Latest news with #GBVF
IOL News
5 hours ago
- IOL News
Mourners gather to pay tribute to murdered child, Likhona Fose
Scores of community members of Durban Deep, Roodepoort and anti-GBV organisations came out in their numbers to support the grieving family of 14-year-old Likhona Fose, who was mutilated and killed in the area. Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers City of Joburg Mayor, Dada Morero has called on the police to find the people responsible for murdering Likhona Fose, 14. Fose, a Grade 8 pupil at Ikusasalethu Secondary School in Braamfischerville, was found dead with her body mutilated in an empty field on Sunday, 1 June 2025, sparking reports of possible muthi and hate crime-related murder. On Thursday, Morero joined scores of mourners, including family, friends, learners from various schools and members of the Johannesburg City Council and MEC for education, Matome Chiloane and other officials who mourned the tragic manner in which the child died. The memorial service held at the Nkone Maruping Primary School in Braamfischerville attracted throngs of sympathisers who decried the scourge of GBVF and other violent crimes against women and children. The discovery of Fose's mutilated body coincided with Child Protection Week which started on May 29 and ended on Thursday. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ Speaking to the mourners gathered at the Nkone Maruping Primary School, also in Braamfischerville, Morero said those responsible for Fose's death and who deal with body parts of young people will never be rich. "Body parts will not make you rich. We want to tell our people that to get rich they must wake up in the morning and work hard. It is painful to lose a child like this. As the city, we are here to comfort the family. Your child was killed by criminals, and I hope the police will do everything in their power to find the perpetrator so that justice is done," he said. On Wednesday, former Chief of the JMPD, David Tembe, who visited the family indicated that the JMPD and other law enforcement agencies would prioritise police visibility in the area. "This is no longer business as usual. The brutal murder of Likhona Fose has shaken the soul of our city. As the Public Safety leadership, we are declaring war on crime as we will be unleashing every tactical unit on the killers. "We are coming for those who think our children are targets. Johannesburg will not be a playground for criminals. We owe Likhona justice, we owe our people safety and we will deliver, no compromise, no retreat," he stated.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
Police hunt second suspect in Olorato Mongale's murder
Law enforcement will not rest until another suspect in the murder of journalist Olorato Mongale is apprehended, Police Deputy Minister Dr Polly Boshielo said. The 30-year-old was killed last Sunday after leaving her Johannesburg home to go on a date, reportedly with her alleged killer. Her body was found hours later in Lombardy East, sparking a multi-provincial manhunt for the suspects. Speaking at her funeral service held at City Hall in Bloemfontein yesterday, Boshielo called on the public — and those who know the suspect — to advise him to hand himself over to the nearest police station. 'We will also not rest until we find Bongani Mthimkhulu. If you know him, advise him to surrender to the nearest police station,' she said. The deputy minister emphasised that SAPS is committed to combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). 'The fight against gender-based violence and femicide is a national priority for the South African Police Service, and it is for this very reason that maximum resources are always deployed to investigate GBVF cases and also track down GBVF perpetrators,' she said. Upon learning of the case last Sunday, the SAPS swiftly mobilised resources, including the National Anti-Kidnapping Task Team and the Gauteng Provincial Investigating Unit, to assist the Sandringham Police Station in tracking down a perpetrator known as 'John'. The investigation led authorities to a lodge in Kew, Johannesburg, and subsequently to KZN, where they discovered a VW Polo vehicle with traces of blood. The vehicle was linked to Philangenkosi Makhanya, who was identified as 'John'. On Friday morning, police located Makhanya at a block of apartments in Amanzimtoti. When police announced their arrival, he opened fire, and officers returned fire, resulting in his death at the scene. In his possession, police found more than 27 ID smart cards belonging to various men and about 20 cellphones. Boshielo revealed that Makhanya and his alleged accomplice, Bongani Mthimkhulu, operated a syndicate targeting women across various malls in the country. 'We are still searching for Bongani Mthimkhulu because we have narrowed our investigation and now know that Philangenkosi Makhanya and Bongani Mthimkhulu were working together and they were a syndicate that was targeting women in various malls across the country,' she said. Syndicate The investigation has linked the duo to 22 cases of kidnapping and robbery, with women from across the country positively identifying them as the perpetrators. Highlighting the broader impact of the syndicate's activities, Boshielo noted that similar cases have been reported in Bloemfontein, Mbombela, Midrand, Pretoria, Potchefstroom, Lebowakgomo, and Johannesburg. Addressing the family at the funeral service, Boshielo reassured them of the government's commitment to justice. 