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IOL News
5 days ago
- IOL News
Outrage over bail granted to convicted rapist sentenced to eight years
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has been called the bail granted to a suspect who was sentenced to eight years in prison for rape. Image: Supplied The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has been called to challenge the bail granted to a rapist who was convicted and sentenced to eight years' imprisonment. Rights group Sonke Gender Justice said it was concerned about the convicted rapist, Lulama Elvis Ray Mpahla, receiving bail pending appeal four days after sentencing. Mpahla, an Eastern Cape-based traditional healer from Duncan Village, was arrested for raping a young woman in Kemption Park in 2021. The woman was an initiate under his spiritual mentorship Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Sonke Gender Justice co-executive director, Bafana Khumalo, said Mpahla lured the young woman into a hotel room ostensibly to talk to her about her training and a message from her ancestors. 'In the course of this consultation, he raped her under the guise of facilitating a healing ritual. She was left confused and aggrieved by this experience and checked with other traditional healers if this was part of the process. Everyone she checked with denied that this was related in any shape or form to a healing ritual. They all affirmed that, actually, what he did was take advantage of her and raped her,' said Khumalo. The matter was reported at the Kempton Park Police Station, which later handed the docket to the NPA. Mpahla, who was sentenced to eight years in prison earlier this month, was granted bail four days after he appealed the decision by the Kempton Park Magistrate Court. This decision resulted in an uproar, especially from Sonke Gender Justice, which has been calling for justice for the victim and her family. The organisation's policy development and advocacy manager, Mpiwa Mangwiro-Tsanga, stated that while bail pending appeal is a constitutional right, it is not automatic and should be weighed against the interests of justice. 'Gender-based violence, including rape, is a major challenge in South Africa, evidenced by alarming statistics. Granting a rape convict bail a few days after sentencing does not send a strong message to other would-be offenders on the severity of rape as a crime,' said Mangwiro-Tsanga. NPA Gauteng spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane did not respond to calls and messages. Mangwiro-Tsanga said Sonke monitored this case and supported the survivor despite several setbacks and multiple legal proceedings since 2021. The survivor endured many challenges, including secondary victimisation, but remained resilient throughout the ordeal. 'We, however, hope the outcomes of this case at the very minimum serve as a caution for perpetrators of violence, especially in the traditional healers' sector, where there are numerous alleged abuses of initiates by their spiritual guides, also known as Gobelas.' Meanwhile, the NoRegulationsForHealersWithoutHealers campaign also expressed its disappointment in the justice system. 'We are left grieving. How do you sentence a man, and allow him to go home? What message does this send to survivors, and those who risk everything to speak the truth? Let it be known: If you see him at home, he is not free. He is a convicted rapist, found guilty by law. His presence in the community is not a triumph of justice - it is a wound reopened, a truth denied, a sacred trust betrayed.'
IOL News
12-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Ambitious Chippa United on a shopping spree; new coach and sporting director
Siviwe 'Chippa' Mpengesi Siviwe 'Chippa' Mpengesi has been on a shopping spree. The Eastern Cape-based club has appointed a new head coach and a sporting director. Chippa United has announced the appointment of Sinethemba Badela as their new head coach. The club expressed confidence in his abilities as he takes over from Thabo September, who parted ways with Chippa following an underwhelming 11th-place finish last season. Badela, who hails from the Eastern Cape, steps into the leadership role as a promising emerging coaching talent in South African football. He is a former Mamelodi Sundowns DStv Diski Challenge mentor and has an eye for untapped talent. 'This appointment at Chippa United marks his first appointment as a head coach in the Premier Soccer League (PSL). It is a moment of pride not just for him, but for us as a club,' Chippa United's statement read. 'We strive to be more than a club. We are a symbol of possibility, a beacon for talent, and a footballing home for the Pride of the Eastern Cape.' Last season, he gained invaluable experience as an assistant coach to Rhulani Mokwena at Wydad AC in Morocco. Badela's appointment is a significant step in Chippa's ambitions to move away from their mid-table mediocrity. Previously, he also played a key role in Mokwena's technical team at Mamelodi Sundowns. 'Coach Badela brings with him international experience, having served as assistant coach at Wydad AC,' the statement continued. 'He now steps into this leadership role with the backing of our club, our supporters, and the province we proudly represent.' Badela's task will centre around elevating the club's fortunes after a lacklustre season where they amassed 31 points from 28 matches, narrowly missing out on a coveted top-eight spot. While the details of Badela's contract have yet to be revealed, the club's vision of fostering talent is clear. Chippa United's commitment is underscored by their choice to promote local coaching talent. 'His journey is a testament to what is possible when potential meets opportunity. We are honoured to give him the platform to lead our club at the highest level.' As preparations for the new season intensify, Chippa United's supporters will be keenly watching to see how coach Badela implements his tactical philosophy and galvanises the squad to achieve their goals. Additional members of the technical team supporting Badela are expected to be announced soon, as the club looks to build momentum and restore pride among its fans. Meanwhile, Chippa's owner, Siviwe Mpengesi, on Thursday morning announced the appointment of Sinesipho Mali as the club's new Sporting Director. Mali, a distinguished tactical analyst for South Africa's national football team, Bafana Bafana, boasts a wealth of knowledge in performance analysis, having previously served in key roles at Chippa and Sekhukhune United. His return to the club marks a notable chapter in his career, underlining the commitment of Mpengesi to revitalise Chippa. Mali brings a unique blend of academic knowledge and practical skills earned during his tenure as an analyst with Kaizer Chiefs before his recent role at Sekhukhune United, where he not only functioned as an analyst but also took charge of recruitment strategies. His efforts at Sekhukhune were instrumental in the club achieving its highest points tally in the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season. 'With Mali's return, we are investing in leadership that understands the game and also the unique context of our region – ensuring alignment across recruitment, development, and performance, while driving purpose-led progress for the club and province," Chippa's statement read. Mali will continue to serve as the head of analysis for Bafana Bafana. He also has previous experience with Banyana Banyana and the national Under-23 squad.
