Latest news with #Mthombeni
The Citizen
28-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Calcutta woman gets licence to coach and gives young footballers hope
A local woman, Priscilla Mthombeni (44), did not miss the chance to uplift herself – and by extension, her community – earning a licence to coach soccer, making her mark in a male-dominated industry. Mthombeni was among the 30 coaches who graduated on Sunday, May 4, after an eight-day course at KaBokweni Stadium. With just over a year of coaching experience under her belt, Mthombeni has showed nothing but courage to uplift the football skills of youngsters in her community. Although she has never played football herself, her love for the sport led her to start her career by joining the coaching team of Calcutta Youth Desk FC, made up of young players from disadvantaged backgrounds. She is currently the coach of the local Ben William FC U17 boys team that participate in the annual Forek U17 Developmental League. ALSO READ: Nsikazi soccer enthusiasts take first steps in coaching career She said she is inspired by her stepfather, Amos Maphanga, who is a former coach. 'I love watching soccer and I have managed to use sports to create crime awareness campaigns in the community through annual sports tournaments that engage the youth and steer them away from crime,' she said. Mthombeni is a police officer based at the Calcutta Police Station and specialises in social crime prevention. Her efforts have yielded impressive results for her team, with football academies scouting some of her talented players. Mthombeni's passion is to continue inspiring players in her community, despite the many challenges they face. 'Many of my players lack essential equipment, including soccer boots, and I am often forced to dig into my own pocket to help, but I can't help every player. Funding for transportation and food for the team when we have to travel are some of the challenges. I am committed to finding ways to uplift these youngsters.' ALSO READ: TS Matsulu determined to go top of Safa Ehlanzeni U20 League log She said her team will be participating in the Sports is your Future tournament in Ximungwe in June and hope to win some soccer kits. Ben William FC will be among 32 teams that will go head to head in the tournament. Mthombeni said she wants to demonstrate the impact that a person can have in their community by providing opportunities and support. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
18-05-2025
- The Citizen
‘Most-wanted' CIT murder suspects dead in Boksburg shootout
The suspects are linked to cases in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The gun battle took place in Boksburg on Saturday afternoon. Picture: Vision Tactical Two of South Africa's most wanted cash-in-transit and murder suspects have been shot dead during a shootout with police in Boksburg. The gun battle took place in Boksburg on Saturday afternoon. Shootout Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said firearms, including an AK-47 rifle, were recovered. 'Fortunately, no members of the Saps were harmed during the incident. 'The suspects are linked to cases in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) provinces'. Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni said the operation involved various police units, security companies, and counterintelligence forces. 'Since the start of the year, 76 such incidents have been recorded nationwide, with 18 security guards tragically killed since January 2024'. WATCH the briefing by Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni Several suspects linked to violent crimes in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal were fatally shot during a police operation in Boksburg. Newzroom Afrika's @sholwana_z reports live from the scene. #Newzroom405 Watch: — Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) May 17, 2025 ALSO READ: Five suspected CIT robbers including kingpin shot dead in Durban [VIDEO] Police visibility Mthombeni said operations had increasingly required advanced surveillance and intelligence-sharing to track potential suspects. He added that to counteract the surge, Gauteng has been divided into north and south working teams to bolster efforts, enhance police visibility. 'We aim to stabilise the situation by being proactive and ensuring law enforcement is always a step ahead'. Mthombeni said recent arrests in key heist cases in KZN and Gauteng demonstrate 'significant progress'. Bravery Ministry of police spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi applauded the efforts of the law enforcement officers involved in this operation. 'Their bravery and professionalism continue to disrupt organised crime and protect our communities. These actions serve as a clear message that law enforcement remains resolute in the fight against violent crime and will continue to pursue justice without fear or favour'. CIT shootout Last week, a security officer was killed in a deadly CIT on the link road between Mandeni and the N2 in KZN after a group of armed suspects ambushed a security vehicle. IPSS Medical spokesperson Samantha Meyrick said the suspects launched a violent attack on the security vehicle. 'The cash-in-transit vehicle had been targeted by a group of gunmen, which led to one security officer being shot.' Meyrick said the robbers reportedly attempted to use explosives to access the cash but failed. ALSO READ: Five murder suspects shot dead in gunfight with police in KZN
