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Matatiele
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SAPS tells Parliament they have been unable to access 7-year-old rape victim
Justice Minister condemns alleged actions of court interpreter
Justice Minister condemns alleged actions of court interpreter
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has strongly condemned the alleged actions of a court interpreter whose actions led to the postponement of a case involving a seven-year-old child in Matatiele.
The incident – in which the interpreter allegedly failed to return to work following the lunch adjournment – occurred this week in the Maluti Magistrates’ Court where a suspect was applying for bail.
“The emotional and legal impact of such incidents on affected parties, especially children, is irreparable. Such behaviour undermines the proper functioning of the courts and will not be tolerated.
“Any actions that compromise the delivery of justice, especially in cases involving children, will be met with decisive intervention,” Kubayi said.
The department said a probe into the incident in the Eastern Cape will be conducted.
“The Minister has labelled this conduct as wholly unacceptable, particularly in cases involving vulnerable individuals, and far below the standards expected of officers of the court.
“The matter has been referred to the Provincial Office for urgent investigation into these serious allegations, and appropriate action will be taken where misconduct is established.
“In the interim, arrangements are underway to appoint a suitably qualified interpreter to ensure that the matter proceeds as scheduled on 15 April 2025 without further delay,” the department concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 04/11/2025 - 09:51
56 views
Thousands March Across the Country to Demand #JusticeForCwecwe
There has been no significant progress in the seven-year-old’s case
Eastern Cape government reaffirms commitment to combat GBVF
Eastern Cape government reaffirms commitment to combat GBVF
The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) across the province.
This follows recent incidents, including the alleged rape of a seven-year-old girl at Bergview College in Matatiele, and the recent judgment in the Timothy Omotoso case, in which the accused was found not guilty.
Televangelist Omotoso was acquitted in the Gqeberha High Court on 32 serious charges, including allegations of rape, racketeering, human trafficking, and other crimes.
These events have left many survivors and citizens feeling disheartened.
In response to the GBVF incidents, particularly the case in Matatiele, the Ministry of Police has deployed urgent and coordinated interventions. These include intensified law enforcement efforts and the deployment of the South African Police Service (SAPS) specialised Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit to assist with the investigations.
The Department of Social Development has also stepped in to provide psychosocial support to the victim and her family.
In a statement issued on Monday, the provincial government said Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane had reached out to the family to offer reassurance and reaffirm government’s commitment to pursuing justice.
National support was also extended, with the Minister of Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, and Social Development MEC Bukiwe Fanta visiting the family to provide encouragement.
The provincial government said communities across South Africa, and the Eastern Cape in particular, have long been grappling the devastating impact of GBV, a persistent scourge that continues to disproportionately affect women and children.
It noted that the recent incidents serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of young girls and boys, and the ongoing threat of violence that shadows many lives.
Mabuyane underscored the severity of the situation, saying that the provincial government recognises the gravity of these crimes and views the interventions as essential to “our broader efforts to protect vulnerable groups and ensure that justice is served”.
Mabuyane urged victims and their families not to suffer in silence, calling on anyone who has experienced or witnessed GBVF to report these crimes to law enforcement.
“We understand the courage it takes to come forward [and] we are here to walk that difficult journey with you. Government has systems in place to provide both psychosocial support and legal assistance to survivors,” the Premier said.
Mabuyane called on communities not to lose faith in the justice system, adding that “the fight against GBVF cannot be won overnight, nor can it be won without public participation”.
While acknowledging the frustration that arises when justice is delayed or denied, Mabuyane emphasised the importance of continued engagement with the justice system.
“We must continue to push for accountability, protection, and justice.”
The Premier reaffirmed the provincial government’s resolute commitment to protect the most vulnerable members of society.
He also reiterated that the Eastern Cape Provincial Government will continue to collaborate closely with law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations, and community structures to ensure that "no victim is left behind and no perpetrator escapes accountability".
“In the face of heinous crimes, it is understandable that public trust in the justice system may be shaken. Justice may sometimes appear slow, and outcomes not always satisfactory, but now more than ever, it is vital that communities remain engaged.
