Latest news with #Burger
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
Mamelodi father gets life for raping daughter, brainwashing her it was ‘normal'
Mamelodi father gets life for raping daughter, brainwashing her it was 'normal' A Pretoria father has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the local magistrate's court for the repeated rape of his daughter over a 10-year period, beginning when she was just nine years old. Pretoria Rekord reports that National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana says the 64-year-old father from Mamelodi appeared in court recently. 'The abuse began when the victim was nine years old in 2010 and continued until she was 19 in 2020, occurring during weekend and school holidays when the victim would visit her father. The mother of the victim and the father were not married; they only shared the child. Before the abuse started, the father told the victim that the abuse was normal in households and warned her not to tell her mother because she had a heart condition.' Warning: The following article contains information that may upset sensitive readers Mahanjana says when the victim was 16 years old in 2018, the condom broke while she was being raped by her father. 'When the father realised that the condom was broken, he told her to track her menstrual cycle and if she misses it, she should inform him.' When the daughter missed her periods and was pregnant, he gave her R1 500 to terminate the pregnancy. The rapes persisted despite this. She explains the abuse came to light in 2021 when the victim started dating and confided in her boyfriend that her father was the only person she had been intimate with, believing it was normal. 'The boyfriend informed the mother, who confronted the daughter. After realising what had been happening was wrong the daughter opened the case at the Mamelodi East Police Station on January 16, 2021 and the father was arrested on the same day.' Mahanjana says the father pleaded not guilty, denying the charges. 'However, regional court prosecutor Anton Burger presented compelling evidence, proving his guilt. During sentencing, the father requested leniency, citing his role as a breadwinner for his wife, three other children, and two granddaughters.' Burger opposed this, arguing the lack of remorse, the prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV), and the father's betrayal of his duty to protect his daughter. Furthermore, Burger said the father instructed his own daughter to terminate a pregnancy after realising that he was going to father his daughter's child. 'What was more shocking was that the father planned the sexual abuse because he prepared the victim for it before it even started and made her believe it was a normal thing. In the victim impact statement, facilitated by the court preparation officer, Kgomotso Lodi, the victim said she cannot recall life without rape, she lost her teenage years, and she now suffers from depression and low self-esteem.' When handing down the sentence, acting regional court Magistrate Pierre Wessels said violence against women and children is a pandemic in this country and it was the duty of the courts to combat such offences. The magistrate agreed with the state that the man showed no remorse for the offences, and as such he found no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the sentence of life imprisonment. The court declared the unfit to work with children or possess a firearm, ordered his name added to the National Register for Sexual Offenders, and directed that his two granddaughters be referred to the children's court for investigation and inquiry. 'The NPA welcomes this sentence, reaffirms its dedication to eradicating GBV, a pervasive crisis in South Africa, by supporting survivors and ensuring perpetrators face severe consequences. 'This case exemplifies our victim-centred approach and our resolve to foster safe environments where children's rights to dignity and safety are upheld. Together with our justice partners, we call on communities to stand united against GBV, reporting abuse to break the silence and protect the future.' Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Pretoria father gets life for raping daughter over 10 years and convincing her it was normal
Pretoria father gets life for raping daughter over 10 years and convincing her it was normal A Pretoria father has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Magistrates' Court for the repeated rape of his daughter over a ten-year period, beginning when she was just nine years old. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the 64-year-old father from Mamelodi appeared in court recently. 'The abuse began when the victim was 9 years old in 2010 and continued until she was 19 in 2020, occurring during weekend and school holidays when the victim would visit her father. 'The mother of the victim and the father were not married; they only shared the child. Before the abuse started, the father told the victim that the abuse was normal in households and warned her not to tell her mother because she had a heart condition.' Mahanjana said in 2018, when the victim was 16 years old, while being raped by her father, the condom broke. 'When the father realised that the condom was broken, he told her to track her menstrual cycle and if she misses it, she should inform him.' When the daughter missed her periods and was pregnant, he gave her R1,500 to terminate the pregnancy. The rapes persisted despite this. She said the abuse came to light in 2021 when the victim started dating and confided in her boyfriend that her father was the only person she had been intimate with, believing it was normal. 'The boyfriend informed the mother, who confronted the daughter. After realising what had been happening was wrong the daughter opened the case at the Mamelodi east police station on January 16 2021 and the father was arrested on the same day.' Mahanjana said in court, the father pleaded not guilty, denying the charges. 'However, Regional Court Prosecutor Anton Burger presented compelling evidence, proving his guilt. 