Latest news with #PhindiMjonondwane
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
Johannesburg court sentences cop killers to multiple life terms
The High Court in Johannesburg sentenced two men to multiple life terms for the murder of two police officers and a CPF member in Boksburg. Image: File The High Court in Johannesburg has handed down multiple life sentences to two men who brutally murdered police officers and a community policing forum member in what the National Prosecuting Authority described as a targeted attack on the state. Njiki Hlulani Mabuza, 31, and Savenore Sihle Ntuli, 29, were sentenced on Monday to three life sentences each for the murders of Sergeant Phillip Kgotso Malahlela, Constable Vusimusi Innocent Batsha, and CPF member Tommy Masuku. The court also handed down an additional 59 years for related crimes, including attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of unlicensed firearms, and ammunition. "The killing of law enforcement officers is not only a heinous crime but also a direct assault on the rule of law, public safety, and the fabric of our democracy," said National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Regional Spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane. "The killing of law enforcement officers is not only a heinous crime but also a direct assault on the rule of law, public safety, and the fabric of our democracy," said National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Regional Spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane. The convictions stem from a series of violent events between July and October 2022. Investigations revealed that the accused were behind the murder of Masuku, a CPF member ambushed and shot in an informal settlement after being accused of cooperating with the police. Four months later, they executed a deadly ambush on police officers retrieving a body in Boksburg. "Such acts threaten the security of all South Africans and undermine efforts to maintain law and order," Mjonondwane said. During the second attack, one officer was gunned down in a bathroom, and another was shot outside the scene. The girlfriend of the deceased civilian was also caught in the crossfire, sustaining two gunshot wounds and suffering permanent abdominal injuries. The suspects also stole service firearms from the fallen officers. "Through diligent prosecution and unwavering commitment, the NPA continues to affirm that attacks on the state and its institutions will be met with the full might of the law," Mjonondwane stated. 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 ✕ Senior State Advocate Zarina Pack told the court that the attack was premeditated and calculated, taking place during what was meant to be a standard police operation. The court agreed, citing the devastating impact of the crimes on the victims, their families, and the country's law enforcement fraternity. The NPA welcomed the ruling as a firm statement against the murder of officers and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of South Africa's justice system. "The NPA remains resolute in its mandate to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure that justice is served, especially in cases where those tasked with protecting our communities become targets themselves," Mjonondwane concluded. IOL News Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
IOL News
20-05-2025
- IOL News
Seven teens charged with assault: Court appearance sparks outrage
Following their court appearance on Monday, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has condemned the behaviour of four girls who allegedly assaulted another young learner in a video that went viral on social media. The teenage girls were filmed assaulting one of their peers. Image: Screenshot Seven teenagers accused of assaulting another teenager appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court for a Preliminary Inquiry (PLI) as dictated by the Child Justice Act. The Act states that a PLI should be held within 48 hours of the arrest of a minor child to determine among others, their personal circumstances, their backgrounds as well as any factors that may have led to the commission of the alleged offence. Their case was postponed to May 21, 2025, for the finalisation of the PLI, where two of the minors underwent the necessary assessment by probation officers. The girls, aged between 13 and 14, were arrested after a video showing a group of girls attacking another 14-year-old Bedfordview High School pupil went viral on social media. In the video, four girls are seen approaching the victim, and following an argument, the victim is slapped by one of the girls while she remains on the bed and covers her face with her hands. In a statement on Monday, NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, condemned the incident, stating: "The case relates to an incident that happened in Yeoville on May 10, 2025, where a 14-year-old complainant was allegedly assaulted by the group, following an altercation. The NPA condemns the alleged attack and encourages the youth to find amicable ways to resolve conflict." The pupils reported to be from Bedfordview High School, Queens High School, Kensington High School, and Phoenix College each face a charge of common assault after the victim reported them to her school and opened a case on May 18, 2025. Ahead of their court appearance, Gauteng police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo indicated that the police opened a case of common assault at the local police station and the suspects were rounded up. Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, stated that the department took issue with violent behaviour against the victim and widely condemned the incident. Spokesperson for the department, Steve Mabona, indicated that the matter was being investigated by the respective schools. "The schools have begun internal investigations into the misconduct of the learners involved, in line with the codes of conduct and applicable disciplinary procedures from both schools. Psycho-social support will be provided by the department to all affected learners, including the victim. "The GDE strongly condemns such acts of violence among learners. Violent behaviour among learners, whether within school grounds or beyond, is unacceptable and will carry serious consequences that may affect learners' education and long-term prospects. "We reaffirm that fostering safe, respectful, and supportive learning environments is a top priority for the Department. We also call on parents and guardians to play an active role in shaping the values and conduct of their children. Building a non-violent society starts at home," Mabona said. [email protected]
The Citizen
19-05-2025
- The Citizen
7 teens appear in court after shocking assault video goes viral