“Cooperation, information-sharing, and support for victims are essential to bringing perpetrators to book. Losing faith risks creating a culture of impunity. The Eastern Cape sends a clear message: Gender-based violence will not be tolerated,” Mabuyane said.
The provincial government remains steadfast in its commitment to working with all stakeholders to create safer, more inclusive and just communities across the province. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 04/07/2025 - 14:28
112 views
Work continues to solve Matatiela rape case
Work continues to solve Matatiela rape case
No effort will be spared in bringing the responsible parties to account in the case of the alleged sexual assault of a seven-year-old child in Matatiele, says Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
“What I can promise, on behalf of the Ministry of Police and the SAPS [South African Police Service] is that we are committed to upholding the law and ensuring that justice is served,” Mchunu said.
The Minister was addressing a media briefing in Pretoria on Friday.
“This is a matter that transcends individual tragedy, and we acknowledge the deep emotional impact it has had on our communities,” said the Minister, adding that the Eastern Cape matter is a sensitive one that police are handling and dealing with, with great sensitivity.
“When the matter first came to our attention earlier this year, we sent a warrant officer to investigate the matter, interact with the complainant and the investigating officer, whilst looking at other related matters.
“In the initial report we received from the warrant officer, we came to learn that the incident occurred in October last year, and a case was formally opened on the 16th of October 2024, following [the] medical examination of the minor and session with a social worker.”
The Minister said from the report provided by the warrant officer, police concluded that the matter could have been handled better and still needed intervention.
“We then realised that we needed to reinforce the team and have a dedicated officer on the matter. After the handling of the matter by the various offices, one critical aspect which has continued to present a serious challenge is the matter around DNA. DNA testing was done on the victim, with no foreign DNA having been found,” he explained.
Three persons of interest have since emerged and following that, further DNA processing is underway as the investigation continues.
“A thorough investigation is now fully underway, and I can assure you that we are consulting with all relevant role players to ensure that every aspect of this matter is examined carefully and comprehensively.”
Additionally, he said the track record of the Family Violence, Child Protection (FCS) Unit remains commendable with more than 35 500 gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) suspects arrested in the last two years.
READ | FCS unit deployed to boost Matatiele case
“During the same period, 4500 accused were convicted to time in prison for GBVF related crimes and notably, 660 of them were sentenced to life in prison. This indeed, must illustrate the seriousness at which the SAPS treats victims of GBVF related crimes especially those involving young children,” Mchunu said.
Citing police success in dealing with gender-based violence cases, Mchunu said in the past week alone, 259 rape suspects were arrested.
“This week, we have also welcomed the arrest of a 58-year-old male educator on Monday afternoon, 31 March 2025, for an alleged rape incident of a 13-year-old female learner in the Capricorn District of Limpopo. The Educator has appeared before the Mankweng Magistrates Court and is facing a charge of rape.”
Police will continue to support the family and the victim through the Employee Health and Wellness unit, including any other aspects related to the case.
“We assure the affected family of our full support and commitment to this case,” he said.
On Saturday, the Ministry of Police assured members of the public that law enforcement is actively investigating two incidences involving the rape of minors in the Eastern Cape.
This was after the Ministry took note of calls on various social media platforms regarding the tragic violation of the two minors in two separate incidences in October and November last year.
In both incidences, the suspects have been identified and were arrested. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 04/04/2025 - 14:54
27 views
FCS unit deployed to boost Matatiele case
FCS unit deployed to boost Matatiele case
The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, has tasked the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Investigations (FCS) unit to bolster and oversee the ongoing investigation into the alleged rape of a seven-year-old girl in Matatiele.
The FCS unit has 176 units across the country and its investigators are responsible for investigating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) related cases, electronic crimes as well as sexual offences cases involving women, children and vulnerable groups.
In a statement on Tuesday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said that the head of the FSC, Major General Mmantsheke Lekhele, was meeting with the investigating team to ensure due diligence is conducted in this case and that the chain of evidence was properly preserved.
