Latest news with #Gqeberha-based
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
September could be headed back to SuperSport United
"Right now, coach Thabo is back in Gauteng and he's exploring a couple of options before he commits," a source told Phakaaathi. Thabo September, former head coach of Chippa United is interviewed after the Betway Premiership 2024/25 game against Stellenbosch FC at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on 30 April 2025 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix Thabo September could be in line for a return to SuperSport United after departing Chippa United. Although his departure has not been officially confirmed by the Chilli Boys, the 42-year-old has already relocated back to Gauteng. His contract will not be renewed by Chippa, despite his good relationship with the club chairman, Siviwe 'Chippa' Mpengesi. United finished 11th in the Betway Premiership standings and narrowly missed out on a top eight spot by just two points. ALSO READ: Kaizer Chiefs transfer target not here to 'impress big teams' It is not yet clear why the Gqeberha-based club chose not to retain September, but it is believed that the former defender is not short of admirers ahead of the next season. 'Right now, coach Thabo is back in Gauteng and he's exploring a couple of options before he commits,' a source told Phakaaathi. 'He did well at Chippa and other clubs have shown interest. The good thing is that he leaves the club on good terms, and his relationship with Chippa is still good. A couple of teams are monitoring him as a potential addition to their technical team.' It remains to be seen whether the former Matsatsantsa a Pitori legend will return to his beloved club or take on a new challenge elsewhere, as teams in both the Premier Division and Motsepe Foundation Championship have shown interest in his services.
Daily Maverick
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Pastor Timothy Omotoso's lawyers challenge deportation order in urgent court bid
Controversial pastor Timothy Omotoso's legal team has brought an urgent application to review the decision by Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber, declaring him a prohibited person in South Africa. He also made an appearance in the East London Magistrates' Court on Monday afternoon for an inquiry into his deportation. Pastor Timothy Omotoso is fighting to stay in South Africa and did legal battle in both the East London Magistrates' Court and the high court on Monday. Omotoso was leading a 'New Dawn' crusade in East London when he was arrested on Saturday, 10 May, his first church appearance since he was released from custody last month. After spending seven years awaiting trial on charges of sexual assault and the human trafficking of young women in his congregation, Omotoso was acquitted of the charges by Judge Irma Schoeman, who found the State had botched the prosecution by, among other matters, failing to cross-examine properly or lead corroborating evidence. Following his April release from custody, Omotoso appeared in East London, where a branch of his church, Jesus Dominion International, remains open. The Gqeberha-based branch was closed in 2018 after protests by the ANC Women's League and a municipal finding that it violated a by-law. Obed Molemo, a spokesperson for Christians for South Africa, said on Monday that they were concerned Omotoso had been arrested without the correct paperwork. Supported by Omotoso backers who requested anonymity, Molemo said that police commanders at Fleet Street and Cambridge police stations in East London had initially refused to detain Omotoso because they had not received the proper documentation. 'The letter about him being declared a prohibited person came late,' Molemo said. He said the police finally detained him in Mdantsane. 'We feel the attack on Omotoso is personal,' Molemo said. The South African Police Service has not commented on these allegations. Protests and support The proceedings against Omotoso were delayed for hours on Monday while agitated church members, some wearing choir uniforms, sang in support of the pastor. Members of other churches, among them some of the city's prominent clergy, also protested, calling for his immediate deportation. The EFF in the Eastern Cape joined the call for Omotoso to be deported. According to the Scalabrini Centre, a person arrested pending deportation must be brought before the court within 48 hours. Omotoso appeared for an inquiry on Monday afternoon. While the hearing initially took place in chambers, it was later opened to the public. The law further states that a person must then be informed of a deportation decision in writing. In submissions made to the court on Monday, Omotoso's legal team said the letter served on him was identical to one used in 2022 when he was declared a prohibited person. At that time, the grounds were that Omotoso possessed fraudulent documentation. The same reason is now again being used. In 2022, Omotoso was declared a prohibited person by the then Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi. This was after the pastor's internal appeal to Home Affairs officials had been dismissed. The Department of Home Affairs, however, conceded that this decision was open for review. Back then, Omotoso's lawyers argued that a judge, and not Home Affairs officials, should decide whether he was a prohibited person, claiming the department was biased against him. At the time, Omotoso accused Home Affairs of 'forming a united front' with the National Prosecuting Authority. The court disagreed, and the matter was remitted to the current Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, who reaffirmed the decision to declare Omotoso a prohibited person. It was this decision that was explained to Omotoso in a letter served on him on Saturday, when he was arrested. Omotoso's legal team has now filed an urgent application in the East London High Court seeking to have this decision set aside. He is expected to appear in court again on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority has not indicated whether it will appeal against Judge Schoeman's ruling. DM
The South African
12-05-2025
- The South African
Gqeberha cop granted R500 bail after alleged R1.1 million fraud
The Gqeberha Magistrate's Court granted 48-year-old SAPS sergeant Nomvuyiseko Somekete from Kabega Park police station R500 bail following her arrest on fraud charges. Police arrested Somekete on Wednesday, 7 May 2025, on fraud charges. It is alleged that she took out 16 fraudulent life insurance policies valued at more than R1.1 million. She was released on R500 bail on Thursday, 8 May 2025. According to Algoafm , Somekete posed as the victims' aunt, mother, cousin, and even wife to secure the payouts without their knowledge. The South African Police Service confirmed her arrest. SAPS stated that internal disciplinary steps would follow based on the court's findings. The court postponed the case to 24 July 2025 to allow further investigation. A 42-year-old man suspected of involvement in the murders of three initiates in Ngqamakhwe was found dead in his holding cell at Gelvandale police station. Eastern Cape SAPS confirmed that the suspect was arrested on Wednesday, 7 May 2025, and detained at the Gqeberha-based station. Later that same day, officers discovered his body in the cell under what police have described as 'unclear circumstances.' Police reportedly linked the deceased suspect to the murders of three young initiates during the 2023 initiation season in Ngqamakhwe. In response to the suspect's death in custody, Eastern Cape police have opened an inquest docket and handed the matter over to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for a full investigation. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