'To the family, to the mother Poppy, we may not have been able to prevent the death of your child but be rest assured that one of her perpetrators is in permanent custody and will never rise up again to terrorise other women,' she said. The deputy minister called for a collaborative effort to end GBVF. 'GBVF is a crime that happens behind closed doors between two people that know each other and where we cannot always be as the police. Let's all stand together and work together to put a stop to GBVF in our country,' the deputy minister said. Police clear Fezile Ngubane In a statement on Saturday, the SAPS informed the nation that Fezile Ngubane, who was initially identified as a suspect in a syndicate targeting young women, has been cleared. This follows his father handing him over to the KwaMashu Police Station on Friday after learning his son was sought by police in the Olorato murder case. 'A multidisciplinary team led by the deputy [police] commissioner for crime detection in Gauteng, Major General Mbuso Khumalo, the SAPS National Anti-Kidnapping Task Team, and KZN and Gauteng investigating units have now cleared Ngubane following a thorough interview and preliminary investigation. 'According to a preliminary report, Ngubane washes cars for a living and stays in the same neighbourhood as deceased Philangenkosi Makhanya,' said the SAPS. Makhanya allegedly identified Ngubane as a soft target and took his ID smart card, using it to Rica Sim cards that Makhanya would use to commit his long list of kidnapping and robbery crimes targeting young women. Ngubane's ID was among the 27 smart cards found in Makhanya's possession. 'The SAPS has also released the parents of one of the two suspects in the case after their statements were taken down. Police are sitting with at least 20 cases where women have come forward identifying the suspects as those that kidnapped and robbed them. 'The search for Bongani Mthimkhulu continues, and police once again call on him to hand himself over at his nearest police station,' the police said on Saturday. –
eNCA
4 days ago
- Politics
- eNCA
Dealing with the crisis of GBVF in SA
JOHANNESBURG - The murder of Olorato Mongale has again laid bare the devastating reality of GBV and Femicide. Her name is now added to the growing list of women who have fallen victim to this national crisis. Speaking at Mongale's funeral in Bloemfontein, Deputy Police Minister Dr Polly Boshielo reaffirmed government's commitment to intensifying the fight against GBVF.
The Citizen
29-05-2025
- The Citizen
Bloemfontein mourns Olorato Mongale as police hunt murder suspects
A memorial service is being held today in Bloemfontein for 30-year-old Olorato Mongale, whose brutal murder in Gauteng has sparked national outrage and a growing search for her alleged killers. According to Bloemfontein Courant, the service takes place at Mahube Tumelo Hall in Hamilton and started at 12:00, where family, friends, and community members are gathered to honour the life of a woman described as hardworking, driven, and full of promise. Olorato was originally from Bloemfontein and previously worked as a communications officer at the Free State Department of Economic Development and Tourism between 2020 and 2022. She had relocated to Johannesburg for work opportunities, but her roots remained deeply tied to the province. Her tragic death has not only devastated those who knew her personally, but has also reignited public calls for urgent action to combat gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa. Timeline of the case: Sunday: Olorato was picked up from her residential complex in Athol, Johannesburg, by a man driving a white VW Polo with a cloned number plate (LT 57 JG GP). The man took her through Alexandra and Kew, before she was murdered, allegedly between Alexandra and Lombardy West. Later that afternoon, her body was found with the assistance of community members. Her phone and handbag were recovered nearby on 9th Road in Kew. SAPS initially warned the public to be on the lookout for the vehicle and a suspect known only as 'John'. Vehicle recovered in Durban This week, a breakthrough came when police found the white VW Polo at a panel beater in Phoenix, Durban. Traces of blood were discovered inside, and the registered owner of the vehicle – an elderly man – was arrested. Police are now searching for three suspects: Fezile Ngubane, Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya, and Bongani Mthimkhulu (recently added to the wanted list). According to the police, all three are believed to have played a role in Olorato's murder. 'They are considered to be dangerous and members of the public are cautioned not to come near them,' said national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe. Anyone with information is urged to contact Brigadier Nama on 082 778 9035. Premier condemns murder Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae has expressed her condolences to the Mongale family and condemned the killing in the strongest terms. 'We are deeply hurt by what is happening to our women and girl children,' she said. 'We will not give up the fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and ensure that justice is served to the victims and survivors.' She described Mongale as a dedicated public servant and called for 'all hands on deck' in fighting the GBVF pandemic. 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 At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
28-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
AmaZulu throne battle: Ramaphosa argues he recognised King Misuzulu, not appointed him