On Saturday, the Ministry of Police assured members of the public that law enforcement is actively investigating two incidences involving the rape of minors in the Eastern Cape.
This comes after the Ministry took note of calls on various social media platforms regarding the tragic violation of the two minors in two separate incidences in October and November last year.
READ | Law enforcement is attending to Eastern Cape rape cases
In both incidences, the suspects have been identified and were arrested.
In the statement on Tuesday, the police said the Major Gen Lekhele will meet with persons of interests and key stakeholders such as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to ensure justice and the finalisation of the matter.
“Bringing criminals to book and putting perpetrators of crime behind bars remains a key priority for the SAPS. The SAPS assures the nation that justice will prevail and those that are found to be guilty of any offence will be brought to book,” said the police.
It further added that a comprehensive report will follow on conclusion of the work of the team led by Component Head for the FCS.
“The SAPS also calls for responsible social media reporting on this sensitive matter,” it said. -SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 04/02/2025 - 10:53
166 views
Thousands March to Call for Justice for Raped Child
Still no arrests after seven-year-old raped in Eastern Cape in October
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Call for justice following alleged rape of initiate
Call for justice following alleged rape of initiate
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa has called for swift justice following the alleged rape of an 18-year-old male customary initiate in Centani, in the Eastern Cape.
The incident comes in the wake of a rise in initiate deaths, with the toll now at 28, predominantly reported in the Amathole, Chris Hani, and Alfred Nzo districts.
“This heinous incident shines a light on the scourge of gender-based violence that continues to destroy our communities,” Hlabisa said.
In a statement on Thursday, the Minister called on parents and community members to take an active role in the customary initiation process, emphasising the need to protect children and preserve the sanctity of this traditional practice.
READ | Hlabisa commends Matatiele communities for safe return of initiates
In December 2024, Minister Hlabisa conducted an emergency oversight visit to the Eastern Cape, expressing grave concern over the management of initiation schools.
During the visit, he urged all stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring the safety and well-being of initiates and improving the operational management of initiation schools.
Against this backdrop, the Minister has called on the justice system to expedite the trial and ensure that the suspect faces the full consequences of his actions.
“Any form of abuse against initiates is intolerable. Perpetrators must be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he said.
Further stakeholder engagements on initiation processes are planned for early 2025 as part of ongoing efforts to achieve “zero deaths” during upcoming initiation seasons.
“The Ministry of COGTA [Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs] remains committed to safeguarding the cultural heritage of initiation while ensuring the safety and dignity of all initiates. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Fri, 01/10/2025 - 12:50
52 views
Hlabisa commends Matatiele communities for safe return of initiates
Hlabisa commends Matatiele communities for safe return of initiates
The Minister of Corporative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, joined the community of Phamotse village in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, as they welcomed back home 114 initiates this past weekend.
The cultural and traditional event brought the community together in celebration, characterised by song and dance.
The Minister was accompanied by the Eastern Cape CoGTA MEC, Zolile Williams, as well as the leadership of the Matatiele Local Municipality and traditional leaders from the surrounding area.
Hlabisa applauded the safe return of the initiates, emphasising that this is "what is needed across the country".
“As we welcome the 114 initiates, we remember the families whose children were unable to return from initiation schools in the Eastern Cape.”
The Minister once again conveyed sincere condolences, on behalf of government, to the families that lost their children after at least 28 initiates died in the province.
Hlabisa stressed that the safe return of the 114 initiates meant it was possible for all initiates across the country to return to their homes safely.
“We should all be motivated to engage as stakeholders in finding a lasting solution that will ensure the safe return of our initiates. The safe return of initiates anywhere across the country confirms that our tradition and culture do not kill.
“We should use successes like the one we are celebrating in Matatiele today as an important case study to benchmark and learn from, as we practice this important age-old culture and tradition, which must be protected,” Hlabisa said.
He described the initiates who went through the rite of passage to manhood as the "pride of the tradition and culture".
“We should all come together and declare zero tolerance to the death of initiates. This means that going forward, it cannot be business as usual,” he stressed.
