• 12:00ForviaPortElizabeth-Benteler 13:30FreseniusKabi–Volpes
Bheran Bhoola
director and national bowlerAndrewCyster(KZN)who