The Citizen
11-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Underworld plots a Durban July heist
A big race final log has been unveiled amid a scramble for places. Bowlers take great delight in hurling surprise bouncers at batters who appear settled at the crease. Jolt them out of a comfort zone is the idea. Racehorse trainer Justin Snaith did something of the sort this week when he made four-year-old Underworld a supplementary entry for the Hollywoodbets Durban July, to be run at Greyville next month. Underworld wasn't among the 61 first nominations, or a late addition at the first supplementary stage of South Africa's premier horse race. Indeed, Snaith watchers had more than enough to keep them busy with a dozen or so of his July aspirants, including a clutch of them near the top of the betting boards. Then Underworld ran in the Grade 3 1800m Dolphins Cup Trial at Greyville this past weekend and did fairly well – as he should have as a 3-1 favourite. He finished a close runner up to 40-1 roughie Madison Valley, with 14-1 chance On My Honour just behind in third place. Here's the thing: Madison Valley and On My Honour were both Durban July entrants and the surprise Cup Trial result, along with a slew of scratchings at second declaration stage, saw them catapulted into the final July log announced on Tuesday. Neither had featured among the 20 'most favoured' entries of a few weeks earlier. Underworld gave 2kg and 1.5kg respectively to his adversaries in the Cup Trial, but the distance and venue were a good pre-July test and indicated that Snaith's charge might not be wildly outclassed in the big race. Shaking things up The bottom rungs of the Durban July ladder are always hotly contested spaces but connections of horses that make it into 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th on the final log can generally start planning their outfits for the parade ring at Greyville on the first Saturday of the seventh month. Comfort zone; but here comes the bouncer. Based on his merit rating of 108, Underworld has no chance of trumping Madison Valley (115) and On My Honour (116) in the minds of the July selection panel. But Snaith is fond of a mischievous argument and a dig at the official handicappers. One of the horses on those lower rungs of the new July log is My Best Shot in 17th spot. No-one can remember when last there was an Eastern Cape-based runner in the July and many would be delighted to see Alan Greeff saddle up his star three-year-old for the big race – and Snaith wouldn't be a popular chap if his Underworld nixed the country cousin. Merit rating adjustments following the weekend's hectic pre-July action saw Oriental Charm and Gladatorian both hiked to 127, which means they will share the July's top burden of 60kg with See It Again – when weights are concluded next week. Cape Town Met champion Eight On Eighteen – who wasn't in action at the weekend – still tops the final log with his MR of 129. The race conditions stipulate that, as a three-year-old, he cannot carry more than 57kg. The log indicates that there is unlikely to be a female horse in the 2025 July. Three fillies are on the 'next best' list, but they will only come into contention for a place in the field if there are scratchings aplenty in the coming week. Hollywoodbets Durban July Log of 10 June 1. EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN (3C) Justin Snaith 129 2. ORIENTAL CHARM (4C) James Crawford 127 3. SEE IT AGAIN (5G) Michael Roberts 127 4. ROYAL VICTORY (5G) Nathan Kotzen 125 5. CONFEDERATE (3G) Fabian Habib 118 6. GLADATORIAN (5G) Stuart Ferrie 127 7. PURPLE PITCHER (4C) Robyn Klaasen 122 8. ATTICUS FINCH (5G) Alec Laird 121 9. SELUKWE (5G) Andre Nel 111 10. THE REAL PRINCE (4G) Dean Kannemeyer 120 11. OKAVANGO (3G) Justin Snaith 120 12. NATIVE RULER (3G) Justin Snaith 119 13. LEGEND OF ARTHUR (3C) Sean Tarry 117 14. IMMEDIATE EDGE (3G) Mike / Mathew de Kock 108 15. MADISON VALLEY (4G) Frank Robinson 115 16. ON MY HONOUR (3G) Glen Kotzen 116 17. MY BEST SHOT (3G) Alan Greeff 116 18. FUTURE SWING (5G) Justin Snaith 117 19. MUCHO DINERO (5G) Justin Snaith 115 20. POMODORO'S JET (6G) James Crawford 118 Next 9 in alphabetical order BEATING WINGS (4F) Stuart Pettigrew 113 HOLDING THUMBS (4G) Glen Kotzen 107 JOY AND PEACE (4F) Alan Greeff 110 LITIGATION (6G) Sean Tarry 113 MAGIC VERSE (4G) Justin Snaith 113 RAINBOW LORIKEET (4F) Candice Bass-Robinson 111 SON OF RAJ (5G) Tony Peter 119 THE EQUATOR (IRE) (4C) Tony Peter 110 THUNEE PLAYA (4C) Mano Pandaram 104 Final supplementary entries close on Tuesday 17 June after which the weights will be published by the National Horseracing Authority. Final declarations are due on Monday 23 June and the field of 18 runners, with two reserves, will be revealed on Tuesday 24 June when the draw for barrier positions will also take place.