IOL News
08-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Eastern Cape woman pulls off a R1. 6 million payday scam with 17 sneaky bank accounts
The Hawks in the Eastern Cape have arrested former debtor's clerk was convicted of defrauding her company of over R1.6 million. Image: Hawks A 44-year-old Eastern Cape woman was convicted on Tuesday of defrauding her employer of more than R1.6 million through a scheme involving 17 different bank accounts in her name. Nortier was convicted by the Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on May 7, 2025, on charges of fraud and contravention of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, No. 121 of 1998. Provincial Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said Nortier's conviction followed her arrest by the Gqeberha-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team of the Hawks, in conjunction with the National Prosecuting Authority, in August 2024. Mhlakuvana said between September 2019 and November 2022, Nortier, while employed as the debtor's clerk, orchestrated fraudulent activities that prejudiced the company by exorbitant amounts of cash 'FSPA, based in Newton Park in Gqeberha, trades as a business providing administrative and secretarial support to Sectional Title and Homeowners Association clients,' he said. Mhlakuvana added the company managed 82 housing complexes in the Gqeberha region, with part of its daily functions involving the maintenance of bank accounts and general ledgers for each complex. 'The various bank accounts were managed through a joint trust account,' he said. 'Levies for each of the 82 housing complexes were paid from this account.' According to Mhlakuvana, the fraud was discovered on November 2, 2022, when a complaint was made after a refund of levies to two different owners was paid into the same bank account. 'Probing revealed that Nortier had 17 different bank accounts in her name wherein she diverted monies that were due to the clients, thus prejudicing the company more than R1.6 million, hence she was arrested in August 2024,' he said. Mhlakuvana said Nortier appeared in court on the day of her arrest and was released on R100 bail due to her socio-economic status. 'Nortier made numerous court appearances until her conviction by the Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on May 7, 2025, and the matter was remanded to June 19, 2025, for pre-sentencing,' Mhlakuvana added. Meanwhile, the provincial head of the Hawks, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, praised the joint investigative team. '(They) secured a conviction and anticipated a deserving sentence against the perpetrator as it would deter criminal activities in the province,' he said. Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ In a separate incident, Syed Khurram Aftab, 24, was found guilty and fined R136,750 by the Gqeberha Magistrate's Court on May 5, 2025, for contravening the Counterfeit Goods Act. Aftab had been served with a summons by the Hawks in April 2025. Mhlakuvana said that on March 18, 2025, Spoor & Fisher Attorneys, a firm specialising in trademark matters and anti-counterfeiting, received a complaint about counterfeit Apple iPhone goods being sold at MOD Tech shop in Walmer, Gqeberha. 'Subsequently, the law firm surveilled the cellular shop to ascertain the ferocity of the crime,' he said. 'According to the reports, a representative from attorneys purchased the items and analysed them, which were proved to be counterfeited,' he added. Mhlakuvana said the lawyers conducted tests on the items, which represented Apple Inc., headquartered in the United States. 'The matter was officially reported to the SCCI of the Hawks for further investigation,' he said. 'On March 28, 2025, the investigating team of the Hawks executed a search and seizure warrant which authorised the investigators to search at the aforementioned shop.'
IOL News
07-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Mamelodi Sundowns close in on historic title as Chippa test awaits at Loftus
Iqraam Rayners has played a key role in Mamelodi Sundowns' charge to an eighth consecutive title. | BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Mamelodi Sundowns have once again proven their dominance this season and are now on the brink of making history. They turn their attention to Chippa United as they look to take another step towards yet another league title when the two sides meet at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday evening (kick-off at 7.30pm). With the title race firmly under their control, the Brazilians are closing in on a record-extending eighth consecutive Betway Premiership crown. They have managed to hold off a determined challenge from Orlando Pirates throughout the 2024/25 campaign. Pirates' 1-0 defeat to Eric Tinkler's Sekhukhune United last week further complicated their pursuit of the title. That result means their fate now hinges entirely on Sundowns dropping points — a scenario that looks increasingly unlikely given their current form. The reigning champions currently hold a 12-point lead over the Sea Robbers, although they have played two more matches than the Soweto giants. As they prepare to face a Chilli Boys outfit that has been inconsistent for much of the season, there is still little room for any slip-ups. Iqraam Rayners has played a key role in recent matches, scoring in Sundowns' 3-0 win over Richards Bay FC and following it up with another goal in their 2-0 victory against Cape Town City. His contributions continue to underline a strong debut season in Sundowns colours since making his move from Stellenbosch FC at the end of last season. The 29-year-old striker is now just two goals behind teammate Lucas Ribeiro Costa (13) in the race for the league's Golden Boot. This upcoming fixture is the first of two meetings between Sundowns and Chippa this month, with the reverse leg scheduled for mid-May at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Last season, Sundowns claimed back-to-back 2-0 victories over the Gqeberha-based side. Despite their dominance and the significant gap in quality between the teams, Rayners believes Chippa United will pose a challenge and cannot be taken lightly. 'It's always difficult to play against teams at the bottom because they are fighting to get into the top eight,' said Rayners, ahead of their league match. 'Sometimes they are fighting for their lives, but for us it is important to get points and be focused on the next game. It's always good for a team like Chippa United to play against a team like Sundowns; they will always make things difficult for us, but for us it's just to take our game to the next level and get the points.'