Hlabisa warned against those who continue to “disrespect” the cultural practice and disregard norms and standards, as contained in the Customary Initiation Act. He said they will face the full might of the law.
The summer initiation season unfolded within extreme weather conditions, as the South African Weather Services (SAWS) predicted a heatwave for the same period.
This meant that extra care had to be taken, including ensuring that all initiates were well hydrated.
The Minister commended the local traditional leader, Morena Tsheliso Lepheana, for his guidance during the time of initiation.
Hlabisa also encouraged the leaders to take a stand against various societal ills and protect women and children.
The MEC echoed the Minister’s words that to ensure safer initiation seasons, it will take the involvement of all role players and stakeholders.
The Minister will continue to engage with traditional leaders and other stakeholders on all issues around safe traditional initiation. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 01/06/2025 - 09:48
267 views
Rape of 7-Year-Old Child: Mother Accuses Police of Being Slow to Act
Police blame delays on “a shortage of manpower”
SIU to probe at least three municipalities
SIU to probe at least three municipalities
At least three municipalities are to be placed under investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
This after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed proclamations authorising the corruption busting unit to probe allegations of maladministration in the affairs of the Tshwane Metro Municipality, Mahikeng Local Municipality and Alfred Nzo Municipality.
The President also signed an amendment of the Chris Hani District Municipality proclamation.
SIU Spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago explained that at the investigation into the Tshwane Metro will focus on the procurement of services for the upgrading and extension of a macro surveillance closed circuit television system in Tshwane.
It will also probe whether there was “unauthorised, irregular, or wasteful expenditure by the municipality and losses incurred by the municipality or the state”.
“The investigation’s focus will zoom into the payments and establish whether the contracting and procurement were conducted in a manner that was not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable, or cost-effective.
“Additionally, these activities were contrary to applicable legislation; manuals, guidelines, practice notes, circulars, or instructions issued by the National Treasury or relevant Provincial Treasury; and policies, procedures, or practices of or applicable to the municipality.
“Furthermore, there was unlawful or improper conduct by officials or employees of the municipality, contractors, suppliers, service providers, or any other involved parties related to these allegations,” he said.
Mahikeng Local Municipality
The investigation into the Mahikeng Local Municipality will focus on two tenders, namely:
- Lease agreement SCM/MLM17(A)/12/2015 dated 15 December 2015, and
- Full Maintenance Lease Agreement SCM/MLM17(B)/12/2015 dated 23 February 2016.
“The SIU’s probe will assess whether the payments made were conducted in a manner that was neither fair, competitive, transparent, equitable, nor cost-effective. These actions were contrary to applicable legislation; manuals, guidelines, practice notes, circulars, or instructions issued by the National Treasury or relevant Provincial Treasury; and policies, procedures, or practices applicable to the Mahikeng Municipality.
“The SIU will seek to ascertain whether the process involved was unlawful, irregular, or improper intervention by employees or officials of the Mahikeng Municipality and, in some cases, was fraudulent and led to unauthorised, irregular, or wasteful expenditure by the Mahikeng Municipality or the State,” he said.
He added that the SIU will seek to ascertain whether there was “unlawful or improper conduct by employees or officials of the Mahikeng Municipality, the service provider, or any other individuals or entities involved”.
