Latest news with #Mthatha


Eyewitness News
5 days ago
- Eyewitness News
Lusikisiki Massacre: Alleged mastermind demands names of witnesses
DURBAN - The alleged mastermind of the Lusikisiki Massacre, Mzukisi Ndamase, is demanding to be furnished with the names of witnesses in the mass murder case. The matter is proceeding with a trial and the State is leading evidence from witnesses. Ndamase, who is currently serving a life sentence for murder, is accused of orchestrating the massacre while behind bars. The trial is being heard in the Mthatha High Court sitting in Lusikisiki, in the Eastern Cape. ALSO READ: Families of Lusikisiki massacre victims hoping for justice to prevail As Thursday's proceedings got underway, accused 1,Ndamase, addressed a few concerns he noted. He is representing himself in this mass murder case and has told the court he needs the names of the witnesses who provided statements on the case. The State previously told the court that the names were blurred for security reasons. However, the alleged mastermind said he needs know the names to prepare his case. State prosecutor Advocate Mfundo Makhubalo told the court his concerns will be looked into later in the day. The trial is proceeding with the State set to call out one of the investigators to take the stand.


News24
01-08-2025
- News24
Murder of Eastern Cape prosecutors ‘an attack on the rule of law'- NPA
The NPA is 'deeply disturbed' after the murder of one of its prosecutors in Gqeberha. Tracy Brown was 'shot assassination-style' by four armed men in front of her home on Thursday. This after another prosecutor was murdered near Mthatha in April. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has described the murder of one of its Eastern Cape prosecutors - the second in three months - as an 'assassination-style' killing. Tracy Brown was 'shot assassination-style by four armed men in front of her house' in Gqeberha in the presence of her partner and child on Thursday, NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga said. 'The motive for Brown's senseless killing is unknown. Her murder is an attack on the rule of law and our tireless efforts to hold criminals accountable,' Mhaga added. 'The NPA, together with law enforcement, will spare no effort in ensuring that the perpetrators of this brutal murder are brought to justice.' Police spokesperson, Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, said the prosecutor was shot at around 15:30 in Young Park by four masked gunmen. 'The motive and the suspects are unknown, and the investigation is ongoing,' Janse van Rensburg said. This follows the murder of Ngcobo Magistrate's Court prosecutor Elona Sombulula in April this year. Sombulula, 30, was shot dead on his way home to Mtentu Village outside Mthatha. Police said Sombulula sustained a single shot to the head. Mhaga said that the 'recent killing of prosecutors, who put their lives on the line every day in the pursuance of justice, is deeply disturbing'. 'Our prosecutors take on their duties with courage and a deep commitment to serving the people, often at great personal risk. To target those who dedicate their lives to upholding the law is to strike at the heart of our constitutional democracy,' Mhaga said. 'We will not be deterred in our resolve to deliver on our mandate to ensure justice for the people of our country.'

The Herald
01-08-2025
- The Herald
Fourth suspect arrested in murder of Eastern Cape chief whip Xoliseka Lali
A fourth suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder of the Eastern Cape's Emalahleni local municipality chief whip Xoliseka Lali, after an intensive investigation by the provincial serious violent crime investigation and tracing unit. Police spokesperson Brig Nobuhle Gantana said Lali was shot dead at his home in Komani (Queenstown) on July 21. Three suspects — Bavuyise Mdingi, Mvuzo Mafanya and Sonwabiso Siko — were arrested in Mthatha on Monday. Their case was enrolled in the Komani magistrate's court on Wednesday and postponed to August 6 for legal representation. On Wednesday, investigators traced and arrested a fourth suspect in Mthatha. Gantana said 'the suspect co-operated with authorities and led them to a friend's house, where three unlicensed pistols and ammunition were recovered'. The recovered firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine any link to other crimes. A separate case of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition has been opened. The fourth suspect and his friend face these charges and are expected to appear in the Mthatha magistrate's court on Thursday. According to Gantana, the fourth suspect will also be charged with Lali's murder and is scheduled to appear in the Komani magistrate's court on Friday. Acting Eastern Cape police commissioner Maj-Gen Thandiswa Kupiso commended the investigation team for their swift action and the recovery of the illegal weapons. The investigation is continuing. TimesLIVE


News24
24-07-2025
- News24
LLB(ogus): Prosecutor in court over ‘falsified' law degree to secure NPA position
A 33-year-old Eastern Cape prosecutor appeared in the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on charges of fraud, forgery and uttering. Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once.


News24
16-07-2025
- Climate
- News24
Eastern Cape flood victims in limbo as neighbouring communities reject relocation plans
The devastating Eastern Cape floods in Mthatha and Butterworth killed at least 103 people and destroyed 4 724 homes with damage estimated at R5.1 billion. Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once.