IOL News
28-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Sinethemba Qeshile's one-day career revival led SA A to series victory in St Lucia
Sinethemba Qeshile Sinethemba Qeshile in action for the Warriors. Photo: PHANDO JIKELO Independent Media Image: PHANDO JIKELO Independent Media ABOUT six years ago, fresh out of matric at Hudson Park High School in East London, a 19-year-old Sinethemba Qeshile set the country alight with a List A century against a then-Temba Bavuma-led Lions side. That innings of 121 runs in one-day cricket was followed by a first-class knock of 99 in Gqeberha against a Knights bowling attack led by Duanne Olivier, who at the time was feared by most of the top batters in the world. Despite earning a Proteas T20 International cap a couple of weeks after his maiden List A century, Qeshile would somehow almost vanish into the domestic cricket wilderness, like many Eastern Cape-based cricketers before him. Despite having played some big knocks in the Four-Day Series, including a century against the Kagiso Rabada-led Lions bowling attack, Qeshile's one-day cricket returns just never met the expectations, having scored a century in the format at 19. The inconsistency in his role while playing at the Warriors also did not help as the right-handed batter simply struggled for six consecutive years. However, in the ongoing South Africa A tour of the West Indies, it seems that something has finally clicked for Qeshile in the limited-overs arena. The now-26-year-old announced his arrival in St Lucia with a half-century in the first one-day game, and followed up with an innings of 126 off 106 balls (18x4, 1x6) in the second encounter as he smashed international bowlers such as Oshane Thomas all around the Daren Sammy International Cricket Ground. Though he fell cheaply in the third and final match of the one-day series on Tuesday, Qeshile's heroics saw the visitors secure a 2-0 series victory as the second match was abandoned due to persistent rain in the second innings. Qeshile also finished as the leading run-scorer in the series with 197 at an average of 65.66, and was followed by Cape Town-born Jason Smith with 153 at an average of 76.5 and Rivaldo Moonsamy with 149 at an average of 49. With the bat, Marques Ackerman, Jordan Herman and Mihlali Mpongwana brought up at least one half-century in the series, playing a key role in helping the visitors win the contest. Mpongwana, as a seam-bowling all-rounder, made his presence felt with the ball as well, taking a total of four wickets, while seamer Tshepo Moreki finished the series as the leading wicket-taker with six scalps.
The Citizen
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
VW plant Kariega enters next phase for production of new SA-built crossover
Volkswagen's Plant Kariega in the Eastern Cape has entered the next phase in preparation for production of the third SA-built model. Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! As Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) continues to prepare Plant Kariega for production of its third South African-built model, the automaker has announced the Eastern Cape-based assembly facility has entered the commissioning phase for the highly-anticipated entry-level compact crossover/SUV. Related: VW's Kariega Plant Will Pause Production in 2025 For R4 Billion Investment of Tera SUV This announcement comes after VWGA halted production at Plant Kariega earlier in 2024 (from April 14 to May 12) to complete the upgrades, notably to the body shop, paint shop and final assembly areas, made to the manufacturing line in December 2024. Noteworthy, with the aforementioned upgrades completed, production of the Polo Vivo and Polo has returned to normal, while the commissioning phase is carried out over the weekends. The latter phase comprises the processes of bringing the new equipment online and carrying out the necessary checks to ensure it operates optimally. Related: VW Finally Unveils New SA-built Compact Crossover Built alongside the aforementioned two cars, the automaker's upcoming product will serve as the opening gambit to the company's local crossover/SUV portfolio, which currently comprises the Polo-based T-Cross and Taigo, T-Roc, Tiguan and Touareg. Positioned below the T-Cross, the Tera — as it is named in Brazil, where it is also manufactured — will officially be introduced in 2027. Locally, however, this model will be known by a different yet unannounced name. The German marque's SA arm has, however, confirmed that its moniker won't necessarily adhere to its 'T' naming convention. Related: Polo Production Halts at Kariega for Tooling of New A0 SUV VWGA production director Ulrich Schwabe said: 'We are happy to be back to normal production, with the knowledge that we are one step closer to our future of building three models in our plant.' Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles with CARmag! The post VW Plant Kariega Enters Next Phase for Production of New SA-built Crossover appeared first on CAR Magazine.