Alfred Nzo District Municipality
At least seven contracts are expected to be placed under scrutiny at the Alfred Nzo District Municipality. These are:
- Implementation of Water Services Infrastructure Grant projects in Ntabankulu (Appointment of a panel of service providers, Consulting Engineers and Contractors, for the Planning, Design and Construction of Water Services Infrastructure Grant funded projects in the Alfred Nzo District Municipality - Ntabankulu Local Municipality)
- Mount Ayliff Bulk Peri-Urban Water Supply (Implementation of Pump station and a reservoir)
- Servicing Mbizana Town Area with 2ML Waste Water Treatment Works and Outfall Sewer (Construction of 2ML Waste Water Treatment Works and Outfall Sewer Pipeline) Mbizana Sewer
- Kwabhaca Regional Bulk Water Supply Scheme at Mount Frere (Construction of Water Treatment Works and other water schemes at Mount Frere Peri-Urban)
- Tender No: ANDM/IDMS-PMU/131/13/06/18: Greater Mbizana Water Supply Project
- Tender No: ANDM/IDMS-PMU/41/23/09/19: Greater Mbizana Water Supply Project Phase 33: Implementation of Ward 4 & 27: Zone 0 Main Pipeline Contract 3B; and
- Tender No: ANDM/IDMS-PMU/133/31/01/20: Matatiele Ward 5 Water Supply Project Phase 3 Contract 3 Matolweni Secondary Mains and Reticulation
“The SIU probe will look at unauthorised, irregular, or wasteful expenditure incurred by the municipality. Additionally, if there was irregular, unlawful, or improper conduct by officials or employees of the municipality, contractors, suppliers, or service providers associated with the municipality, or any other involved person or entity,” Kganyago said.
Chris Hani District Municipality
A proclamation on the probe into the Chris Hani District Municipality on the appointment of the Chris Hani Co-operative Development Centre NPC for the conversion of the community service providers and operators into functional co-operatives has been amended.
The investigation period has been extended to start from 01 December 2011 to 08 November 2024 and the amendment authorises the SIU to add the procurement of goods, works or services in terms of Tender No. 33/2015/MD (TN) – Cluster 9 Backlog Eradication: Tsomo Water Treatment and River Abstraction Works.
“The amendment results from the SIU’s investigations which revealed that the SIU needs to investigate further areas that the existing proclamations did not cover. The SIU requested a proclamation amendment in terms of time and focus areas,” Kganyago said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 11/12/2024 - 11:25
79 views
Weather warning for KZN, Eastern Cape
Weather warning for KZN, Eastern Cape
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of severe thunderstorms and snow along the Eastern Cape escarpment from Monday until Tuesday.
“Snowfalls are expected over the high lying areas due to a high-pressure system ridging from far south of the country, with a southerly to south easterly wind, resulting in cold to very cold and wet conditions over the province over the Chris Hani and Joe Ggabi District Municipalities; and Dr Beyers Naude, Blue Crane Route, Matatiele, Umzimvubu, Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipalities,” the weather service said.
These conditions will result in difficult and dangerous driving conditions.
Motorists can expect disruptions to traffic routes, due to slippery roads and reduced visibility, as well as road and pass closures for a short period.
There is a likelihood of loss of crops and livestock and disruption to services.
The Eastern Cape can also expect severe thunderstorms on Monday due to an approaching upper trough combined with a ridging surface high.
There is a possibility that the expected storms can become severe and may result in damaging winds, hail, downpours and excessive lightning.
The affected areas include Senqu, Elundini, Sakhisizwe, Matatiele and the Umzimvubu Local Municipalities.
The impact of these weather conditions will include localised damage to settlements and temporary structures, localised and short-term disruption to power supply, localised damage to vehicles and falling trees blocking roads.
In KwaZulu-Natal, residents can expect widespread showers and thundershowers over most parts of the province but scattered to isolated in the north, except the extreme north-eastern parts on Monday.
“Some of these thunderstorms may become severe over the southern parts of KZN and may be accompanied by strong, damaging winds, excessive lightning, large hail/large amounts of small and heavy downpours,” SAWS said.
As a result of these weather conditions, there could be falling trees blocking major roads, disruption of services due to power surges, danger to life (humans and livestock) due to excessive lighting as well as damage to structures due to hail and wind. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 11/04/2024 - 10:57
21 views
Eastern Cape Village Still Without Water 30 Years Since Democracy
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At Least 116 Children Died From Malnutrition in the Eastern Cape in One Year
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The little charcoal business run by a group of young people in Matatiele
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7 Reasons you should visit Fish Eagle Café at Crocworld this winter
There’s no better place to be in winter than on the sunny KZN South Coast where the slight drop in temperatures makes spending time outdoors that much more enjoyable. For those looking to grab a delicious meal or refreshing beverage, the Fish Eagle Café based in the stunning Crocworld Conservation Centre in Scottburgh is well …