'During sentencing, the father requested leniency, citing his role as a breadwinner for his wife, three other children, and two granddaughters.' Burger opposed this, arguing the lack of remorse, the prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV), and the father's betrayal of his duty to protect his daughter. Furthermore, Burger said the father instructed his own daughter to terminate a pregnancy after realising that he was going to father her daughter's child. 'What was more shocking was that the father planned the sexual abuse because he prepared the victim for it before it even started and made her believe it was a normal thing, he added. 'In the Victim Impact Statement (VIS), facilitated by the court preparation officer, Kgomotso Lodi, the victim said she cannot recall life without rape, she lost her teenage years, and she now suffers from depression and low self-esteem.' When handing down the sentence, the Acting Regional Court Magistrate Pierre Wessels said violence against women and children is a pandemic in this country and it was the duty of the courts to combat such offences. The Magistrate furthermore agreed with the state that the man showed no remorse for the offences as such he found no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the sentence of life imprisonment. The court declared the unfit to work with children or possess a firearm, ordered his name added to the National Register for Sexual Offenders, and directed that his two granddaughters be referred to the children's court for investigation and inquiry. 'The NPA welcomes this sentence, reaffirms its dedication to eradicating GBV, a pervasive crisis in South Africa, by supporting survivors and ensuring perpetrators face severe consequences. 'This case exemplifies our victim-centred approach and our resolve to foster safe environments where children's rights to dignity and safety are upheld. Together with our justice partners, we call on communities to stand united against GBV, reporting abuse to break the silence and protect the future.' Also read: Hero father gunned down protecting family — just hours before son's 6th birthday Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Luke Burger sees green shoots of exciting centre partnership with Damian Markus at WP
Boldwin Hansen of the Lions is tackled by Luke Burger of Western Province during a 2023 Currie Cup match between the sides at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town. Burger could agains partner Damian Markus in midfield against the Lions in Saturday's Currie Cup match. Western province midfielder Luke Burger feels like his centre partnership with rising star Damian Markus has the potential to blossom into something special during the Currie Cup. 'We have a really good relationship. Obviously there's room to improve, feeling comfortable with each other and knowing each other's strengths, how to benefit from it and how we can just form the best connection,' Burger said during a Province media conference yesterday. 'I think we're felling quite comfortable and feeling quite strong going forward.' Asked what each player brought to the partnership, Burger said: 'It was our first game together in pre-season so there's still little things we're working on, just to get that combination all the better. But I think we match up really well. 'He's really good with ball in hand. He knows how to draw defenders in, which gives me the opportunity to run good lines off him, and vice versa. I think the more time we spend together in this centre partnership, it can only really get better from there.'
Daily Maverick
4 days ago
- Daily Maverick
‘Accountability must follow' – charges withdrawn against Fort Hare forensic investigator
Sarah Burger, the former main forensic investigator contracted by the University of Fort Hare, who uncovered massive fraud at the institution and was then controversially arrested herself, has indicated that she will sue the government after charges were withdrawn against her on Friday. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has withdrawn controversial fraud charges against a former lead forensic investigator contracted to the University of Fort Hare, where she uncovered evidence of massive wrongdoing. In a media release on Friday, Luxolo Tyali from the NPA said there had been a decision to separate the University of Fort Hare fraud, corruption and money laundering case into five legs. They will be allocated to five Regional Court Magistrates presiding in the East London Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. 'The five legs, which involve 21 accused, who are University of Fort Hare employees, service providers, and their business entities, have now been separated after finalisation of charge sheets, and each magistrate will arrange trial dates with the respective legal representatives. 'Nine of the accused were university employees who, together with service providers and their companies, are accused of having colluded in the awarding of tender contracts at UFH in return for gratifications. 'More than R172-million was paid by UFH to the service providers, with the bulk allegedly finding its way into the pockets of the accused university employees. The conclusion of these tenders was allegedly associated with violent acts, including murder, at the university,' Tyali said. He said the decision to withdraw charges against forensic investigator Sarah Burger came after 'lengthy engagements' between the complainant (University of Fort Hare), the Eastern Cape prosecution team and Burger's legal representatives. Previously, Tyali said the case against Burger and her business partner and owner of Horizon Forensics, Bradley Conradie, was before the court because the NPA 'had evidence linking them to crimes'. 