King Misuzulu had already been identified by both the AmaZulu royal family and the courts, according to the president. King Misuzulu KaZwelithini during the national men's day against GBVF in Durban on 22 July 2023. Picture: Gallo Images/Darren Stewart President Cyril Ramaphosa's lawyer has stressed that the president did not appoint King Misuzulu kaZwelithini as monarch of the Zulu nation, but rather recognised him in accordance with South African law. Ramaphosa is appealing a 2023 ruling that set aside his recognition of King Misuzulu as the rightful heir to the Zulu throne. While the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria did not order the king's removal, it directed the president to appoint a committee to investigate whether there had been any violations of customary law during King Misuzulu's identification process. King Misuzulu ascended to the throne in 2021 following the deaths of King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu and Queen Regent Mantfombi Dlamini. Ramaphosa then officially presented King Misuzulu with a certificate of recognition at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) on 29 October 2022. Ramaphosa defends King Misuzulu's recognition in SCA During proceedings before the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) in Bloemfontein on Wednesday, Advocate Marumo Moerane, representing Ramaphosa and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), argued that the case was not about the legitimacy of the Zulu royal dynasty or King Misuzulu's fitness to rule. Instead, it concerned whether the president had acted lawfully in recognising him under the Traditional and Khoi/San Leadership Act. He asserted that King Misuzulu had already been identified by both the AmaZulu royal family and the courts. ALSO READ: 'The throne is not under threat': Zulu royal faction defends King Misuzulu as court battle looms Moerane contended that the high court had erred on key issues, including the lawfulness and rationality of the recognition, the interpretation of section 8(4) of the Act, and the application of the legal doctrine of res judicata. The res judicata principle means that if a court has already made a final judgment on a particular case, the same issue cannot be brought before the court again by the same parties. 'Therefore, the recognition decision should be reinstated,' he told the SCA. Court approved process identifying King Misuzulu as heir Moerane also emphasised that the president's role was not to elect a king. 'His function was not elective, but confirmatory. We submit that the legal framework does not permit the president to substitute his own judgment for that of the royal family. 'The entire design of the Act respects and protects customary autonomy. We ask this court to uphold the finality of an identification confirmed by judicial process and the legality of statutory recognition based thereon.' He further pointed out that King Misuzulu's identification took place on 14 May 2021, and at the time, the KZN High Court had ruled that the process complied with Zulu customary law. He maintained that because the court outcome was neither appealed nor overturned, it remains binding and final. READ MORE: King Misuzulu 'acted unlawfully' in suspending Ingonyama Trust board members Therefore, the president's recognition of King Misuzulu was lawful. Moerane emphasised that the president should not be forced to reconsider a 'factual issue' that has already been resolved by a court. 'To permit the issue to be reopened would undermine not only the president's constitutional function, but the authority of the courts. 'Once a high court has confirmed the lawfulness of an identification process, it is subversive of the rule of law for a different branch of government or another court not sitting as the court of appeal to second-guess the same facts under the guise of a new review.' In addition, Moerane also argued that Ramaphosa did not make the recognition hastily, but rather relied on the KZN High Court's ruling, minutes from the royal family meeting, and a letter from the provincial premier's office indicating that the royal family had met and identified a new king. Counterarguments on customary law In response, Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, representing Prince Simakade Zulu, contended that the recognition did not adhere to customary law. Ngcukaitobi stressed that courts have a duty to apply customary law where relevant. He questioned the legitimacy of a royal family meeting in May 2021, during which the late Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader and Zulu Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi declared that King Misuzulu had been unanimously chosen as heir. READ MORE: Zulu King Misuzulu and his 'queen-to-be': Controversy at Isandlwana commemoration 'It vehemently disputed that this meeting could have salvaged Prince Buthelezi's case given the fact that this meeting was called under false pretence and it was intended for the ironing of differences between Prince Buthelezi, Prince Mbonisi [Zulu], Princess Thembi [Zulu-Ndlovu] on the other,' Ngcukaitobi said. He argued that a clear distinction must be made between the role of the royal family and the customary process of identifying a king. Ngcukaitobi described the latter as a 'pure customary practice'. 'Two seems to be conflated. The insertion of the royal family into the identification is a statutory requirement, which we accept must be fulfilled. But it is not customary requirement.'