The pupils, aged between 13 and 14 have been suspended from their schools and each face a charge of common assault. Seven high school pupils, who are accused of assaulting another pupil, appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Monday. The girls, aged between 13 and 14, were arrested after a video showing a group of girls attacking another 14-year-old Bedfordview High School pupil went viral on social media. They appeared in court for a Preliminary Inquiry (PLI) or hearing before a child justice court as dictated by the Child Justice Act and have been released into the custody of their parents. The Act states that a PLI should be held within 48 hours of the arrest of a minor child to determine, amongst others, their personal circumstances and their backgrounds, as well as any factors that may have led to the minor committing the alleged offence. Case postponed The pupils from Bedfordview High School, Kensington High School, Queens High School, and Phoenix College each face a charge of common assault after the victim reported them to her school and opened a case on 12 May. 'Their case was postponed to 21 May 2025 for the finalisation of the PLI where two of the minors have undergone the necessary assessment by probation officers,' National Prosecution Authority (NPA) Gauteng spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said in a statement. According to the NPA, the incident happened in Yeoville, Johannesburg, on 10 May following an altercation. ALSO READ: Discipline and learning collapse at Wordsworth High School NPA and GDE condemn learners' actions 'The NPA condemns the alleged attack and encourages the youth to find amicable ways to resolve conflict,' Mjonondwane said. The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has also condemned the actions of the seven pupils and said they were swiftly suspended from their respective schools. 'The GDE strongly condemns such acts of violence among learners. Violent behaviour among learners, whether within school grounds or beyond, is unacceptable and will carry serious consequences that may affect learners' education and long-term prospects,' the department said in a statement on Monday. 'We reaffirm that fostering safe, respectful, and supportive learning environments is a top priority for the department.' Schools investigate The department said the schools have begun internal investigations into the misconduct of the pupils involved, in line with their codes of conduct and applicable disciplinary procedures. All affected pupils, including the victim, will receive psycho-social support provided by the GDE. 'Building a non-violent society' 'We also call on parents and guardians to play an active role in shaping the values and conduct of their children. Building a non-violent society starts at home,' the department said. 'Parents must work hand in hand with schools and the department to instil discipline, empathy, and accountability in our learners. Together, we can cultivate a society of respect towards education institutions, which will ensure that Gauteng schools remain safe spaces for quality learning and teaching.' ALSO READ: Stabbed teacher returns to school as frustrated parents demand solutions The GDE also urged pupils to report bullying incidents and any form of violence to their teachers, school leadership, parents or guardians, or the nearest GDE district office. Silence only protects the aggressor, and that can lead to more misconduct, the department said. *For additional support, pupils can freely contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) at 0800 567 567 or reach out to Childline South Africa on 116. Both are free, confidential, and available 24/7. Incidents of bullying or violence can also be reported directly to the GDE via WhatsApp on 060 891 0361 or through the GDE Contact Centre on 0800 000 789.
The Citizen
14-05-2025
- The Citizen
Rape, murder of 4-year-old: Accused claims child's death was a ‘tragic accident'
The rape and murder trial of Amber Lee Hughes, accused of killing four-year-old Nada-Jane Challita from Mulbarton, continued in the Johannesburg High Court today. Southern Courier reports that, according to NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, the accused took the stand to provide her plea explanation in terms of Section 115 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, where she laid out her version of events that led to the toddler's death on January 23, 2023. Poor audio quality warning: @ According to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, the accused took the stand to provide her plea explanation in terms of Section 115 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, where she laid out her version of events that led to the toddler's death on January 23, 2023. Read full story on ♬ original sound – Southern Courier In her testimony, Hughes denied the charges of murder and rape. She described the child's death as an accidental tragedy, claiming that she had momentarily left Nada-Jane alone in the bath while she argued with her partner (the child's father), Elie, over WhatsApp. Hughes stated that she was living with Elie and his daughter at the time and had developed a close bond with the child. She alleged that on the day of the incident, Chalita was away in Limpopo and that the child had been playing in the bath, a routine activity, when the tragedy occurred. 'I tripped over the dog and cut my hand on a glass jar,' Hughes said. 'I ran around trying to stop the bleeding and didn't check on her immediately because I didn't want to scare her.' She claimed that when she finally returned to the bathroom, she found the toddler face down and unresponsive in the water. Emergency services were called, and friends of Elie, who had access to the home, attempted CPR before rushing the child to Mulbarton Hospital, where she was later declared dead. Hughes said she went into psychiatric care after the incident and was arrested later that night. She denied harming the child, stating there was no forensic evidence linking her to any sexual abuse. She also questioned the quality of the police investigation, alleging that key evidence, like her phone, a knife, and the jar, was never properly analysed. 'There was no effort to hear my side of the story,' Hughes told the court. Poor audio quality warning: @ The rape and murder trial of Amber Lee Hughes, accused of killing four-year-old Nada-Jane Challita from Mulbarton, continued in the Johannesburg High Court on May 14. The case has now been postponed to May 22 and 23 for cross-examination. According to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, the accused took the stand to provide her plea explanation in terms of Section 115 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, where she laid out her version of events that led to the toddler's death on January 23, 2023. Read full story on ♬ original sound – Southern Courier Outside the courtroom, Elie, expressed frustration and anger. 'Everyone saw the lies. She keeps changing her story. First, she said she made Lloyd a coffee, but Lloyd wasn't even there that day. How can Lloyd have access to my house if she doesn't have a key herself?' he said. The trial is expected to continue next Thursday and Friday, with cross-examination of the accused. 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!
TimesLIVE
30-04-2025
- TimesLIVE
Bail hearing in Sassa fraud and theft case postponed
The Lenasia magistrate's court on Wednesday postponed the bail application hearing in a South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) fraud case to June 10. 'The postponement is to allow the court to hear additional evidence it has to consider in making a decision on the applications submitted by the 11 accused,' National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said. Shumani Khwerana and 10 co-accused face multiple charges including cybercrime, fraud and theft. 'The state alleges the accused orchestrated a sophisticated scheme involving the creation of fake Sassa profiles wherein more than R4m was deposited and these profiles were used to withdraw large sums of money from various Sassa paypoints.' During the hearing, the state submitted affidavits from the investigating officer and Mazimela Kubeka, a senior internal investigator at Sassa, with information on how the accused were implicated in the alleged offences. Mjonondwane said the court requested additional supporting evidence from the state.