'If they have evidence of political motivation, they can make representations to the Director of Public Prosecutions or escalate it to the National Director of Public Prosecutions,' he said at the time of the arrest. On Friday, Tyali said: 'The decision to separate the case into different legs with tailored prosecution strategies for each will expedite and simplify the prosecution of this complex and multifaceted case, which covers charges ranging from fraud and corruption to murder.' On Sunday, Burger said: 'While I am relieved that justice has finally prevailed, the entire saga has been a harsh and costly lesson marked by immense personal and professional destruction. This is a trauma that cannot be undone.' She said that 'accountability must follow for every cog that aided in this process. Formal complaints have been lodged and acknowledged'. 'If the NPA and the SAPS are truly committed to restoring public trust, they must uphold due process, act within the bounds of the law and respect the rule of law at all times. More importantly, they must respect fundamental constitutional rights, which are rights meant to be enjoyed by all,' she said. 'Without this, no citizen will be safe.' She said she would assist the defence team of her business partner, Conradie. Burger became involved in the investigation at Fort Hare in 2019 and was the lead investigator who put together a docket of information pointing a finger at alleged academic fraud by Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane. Conradie previously said he and Burger believed their arrests were linked to their handing over evidence to the Hawks relating to Mabuyane. These allegations had previously been put to Mabuyane, but he failed to respond. In papers before court, he has described the investigation against him as malicious. He also successfully managed to have himself excluded from an initial investigation by the SIU into academic fraud. However, in October 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed an amended proclamation that widened the SIU's investigation, which could now conceivably include Mabuyane. In what Burger and Conradie described as 'an unnecessarily dramatic show', they were arrested on 28 March by about 24 members of the National Task Force and the National Intervention Unit. Burger spent five nights in holding cells before the State agreed to grant her bail. DM
Economic Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Economic Times
Shock substitutions, last-ditch heroics & a legend's farewell: you won't believe what's happening in the ANZ Premiership Grand Final
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - JULY 27: Filda Vui of the Mystics warms up during the ANZ Premiership Grand Final match between Northern Mystics and Mainland Tactix at The Trusts Arena on July 27, 2025 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by) Synopsis As the second half kicks off, Peta Toeava steps into the goal attack position, while Ellie Bird bids farewell in her final match for the Mainland Tactix. The Mystics are currently navigating the second quarter, but the Tactix are holding strong with a lead. Burger and Watson have successfully seized possession, and Wallam seems to be finding her rhythm. 2025 July 27, 10:26 a.m. ADVERTISEMENT Peta Toeava at goal attack as the second half begins!? 27 July 2025 10:19 A.M. With Ellie Bird, scheduled to retire from Mainland Tactix is playing her last game. 27 July 2025 10:16 AMThe Mystics are now in the second quarter and The Tactix holds a good lead. ADVERTISEMENT Burger and Watson have gained a lot of ball, and the visitors have attacked calmly. He appeared more at ease in the second quarter, Wallam. From this position, the Mystics can still win since they have the quality and can score goals fast.27 July 2025 10:14 A.M. ADVERTISEMENT The Tactix maintain a solid lead despite the Mystics settling in the second quarter. 27 July 2025 10:10 A.M. ADVERTISEMENT Wallam was hit by a Toeava bullet!27 July 2025 10:10 A.M. ADVERTISEMENT Vui fails to make a two-point try.27 July 2025 10:07 AM With the Mystics getting some momentum, the Tactix announce a time-out. Tactix is ahead 25–18.27 July 2025 10:06 AM For the Mystics, a consecutive couple.2025 July 27, 10:06 a.m. Hall receives a much-needed change.27 July 2025 10:05 A.M. When attacking, the Tactix are extremely well-managed.2025 July 27, 10:01 a.m. Sokolich-Beatson has switched to WD, and Holly has joined GD.27 July 2025 9:58 A.M. The Tactix had a 17–8 lead in the beginning, and nobody noticed! Updated at 9:59 AM on July 27, 202527 July 2025 9:54 A.M. Once more, Watson touches the ball.27 July 2025 9:54 A.M. Finally, the Mystics defenders triumph after forcing a held ball that is thrown away at the other end due to Vui's excessive pass.27 July 2025 9:51 A.M. It's super shot time.27 July 2025 9:50 A.M. Lokotui hits the shooting end with a ripper.27 July 2025 9:50 A.M. For the first time in almost five minutes, the Mystics score27 July 2025 9:49 A.M. The guidance given by Mystics coach Tia Winikerei to her attacking end is excellent. The Tactix defenders are heading for the ball, therefore they must take it hard.27 July 2025 9:48 A.M. The Mystics call a team time-out after the Tactix wins 10–4.27 July 2025 9:46 AM Burger and Watson are already on fire! Wallam is forced into a handling error by Watson.27 July 2025 9:45 A.M. Toeava loses the ball to Burger!27 July 2025 9:43 A.M. Watson deflection on the 45! Bird thanks Burger for picking up the ball, and the game's first break begins.27 July 2025 9:42 A.M. Watson and Burger come very close to a turnover once more, but fall short.27 July 2025 9:41 A.M. One-on-one, Watson has come very close to winning the ball!27 July 2025 9:41 A.M. So far, goal after goal.27 July 2025 9:40 A.M. Started at last, and the Mystics score on a centre pass.27 July 2025 9:25 A.M. The Tactix second half in the elimination final was breathtaking, according to Mystics assistant coach Rob Wright.27 July 2025 9:24 A.M. The two lineups aren't very shocking.27 July 2025 9:11 A.M. The Tactix GS Ellie Bird GA Selby-Rickit Te Paea Erikana Pedersen, WA C. Holly Mather WD Paris Lokotui Karin Burger, GD GK Watson, Jane27 July 2025 9:11 A.M. The lineup for Mystics: WD, C Tayla Earle, WA Peta Toeava, GA Filda Vui, and GS Donnell Wallam GD's Katie Te Ao Sokolich-Beatson, Michaela, GK Hall, Catherine (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates. NEXT STORY
